Issuu

BUSINESS & HEALTH

The rising costs of small business … Fuel

5.4 percent Ç

PROGRESS

Though fuel prices go up and down at various times throughout the year, they were 5.4 percent higher in Albert Lea in January of 2013 compared to January of 2012.

Taxes

4.5 percent Ç

This was the estimated increase of Albert Lea city taxes alone from 2012 to 2013. This does not include other local taxes or state or federal business taxes.

Water

10 percent Ç

The estimated increase in water rates from 2012 to 2013 is in addition to an estimated 2 percent increase in sewer fees in Albert Lea.

Food

1.8 percent Ç

Food prices as a whole for consumers went up by this percentage, according to the Consumer Price Index.

Insurance

8.5 percent Ç

Business owners in Albert Lea share their concerns about common expenses going up By Sarah Stultz Jake’s Pizza owners Bill Anderson and Jim Johnson know the value of a good product. When the costs of running their business increase, they do everything they can to protect that. “The most important thing is maintaining your product,” Anderson said. “Never, ever sacrifice your product. That’s first and foremost.” Jake’s Pizza, which has been in business for 50 years, has seen increases in the last year in the costs of food, fuel and taxes, to name a few. But through hard work and cutting costs where they can — and at times even reducing their own margins — the owners said they are able to move past the challenge and run their business more efficiently. “It’s basically up to us to keep running a tight ship,” he said. “It’s a lot of juggling sometimes.”

A larger problem In the last year alone, Anderson estimated the costs of cheese, meats and grains for the company’s pizza have increased between 4 and 25 percent throughout the year. “Food is the primary driver for us here,” he said. Cheese is the company’s most expensive item that goes on the pizza, and rising grain prices in turn affect meat prices. But those aren’t the only price increases they are seeing. If gasoline prices continue to rise and get close to $4 a gallon, Anderson said the company might have to consider

paying its drivers more for a reimbursement. He said the company is also anticipating increases in energy costs and taxes. “Everything is increasing,” he said. “We’re just riding the waves as they come.” The same is true for Frames-RUs co-owner Kathy Sabinish. She said she has seen increases in her company’s taxes and water and sewer bills, but the largest increase she’s seen have been in the costs of insurance — both for her business and for her and her husband’s health insurance. She said at the beginning of the year she switched to an insurance plan with a higher deductible through a local provider so they could get a lower premium. “That was the biggest monthly expense for us,” she noted. “We cut the premium in half.” State Farm Insurance Agent Nancy VanderWaerdt said her business has seen increases in the cost of phones, advertising, wages for employees and taxes. She has three employees. Home Solutions Midwest President Steve Field said his company, which has 15 employees, has seen increases in fuel, material costs, health insurance and advertising. Fuel costs are hitting the business twice, with increases both at the pump and in shipping costs. The company owns eight trucks and 14 trailers, and he said carriers have passed along fuel surcharges about 7 percent higher. Field said he is seeing an about 8 percent increase in material costs, an 18 percent increase in the cost of health insurance and

about a 4 percent increase in the cost of advertising. Environmental Protection Agency regulations are also driving costs up for certifications, training and testing. “It is always a challenge to deal with rising costs,” Field said. “In order to be successful, we must sell our goods at a profit and still satisfy the customer. If we satisfy the customer and fail to get the profit, we would soon be out of business. If we get the profit but fail to satisfy the customers, we would soon be out of customers.”

Uncertainties Mike Petersen, part owner of Security Insurance in Albert Lea, said small businesses are facing many uncertainties when it comes to insurance costs, particularly related to health insurance under President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. “I’ve been in the business since 1991, and I’ve never seen even close to this much uncertainty, and almost anxiety, because of the changes taking place,” Petersen said. “There’s a huge array of information out there that everyone is saving a lot versus people are paying more.” In the last year, health insurance costs have increased on average about 8 1/2 percent, which he said is not a surprise considering the correlating increase in medical costs, he said. Property and liability insurance for small businesses are beginning to “firm up,” though many of the carriers are increasing their underwriting standards. These types of insurance rates largely depend on what the business is and their claims history. “For those who have above

