Impact 2015

Entrepreneur program gains steam Skyline Plaza is a business destination

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 1

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Page 2 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 3

Table oF CoNTeNTS 4 7 13 15 16 23 27 40 44 47 51 56 60

Studio on Newton avenue to be center for the arts Couple expands business into albert lea Hi-Yield Products owners continue father’s legacy It’s the end of a chapter for 2 local businesses Cover story: Program for entrepreneurs gains steam Florida native brings new food to table in Conger Former employees find success as owners Freeborn County Neighbors by the Numbers an update on St. John’s construction law firm is active in the community Kibble equipment moves into new facility

Albert Lea & Freeborn County’s 2014 Medium Business of the Year

Skyline finds new life as destination business center Rocking the block makes big impact in town

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 • Good Samaritan Administrator Katie Davis • Watershed Administrator Brett Behnke Publisher: Crystal Miller editor: Sarah Stultz advertising Director: Catherine Buboltz Creative Director: Kathy Johnson

on the cover: Clockwise from back left, Chad Adams, Ryan Nolander, Abby Murray and Mariah Lynne sit on the stairs at the home of The Outlet, a collaborative work space. The Tribune’s Colleen Harrison snapped the photo. © 2015 albert lea Tribune Media Circulation Director: Melissa Goodwin accountant: Lisa Foley Production Director: Terry Thissen Mailroom Manager: Rich Mirelli

Define your style Find the right floor, for your space, your needs, your style.

Freeborn Lumber Co. 917 Plaza Street W Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-4284

Page 4 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

ChangIng alBERT lEa

One steP at a time

By sarah stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Holly Karsjens and her husband, Brian, purchased the building at 115 Newton Ave. with plans to turn it into The Meraki Studios. It is slated to open in early October. SaRah STUlTZ/alBERT lEa TRIBUnE

Studio on Newton Avenue to be a center for music, dance and the arts

i

t’s a goal for Albert Lean Holly Karsjens to help bring change to Albert Lea. A native of Alden, Karsjens hopes to do so through a new center for dance, music and art that is slated to open in early October on North Newton Avenue in Albert Lea. Called The Meraki Studios, the space is meant to represent love, creativity and soul. It will house dance lessons for all

ages and levels, musical instruction, artistry fairs, workshops for various crafts and talents and photography services.

“The space is a lot bigger than me,” Karsjens said. “It’s not my studio; it’s the community’s studio.”

Along with Karsjems, who has taught dance on and off for seven years, dance instructors include Albert Lean Luis Cardenas and Northwood resident Sammy Duckert.

Music instructors are Donavon Skinner, who will teach guitar, bass and general music theory, and Jennifer Ordalen, who will teach voice and piano lessons.

Canvas & Co. owner Des Kuipers will house art parties at the studio, and Alden resident Jane Haukoos of Flowers by Jane will teach other workshops.

Karsjens said she already had plans to purchase a building, but the idea for a creative arts studio came after she heard

that her cousin did not have a place to teach guitar lessons.

“We needed to have the space,” she said. “We thought we might as well buy it, and we might as well share it.”

She said though she and her husband, Brian, were disappointed they were not able to purchase a building on Broadway, they were excited when they came across their new building, at 115 N. Newton Ave., that was previously owned

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 5

by Kevin Stoa. The couple signed a purchase agreement on the building in July.

The building, which overlooks Fountain Lake, was erected in the 1920s and formerly housed The Star Tribune, Coca Cola and the YMCA. Stoa had begun renovations and had mostly gutted the building, making way for the Karsjens to continue renovations.

When it is completed, the building will feature Karsjens’ office on the main floor, along with an area where she can shoot photography for her business, Timeless Photog, and a sitting area with furniture for boudoir photography sessions.

Also on the main level will be the dance studio lined with mirrors, plus ballet bars and storage.

The art classes will also likely be on the main level, and on the lower level will be leased studios for the music instructors.

In addition to the regular classes, Karsjens has big plans for even more community involvement.

On Dec. 4 and 5, the studio will host a holiday artistry fair, which will include vendors selling art and other handmade gifts, live music and chair massages.

She hopes the space will be able to be used for children’s parties — either for dance parties or for art parties.

She said she is motivated to move forward with her dream after hearing See STUDIo, Page 53

Work was underway on Holly Karsjens’ new office in late August.

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Page 6 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

DOWNTOWN

alBERT lEa

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Repurposed furniture New gifts & decor New unfinished furniture Amy Howard paints

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“The Professionals” Robin Carstens • Owner 116 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-2318

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 7

LoCaL CouPLE ExPandS BuSInESSES

into albert lea

i

n the past two years, one Alden insurance company has seen a lot of change.

Two years ago, Brian Hensley and his wife, Sarah Nelson Hensley, took over Donna Nelson Insurance — Sarah Hensley’s mother’s insurance agency.

Once the Hensleys took over the business, Brian Hensley added a financial side, which was called Intego Financial Group.

Hensley said the financial services have to be separate from the insurance services for legal reasons.

The business changed names from Donna Nelson Insurance to Intego Insurance Services a year ago to match the financial services name and to create a brand, Hensley said.

Previously, the office had one location near Alden. The Albert Lea office, which is at 205 S. Washington, opened in May. The second office was opened simply because the company had run out of office

space, Hensley said.

The biggest change behind the name change is a new youthful energy to the company.

Hensley and his agents educate clients and help them understand the ins and outs of insurance.

Hensley has been a financial adviser for two years. Before that, he worked on succession planning for farmers.

Hensley said there is a big need in the area for succession planning, so adding financial services has been helpful to many of his clients.

Things have been going well since Hensley and his wife have taken over the insurance agency. There are four agents on the insurance side and everyone has a different speciality, Hensley said.

The biggest benefit of having a financial See intego, Page 53

by Hannah Dillon

hannah.dillon@albertleatribune.com

Brian Hensley is a financial adviser at Intego Financial Services, which has offices in Albert Lea and Alden. HannaH dILLon/aLBERT LEa TRIBunE

we’re your energy superhighway…

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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 generation resources 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 25, 2015

City sees success in addressing workforce needs in community The most significant challenge to economic development in Albert Lea is attracting, developing and retaining a qualified workforce to fill the over 200 jobs that have been posted and yet gone unfilled over By Chad adams the past several months.

With unemployment numbers low in Albert Lea, Freeborn County and the state of Minnesota, attracting and developing our community’s workforce needs presents an even larger challenge to our businesses and industries.

As part of the most recent 2015 legislative session, Albert Lea and Greater Minnesota did not gain enough action and support to help resolve our workforce needs. Local and regional efforts are underway to collaborate and find options and solutions to resolve our local workforce shortages. The city of Albert Lea has been very active in advocating for policy changes and programs at the state level, along with regional and local collaborations. However, the city has also been proactive in creating programs to directly address the workforce needs of the community.

Workforce and diversified housing options is a primary example of a city achievement to attract and retain a qualified workforce in the community. The city and Housing Redevelopment Authority recently received state funding in the amount of approximately $700,000 to support rehabilitation of single-family housing in the community. The city and HRA have had past success with receiving the grant funding from the state of Minnesota. The rehabilitation of single-family homes will retain an affordable stock of housing in the community rather than potentially having to remove some of the unsafe structures in the future at city taxpayer expense.

The city is also working with CohenEsrey on the redevelopment of the Freeborn Bank and Jacobson buildings in downtown Albert Lea, that will provide a new market of affordable rental housing for our workforce. In addition to these buildings, the city is presently applying for state funding that will allow additional downtown buildings to receive grants and low-interest loans to renovate existing buildings into rental units. Property owners will have the decision on whether the units will be rented or occupied as affordable or market-rate units.

In fall 2014, the city received a completed housing study that illustrated the need for approximately 100 market-rate rental units for our workforce. The city

has not seen marketrate rental units constructed in the community for over 30 years. The city and other economic development partners in the community have heard the concern to attract market-rate rental units for teachers, physicians and various other industry sectors to provide at least temporary quality rental housing for workers to reside until they find more permanent housing. Many of these workers are now commuting to Albert Lea rather than working and residing in the community.

As a response to the market-rate rental needs in the community, the city partnered with Freeborn County and the Albert Lea School District to provide tax abatement to Wedgewood Cove Townhomes LLC to create up to 30 units of market-rate rental units in the community. Construction is well underway for the units, located just east of the Wedgewood Cove facility, and is expected to be open for occupancy yet this fall. Wedgewood Cove Townhomes LLC has plans to construct additional units if there is sufficient demand for the units, as indicated by the 2014 housing study.

A great outcome of this collaboration is that all three taxing jurisdictions will receive some immediate tax base from the Wedgewood Cove Townhomes LLC development, as the tax abatement provided was at a rate of 85 percent for 10 years. Without the local tax abatement incentive, the housing development could not have been achieved due to a significant funding gap to construct and sustain the rental housing. The collaboration between the county, school and city to address our workforce needs is somewhat unprecedented and is receiving recognition throughout the state of Minnesota.

A team of local officials will share this success story with other communities at the Economic Development Association of Minnesota winter conference in January 2016.

The city has been approached by other developers to construct marketrate rental units in the community with similar tax abatement incentives.

Please contact City Manager Chad Adams in City Hall at 507-377-4330 if you are interested in helping the community to meet its workforce and marketrate rental housing needs.

Chad Adams is the Albert Lea city manager.

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 9

Albert Lea area offers many events throughout the year along with our proxTourism is a $13 imity to Interstates 35 billion industry in and 90, we are excited Minnesota and a key to see travelers stop sector of the state’s in Albert Lea. economy. The leisure Our community ofand hospitality indusfers many events and try — a major providfestivals for both tourer of tourism services ists and residents to — employs more than By Susie Petersen enjoy that have been successful and 250,000 full- and part-time jobs, repcontinue to grow. We celebrated the resenting 11 percent of Minnesota’s fourth year of Wind Down Wednesdays, private sector employment. Leisure in June, July and August. Other sucand hospitality have grown 49 percent cessful events include The Big Freeze, from $8.7 billion to $13.0 billion from Fountain Lake 5 and Tiger Trot 5k, A 2003 to 2013 and generate 17 percent Taste of Heritage, Land Between The of the state’s sales tax revenues.

The annual Explore Minnesota snap- Lakes Duathlon, Crossroads of Destruction demolition derby, Just Fun shot of travel and tourism economic Festival/Bike Rodeo, Eddie Cochran highlights the state of Minnesota tourWeekend, Third of July Parade, Fourth ism regions and counties. Of the reof July carnival, car show and firegions represented — Minneapolis-St. works, Freeborn County Fair, Albert Paul, central Minnesota, northwest Lea Floats celebration, Wee WednesMinnesota, northeast Minnesota and days, Wednesdays on the Water, Big southern Minnesota — southern MinIsland Barbeque, Celebrate Albert nesota is second in gross sales tax Lea festival, Fountain Lake Powercollected, only behind Minneapolisboat Drag Races and the Big Island St. Paul. Freeborn County in southRendezvous. ern Minnesota is in the top 10 out of The community boat house and the 36 counties in the southern region in new canoe rental station have had gross sales tax collected ($43 million) huge success in canoe, kayak and padand continues to grow each year. dleboard usage and the numbers show Minnesota’s tourism industry conit. Over 2,000 participants and there tinues to draw people from both inside are several weeks left in the season! and outside the state, and according to The fairgrounds hosted 200 motor Jon Edman, director of Explore Mincoaches for the Good Samboree rally nesota Tourism, “Minnesota continues this year. These rallies are a huge ecoto be an affordable, close-to-home getnomic impact for our community and away for our core target markets and we love to show off our community. is becoming a more attractive destinaWe look forward to the many events, tion for travelers from further away.” sports and festivals held in our comWe are fortunate as Minnesota tourmunity that will impact businesses, reism has experienced a strong summer tail, restaurants, attractions and lodgtravel season. The Minnesota Lodging ing properties. Thank you to all of the Association reports demand increases partnerships, organizations and colin every sector of the state.

Lodging in Albert Lea has been solid laborations that make our community a wonderful place to visit and live. this year — year to date lodging tax collected is up 9 percent and 28 perSusie Petersen is the executive dicent since 2008. With over 600 rooms rector of the Albert Lea Convention and five campgrounds attracting visiand Visitors Bureau. tors and tourists to our community,

Are you a coach or parent with youth sports?

Submit results and photos to: tribsports@albertleatribune.com

Economy in Albert Lea is on the upswing, particularly downtown rental option Economic indicators constructed show the economy is slowsince the early ly turning around and that 1980s, and in can be seen locally with an order to attract overall increase in project new businesses, activity. or company exOne of the most interestpansions, there ing changes we have seen must be mulrecently is a huge increase By Ryan Nolander in activity downtown, and it appears tiple housing options available for this is the result of the new streetscape. employees.

On a not so happy note, the lack of Prior to the streetscape project, it was very rare for our organization to workforce continues to be the biggest issue we are facing. receive calls about projects interestIn the past, when site selectors and ed in locating downtown.

Since the transformation was com- companies contacted us, they wanted to know about available land, buildings pleted in 2013, we have had around and possible incentives; now when a dozen businesses relocate or start they call the No. 1 question always rein the downtown district, with more volves around available workforce. to come, and there has been over Locally, there are both skilled and un$500,000 in building permits taken skilled jobs that remain unfilled, and out for downtown buildings. it is tough to attract new businesses There will continue to be more when you are having problems filling changes long-term in the downtown the jobs that are already here. landscape as more property ownAs part of a newly formed group, ers rehabilitate their buildings, and SE MN Together, other economic blighted buildings are torn down to development professionals and I make way for new development. are meeting with city administraDowntowns have changed and tors, employment agencies, educaevolved from a time when people did tors and companies to discuss ways most of their shopping there for clothto work together regionally to ating and food, plus medical offices and tract and retain workforce. entertainment venues were located Another workforce initiative dethere. Today, downtown districts are signed more around retention is often an eclectic mix — as ours is bethe high school apprenticeship coming — of specialty stores, profesprogram. Under this program stusional offices, wine and coffee bistros, dents learn a skilled trade through the arts and housing, to name a few. on-the-job training during their seThe most recent evidence of this nior year. In conjunction with Rivshift in our downtown is the pop-up erland College, Albert Lea Schools, store from West End Architectural the Chamber of Commerce and local Salvage, which has been generating a manufacturing companies, students lot of buzz and drawing many people who may not have a desire to move locally and from out of town. on to a four-year college now have Another new program that has a an opportunity to look at alternative connection with downtown is ALEoptions for after graduation.

