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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.
... the Land Between The Lakes! Albert Lea Convention & Visitors Bureau 102 W. Clark St. • Albert Lea, MN 56007
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 1
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Page 2 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 3
Table of contents 4 7 14 18 22 30 40 43 46 48 50 52 58
Nearby John Deere dealerships gain customers Construction on an all-new Thorne Crest Cover story: Downtown Albert Lea bounces back Albert Lea Public Warehouse expands into 3 states Albert Lea dance studio grows into a 2nd location Schipp’s Pro Power Wash enters the fast lane Childhood hobby turns into business for mall tenant See a photo essay of Albert Lea Steel Looking out for the empty spaces Craft hobby yields a career and online fame The Color Wheel sells decorations, furniture Women found marketing business and find success Leaders of lake towns describe dredging benefit
Look for columns from: • Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams • Albert Lea Chamber Director Randy Kehr • ALEDA Executive Director Ryan Nolander • Albert Lea CVB Director Susie Petersen • Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen • SCORE district director Dean Swanson • Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson © 2014 Albert Lea Tribune Media Publisher: Crystal Miller Editor: Tim Engstrom Advertising Director: Catherine Buboltz Creative Director: Kathy Johnson
On the cover: From left, we see Linda Knutson of Plymouth Shoe Store, Susie Petersen of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau and Tami Staker of the Albert Lea Downtown Association gathering for coffee at Prairie Wind Coffee. The Tribune’s Colleen Harrison snapped the photo. Circulation Director: Melissa Goodwin Accountant: Lisa Foley Production Director: Terry Thissen Mailroom Manager: Rich Mirelli
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Page 4 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Farm implement has
never been the same
By Tim Engstrom
tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com
Randy Nordby, the general manager for three Ag Power dealerships including the one in Hollandale, stands next to a S670 John Deere combine with a 608C corn head. Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune
Nearby John Deere dealerships gain customers after A.L. one closes
H
OLLANDALE — Randy Nordby has been in the farm-implement business since 1979, when his family bought the John Deere dealership in Osage, Iowa. These days, Albert Lea area farmers might know him as the general manager of the only remaining John Deere dealership in Freeborn County — Ag Power Enterprises in Hollandale. But he also runs the Ag Power shops in Northwood and Osage in Iowa. He likes John Deere and what he does. “It’s a good company to be affiliated with,” he said, “but beyond that, I like dealing with the agriculture people.” Changes have been afoot at the local John Deere sellers because dealer consolidation has been steady in the ag world for the past decade. Some dealers have sold, and others have merged. Among the farm brands, Deere has the most dealers John Deere tractors are parked in a row along Minnesota Highway 251 in Hollandale in North America, though there are fewer across the street from the Ag Power farm-implement dealership.
and fewer small owners. John Deere dealer Kibble Equipment in Albert Lea closed Aug. 1 as it consolidated operations to its Blue Earth location. It plans to close its Kiester location Nov. 1. The two locations historically had been Erlandson Implement, a company that had sold farm equipment since 1939. Mankato Implement purchased Erlandson in December 2008. In May 2013, Mankato Implement merged with Kibble Equipment and took the Kibble name. That left Freeborn County farmers who had John Deere equipment from the former Erlandson site a choice to drive to Blue Earth or Austin or become customers of Ag Power. Nordby said Ag Power has seen a rise in customers as a result of the closing of the Albert Lea dealership at its Hollandale and Northwood locations. Hollandale is 15 miles from Albert Lea, while
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 5
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27 Years e Experienc John Deere tractors are parked in a row along Minnesota Highway 251 in Hollandale across the street from the Ag Power farm-implement dealership. Northwood is 16 miles. “Between here and Northwood we feel we can handle the needs of local producers,” Nordby said. Because of the increase, the two locations have added staff. There is a new parts technician in Hollandale and a new service technician in Northwood. Seven years ago, Nordby and his family, as owners of the Osage dealership, merged with the owners of the Northwood dealership to form North Country Equipment. Last March, they merged with the owners of the Hollandale, Belle Plaine and Owatonna locations of Ag Power. Nordby became the general manager of the three southern dealerships. Instead of selling, merging is a way dealer-owning families can meet John Deere’s urgings to grow dealer sizes and, particularly, services. Nordby, 56, has been married for 37 years. He and his wife have three daughters, two of whom are married. They have three grandchildren and a fourth on the way. He grew up in Osage, attended Des Moines Area Community College for three years, then moved back to Osage, where he resides today. He had known the Veldmans, who owned Ag Power, for years and said after the merger it was nice to go from competitors to being business partners. Nordby has worked in all areas of
implement dealerships, from parts to service to budgets and has seen the rapid changes in farm technology. Dealerships focus on four aspects: • Goods • Parts • Service • Integrated solutions “You really need to keep those things as a focus because that is what you really need to be a leader,” Nordby said. Integrated solutions represent much of the new technology, from self-steering tractors to tractors communicating with each other to mountains of data for farmers to sort through. He has been amazed at the changes in machinery and data. Machines these days can contact dealerships when repairs are needed. In fact, the repairman often learns of a repair need as soon as the farmer does. In the olden days, tractor mechanics would go to school and have a career. These days mechanics continually must train and train again. Farmers even attend classes on how to operate the latest automated equipment and how to analyze the data. “It’s mind-blowing, and I’m sure it is not done changing yet,” Nordby said. Still, the busiest seasons remain planting and harvest, and Nordby said he enjoys harvest season the most. “Harvest is kind of the producers reward for the year,” he said.
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Page 6 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 7
It’s time to rethink
housing for seniors
T
horne Crest Retirement Community in Albert Lea began a facelift this summer with an $11 million renovation and expansion. The groundbreaking for the redevelopment was July 11. The redevelopment project includes a complete renovation of Thorne Crest’s facilities, as well as the construction of a few additional buildings. “We’re tearing down the old garages, but adding a covered parking structure that is attached,” Thorne Crest Administrator Shanna Eckers said. Since the new parking garage will be attached to the rest of Thorne Crest’s campus, residents will be able to get out to their cars without having to step outside in the cold or worry about icy pavement. The parking garage, which will have both heating and air conditioning, is one part of the renovation that residents are looking forward to the most. “It’s a big improvement,” Dale Rippey,
By Jacob Tellers
jacob.tellers@albertleatribune.com
a five-year Thorne Crest resident and former administrator, said. “We no longer will have to walk across an ice or snow covered parking lot.” In addition to the parking garage, a new wellness center is being built that will have a Jacuzzi, a lap pool and a therapy pool, as well as locker rooms. There will also be cardio and multipurpose rooms to be used for a variety of classes. Other renovations include a theater, a larger chapel and an updated dining room. “It will be exciting to have the new chapel,” resident Darlyne Rippey said. The decision to begin the construction was made last spring, and the work started this June. “Everything that we’re doing to the campus is something that seniors are looking for in a retirement community Crews demolish the former St. Theodore’s Catholic Church convent on Garfield Avenue and things that we weren’t able to offer in July. A new wellness center for Thorne Crest Retirement Community will be built in its place as part of almost $11 million construction project taking place at the nursing See HOUSING, Page 25 home this year. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
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ITC Midwest is pleased to be a member of the Albert Lea business community. From our warehouse and office facility on Highway 46, our 25 employees and contractors are working to create a strong electric grid for the region. Since acquiring the region’s electric transmission system in December 2007, ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability and accommodate the growing needs of electricity users. We’re also giving customers broader access to generating sources, including the clean wind energy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa. Our efforts contribute to the growth of Albert Lea and the region. We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door. ITC MIDWEST 1.877.482.4829 www.itctransco.com
Page 8 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
A.L. downtown reconstruction proves to be favorable
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few years includes In the spring of the Broadway grant 2013, the city emprogram to improve barked on one of the exterior facades of most significant rehistoric downtown construction projects buildings. To date, in recent history perthe city has approved taining to the Broadover $172,000 in way reconstruction By Chad Adams matching grant funds in Albert Lea’s Historic for front facades and the one-time Downtown District. Prior to the projrear-entry access improvements durect starting, and even during the project, the city received concerns and ing last year’s reconstruction. questions about the project, with two In addition to the matching $172,000 of the more prominent questions being invested by building owners, there the scope and cost of the project and have been more than a handful of other the implementation of the sidewalk businesses that have made improvebumpouts. ments to the exterior of the buildings Now over a year later and a full without any assistance from the city. summer season of access to the new We applaud these businesses for demstreetscape and businesses, along with onstrating their partnership with the several community events conducted community to revitalize and invest in on Broadway, the public response has the downtown. been overwhelmingly positive to city The city has created what’s called leaders. the Diversified Central District zonThe city recognizes that the impact ing around the perimeter of the core of the reconstruction project has been downtown blocks on Broadway to allow difficult to property owners and busimore flexible use of properties and to attract more density and walkability to nesses on Broadway, particularly durthe downtown. In the past month, the ing last summer’s reconstruction, but city formally designated the DCD as also ongoing due to a portion of the a targeted redevelopment area in the project’s cost being assessed against city’s comprehensive plan, along with properties that will stay on the tax several other significant redeveloprolls for several more years. We prefer not to see businesses close ment corridors in the community. because of these new costs, but we are Over the next several months, the experiencing a resurgence of energy city and partners will continue to evaland interest in the historic downtown, uate many other opportunities to reviincluding the opening of new busitalize the downtown and community. nesses and amenities to the commuThis includes: nity. Rarely does a week go by with• A new cost-share formula for the out a contact being made at City Hall existing parking district assessments or to our partners at the Albert Lea • Grants and donations for a public art sculpture at the entrance to FounEconomic Development Agency and Chamber of Commerce regarding intain Lake Park • A splash pad in the downtown terested parties desiring to locate in proximity the downtown. • Matching grant for free Wi-Fi inWe have also received positive feedternet in the downtown corridor back from outside the community, in• A housing summit to discuss cluding representatives of the Blue housing needs in the downtown and Zones Project because the Broadway community work incorporated many principles of • An incubator office space for Blue Zones to improve the overall wellentrepreneurs being of the community. • Grants or low-interest loans to imThe developer of the Freeborn National Bank and Jacobson Apartments prove more than exterior facades and buildings, the Veterans Administration to preserve historic building interiors officials who established their clinic and character in Albert Lea and developers looking • Improvements south of Main to build more market-rate housing in Street on Broadway as a partnership the community have identified the imwith MnDOT on an overlay project to incorporate new sidewalks and feaprovements of Broadway as primary reasons to establish their projects in tures that provide a gateway to Albert the community. Lea and downtown. Another initiative that the city has Continued on next page experienced success with the past
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 9
Tourism is a bigger part of Freeborn County than imagined years. With over 600 We are fortunate rooms and five camp— despite the early rains and flooding grounds attracting Minnesota tourism visitors and tourists to experienced a strong our community, along summer travel seawith our proximately of Interstates Interson — the fifth year in a row of continued state 35 and Interstate By Susie Petersen 90 we are excited to see growth in travel. Extravelers stop in Albert Lea. plore Minnesota conducted an endOur community offers many events of-summer survey of tourism-related and festivals for both tourists and resibusinesses and found higher occupancy and revenue for the majority of dents to enjoy that have been successful and continue to grow. This year was Minnesota lodging properties. the third year of Wind Down WednesMinnesota’s tourism industry is drawing people from both inside and days and the weather was absolutely outside the state and according to Jon fantastic for all three held in June, Edman, director of Explore Minnesota July and August. Other successful Tourism “Minnesota continues to be an events include The Big Freeze, Founaffordable, close-to-home getaway for tain Lake 5 & Tiger Trot 5k, A Taste our core target markets, and is becom- of Heritage, Land Between The Lakes Dualthon, Crossroads of Destruction ing a more attractive destination for Demolition Derby, Open Streets & Bike travelers from further away.” Rodeo Explore Minnesota provides an anEddie Cochran Weekend, Third of nual snapshot of travel and tourism July Parade, Fourth of July carnival economic impact highlights for the with a car show and fireworks, Freestate of Minnesota, tourism regions and counties. There are four regions born County Fair, Albert Lea Floats represented: Minneapolis-St. Paul, Celebration, Festival of Arts & Sports, Central Minnesota, Northwest MinneBig Island Barbecue, Celebrate Albert Lea Festival, Celebrate Albert Lea and sota, Northeast Minnesota and Southstreet dance, Fountain Lake powerboat ern Minnesota. Southern Minnesota is third in gross drag races and Big Island Rendezvous. The fairgrounds hosted 90 StarCraft sales tax collected, only behind Minnecampers for the 2014 rally this year, apolis-St. Paul and Central Minnesota. Freeborn County in Southern Minneso- and next year it will host 300 motor coaches for the 2015 Samborie Rally. ta is in the top 10 out of 36 counties in These rallies are a huge economic imthe southern region in gross sales tax collected ($42 million) and continues to pact for our community, and we love to grow each year. show off our beautiful lakes and new Tourism is a $12.5 billion industry streetscape in downtown Albert Lea. in Minnesota, and a key sector of the We look forward to the many events, state’s economy. The leisure and hossports and festivals held in our community which will impact businesses, pitality industry — a major provider retail, restaurants, attractions and of tourism services — employs more than 245,000 workers, representing 11 lodging properties. Thank you to all of percent of Minnesota’s private sector the partnerships, organizations, colemployment. Leisure and hospitality laborations that make our community a also generates 17 percent of the state’s wonderful place to visit and live. sales tax revenues. Lodging in Albert Lea has been Susie Petersen is the executive direcstrong this year — year-to-date lodging tor of the Albert Lea Convention and tax collected continues to exceed prior Visitors Bureau.
Continued from previous page
The city continues to show significant gratitude on the shared leadership and collaboration on Albert Lea’s historic downtown which has led to the recent achievements on Broadway. The city continues to list the downtown as a
high priority goal, realizing that the reconstruction, streetscape and improvements to Fountain Lake Park were one of many initiatives to revitalize the downtown. Chad Adams is the Albert Lea city manager.