average losses, the marketplace is starting to adversely affect those,” he said. “It’s fair to say that over time, those who have done a good job at controlling those things within their control experience better pricing.” Small businesses are also facing uncertainties over state taxes, after seeing a budget proposal by Gov. Mark Dayton in January. Beth Kadoun, director of tax and fiscal policy for the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, said many of Dayton’s proposals will unfairly affect small businesses and put them at a competitive disadvantage. “The proposal that the governor put out made the business community concerned,” Kadoun said. She said Dayton’s sales tax reform would cause hidden costs for businesses, and business-tobusiness services — or services that small businesses have to hire out for — would end up being taxed. His plan also increases the top individual income tax rate, which would in turn also affect small businesses that pay taxes through the individual income tax, such as sole proprietors. Kadoun said studies have shown high marginal income tax rates negatively impact migration into the state and make it harder to attract talent.

Making up for the difference Despite the uncertainties, local business owners said they are finding ways to reduce costs so their businesses can survive. Anderson said Jake’s Pizza tries to handle its cost 4P. 7

A PUBLICATION OF THE ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE • FEBRUARY 2013

This estimated increase in group health insurance typically correlates with increased costs of medical care.

Page 2 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

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Five years have passed since Albert Lea first started seriously thinking about health and longevity, and some worksites in the city are still concerned about their employees’ health and wellness. Alliance Benefit Group is one of the workplaces in Albert Lea that has kept motivating its employees to better their health. Kellie Jordahl is on the wellness committee at ABG and said the company has kept up its goal of promoting healthy living to its employees. As well as doing competitions, the company also helps employees by offering a host of preventative tests. “Annually we do biometric testing that the company pays for,” Jordahl said. Biometric testing includes checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and more. Jordahl said a nice thing about the testing is that it’s offered also to the employee’s spouse if they’re covered under ABG’s insurance. Last year, 130 employees or spouses participated in the tests. The goal is to let people know if they are at risk for serious diseases. Jordahl said a popular incentive was ABG’s weight-loss competition that mocks the TV show “The Biggest Loser.”

Kelli Lageson

This sign is affixed to a larger Alamco Wood Products sign at the business on West Ninth Street in Albert Lea.

One of ABG’s employees who participated was Jennifer Gilderhus, a flexible accounts administrator, who has worked at the company for almost two years. She started the company’s biggest loser competition in July of 2012. “It was a three-month program,” Gilderhus said. “We would weigh in every Monday.” About a third of ABG’s employees participated, and each paid $25. Then the person who lost the most percentage of weight at the end won the money that everyone had chipped in. Gilderhus placed in second, and lost 23 pounds. The competition measured percentage of weight lost, and Gilderhus lost to the first-place finisher by 0.5 percent. “That was very depressing,” Gilderhus said with a laugh. “But healthwise I felt totally different.” She said she felt much healthier after watching what she ate and keeping a food journal. The company also had other initiatives where employees could get together once a week and do yoga or dodgeball. Most employees participate in wellness groups, where all the employees split up and the groups compete for small prizes or being able to wear jeans to work. The people in each group keep track of how much water they drank, or if they’re eating fruits and vegetables. A point system decides the winner. ABG is holding a second biggest loser competition, and Gilderhus said she’s happy to be participating again. There’s camaraderie between participants, and Gilderhus said people share recipes and weight-loss ideas that worked.

Smoke-free One of the most noticeable changes at worksites in the 4P. 3

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PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 3

Tim Engstrom

Alliance Benefit Group has gained a reputation for workplace wellness, which in turn has attracted applicants who wish to work there.

A quarter of the local workforce has a smoke-free environment Continued from Page 2 community has been the advent of more smoke-free campuses. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has a worksite wellness committee, and Executive Director Randy Kehr said having more tobacco-free worksites has been a goal of the committee. In 2009, just 4 percent of the workforce in Freeborn County worked on tobacco-free worksites. Now, 25 percent of workers in the county work on tobacco-free campuses. “I’m really proud of our worksite wellness committee,” Kehr said. “They work really hard.” There are 14 member businesses represented on the committee. One of those is Alamco. Its human resources director, Melissa Sexton, sits on the committee, and she’s also the wellness coordinator for Alamco. The company went smoke-free in 2011, and Sexton said employees responded well to the change. “There were a few that were affected, but they respected the change and if they want to partake they just leave our property,” Sexton said. “It’s gone very well.” Sexton said the company also has activities for employees who are on break like a basketball hoop and bean bag toss. There’s also more fresh fruit and healthy snacks than donuts. “We try to cut back on all those sweets,” Sexton said. “It’s been a general initiative.”