AP (Albert Lea Entrepreneurial Overall, to grow and be a more viAdvancement Program). We look brant community — and one that will forward to seeing growth locally in successful entrepreneurial ventures attract new businesses and residents — we must be able to evolve and be with the advent of ALEAP, which open to change. contains a monthly mentoring and Let’s strive as a community to be networking program, a training proupbeat and supportive. That can gram and a shared/flexible office mean encouraging an entrepreneur space concept known as The Outwho’s pursuing their dream, being oplet on Broadway. For those start-up businesses with a manufacturing fo- timistic about new ideas or programs, embracing changes, communicating cus, the Albert Lea Business Develmore positively or just taking pride opment Center has space available. in our community. Remember, we are Another sign of a growing econoall in this together. my is more market-rate rental housing options, such as the new housing Ryan Nolander is the executive didevelopment near Wedgewood Cove rector of the Albert Lea Economic DeGolf Course. velopment Agency.

We haven’t had a new market rate

Page 10 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25th, 2003 by a citizens petition. The Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, Cedar River, Upper Iowa River, and the Mississippi River. The District is 246 square miles within Freeborn County and is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns.

The District has many streams, wetlands, and lakes. The lakes in the district include: Pickerel (715 acres) Fountain Lake (500 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2600 acres) Halls (57 acres) Church (29 acres) Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres)

Lake Chapeau (175 acres) Goose (82 acres) School Section (69 acres) Sugar (62 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres)

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In 2005, the Minnesota Legislature approved a 1/2 percent local option sales tax for the City of Albert Lea. The proceeds of the tax are to be used for lake improvement projects as detailed in the SRRWD Waterplan. The money generated by the local option sales tax has allowed the Shell Rock River Watershed District to leverage those dollars by applying for grants. To date, the District has been able to bring in $18,322,855 dollars in grant funds and bonding dollars because of the local option sales tax.

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Page52 12| IMPaCT | IMPaCT| FRIday, | FRIday,SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER25, 25,2015 2015 Page

BeHnKe Continued from Page 46

In 2015, the district reapplied for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage funding with phase five of the Habitat Restoration Project. The phase five request was for $3.78 million and includes projects such

as 266 acres of rough fish management, 181 acres of vegetative restoration, 218 acres of land acquisitions to re-establish native vegetation, improve nesting habitat and waterfowl food sources and wetland restorations benefitting 804 acres.

Brett Behnke is the administrator of the Shell Rock River Watershed District.

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• Maurice's Dan Perrine, sales representative at Kibble Equipment, stands next to a John Deere • SaM Cinema 7 lEa TRIBunE tractor. wIlMES/alBERT • Leutholds perience. Two employees have more than KIBBLe 40 years of combined experience in the • Anytime Fitness office administration.

Continued from Page 51 • Plaza Morena That experience has led the company to form relationships with customers that are on call.

Pizza Ranchcustomer ser- otherwise wouldn’t have been possible, “We•provide outstanding vice,” Krysan said. “What we do keeps he said.

• GNC Krysan said he is pleased with the dithe farmers up and running and gets them what they need in a timely manner.” experience is a strong part of the dealership and an important part of the business, according to Krysan.

In the parts department, five employees have more than 100 years of combined experience. Thirteen employees have more than 150 years of combined experience in the service department, and in the sales department, six employees have over 110 years of combined ex-

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rection of the company.

“We’ve been able to grow and retained our business, which is kudos to both our employees and our customers,” he said.

Twenty-nine employees are at the Blue earth Kibble equipment location.

Kibble equipment has other locations in Bird Island, Mankato, Minnesota Lake, Montevideo, Redwood Falls, Sleepy eye and Wabasso.

• New Home Construction • General Contracting • Remodeling & Additions • Siding & Windows • Roofing & Decks

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Send a letter to the editor. letters@albertleatribune.com

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

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 13

BuIldIng a BuSInESS In agRICulTuRE FRoM

their Father’s legacy

By sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

HI-yIEld PRoduCTS ownERS STaRTEd woRk aT THE CoMPany wHIlE In HIgH SCHool

a

family-owned business is making its mark on agriculture in southern Minnesota with the help of its founder.

Kyle and Kevin Reed are the owners of Hi-Yield Products, a company that sells farming supplies and other products to agriculture producers. Hi-Yield has locations in Hartland and Alden and employs 10 people at each site.

The brothers said the life-long lessons they learned from their father have been a guiding factor in their lives.

“He showed us an avenue to have a purpose to our lives,” Kyle Reed said.

“He always said it was God, family and work and I’ve taken those life lessons and made them my own.”

Their father, Jan Reed, along with a group of other people, began Hi-Yield in the late ’60s.

The brothers started working at the company when they were in high school in Albert Lea in the late ’70s. The two were laborers; they applied fertilizer and herbicides to farmers’ fields. The brothers eventually moved from learning the agronomy side of the business to management. They became co-owners of the business with their father in the mid-1990s and remained so until their father died in December 2014. They said their father played a vital role in them choosing to remain in agriculture.

“Our dad told us agriculture was the right place to be because everyone has to eat,” Kyle Reed said.

According to the brothers, their father encouraged them to get involved with agriculture and showed them agriculture see legacy, Page 59

Kevin and Kyle Reed are brothers and owners of Hi-Yield Products. SaM wIlMES/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

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Page 14 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

There is a large opportunity for successful business women fastest-growing indusThe fifth annual try sector is educaState of Women-Owned tional services, which Businesses Report has has seen a 67 percent just been published, increase in the number and it shows that: of women-owned firms • The number of since 2007 versus an women-owned firms in overall 21 percent inthe U.S. continues to

By Dean Swanson crease. The states seeclimb, and is now esing the fastest growth in women’s entretimated to have surpassed 9.4 million preneurship are Georgia, Texas, North enterprises — 30 percent of all busiCarolina, North Dakota and New York. nesses in the country.

And who’s starting these enterprises?

• The revenue generated by these Increasingly, women of every ethnic enterprises is now estimated to stand background. Back in 1997, there were at nearly $1.5 trillion, and has injust under one million firms owned by creased by 79 percent since 1997 non-Caucasian women, representing • Women-owned firms now employ one in six (17 percent) women-owned over 7.9 million workers (excluding firms. Now, there are an estimated 3.1 owners), providing one in seven jobs million minority women-owned firms, among privately-owned businesses. representing one in three (33 percent) In fact, since 1997 there have been women-owned firms. Indeed, the growth an average of 608 net new womenin the number of African-American, owned firms launched each and every Asian-American, Latina, Native Ameriday — and the rate just over the past year stands at 887 per day. The number can/Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander since 1997 surpasses of women-owned firms is increasing at the growth in the number of non-minora rate 1.5 times the national average.

Where are we seeing these womenity women-owned firms several-fold. owned firms? The short answer: everyThe growing diversity of women-owned firms is one of the most remarkable where. Women-owned firms are found trends of the past decade. in every state and in every industry. The

In a recent article Julie Weeks, president and CEO of Womenable, observed that in spite of this growth, “Some women may still feel like they’re less likely to reach higher levels of business accomplishment compared to their male counterparts. There may be many reasons for this, but one is the old adage, ‘If you can’t see it, you won’t be it.’”

She commented that, “Women can learn about overcoming business obstacles (such as finding new customers, making that first hire, expanding to a second business location) from the stories of other successful women (and men) and how they chose to confront these challenges.”

So I join her in this suggestion and urge women CEOs that if you have a business success story, why not choose to share it? Talking about your own experience is a way to give back to and inspire others in the small-business community. Here are a few ways you can get involved.

• Speak or teach at a local community education program. In most cases they are always looking for experienced business owners to speak about their experiences and areas

of expertise to classes of both women and men learning the ABC’s of entrepreneurship.

• Talk to local students. Many local primary and secondary schools invite local businesses to come and talk about what their business does and focus on career opportunities for future employees. Why not offer to speak to students about the joys of starting and growing a business? In addition, many schools have entrepreneurship clubs or projects — consider getting involved and becoming a role model.

• Volunteer as a SCORE counselor.

This is a big need. SCORE counselors are volunteers who offer free mentoring to small-business owners who may be struggling with starting or growing their business. The needs of these smallbusiness owners are matched with your expertise, and relationships range from a single mentoring session to a longerterm series of meetings to work out specific business challenges. You can check out the opportunities at SCORE.org or your local SCORE chapter.

Dean Swanson is the past chairman of the Southeast Minnesota SCORE chapter.

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 15

The end of a chapter

Albert Lea’s Taco Bell, 122 Bridge Ave., announced in August it would close its doors on Sept. 10 after being open since 2000. The fast-food restaurant had 21 employees, including crew members and managers. Most of the employees worked full time.

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Page 16 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

NEw PRogRaM FoR ENTREPRENEuRS

gaINS STeaM dowNTowN

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

From left, Abby Murray, Chad Adams, Mariah Lynne and Ryan Nolander. CollEEN HaRRISoN/alBERT lEa TRIBuNE

Program gives entrepreneurs a space to work, skills to start a business

a

multi-faceted collaboration is giving entrepreneurs in Albert Lea the keys they need to start a successful business.

Called the Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program, the effort is a partnership between a handful of Blandin Community Leadership Program

graduates, The Marketing Plant owners Abby Murray and Mariah Lynne, and the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

ALEDA Executive Director Ryan Nolander said his agency used to have entrepreneur gatherings when he first started with the organization, but they

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Mariah Lynne, co-founder of The Marketing Plant, talks to those in attendance at an ALEAP meeting Aug. 20. CollEEn haRRISon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE weren’t getting the size of crowd they hoped for. They were looking for a way to revitalize the effort when they heard from a group of Blandin graduates — Chad Adams, Cierra Anderson, Savile Lord, John Katz and John Holt — who wanted to build an entrepreneurial program as a community project.

The Blandin group, Adams said, came up with five key areas they wanted to work on: • Create a co-working space.

• Create a mentoring and networking program.

• Start a training program for entrepreneurs.

• Host a “Shark Tank”-type event called the Tiger Cage.

• Have a micro-loan program. it is the group’s goal to create five new businesses and 15 new jobs in the next couple years and 10 new businesses and 40 new jobs in the next five years.

The first goal of creating a co-working space worked out perfectly with The

marketing Plant’s owners, who were already talking about creating a collaborative space.

Lynne and murray said they went to the city with an interest in purchasing a downtown building, but they thought it would be too much space for just their marketing company. in the meantime, they wanted to have a collaborative work environment where entrepreneurs can rent workspace.

Lynne said in the first two years of their own business, they closed over 90 percent of their business on bluetooth in her minivan or in her dining room because they did not have an office. “if we can help one entrepreneur get themselves out of that bluetooth situation and have a place for them to meet with their clients, we’re happy and successful,” she said.

The two women said it is their goal through the effort to help Albert Lea grow.

See aLeaP, Page 18 Those in attendance listen to a presentation at an ALEAP meeting Aug. 20 at The Outlet.

Page 18 | iMPact | Friday, SePteMBer 25, 2015

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nity that is attractive enough so that our kids will come back here after school,” Lynne said.

The groups soon figured out they all had a similar vision.

“It was a perfect storm,” Nolander said. “The Blandin group said, ‘We want to do this.’ Our board wanted to do this, and Abby and Mariah wanted to do this.”

Lynne and Murray gave an 18-month proposal for the project, and the program was launched thanks to a $20,000 Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation grant and a $10,000 match through ALEDA. The city provided an intern to work some hours on the project as well.

The new co-working space, called The Outlet, is at 137 S. Broadway and is owned and run by Lynne and Murray.

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 19

Albert Lea Economic Development Agency Executive Director Ryan Nolander, The Marketing Plant co-owner Mariah Lynne, Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams and The Marketing Plant co-owner Abby Murray sit on a couch in the upper level of a downtown building that houses The Marketing Plant and The Outlet. collaboratives across the country to find out what made them successful and have brought many of the same ideas to The Outlet.

In the space, they have already held three mentoring and networking entrepreneurial events, including a program launch with between 30 and 40 people in attendance and two events with speakers and a chance for people to meet with each other on the third Thursdays of the month.

Nolander said he has been pleased with the results thus far.

“The monthly gathering is our big focus,” he said. “The most important part is where they can sit around and throw ideas off of each other and connect with others.

He said when it comes to Greater Minnesota, a majority of economic development is going to come from local companies and entrepreneurs.

As far as the other areas of focus, Adams said a five-session training program for entrepreneurs will kick off Oct. 6 at Riverland Community College. The course is $150, plus $35 for the book, but the rest of the course is gifted. Up to 20 people can take the course.

The program will cover areas such as finance, law, personnel and marketing.

On Nov. 21, the Tiger Cage event will be at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center and people will be able to bring

Daniel Otten speaks during an ALEAP meeting Aug. 20 at The Outlet. CollEEn HaRRISon/ alBERT lEa TRIBunE

their ideas forward to potential investors and people with the best ideas may be awarded potential funding.

Adams said some of the ideas he has heard being tossed around are for everything from roller rinks to restaurants and offices.

Lastly, there is already a micro-loan program available through ALEDA and the Albert Lea Port Authority that provides gap loan financing for businesses.

Nolander said they have done over a dozen small projects in the last three to five years.

Visit albertleatribune.com for the latest news

Page 20 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

How does the local Chamber of Commerce impact the area?

The Chamber of Commerce is an association of business, industrial and professional firms, as well as interested individuals working together to enrich the economic

By Randy Kehr well-being of its community — to preserve the business system, to promote business growth and development.

That is the textbook definition, but while it might be correct, it really doesn’t explain who we are and what we do. What does it all mean? The board of directors of your chamber has defined our mission as, “To promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate to improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area.”