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Page 12 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Albert Lea works with ALEDA to push for economic success
The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen petition. The Shell Rock River Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers. The District is 246 square miles all within Freeborn County and it is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns. The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes: Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Goose (82 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) School Section (69 acres) Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total)
these programs alEconomic Development in the city of Allows for assistance bert Lea is a partnerto developers to help ship between the city, secure a successful Albert Lea Economic project. These proDevelopment Agency grams are used after and the state of Mina financial review is completed on the projnesota. Building a By Vern Rasmussen successful proposal for ect to assess need. growth counts on all parties putting Economic development in Albert Lea forward their best foot. is overseen by ALEDA. The city of Albert Lea contributes As a city, we work in a support role in several ways to assist in economic with ALEDA. Utilizing the above mengrowth. tioned contributions, the city of Albert First, we must have in place the inLea sits at the table with ALEDA to ensure our success. frastructure to allow for appropriate Downtown has been a major focus. It growth. Continually evaluating the health of the infrastructure is a prima- has often been stated by planners and economists that the “true measure of a ry goal. We need to plan for the future community’s success is the vitality of while maintaining the present. its downtown.” We look forward to conSecondly, we need to put in place a consistent process to help development tinuing our partnerships over the next move forward. Building a process that few years to enhance our downtown as a developer can count on helps assure a destination place for both residents them of a successful development. of Freeborn County and for those visitLastly, the city of Albert Lea can use ing our community. tax increment financing and tax abatement to help developers fill the gaps Vern Rasmussen is the mayor of Alassociated with a project. Utilizing bert Lea.
Current water quality monitoring program: 18 stream sites • 9 lake sites • 2 city storm water sites
The Shell Rock River Watershed District purchased “Big AL,” a hydraulic dredge, in 2012. How dredging works: Hydraulic dredging, which uses suction pumps and piping to move dredged material and water from the lake bottom directly to a storage or disposal site, is the best technique for sediment removal. The dredged material is typically disposed of at a permitted solid waste facility or off-site location. It can also be reused as fill, road sub-base, or in land applications.
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Chamber strives to be a voice for the business community Chambers of Commerce have long played a vital role in our communities. The functions and activities that businesses wanted chambers to address have changed By Randy Kehr many times and will continue to change. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce works tirelessly to stay on top of those changes A former longtime chamber executive explains that, way back in the dark ages, Chambers of Commerce were literally walled places where businesses could conduct commerce and be free from roving bandits and other dangers. In fact, the earliest records of a chamber were found in Mesopotamia (in Babylon) in 4000 B.C. At that time, they were trying to promote trade and find a way that a four-horse chariot could make a turn inside the walls of the city. Economic development and transportation were issues then and remain so today. We have been and continue to be the business community! We are where the business community comes together to work on things as a group that they cannot do alone! We are their voice — their collective muscle! The chamber, through its board and individual meetings with members continues to seek ways to assist our members become and remain successful. For example, we continue to work diligently with Albert Lea Area Schools, Riverland Community College and the business community to find new and innovative ways to produce qualified workers. The fruits of these efforts are shown by the fact that Workforce Development Inc. was recognized at the July 2014 state meeting of the Minnesota Workforce Council Association as Best Practice of the Year for its involvement in the Albert Lea Youth Apprenticeship program. We have an agenda to “Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate to improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Area.” It means that the chamber does work
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on community issues! We want parks and playgrounds, cultural activities and a better quality of life. But we pursue them, not because they are our orientation and our major objectives, but because our members (the business community) find that these things are assets to the business climate. This past year, we collaborated with other community groups in a coordinated and successful effort to bring bonding dollars to Freeborn County for the restoration of Fountain Lake. Here, as in other communities, the economic development function has become separate from the chamber. Yet, in reality, virtually everything the chamber works on is economic development. As we work to develop that “healthy and positive business climate” we are setting the stage for job growth and business retention. Whether it is retail or industrial growth, our function is to create the right environment. This is one of the reasons that we are members of the Greater Minnesota Partnership which strives to bring economic advantages to Greater Minnesota to overcome some of the barriers that exist due to location. We are the embodiment of the business community; our role has not changed since Mesopotamia. We are still working to enhance the conduct of commerce and remove impediments to trade. Our primary function is to create a business environment that fosters job creation and business growth. Our current and future job growth will continue to be generated by businesses already located in our community. Staying in business now is harder than it has ever been, which means that the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce must be listening to our members with even greater concentration. We have to be responsive to their needs in order to have the greatest impact. Randy Kehr is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.
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Page 14 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
right now, there is a lot of
Downtown mojo
By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
Broadway Avenue is closed off to motor traffic during the first Wind Down Wednesday of the season in June. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune
After struggling to compete, the central business district bounces back
S
ince Albert Lean Joey Neely opened Copper Kitchen in downtown Albert Lea in March, he said he’s been amazed at the success of his business. “It’s been unbelievable,” Neely said. “I can’t believe how much better the business has been since I moved downtown. Overall, my business is close to doubled.” The store, at 212 S. Broadway, offers high quality kitchen supplies. It is just one example of the success taking place downtown since the completion of $4.6 million in renovations on Broadway. Neely said many people have come up to him and expressed their excitement in seeing renewed activity downtown, not only for business but also culturally. “Overall, people are just excited,” he said. Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said he and Ryan Nolander, executive Outdoor seating has been a draw to many in downtown Albert Lea, bringing people director of the Albert Lea Economic De- to the American Legion, 112 on Broadway and Prairie Wind Coffee to socialize and velopment Agency, get contacted on a eat outside. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
regular basis about businesses looking to move downtown. “I hear things from outsiders, developers, about what a great downtown we have,” Adams said. “They like the character. They’re seeing the energy from people, and people are hanging out there more now.” Whether its through arts and theater events, community festivals or renovations of buildings, it’s the start of a turnaround for Albert Lea’s downtown, which has struggled for several decades.
Face to face with malls
Albert Lea’s struggle downtown began in the 1970s when there was a national trend of moving away from downtowns, said former Albert Lea City Planner Bob Graham. At the same time, Skyline Mall was See DOWNTOWN, Page 16
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 15
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Page 16 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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Downtown Continued from Page 14
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constructed in western Albert Lea, and stores that were downtown started moving there. “I think they were looking for more space,” Graham said. “They were looking for parking, which was a problem, and they were looking for easy access to the customers. Supposedly that’s what malls provided.” Walmart came to Albert Lea in 1982 — it was the first Walmart to be built in all of Minnesota, he said. Then, in the mid-1980s, Northbridge Mall was built. “Some of the business owners seemed to kind of give up,” Graham said. He said he does not think that Walmart coming to town in itself led to the closing of some local stores but rather it was a combination of several factors. Now more than 30 years later, Adams said he has read multiple articles that show the tide might be turning back in favor of downtowns. He credited some of the city’s businesses downtown, including the 112 on Broadway, the Between Friends Boutique and Prairie Wind Coffee, for bringing in people and for all of the business owners who have invested in their buildings. He also pointed to successful arts and theater groups and dedicated volunteers who have organized festivals downtown.
A domino effect
It will be three years in April since Albert Lea Community Theatre took over the management of the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center, a city building, on North Broadway.
Before the theater group began, there were some plays going on and a few other concerts each year, but it wasn’t being utilized enough, said Neil Lang, who took over as manager of the building under ACT. Last year that grew to having 115 ticketed events in one year. That does not include city functions held at the theater or other non-ticketed events. There is everything from community theater plays, to live high-definition broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera from New York City and the National Theatre Live from London, to comedians, country shows and magic shows. “We’re trying to offer something for everybody,” Lang said. Soon to be added are live high-definition broadcasts of the Bolshoi Ballet from Russia. ACT President Jason Howland said the events draw in people not just from Freeborn County but from across the Midwest. He said the theater has had patrons from Milwaukee, Omaha and Chicago. “It benefits all the local businesses, not just downtown,” Howland said. “The lodging, the gas stations, it’s everything.” Lang said people coming to shows at the theater often want to grab something to eat before or after or shop at the stores downtown. “It definitely has put people on the street,” he said. Hand in hand with the increase in shows at the theater is the growth in the arts community downtown. The Albert Lea Art Center is in the middle of a capital campaign to raise $500,000 to move into the Freeborn National Bank Building when it is renovated, and a new group, the Freeborn County
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 17 Arts Initiative, has started in the former Art Center location. There will be galleries at both locations. Officials are waiting to hear back about whether a Kansas-based developer will receive housing tax credits to renovate the bank building, which would also add 21 multi-family housing units on the upper floors. The apartments would not be subsidized housing but would be income-limited — meaning only residents who make up a certain amount of income would be allowed to live there.
‘It’s starting to catch on’
When Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen and others first started organizing the monthly Wind Down Wednesday summer festival, they looked to the successful Thursdays on First festivals in Rochester, which draws more than 10,000 people each week. Petersen said this year Albert Lea was in its third year for Wind Down Wednesdays, and the attendance has grown each year. “It’s starting to catch on, this is when we have it, and we have it once a month,” she said. “Sometimes when you start these events, it takes time for the community to see what it is and if they like it.” This year, the streets were flooded with people for each of the three festivals, and Petersen estimated a couple thousand people at the event in August. “We’re trying to make it an event that everyone can come — from families, to younger folks, to middle age folks and seniors,” she said. She said she is beginning to feel a different vibe downtown, and people are pleased not only with the appearance but also the activity taking place. In addition to Wind Down Wednesday, there have been several other activities and festivals taking place downtown. For the first year, the Eddie Cochran car show in June moved downtown, bringing in hundreds of people to look
at classic cars. “That was a big deal,” Petersen said. Still happening this fall is Celebrate Albert Lea. She said she hears people from out of town frequently who comment on how beautiful the downtown is. “Our draw is to get people off that interstate and in here,” she said.
Ongoing renovations
A key to the growth of downtown Albert Lea has been businesses willing to step up and invest in their buildings. Adams said the city’s Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant program has given large matching grants of between $25,000 and $50,000 to six downtown businesses and between 10 and 12 have received smaller grants to update the back entrances of their buildings. Beyond the grant program, several other businesses and organizations have made upgrades on their own, including Youth For Christ’s The Rock, the Between Friends Boutique and The Color Wheel. Adams said the city and the Albert Lea Housing and Redevelopment Authority are looking into an application for a federal community development block grant, which would provide additional dollars for upgrading the buildings. He said there is also a fundraising campaign underway for new holiday lights, and numerous businesses in the community have already pitched in for new tree guards, bike racks, benches and flowers downtown. “It’s just very rewarding going through the process,” Adams said. “It’s rewarding to see a collaborative leadership of elected officials and other stakeholders come together and make this happen. “Some of the developers we’ve been talking to have said they’re very excited about the progressive things we’re doing in the downtown. They all make comments to us that those things do impact their decisions to locate their business here.”
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Page 18 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
This place could be considered
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By Hannah Dillon
hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com
Terry Schwemmler, warehouse manager at Albert Lea Public Warehouse, operates a forklift in Warehouse No. 1. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Albert Lea Public Warehouse expands into 3 states and 14 employees
A
lbert Lea Public Warehouse began in 1999 with one warehouse and one employee. In 2014, it has grown to eight warehouses in three states and 14 employees.
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warehouse, owned by Al Larson. “It went up instead of down, which is Larson formerly had Larson Contract- good,” Schwemmler said. ing but sold his contracting business and Albert Lea Public Warehouse has eight kept the warehouses. Now he owns Albert warehouses in total. Three of those wareLea Public Warehouse. houses are in Albert Lea, two are in Lake Museum & Library open year round. Wednesday thru Saturday Village open May-September
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 19
Warehouse No. 1 has 78,500 square feet of food grade storage space available for rent, but the warehouses have been full for about two years. Mills, one is in Clear Lake, Iowa, one is in Garner, Iowa, and one is in Omaha. Together, these warehouses equal over 1 million square feet of storage space. Schwemmler said the warehouses have been full for about two years, which is a good thing. “Nobody wants to sit with an empty warehouse,” he said. Some of Albert Lea Public Warehouse’s warehouses are food-grade, which means companies can store their food items there without worrying about the product spoiling or being contaminated by toxic materials or odors. Schwemmler said in the food grade warehouses, no toxic materials or materials with odors can be stored there. The workers at the warehouses load,
unload, store and keep inventory of the stock that is delivered. They also break down pallets, pick orders and ship directly to customers — Schwemmler said they basically do anything their customers need. Schwemmler said the warehouse has approximately 24 customers that rent varying amounts of space — some rent 2,500 square feet while others rent 100,000 square feet or more. Customers can rent by the pallet or by the square foot. Warehouses have a forklift operator on site as well as a sprinkler system and monitored pest control. Some of the warehouses are equipped with staff trained in wireless scanning. One of the biggest challenges Schwemmler mentioned was maintaining
maximum capacity. While the Albert for expansion in the future with supply Lea Public Warehouse is full right now, and demand needs, Schwemmler said. losing a customer can be a big hit to the company, Schwemmler said. Meeting and exceeding Food and Drug Administration and Minnesota Department of Agriculture standards isn’t as much of a challenge, but it is something that needs to be worked on constantly, Schwemmler said. They also aim to keep a clean, quiet warehouse. As of right now, there’s nothing new going on at the warehouses. Schwemmler said Warehouse No. 1 was expanded in 2005 and Warehouse No. 2 was expanded in 2007; both of these warehouses are in Albert Lea. While there are no definitive plans on the horizon, there’s always the possibility
Page 20 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 21
Greater Jobs, Port Authority pursue economic development The Albert Lea Ecocounties. Also, not nomic Development only does ALEDA Agency is the official not levy a tax, but it name for the two local pays property taxes. economic development ALEDA properties entities: the Albert Lea will pay over $200,000 Port Authority and in property taxes in Greater Jobs Inc. 2014. By Ryan Nolander These separate orSince its establishganizations were consolidated under ment in 2003, ALEDA has experienced this name in 2003 to function more continuous growth. As of July 2014, seamlessly and utilize each other’s ALEDA has $17.2 million in assets, strengths. The Port Authority is able to primarily in commercial buildings and operate within the city limits; whereas, developable land. This is an increase Greater Jobs Inc. can function anyof over $6 million since 2003. ALEDA where within Freeborn County. also owns buildings with a total of Jobs Inc. was started in 1943 by lo258,000 square feet and approximatecal businessmen. It was created in rely 93 percent of this space is leased, sponse to the economic problems that including the most recently built might occur when the war ended due 62,500 square foot “spec” building in to a fear of increased unemployment the ALEDA Industrial Park. In recent nationwide. In 1975 a new corporation years, ALEDA has assisted over two was formed by Jobs Inc. called the Aldozen businesses with over $1.1 milbert Lea Industrial Development Corlion in gap financing loans to expand, poration. Due to the similarity of both change ownership, or start a new busiorganizations, the entities were reness. ALEDA has also helped to prostructured and renamed Greater Jobs cess city loans for businesses, and Inc. has been involved in multiple tax-inA subsidiary of Greater Jobs Inc. is crement financing and tax abatement the Albert Lea Business Development projects, which has added jobs and Center. This is a business incubator tax revenue for the city and county. that helps entrepreneurs launch their Some of the recent projects ALEDA new businesses. Besides having qualhas been involved in are: ity space, there are SCORE and Small • Business expansions: Advanced Business Development Center serFamily Dental, Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen, vices available free of charge at the Zumbro River Brand, Pro Manufacturcenter for anyone in the community ing, Schipp’s Pro Power Wash to use. • Business retentions: Geneva LumThe Port Authority is a political ber Co., Albert Lea Tree Service, Amsubdivision of the state of Minnesota Tech (Merrick’s), SAR Manufacturing, and was created in 1987 to receive the same benefits as port authorities locat- Interstate Packaging • New businesses: VA Clinic, Jensen ed in actual port cities in Minnesota. Excavating, Holiday Inn Express, PraiThe port is not considered a departrie Senior Cottages, Allure Salon, Rusment of the city, nor is the city liable tic Winery for the port’s obligations. The reason • Development of two new industrial this separation of the port and the city parks: ALEDA Park and I-35/I-90 Busiis important is because it allows the port to take on significant development ness Park Today ALEDA serves as the mechaactivity on behalf of the city without requiring the city to be liable for those nism where the county, city and the private sector work together for ecodevelopment activities. An example nomic development in Albert Lea and of this is the ALEDA Industrial Park, Freeborn County. The mission remains which was paid for in cash by the Port Authority and was not a burden on the the same, “To provide and promote services and resources to retain, exlocal taxpayer. pand, create and attract businesses, ALEDA is a self-funded organizaincrease tax base and create quality tion, relying on income from rentals, employment opportunities in Freeborn sales, investments and memberships. ALEDA does not rely on city or county County.” funding for their operation, nor does Ryan Nolander is the executive diit use its taxing authority to meet oblirector of the Albert Lea Economic Degations. This makes ALEDA a unique velopment Agency. model compared to other cities and
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Page 22 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
And all they want to do is
dance, dance, dance
By Micah Bader
micah.bader@albertleatribune.com
Unlimited Possibilities co-owner Tricia Kuster teaches a dance at the studio. Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune
Best friends own dance studio, expand to 2 locations: Albert Lea, Wells
G
rowing up in Wells, Sara Teskey and Tricia Kuster were neighbors. These days, their bond runs deeper as they are in the second year of together owning Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio. “She’s my best friend,” Kuster said about Teskey. “I started (dancing) when I was 3, she started when she was 3, and we grew up dancing just like these girls.” The studio features classes for girls ages 3 to 18 on Sunday through Thursday along with adult instruction. The thirdand fourth-grade classes are the largest, and this year’s preschool class has about 50 dancers, Kuster said. “When they’re 3 or 4 — before they’re in school — they don’t get to do anything,” she said. “They don’t have sports or school stuff. The one thing they have is dance, and I love it. They love to perform; it’s just so cute.” Lucy Johnson watches instructors Sara Teskey and Tricia Kuster during a dance class With the wide range of age groups, at Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio.
