May 2016 - Fairmont Area Chamber Newsletter

May 2016

Community Connections “Powering up business throughout Martin County”

Area Career Exploration Success!

Who knew so many individuals could come together; volunteers, students, counselors and business professionals, all under one roof, for a few short hours and make such an impact?

Inside This Issue Page 2 - Bulb Recycling Page 2 - Mother’s Day Celebration Page 3 - Pork Masters Golf Outing Page 4 & 5 - Business Briefs Page 5 - Annual Golf Outing May 17 Page 7 - Ambassador Visits Scholarship Announced

Eight years ago, a collaboration with the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Center, ISEEK, and other area organizations and volunteers, put together the ACE event with this mission in mind: to raise career awareness for area students so they are knowledgeable of the opportunities awaiting them in our communities when they finish their education.

The Area Career Exploration (otherwise known as ACE) took place at Fairmont High School. More than six hundred and fifty area sophomores from Blue Earth, ButterfieldOdin, Fairmont, Granada Huntley East Chain, Martin County West, Martin Luther, Mountain Lake, North Union, Southern Plains, St. James, Jackson and Truman attended the career fair where approximately 100 businesses featured local professional information and opportunities.

Thank you to ACE sponsors AgStar Financial Services, Bank Midwest, Center for Specialty Care, Fairmont Economic Development Authority, First Farmers and Merchants Bank, Fareway, Hy-Vee, Kahler Automation, Martin County IGNITE, Riverland Community College, Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, SW/WC Service Cooperation (Perkins Grant).

Fairmont High School’s Performing Arts Center accommodated a game show where local young professionals shared their career path and words of wisdom with the students. Two winning schools, Fairmont and Would like to know more about this annual event that Jackson took home trophies. is scheduled on Wednesday, April 12th, 2017, contact Kandi at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce.

323 East Blue Earth Avenue • Fairmont, MN 56031 • 507-235-5547 • www.FairmontChamber.org •

FairmontChamber

Mission Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce exists to promote a healthy business cli Board of Directors Ofϐicers: Chair Ron Kopischke Pro inium, Inc. Vice Chair Kerry Nagel Allen MRCI-WorkSource

Past Chair Doug Hoffmann 3M Treasurer Les Anderson Martin County Farm Bureau

Board of Directors: Stephanie Busiahn Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau Chris Carstensen Carstensen Cabinetry and Woodworking Sara Cyphers D& S Trophies, Embroidery & Screen Printing Dr. Kerri Henderson Optimal Health and Chiropractic Center

Ryan Nicholson Fareway Stores, Inc. Rich Johnson Culligan Water Conditioning Mandi Kosbab Edward Jones Ann Terfehr Dan’s Appliance Bob Bartingale Mayo Clinic Health System-Fairmont

Welcoming Others & Small Business Week By: Margaret Dillard

While working with and for Chambers of Commerce in Arizona and Minnesota, the vast differences in culture, tradition, ethics, business and personal relationships continue to surprise me. It would seem rather mundane, given that I have spent time in many communities throughout the Midwest and Southwestern United States.

Sierra Vista, Arizona lies in the southeast corner of the state and owes its existence to nearby Ft. Huachuca Army Base. It’s a transient community where businesses come and go or find it necessary to reinvent themselves often. Relationships are quickly nurtured, deals made and no time is wasted to establish the goal and start moving toward it. When details are defined and contracts are signed, projects can be propelled into being rapidly. Many times the fury creates unfocused energy that is hurled at the involved parties and

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the project becomes little more than a great idea that seems unreachable. On a more personal note, it takes little effort to expand into social circles, find someone with similar interests or join a group for an outing.

In contrast, Martin County, Minnesota lies in the heart of the world’s breadbasket. Many farms and businesses remain in families for generations. Relationships are familiar and stable. Tradition is nurtured, respected at home and at work. Projects are carefully planned and executed with trusted parties. When the agreement is made and the handshake is done, you can be sure that the final nod is as good as dry ink. Stay true to the mission, do what you said you were going to and chances are the project will be completed and sustainable. Such traditional communities are harder for newcomers to find the sense of community and belonging that may attract them to relocate.