How that looks is defined in our vision statement, “The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce will continuously strive to meet the changing needs of its membership and help every business flourish.” That is a tall order but one that the chamber embraces wholeheartedly. It does, however, create challenges for us in that we have such a diverse membership.

The needs of business vary dramatically from one business to another.

The surest way for us to gauge those needs is to get members involved in our various committees.

Involvement of our members in those committees is a surefire way for their voices to be heard and for action to be taken on their behalf. Ideally, the committee on which a member chooses to serve is one that will match a passion of the member. All present great networking opportunities.

Business/Education Partnership: They bring business operators and educators together to develop a program that enhances the education of our youth and aids in the development of a qualified workforce for the future. They recognize all aspects of education from early childhood through lifelong learning opportunities. The partnership is currently actively involved in the Youth Apprenticeship Program with Albert Lea High School and Workforce Development Inc.

Agriculture Committee: Their purpose is to increase awareness of how the agriculture industry impacts the business community and to educate and assist our youth in the understanding of the importance of the agriculture industry. The committee partners with the University of Minnesota Extension Service to name the Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year and sponsor the annual Third Grade Farm Tours. In addition, they actively participate in the 4-H Livestock Auction which lends support to this all important program and participating youth.

Governmental Affairs: They are a proactive voice for the business community on governmental affairs issues. The committee facilitates communication between government and the business community and keeps the business community informed of vital issues. They also educate the public through candidate forums and various legislative forums. Further, they develop legislative priorities for our chamber and recommend them to the board of directors. Once approved, the committee advocates for these priorities with local and state officials.

The Ambassadors: Chamber Ambassadors have the opportunity to share in welcoming many new businesses to our community. They also share several events with existing members. There are anniversaries, new locations and grand openings and reopenings, to name a few. In addition, their annual golf outing allows them to award five $1,000 scholarships to graduating Freeborn County students and one $1,000 scholarship to a student at Riverland Community College.

Green Committee: This committee is committed to developing programs that enable our businesses, large and small, to become more energy efficient and reduce their carbon footprint through reuse and recycling.

Seminars have been offered as well as green office manuals. This year the committee has produced several educational videos, featuring chamber member businesses, which are available on our website.

Worksite Wellness Committee: This is the committee that is dedicated to improving wellness in Freeborn See KeHR, Page 59

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 21

Changes for long-term care in the 2015 legislative session The year 2015 has been a professionchanging year for all stakeholders in longterm care. The Minnesota Legislature justly made long-term care a priority in this year’s

By Katie Davis legislation. Going into the legislation session, there were three main goals that were brought forward by the Long-Term Care Imperative, which is Minnesota collaboration for changes in older adult services. This work on the new system began after the 2014 legislative session when Long-Term Care Imperative partners and the Minnesota Department of Human Services began a month-long process of identifying the goals of payment reform, the elements needed to achieve the identified goals and, ultimately, the specific rate setting components.

The first agenda item was addressing the shortage in professional caregivers, such as nursing assistants and registered nurses. Providers in Minnesota are struggling to recruit and retain caregivers, forcing many of them to suspend admissions, which in turn affects the access to health care that

many seniors need.

The goal of addressing the shortage of professional caregivers is to create opportunities to bolster efforts to improve recruitment and retention of caregivers in long-term care. Providers need the opportunity to give employees a livable wage. The goal is to create a career pathway to ensure competent, experienced caregiving for seniors. According to the Long-Term Care Imperative, currently there are 2,800 vacant nursing facility jobs for registered nurses, LPNs, nursing assistants and dietary aides in the state of Minnesota.

The second legislative item brought forward by the Long-Term Care Imperative was to reform nursing facility reimbursement. Chronic underfunding and a piecemeal approach to funding for more than a decade have weakened providers, making it nearly impossible to provide competitive wages and benefits as well as resources to innovate.

The state of Minnesota currently ranks eighth in having the largest shortfall of reimbursement. The

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shortfall of Minnesota nursing homes in 2014 was $29.40 per Medicaid patient day. The goal of a better payment system is to secure major investment in nursing facilities and to establish framework for a sustainable, predictable reimbursement system. Quality of care plays a key role in this agenda item; incentivizing quality by rewarding improved quality of care. Most importantly, care centers need to be reimbursed adequately to fund quality care.

The last agenda item was to create a sustainable funding model for Home and Community Based Services (assisted living, housing with services, etc.).

State funding for HCBS has fallen far short of actual need, causing shortages in caregivers and prohibiting innovation in caregiving to meet increasing consumer preferences and demand.

The goal of this agenda item was to provide a secure funding increase for HCBS and establish framework to ensure a reimbursement system that supports the continuum of care. Providers want to continue to preserve access to the most independent setting as possible. The legislation passed creates a link between the elderly waiver Medicaid program, which provides services to the elderly in the community, and

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nursing facility rate increases, allowing seniors to choose the most cost effective and appropriate setting for the care they need.

The payment reform proposal, which was passed by the 2015 Legislature and signed by Gov. Mark Dayton, fully implements a new operating payment system on Jan. 1, 2016, for the Minnesota nursing facilities that participate in Medicaid. The passing of this proposal will provide $138 million dollars in additional funding to nursing homes over the next two years. The average increase in Minnesota rates for Medicaid and private is estimated to be 23 percent. This increase will now fund the true cost of nursing facility care.

The payment reform bill is intended to achieve the following goals: preserve access to the continuum of care, invest in recruitment and retention of professional caregivers, reward quality care, preserve dignity and quality of life, and lastly, institute a payment system that fully funds the true cost of care.

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Page 22 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

By the numbers: Freeborn County labor market

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Description rank Population Population Working age (18-64) Population over 24 with diploma Pop. speaks English less than “very well” 2007-2011 average Labor force Per capita income Annual average employment Quarter average employment Employment change from prior year Mean travel time to work Unemployed Unemployment rate Pop. below poverty Initial claims for unemployment insurance Initial claims change from prior year Average weekly wage

Period

Data

County

2011 2011 2001-2011 average 2007-2011 average

31,172 -83 58.1% 87.3%

35 35 55 69

2.3% December 2012 2007-2011 average 2011 2nd Q 2012

21 16,482 $24,409 12,290 12,308

35 53 34 34

2nd Q 2012 2007-2011 average December 2012 December 2012 2007-2011 average

-204 18 min.

920 5.6% 11%

61 50 44 35

December 2012

194

41

December 2012 2011

-14% $643

13 42

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

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FloRIda naTIvE BRIngS SoME nEw

food to tHe table

by Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

An appetizer offered on Conger Inn Victory Catering’s chef’s table special menu are John Lowery’s Cajun baby-back alligator ribs. He said he has the alligator overnighted from Hollywood, Florida, when he has plans to make the dish. CollEEn haRRISon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

Man purchases Conger Inn Catering after years of cooking experience CONGER — John Lowery has cooked for astronauts, Disney World and even for a birthday party in Magic Johnson’s honor.

Now, he has brought his talents — and more importantly, his food — to Conger as the new owner of Conger Inn Victory Catering, formerly Conger Inn Catering and Party Store.

Lowery and his wife, Kathy, bought the business in April of this year, after moving to Frost in 2011 to be closer to Kathy’s mother. Lowery comes to the area with 41 years of cooking experience under his belt.

Originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida, Lowery first learned how to cook from his mother who worked as a nanny. He said he attended a few years of culinary school on a scholarship, before getting his first job at Lake Buena Vista Golf

Resort in Disney World in the ’70s.

Following the Disney World golf course, Lowery worked as a gourmet chef at The Grove, a restaurant inside of a 1,000-room Marriott hotel in Orlando, Florida. He then became an executive chef in the late ’80s for Church Street Station in downtown Orlando, which included the establishments Lili Marlene’s, a fine dining restaurant; Apple Annie’s, a sandwich shop; Rosie O’Grady’s, a ’50s and ’60s-themed restaurant; Cheyenne Saloon, which offered barbecue and ribs; Chowder’s, which specialized in different soups; and a banquet facility that was responsible for street parties, an annual Oktoberfest and other events.

John Lowery, pictured with his catering van and his new rotisserie oven, bought the former Conger Inn Catering in April of this year. He See food, Page 24 renamed it Conger Inn Victory Catering.

Page 24 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Food Continued from Page 23

A dessert Lowery introduced to Conger Inn Victory Catering is his triple chocolate tiger cake, which is layered with white and chocolate cakes with milk chocolate and white chocolate mousse. CollEEn haRRISon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

Lowery then worked in Lansing, Michigan, in the early ’90s at Jim’s Tiffany Place & Greenhouse Cafe. He said a number of politicians would eat at the Greek-American restaurant as it was close to the Capitol building, and that he also oversaw a going-away dinner for Adrian dantley of the detroit Pistons and a birthday party for Michigan State University alum Magic Johnson.

Lowery returned to Florida to work at Moon Hut Restaurant in Cape Canaveral, Florida, in 1993. There Lowery served a number of astronauts and others involved with the space program, until the restaurant closed its doors in 2003. He then took a break from working in restaurants and instead got into catering, while also getting involved in ministry.

When Lowery and his wife moved to Minnesota in 2011, he entered back into the restaurant world as the executive chef at Charley’s Restaurant, a steakhouse in Mankato. After about 2 1/2 years at Charley’s, Lowery then helped open a restaurant in Fairmont. In early 2015 he worked as an executive chef at Big Island Grille & Bar in Albert Lea to get it up to code before he bought the Conger catering business.

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 25 Lowery bought the business from Becky and Lloyd Knutson and said the transition was fairly seamless. Other than a few hiccups from people trying to compare the former and current owners, he said the customers who carried over from the Knutsons’ business — such as the Bayview/Freeborn and Bonnerup funeral homes — have been very welcoming, along with the Conger area itself.

Lowery said the business catered the Freeborn all-school reunion this year, where he said over 500 people were served in about 40 minutes. He said the business would be welcomed into the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce toward the end of September, and that Conger Inn Victory Catering and Conger Meats would team up for a chamber after hours event in September as well. Lowery said he’d like to have a one or two-day Oktoberfest in Conger, also.

Conger Inn Victory Catering, 98 Maple St. S. in Conger, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturdays. The business can be found on Facebook and on its website, congerinncatering.com.

The catering business has carried over a number of the former owners’ staples, including the pasta salads, chicken noodle hot dish and the golden rolls.

Conger Inn Victory Catering offers macaroni, pasta and potato salad for $8 a quart through its pickup and delivery menu options.

Some have a bit of Lowery’s culinary flare added to them.

One of Lowery’s goals with the business is to bring new dishes to his customers.

“We’re going to bring some new food to the table,” he said.

Lowery has alligator flown in from Florida for his Cajun baby-back alligator ribs and has lobster delivered from Maine. He serves saganaki, a Greek flaming cheese, as well as a Manhattan club sirloin that’s stuffed with blue lump

Conger Inn Victory Catering offers fresh fruit salad for $40 per 4 quarts through its pickup and delivery menu options. The salad is offered when fresh fruit is available, which is typically from May through August. crabmeat inside of puff pastry.

“I’m looking to bring good food to this part of Minnesota,” said Lowery. “Why go that far when you can get it here?”

Lowery recently purchased a rotisserie oven from Missouri that can run

on gas, charcoal or wood. He plans to do hog roasts with suckling pig for future events.

“I’m looking forward to putting the new rotisserie oven to work,” he said.

“I love working with food.”

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HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 213 McArthur Dr. PO Box 55 • Albert Lea • 373-8435

ALBERT LEA AREA SCHOOLS Thinking. Achieving. Caring.

For information on School District 241’s comprehensive programs visit www2.albertlea.k12.mn.us or call 507/379-4800.

initiatives, programs Over the past few years, Albert Lea has and resources, providachieved some great ing a positive economsuccess in addressing ic impact on the comthe needs of the community. The Resource Center being created munity. While many challenges still exist, at Riverland Commuthere are significantly nity College will proBy Vern Rasmussen more opportunities vide access to needed that we as a community can and should services and information to individucontinue to pursue to improve our qual- als and families, which will help reity of life and develop Albert Lea into a solve individual and family challenges, stronger destination than it is today. foster self-sufficiency and grow our In writing this column and reflectlocal workforce. The Albert Lea Entreing on our economic development preneur Advancement Program (ALEgoals, it was exciting to realize all of AP) is already making progress by the amazing achievements that Alpartnering with The Marketing Plant to create The Outlet as a co-working bert Lea has accomplished in just the space, along with mentoring and netpast few years. The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency and its working events. ALEAP will also promany partners will continue to pursue vide a training course for local entrelarge industries and jobs to locate to preneurs, along with an opportunity Albert Lea. However, most of our ecoto attract local investors in their businomic success has occurred within the ness plans. These success stories are attributed to local individuals who are community and is serving as a great model and focus for economic growth implementing visions for a better Alfor Albert Lea as a rural regional bert Lea and Freeborn County, primardestination. ily through private investment and obTake for example, Mrs. Gerry’s taining successful grant funding.

Foods, which has already created over The community was also recently 40 jobs as part of its expansion a couawarded a Community Growth Iniple years ago and plans to add between tiative grant from the Southern Minfive to 10 additional full-time jobs as nesota Initiative Foundation that will part of its most recent expansion. It engage the community in identifying also has room to grow and add addiour core assets and providing grant awards to successful projects as an tional jobs and tax base to the commuoutcome of the community process. nity. ALEDA and the city have been Grant funds are also being applied for partners in both expansions through by the city to provide better opportuthe use of tax incentives contingent upon creating jobs and constructing nities for commercial and residential a regional storm water pond that will rehabilitation in the downtown for ofallow Mrs. Gerry’s, Minnesota Corruten costly improvements to buildings. gated Box and Albert Lea Select Foods In closing, we must also celebrate the to maximize the footprint of their land success of receiving $7.5 million for the upcoming restoration and dredging without having to build or add on to of Fountain Lake, which is a vital asset stormwater ponds.