some parents have multiple children in dance classes. Stephanie Bolinger’s three daughters Josie, 12, Jorja, 6, and Ila, 4, all make their way down to the studio in Skyline Plaza to learn. “They love the dancing, and they’re in the tumbling class, too,” said Bolinger. “They just have fun here.” Teskey founded the studio five years ago, and has been involved with dance for over 23 years. She studied dance at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and brought Kuster on board as co-owner and studio director. Kuster said she works alongside Teskey to teach about 60 of the older girls in competitive dance who compete against other teams from the midwest at events like the Masquerade National Dance Competition, Showstoppers and the VIP Dance Competition. See DANCE, Page 24
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 23
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Page 24 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Tricia Kuster, left, and Sara Teskey teach a dance class at Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio.
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Dance Continued from Page 22
“They do lyrical, contemporary and all the different styles of dance,” Kuster said. “The best part is seeing how proud they are that they performed on stage and that they get to show their moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas what they’ve done.” In addition to full-time instructors Teskey and Kuster, Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio employs a trio of parttime specialty teachers: Rachel Mattick, Joshua Vu and Judy Sykora. When the teacher at Spotlight Dance in Wells retired, Unlimited Possibilities
took over, and Mattick manages that branch, Kuster said. Vu teaches hiphop dance, and Sykora joined the company after spending five years working for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a dancer in the musical theatre style revue shows, including one that was choreographed by Louis Van Amstel of “Dancing with the Stars.” Despite the work that goes into owning a business, Kuster said it’s worth it. “I love being able to come to work and enjoy every second of it,” she said. “I bet most people can’t say that. They have to go to work to make money, but I get to do my hobby and do what I love. That’s the best.”
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 25
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Housing Continued from Page 7
before,” Karen Anderson, sales and marketing manager, said. Staff at Thorne Crest have done their best to make sure residents are prepared for the construction. “We anticipate that there will be inconveniences so we’ve been preparing for this for about a year,” Anderson said. “We have been meeting with (the residents) on a regular basis and we have two communication stations that we set up, just to be able to communicate with residents about what is going on that particular day.” While there have been some
inconveniences already with the construction, Anderson said that most residents have been excited by all of the activity. “They have been so excited to see everything happen because they’ve been hearing about it for so long,” Anderson said. “So now they are just having a great time watching it.” According to Anderson, Thorne Crest has carefully monitored the times construction takes place to ensure that it doesn’t interfere with the residents’ sleep in the early morning or evening hours. As Thorne Crest, which is part of American Baptist Homes of the Midwest, is a nonprofit organization, the funding for the project has come through bonding, Eckers said.
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Page 26 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Freeborn County by the numbers
Hwy 22 North 507-553-3813
2010 census: 31,255 Change from 2000: down 4.1 percent Median age: 44.2 Races: White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percent Hispanic/Latino: 8.8 percent Black: 0.7 percent American Indian: 0.2 percent Asian: 0.8 percent Pacific Islander: 0.1 percent Other race: 3.4 percent Two or more races: 1.7 percent Households: 13,177
L&D Ag Service
Housing units: 14,231 Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089 Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088 Family households: 8,555 with children: 3,249 Husband-wife family: 6,833 with children: 2,187 Male household, no wife: 605 with children: 322 Female household, no husband: 1,117 with children: 740 Non-family households: 4,622 Living alone: 3,961 Households with children: 3,542 Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278 Average household size: 2.32 Average family size: 2.85 Median household income (2000): $36,964
Median family income (2000): $45,142 Per capita income (2000): $18,325 Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percent Square miles: 722.63 Founded: Feb. 20, 1855 Named for: William Freeborn, a territorial legislator from Red Wing who later resided in Montana and then California. County seat: Albert Lea Courthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea Courthouse phone: 507-377-5116 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109 2013 census estimate: 30,948 2012 census estimate: 31,054
Hartland, MN 507-845-2100
out of 542 entries
other 2014 AWArds
• 1st Place in Dried Beef • 2nd Place in Cheese Snack Sticks • 2nd Place in Pepper Cheese Summer Sausage • 3rd Place in Ring Bologna • 4th Place in Fajita Chicken Brats • 4th Place in Regular Snack Sticks results determined by the Mn Association of Meat Processors
Custom Processing & Retail Meats todd & cheryl enderson
Owners
P.o. Box 308 hayward, Mn (507) 373-8966
Cassic car enthusiasts lined up in a field along Front Street in Hayward for the Hayward Days car show in mid-July. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Becker Auto
Auto Sales & RV Service Mark Becker – Joan Becker 80944 CR 46 Hayward, MN 56043
Find us at findcars.com Phone (507) 373-3170 Cell (507) 676-0192
Auto • Home • Farm Business • Bonds Crop • Life • Health Serving Southern Minnesota
WeLLs INsurANCe AgeNCy Wells Federal Bank Building Wells, MN 56097 1-888-814-7801
Call Chuck or Donna for a no cost, no oblilcation quote
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 27
Neighbors by the numbers Albert Lea 2010 census: 18,016 Median age: 44 Households: 7,774 Housing units: 8,410 Square miles: 14.68 City Hall: 515 Clark St. City Hall phone: 377-4300 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School,
Lakeview Elementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschool Alden 2010 census: 661 Median age: 39.9 Households: 268 Housing units: 292 Square miles: 1.0 City Hall: 174 N. Broadway St. City Hall phone: 874-3620 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90, Alia Hoff swings during an at bat in a coach-pitch game against in June at Hawthorne Elementary School in Albert Lea. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune
See NUMBERS, Page 28
SERVING FREEBORN COUNTY
County Administrator ....................................................................................... 377-5116 County Attorney .............................................................................................. 377-5192 County Sheriff ..................................................................................................377-5205 County Recorder...............................................................................................377-5130 Auditor.............................................................................................................. 377-5121 Treasurer’s Office .............................................................................................. 377-5117 Public Health ................................................................................................... 377-5100 Highway Engineer ............................................................................................ 377-5188 Veterans Service Office .................................................................................... 377-5184 County Assessor ...............................................................................................377-5176 Environmental Services ................................................................................... 377-5186 Court Services ..................................................................................................377-5137 Human Services .............................................................................................. 377-5400 Vehicle & Driver’s License Center .................................................................... 377-5126 Burn/Building/Feedlot Permits ........................................................................ 377-5186 Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates ................................................................377-5130 Passports ..........................................................................................................377-5130 WIC ..................................................................................................................377-5289 University of MN Extension Service................................................................ 377-5660 County Fair Office ............................................................................................373-6965 Freeborn Cty Museum and Historical Village ..................................................373-8003 Ditch Inspector ............................................................................................... 256-4256 Victim’s Crisis Center ...................................................................................... 377-5460
24 hr Crisis Hotline ......................................................................................... 373-2223 Building Manager ............................................................................................. 377-5114
www.co.freeborn.mn.us freeborn county government center 411 s broadway • 377-5116 police-fire-medical-sheriff-state patrol emergency: 911
Scott Thompson, Owner Cell 507-383-7878
507-373-2828 • 220 Elizabeth Ave, Albert Lea MN 56007 Lic#PM61227
Page 28 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Numbers Continued from Page 27
Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools Bricelyn 2010 census: 365 Median age: 47.9 Households: 168 Housing units: 197 Square miles: 0.3 City Hall: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: 653-4369 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 253 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District Clarks Grove 2010 census: 706 LeVerne Carlson
Fitness Center
Located at the Alden-Conger Public School - Alden, MN
Median age: 38.1 Households: 295 Housing units: 312 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall: 101 N. Independence Ave. City Hall phone: 256-4106 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District Conger 2010 census: 146 Median age: 32.7 Households: 62 Housing units: 69 Square miles: 0.1 City Hall: 51 School St. City Hall phone: 265-3435. Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in AldenConger School District
Conger Catering & Party Shop Conger, Minnesota
265-3265
Affordable & Flexible membership options for everyone. Contact Jenny at 507-874-3240
• Receptions • Open Houses • Meals and Food to go • Linen rental & shirting • Discounted Wedding & Party Accessories
Blooming Prairie, • (507) 583-2141 405 E. Main St., Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Owatonna, • (507) 455-1000 1170 East Frontage Rd, Owatonna, MN 55060
Rochester, • (507) 536-7700 3110 Wellner Dr NE, Rochester, MN 55906
New Richland, • (507) 463-0502 132 N. Broadway, New Richland, MN 56072
www.mainstreetdentalclinics.com
Ellendale 2010 census: 691 Median age: 39.6 Households: 296 Housing units: 317 Square miles: 0.9 City Hall: 505 Second St. City Hall phone: 684-2681 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Elementary School Emmons 2010 census: 391 Median age: 43.4 Households: 174 Housing units: 190 Square miles: 0.8 City Hall: 219 Main St. City Hall phone: 297-5707 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in Glenville-Emmons School District Freeborn 2010 census: 297 Median age: 38.9 Households: 120 Housing units: 130 Square miles: 0.2 City Hall: 402 Park St. City Hall phone: 863-2204 Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in United South Central School District Geneva 2010 census: 555 Median age: 38.3 Households: 220 Housing units: 228 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall: 403 Fourth St. City Hall phone: 256-4192
Railroads: none Highways: Interstate 35 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District Glenville 2010 census: 643 Median age: 44.2 Households: 278 Housing units: 290 Square miles: 2.2 City Hall: 221 W. Main St. City Hall phone: 448-3916 Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River Highways: U.S. Highway 65 Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elementary School Hayward 2010 census: 250 Median age: 44.5 Households: 114 Housing units: 123 Square miles: 0.6 City hall address: 107 County Road 26 City hall phone: 373-1222 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Interstate 90 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District Hollandale 2010 census: 303 Median age: 38.3 Households: 128 Housing units: 146 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall: 110 Park Ave. W. City Hall phone: 889-4001 Railroads: none Highways: Minnesota Highway 251 Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 29
Hartland 2010 census: 315 Median age: 36.8 Households: 140 Housing units: 148 Square miles: 0.3 City hall address: 407 Broadway St. City hall phone: 845-2469 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District Kiester 2010 census: 501 Median age: 47.8 Households: 246 Housing units: 281 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 116 N. Main St. City hall phone: 294-3161 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 22 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District Lake Mills 2010 census: 2,100 Median age: 45.3 Households: 944 Housing units: 1,055 Square miles: 2.6 City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450 City Hall phone: 641-592-3251 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105 Schools: Lake Mills Community School Manchester 2010 census: 57
Median age: 36.8 Households: 26 Housing units: 30 Square miles: 0.1 City hall address: 70830 255th St. City hall phone: 826-3483 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 13 Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District
Square miles: 3.8 City Hall address: 627 Central Ave. City Hall phone: 641-324-1075 Railroads: Union Pacific Highways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105 Schools: NorthwoodKensett Elementary School, Northwood-Kensett Junior/ Senior High School
New Richland 2010 census: 1,203 Median age: 43.8 Households: 487 Housing units: 531 Square miles: 0.6 City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072 City Hall phone: 465-3514 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30 Schools: NRHEG Secondary School
Twin Lakes 2010 census: 151 Median age: 49.5 Households: 76 Housing units: 85 Square miles: 0.51 City Hall address: 101 W. Main St. City Hall phone: 852-2155 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in Albert
Northwood 2010 census: 1,989 Median age: 44.2 Households: 885 Housing units: 1,004
Lea School District Wells 2010 census: 2,343 Median age: 45.3 Households: 1,013 Housing units: 1,133 Square miles: 1.4 City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave. City hall phone: 553-6371 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109 Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central Elementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School
SALES ACCESSORIES SERVICE
Share our passion.