Wellness as a whole A few companies are leaders in trying to get employees to stop smoking, eat healthier and be more active. One of those is Freeborn-Mower Cooperative. Judy Jensen, the company’s payroll and financial accountant, is its wellness coordinator. She said they’ve had a wellness program for years, but just in the last five years there’s been more of a focus. “Every year we do biometric testing and turn it into a mini wellness

Member businesses are on the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce’s wellness committee

Percent of the workforce in Freeborn County on smoke-free campuses. In 2009, just 4 percent of the workforce was on smoke-free worksites.

300

Dollars an employee at Alliance Benefit Group will receive after winning the “Biggest Loser” competition. The business is in the middle of its second competition. The voluntary competition is being completed by about a third of its workforce who all pay to participate, and the person with the highest percentage of weight loss will receive the pot.

Percent of adults engage in no leisuretime physical activity in the United States.

Billion dollars annually accrued in medical fees and lost productivity by U.S. companies. Obesity is associated with 39 million lost workdays. fair,” Jensen said. In addition to the testing, the company brings in various professionals like a dietitian, masseuse or fitness instructor. Last year, a Zumba instructor came and Jensen said most of the employees tried out the dance exercise. Another initiative is fresh fruit on Fridays, where the company offers fresh fruit to its employees one Friday each month. There’s also a scale at the office where employees can weigh themselves if they wish. Freeborn-Mower also offers a points system where employees can earn points by getting healthy numbers on their biometric tests or by competing in local

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fitness activities like the Tiger Trot or Relay for Life. “The points are an incentive that turns into cash,” Jensen said. Jensen said the wellness program is supported by its CEO and board of directors. Its next wellness fair will be Feb. 28, and Jensen said the wellness initiative is something the employees seem to like. “It’s a way that people that are actually doing healthy things or are healthy can be rewarded,” Jensen said. Mrs. Gerry’s in Albert Lea is another company that has created a wellness program. It’s facilitated by its human resources assistant, Erin Sauer. Sauer said the company started working on wellness for its employees because of rising health care costs. “We’re working on changing the culture and changing their mindset,” Sauer said. The company has done weight-loss competitions, walking programs, given out healthy cooking recipes and more. In a storage area, they measured a walking loop so that employees who choose to walk will know how far they’ve gone. Sauer said the vending machines have had a bit of an upgrade as well. Though there is still the traditional vending machine fare, there are now a few more healthy options like baked potato chips. “We used to do doughnuts once a month for our group meetings and now we’ve switched to every other month,” Sauer said. “And for the people who want to eat healthier we have string cheese, yogurt and fruit.” Through all the competitions and initiatives it can be hard to measure success, but Sauer said she thinks more employees have more knowledge about how to be healthy. “We’ve had several people who made small changes that add up to a big change,” Sauer said. “We’ve seen a lot of people who are eating healthier or walking more.”

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Page 4 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Growing …

businesses that are doing well in a tight economy

Steve Tovar stands in front of portraits he has taken. His love of cameras led him to start his business. Maintaining the latest technology allows him to have new approaches and implement fresh ideas.

Tim Engstrom

Adele Helleksen has owned Albert Lea Tailors since 2004 and now has plenty of work for her and for her employees. The economic downtown brought in business as people sought to repair clothes, rather than buy new clothes.

By Colleen Thompson Five small businesses right here in Albert Lea have found ways to not only make ends meet in this economy, but grow their businesses, as well.

Albert Lea Tailors

Address: 122 S. Broadway Phone: 373-1714 Owner: Adele Helleksen

Unseemly successful Albert Lea Tailors has been in the sewing business for 30 years. Adele Helleksen has been the owner since 2004 and has been pushing the shop forward with

the times. She, along with her five part-time employees, alter, repair and fix pretty much any material customers bring in. “We can fix delicate clothing but also the roughest of leather,” Helleksen said. Formalwear? Old suitcoats? Broken jacket zippers? Jeans that have too much length but not enough for the gut? Albert Lea Tailors can fix them all. Prom dresses, wedding gowns, jeans, suits, horse blankets and even lawn mower bags are just some of the clothing articles that Helleksen and her

coworkers can repair. “The lady that owned the shop before me told me, ‘When the times are bad, people start bringing in their old things.’” Helleksen has seen this proved true. With the downward turn in the economic times, people have started bringing in old items to be “revamped” rather than buying new clothes. She’s seen a lot more 30to 40-year-olds come in lately instead of the mainly older crowd. She has frequent customers who come from Austin, Mason City, Rochester and even the Twin Cities.