Bulb Recycling Scheduled

Staff:

Thursday May 5th and Thursday October 3, 2016, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm both dates at the former Fairmont KMart Parking Lot. There will be a charge at the time of disposal. Contact the Chamber at 507.235.5547 with questions. Fairmont Public utility customers are eli-

gible for total reimbursement for bulb recycling costs.

When dropping off bulbs ask for a rebate coupon, keep your receipt and turn in both to the Fairmont Public Utilities for reimbursement of your recycling costs.

Mother’s Day Week Celebrations Margaret Dillard President Kandi Menne Of ice Manager/ Director of Communications

Curt Foster Director of Finance and Operations

“Be Pampered on the Plaza” Thursday, will be May 5, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Downtown Plaza. Stroll the plaza and enjoy a shopping adventure in your favorite stores plus discover all the new businesses that Downtown Fairmont has to offer. Register to win one of three gift baskets! Sign up at participating stores to win gift baskets full of specialty and fun items. Get Ready to be pampered!

Dads, take the children to Five Lakes Centre Saturday, May 7th from 10 am to 1 pm where the FSAP Youth

Coalition will help them make a special gift for Mom. “Mother’s Day Madness” is a week-long event to entice people to visit the downtown locations and learn more about the area. The primary activity of this event is a week-long scavenger hunt in which participants visit different participating downtown locations to collect stamps on a card. Several prizes are being put together for this event, which begins Monday, May 2 and ends at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 7th.

imate through leadership, communication and education for its members in the greater Fairmont area.

Center for Specialty Care Gives Back The Center for Specialty Care, the area’s leading provider of sports medicine, is giving back to the community with a donation of $640 to the Fairmont Cardinal Booster Club.

“We, at the Center for Specialty Care, take great pride in supporting FHS athletics,” said Dr. Corey Welchlin. “We appreciate the importance of the sporting events and competition to the athlete, the school, and the community. At the Center for Specialty Care our goal is to keep the athlete safe and get them back in the game as soon as possible.”

One of many ways the Center for Specialty Care is supporting Fairmont’s athletic program and

area athletic programs is by offering sports physicals at the reduced price. “Many medical evaluations have a charge of 100 to 200 dollars,” said Dr. Welchlin. “We do the sports exam/physicals, performed by sports medicine providers, at a great discount. We charge only $20, and then donate 50% of the money back to the school to support their sports program. We know participation is expensive for families. We want to help the school and the athlete to succeed.”

Athletic Director, Mat Mahoney, accepted the donation on behalf of the Cardinal Booster Club, stating, “We appreciate the support given by the Center for Specialty Care through their partici-

pation in our sports program and the receipt of this financial gift which will be designated for sports uniforms.”

Pictured LtoR: Athletic Trainer Brant Boekelman, Cardinal Athletic Director Mat Mahoney, Physician Assistant Tim Soelter, and Dr. Corey Welchlin

24th Annual Pork Masters Golf Outing Slated The Martin County Pork Producers and the Agri-Business and Ambassador Committees of the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce have joined together to host the 24th Annual Minnesota State Pork Masters Golf Outing on Monday, July 25, 2016 at Interlaken Golf Club.

Martin County is Minnesota’s leading pork producing county. This event is open to area pork producers and recognizes the importance of the pork industry to Martin County and the state of All events are at 9 am at SMEC (across from Casey’s on Blue Earth Ave. Suggested donation: $25)

Minnesota while raising funds for Ag-Scholarships and Ag-Awareness.

Lunch and dinner is provided for the participants at Interlaken Golf Club. There will be games and prizes on every hole with 250 golfers expected to participate. For golf or sponsorship information, call Curt at the Chamber office at 507-235-5547.