ROYAL SPORTS 105 W. Main, Clarks Grove, MN 56016 (507) 256-7596
www.royalsports.us
Sprinkler Systems Core Aeration • Broadleaf Weed Control Liquid Fertilizing • Crabgrass Control
FREE Analysis & Estimate
507-373-2217
Knowledgeable staff, quality help and a friendly smile! • Tillers and Mowers • Large Selections of Air Compressors • Interior & Exterior Paints • Plumbing & Electrical • Farm Supplies • Clothing • Tools
Judy, Debbie & Bonnie – Bill May, Owner
Call Bill for service work. Pick up & delivery service available. Serving You With Quality Hardware Since 1903
Clarks Grove Hardware
Clarks Grove • 256-7249
Page 30 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
company finds success
washing tankers
By Tim Engstrom
tim.engstrom@albertleatribune.com
Tucker Ackman cleans a Boise, Idaho-based tanker truck with a pressure washer last month at Schipp’s Pro Power Wash on the southeast side of Albert Lea. Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune
Schipp’s Pro Power Wash discovers a niche in the market, then grows
I
f ever there was a man Albert Leans could nickname Mr. Clean, it would be John Schipper. He and his sons, Mike and Josh, own and operate Schipp’s Pro Power Wash, and the growth of their company is a local success story. Presently, their primary business is washing tanker trucks delivering to Albert Lea or coming through on Interstate 35 and Interstate 90. Having that crossroads of two freeways is good for business, said John Schipper. “No one around here does this,” he said. It used to be tanker truck drivers needed to go to the Twin Cities to wash out their loads. Southern Minnesota didn’t have a tanker wash, let alone one qualified to kosher standards. But that all changed 2 1/2 years ago. The company didn’t start out washing tankers. In 2005, John quit his job as a car salesman at the now-closed Lyons
Toyota Dodge dealership in Albert Lea and convinced son Mike, the detail manager, to quit, too. They began Schipp’s Pro Power Wash, and they cleaned cars for dealerships and for Crossroads Trailer. They became mobile and that transformed into fleet work, water towers, buildings and construction sites. They discovered that work crews wanted to have their equipment cleaned up on site, rather than hauled back dirty on the highways. The Schippers worked out of trailers hauled by pickups and eventually out of trucks. They were working out of a garage in a building between Clark and Main streets, which also houses Poole Electric. They had outgrown the space, and developer John, right, and son Mike stand next to a tank used for separating water from corn Darv Habben approached John about oil at Schipp’s Pro Power Wash. By separating fat, oil, lard and other food substances space in a building he had for rent on from the water after washing tankers trucks, the company makes additional revenue Crossroads Boulevard near the interthrough selling the byproduct. change of Broadway and Interstate 35.
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 31
• Light & heavy duty towing • Jump starts & lock out service • Flat bed & wheel lift • Air cushion recovery system • Crane service & landoll trailers
Jake Baas stuffs the tube for a dryer into the tank of a tanker truck. Schipp’s Pro Power Wash specializes in washing tankers that haul food. One year later, John realized that the business needed more space. The company on the other half of the building, City Auto Glass, moved out, and Schipp’s Pro Power Wash occupied the entire building. A year and a half ago, the company bought the building from Habben. John described Habben as a mentor. John saw a need for tanker trucks needing washes, and he approached Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Ryan Nolander about how to go about getting the capital to expand. He put John in touch with the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, which in coordination with Farmers State Bank provided the company with the financing it needed to start a truck-washing business. “That’s what completely changed things,” John said. But he’ll be the first to tell people you just don’t open a tanker wash. He had to get permits, pass audits, go through certification. At first, he, his sons and the employees would actually climb inside the tanker trucks and scrub. Guys were quitting left and right. It’s hot in there. They visited an automated tank washer in Missouri belonging to trucking company Prime Inc. John decided to spring for another loan to purchase a $200,000 machine so they could be fully automated. Using spinners, it washes inside the tanks, and with a big tube, it dries. “Once we went automated, our business doubled,” John said. Schipp’s Pro Power Wash is certified to state standards and to kosher standards. A rabbi from the Twin Cities visits the company and inspects pretty much everything for cleanliness above and beyond government requirements. The rabbi looks for certain temperatures, cleaners and documentation of kosher protocol. The company cannot kosher wash on one day of the year — Passover. Truckers
needing it would have to wait until the following day. Food companies also send their own inspectors. “We’ve passed every single one of them,” John said. “There is no room for slacking.” The company presently has 13 employees, in addition to John, Mike and Josh. Schipp’s Pro Power Wash purchased 1 1/2 acres to the northwest in late August. The company was running out of space to park tanker trucks and was hedging onto a neighboring company’s property. Work began Sept. 4 on turning that land into a parking lot for tanker trucks. John said his goal is to have three shifts and operate 24 hours a day by the end of this year, would would bring the number of employees up to 16. The remains of the washes go into a tank. They heat it up to separate the water from the grease, then drain the water. What’s left are materials such as corn oil, vegetable oil, fat, lard and other materials. They are sold. For example, soybean oil can be sold to biodiesel producers. The creates revenue and reduces the company’s sewer bill. Albert Lea companies in the food business promote Schipp’s Pro Power Wash to their truckers. For instance, Ventura Foods sends truckers there, and truckers like to get their tankers clean as soon as possible so they can go get their next load. Many truckers driving for Hormel visit Schipp’s Pro Power Wash. Often, truckers stopping at places along I-90 will stop there. After visiting the packing plant in Worthington, they might be heading to Chicago, so they will wash their tanks in Albert Lea. The company still washes trailers for Crossroads Trailer and will clean a standard trailer for local truckers if their tanker-washing schedule opens up. And it still has a mobile service, too.
507-373-3551
Join Albert Lea Tribune Sports Editor Micah Bader and the entire Tribune staff for an in-depth look at Albert Lea, Alden-Conger, Glenville-Emmons, Lake Mills, Northwood-Kensett, NRHEG and USC fall sports.
Now Available. Pick up your copy at the Albert Lea Tribune.
Page 32 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Making an iMpact 138 Years...
139 Years...
Farmers mutual Insurance co. Manchester, MN Phone: 826-3425
Dave Pederson, Mgr.
www.edwardsironworkers.com
s Years... 111 Years... 111
Since 1903
CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 204 Fountain St. Albert Lea, MN 373-3188 Since 1876
109Years... Years… 108 Years... 109 Member F.D.I.C.
“Your locally owned Community Bank”
507-297-5461 Emmons, MN
In business since 1876
138 Years... 137 Years... 133 Years... 117 Years...
Manchester Hartland Telephone Co.
826-3212
www.mhtele.com Community Service Since 1903
95 Years...
Sons of Norway
www.securitybankmn.com
Normanna Lodge 52 Box 875
Albert leA • 373-1481 emmons • 297-5461
Albert Lea, Minnesota Serving the Community
Since 1905 www.sonsofnorway albertlea.com
95 Years...
St. Theodore Catholic Church 315 E. Clark St.
Sat. 5:15 pm Mass Sun. 9:30 a.m. Broadcast Mass 11:00 a.m. Spanish Mass
106Years...
2580 Bridge Ave. 373-3938
The Voice for BuSineSS!
Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-1411
Albert Lea Newspapers www.albertleatribune.com
Since 1897
100 Years... 97 Years...
2114 east maIn albert lea
men's & ladIes FIne apparel, unIForms, tuxedos
www.motorinn.com
In business since 1908
northbrIdge mall
Albert leA FAmily y 2021 West main Albert lea, mN 56007 507-373-8228 www.ymcaal.org
In Freeborn county sInce 1906
95 Years...
Albert leA Freeborn County ChAmber oF CommerCe 808 W. Front St.,
94 Years...
92 Years...
In Albert Lea Since 1917
91 Years...
Nobody covers
high school
sports like
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 301 W. clark • 373-6424
WELCOME TO WORSHIP Sundays, 8:00am Traditional 9:15am Immersion Hour 10:30am Praise & Worship Thursday, 6:30p.m.
88 Years... MOTOR SUPPLY CO.
Since 1919 • www.flcal.org
AMERICAN LEGION 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea
Charitable Gambling License No. A-00213
373-7993
87 Years...
Produce State Bank
AMERICAN LEGION
POST 264 GLENVILLE, MN Since 1919 License #B-01304-001
85 Years...
“Always providing quality service to the construction industry.”
Peterson, Savelkoul, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd.
www.ulland.com
Asphalt Paving • Site Grading Road & Driveway Construction
Albert Lea 373-1960 Also available a wide variety of aggregate & landscaping stone for pickup or delivery
84 Years...
“4-H is about purple ribbon kids, not purple ribbon animals and projects.” - Eldon Senske 507-377-5660 | Since 1922
Attorneys at Law
211 so. newton • 373-6491 www.albertlealaw.com
Douglas R. Peterson, Donald W. Savelkoul, Matthew L. Benda, Daniel L. Kolker, Stephanie A. Haedt Since 1923
81Years... Morris Furniture, a part of Albert Lea's history.
1651 olsen drIve albert lea
373-3981 Since 1926
109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale 507-889-4311
220 E. William Albert Lea 507-373-5500
2410 Bridge Ave Albert Lea 507-373-8600
secure.producestatebank.com
Since 1926
Member FDIC
2046 Sorensen Rd. P. O. Box 246 Albert Lea, MN 373-6122 In business since 1929
Celebrating 81 Years.
Hours: Mon—Wed 9—6, Thurs 9—7; Fri 9—6; Sat 9—5; Sun 12—4
507-373-6434 • www.morrisfurniture.com 1909 E. Main, Albert Lea
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 33
Making an iMpact
80 Years...
77 Years...
79 YEARS
53 1st Street, SW Wells, MN 507-553-3151 Since 1934 ---2630 Bridge Ave Albert Lea 507-373-7227 Since 1987
T H E
BIG PICTURE
We offer the highest quality oversized posters, displays, and banners that can impact your business, holiday event or family celebration.
UP TO 64” WIDE 1731 Margaretha Avenue • Albert Lea
507.373.6485
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
www.churchoffsetprinting.com
70 Years...
70 Years...
Albert leA Steel, Inc.
JENSEN REAL ESTATE & AUCTION
1126 S. Broadway Albert Lea
373-5315 Since 1944
62 Years...
61 Years...
StenSeth
111 E. Clark
Greg Jensen/383-1067 Beau Jensen/402-0553 Amy Willett/373-5660 Odean Jerdee/383-1402 In business since 1944
60 Years...
General ContraCtinG
owner
1632 Massee st. albert lea
507-402-1381
75507 240th St. Albert Lea, MN www.good-sam.com
Since 1942
company
an
507 W. Front St. & 902 east Main 377-2102 Since 1947 www.almco.com
60 Years... coMPANy
kiester, Minnesota Free estimates
conger, Mn 507-265-3325 SInce 1954
In business since 1954
clarks grove -Waseca Veterinary clinic L.L.P.
Thomas Lang, D.V.M. Dennis Nelson, D.V.M. Michael Bjorklund, D.V.M. Jennifer Bauer, D.V.M. P.O. Box 30 • 28088 770th Ave. Clarks Grove, MN 56016 (507) 256-7237 Fax: (507) 256-7611
Thomas Metzdorff, D.V.M. Scott Lang, D.V.M. Carey Prigge, D.V.M 1400 State Street South Waseca, MN 56093 (507) 835-1700 Fax: (507) 835-1980
Small & Large Animal Services
1633 W. Main Albert Lea 373-2338 Since 1937
66 Years... MorrISoN WeLL drILLINg co.
Albert Lea, MN 56007
373-1813 or 1-800-488-3621
52 Years...
56 Years...
67 Years...
Conger BorderLINe Liquor Store SIdINg & WINdoW
Where Friends Get Together
conStruction LLc DenniS StenSeth
2501 E. Main, Albert Lea www.fmcs.coop
Freeborn, Mn 863-2455 Since 1948
60 Years... 373-9586
www.lelandrealty.com
Years Built On TRUST 52 Years...
76 Years... 75 Years... Eddie's Bar and Lounge 719 Marshall Albert Lea, MN Since 1938
64 Years...
HeMeNWAy IroN WorkS ANd SecurIty StorAge
Starting at $30/month Hayward, MN
507-383-2483 507-373-0465
Struc. Steel, Misc. Metals, ornamental Iron, ornamental gazebos Original business started in 1939
63 Years...
Knutson oil Co.
gordonsville, Minn. Phone 448-3302 Glenville & Hayward Serving You For 64 Years Business started in 1950
448-3914 Since 1951
56 Years...
Hammer Dieser & mangskau, P.L.L.P.
135 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN. 373-2451 Since 1958
51 Years...
Hey! We want your marriage, engagement and birth announcements. Stop by the Tribune, 808 West Front St.
49 Years...
Fully Insured Prompt Service
Pizza
FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION, Inc. St. John's Lutheran Community & Knutson Place Apartments 901 Luther Place, Albert Lea • 373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org In business since 1962
County Rd. 46 E., Albert Lea, MN
507-373-4434
Dennis & Brad Haugen, Owners "Complete, Competent Construction Work" In business since 1962
373-7350
126 W Clark • Albert Lea Now delivering at lunch! Reader's Choice for pizza 10 years running!
Next to Wok n roll Buffet
2340 Hendrickson rd. Albert Lea • 373-0946
Professional Tax Service Since 1965
Page 34 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
48 Years...
Joyce Matthies Dance Centre
377-1183 114 S. Broadway
• Ballet • Jazz • Tap • Pointe
www.JoyceMatthies Dance.com
40 Years... ElmEr's BodY shop Dave • 553-5914
48 Years... Architects & Civil Engineers 907 SYKES STREET Albert Lea 507-373-0689 Since 1966
40 Years...
Making an iMpact 47 Years...