Albert Lea Tailors is busier now than ever. Helleksen has seen consistency in her workload for the first time, instead of a pattern of dry spells followed by an overflow of projects. She used to have two days a week where there wouldn’t be any work for her to do. Now she has two to three weeks worth of work to do most of the time. Helleksen has been able to take her work out of the walls of the downstairs shop, as well. She has been sewing patches on soldiers’ uniforms at the National Guard Armory since 2005, and was asked to come help with fittings at a prom dress exchange in Alden on Jan. 26.

Sew accommodating Helleksen works to make her customers’ lives easier. She often goes to customer’s houses to pick up or drop off articles of clothing. If elderly customers have difficulty going down the stairs to her shop, she will meet them on the main floor and do their transactions there. She also works with people’s schedules and priorities and will adjust things as needed when there are emergencies. “The location is hard,” Helleksen said. The business is at an underground level, below Celebrations Party & Gift. “It’s been here for 30 years, and I still get people who come in and say, ‘I had no idea this was here!’”

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A Creative Touch Photography Address: 340 S. Broadway Phone: 373-9211 Owner: Steve Tovar An idea sparked Steve Tovar first picked up a professional camera 18 years ago when his daughter was involved in high school sports. He purchased a 35 mm camera and took shots of her when she was cheerleading. “I’ve always loved photography,” Tovar

said. “But my first pictures didn’t turn out so well.” That was fuel to an already burning flame. Tovar began researching and studying photography books. He purchased and downloaded four computer programs with editing features. He also bought a digital camera and has spent lots of money on the newest photography technology. Art, special backdrops, effects and editing programs have become his specialty. He now has a full-time photography business, which includes photo restorations, abstract photography, art composites, photo overlays, custom digital poster prints and banners. “I needed to improve my ways, and I got pretty good,” Tovar said. “Now it’s my career.”

Where is the focus? “My work is very important to me,” Tovar said. “It has to be perfection.” Tovar proofs every picture from each shoot he does. He thinks and plans out different poses and locations for each customer extensively beforehand. He strives to stay away from generic pictures and expected scenery. He will then spend two to three days editing and enhancing one batch of pictures. He once spent 40 hours perfecting one high school senior’s photographs. “I have to read people and than act on that,” Tovar said of his guarantee that every customer will get unique photographs. “It’s more complicated and intricate than most people think.” More exposure Although Tovar has more customers and more photo shoots than he’s ever had before and also received Best Photographer last year through the Albert Lea Tribune’s People’s Choice Awards, he doesn’t do a lot of his own advertising. He relies mainly on word

of mouth from satisfied customers. He believes that good work will pay off with repeats and referrals. “I want the pictures to be so good that you hang it up, and you don’t want to take it down.” Tovar has customers who have heard about his business through friends of friends and people who have come from Austin, Owatonna and the Twin Cities. Technology has smiled upon him, as well. Not only does he attribute much of his success to his natural love of art, but being able to post his work on Facebook has been very kind to him. Technology has helped him go beyond the normal, Tovar said. “People like my photos and have started contacting me off of Facebook,” he said. Tovar also cuts hair at his hair styling studio, Tovar’s Styling Salon. He hopes to do more advertising in the future and start hanging his photographs up at Northbridge Mall.

Raleigh’s Ace Hardware Address: 2525 Bridge Ave. Phone: 377-8636 Manager: Matt Raleigh

Making the cut Good service is a noticeable, desired and maybe even genetic trait. Raleigh’s Ace Hardware has been devoted to good customer service since 1994 when Dennis Raleigh first opened it. His son, Matt Raleigh, graduated from Winona State University and came to work at the hardware store, then called Coast to Coast, in 2003. Dennis passed away from cancer in 2010, and Matt took up the manager position along with the customer service legacy his dad left behind. “We’re known for our customer service,” Raleigh said. “It’s the main thing that sets us apart from Walmart, Home Depot and other compe4P. 5 tition.”