Within the past few months, we have to our quality of life and to attract more families and tourism to the community. seen the groundbreaking of the St. We are fortunate to see strong signs of John’s Lutheran Community campus a growing economy the past couple of that will add several jobs to the comyears through the increased revenue munity and ultimately add to the tax generated in lodging taxes and the lobase in the future. The construction of the Wedgewood Cove Townhomes LLC cal option sales tax revenue for creatmarket-rate rental units will provide ing cleaner waters in the community. needed housing for our diversified I encourage the community to become workforce. In both projects, the city engaged in celebration and promotion provided tax incentives to allow both of our recent success and future opprojects to advance and benefit the portunities. Our community and econocommunity. Freeborn County and the my will only continue to grow, but will Albert Lea school district were also grow much stronger when we work togracious partners with the housing gether collectively to act on opportunidevelopment. ties as partners.

The next several months will also showcase the development and sucVern Rasmussen is the mayor of Alcess of a number of other local bert Lea.

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 27

FoRMER EMPloyEES FInd SuCCESS

as business owners

by Micah bader

micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

Northstar Powersports & Marine owners Rob Kokot, left, and Josh Wegner sit on Aug. 31 in a Bennington 2350 RSR high performance cruiser pontoon boat with a 300 horsepower Mercury engine in the showroom at 2120 Consul St. in Albert Lea. MICah BadER/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

Northstar Powersports & Marine’s owners say their new boss is customers

D

edication to Northstar Powersports & Marine goes past punching a time clock for the company’s new owners.

“You can have that attitude where you leave at 5:30 or 6 and just let it go, but neither of us is like that,” said Josh Wegner, the business’ co-owner. “We take pride in our work, and people appreciate a job well done.”

Wegner and Rob Kokot purchased Northstar Powersports & Marine on Dec. 1. They have a staff of 10 employees.

Kokot has 15 years of experience at the business with the first 14 in the service department. Originally from Lowell, Indiana, he studied at the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix before

he was hired in Albert Lea. “I guess you’d call it a dream,” Kokot said about becoming a co-owner. “I grew up racing dirt bikes and fixing all of my stuff.”

Wegner has two years of experience at Northstar Powersports & Marine. He graduated from Glenville-Emmons High School and the University of Minnesota before working at PC Doctor for 10 years and moving on to Northstar Powersports & Marine, he said.

With the transition from employee to owner, Wegner said his new boss is the customers.

“We’ve said that owning your own see owners, Page 28

A row of pontoon boats sit behind Jet Skis on the showroom floor at Northstar Powersports & Marine.

Page 28 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Northstar Continued from Page 27

business is the illusion that you’re your own boss,” he said. “We just have a lot of bosses instead of one or two.” as a business that sells Bennington pontoons, alumacraft fishing boats, Jet skis, Victory motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, generators, trailers and other products, patrons are generally in a good mood.

“We sell some pretty cool stuff,” Wegner said. “For the most part, people come here because they want to come here, not because they’re forced. People are typically excited.” although Northstar Powersports & Marine sells products for each season, Wegner said summer is the most busy.

“Everything comes at once,” he said.

“When it rains it pours, and we’ve got a small window of summer in this area. Everyone wants a boat when it’s warm and sunny.”

Not only do Wegner and Kokot sell their inventory, they have both bought Bennington pontoon boats from the showroom floor. the to-do list for the new owners includes remodeling their service department at 2120 Consul st., which Wegner said is underway, and improving the business’s web presence at northstarpowersports. com.

In the showroom at Northstar Powersports & Marine, owners Josh Wegner, left, and Rob Kokot show a 2016 Polaris Ranger XP with tracks, a heater, light bar and a radio set up for ice fishing. MICah BadER/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

SAVE TIME & MONEY - VISIT THE DIAGNOSTIC EXPERTS AT COLLINS AUTO REPAIR

Complete Automotive Repair

810 E. Main St Albert Lea

377-0585

30 Years e Experienc Marc Collins, Owner

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 29

FaRMS In

Freeborn county

providing efficient, reliable energy and other services for our member-owners and their communities

120: Farms in Freeborn County with 1,000 acres or more, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

340: Acres, the average size of a farm in Freeborn County, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

356,653: Acres being used as cropland in Freeborn County, according

to the 2012 agricultural census. Freeborn County is 723 square miles. With 640 acres in a square mile, that means there are 462,720 total acres, including lakes, rivers, cities, everything. Do the math and it shows 77 percent of the county is cropland.

31,503,419:

Bushels of corn for grain harvested in Freeborn County in 2012, according to the 2012 agricultural census. The total is the seventh highest among counties in Minnesota.

$250,065,000:

Estimated market value of all the farm machinery and equipment in Freeborn County, according to the 2012 agricultural census. That results in an average per farm of $222,874.

$1,857,024:

Average market value of land and buildings per farm in Freeborn County, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

$8,422,000:

Payments made by the government to Freeborn County farm operations in 2012, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

917,092: Hogs and pigs sold in Freeborn County in 2012, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

10,430: Cattle or calves sold in Freeborn County in 2010, according to the 2012 agricultural census.

— Information from the 2012 Agricultural Census

2501 Main Street eaSt • PO BOx 611 • alBert lea PhOne: (507) 373-6421 Or (800) 734-6421 • fax: (507) 369-0259 OffiCe hOUrS 7:00 aM – 3:30PM • MOnday – friday

L&D Ag Service Hartland, MN 507-845-2100

Page 30 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Down through the

years 139 Years...

140 Years...

Farmers mutual Insurance co.

Manchester, MN Phone: 826-3425

Sandy Walstrom, Mgr.

www.edwardsironworkers.com

memorIals

wIth InnovatIon and dIstInctIon 1006 So. Broadway, alBert lea 507-373-4030 In business since 1892

Member F.D.I.C.

www.securitybankmn.com

Albert leA • 373-1481 emmons • 297-5461

In Freeborn county sInce 1906

United

204 Fountain St. Albert Lea, MN 373-3188 Since 1876

sunday Morning Alive 10am faith Builders 9:15am Traditional Worship

11am

In business since 1911.

Albert Lea Newspapers

www.albertleatribune.com

Since 1897

Since 1912

2580 Bridge Ave. 373-3938

The Voice

for Business!

Brad & Vickie Edwin Owners/Managers 131 S. Newton Albert Lea, Mn 56007

507-373-2325 cbALcoLLectS.com In business since 1913

132 Years 2016 Freeborn County Fair Tuesday-Sunday Aug. 2-7

110 Years...

“Your locally owned Community Bank”

507-297-5461 Emmons, MN Since 1903

104 Years... 103 Years... 102 Years... 101 Years...

STRONg Credit Bureau MEMBER FDIC Albert Lea AgENCY HARTLAND, MN •ofCollections 845-2233 • Credit Reporting INC. FREEBORN, MN 209 So. WaShington 507-373-3062

CommerCe

112 Years... 112 Years...

808 W. Front St., Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-1411

863-2371 ALBERT LEA, MN 373-1945

134 Years... 132 Years...

Albert leA FREEBORN CHRIST Methodist Freeborn COUNTY County EPISCOPAL Church 702 Highway 69 S. ChAmber oF Ag SOCIETY CHURCH Albert Lea

118 Years...

123 Years...

109 Years...

In business since 1876

139 Years... 137 Years...

Albert leA FAmily y 2021 West main Albert lea, mN 56007 507-373-8228 www.ymcaal.org

Manchester Hartland Telephone Co.

826-3212

www.mhtele.com Community Service Since 1903

100 Years...

Specializing in Agricultural Lending 101 Central Ave. S Geneva, MN 507.256.7260

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 31

Down through the YeArS 97 Years...

96 Years...

1410 olsen Dr. phone 373-6650

507-377-5660 extension.umn.edu

Send a letter to the editor. letters@albertleatribune.com

Since December 1917

95 Years...

93 Years...

“Always providing quality service to the construction industry.”

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

“4-H is about purple ribbon kids, not purple ribbon animals and projects.” - Eldon Senske 507-377-5660 | Since 1922 www.extension.umn.edu/youth/mn4-H/

www.albertleaelectric.com original business started in 1919

92 Years...

FIrSt LutHErAN CHurCH 301 W. ClArk • 373-6424

WELCoME to WorSHIp Sundays, 8:00am traditional 9:15am Sunday School 10:30am praise & Worship thursday, 6:30p.m.

Since 1919 • www.flcal.org

89 Years...

Motor SuppLy Co.

Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd. Attorneys at Law

211 So. Newton • 373-6491 www.albertlealaw.com Douglas R. Peterson, Matthew L. Benda, Daniel L. Kolker, Stephanie A. Haedt Since 1923

80 Years...

1651 Olsen Drive Albert leA

373-3981 Since 1926

80 1 9 35

Morris Furniture, a part of Albert Lea's history.

Celebrating 82 Years.

507-373-6434 • www.morrisfurniture.com 1909 E. Main, Albert Lea

78 Years...

1633 W. Main Albert Lea 373-2338 Since 1937

265-3340

Serving you at 2 locations Conger & Northbridge Mall Jeremy & Darcy Johnson Since 1935

77 Years... 76 Years...

Eddie's Bar and Lounge 719 Marshall Albert Lea, MN Since 1938

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

AMERICAN LEGION 142 N. Broadway, Albert Lea

Charitable Gambling License No. A-00213

373-7993

86 Years...

96 Years...

AMERICAN LEGION

In business since 1929

•Annual Reports •Brochures •Weddings •Letterheads

Post #404 151 N. Broadway Alden, MN

Since 1919

License No. 00983-02

License #B-01304-001

85 Years...

John Doppelhammer Bob Weiser MANuFACturING MACHINE SHop CNC CoNtrACt MACHINING

265-3235 Conger, MN Since 1930

874-3679

85 Celebrating

years

accentracu.org 800.533.0448

Federally Insured by NCUA

78 Years...

•Business Forms •Catalogs •Envelopes •Invitations •Newsletters •Postcards •Posters •Programs •Stationery

•Banners •Promotional Prod.

•Yard Signs •Tickets •Flyers •Manuals •Show Displays •Business Cards •Other Products

GoLDMAN, SturtZ & HALVorSEN 2501 E. Main Albert Lea

www.fmcs.coop

1731 Margaretha Avenue • Albert Lea

507.373.6485

www.churchoffsetprinting.com

71 Years...

ALDEN LEGION

Tuesday Bingo Every 2nd Sat. — Steak Fry Weekly drink specials

Built-Rite Mfg., Inc. 2046 Sorensen rd. p. o. Box 246 Albert Lea, MN 373-6122

95 Years...

POST 264 GLENVILLE, MN

-

YEARS

Hours: Mon—Wed 9—6, Thurs 9—7; Fri 9—6; Sat 9—5; Sun 12—4

96 Years...

15 20

82 Years...

Mick Delger Cal Johnson

96 Years...

71 Years...

Albert leA Steel, Inc. 1126 S. Broadway Albert Lea

373-5315 Since 1944

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

“Your client first law firm” 137 N. Broadway Albert Lea, MN (507) 373-1409

71 Years...

Ag power Enterprises

Serving Southern Minnesota and Northern Iowa with John Deere Ag & Consumer Equipment

Belle plaine, Hollandale, owatonna, MN Northwood, osage, IA

www.agpowerjd.com

Page 32 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Down through the YeArS 69 Years...

Airgas USA, LLC WeLding MAteriALS, SAfety ProdUCtS & indUStriAL SUPPLieS 2417 MyerS rd.

ALbert LeA 373-2411 Since 1946

65 Years...

SHoFF c hiroprActic

Promoting health and wellness since 1950

60 Years...

373-9586

www.lelandrealty.com

Years Built On TRUST 56 Years...

69 Years...

This spot could be yours in 2016!

65 Years...

Gordonsville, minn.

Phone 448-3302 Serving You For 65 Years Business started in 1950

60 Years...

borderline

SidinG & WindoW ComPany Kiester, minnesota

373-1813 or 1-800-488-3621 Free estimates

in business since 1954

55 Years...

Parent company of Lou-Rich, Almco, Panels Plus and Exact

507 W. Front St. & 902 east main albert lea, mn 56007

377-2102 Since 1946 www.almco.com

64 Years...

Knutson oil Co. Glenville & Hayward

448-3914 Since 1951

57 Years...

Hammer Dieser & mangskau, P.L.L.P.

135 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN. 373-2451

68 Years...

ALBERT LEA BUS COMPANY

1407 St. John Ave. Albert leA 507-373-1467 in business since 1947

63 Years...

Since 1952

Room The Elbow

"Best Hamburgers In Town"

373-1836

310 8th Street Albert leA, Mn

226 W. Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007 Art in the Heart of the City

373-5665

alartcenter@gmail.com Hours: Tues.-Sat. 10am-2pm

organized 1948 incorporated 1959

Room The Elbow

52 Years...

Pizza

373-7350

901 Luther Place, Albert Lea • 373-8226 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org In business since 1962

Freeborn, Mn 863-2455 Since 1948

6 oz Steak ��������������������������������������������$9�85 12 oz� New York Strip �����������������������$13�15 Prime Rib, Queen �����������������������������$12�05 Prime Rib, King ��������������������������������$15�35 Shrimp Dinner ����������������������������������$12�05 Steak & Shimp�����������������������������������$13�15

610 S. Broadway • 377-1863

St. John's Lutheran Community & Knutson Place Apartments

morriSon Well residential irrigation Sealing old

Nights

www.tradesandlabor.com

53 Years...

66 Years...

ALBERT LEA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS

Local 1041

international assn. of Firefighters aFl-Cio, ClC 221 east Clark albert lea

Since may 1, 1948

Friday & Saturday 61 Years...

Conger

Providing Financial Services since 1958

BarBer Shop

129 E. Clark 373-9336 Bill & Mark Malepsy "We cut hair the way you like it!"

Thank You For Your Patronage!

Since 1960

1031 bridge avenue albert lea, mn

Owned by Our Members Focused on Service

Since 1958

67 Years...

“Building the Future By Preserving the Past” 66 years of Preserving, interpreting & displaying the History of Freeborn County.

57 Years...

Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union

Albert Lea BiLL & Mark'S

Art Center

67 Years...

126 W Clark • Albert Lea Now delivering at lunch!

Reader's Choice for pizza 11 years running!