EZ REntal & PaRty SERvicE, llc 209 S. St. PEtER avEnuE albERt lEa, Mn 373-8026
John butlER haRRiEt hEMEnway, ownERS “In BusIness sInce 1967”
EOE
Albert Lea, MN 56007 Since 1972 www.lou-rich.com
Auctioneer
507-826-3443 72868 255th St. Albert Lea, MN Since Feb. 24, 1974
1201 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea (507) 373-2311 • www.thornecrest.net
39 Years... Products that stick with you!
507-373-1700
Joe Johnston Alex Johnston Angie Eggum 373-2353 David Kramer Jr Troy Irvine 373-0668 373-9050 Andrew Irvine 373-1150
Member SIPC Since December 1975
35 Years...
38 Years...
r&s racing
PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR 35TH ANNIVERSARY! Commercial • Industrial • Farm • Home 519 Adams, Albert Lea Since 1979
216 S. Broadway Ave Albert Lea
377-2081
37 Years...
37 Years...
507-383-5773
2110 Y. H. Hanson Ave. The Best in Salads and Mashed Potatoes
Since December 1973 www.mrsgerrys.com
37 Years...
FreeBorN CoUNTY DAYCAre ASSoCIATIoN
General Contractor 505 Pilot Caring for children is the choice of the Day • Commercial Street Care Providers. • Industrial/Manufacturing Therefore, the safety, Albert Lea, • Retail/Service growth and develop507-373-5907 ment of the child is Rick Mummert MN our primary concern. PerForMANCe PArTS 507-373-6645 rick.mummert@ & MACHINe For FREE Referrals Albert Lea, MN 56007 gmail.com In business since 373-5466 since 1978 February, 1976 www.ronholtanrealty.com eSTABLISHeD IN 1977 Award winning engines since 1976 1025 South Broadway
35 Years... 373-0731
• Unique Home Decor & Gift Ideas • Cards • Fresh & Silk Flowers for all occasions • And much more
40 Years...
Since 1974
1731 Margaretha Ave
In Albert Lea Since June, 1978
505 W. Front St
369-4804
373-2338
• UPC Code Labels Albert Lea, MN • Identification Stickers We c • Pressure Sensitive Roll Labels mee an ta • Permanent or Removable Labels cyour foodll omm & label ercial • Over 350 Dies on Hand need s! • Single or Multi-Colored Jobs
505 east Main Albert Lea, MN • 373-0636
company
Col. o. C. Johnson
Skyline Plaza
Wells, MN Since 1974
36 Years...
an
TOM WenTzler’s PainTing
40 Years... 40 Years...
40 Years...
Since 1974
39 YEARS
41 Years...
42 Years...
Committed to the quality of life & services for people with disabilities since 1979.
35 Years...
34 ½ Years... Jamie a. Kyllo
Complete collision repair services for any insurance company.
attorney at law
Since 1979
Since Nov. 1979
373-0952 1515 Blake Ave. Albert Lea
373-4680 202 West Clark St. Albert Lea
Have a story idea? Call Hannah at 379-3439 today!
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 35
Making an iMpact
34 Years...
Dinah's Style, Inc. 405 East William, Albert Lea, MN • 507-373-3822
18 private suites offering hair care, massage, eyelash extensions, manicures, sugaring and skin care
tire & Service 1353 SE Broadway
373-6469
408 Broadway Hartland, MN 507-845-2100
Since 1982
29 Years...
New to You Consignment 123 N. Broadway
373-0388
Laurie Boyer Owner
28 Years...
C
33 Years...
32 Years of Alamco... 22 Years of Weyerhauser com-tec 22 Years of RILCO Mobile 76 YEARS OF LAMINATION radio 101 1st Ave SW Glenville, MN
448-3717 Since 1981
32 Years... Albert Lea’s Oldest and Only Locally Owned
Thompson Sanitation Service 256-4370
373-1401
Since Sept. 3, 1982
PO Box 154 Clarks Grove, MN 56016 Since Dec. 1, 1982
TCM
CoMModiTies OptiOns, Futures, silver, GOld & platinum 377-1667 1430 W. Main Albert Lea, MN Since May 1980
31 Years...
Short Stop
33 Years...
KeN'S Service • Auto Repair • Engine & Transmission Installation • Tires, Brakes, & Exhaust 226 e. clark St. Albert Lea, MN Since Feb. 1981
kensservice@qwestoffice.net
30 Years...
craig and Marcia rayman Since 1983
ALbert LeA trAiLer Service
2101 consul Ave. 507-377-1671
In business since March 1981
29 Years...
WeStruM trucK & body iNc. New & used Grain trailers, used Semi tractors
Glenville • 448-3547 24 hr pay-at-pump
33 Years...
377-2099
A one-stop convenience store highway 65 South
1907 e. Main, Albert Lea
702 13th Street
373-4218
www.westrumtruck.com
Serving Albert Lea Since 1983
29 Years...
29 Years...
29 YEARS
28 Years... rick Furniture Downtown Albert Lea • 507-373-2514
227 S. Broadway
Reach your local market neighborhood by neighborhood WITHOUT a mailing List! Contact us for more information on Every Door Direct Mail! 1731 MARGARETHA AVE • ALBERT LEA •507-373-6485
28 Years... 28 Years... Jan Jerdee
lothing are enter
373-2514
373-9850
373-2804
October 4th & 5th, 2014 1-800-658-2526 Bancroft Bay City Park
1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea Since 1986
LLC
373-3331
802 e. Main St. Albert Lea, MN
commercial carpet cleaning John & Jean Riedlinger, Owners
26 Years...
THE CAR CLINIC 373-8143
Auto Motor Service brakes, exhaust tune-ups electrical & computer
June 9, 1987
Nice People, Nice Store
Since May 2, 1985 www.dominos.com
Fire, Water, Furniture
919 West Main Albert Lea
373-2318
116 So. Washington Albert Lea Since 1986
L&D Ag Service
Specialize in spray, fertilizer, & precision ag equipment
Since 1980
33 Years...
34 Years... 34 Years...
26 Years... hometown broadcasting KQpr 96.1 FM
LocALLy oWNed!
Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-9600 Contests: (507) 373-9401 Since Aug. 24, 1988
www.power96rocker.com
26 Years... heating & Air conditioning 24 hour emergency service
emergency phone: 373-5166 business phone: 373-8435 Box 55 • Albert Lea Since 1988
Page 36 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
25 Years...
REINERTSON’S EMBROIDERY 127 S. Broadway 373-0751
25 Years...
Making an iMpact
Tractor Manuals
Visit our World Headquarters at 200 Main Street
Embroidery, Jackets, Hats, Business Logos, Manchester, MN 56007-5000 Sports, Schools, Sweatshirts, School logos
www.reinertsons embroidery.com
18 Years...
826-3666
In Business Since November 1989
23 Years...
301 Rezin Ave. 373-2713
Inside Storage for Commercial & Residential Since 1991
18 Years...
Pro SUPPER CLUB Manufacturing WE WANT TO SERVE YOU! Inc.
TUESDAY - CHICKEN SPECIAL WEDNESDAY - WALLEYE DINNER THURSDAY - STEAK & SHRIMP OR STEAK & LOBSTER FRIDAY - SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB SATURDAY - SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB OR BBQ RIBS
LOCAL LOCKER/FARM TO TABLE
15 Years...
Downtown Geneva 507-256-4501 georgesof geneva.com
14 Years...
373-5570 • 377-0091
77917 209th St, Albert Lea
www.promfg.net Since March 1996
14 Years...
448-2752 Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm RE/MAX Sat Oct-Dec Properties 120 E Main St, Glenville
12 ½ Years...
LS STORAGE
402-2352 805 W. 9th St. 5x10 units 10x10 units 10x20 units 10x30 units Outdoor storage available
crhoium@yahoo.com 507-473-3048
16 ½ Years...
“SUPER STORE TO YOUR DOOR”An FREE ESTIMATES • FREE INSTALLATION
507-373-8535
Toll Free 877-373-8535 DESIGN CENTER 310 1st Ave S. ALBERT LEA, MN Since Sept. 1, 1997
13 Years...
Commercial Casework & Cabinetry Lake Mills, IA
16 Years...
Soy Candles, Soaps & Lotions, Local consignments of handmade craft items! www.minnesoytanice.net
12 Years...
¢ents
Your trusted leaders in staffing solutions
507-377-7410 800-371-1262
www.us.manpower.com Since March 13, 1995
15 Years...
LIQUOR
Bookkeeping services & customized Quickbooks training Advanced Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor Laurie Sistek, 415 E. William St, Albert Lea 507-552-1263 laurie@bookkeepingcents.com
379-2364
13 Years...
13 Years...
1617 W. Main Albert Lea
Clay Culbertson
Marketing Consultant
507-379-9851
Owners John & Jean
Riedlinger
15 Years... Agra Resources, LLC 200 Proof. 100 Percent Homegrown. 507-373-8895
15300 780th Ave. Albert Lea, MN
www.poet.com Since March 1999
WEB-ROOM/ FaMily Fun CEntER Computer Services Computer Retailer National Internet Service Provider DVD Production
Gifts, Dart Supplies, Pool Supplies, Over the Hill Novelty Items
377 -2425
118 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN
12 Years...
Vents, Chimneys, Fireplaces Commercial & Residential
13 Years...
Exquisite Food & Fine Wines
116 Bridge Ave • Albert Lea Since May 2000
12 Years...
DUCT CARE
Bookkeeping CHEERS
507-379-9850
Shell Food Mart 373-5179
19 Years...
19 Years...
373-9850
Classifieds Consultant
507-377-2752
www.remax.com
Craig Hoium
505 Pilot Street Albert Lea, MN
20 Years...
Michelle DaVeiga
Greg Moen, Realtor®
412 E. William, Albert Lea, MN Office: 377-2752
22 Years...
11 ½ Years... 11 Years...
703 Marshall St 377-8591
and growing!
Properties Custom Homes & Renovations Cabinetry, Countertops, Flooring & Stone
Geneva, MN 507.256.4390
www.rwpdesignbuild.com
Greg Moen, Broker/Owner Steve Honsey, Josh Harmdierks, Kisti Skaar, Lynn Kelley, Emelie Paulson, Jim Paulson, Heather Allen, Jay Waltman
412 E. William St, Albert Lea 377-2752 • www.remax.com
507-373-5350
Southside Custom
Steven K. Bland, DDS
• Full service mechanic shop • Body & paint • Custom painting
Better call Blecker today!
auroradental.net
Mike Jensen 1401 SE. Broadway - 373-4164
Go to www.bleckerrealty.com to view all our listings!
M-W 7:30-5, Th by appt.
60 Years Experience
379-9009
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 37
10 Years...
10 Years...
Making an iMpact HOME OF THE FLAT IRON STEAK
9 Years...
Roofing • Siding • Garages Additions • Decks & More
373-6337
Matt Johnson, Broker Associate REALTOR®
Located in Nelson’s Marketplace
Grill open Mon. - Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. - Sat. 11am-11pm
The only Albert Lea owned pharmacy
Please give a call.
224 W Main St., Lake Mills • 641-592-3303 627 Main Street, Osage • 641-832-3300 104 N Elm St., Cresco • 563-547-3300
9 Years...
8 Years...
Helping Hands Home Care of MN
ALBERT LEA TAXI
800-246-9212
8 Years...
8 Years...
Joan Miller
Classifieds Consultant
507-379-3425
To always attain the highest quality of care that you need and deserve.
7 Years... Renee Citsay
7 ½ Years...
Michele Beyer
Nancy's Cafe
Diana Newman 522 S. Broadway Albert Lea
Nancy Newman, John Gladue
Mon-Fri 6-1 Sat 6-11
Breakfast served all day
LOCALLY OWNED
377-1555
Homemade Soup
6 ½ Years... 6 Years...
6 Years...
Angie Hoffman
6 Years...
Marketing Consultant
507-379-3429
507-379-3430
808 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN
379-9858 5 ½ Years...
Send a letter to the editor.
FOX News, NASCAR, Linder Farm Markets, Gods Country Sunday Gospels and Classic Country music dating back to 1935!
letters@albertleatribune.com
LOCALLY OWNED!
www.classiccountrylegends.com
Office: 373-9600 Contest: 437-0970 • Since June 9, 2008
Keith & Angie Flatness, Owners
Located Inside Brick Furniture
225 S. Broadway Albert Lea, MN
5 Years...
717 Marshall St Albert Lea, MN
Be an
informed citizen when you cast your vote.
373-9446
“One of a kind shopping in Downtown Albert Lea!”
507-373-2514
7 Years...
507-379-3428
M-F 4:30am-2pm Sat 4:30am-11am
507-383-3341
matnjohnson@yahoo.com http://mjohnsonhomes.vflyer.com
Marketing Consultant
373-5469
Marketing Consultant
2751 E. Main 373-3200 www.loves.com
305 1st Ave. S., Albert Lea Cell: 507-213-0360
120 S. Washington
24 hours per day/ 7 days per week
www.helpingcareforyou.com
7 Years...
9 Years...
EST FREE IMA TES
Residential & Commercial Jesse & Kelly Krick
507-402-2348
Visit us on Facebook
read the triBune daily.
Year... 3 Years... 11Year...
• Rentals • Home Inspections • Real Estate Broker • Property Management • Consultations • Commercial
Robert Hoffman, Broker
507-402-4692
complete@complete-realty.com MN Lic #40229984 & #40230933
Store Front Decals & Signage Vehicle/Equipment Graphics Real Estate Signs - Yard Signs - Banners And So Much More
507.383.1336
FREE ATES ‘Stick With The Best’ ESTIM WWW.SLGGRAPHICSANDSIGN.COM
Page 38 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Tax tips about hobby businesses “Always providing quality service to the construction industry”
Albert Lea 373-1960
Glenville Scale 448-2047
Shannon Savick Delivers Shannon Savick - Strong, sensible leadership for Minnesota
Education: Rep. Shannon Savick knows that a world-class economy starts with a world-class education system and she fought for our local students: • • • • • •
Secured nearly $4 million for our local school districts Paid back the IOU owed to our schools in full Fully funded all-day kindergarten for every Minnesota child Made Minnesota’s first significant investment in early childhood education Froze college tuition for two years Narrowed gap in funding between metro and rural schools.
Rep. Savick is endorsed by Albert Lea Education Association and will continue fighting to ensure every Minnesota child has the opportunity to succeed.