MARTIN COUNTY IMPLEMENT Truman

TRI-COUNTY IMPLEMENT Jackson

May 24-Blab-Patrick Palmer June 28-Facebook for Business-Margaret Dillard July 26-Instagram for Business-Alicia Schmitt August 23-Blogging for Business-Wanda Patsche

TRI-COUNTY IMPLEMENT St. James

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Vision Statement: The Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce will b

Chamber Member Business Briefs Fairmont Public Utilities www.SaveEnergyInFairmont.com Fairmont Public Utilities offers various rebate programs to make energy ef icient equipment more affordable & shorten the payback period for our business electric customers. In fact, we paid our customers over $220,000 last year to help them use energy wisely! Want to get in on the action and save energy and money this year? It’s easy! To learn more about how our energy ef iciency programs can help you minimize your costs, visit us online at SaveEnergyInFairmont.com. Rebate forms & a summary of our 2016 rebate programs are also available.

Sweet Financial Services (507) 235-5587 Sweet Financial Services is pleased to announce we have received the Women’s Choice Award® 2016 for Financial Advisors. As the leading advocate for female consumers, the Women’s Choice Award is a recognition program for quali ied advisors who are committed to the women’s market and serving female clients. We are honored to win this award for the third year in a row, as well as being featured in USA Today for this accomplishment. We attribute this honor to our SmarterWomen group of Sweet Financial which is dedicated to educating and guiding women on the path to their best life.

Jetter Clean, Inc. of Fairmont 507 238-9949

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Fairmont Glass and Sign Products, Inc.

(507) 235-6619

Fairmont Glass and Sign Products, Inc. recently completed installation of a new front vestibule featuring an automatic sliding door. In addition to the entry way, we revamped our parking lot and poured a new sidewalk, making us easily accessible to all our customers. Stop by and check it out!

Century 21 - Gillian Tunnell 507-399-9211 Once again, our Century 21 realtors are award winners! The top four are as follows: Vonnie Cone, Masters Diamond Producer (54 sides); Jody Lyle, Masters Emerald Producer (43 sides); Cinde Andersen, Masters Emerald Producer (43 sides), and Brad Anderson, Masters Ruby Producer (32 sides). Congratulations!

Sell or buy through Century 21 Northland – a winning company!

Greenmill Restaurant - Holiday Inn 507-238-4771 May events: Annual Mother’s Day Buffet on Sunday, May 8th 10:00am-2pm. Patio Kick Off party on Saturday May 21st which includes the band Slamabama, the show starts at 7:30. For more information contact Megan Johnson I Director of Catering & Sales

Jetter Clean, Inc. of Fairmont is celebrating 16 years of residential, commercial, and agricultural drain cleaning from our regional of ice here in Fairmont. We have also been providing video and locating services, drain tile cleaning, and cleaning and graf iti removal from stone, concrete and brick. Pete Hennager is the Regional Manager has been serving the Fairmont area since May of 2000 and added a second Jet Van operated by Mike Hitchcock in 2010. We look forward to servicing all of your jetting needs in the Fairmont area.

Meet Chamber Board Member Ron Kopishke Fairmont Area Chamber Board Chair sited that he

Fareway Food Store 507.238.4737 The irst Fareway Store opened in Iowa in 1938. At that time, Fareway ’s concept of a self-service grocery store was considered revolutionary – allowing shoppers to pick out their own groceries. Operations have continued to grow over the last 78 years, and we now have 112 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota. We are committed to providing an unmatched, full service meat department; farm-fresh produce; low, competitive prices and the highest level of customer service. At Fareway you’re family, so visit us soon - we look forward to serving you and your family for many years to come!

Ron attended Southwest Minnesota State College in Marshall where he obtained a BA in Agri-business-Finance. The Martin County President at Pro inium, Inc enjoys basketball, golf, refereeing local soccer and exercising. Other professional activities are related to the Fairmont Exchange Club, Fairmont Housing and Redevelopment Authority and St. John Vianney Finance Committee.

agreed to serve on the Board because it allowed him to support the Business Community in Fairmont. “Fairmont has treated us great in the 33 years we have been here. It is one way for me to give back,” he added.