310 8th Street • 373-1836 HouRS: Mon�-Thurs� 7am-2pm Fri�-Sat� 7am-2pm & 4:30-8:30pm

Liquor Store

Where Friends Get Together

Conger, Mn 507-265-3325 SinCe 1954

57 Years...

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

51 Years...

Glenville PlumbinG & HeatinG 448-2902 491 Center Avenue Glenville, Minn.

Since 1964

50 Years... albert lea Community tHeater

Another Exciting Season!

For ticket information, call 877-730-3144. www.actonbroadway.com Since 1965

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 33

Down through the YeArS 48 Years...

49 Years... 49 Years...

LLC

a part of albert Lea since 1966

Christian

ChiropraCtiC

Architects & Civil Engineers

373-4322

907 SYKES STREET Albert Lea 507-373-0689

224 S. Broadway

Since 1966

Since 1966

46 Years...

44 Years...

Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda CPA’s 1655 W Main St Skyline Plaza albert Lea, MN

377-1333

in business since March 1971

43 Years...

Contract Engineering and Manufacturing

an

company

505 W. Front St

albert Lea, MN 56007 Since 1972 www.lou-rich.com

®

tuesday-Friday 7:30-4:30

373-1101

In Business since 1968

Golf Course Freeborn, MN 507-863-2288

www.oakviewgc.com

Serving People Since 1969

Do you have a business you want to showcase here? Call Michelle at 379-9850!

47 Years...

46 Years...

SteveNS WiNdoW & HardWare

Gary thompson 220 east 7th Street albert Lea, MN

Oakview

2006 east Main albert Lea, MN • 373-6475 Now serving margaritas steak & Chicken Fajitas

Serving the community since 1969 www.alchildrenscenter.org

southside BarBer shop

46 Years...

46 Years...

373-7979

47 Years...

377-8904 709 Wilson St., albert Lea, MN

PainTing

369-4804

45 Years...

44 Years...

MUTUAL FUNDS • STOCKS • BONDS ANNUITIES • RETIREMENT PLANS ETF'S • LIFE INSURANCE 200 N Broadway Ave, PO Box 171 Albert Lea, MN 56007

Tel 507.373.8216 Fax 507.373.6220 www.iscfinancialadvisors.com

ElmEr's BodY shop Dave & Tom • 553-5914

41 Years...

Skyline Plaza

373-2338 Since 1974

eoe

Since 1974

.

Since 1974

310 2nd Ave SW Albert Lea www.thompsonelectric ofalbertlea.com

41 Years...

2110 Y. H. Hanson ave. the Best in Salads and Mashed Potatoes

Since december 1973 www.mrsgerrys.com

Wells, MN

41 Years...

1201 Garfield Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-2311 www.thornecrest.net

Tom & Mary Ferleman, Owners

Selling Insurance Since 1968

42 Years... 41 Years...

TOM WenTzler’s

1109 S. Broadway Phone 373-1696

• UPC Code Labels • Identification Stickers • Over 350 Dies on Hand • Pressure Sensitive Roll Labels • Permanent or Removable Labels • Single or Multi-Colored Jobs

40

YEARS

507-373-1700

39 Years...

FaMiLY store M-F 10am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm Come shop where your purchases help others!

416 Bridge Ave.

Page 34 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Down through the YeArS Over

38 Years...

38 Years...

Community in our

Locally owned

201 S. Washington Ave. Albert Lea, MN Rick Mummert Craig Hoium 383-5773 www.ronholtanrealty.com 473-3048

35 Years...

36 Years...

Jamie a.

Kyllo Committed to the quality of life & services for people with disabilities since 1979.

31 Years...

attorney at law

373-4680 202 West Clark St. Albert Lea Since Nov. 1979

30 Years...

Westrum truCk & Body InC.

702 13th Street 377-2526

serving In Albert Lea since 1983

new & used Grain trailers, used semi tractors

1907 e. main, Albert Lea 373-4218

www.westrumtruck.com

29 Years...

Craig's Taxidermy sTudio

Located next to Farmers state Bank in Freeborn

507-863-2202

Fish • Birds • Gameheads • Rugs Craig Christenson owner since 1977

34 Years...

37 Years...

Wangen

exCavaTing, LLC

& sepTiC Tank pumping

507-377-3577 since 1978

Some business & holiday hours vary www.northbridgemall.com

Commercial • Industrial • Farm • Home 519 Adams, Albert Lea Since 1979

1-800-933-5830

715 Central Ave., Northwood, IA www.deweykrugermusic.com since 1981

2101 Consul Ave. 507-377-1671

In business since March 1981

E LECTRIC & M OTOR EARING B SERVICE BALdOR Motors and drives On Call 24 Hours

CALL 377-0032 1401 West 9th Street

Albert Lea, Minnesota

33 Years...

373-1401

Since Sept. 3, 1982

Thompson Sanitation Service

PO Box 154 Clarks Grove, MN 56016 Since Dec. 1, 1982

30 Years...

30

Direct Mail Printing NCOA List Processing CASS Certification Database Management Inkjet Addressing Mailpiece Quality Control Certified Specialists

YEAR

S

1731 MARGARETHA AVE • ALBERT LEA •507-373-6485

29 Years...

227 S. Broadway

373-2514 Nice People, Nice Store

29 Years...

Jan Jerdee 373-2804

1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea Since 1986

• Seamless Siding & Gutters • Windows • Doors • Gutter Helmet 603 S. 1st Ave. Albert Lea 373-3435

www.Homesolutionsmidwest.com

31 Years...

Albert Lea’s Oldest and Only Locally Owned

256-4370

30 Years...

Downtown Albert Lea • 507-373-2514

377-3185

PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR 36TH ANNIVERSARY!

33 Years of Alamco...

22 Years of deWey ALBert LeA Weyerhauser kruGer trAILer servICe 22 Years of RILCO musIC 77 YEARS OF Piano & organ sales & service 641-324-1300 LAMINATION dewey@ deweykruger music.com

36 Years...

373-0731

34 Years...

rick Furniture

I-90 & Bridge Ave. Shopping hours: M-F 10-8, Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5

36 Years...

LLC

373-9850

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Fire, Water, Furniture

John & Jean Riedlinger, Owners

29 Years...

201 E. Clark St. Albert Lea 507-377-9344 Since Jan. 1, 1984

30 Years...

CALLAHAN'S

HEATING & COOLING 21956 733rd Ave Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1578

Do you have a business you want to showcase Sales • Service 507-373-4443 here? Call Michelle at In business since 1986 379-9850!

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 35

Down through the YeArS 27 Years...

LOCALLY OWNED!

Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-9600 Contests: (507) 373-9401 Since Aug. 24, 1988

www.power96rocker.com

23 Years...

201 S. Washington Street Albert Lea, MN

301 Rezin Ave. 373-2713

Inside Storage for Commercial & Residential Since 1991

21 Years...

BARBER COMPUTER CONSULTANTS

26 Years...

Conditioning

230 S. Washington 373-0751

REINERTSON’S Heating & Air EMBROIDERY

Hometown Broadcasting KQPR 96.1 FM

24 Years...

27 Years...

Craig Hoium

crhoium@yahoo.com 507-473-3048

24 hour emergency service

Emergency phone: 373-5166 Business Phone:

373-8435 Box 55 • Albert Lea Since 1988

Albert Lea (507) 373-HELP (4357) 1-888-MARGIE B margieb@margieb.com

www.reinertsons embroidery.com

SALON 625

625 W. Park Ave AVEDA Products

507-377-7140 or 507-402-5913

Sather Engineering

Industrial Controls Electrical Contracting

Huge Inventory of PLCs, controls and sensors below wholesale prices

507-339-2892 2009 Stevens St Albert Lea Since 1989

22 Years...

22 Years...

This spot could be yours in 2016!

Booking for the season now!

Rightway Roofing Commercial, Residential & Repairs

Bob Hanson

373-0409

Since 1993

21 Years...

Steak & Shrimp Steak & Lobster

Commercial Casework & Cabinetry

¢ents

Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping services & customized Quickbooks training Advanced Certified Quickbooks Pro Advisor Laurie Sistek, 415 E. William St, Albert Lea

507-552-1263

laurie@bookkeepingcents.com

16 Years...

CHEERS LIQUOR

379-2364 1617 W. Main Albert Lea

Agra Resources, LLC

16 Years...

Greg Moen, Realtor®

Farmer Owned & Locally Grown Ethanol Plant 507-373-8895

507-377-2752

www.poet.com

Properties

15300 780th Ave. Albert Lea, MN

Since March 1999

Since Feb. 1989

RE/MAX 412 E. William, Albert Lea, MN Office: 377-2752

www.remax.com

25 ½ Years...

Tractor Manuals

Visit our World Headquarters at 200 Main Street

Manchester, MN 56007-5000

826-3666

In Business Since November 1989

21 Years...

Convenient Insurance Service PROPERtY AND LIABILItY uMBRELLA KEY EMPLOYEE LIFE FuNDING BuY/SELL AGREEMENtS IRA'S GROuP HEALtH

Call Today

StACEY L. JOHNSON

PO Box 328 Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-5299 • (800) 533-0472 Lic#: 20416372

sljohnson@fedins.com

the FEDERAtED Insurance Companies Home Office: 121 E. Park Sq. Owatonna, MN 55060 (507) 455-5200 • www.federatedinsurance.com

18 Years...

17 Years...

We offer secretarial, payroll & bookkeeping services

Come see us for all your industrial and construction supplies!

(507) 373-HELP (4357) 1-888-MARGIEB margieb@margieb.com

Slow Roasted Prime Rib or BBQ Ribs

16 Years...

377-0462 Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN

119 S. Newton Albert Lea, MN

Slow Roasted Prime Rib or All you can eat Fish

Lake Mills, IA

17 Years...

26 Years...

BARBER SECRETARIAL & ACCOuNTING

Hot Beef Commercial Walleye Dinner

Margie Barber, Professional Instructor Call for a current class schedule!

119 S. Newton - Classes

Embroidery, Jackets, Hats, Business Logos, Sports, Schools, Sweatshirts, School logos

26 Years...

16 Years...

SPRAGUE PROPERTIES Find the perfect house or apartment!

507-383-1976

1103 Sykes St. Albert Lea 377-7026 Since 1998

15 Years...

Dawn Freeman Swalve, Realtor®

Cell: 383-1300 dawn@holtan.com

e 28 | IMPaCT Page| FRIday, 36 | IMPaCT SEPTEMBER | FRIday, 25,SEPTEMBER 2015 25, 2015

orthstar

nued from Page 27

Down through the YeArS

ness is the illusion that you’re your own ,” he said. “We just have a lot of bosses ead of one or two.” s a business that sells Bennington pons, alumacraft fishing boats, Jet skis, ory motorcycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain Michelle DaVeiga WEB-ROOM/ cles, snowmobiles, generators, trailers Classifieds Consultant FaMily Fun other products, patrons are generally 507-379-9850 CEntER good mood.

369-0019 Computer Services We sell some pretty cool stuff,” Wegner Computer Retailer Jeanette & Alyse . “For the most part, people come here Dave Klatt National Internet ause they want toFood come Mart here, not beService Provider Custom Homes 106 S. Broadway Shell Certified Massage DVD Production se they’re forced. People are typically & Renovations Therapists Providing ted.”

Gifts, Dart Supplies, Cabinetry, Countertops, BODY-MIND-SPIRIT Pool Supplies, Over the Insurance and though Northstar Powersports & Flooring & Stone 116 Bridge Ave. Hill Novelty Items Financial Services ine sells products for each season, Geneva, MN Albert Lea, 703 Marshall St ner said summer is the most busy.

507.256.4390 www.timberlodgeowatonna.com 373-2377 377-8591 Since May 2000 he said.

Everything comes at once,” www.rwpdesignbuild.com en it rains it pours, and we’ve got a ll window of summer in this area. Evone wants a boat when it’s warm and ny.” ot only do Wegner and Kokot sell their ntory, they have both bought BenningDry Cleaning pontoon boats from the showroom floor.

2 HAPPY HOURS DAILY 1617 SE Broadway he to-do list for theProperties new owners in3-6PM & 9-11PM Office Supplies • Formals and Wedding es remodeling their service departOffice Furniture Greg Moen, Broker/Owner dresses • Alterations 24 TAPS/GREAT CRAFT t at 2120 Consul st., which Wegner said 373-8316 BREW SELECTION Steve Honsey, Josh Harmdierks, 373-MARY nderway, and Kisti improving the business’s Skaar, Lynn Kelley, Your local office supply dealer (6279) FULL-MENU DELIVERY Paulson, Lisa Thornton, In the showroom atLocally Northstar Powersports & Marine, owners Josh Wegner, left, and Rob Kokot show a 2016 Polaris Ranger presence Emelie at northstarpowersports. owned by FREE DELIVERY AND TAKEOUT Jay Waltman XP with tracks, a heater, light bar and a radio set up for ice fishing. MICah BadER/alBERT lEa TRIBunE Located in the Marketplace Jesse & Mary Zamora .

15 Years...

14 Years...

14 Years...

14 Years...

14 Years...

13Years...

13 Years...

Exit 45 in Owatonna

373-5179

(507) 444-0303

13 Years...

12 ½ Years... 11½ Years...

ScOtt’S OFFIcE PRODuctS

y’s

Mar

11½ Years...

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PIZZA. PASTA. BEER & WINGS.

373-6337

412 E. William St, Albert Lea 377-2752 • www.remax.com

New Winter Hours: M-F 8-5:30; Sat 8-12

SAVE TIME & MONEY - VISITSince Aug 2, 2004 THEYears...

DIAGNOSTIC EXPERTS AT • Rentals 11 • Home COLLINS AUTO REPAIR Inspections

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Albert Lea's only locally

owned pharmacy

11 Years...

• Real Estate Broker • Property Management • Consultations • Commercial

Complete Automotive Repair

Connecting all Branches of Real Estate 810 E. Main St Albert Lea

10 Years...

377-0585

Robert Hoffman, Broker 507-402-4692 complete@complete-realty.com MN Lic #40229984 & #40230933 Licensed since 2004

Roofing • Siding • Garages Additions • Decks & More

505 W. Front St, Albert Lea, MN www.innovance.com

Parent company of Lou-Rich, Almco Panels Plus and Exact Since 2004

10 Years...

HOME OF THE FLAT IRON STEAK

9 ½ Years...