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Matt Raleigh keeps customer service a high priority at Raleigh’s Ace Hardware. That helps the place compete against large retail sellers.

Colleen Thompson

Sarah Ball, owner and manager of Studio 22 Salon, blow dries Ahnika Jensen’s hair after a cut. Ball bought Studio 22 in June 2012 and has been a stylist there for 4 1/2 years. Continued from Page 4 Clark+Kensington paint. they can learn about “Brands people know new styling procedures. Knowing what you’re bring them to our doorThe salon’s suppliers selling and have knowlstep, and our service often share information, edge of the products is keeps them coming,” videos and literature on also key, Raleigh says. Raleigh said. new things going on in He knows background Along with expanding the hair styling world. and brand information merchandise, the physi“We want to keep on most everything in cal layout of the store up with the ‘fresh new the store. If customers looks,’” Ball said. have a question, he’s the has been updated in the past year, too. There are quite a few go-to guy. “We were too outdated hair salons in Albert Raleigh’s Ace Hardand needed to open the Lea, but Salon 22 likes ware has proof that its place up,” Raleigh said. to stay on top of the one of the best. It was competition. The salon voted the Best Hardware “We reorganized so the has a full staff and the Store through the Albert stuff wasn’t just thrown on the shelves.” newest employee has Lea Tribune’s People’s The store is also offer- already been there for Choice Awards for the ing a brand new instant a year and a half. The past nine years and was rebate system. As of seven stylists and two one of the top five rated January, customers can receptionists have been hardware stores nationreceive a rebate right at there a long time as ally out of 5,000. the cash register instead well, with over 80 years “When we hire new of waiting for it to come of combined experipeople, we tell them to in the mail. ence, whereas a lot of help the customer,” Ra“This is new for us and businesses frequently leigh said. “That’s what it’s fantastic,” Raleigh do staff turnovers, Ball we do best.” said. “Hopefully it will says. help us grow.” Jack of all trades Comb one, comb all Besides stocking its Keeping updated and shelves with carpenters’ Studio 22 Salon current is important favorite things, Raleigh’s Address: 2211 E. Main St. for both the look and Ace Hardware offers Phone: 377-2249 atmosphere of the salon. many services to better The building underwent serve its customers. Pipe Owner: Sarah Ball a remodeling in August; cutting and threading, walls that used to be hunting/fishing licenses, Hair they are “Hair is a reflection of gold and red are now key cutting, blade sharpwho we are,” said owner gray with black swirl ening, carpet cleaning, and manager Sarah Ball. designs. machine rental, and Studio 22 Salon has “We like it to be new glass, screen and small been a full-service hair with how it looks and engine repair are all and nail salon since it what we’re doing,” Ball available on location. opened in 2006. The said. Housewares, cleaning, salon can cut any hair The salon has seen electrical, plumbing, type, style any do and several improvements in hand and power tools, make nails look clean business since January hardware, paint and and well-kept. The 2012. CND Shellac, a sundries and automostylists specialize in recent breakthrough in tive supplies are what cuts, perms, straightPower Polish, has beone can expect to find ening, up-dos, dying, come very popular. The in the aisles. If the store new Ombre hairstyle, a doesn’t have it, someone highlights, smoothing treatments, pedicures, dark shade with a lighter will order it. manicures and waxing. shade at the bottom, “We’ve seen a lot of Ball bought the salon has become a customer growth in customers in last June from previous favorite, as well. Studio both homeowners and owner Carrie Hershey. 22 has been busier than contractors,” Raleigh Ball has been working they were in the past said. at Studio 22 for 4 1/2 and have been attracting Raleigh’s Ace Hardyears. new clients that recently ware has seen signifi“All the girls here are moved to town. cant growth in the past really great,” Ball said. “Being involved in the 12 months. It added “They rent from me so community and really a popular new line of they all have a sense of believing in what you’re paint, Benjamin Moore, ownership and equally doing,” Ball said, is the that was voted the benefit when we do key to having a growing top-performing intewell.” small business. rior paint by Consumer The stylists continuReports in February. ously attend training The hardware store also Sanderson Auto and will be attending recently picked up the Repair styling shows in March. tool brand Craftsman, Address: 131 W. College St. Studio 22 also invites which is typically only Phone: 373-9095 a professional to come available at Sears, plus Owner: Mark Sanderson and hold a class where