His wife, Judy is the secretary Secretary. to the Superintendent. at Fairmont Area Schools. The couple have four grown children: Ryan, David, Michael and Alex.

e r e c o g n i z e d a s t h e l e a d e r i n a s s i s t i n g a r e a b u s i n e s s e s t o p r o s p e r.

Chamber Member Business Briefs

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Email info@fairmontchamber.org if you would like to have your announcement in the newsletter Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont - 507-238-8100 Thank you to everyone who helped us celebrate the opening of the new Emergency Department (ED). During our open house events, we had about 1,150 people tour the new space. The new ED is now being used for patient care, and renovations of the old space have begun. The entire project should be completed in August 2016. An important note is that starting May 5, the blood pressure screening clinic at Mayo Clinic Health System in Fairmont will be located in the clinic lobby. The service is still available every Thursday noon-1 p.m. free of charge. No appointment is necessary.

Edward Jones Investments - Mandi Kosbab (507) 235-8524 - Member SIPC If you have grown children who are embarking on their irst full-time job, you obviously want them to get off to a good start in their adult lives. So, consider giving them some advice on making smart inancial moves. For starters, encourage them to take advantage of their 401(k) or other retirement plan offered by their employer. Also, warn them about the dangers of becoming “house poor“ – that is, try to discourage them from spending an excessively large portion of their total income on home ownership. And later on, if their income rises and they do own a home, suggest that they consider putting any extra money into assets that are likely to be more liquid, such as stocks and bonds, rather than make extra mortgage payments.

The Fairmont Opera House If something happened to their livelihood, they’ll likely have an easier time (507) 238-4900 getting money from their investments than their house. Finally, encourage The Fairmont Opera House will be holding its them to use credit wisely and avoid building up big debts. You’ve got more annual membership meeting on Monday, May 16 at experience in the world than your children – so help them out by imparting a 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30) in the Footlight Lounge of the theater. All 2015-2016 members are encouraged to attend to hear few words of inancial wisdom. about new changes and to vote on by-law changes. Copies of the changes are available at the Opera House of ice or at www.fairmontoperahouse.com.

Fairmont National Agency 507-238-4746 Kim Garbers of Fairmont National Agency was presented the G. Bennet Serrill Memorial Award from the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) on April 22 at the NAIFA Minnesota Conference during the Day with Million Dollar Round Table Program. The G. Bennet Serrill Award of Excellence is awarded annually to an insurance professional in Minnesota who has “brought distinction to the industry.” Considered one of the highest honors attainable in the industry, the award seeks to honor the “ideal” person, which all members strive to become.

Red Rock Center for the Arts (507)-235-9262 Bring your family and friends to the Red Rock Center for the Annual Memorial Day Community Picnic Monday, May 30 ∙ 11am-1pm. Fun for the whole family. Pulled pork sandwich meal, petting farm, train rides, musical entertainment by Kelly Artz and Portraits of a Veteran courtesy of Joseph Kreiss. Adults $6 and children $3. Veterans and current military FREE.

Annual Golf Outing

Gather up your foursome and plan on joining us for a 1:00 pm shotgun start. Hole in One/Hole Game Prizes: Fairmont Ford, Hawkins Chevrolet and Millitello Motors will sponsor $100.00 prize on Holes 5 & 16 and $50.00 for a man and women golfer on Hole 3. Minnesota Energy Resources is also a hole sponsor.

Game Improvers will be available and are being sponsored by Peterson Anthony Insurance Agency.

Come on out to Rose Lake Golf Course for a one of the earliest golf outings of the season where the novice and avid players can enjoy the game.

Cost: $60.00 Golf, Cart and the burger bar $50.00 Golf and Cart $10.00 Burger bar only info@fairEmail: montchamber.org for information. Register online at www.fairmontchamber.org or call 507.235.5547

“Business Briefs” is a complimentary service provided by the Chamber for chamber members. Please limit your information to one paragraph of about 100 words. Example: expansion, new employees, awards, monumental anniversary, etc… A photo or logo can be included. NO Direct Advertising.