ETC Etcetera Tanning & Clothing

Boutique

30 Years e Experienc

TANNING... look good - feel great!

“For All Your Construction Needs” Please give a call.

MARK AttIG Marc Collins, Owner 507-383-0339

Lic. #20573223 Albert Lea, MN

This spot could be yours in 2016!

Grill open Mon. - Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. - Sat. 11am-11pm 224 W Main St., Lake Mills • 641-592-3303 627 Main Street, Osage • 641-832-3300 104 N Elm St., Cresco • 563-547-3300

• 12 minute bed • 15 minute bed • 20 minute bed • Red light therapy • Custom airbrush tanning

507.377.TANS (8267)

Mon.-Fri. 10-9 pm Sat. 10-5pm, Sun. 1-5 Located in Skyline Plaza • 1663 W. Main St.

Do you have a new business you'd like to showcase in these pages?

Contact Michelle today at 379-3425 or 379-9850!

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 37

Down through the YeArS 9 Years...

8 ½ Years...

9 Years...

Michele Beyer

8 Years...

Renee Citsay

Marketing Consultant

373-2757 or 373-2379 951 W. Plaza St. Albert Lea 1 mile west of Hy-Vee

I-35 Exit 214 777 Diamond Jo Lane | Northwood, IA

www.diamondjo.com $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

7 ½ Years... 7 Years...

Angie Hoffman

6 Years...

6 ½ Years...

LeVerne Carlson

Center

Marketing Consultant

507-379-3429

808 W. Front St Albert Lea, MN

FOX News, NASCAR, Linder Farm Markets, Gods Country Sunday Gospels and Classic Country music dating back to 1935!

379-9858 4 Years...

www.classiccountrylegends.com

LOCALLY OWNED!

Office: 373-9600 Contest: 437-0970 • Since June 9, 2008

3 Years...

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Find us on

Albert Lea, MN

Over 18 Years Experience Call 507-318-0928 or 507-383-2719 MN License #BC688031 Tim Dirkes, Owner

FRE E ES TIM ATE S

6 Years...

Residential & Commercial Jesse & Kelly Krick

507-402-2348

2 Years...

502 Cardinal Ln. • Albert Lea, MN 56007 (507) 383-0263 • kjosconstruction@gmail.com

448-3898 Like us on

10 Months...

Kelly Besco

507-379-9851

122 W. Main St. Albert Lea, MN

507-379-3430

290 W. Main Glenville, MN

Account Executive

507-402-5650

507-379-3428

3 Years...

total security of southern mn, llc Monitored Burglar Alarms, Residential & Commercial Fire Systems, Digital Camera Systems Sales • Service • Installation Lowest monitoring rates around • High & Low Voltage work 23 Years experience • Locally owned 404 Old Hwy 65 S, Clarks Grove, MN struesdell9@hotmail.com

Fitness Center Office Contact us for an appointment Located in the Alden-Conger School Main Office Fitness Center Coordinator - Jenny Hovendick jhovendick@ac242.us 507-874-3240

Marketing Consultant

trib'une • me'di•a [trib'yoon • me'dea] n.

That which blends new forms of communication with traditional and established forms of communication, creating the best solutions for delivering community news and advertising to the people who want to see it. Call 507-379-3427 to discover your advertising options.

Page 38 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Have something to say? Send a letter

The end of a chapter

to the editor.

sarah.stultz @albertleatribune.com

Van Wilgen Farm Drainage 28218 870th Ave • Hollandale 507-889-8071 • 507-383-5774

Book World in August announced it would close its Northbridge Mall location on Sept. 15. CollEEn haRRISon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

LOVERINK DRAINAGE Rural • Residential * Individual sewer systems • Sewer maintenance & repair • City sewer and water installation • Basement & site preparation • Waterways, filter intakes & tiling (trenched or plowed) • Field pumps, cement & box culverts • Ponds, ditch cleaning, wetland restoration • Excavation • Demolition and boring

CALL FOR ESTIMATES

Hollandale, MN 507-473-0200

Lee Loverink, Owner

SERVING FREEBORN COUNTY

County Administration ..................................................................................... 377-5116 Court Administration........................................................................................377-5153 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 AT POST OFFiCES OnLy!..............................................................................

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 ............................................................................................... 320-0552 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 broadway S. • 377-5299 police-fire-medical-sheriff-state patrol emergency: 911

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | PAge 39

FReeBORN COuNTy By THe NuMBeRS 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 Housing units: 14,231 Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089 Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088 Family households: 8,555 with children: 3,249

We are the rst, the biggest, and the best source for manuals!

Manchester, MN

507-826-3666 • www.jensales.com Home of JensPrint Contact us for your printing needs!

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

ManchesterHartland Telephone Co. Offering phone, internet & T.V.

826-3212

Community Service Since 1903

Glenville

GOOd LAnd StEwARdSHIP bEGInS wItH GOOd dRAInAGE! We all want and need clean water and by having a good drainage system, it allows the soil to absorb rainwater and helps reduce erosion and fertilizer leaching. Call us today and see what we can do for your land!

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM 71610 263rd St • Albert Lea

Office (507) 826-3449 Mark cell (507) 383-6550 • Phil cell (507) 330-1889

Plumbing 448-2902

Glenville, MN

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 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

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

Becker Auto

Auto Sales & RV Service Mark Becker – Joan Becker 80944 CR 46 Hayward, MN 56043

Custom Processing & Retail Meats TODD & CHERYL ENDERSON Owners PO Box 308 Hayward, MN 56043 (507) 373-8966

Find us at findcars.com Phone (507) 373-3170 Cell (507) 676-0192

We’re Radio Doctors

Send us your tired two-ways

101 1st Ave. SW Glenville, MN 56036

507-448-3717 800-795-1255

Page 40 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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 address: 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

Checking • Savings • Loans • CDs • IRAs • HSAs • Credit Cards Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking • Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes 109 W. Park Ave. Hollandale (507) 889-4311 MEMBER

FDIC

OFFICES AT:

220 E. William St. Albert Lea (507) 373-5500

www.producestatebank.com

2401 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea (507) 373-8600

Serving the community since 1926!

2010 census: 661 Median age: 39.9 Households: 268 Housing units: 292 Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St. City Hall phone: 874-3620 Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)

Highways: Interstate 90, 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 address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: 653-4369 Railroads: both are Union Pacific Highways: Minnesota Highway 253 Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Thank you To our loyal cusTomers!

Voted the area’s Best Waste Disposal Service for the past 6 years!

Proud to offer honest, consistent, personal service for over 30 years!

Thompson Sanitation, Inc.

loCally oWNeD & oWNer operateD

Clarks Grove, MN

507-256-4370

www.thompsonsanitation.com

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 41

Clarks Grove 2010 census: 706 Median age: 38.1 Households: 295 Housing units: 312 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 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 address: 51 School St. City hall phone: 265-3435.

Railroads: none Highways: none Schools: none; is in AldenConger School District

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 address: 219 Main St. City hall phone: 297-5707 Railroads: none Highways: U.S. Highway 69 Schools: none; is in GlenvilleEmmons School District

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 address: 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 See NeIgHBORS, Page 42

Freeborn 2010 census: 297 Median age: 38.9 Households: 120 Housing units: 130 Square miles: 0.2 City hall address: 402 Park St. City hall phone: 863-2204 Railroads: none

Ellendale

Geneva

2010 census: 691 Median age: 39.6 Households: 296 Housing units: 317 Square miles: 0.9 City Hall address: 505 Second St. City Hall phone: 684-2681 Railroads: Union Pacific

2010 census: 555 Median age: 38.3 Households: 220 Housing units: 228 Square miles: 0.4 City Hall address: 403 Fourth St. City Hall phone: 256-4192 Railroads: none

2340 Crossroads Blvd • Albert Lea 507.320.7220 Office 507.320.7221 Fax

• Mobile pressure washing • Commerical truck & tanker cleaning All new truck and tanker parts room

www.schippstankerkleen.com

Community of Friends & Neighbors

Senior Cooperative Living

Own your peace at the village!

Call TODAY to schedule your FREE in-home design consultation.

310 1st Ave. S | Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8535 Toll Free 1-877-373-8535

Showroom Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8-5p.m.

Get on our waiting list today!

Watch for our Open Ho us coming e soon

2201 Stevens Street • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-3039

Page 42 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

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

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

Manchester

Hollandale 2010 census: 303 Median age: 38.3 Households: 128 Housing units: 146 Square miles: 0.4 City hall address: 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

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

Classic car enthusiasts line up in a field along Front Street in Hayward for the Hayward Days car show in 2014. hannah dIllon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

& 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

221 E. Clark St. 507-377-4300 | cityofalbertlea.org

South Central School District

Lake Mills 2010 census: 2,100 Median age: 45.3 Households: 944

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

FRIday, FRIday, SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | IMPaCT | Page | Page 43 23

FloRIda naTIvE BRIngS SoME nEw

food to tHe table AT FOUNTAIN LAKE

You’ll find a home in our community

by Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

Independent Living Assisted Living/Secured Memory Care Short Term Rehab · Skilled Care

Caldyn Huper, left, competes against Brayden Schultz Friday night in the slow race of the tractor games during Kernel Days in Wells in 2014. Huper was the winner. SaRah STulTz/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

Skilled Care Center

New Richland

Twin Lakes

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

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 Lea School District

Wells

2010 census: 2,343 Median age: 45.3 An appetizer offered on Conger Inn Victory Catering’s chef’s table special menu are John Lowery’s Cajun baby-back alligator ribs. He said he has the alligator overnighted Northwood Households: 1,013 from Hollywood, Florida, when he has plans to make the dish. CollEEn haRRISon/alBERT lEa TRIBunE Housing units: 1,133 2010 census: 1,989 Square miles: 1.4 Median age: 44.2 Interior of Skilled Care Center City hall address: 125 S. Households: 885 CONGER — John Lowery has cooked for as- Resort in Disney World in theHousing ’70s.

Broadway Ave. units: 1,004 Following the Disney World golf course, tronauts, Disney World and even for a birthday City hall phone: 553-6371 Square miles: 3.8 Lowery worked as a gourmet chef at The Grove, party in Magic Johnson’s honor.

City Hall address: 627 Central Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota Marriott Now, he has brought his talents — and more a restaurant inside of a 1,000-room then became an importantly, his food — to Conger as the new hotel in Orlando, Florida. HeAve. & Eastern (Canadian Pacific) owner of Conger Inn Victory Catering, formerly executive chef in the late ’80s for Church Street City Hall phone: 641-324-1075 Highways: Minnesota HighStation in downtown Orlando, which included Conger Inn Catering and Party Store.

Railroads: Union Pacific way 22, Minnesota Highway a fine dining Lowery and his wife, Kathy, bought the busi- the establishments Lili Marlene’s, shop; Rosie ness in April of this year, after moving to Frost restaurant; Apple Annie’s, a sandwich Highways: U.S. Highway 65, 109 restaurant; in 2011 to be closer to Kathy’s mother. Lowery O’Grady’s, a ’50s and ’60s-themed County Highway 105 Schools: United South Cencomes to the area with 41 years of cooking ex- Cheyenne Saloon, which offered barbecue and tral High School, United South Schools: Northwood-Kensett ribs; Chowder’s, which specialized in different perience under his belt. that was responCentral Middle School, United Originally from Cocoa Beach, Florida, Lowery soups; and a banquet facility Elementary School, NorthOktoberfest Junior/Senior first learned how to cook from his mother who sible for street parties, an annual Track Our Progress!

South Central Elementary wood-Kensett John Lowery, pictured with his catering van and his new rotisserie worked as a nanny.

Hephotos said he attended few and View of theawork siteother at events.

St.Catering Casimirin Catholic High School oven, bought the formerSchool, Conger Inn April of this year. He years of culinary school on a scholarship, before www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org School, Covenant Life School Catering.

See food, Page 24 renamed it Conger Inn Victory getting his first job at Lake Buena Vista Golf

Man purchases Conger Inn Catering after years of cooking experience Assisted Living Opening March of 2016

Independent Apartments Opening April of 2016 Skilled Care Center Opening March of 2017

Page 44 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

St. John’s construction on schedule

Construction crews work on the new independent living building for St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake. Below the large slab of concrete is the indeThe assisted living apartments at St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake will pendent living parking garages. The independent living apartments are scheduled for occupancy in April 2016. be ready for occupancy in March 2016. PRovIdEd

Serving the area for 76 years.

Committed to serving your family with dignity and compassion at the lowest possible cost since 1939.

Our funeral home is owned by the families we serve and we are proud to say that all decisions in our operation are made by local people and all profits are kept within our community.

373-4330

1415 HWY 13 N. ALBERT LEA

Locally organized, owned and managed since 1939

377-2372

1414 W. Main, Albert Lea www.shgardencenter.com Open Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4

• Pet Food & Supplies • Bird Seed & Feeders • Garden Seed & Supplies • Trees & Shrubs

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 45

This is the basement of the town center for the new St. John’s Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake. St. John’s Administrator Scot Spates said the project is on schedule. The new independent living building is going up early September for St. John’s While the assisted living and independent living are slated to open in spring 2016, the Lutheran Community on Fountain Lake. This building is scheduled for occupancy nursing home is scheduled to open the following year. in April 2016.

80 -

15 20

.c w. hur no ch rth off am set er pri ica nt nl ing ab el. .com co m

1935

YEARS

17

ww

50 7.3 7- 73 37 .6 3- 48 17 5 00 • w • ww

•Catalogs •Envelopes •Invitations •Newsletters •Postcards •Programs •Stationery •Posters

17 31 M 31 a M rga r ar ga eth re a A th a A ve ve • 5 • 0

•Annual Reports •Brochures •Weddings •Letterheads •Banners •Promo. Products •Yard Signs •Tickets •Flyers •Manuals •Show Displays •Business Cards •Business Forms

We me can you et a com r foo ll d lab merc & el n ial eed s!