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 5 a month; each postcard become both a Michelin Not like the other guys includes discounts and and U-Haul dealer. Sanderson Auto coupons for oil changes Advertising through its Repair takes pride in and other services. website, the radio and customer service and Sanderson Auto recentnewspaper has been honesty. ly started a new “Refer a advantageous for the “I started the busiFriend” program, where business. Sanderson ness because I enjoy customers can get a free increases his advertisworking with people,” oil change or mainteing budget each year, said founder and owner nance visit for introcontinuously tries to ofMark Sanderson. ducing a friend to the fer more services for his That’s the philosoautomobile repair shop. customers and has new phy behind everything Sanderson Auto is also customers coming in all the technicians and the only AAA facility in the time. mechanics do at SandFreeborn County. “People seem to be erson Auto Repair. “Listen to customholding on to their cars Meeting the needs of ers,” Sanderson advised longer,” Sanderson said. Albert Lea’s vehicles other businesses. “Build “We benefit from that.” since 1985, each of the relationships to find out People have been 14 full-time employees what their needs are.” keeping their cars and is ASE certified and Automobiles, RVs, focusing on fixing them has an average of 15 trailers, diesels and up instead of purchasto 18 years of experisnowplows can all be ing a new vehicle in reence, with more than serviced at Sanderson cent years. The average 200 years of collective Auto. If it’s got wheels, duration of a car on the experience. they can probably fix it, road used to be seven “Customer service is Sanderson said. Besides years but has now gone priority No. 1,” he said. offering service and up to about 11 years. Engine ears parts at one location “We try to implement Sanderson Auto and servicing all makes new things that are inwants to make sure and models of domestic strumental and help us its customers receive and import vehicles, the grow,” Sanderson said. quality for a fair price. business also sells tires. “We’re 20 times the The business mails out In the past year, business that we used 5,000 coupon postcards Sanderson Auto has to be.”

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Mark Sanderson leans on a Toyota minivan being repaired at his business, Sanderson Auto Repair. The company’s staff takes pride in being straight talkers.

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Page 6 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Server

By Brandi Hagen

What my significant other thinks I do

What customers think I do

What I think I do

What my mom thinks I do

What my friends think I do

What I really do

Business by the numbers Business establishments Dodge County Freeborn County Faribault County Mower County Steele County Waseca County Winnebago County Worth County

421 817 453 859 1,001 501 320 171

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 data Note: Establishments means a single physical location with paid employees at which business is conducted or industry performed and does not include government. See census.gov under “County Business Patterns” for how the data is collected.

Freeborn County establishments by employees 1-4 5-9 10-19 20-49 50-99 100-249 250-499 500-999 1,000 and up Total

404 185 121 68 24 10 3 2 0 817

Additional details Paid employees Annual payroll

11,224 $349,522,000

Freeborn County establishments by sector Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction Utilities Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information Finance and insurance Real estate, rental and leasing Professional, scientific and technical services Management of companies and enterprises Administrative, support and waste management Educational services Health care and social assistance Arts, entertainment and recreation Accommodation and food services Other services Industries not classified Total

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1 3 4 85 54 42 133 37 12 59 17 44 5 31 7 77 13 77 115 1 817

Tim Engstrom

Downtown Albert Lea saw changes in the past year. The most notable were a coffee shop and restaurant with a bar. They were called Prairie Wind Coffee and 112 on Broadway, and they seemed to bring more people downtown. In the coming year Broadway will undergo a major reconstruction, which is expected to change what downtown looks like altogether.

Freeborn County nonemployers by sector Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting Mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction Utilities Construction Manufacturing Wholesale trade Retail trade Transportation and warehousing Information Finance and insurance Real estate, rental and leasing

42 (withheld) 6 294 24 53 236 142 16 69 174

Professional, scientific and technical services 140 Administrative, support and waste management and remediation services 132 Educational services 27 Health care and social assistance 165 Arts, entertainment and recreation 91 Accommodation and food services 26 Other services 327 Total 1,966 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 data, reissued 2012 Note: Nonemployers, as implied, do not have paid employees. They are the majority of U.S. corporations but average a small impact (less than 4 percent) on receipts nationally.