Vote Shannon Savick for State Representative! Paid for by the committee to elect Shannon Savick
A recurring quesUse IRS free file tion that SCORE menHobby rules can be tors get asked is, “Can complex and IRS Free I turn my hobby into a File can make filing business or do I even your tax return easneed to report income ier. IRS Free File is that I make from my available until Oct. 15. hobby?” If you make $58,000 The answer is yes, but By Dean Swanson or less, you can use be sure that you know brand-name tax software. If you earn what the IRS says about this. I am not more, you can use Free File Fillable a tax person, so I go direct to the IRS Forms, an electronic version of IRS pafor some help on this question. I will per forms. Free File is available only share with you what they gave me. through the IRS.gov website. Millions of people enjoy hobbies that For more on these rules see Pubare also a source of income. Some exlication 535. You can get it on IRS. amples include stamp and coin collect- gov or by calling 800-TAX-FORM ing, craft making and horsemanship. (800-829-3676). You must report on your tax return the income you earn from a hobby. The And now, something different rules for how you report the income Let’s talk about another topic. I was and expenses depend on whether the visiting with some small business activity is a hobby or a business. There CEOs this week at a networking event. are special rules and limits for deducIn this informal exchange, a few of tions you can claim for a hobby. Here them came to the conclusion that email are five tax tips you should know about marketing “doesn’t work anymore.” hobbies: Here are some thoughts about how to improve your results with email Is it a business or a hobby? marketing. A key feature of a business is that Email marketing can be an imporyou do it to make a profit. You often en- tant and relevant digital marketing gage in a hobby for sport or recreation, channel, but is often only successful not to make a profit. You should consid- if your messages are sent to the right er the nine factors that the IRS website people and you are compliant with aphas on this topic when you determine plicable laws. Most people receive dozwhether your activity is a hobby. Make ens of emails every day and if you use sure to base your determination on all a one-size-fits-all approach, chances the facts and circumstances of your are your message will get lost. situation. For more about not-for-profMy first suggestion is to “target” it rules see Publication 535, Business your emails. Targeting your email via Expenses. list segmentation can be an essential part of an effective email campaign. Depending on the information in your Allowable hobby deductions database, you can target your email acWithin certain limits, you can usucording to your business’ key metrics ally deduct ordinary and necessary including sales cycle stage, browsing/ hobby expenses. An ordinary expense is one that is common and accepted for purchase history, product group, age, the activity. A necessary expense is gender, location, interests, customer one that is appropriate for the activity. value, etc. Targeted emails allow you to create specific messages for specific people. Limits on hobby expenses You can reward your existing customGenerally, you can only deduct your ers with a coupon or promote an achobby expenses up to the amount of cessory or upgrade to a particular hobby income. If your hobby expenses product they may own. When you segare more than your hobby income, you ment emails, you send your recipients have a loss from the activity. You can’t deduct the loss from your other income. relevant messages that can help you communicate the right message to the right audience. How to deduct hobby expenses Targeted email marketing is best You must itemize deductions on your used by businesses that want to nurtax return in order to deduct hobby ture their current customer base, comexpenses. Your expenses may fall into municate information and generate three types of deductions, and special sales. rules apply to each type. See Publication 535 for the rules about how you Dean Swanson is the district director claim them on Schedule A, Itemized with SCORE of Southeast Minnesota. Deductions.
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 39
e t a D t nigh n o i h s a f
Sept./Oct. 2014 Issue Now Available
Page 40 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
From hobby to business
to finding a niche
By Micah Bader
micah.bader@albertleatribune.com
Cassandra Mines, owner of Krafty Kat Kandy, holds a tutu she designed with yarn at the top. Micah Bader/Albert Lea Tribune
Store owner at Northbridge Mall sells clothes, purses, jewelry she makes
A
childhood hobby turned into a business venture for Cassandra Mines. “I’ve been crocheting since I was a kid,” said Mines. “I’ve always loved it.”
Mines puts her passion to use by The main craft influence for Mines was making scarves, hats, blankets, sweaters, her grandmother on her father’s side of purses and jewelry she sells in her store the family: Frances Hargrove. called Krafty Kat Kandy at 2524 Bridge “She used to have bags of yarn, crochet Ave. at the Northbridge Mall. dolls and sell them at her job,” Mines said.
512 E. 7th St. AlbErt lEA, MN 56007 PhoNE: (507) 373-4526 FAx: (507) 373-4527 www.lEMbkEcoNStructioN.coM
“She was the first person who actually made me think that crochet was lucrative. Before that, it was always a hobby.” The name of the business was a strategic move built for search engine
turn to us for unmatched service, knowledge & workmanship!
507-373-6263
923 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea Lic#PC643602
CommerCiAL induStriAL reSidentiAL
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 41 optimization. Mines said the business was originally called Crafty Cat Candy, but she changed to Cs to Ks to improve her Web search results. With Cs, her website — www.kraftykatkandy.com — wasn’t on the first page of Google’s results. With Ks, it catapulted to the top of the first page. “I needed to create a name that stood out on the Web and will stand out from all the different stores,” Mines said. “My nickname when I was young was Candy, and I’m crafty.” Mines has lived throughout the country. She was born in Detroit, split her high school years in Inglewood, Calif., and Alexandria, Va., and after taking online courses at Kaplan University for business and accounting, she ended up in Forest City, Iowa, with a start-up. In June of 2011, Krafty Kat Kandy opened its doors for the first time in downtown Forest City. However, Mines decided to move to Albert Lea to get increased exposure. The business opened in February 2014. “I needed to be somewhere with enough visibility that I don’t have to advertise all the time,” she said. “Yes, I can advertise some, but I don’t have to advertise all the time because there is normal traffic that’s always coming through. That’s what you need if you’re small.” Although Mines lived in Iowa, she was familiar with Albert Lea because she taught a crochet class for Albert Lea Community Education, she said. “I was able to teach students basic crochet skills, and I was able to feel out the area,” Mines said. “It got me into thinking this might be a good place to sell yarn.” However, that’s not the only thing in
Mines’ store. “In order for it to be successful you have to do yarn and you have to make things and have books and pamphlets, needles and accessories,” she said. Before she moved to town, one of Mines’ favorite things to do in Albert Lea was go to Jo-Ann Fabric, browse their selection and buy yarn to make things. With the closure of Jo-Ann Fabric, its former patrons could buy yarn at chain stores or Sterling Drug, but Albert Lea lacked a specialty yarn dealer, Mines said. That’s the void that she hopes to fill. “Most of my yarn is not the type you find at Shopko or Walmart, but it does overlap a little bit,” Mines said. “My yarn tends to be something a little different: a little flashy, a little fancy or just pops of color.” Krafty Kat Kandy has one of the smallest retail spaces in the mall, but that’s exactly what Mines was looking for. “I wanted to keep it small so I could grow with the needs and desires of the people here.” Mines’ vision for her business is to keep the yarn she sells as local as possible. Right now, part of her selection is from Angora Gardens in Clarks Grove. “If I could expand, I’d want to offer more local fiber to tie into the local economy,” she said. “I’d want to make it something that when people patronize Bundles of yarn sit on a shelf at Krafty Kat Kandy. me, it’s not just me they’re patronizing, it’s their local neighbors who are in the fiber industry. They’d be contributing to (the fiber industry) being able to be profitable and stay in business. That’s the dream.”
Fine selection oF wine, beer & liquor ’s
Michelle
FRE
BAg oF E icE wit 606 S. Broadway • Albert Lea 373-4678
h every purchase
The Pour house B
a r
& G
Quality Ingredients Fresh Flavors Clarks Grove, MN Cassandra Mines holds 300 yards of yarn that contains 57 percent Corriedale, 25 percent angora and 18 percent alpaca from Angora Gardens in Clarks Grove.
507-256-8014
Open Mon-Sat 11am-1am
r i l l
Page 42 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Freeborn County labor market by the numbers Description Period Data County rank Population 2011 31,172 35 Population 2011 -83 35 Working age (18-64) 2001-2011 average 58.1% 55 Population over 24 with diploma 2007-2011 average 87.3% 69 Pop. speaks English less than “very well” 2007-2011 average 2.3% 21 Labor force December 2012 16,482 35 Per capita income 2007-2011 average $24,409 53 Annual average employment 2011 12,290 34 Quarter average employment 2nd Q 2012 12,308 34 Employment change from prior year 2nd Q 2012 -204 Mean travel time to work 2007-2011 average 18 min. 61 Unemployed December 2012 920 50 Unemployment rate December 2012 5.6% 44 Pop. below poverty 2007-2011 average 11% 35 Initial claims for unemployment insurance December 2012 194 41 Initial claims change from prior year December 2012 -14% 13 2011 $643 42 Average weekly wage Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Be an
informed citizen when you cast your vote. read the triBune daily.
PEGGY
FOR
BENNETT HOUSE 27A
People before politics.
“Big government too easily strays from a people driven agenda to a politically driven agenda. Political power should never become more important than PEOPLE.”
3 VOTE
PEGGY BENNETT
November 4th!
She will be a strong voice for THE PEOPLE of Minnesota!
Albert Lea High School seniors lineup to receive their high school diplomas in early June in the high school gym. Colleen Harrison/ Albert Lea Tribune
Business establishments Dodge County: 421 Freeborn County: 817 Faribault County: 453 Mower County: 859 Steele County: 1,001 Waseca County: 501 Winnebago County: 320 Worth County: 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.
Freeborn County establishments by employees 1-4 404 5-9 185 10-19 121 20-49 68 50-99 24 100-249 10 250-499 3 500-999 2 0 1,000 and up Total 817
Peggy’s Priorities.. MORE LOCAL CONTROL is critical. Our communities in southern Minnesota have differing needs from other parts of the state. State mandated ‘one size fits all’ does not work in most cases. Let the PEOPLE who live and work here have more input, control, and authority to make decisions about education, agriculture, healthcare, business, and other important issues. Among the many important issues for our communities are:
3 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Overregulation and high state taxes are sucking jobs right out of our communities and over the border into other states. These do this by strangling existing business growth and repelling new business. That has to change so our communities can prosper economically. Growing existing business and bringing in new business is all about PEOPLE because it means more and better paying jobs.
3 AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is key to our area. District 27A is made up of many rural communities where PEOPLE rely on agriculture. We need fair property taxes for farmers and we need to reign in overregulation. “Freedom at the pump” for ethanol is another important need. Ethanol should have the right to compete at the pump so that the free market can determine the outcome. Competition creates the best outcome for business.
3 EDUCATION
Quality education helps prepare PEOPLE - our children - for life and occupation. The state needs to provide local school districts with a budget beyond two years so districts can make financially sound, long range plans - just like a business does. We also need to eliminate unfunded legislation and bring back more local control to our schools so that parents, teachers, and administrators can work together to meet the needs of our children.
Learn more about Peggy and her positions at www.Bennett4House.com! Prepared and paid for by the Bennett for MN House 27A committee • 146 W William St, PMB #7 • Albert Lea, MN 56007
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 43
It’s all about
Real Steel appeal
Photo essay by Colleen Harrison colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
Albert Lea Steel handles a number of custom steel jobs, such as railings for houses like this one pictured. Turn the page to see more photos.
Dedicated to providing compassionate service to every family we serve. 308 7th Avenue • Ellendale (507) 684-2881 2210 East Main St. Albert Lea (507) 373-2461 217 West Division St. New Richland (507) 465-8015 BonnerupFuneralService.com
Plasma cutting uses either inert gas or compressed air blown at high speed out of a nozzle. At the same time an electrical arc is formed through that gas from the nozzle to the surface being cut, turning some of that gas to plasma.
OPEN 24 HOURS 1550 Blake Avenue Albert Lea
ison Whole Deer Ven$80.00 ly Processing on gs
507-377-2998
immin
tr We do take the
Conger Meat Market Friendly Small Town Service
100 William Ave. Conger, MN • Family Owned
Only 6.5 Miles W. of Hwy. 69 on Co. Rd. 17
(507) 265-3340
Northbridge Mall Albert Lea 377-1556
Pharmacy hours: M-F 9-9 • Sat 9-7 • Sun 10-6
Page 44 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
There are a number of stock materials on hand at Albert Lea Steel that are either sold for retail purposes or are used on custom jobs.
Duane Vanderploeg owns Albert Lea Steel where his wife, Mary Jo, is the receptionist, Duane Vanderploeg, owner of Albert Lea Steel, grinds down a weld on a steel piece. bookkeeper and “everything else.�
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 45
Established in 1982, providing custom glu-lams in Albert Lea since 1938.
1410 WEST 9Th STREET ALBERT LEA, MN 56007 Alamco Wood Products, LLC is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.
Albert Lea Steel owner Duane Vanderploeg TIG welds two pieces of steel together. TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding, welds metals and alloys together with minimal to no sparking or smoking.
TIG welding, also called arc welding, uses non-consumable electrodes to weld pieces together.
Albert Lea Steel owner Duane Vanderploeg uses a plasma cutting torch to cut pieces of steel into shapes.
STRONG. BEAUTIFUL. RENEWABLE.
Celebrating 31 Years of Quality, Customer Service, and Growth
2200 YH Hanson Ave, Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 373-5006
Page 46 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Looking out for the empty spaces
A space is currently available downtown at 204 W. Clark St.
Ashland Davis & Rollex Vinyl Siding Merillat Cabinets Anderson Windows
Through our collective efforts, we are committed to teaching and learning for all.
102 S. 4th Ave E. Lake Mills, IA
641-592-0881
Lake Mills, Iowa
Bosch.
Genuine Parts
Keep your Bosch-equipped diesel engine running smooth. We stock both new and rebuilt Bosch injection equipment.
Quality Service
See us for fast, dependable service. We test, calibrate and repair injection pumps, nozzle assemblies and glow plugs. Warranty and normal repair.
INJECTIoN TECHNology DIESEl SERVICE
Hwy 65 North, Northwood, IA
641-324-2010
There are a number of vacant storefronts between College and Main in downtown Albert Lea where a café used to be. See more images on Page 57.
Northwood Lumber
for supporting my education at Lake Mills School!
• Free Gift Wrapping • We Mix Paint • Bridal Registry • We Cut Keys • We Repair Bikes • Hunting & Fishing Licenses • We Replace Glass and Screens
By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
512 W. Central Ave. Northwood, IA 641-324-1215
D
owntown Albert Lea has blossomed following a reconstruction of Broadway in 2013, but there are places that remain vacant. Many are along Broadway to the south of the junction with Main Street, like the two on this page. In 2015, the city and the Minnesota Department of Transportation plan to give Broadway a bituminous mill overlay from Main Street to Interstate 35, which presents the opportunity to rethink Broadway, especially the area between Main and Front streets. We publish these photos as a means to get people thinking about ideas for improve the landscape.
3rd Generation Quality • Farm Drainage • Excavating • Demolition • Water Work • FREE Estimates!
Northwood True Value 96 10th Street North Adjacent to VerHelst Drug Northwood, Iowa • 641-324-1763
NORTHWOOD, IA • 641-390-1278
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 47
Serious about sports ‌
The Albert Lea Tribune news staff, from left, is Tim Engstrom, Hannah Dillon, Colleen Harrison, Sarah Stultz and Micah Bader.