Core Values: We value for our members, employees and community: integrity in all we do, collaboration with all our stakeholders, growth and develop

Chamber Events Monday, May 16th 19th Annual Chamber Golf Outing 1:00 -Rose Lake Golf Club Tuesday, May 17 Agri-business 6:00 pm at Holiday Inn Wednesday, May 11 Bureau 14 6:00 pm at Interlaken Golf Club Wednesday May 18 Ambassadors/Ribbon Cutting Tuesday May 24 Social Media Breakfast 9:00 am at SMEC

Small Business Week May 1st-7th SHOP LOCAL!

Energy rebates for your business.

The smart move for your bottom line.

Welcoming Others We’re fortunate to have amenities like Fairmont Opera House, Red Rock Center, Fairmont Theater, Five Lakes Centre, Heritage Acres, many county and city parks, the aquatic park, the dog park, the disc golf park, Interlaken Golf Course, Rose Lake Golf Course, and much more throughout the county.

We have popular recreational options like biking/hiking trails, fishing, swimming and golfing.

Recruiters, realtors and those involved in “Fairmont Area Life (the Brain Gain Project) are actively encouraging people to move into the area, and certainly pointing out amenities, recreational activities and events to people who have moved here, are considering relocation or are visiting is important. In truth, it is just the beginning.

Inviting them to join in at event or over for dinner begins personal relationships that is the essence of a “sense of belonging” that tie them to our com-

866-872-0052

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munities for a lifetime.

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK – MAY 1ST – 7TH On another note, I should mention Small Business Week, May 1st through May 7th. This is an annual opportunity to think local and shop local. Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing Small Business Week each year, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

This summer, you will hear more about Google’s Let’s Put Fairmont (and Martin County Communities) on the map program. The Fairmont Convention and Visitors Bureau and Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce plan to join together to begin a local program to help businesses have a better presence online. We hope interns will be available to work with Martin County businesses this summer.

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Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map is a program that empowers communities to support their local businesses by helping them get on Google Search and Maps for free. Businesses that are online grow 40% faster than those that aren’t.1 “When customers can support local businesses, entire communities benefit. In fact, communities with robust local listings and a strong web presence can build a stronger local economy,” says Emily Harris, Manager of Google’s Let’s Put Our Cities on the Map program. “In small communities, this could be worth up to +$300 a year; in large cities it can be up to +$7 m1.2 In the meantime, explore this site to learn how you can join in, support businesses in your community, and put your city on the map: www.gybo. com .

1 BCG Report, The Connected World: The $4.2 Trillion Opportunity, March 2012 2Google/Oxera, The Benefits of Complete Business Listings, December 2014

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Please allow us to give you a free estimate.

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pment for our members, recognition of accomplishments, effective communication, and doing all things ef iciently and in a iscally responsible manner.

Ambassadors Celebrate with Mayo & Gold Cross April brought two health facilities into the spotlight. Prior to opening, Mayo Health SystemFairmont shared the new Emergency Department with the community through a series of

celebrations April 20th and 21st. During the public event, Fairmont Area Chamber Ambassadors were on hand to lead a ribbon cutting. Thursday, April 28th, rainy conditions forced the ground

breaking for Gold Cross Ambulance’s new building to move inside where the Ambassador Committee presented Kris Keltgen and staff with a plaque and best wishes for continued success!

Ambassadors offer scholarship to college students ness related field entering their Junior or Senior post secondary year in a four year college or their final year in a technical college. The scholarship will be awarded after a review of grades to confirm achievement of a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

Scholarship applications may be picked up at the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 323 East Blue Earth Avenue or fill out The Ambassador Committee of the Fairmont the application online at the Chambers website at Area Chamber of Commerce is offering a $1,000 www.fairmontchamber.org. Applications are due scholarship to a Martin County student in a Busi- at the Chamber office by July 8, 2016.

Over a decade of helping my customers make good choices.