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PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 7

Opening the door to a better closing Hometown customer service from knowledgeable & experienced staff SERVICES:

• Residential • Commercial • Refinance • New Construction • Abstracting • Owners and Encumbrance Reports • Site Inspections • Assessment Searches • REO Transactions *All services available statewide

LOCATED IN HISTORIC CARNEGIE LIBRARY

146 W. College Street, Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1399 • Fax: 507-377-8033 • M-F 8am-5pm www.mnabstracttitle.com

Colleen Thompson

David Nelson, owner and president of 4 Seasons Companies, sits at his desk in 4 Seasons Vacations Inc. on Clark Street. 4 Seasons Vacations has been planning trips and tours for customers in Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota since 1967.

How did 4 Seasons … … become 3 companies? By Colleen Thompson Three sectors to better serve its customers four seasons a year. That’s what the 4 Seasons Companies has sought to bring to Albert Lea for the past 52 years through its travel, coffee and advertising sectors. 4 Seasons Companies was started in 1961 by Lolly Nelson, who is now 92 years old and still works at the company. He was joined by his son, David, in 1980. David Nelson is the current owner and president of 4 Seasons Companies.

Advertising 130 W. Clark St. Lolly started 4 Seasons Advertising in 1961. “These were new ideas in the 1960s,” David Nelson said of the businesses his father founded. “He saw a need for it.” With an endless need for business advertisements and promotions, infinite combinations of logos, products, styles and colors are needed, as well. Calendars, pens, backpacks, mugs, bags and a full line of clothing are just some of the 750,000 items that 4 Seasons Advertising has available. All embroidery and screen printing items are done on location for fast turn around. Any business trying to market outward knows the importance of meeting the needs of a wide audience. But the smalltown, local customers are what help keep the company going. They’ve been coming back to 4 Seasons for years, Nelson said.

Coffee 636 E. 11th St. Lolly continued expanding his footprint in the business world by starting 4 Seasons Coffee Co. in 1966.

4 Seasons Coffee distributes several different blends that consist of Colombian, Brazilian, Nicaraguan, Costa Rican and other South American beans. The coffee company delivers to Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota, Wisconsin and Illinois with nine service routes throughout the five states. A 4 Seasons Coffee sales representative visits each business once every two weeks to a month to make sure that the equipment is clean and everything is working properly. “We make sure someone stops and rotates the coffee stock at each business,” Nelson said. “And our coffee is roasted fresh every time we order.” Convenience stores, hospitals, offices, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels and any business that consumes coffee is the target audience. “I do what I can to market to this area and other states,” Nelson said. Scandinavian Blend, President’s Blend, 100 percent Colombian, Roaster’s Choice, Star Blend, Kona and Sumatra Mandehling are just some of the coffee selections offered. The company also distributes cappuccino, tea, juice, sweeteners, creamers and syrups, hot chocolate, cider, slush mix, soup and popcorn. The company makes sure that they always have fresh and 100 percent Arabica beans that give 4 Seasons Coffee its signature taste.

Travel 130 W. Clark St. The third and final sector, 4 Seasons Vacations Inc. was started in 1967 by Lolly. In the 1960s, travel agencies were almost unheard of.

“He founded it with the philosophy that Albert Lea could use someone to help them with travel,” David Nelson said. Fifty-two years and thousands of travel arrangements later, people from Minnesota, Iowa and South Dakota are still coming to the 4 Seasons Vacations for help planning vacations, tours, honeymoons and destination weddings. It is an authorized representative for all major tour, cruise line, airline, hotel, resort and car rental companies. 4 Seasons Vacations has 10 employees and three tour escorts, Joyce Langerud, Larry Alvey and Sue Barber, with more than 100 years of combined expertise. “Everyone has a lot of experience,” Nelson said. “That’s important to customers.” Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and Hawaii are all popular destinations for group tours, which are prepackaged vacations with itineraries and sight-seeing locations laid out. 4 Seasons Travel has trips to Glacier Park, Niagara Falls, Mexico, Australia, Europe and China available, as well. The agency also features motorcoach tours of different cities all across the United States. Whether it’s a travel itinerary for an individual’s vacation, a couple’s getaway or someone just seeking the thrill of a guided journey through a foreign place, this travel business wants to help. 4 Seasons Vacations aims to plan the trip of a lifetime. “We’re a big company, but we try to make it a small company feel,” Nelson said. “We have a reputation for providing service to customers.”