Page 48 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Take this job
and love it
By Drew Claussen
drew.claussen@albertleatribune.com
Her craft hobby becomes a career
F
or Heidi Blankenship, arts and crafts are way more than just a hobby. They are a way of life. Blankenship has been interested in arts and crafts since age 3, when her grandmother got her involved. The Albert Lea native and 1989 graduate of Albert Lea High School has turned it into her livelihood. Her grandmother “was always trying all kinds of new crafts,” Blankenship said. “I can remember sitting in her sewing room and doing different crafts with her and just trying new things from a very young age.” Blankenship never lost the passion. She started stamping at age 17. According to Blankenship, stamping wasn’t as popular back then as it is right now. “I just kind of dabbled in it,” she said. “And then all of a sudden Stampin Up! popped up and Close To My Heart and
there were stamp stores and scrapbook stores and everything. So I got a lot more into it then.” Blankenship has taught at local scrapbook stores and has traveled to Rochester and the Twin Cities to share her craft with others. She does cards, jewelry and photography, among others. All of her crafts are a result of a blog she started about six or seven years ago. “A friend of mine said, ‘Why don’t you start a blog up?’” Blankenship said. “And I thought nobody would even care; I wasn’t working with any companies at that time. But she helped me start up a blog, and it was only a few months later that I ended getting hooked up with a company.” Blankenship’s blog can be found at embellished-dreams.blogspot.com. It started off as a paper-crafting blog that Heidi Blankenship sits in her-dining-room-turned-studio. Brandi Hagen/Albert Lea Tribune mostly focused on cards and a few home décor pieces. She said it has changed to times when people follow your blog on a more of a lifestyle blog with topics like regular basis they kind of feel like they know you. So I do get a lot of interaction mixed media and jewelry. “You have to be very current in show- that way.” She works with six companies, all of ing what the latest trends are,” she said. “I’ve gotten a lot more into the jewelry.” which promote her work across the counBlankenship’s blog has about 1,000 try and around the world. Some of the followers and she said that she enjoys companies that Blankenship works with interacting with her readers. are a die-cutting company and a stamp “They’ll leave comments,” she said. company. The companies she now works “They’ll email me too, so I think a lot of for are Spellbinders Paper Arts, JustRite
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An example of Blankenship’s homemade jewlery.
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 49 Papercraft, Positively Me by Julianna Hudgins, Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L Ambassador, ButterBeeScraps and The Stamp Simply Ribbon Store. “What they do is they send me the product and then I create a project with it,” she said. “And then those projects are used on my blog. Some of the companies you get paid to blog and some of them you get product for what you do. It just depends on what your contracts are per company.” In the past she worked with 12 other companies and was a guest designer for many others. Blankenship said she frequently collaborates with other designers on the team through group chats, email and Skype. Blankenship’s work is also featured in magazines, books and banner advertisements online. “I’ve been published in several national magazines. I’ve also been published over in the United Kingdom,” She said. “I’ve had a few covers, which that’s always a huge plus when you can get on the cover.” All in all, Blankenship has been published in 17 different publications. She has also been featured by the same magazine in multiple issues. “There’s a whole lot with my job that people just don’t realize that I do,” Blankenship said. “There’s a lot of paperwork
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and there’s a lot of deadlines.” In December, Blankenship opened an Etsy shop where she will sell some of her cards, jewelry, home décor and other homemade items. Her crafts are more of a business than a hobby now — the Blankenships’ dining room has turned into her office and studio, though probably one of the best-decorated ones. She lives on Bridge Avenue in Albert Lea with her husband, Eric, and her sons Dusty and Evan. After graduating high school, Blankenship attended Riverland Community College in Austin before taking a job at Johnson Floral in Albert Lea. She worked her way up to manager at Johnson before moving on to manage the floral department at Rainbow Foods in Albert Lea and giving up her job to focus on her own crafts when her second son was born. “Doing this is really nice because it allows me to be at home,” Blankenship said. “I’ve always been able to be at home with the kids. I can set my own hours. I do a lot of very late nights and early mornings so then when they come home from school or work it can be family time.” But when she is facing deadlines, the boys know not to interrupt. Editor’s note: This story first appeared in the January/February issue of Albert Lea magazine.
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An example of Blankenship’s homemade cards.
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Page 50 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Store has fresh spin on
making new from old
By Colleen Harrison
colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com
Judy Mummert, pictured with her daughter Kristin Bergdale and granddaughter Lindy, opened The Color Wheel in April. Colleen Harrison/Albert Lea Tribune
The Color Wheel sells decorations, custom goods, repurposed furniture
I
t’s only been open since April, but The Color Wheel has already made a splash — especially of color. Judy Mummert said she decided to open the store after seeing an opportunity
for something else new and creative to come to downtown Albert Lea. Daughters Kristin Bergdale and Shawna Soper work in the store, too. Mummert was an interior painter for
about 17 years before opening up the retail shop. Over the years she transitioned from painting walls to painting furniture. “I find every piece unique,” she said.
“Whether it’s old or new.” Her shop, at 122 W. Main St., sells gifts, décor items, repurposed furniture and do-it-yourself paint while offering custom furniture painting. Mummert
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 51 showcases various independent artists and vendors in her store. She has about 23 merchants selling out of The Color Wheel right now. She wants to be a part of making Albert Lea a shopping destination, she said, and to continue highlighting talent within the area. To Mummert, being in business means working together with the other venues downtown. “We all have to enhance each other instead of compete,” she said. Mummert said she already has met some great people through owning the store and said she likes that people come in to hangout and talk with others. She loves the downtown location and said the local business community has been supportive. The local buyers are appreciated. The Color Wheel is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Any updates or future events can be found on the business’ Facebook page. While still getting the business up and running, she has no shortage of ideas for the future. She’s hosted Pinterest parties, had special hours during two of the Wind Down Wednesdays, taught painting classes using the Amy Howard paints she sells in the store and has plans for ladies nights and extended holiday hours, among others. “There’s still a lot of ideas, a lot of paths to take,” Mummert said. “We’re The Color Wheel sells various home décor and gift items along with its repurposed furniture. just getting started.”
The Color Wheel owner Judy Mummert was an interior painter for about 17 years. She said she gradually moved from painting walls to painting furniture, and now sells some of her cutom pieces at the shop.
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Page 52 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Watch their
ideas grow and grow
By Hannah Dillon
hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com
Mariah Lynne and Abby Murray, who kickstarted The Marketing Plant last year, are experiencing waves of success in their business. Hannah Dillon/Albert Lea Tribune
Women found The Marketing Plant as a hobby but quickly become busy
M
ariah Lynne and Abby Murray lead busy lives. Both have children, families and jobs at Alliance Benefit Group. But for Lynne and Murray, marketing
is much more than a job, it’s a passion. After Alliance Benefit Group dedicated people to marketing, Lynne said clients started to notice. Lynne is the vice president of client relations with Alliance
Benefit Group and co-founder of The Marketing Plant. This lead to Lynne and Murray starting their own marketing business, The Marketing Plant, in April of 2013.
“Some people water ski, some people scrapbook, some people shop. We go home and market,” said Murray, director of sales and marketing at Alliance Benefit Group and co-founder of The
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Mariah Lynne, right, and Abby Murray are so passionate about marketing they do it for their jobs and as a hobby. Marketing Plant. Lynne and Murray started putting in nights and weekends with The Marketing Plant, which is run out of Lynne’s parents’ lake home at 117 Bridge Ave. Lynne said it was a good space for them to start because it’s like working from home but not actually home. Plus, she said that the views are great to look at while working, as The Marketing Plant’s office overlooks Fountain Lake. The name itself has multiple meanings behind it. On one hand, the word “plant” signifies a production plant, producing marketing for businesses and manufacturers. On the other hand, the word “plant” signifies growth, as the company’s slogan is “watch your business grow.” “There’s a lot of meaning behind it,” Murray said. What originally started as a hobby snowballed in to something much more, Murray said. While the women have a passion for marketing, their initial thought was to bring more creative jobs to Albert Lea, making the city a “mecca
for creatives.” Lynne and Murray hope to do this by helping small to mid-size companies with inbound marketing and get those companies to a point where they need their own in-house marketers. Inbound marketing refers to things like searching for companies and seeing what they look like. “Are you being found? What do you look like?” Lynne said. Outbound marketing is doing advertisements and sending mailers, for example. Some of the services that The Marketing Plant does for inbound marketing include help with social media and building websites. By December 2013, The Marketing Plant had clients in six states: Minnesota, Tennessee, Florida, Kentucky, Kansas and Wisconsin. Despite having clients outside of the region, Lynne and Murray said they are still dedicated to bringing jobs to Albert
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Page 54 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Mariah Lynne, right, and Abby Murray started The Marketing Plant last year to help small to mid-size companies in the community as well as grow Albert Lea as a destination.
Marketing Continued from Page 53
Lea, and are also interested in making Albert Lea a tourism destination. The Marketing Plant created the Albert Lea Lakes Foundation’s website, not for profit but pro bono to develop the city as a destination. They also helped with the Lakes Foundation’s membership drive. Locally, The Marketing Plant also
has worked with Sorenson Appliance, Donna Nelson Insurance, Alliance Benefit Group, Between Friends Boutique and Essence of Yoga. They have between five to 10 other clients that they’re currently working on projects with that haven’t been released yet. One thing that The Marketing Plant does that other website building companies don’t necessarily do, Murray said, is build websites from the ground up. They work on design and content as well as
the back end of the website. The Marketing Plant also helps their clients reach goals, and if the company has no goals set, they help them set those goals, both in the short and long term. As their business grew, Lynne and Murray realized they needed a little help. They have since hired a director of operations, Lydia Sorenson, and also use the services of freelance copywriters, sketch artists, web developers, graphic designers and technical writers.
The Marketing Plant is relatively busy with a decent-sized client base, but Lynne said they do turn people down if they don’t believe they would be a good fit for the client. She also said they need time to help local businesses. Looking to the future, Lynne and Murray hope to create jobs, create a beautiful town, grow the community and grow to hire more people internally. “We want to impact our community,” Lynne said. “We want Albert Lea and Freeborn County to grow.”
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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 55
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Don’t be misled by smishing scams. ReBe the first person to member the following: visit this link and win • Government agena free gaming system! cies, banks and other legitimate companies By Lori Swanson Text messages like never ask for personal these are quick to grab our attention. or financial information, like userStudies show that the majority of innames, passwords, PINs, or credit or coming text messages are opened debit card numbers via text message. within 15 minutes of receipt. Scam • Don’t be rushed. Smishing scams artists know this and sometimes target attempt to create a false sense of urconsumers with “phishing” scams via gency by implying that an immediate text message or SMS (short message response is required or that there is a service). limited time to respond. Text message or SMS phishing • Don’t “click” open links in unsolic— also called “smishing” — occurs ited text messages. Clicking the link when scam artists use deceptive text may infect your mobile device with messages to lure consumers into a virus or malware designed to steal providing their personal or financial the personal or financial information information. The scam artists that stored on the device. send smishing messages often imper• Don’t call a telephone number sonate a government agency, bank, listed in an unsolicited text message. or other company to lend legitimacy Scam artists often use email-to-text to their claims. Smishing messages technology, short codes or spoofed lotypically ask consumers to provide cal numbers to hide their identity. You usernames and passwords, credit and should contact any bank, government, debit card numbers, PINs or other agency or company identified in the sensitive information that scam arttext message using the information ists can use to commit fraud. It can listed in your records. happen like this: • Don’t respond to smishing mes“John” received a text message that sages, even to ask the sender to stop appeared to be from his local credit contacting you. Responding to smishunion. The message stated that his deb- ing messages verifies that your phone it card had been deactivated. The mes- number is active and that you are willsage instructed him to call a toll free ing to open such messages, which may telephone number, which he did. When lead to an increase in the unsolicited John received a recording that asked text messages you receive. him to enter his debit card and PIN, • Use caution when providing your he hung up. He then called his credit cellphone number or other information union and spoke to a representative in response to pop up advertisements who stated his debit card was working and “free trial” offers. This personal properly and the text message was a information can be easily bought, sold scam. “Catherine” received a text message and traded, and make you a target for smishing scams. from a local telephone number that • Never provide your personal or fistated she could receive a free $1,000 nancial information in response to text shopping spree at a big discount store messages from unknown senders. Verif she was one of the first 100 visitors ify the identity of the sender and take to a website linked to the message. Catherine immediately opened the link the time to ask yourself why the sender is asking for your information. and was asked to enter her email ad• Use the same safety and security dress and credit card number. Cathpractices on your cell phone as you do erine noticed that the website had the on your computer: be cautious of text same color scheme and a similar font messages from unknown senders, as as the store’s website, but the store’s well as unusual text messages from name was spelled incorrectly and the senders you do know, and keep your URL did not start with “https://” like security software and applications up a secure website usually does. Cathto date. erine closed the link without providing any information and called her cell Lori Swanson is the attorney general phone company to report the text mesof Minnesota. sage as a scam.
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Page 56 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Serious about crime ‌
The Albert Lea Tribune news staff, from left, is Hannah Dillon, Sarah Stultz, Tim Engstrom, Colleen Harrison and Micah Bader.
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 57
Looking out for the empty spaces
Continued from Page 46
The storefront that previously housed Sterling Drug at the corner of William and The former Hobby Shop on Broadway is currently vacant. These two locations are Broadway in downtown sits empty. examples of opportunities north of Main Street, where shopper interest remains high.
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Page 58 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
How can a lake
get people to town?
By Sarah Stultz
sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com
Community residents on gather in October 2012 around the dredge purchased by the Shell Rock River Watershed District. Sarah Stultz/Albert Lea Tribune
Leaders of lake communities describe the economic impact of dredging
W
hen Albert Lea leaders lobbied for state dollars earlier this year to dredge Fountain Lake, they emphasized the economic impact the dredging could have on the community.
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Describing Fountain Lake as the “civic center” of the city, they said dredging the lake — which is estimated to cost $15 million — would boost the economy and bring in more tourists and
possibly even residents. “Where we’re located, in southern Minnesota, I think the impact would be huge,” said Susie Petersen, executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors
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Fountain Lake can be seen at the top of the renovated Fountain Lake Park in early September. to go boating or fishing, there might also be people who come to kayak or canoe, Petersen said. Likewise, the lake could be a factor in getting people to relocate to Albert Lea. “It’s an economic impact that will benefit our whole county and region,” she said. As the community looks ahead to the start of the dredging — now likely to happen in 2016 instead of 2015 because of permitting — the Tribune researched other communities nearby who have gone through similar projects. What kind of impact have they seen from dredging their lakes, and will that give any indication of what is to come for Albert Lea?