507.235.5547 info@fairmontchamber.org

What we offer your business.

We know injuries sometimes happen at the workplace. Our philosophy at The Center For Specialty Care is to get the injured worker feeling better fast.

We call it Fast Trac. We will work with employers to develop a partial return to work program while we get the worker to their maximum function in the work place.

The Center For Specialty Care offers pre-employment services including: • Medical Physical • Drug Testing • Spirometry (Functional Lung Capacity) • Pure Tone Hearing • Pre-Employment Physical Therapy Evaluation • Functional Capacity Evaluations

Troy Sunken 1304 Blue Earth Ave., Fairmont, MN

507-238-4786

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717 S. State St. • Fairmont, MN • (507) 238-4949 435 S. Grove St., Suite 3 • Blue Earth, MN • (507) 526-5191 www.centerforspecialtycare.com

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Spring into action with CER. Lots of great summer adventures for youth, families and adults are featured in the CER Spring/Summer Program Catalog! Check out the Adult Co-Ed Leagues, Fairmont Aquatic Park, T-ball, Girls Softball, Soccer, Summer Runs, sport camps, arts, Martin County Library and more.

Miniature Gardens (choice of date) May 10/12/17/19 Don’t Be A Target of Medicare Fraud May 10 Healthy Cooking for One or Two May 12 Sand Volleyball Team Deadline May 13 T-ball/Girls Softball Registration May 13 DISH Freezer Meals May 15 Remember to go to the Community Calendar (www.FairmontAreaCal- Fairmont Elementary Track Meet May 17 endar.com) to find out what is happening in our community and county Crochet Basics May 19 on a daily/weekly/or monthly basis when planning your summer too.

Over 55 Defensive Driving (Refresher) May 19 Social Media Breakfast (Blab) May 24 A Sampling of Upcoming Activities Cruisin’ Fairmont in the 50’s & 60’s May 24 Mother’s Day Flower Garden May 3 Microsoft Publisher May 25 Bike Rodeo May 4 Home Alone May 26 Microsoft Excel May 5 Beginning Pool June 2 Wine & Watercolors with Ellen (Red Rock) May 5 Track Camps June 6-9 Co-Ed Softball Team Deadline May 6 Preschool-K Gymnastics June 6-9 & 13-16 Microsoft PowerPoint May 7 Lego Design June 6 Over 55 Defensive Driving (First Timers) May 9 & 11 Canvas Creations June 6 For complete list, see the CER Web Store at fairmontareaschools.portal.rschooltoday.com. Register online with MC/Visa. For more information, contact the in the Fairmont Elementary School Door 15A, 714 Victoria Street, Fairmont. Call 507-235-3141 or Email rdauer@fairmont.k12.mn.us.

Congratulations to Scholarship Recipients Congratulations to Larissa Becker of Fairmont and Seth Melson of Trimont!

Each year the Chamber’s Agri-business Committee awards two $4,200 scholarships to Martin County High School students bound for a four-year degree in agriculture or agriculture-related industry. This program is made possible by sponsorships and in cooperation with Agriculture Futures of America. The committee and sponsors are also responsible for the Blue Ribbon Port Cook Off held at Martin County Fair Wednesday, August 17 from 5 to 7 pm. An $8 ticket buys pork offerings from local establish-

ments who compete for People’s Choice and Judge’s Pick.

Tickets are available at the Chamber office. Thank you to these sponsors: AgStar Financial Services, Bank Midwest, Cargill, Inc., Devenish Nutrition, Dutch Creek Farms, Fairmont Veterinary Clinic, Kahler Automation, Martin Co. Corn & Soybean Growers, Martin Co. Pork Producers, Preferred Capital Management, Profinium Financial, Valero Renewable Fuels Company LLC, CFS and Zoetis

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Paul Seibert, O.D. 1307 ALBION AVE., SUITE 102 FAIRMONT, MN PH: (507) 238-4228

James Busche, O.D. 111 E. 6TH ST. BLUE EARTH, MN PH: (507) 526-2020