D E P A R T M E N T S ■
From the Editor................................. 6 Joe Spear: Influence may be the currency of growth.
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Business informer............................. 8 Vehicle, retail, construction trends in the area
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Job trends......................................... 9 Regional, state unemployment information
Departments
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Construction, real estate trends.....10
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■ Business Commentary.................... Richard Kakeldey: New estate tax deductions for small business and farms ■
Greater Mankato Growth annual meeting highlights ■
Retail trends....................................11
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Agriculture Outlook.........................12
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Agribusiness trends........................13
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Business updates............................14
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Area commodity prices ■
ADM looks to use crop residue as feed, AgStar has record net earnings, “Cash mobs” helping local businesses.
Regional Outlook.............................36 Jack M. Geller: Spring is a time for optimism
Kent Thiesse: Conservation lands will decline ■
Greater Mankato Growth CVB .......33 Great outdoor adventures in Greater Mankato
Auto sales, retail sales and hotel business ■
Greater Mankato Growth Member Activities . ........................30 Groundbreakings, new businesses, relocations and expansions
Building permits, housing starts, home prices, interest rates ■
Greater Mankato Growth................29
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Up & Coming...................................38 Greg’s Champion Auto
All in the Family..............................42 Eagle Valley Ranch Feeds
Business memos/ Company news................................48
Galli Storm joins RCEF board, Brown Printing honored by EPA, Bresnahan to lead First National, and more
On the Cover: City Manager Pat Hentges (left) and GMG President and CEO Jonathan Zierdt. Photo by John Cross
4 • april 2012 • MN Valley Business