“What we’ve seen in other communities that have done dredging projects, we see a cleaner, healthier water that brings people to your lake,” said Brett Behnke, administrator for the Shell Rock River Watershed District. “There’s obviously an economic development benefit to that.”
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A dredge named Captain George on Fountain Lake in 1941. Freeborn County Historical Museum
Lake Continued from Page 59
for Agriculture and Rural Development at Iowa State University in 2009, Clear Lake was the most-visited natural lake in the state. The study was a followup to a prior one conducted on the lake from 2002 through 2005 — before the the lake’s dredging. The article states that the study revealed a 30 percent increase in people visiting the lake since the study was performed in 2005, making it one of the top four lakes in Iowa in 2009 with the largest increase in visitation. It estimated that there were more than 500,000 household trips to Clear Lake that year. The increase in people visiting the lake in turn led to an increase in revenue generated. The article stated on average, each visitor party spent about $163 per trip to Clear Lake, and the direct spending
impact by visitors totaled over $66 mil- them something to do.” lion in 2009. This equaled out to $15 milAn economic impact study conductlion more being spent by visitors in 2009 ed by Iowa State University projected than in 2002. that direct tourism spending in the city would increase by $12.6 million in the summer months and $6.3 million in the Storm Lake Storm Lake, Iowa, is another commu- winter months, according to Assistant nity that has seen the economic impact City Manager Justin Yarosevich in an article published in 2007. of dredging. The projects spurred new jobs and Dredging of Storm Lake began in 2003 through a partnership of state and commercial development, including local organizations, and after five years a new national drug store chain, a naof dredging, water quality had already tional hardware store and several other become noticeably better. Along with that developments. came the creation of a new indoor and outdoor water park. Fountain Lake An article in the Sioux City Journal With the dredging of Fountain Lake and in August 2011 said an estimated 65,000 potentially Albert Lea Lake as well, Albert visitors were on track to use the water Lea leaders have estimated that direct park that summer. local tourism spending would increase At that time, 88 percent of the hotel by over $20 million annually, according to rooms were occupied. documentation submitted to the U.S. Army “People didn’t think there was anything Corps of Engineers. The documentation, to do in Storm Lake,” said Mike Wilson, submitted in support of dredging Albert Storm Lake’s community development Lea Lake, shows there is a potential for director. “That was the point: We gave 150,000 new visitors to the city per year
when sedimentation is reduced and water level fluctuations are stabilized. Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said though the dredging has not yet begun, he and other leaders have already seen positive impacts of increased water usage with the other projects started around Fountain and Albert Lea lakes, including the new 25-mile Shell Rock River Water Trail that includes both lakes and Golden Point Launch on Albert Lea Lake. There has also been a renewed interest in the Blazing Star Landing, the site of the former Wilson & Co. meatpacking plant near Albert Lea Lake. He anticipated some sketches for development at that site to come out in September. Adams said lodging taxes are also up in the city, and the city may have hit a record month during July, bringing in almost $28,000 in taxes. “I think some of what we’re going to see is already occurring,” he said. The dredging could take anywhere from 1 1/2 years to five years, Behnke said.
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABG........................................................................ 57 Abrams Drainage...................................................46 Accentra Credit Union.......................................... 53 Addies Floral and Gifts............................................ 6 Adventure RV Centre............................................ 25 Ag Power................................................................24 Alamco................................................................... 45 Albert Lea Area Schools........................................ 18 Albert Lea Art Center.............................................. 6 Albert Lea Electric................................................. 13 Albert Lea Public Warehouse............................... 19 Albert Lea Seed House.......................................... 15 Albert Lea Steel.......................................................17 ALEDA.............................................................. cover ALFC Chamber................................................. cover Allen’s Tow & Travel.............................................. 31 Almco..................................................................... 54 American Bank......................................................20 ARO Accounting....................................................50 Bauer Built........................................................ cover Bayview Funeral Home......................................... 15 Becker Auto...........................................................26 Between Friends...................................................... 6 Bonnerup...............................................................43 Bookkeeping Cents.................................................17 Budget Blinds........................................................ 51 Celebrations............................................................. 6 Certified Travel...................................................... 19 Cheers.................................................................... 51 Christianson Plumbing..........................................17 Church Offset Printing.......................................... 15 Clarks Grove Hardware.........................................29 Clothing Care........................................................... 6 Collins Auto Repair................................................. 5 Com-Tec.................................................................49 Conger Catering.....................................................28 Conger Meat Market.............................................43 Country Soule........................................................ 52 Countryside RV Service........................................... 9 Crescendo................................................................ 6 Curt’s Pharmacy.....................................................17 CVB - Albert Lea............................................... cover Dahl Farm Supply................................................. 52 Dairy Queen of Wells............................................26 Dave Syverson Auto Center.................................. 10 Diamond Jo Casino...............................................64 Doors & Floors Inc................................................ 19 Doug’s Sandblasting................................................ 9 Dr. Lundstrom, DDS............................................. 16 Making an Impact............................................32-37 Etc. Tanning........................................................... 16
Exact Manufacturing............................................. 54 Farmers Mutual Insurance of Manchester..........58 Farmers State Bank................................................. 3 Flaherty’s Hi-Tech Motorwerks............................23 Fleet Farm.............................................................. 18 Frames R Us............................................................ 6 Freeborn Construction..................................... cover Freeborn County.................................................... 27 Freeborn County Historical Museum................... 18 Freeborn Lumber..................................................62 Freeborn Pride Builders........................................20 Geno’s Plumbing and Heating.............................. 27 Glenville Legion.....................................................49 Glenville Plumbing................................................49 Good Earth Village................................................ 59 Hanna’s Heating & Air Conditioning..................... 9 Hanson Tire............................................................. 2 Hart Brothers Weaponry......................................20 Heart of the Artichoke............................................. 6 Heartland Security................................................ 59 Hillcrest Cemetary..................................................17 Home Federal........................................................ 55 Home Solutions....................................................... 2 Inject Technology Diesel Service..........................46 Innovance.............................................................. 54 Interstate Packaging......................................... cover ISC Financial......................................................... 12 ITC Midwest............................................................ 7 Jag Tours...............................................................62 Jan Jerdee.............................................................. 57 Jensales..................................................................58 Jensen Plumbing & Heating.................................29 Jim & Dudes.......................................................... 13 Kelley Plumbing....................................................40 Kibble Equipment................................................. 21 KIMT................................................................. cover Kurt Freitag for Sheriff..........................................23 L & D Ag.................................................................26 Lake Mills Community School..............................46 Larson Contracting........................................... cover Larson Manufacturing..........................................46 Lembke Construction............................................40 LeVerne Carlson Fitness Center...........................28 Liquor Depot.......................................................... 41 Lou-Rich................................................................ 54 Loverink Drainage.................................................24 Main Street Dental................................................28 Manchester-Hartland Telephone.........................58 Mary Go Round....................................................... 6 Minne-Soy-Ta Nice Boutique...............................49 Minnesota Corregated Box................................... 45
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 61
Morreim Drainage.................................................58 Motor Inn................................................................11 Mrs. Gerry’s Salads................................................ 25 Nancy’s Café............................................................ 6 New To You.............................................................. 6 Nick’s Country Store.............................................26 Nordaas American Homes......................................8 Northbridge Mall.............................................. cover Northwood Lumber...............................................46 Northwood True Value..........................................46 Oak Park Place....................................................... 21 Pace Electronics..................................................... 16 Panels Plus............................................................. 54 Peggy Bennett for State Representative...............42 Plymouth Shoe Store............................................... 6 Produce State Bank...............................................24 Produce State Bank............................................... 53 Reinertson’s Embroidery........................................ 6 ReMax - Emelie Paulson........................................17 Riverland Community College......................... cover Robert Hoffman for City Council........................... 5 Rofshus Precision Machine Inc............................ 16 Royal Lawn............................................................29 Royal Sports...........................................................29 Sanderson Auto Repair......................................... 25 Schipp’s Pro Power Wash......................................11 Security Bank.........................................................23 Shannon Savick for State Representative............64 Shannon Savick for State Representative............38 Shellrock River Watershed................................... 12 Southern Lock & Glass..........................................20 Southside Custom................................................... 9 St. John’s Lutheran Community........................... 15 Steam It Clean Carpet Cleaning............................ 59 Sterling Drug.........................................................48 The Pour House..................................................... 41 Thompson Sanitation............................................23 Thorne Crest Retirement Community................... 1 TNT Used Appliance............................................... 6 Total Glass & Lock...................................................8 Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union..................48 Ulland Brothers.....................................................38 Van Wilgen Farms................................................. 18 Ventura Foods, LLC......................................... cover Village Cooperative................................................ 53 Walmart.................................................................43 Wells Federal Bank................................................63 Wells Insurance Agency........................................26 Zogg Dermatology, PLC........................................63 Zumbro River Brands............................................ 57
Page 62 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
Branson Christmas Tours Branson,Eureka Springs.November 5-9..............$659 • 2nd Largest Statue of Christ • Eureka Springs, Arkansas • Thorn Crown Glass Chapel • Guided tour of Eureka Springs • Shopping in Eureka Springs
• Daniel O’Donnell • Jonah the Play • Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede • Baldknobber’s Hillbilly Jamboree • Brett Family show
Branson, MO...................November 12-16...........$659 • Daniel O’Donnell • Pierce Arrow • Clay Cooper
• Showboat Branson Belle • Red, Hot & Blue • Dutton Family show
• Mel Tillis • Hughes Brothers • Presley’s Country Jubilee
• Jonah the Play • New Jersey Nights • Dalena Ditto
Branson, MO...................November 17-21...........$659
Arizona..............................February 1-12..............$1899 • Grand Canyon • Montezuma’s Castle • Tombstones Boot Hill • O K Corral • Bird Cage Theatre • Crystal Palace Saloon • Sonora Desert Museum
• Old Tucson movie sets • Mission San Xavier Del Bac • Pima Air Museum • Superstition Mountain Museum • Salt River Canyon Boat Cruise • Oak Creek Canyon • City of Sedona
Texas..................................Feb. 21-Mar. 2.............$1469 New Orleans....................March 16-25.................$1599 Washington, DC..............April 11-18..................$1189 Mystery Tour...................Apr.29-May 3...............$749 New York City................May 16-23....................$1619 Call today for a detailed brochure or a current mailer. 507-529-8687 / 1-866-277-8687 Toll Free / Rochester, MN. All prices above based on double occupancy
All of our tours depart from: Albert Lea, Austin, Rochester, Dexter, St Charles, Winona, and La Crosse, WI.
www.jagtours.com
FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014 | IMPACT | Page 63
Exposure to the summer sun can leave you with less-than-youthful skin. Trust our expertise to reverse skin damage and erase signs of premature aging. CoMprehenSive derMatologiCal Care for your Skin, hair and nailS. Medical See us for complete skin exams and treatment for acne, warts, moles, allergies and rashes.
Surgical Dr. Zogg has 25 years of experience performing Mohs skin cancer removal and the removal of pre-cancerous growths, cysts and lipomas.
Cosmetic See us for a wide range of cosmetic services, including topical medications, non-invasive treatments and minimal recovery procedures.
2718 Ekko Avenue • Albert Lea, MN www.zoggdermatology.com Most insurances accepted and free cosmetic consultations available
Page 64 | IMPACT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 26, 2014
THE DIAMOND JO IS THE Perfect
Location
FOR YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY, NEXT CONFERENCE, BUSINESS MEETING, EVENT, INTIMATE GATHERING AND SO MUCH MORE!
• 5000 square foot convention/banquet room • Accommodates groups of 10-500 people • Full catering and highest quality of service CONTACT THE EVENT CENTER SALES DEPARTMENT AT 641-323-7819 TO BOOK YOUR EVENT TODAY! If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 1-800-BETS OFF.
YOUR KIND OF PLACE
KIND OF PLACE 777 Diamond JoYOUR Lane, Northwood, IA | DiamondJo.com
DJW_37395Fek_Perfect Location Impact Ad_9.625”x4.81”_AlbertLeaTribune_PRO_Run Date: 9-2014
SHANNON SAVICK Gets thinGs done SHANNON CAN be truSted tO wOrK fOr Her CONStItueNtS Paid for by the committee to elect shannon savick
See what we can create for you! Custom corrugate capabilities include: • On site design facility • Experienced professional sales group • Graphic intensive POP solutions • Variable run quantities of corrugated cartons and inner-packing • Extensive Min/Max or JIT Inventory programs
Licensed & Bonded Thanks to all of our customers and friends for helping to make our business successful!! • Aggregates • Hauling • Snow Removal • Demolition • Utility Construction • Ditch Cleaning • Road Grading • Site Development • Road Construction • Water/Sewer Installation • Soil Conservation • Erosion/Sediment Control • Wind Energy Development
We are prepared to provide solutions to your challenges
FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION Dennis & Brad Haugen
County Rd 46 East • Albert Lea, MN
507-373-4434
1851 Margaretha Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007
(507) 373-3375
s a e r d A e h e h tc T a W w t o s M o V S hM ! T 4P at
The heart and soul of Ventura Foods is our people. We are committed to bringing a heritage of knowledge, a passion for food and the science of taste to developing a full range of custom menu and meal solutions.
Culinary Expertise Standout Products Innovative Solutions Trusted Partner
That’s Ventura Foods.
www.venturafoods.com
919 E. 14th St. | Albert Lea, MN | 507.373.2431
IOWA, MINNESOTA, TOGETHER
INSPIRING PERSONAL SUCCESS THROUGH EDUCATION FOR 75 YEARS.
ALBERT LEA CAMPUS 2200 Riverland Drive Albert Lea MN 56007 507-379-3300
AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NW Austin MN 55912 507-433-0600
OWATONNA CAMPUS 965 Alexander Drive SW Owatonna MN 55060 507-455-5880
AlberT leA, minneSoTA
Your Connection To Success • Located on the crossroads of I-35 and I-90 • Building space available to meet your needs • Hardworking, stable labor force; low turnover
• Access to numerous rail and truck lines • Grants, loans, financing assistance available • Abundant land suitable for development
www.growalbertlea.org For more information on how to start or expand your business in Albert Lea-Freeborn County, contact our office at 507-373-3930.