Combining shipments cut costs Continued from Page 1 increases through savings in specials from its food distributors and through cutting costs on its paper products and pizza boxes. Field said Home Solutions is running more efficiently by combining shipments and scheduling more effective routes. The company has also reduced inventories to only what is needed

and spends more time using social media and the Internet to advertise and promote. Sabinish said she and her husband take small steps to increase efficiencies in their business. They turn off the track lighting in their building when nobody is in the store and dress warmer in the winter. Her husband also sells

telephone systems for a side business. VanderWaerdt said she handles increases in running her business by working harder and trying to keep her expenses down. “I do work with my income to make it work the best it can and keep it at a financial level that I can afford and still help other businesses too,” she said.

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Freeborn County Historical Museu m

Transit Building • Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Farm Wiring • Design/Build Services • New Construction • Service Maintenance

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Page 8 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Stress

200 North Broadway Avenue • PO Box 171 • Albert Lea Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220 www.iscfinancialadvisors.com

Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC ISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities

Games When you’re stressed try to find pleasure in simple things. Doing things you enjoy is a natural way to fight the stress. Even if it’s for 15 minutes, take up a hobby, start an art project, or play cards, board games or video games with family and friends.

Vitamin C Your diet can have an adverse effect on your stress level. One of the ways you can reduce your stress level is to eat fruits and vegetables, particularly food with Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system which our body attacks when we’re under stress. Things like citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwis, guavas, currants, oranges, tomatoes and red peppers are a good place to start.

Journals Keep a journal of the stressors in your life. Each time you feel stressed, keep track of it in your journal. Eventually, you will begin to see patterns and common themes that you can use to make changes. Also, keeping a journal can be a good release for pent-up emotions. Write down whatever comes to mind. No one else needs to read it so let your thoughts flow.

More customer friendly website! cityofalbertlea.org 221 E. Clark St. – 507-377-4300

http://bit.ly/broadwaystreetscape

PROGRESS 2013 • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • Albert Lea Tribune • Page 9

busters

Commercial Millwork

Offering design build, delivery & installation Working together with architects, general contractors or individual business owners

Lake Mills, IA • 641-592-3333

www.drascases.com

Yoga Deep breathing is a way to rid yourself of stress by easing the tension in your mind and body. Yoga, tai chi and meditation are ways to do this. Relaxation isn’t hard, but sitting and watching TV doesn’t count. Take at least 10 minutes per day to close your eyes and breathe. The best practice would be to sit comfortably with your feet on the floor with your hands in your lap or lie down. Picture yourself in a peaceful place and hold that image in your mind as you practice inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly.

Find it in Freeborn County! Our members are the fabric of Freeborn County! • Living and working here • Building & expanding their businesses

Music

• Creating new jobs

Listening to music is a mental distraction that reduces muscle tension and decreases stress hormones. So, if you’re feeling stressed crank up the volume and let your mind be absorbed.

• Reinvesting their money in our community • Supporting community activities & local charities • Buying here to strengthen job security • Encouraging their employees to spend their money locally

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate to improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area." The Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest. Always striving to enhance the business environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate conducive to growth.

Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.

Pets Your pet loves you unconditionally so spend time with him or her. Animals have therapeutic influences on their human companions. By hugging, petting or playing with your animal you can decrease your blood pressure.

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 56007

507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org

Sources: American Heart Association, Med-Express, Learning Dynamics Incorporated, Mayo Clinic

507-373-3930

www.growalbertlea.com

Page 10 • Albert Lea Tribune • Sunday, February 24, 2013 • PROGRESS 2013

Innovation drives performance

Just a few of the

OVER 2,000 PRODUCTS

we manufacture in

Albert Lea

Industrial ﬁnishing and cleaning systems and support products almco.com

Highly-engineered products for medical, agricultural, food service and other industries lou-rich.com

Ultra precision aluminum extrusions and manufacturing exactmfg.com

Automated and semi-automated wall panel equipment for the construction industry panplus.com

innovance.com 505 W. Front Street, Albert Lea, MN 56007 • 507-377-8910