Nathan N.

Member since 2008

40

“I like being able to get an answer immediately.”

YEARS

.

507.373.1700 • www.northamericanlabel.com • Over 350 Dies on Hand • Pressure Sensitive Roll Labels • Identification Stickers • Single or Multi-Colored Jobs • UPC Code Labels • Permanent & Removable Labels • Label Dispensers & Applicators

What will you like about being a member?

Find out by joining today! accentracu.org 800.533.0448 Austin & Albert Lea Federally Insured by NCUA

Page 46 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Heritage dollars to fund four projects in watershed district the districts sixth fish The Shell Rock Waterbarrier in the watershed District was formed shed to reduce rough in 2003 and immediately fish, manage aquatic began efforts to restore, vegetation and imenhance and protect the prove water quality. natural resources of the The nest step involves watershed. The district engineering to deterstarted a watershedBy Brett Behnke mine if this barrier wide restoration in 2014 with the five-year, $20 million, Habitat will be electric or mechanical.

Upper Twin Lake pumping station: Restoration Program. The results of the program will be restoration of desirable The third project is the Upper Twin fish, waterfowl and wildlife populations, Lake pumping station. Upper Twin enhanced native aquatic root vegetation, Lake outlets into Lower Twin Lake and increased fish habitat and spawning areas, negatively affects Lower Twin’s water waterfowl nesting areas, re-establishing clarity. This pumping station will give and connecting flyway habitat, wildlife the district the ability to manage Uphabitat and protecting the watershed from per Twin Lake independently of Lower Twin Lake. rough fish species.

Pickerel Lake dam: Pickerel Lake With the Lessard-Sams Outdoor dam is a Freeborn County-owned dam Heritage Council allocating $2.4 milthat is dire need of repair. With failing lion in funds to the watershed’s Habiconcrete and exposed rebar, the Shell tat Restoration Program fourth phase, Rock River Watershed District will the district’s board of managers inireplace the structure with a new varitiated four projects to be completed able crest dam. Once the construction for 2015-16. These projects include: is complete, Freeborn County will still Wedge Creek Reach No. 6 restoration, have ownership of the dam.

Upper Twin and Lower Twin lakes fish barrier, Upper Twin Lake pumping staSee BeHNKe, Page 52 tion and the Pickerel Lake Dam. Wedge Creek Reach No. 6: Wedge Creek Reach No. 6 is part of the stream restoration program. This projDAVE’S AUTo SERVICE ect will reduce stream bank erosion Lake mills, IA and associated sedimentation, reconnect streams to their floodplains, reduce negative impacts from severe flooding, increase natural reproducSince tion of fish and stabilize stream banks with minimal maintenance. Reach No. 1973 6 consists of 2.35 acres and is the final section to be completed.

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Friday, SePteMBer 25, 2015 | iMPact | Page 47

Being active PartnerS in

The communiTy

By micah Bader

micah.bader@albertleatribune.com

Members of Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd., a law firm in Albert Lea, stand on William Street. From left are Stephanie Haedt, Douglas Peterson, Matthew Benda and Daniel Kolker. Micah Bader/alBert lea triBune

Albert Lea law firm has provided service for clients for more than 9 decades

S

ince 1923, the aim of a four-partner law firm in Albert Lea has been to assist the community.

“Helping people is what it’s all about,” said Douglas Peterson, who has practiced law in the estate planning, probate, trust, real estate and corporate field since 1984. “I’ve always said we have the best clients in the world, and we enjoy working with them.”

Peterson, Daniel Kolker, Stephanie Haedt and Matthew Benda — the

partners at Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd. — have more than 92 years of experience providing legal services.

Benda said the practice takes pride in providing leadership to the community.

“The firm as a whole has a culture where it’s important to be active in the community,” he said. “We all serve on various boards and volunteer our time.

That’s part of our fabric.”

Benda has provided general legal services to the Albert Lea area since 1996.

“Part of being attorneys in a rural area means you want to have a connection with the community.”

— Lawyer Daniel Kolker His primary areas are agriculture law,

business planning and transactions, real estate and family law. In 2011, he received statewide recognition as an Attorney of the Year.

Kolker has served on multiple nonprofit boards, including Freeborn County United Way board and Naeve Health Care Foundation. He also volunteers with Albert Lea youth sports programs and St. Theodore Catholic Church.

See FiRm, Page 48

Page 48 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Stephanie Haedt of Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda Ltd. works at her desk at 211 S. Newton Ave. in Albert Lea. MICah BadER/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

Firm Continued from Page 47

“Part of being attorneys in a rural area means you want to have a connection to the community,” Kolker said.

Kolker’s primary areas are civil and commercial litigation, governance, real estate and collections.

Along with Haedt’s primary areas of

employment law, family law, civil litigation, medical assistance and estate planning, she gives back to the community in multiple ways.

Highlights of Haedt’s efforts include work as a volunteer attorney for Southern minnesota regional Legal Services, a board chairman for the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the chamber executive committee and worksite wellness committee,

Daniel Kolker

Matt Benda

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Douglas Peterson and as a Blue Zones leadership team member.

Former partner Donald Savelkoul left the firm in July to open a separate practice, and Benda said the partners plan to fill the opening.

“I think the goal is always to have a succession plan in place and to bring new attorneys to the community to continue to provide services,” he said.

According to Haedt, the best part of

“We’re like a family with our staff, our team members and our clients.” — Lawyer Stephanie Haedt working at the firm is the people.

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Helping preserve heritage through farmland retention programs Southern Minnesota’s economy is certainly more diverse than it was when Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation was founded nearly 30 years ago. However, agriculture still plays a major By Tim Penny role. Agriculture and forestry account for over 20 percent of our 20-country region’s economic output. 6.2 million acres — 82 percent of our region’s land — is cultivated farmland. The most impressive statistic: the estimated current value of farmland in south central and southeastern Minnesota is $50 billion.

Clearly, farmers hold their wealth in land. However, the average age of farmers in our region is 55 years and climbing. It is estimated that $7 billion in wealth will transfer hands in the next 15 years in our 20-county region alone. Farmland will account for a large portion of that wealth. Yet it remains unclear who this wealth will be transferred to. For every six farmers 65 or older, there is only one under the age of 35 standing in line to replace them, according to the 2012 USDA Ag Census.

While there is a generation of

people who want to farm, including a rising number of women and immigrant populations, high land prices and startup costs force most beginning farmers to rent, or deter potential farmers from starting in the first place. Additionally, for a farmer who is living off of land homesteaded by an ancestor several generations before, it can be worrisome to imagine that land going to a distant investor with no real connection to the community. A dwindling pipeline of younger farmers paired with deep-seated emotional ties to land means succession planning is a growing concern in agriculture.

However, there is a model that allows retiring farmers the peace of mind that their land will continue to be farmed and also available for those farmers just starting off. Several years ago, our sister foundation, Southwest Initiative Foundation, launched a farmland retention program called “Keep It GrowingSM.” The goal of this program is to offer

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benefitting their local community. The farmer can choose how to allocate the income generated from the land rental to a designated/donor advised fund, a local community fund, or one of SMIF’s endowed funds.

SMIF’s managed community funds exist for the following communities: Blue Earth, Byron, Ellendale, Elysian, Goodhue, Harmony, Henderson, Le Sueur, Mabel, Madison Lake, Maple River AAA, Mapleton, New Prague, Plainview, Preston, Rushford, Sleepy Eye, St. James, Spring Valley, Wabasha-Kellogg, Wanamingo, Winthrop and Zumbro Valley.

Choosing to donate one’s land is an enormous benefit on all fronts: The landowner will receive a tax deduction and bypass capital gains while still being able to maintain a stable revenue source. The tenant can continue to rent and farm the land. The county maintains its tax base. SMIF retains ownership and acts as a steward of this resource to ensure the community benefits long-term from the income generated.

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retiring farmers and landowners an option to preserve the property as farmland while converting it to an asset that benefits the community.

So far, seven farms have been bequeathed to SWIF, who in turn will continue to manage this land and reinvest the rental income into southwest Minnesota. Another local organization, Rural Advantage, has also received donated farmland. They will turn this donation into an educational model farm which uses alternative and perennial agriculture systems to demonstrate and research how crops besides corn and soybeans can increase biodiversity, improve soil quality, and reduce farm runoff.

Building on these successful models, SMIF launched our farmland retention program, Preserving our Heritage, in 2014. Through this program, retiring farmers can bequeath some or all of their land directly to SMIF or to one of the 23 community funds we manage, allowing them to build the wealth of their individual communities. When a farmer is thinking about estate planning, it can be a comfort to know there is a way their land can remain active farmland while also

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 51

kIBBlE EquIPMEnT MovES InTo

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K

ibble Equipment’s John Deere dealership in Blue Earth has opened a new 48,000-square foot building.

The business moved into its new facility June 1 at 107 Faribault Drive in Blue Earth. The grand opening was Aug. 25. The new location is a significant upgrade over the dealership’s old location on North Main Street, said Craig Krysan, store manager.

“The efficiencies of having more employees under one roof will help because more customers will be able to be helped in a more timely fashion,” Krysan said.

Krysan said the store has a solid inventory of both used and new John Deere equipment, including tractors, combines, sprayers and tillage tools. The parts inventory has increased dramatically in the Blue Earth location since the new store opened so the parts could be on hand when needed.

There is a combine storage shed at the new facility that can hold 24 customer combines.

By Sam wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

A customer training room is also at the facility so the dealership can host customer-training events, where new technology and new products are shown to farmers and farmers are instructed on how to use the equipment.

The business is looking at expanding its machinery and tool inventory in the future, said Dan Perrine, Kibble Equipment sales representative.

“We want to continue to grow,” Perrine said.

The store’s in-season extended hours that include harvesting and planting season are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

The dealership’s out of season hours are from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

Krysan said employees normally work 14 to 15 hour days while in season and See KiBBle, Page 52

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Page 52 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

BeHnKe Continued from Page 46

In 2015, the district reapplied for the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage funding with phase five of the Habitat Restoration Project. The phase five request was for $3.78 million and includes projects such

as 266 acres of rough fish management, 181 acres of vegetative restoration, 218 acres of land acquisitions to re-establish native vegetation, improve nesting habitat and waterfowl food sources and wetland restorations benefitting 804 acres.

Brett Behnke is the administrator of the Shell Rock River Watershed District.

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Dan Perrine, sales representative at Kibble Equipment, stands next to a John Deere tractor. SaM wIlMES/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

KIBBLe Continued from Page 51

are on call.

“We provide outstanding customer service,” Krysan said. “What we do keeps the farmers up and running and gets them what they need in a timely manner.” experience is a strong part of the dealership and an important part of the business, according to Krysan.

In the parts department, five employees have more than 100 years of combined experience. Thirteen employees have more than 150 years of combined experience in the service department, and in the sales department, six employees have over 110 years of combined ex-

perience. Two employees have more than 40 years of combined experience in the office administration.

That experience has led the company to form relationships with customers that otherwise wouldn’t have been possible, he said.

Krysan said he is pleased with the direction of the company.

“We’ve been able to grow and retained our business, which is kudos to both our employees and our customers,” he said.

Twenty-nine employees are at the Blue earth Kibble equipment location.

Kibble equipment has other locations in Bird Island, Mankato, Minnesota Lake, Montevideo, Redwood Falls, Sleepy eye and Wabasso.

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FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 53

Celebrating 32 Years of Quality, Customer Service, and Growth

The Meraki Studios is expected to open in early October at 115 N. Newton Ave. SaRah STulTz/alBERT lEa TRIBunE

STUDIO Continued from Page 5

people talk negatively recently about Albert Lea. She was disappointed to hear their comments and said these people shouldn’t be able to complain if they are not working to help improve the community.

“I see all of these comments about Albert Lea not doing what they want it to do, but they’re not doing anything,” she said. “It fuels my fire.”

Karsjens said if the city is missing something, people should step up to provide it.

“All these people who complain and are negative, they are the problem,” she said. “I told Brian we need to move or be

InTegO Continued from Page 7

service in the area, Hensley said, is it can bring a lot of new companies to the area that wouldn’t necessarily focus on Albert Lea. Some of these companies include MassMutual, Oppenheimer and Morningstar.

Intego Financial group works a lot with retirees, Hensley said, to help them determine if they can retire and when.

“There’s just so many questions,” he said.

Intego also works with farms and how farmers can get to retirement, he said.

The Meraki Studios What: A space for dance lessons, musical instruction, crafts and art workshops and photography services Where: 115 N. Newton Ave., Albert Lea When: Opening in early October Contact: 507-581-0731 a part of the movement to get a sense of community back in Albert Lea.” And that is exactly what they hope to accomplish.

She said since announcing the studio a few months ago, they have received many positive comments from people in the community.

“The feedback we’ve gotten just in the last two months has been unmeasurable,” Karsjens said.

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Other types of insurance Intego works with are farm, crop, home and automobile insurance. As Intego is independent, Hensley said agents at Intego can shop around to find the best prices.

“It keeps everybody competitive,” he said.

In the future, Hensley said he hopes to continue to work with clients and get new clients with Intego Financial group.

He also hopes to help small businesses plan for the future and for risks.

Before moving back to Albert Lea, Hensley and his wife lived in Peoria, Illinois. He grew up in Spencer, Iowa, and went to the University of nebraska.

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Page 54 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

The changing face of downtown Albert Lea

4 Seasons has changed their look to add more of a variety and flare to the look of Edward Jones has added on to its previous locations with a store in between Plymouth their location. It went from all gray to tan and gray. ElEna SChEwE/alBERT lEa TRIBunE Shoe Store and Expressions.

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Page 56 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

SkylInE FIndS nEw lIFE aS dESTInaTIon

BuSiNeSS ceNteR

By cathy Hay

news@albertleatribune.com

This aerial photo of Skyline Mall in 1967 shows J.C. Penney on the left, now the home of Marketplace Foods. In the background are Sibley and Southwest schools, surrounded by vacant land that was later developed for residential housing. In the background at right is Pickerel Lake. Though undergoing many changes and times of low vacancy, the Skyline Plaza currently has only one vacancy. PhoTo CouRTESy FREEBoRn CounTy hISToRICal MuSEuM

Plaza that was once two-thirds empty now only has one opening left

W

hen built in the late 1960s, the Skyline Mall was a new concept in American retail.

“The mall will be the first of its kind in this area,” the Albert Lea Tribune reported in 1967.

Building large enclosed spaces to house several stores was a trend just starting in this area, with malls being built in Albert Lea, Mankato and Mason City.

“The first enclosed mall (Southdale) was developed in a suburb of

Minneapolis in 1956. Designed to get the shopper out of the harsh weather, it introduced the world to shopping complexes as worlds unto themselves — free from bad weather, life, crime, dirt and troubles,” according to the Association for Consumer Research.

Skyline Mall was envisioned and owned by Homer L. Blake, owner of Skyline Supper Club in the 1960s. The mall would encompass 170,000 square feet of space, cost $2.25 million to build and provide parking for 1,500 cars, according

to the June 27, 1967, Tribune.

J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward moved from their downtown locations to the new mall. Other stores included Gamble’s discount store, Ben Franklin, OK Hardware, Osco Drug and Piggly Wiggly supermarket. There was also a barbershop, and Skyline Barbers is still there.

Landing Walmart in 1987 as its largest anchor was predicted to be the mall’s saving grace after J.C. Penney and Montgomery Ward closed, Northbridge Mall

opened across town and a recession hit the nation.

Then Walmart built a new store on Blake Avenue in 2003, and Skyline struggled to keep tenants. In 2005, the mall was two-thirds empty.

That’s when local business owners Curtis Smith and Dean Leonard joined Bill Souba in owning and operating Skyline. They own the plaza between Marketplace Foods on one end and the former Walmart at the other, along with the annex in the parking lot. Souba,

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 57

Madi Fleek helps paint the additional space being built for Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio at Skyline Plaza. With only one vacancy, the plaza is now buiding in its wide aisles to accommodates its tenants. CaThy hay/FoR ThE TRIBunE

This photo of Skyline Mall, from 1967-69, shows J.C. Penney on the left, now the home of Marketplace Foods. While most of the original stores are gone, Skyline Barbers remains with many business types still represented. In the background are Sibley and Southwest schools, surrounded by vacant land that was later developed for residential housing. In the far background is Pickerel Lake. Now called Skyline Plaza, the property is seeing new life in the hands of business owners Bill Souba, Dean Leonard and Curtis Smith. PhoTo CouRTESy FREEBoRn CounTy hISToRICal MuSEuM owner of Hardware Hank, had the building expertise while Leonard contributed business savvy and Smith the people skills.

“If you work with a good team you’re blessed. And I am blessed,” Smith said.

Today Skyline has only one vacancy, and Smith expects to fill it soon. In fact, the plaza is building in its wide aisles to accommodate expanding businesses. The Unlimited Possibilities Dance Studio needs more space, so it is adding a second studio between radio station KATE/KCPI and Etcetera Tanning and Clothing.

Instead of relying on foot traffic to bring in customers and sales like a mall, Skyline is now a destination

“If you work with a good team you’re blessed. And I am blessed.”

— Skyline Plaza co-owner Curtis Smith business center, meaning people come there with appointments already made or purchases planned. The Albert Lea Senior Center anchors one end and the Moose Club the other. In between are a variety of services, including wedding apparel, accounting, photography and even a church.

Walking through the plaza, Smith points to successful businesses, greets people and talks about the decade it took to turn Skyline around. He likes to call his tenants “business associates” and said they’re like a family at Skyline.

Etcetera Tanning and Clothing was the first business Smith signed as a tenant, and the business has expanded since and will soon have a new entrance as part of the dance studio addition.

A big boost for Skyline came when the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs opened a community-based outpatient clinic there in 2014. The VA Clinic is See SKYLINe, Page 58

The Albert Lea VA Clinic opened at Skyline Plaza in 2014, adding to the plaza’s successful turnaround in the last decade.

Page 58 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

SkyLINe Continued from Page 57

expected to serve between 2,500 and 3,000 veterans.

“The best thing for Albert Lea and Skyline was landing the VA Clinic. Not only was it good for us but it was good for all the service men and women who

“The best thing for Albert Lea and Skyline was landing the VA Clinic.”

— Skyline Plaza co-owner Curtis Smith

This aerial photo shows Skyline Mall in the late 1960s with J.C. Penney in the current location of Marketplace Foods. The smaller building in the parking lot in the top of the photo was a Standard Service Station, later removed. The annex in the top right corner still stands and is home to Express Laundry and Cheers Liquor. While one of the first retail malls in this area, today Skyline is a destination business center. PHoTo CouRTESy FREEBoRn CounTy HISToRICaL MuSEuM

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310 Main Court • 373-7067

Open 7 days a week

were driving to the Cities for medical treatment. We saved all that traveling time,” Smith said. earlier this year, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce moved from Northbridge Mall to Skyline Plaza, another sign that Skyline is doing well.

Looking to the future, Smith can see filling in the open space at the Senior Center end of the plaza.

“It’s been a great, slow process,” he said. “We have awesome business owners. Our goal is for them to succeed.”

employees, under the new payment system, and 4. The efficacy of the critical access nursing facility program under Minnesota Statutes.

In passing payment reform, the state of Minnesota made a great commitment to Minnesota’s seniors and those who care for them. Special thanks to Rep. Peggy Bennett and Sen. Dan Sparks for your ongoing support to the Albert Lea and the surrounding communities’ care centers.

Katie Davis is the campus administrator at Good Samaritan Society in Albert Lea. Museum & Library open year round.

Wednesday thru Saturday Village open May-September

Our museum & exhibits are OPEN! www.fchm.us 507-373-8003 1031 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 59

LeGACY Continued from Page 13

is a good way of life and a good way to provide for their families. “he told us there would always be prosperity in agriculture because there will always be a need,” Kevin reed said.

The brothers said their main goal is to provide quality products to local producers and have growers prosper.

“We are innovators,” Kevin reed said.

“We look for other people to get into the business. When we hear of anyone looking to get into it we talk to them and try to get them started.”

The brothers said having an independent fertilizer business is essential because it’s good for competition and good for everybody.

The brothers said the company’s profit margin varies by year, depending on the state of agriculture. They said they enjoy the job through its ebbs and flows.

“We’re passionate,” Kevin reed said.

“We like the people we work with and the customers we work with. It’s rewarding.”

“It’s all we’ve ever done,” Kyle reed added.

The two have family who work at the business. Kevin reed has a daughter,

“We’re passionate.

We like the people we work with and the customers we work with.

It’s rewarding.”

— Hi-Yield co-owner Kevin Reed Tabitha, who does secretarial work at the company and a son, ethan, a full-time worker at the company.

Kyle reed’s wife, Jodie, does clerical work.

The brothers said the business is doing well. “We’re hanging in there,” Kyle reed said.

They said agriculture typically changes in five-year cycles, and the business will change with that.

“We’re looking forward to the future and we hope we have enough influence in our area to succeed,” Kyle reed said.

Kevin reed wants the business to keep promoting agriculture.

“We’re just trying to hang on to the same philosophy and keep doing that,” he said. hi-Yield’s location in hartland can be reached at 507-845-2235.

Its location in Alden can be reached at 507-874-3750.

Have something to say? Send a letter

to the editor.

sarah.stultz @albertleatribune.com

Jamie a. Kyllo bankruptcy • personal injury divorces •wills •probate general practice of law 202 W. Clark St., Albert Lea

507-373-4680

Kehr Continued from Page 20

County through changes in the workplace, such as wellness programs, healthy food choices and tobacco use reduction practices. It is composed of many of our major employers and their goal is to share best practices and, in essence, to “do the work” for the smaller employers that may not have the time or resources to research and develop these programs. The committee believes that a healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. They share their message with the community by participating in community events that

PennY Continued from Page 50

towns are more than economic assets; they represent our heritage. Many farmers in our region are fifth- and sixth-generation landowners. Most families, if not farmers themselves, can easily trace their lineage back to farming ancestors. SMIF realizes the importance of preserving the land as both a cultural and economic asset. To

Troy Thompson LUTCF

Randy Kehr is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

learn more about how to make farmland a lasting asset for southern Minnesota, contact SMIF’s Vice President of Development Jennifer nelson at jennifern@smifoundation.org.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at timp@smifoundation.org or 507455-3215.

Tim Penny is president and CEO of the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

gas stove

Insurance from the Best!

1330 W. Main, Albert Lea Bus.: 507-377-2852 Toll Free: 877-974-9597 troythompsonagency@gmail.com

promote healthy behaviors and making changes in their worksites. To date, 14 of our top 20 worksites are Blue Zones Project-designated worksites, and 11 of those are tobaccofree campuses.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce, while working to promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate, continues to promote the quality of life found here.

Through the sponsoring of numerous community programs, we strive to give back to the community which so generously supports our local businesses.

sale • Auto • Commercial • Home • Recreational • Life • Umbrella

373-1301

Joey Talamantes 507-373-3245 109 S. Newton Ave.

jtalamantes@farmersagent.com

Retail sales at: Dean’s Smoke Shack, Geneva & Jordahl Meats, Manchester

plumbing

Heating

Full service includes: • • • •

Like us on FaceBook at: Full Boar BBQ Sauce

motorcycle sales, service & accessories V-Twin and Metric 919 West Main • Albert Lea, MN 507.369.5292

Burial vaults Grave Markers Flowers/Wreaths Perpetual Care

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea

373-3560

www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

Page 60 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

CoMMunITy BandS TogEThER

for Program of hoPe

Kristi Yost, front, and Ann Malay paint the side of Malay’s house on Louis Street Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Rocking the Block property rehab project.

Photo essay by Colleen harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

Above: Pete Van Erkel, front, and Steve Lund paint the side of a house on South Fifth Avenue Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Rocking the Block property rehab project.

Bottom left: Hugh Crawford pries off rotted wood on an awning at a house on Dunham Street.

Bottom right: John Light paints the window trim at a house on Dunham Street Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Rocking the Block property rehab project. See Page 62 for more photos.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ABG - Alliance Benefit Group ..............................29 Accentra Credit Union..........................................45 Addies ..................................................................... 6 Ag Power ...............................................................42 Alamco .................................................................. 51 Albert Lea Area Schools .......................................26 Albert Lea Art Center ............................................. 6 Albert Lea Electric ................................................25 Albert Lea Parks and Recreation ......................... 51 Albert Lea Public Warehouse .............................. 18 Albert Lea Seed House .........................................44 Albert Lea Steel.....................................................58 ALEDA ............................................................ Cover ALFC Chamber of Commerce ........................ Cover ARO Accounting ...................................................49 Audibel ..................................................................58 Bauer Built ...................................................... Cover Bayview Funeral Home ........................................44 Becker Auto...........................................................39 Between Friends ..................................................... 5 Bonnerup Funeral Home ..................................... 55 Budget Blinds ....................................................... 41 Celebrations ............................................................ 5 Certified Travel ..................................................... 18 Cheers ................................................................... 55 Christianson Plumbing ........................................59 Church Offset Printing .........................................45 City of Albert Lea ..................................................42 Clothing Care Center .............................................. 6 Collins Auto Repair ..............................................28 Com-Tec ................................................................39 Community Foot Clinic ........................................22 Complete Realty ................................................... 55 Conger Inn Victory Catering ................................ 52 Copper Kitchen ....................................................... 5 Country Soule .......................................................24 Crescendo ............................................................... 6 Curt’s Pharmacy ...................................................58 CVB - Albert Lea ............................................. Cover Dahl Farm Supply ................................................24 Dave Syverson Ford..............................................20 Dave’s Auto ...........................................................46 Dawn Swalve Realtor ............................................. 6 Deerwood Bank ...................................................... 5 Diamond Jo Casino ..............................................64 Dougs Painting & Sandblasting ...........................49 Dr. Lundstrom DDS ............................................. 18 Making An Impact .......................................... 30-37 Etc. Tanning & Clothing Boutique....................... 18

Exact......................................................................52 Fallgatter’s Market ...............................................46 Family Dental Center ...........................................46 Farmers Insurance - Joey Talamantes ................59 Farmers State Bank ..............................................50 Fishers Jewelers ..................................................... 6 Flaherty’s ..............................................................63 Fleet Farm Supply ................................................58 Frames R Us ........................................................... 5 Freeborn Construction, Inc............................ Cover Freeborn County...................................................38 Freeborn County Historical Society ....................58 Freeborn Lumber ................................................... 3 Freeborn Mower Co-op ........................................29 Freeborn Pride Builders .......................................22 Full Boar BBQ .......................................................59 Garlick’s Water Conditioning ..............................29 Glenville Plumbing ...............................................39 Good Samaritan Society ....................................... 19 Hammer, Dieser & Mangskau ............................... 6 Hanna Heating .....................................................26 Hanson Tire ............................................................ 2 Hillcrest Cemetery ................................................59 Home Federal Savings ......................................... 53 Home Solutions ...................................................... 2 Hy-Vee .................................................................. 15 Injection Technology Diesel Service ....................46 Innovance .............................................................52 Intego Finacial and Insurance .............................40 Interstate Packaging Corp.............................. Cover ISC Financial ........................................................62 ITC Midwest ........................................................... 7 Jamie Kyllo ...........................................................59 Jan Jerdee/Blue Cross Blue Shield ..................... 16 Jensales .................................................................39 Jensen Plumbing & Heating ................................39 Jim & Dudes .........................................................25 Kibble Equipment ................................................50 KIMT ............................................................... Cover L & D Ag ................................................................29 Lake Mills Community School .............................46 Larson Contracting......................................... Cover Larson Manufacturing .........................................46 Lembke Construction, Inc....................................52 Lewis Charles Cycles ............................................59 Lou Rich ................................................................52 Loverink Drainage ................................................38 M & S Outdoor Equipment ..................................48 Main Street Dental ............................................... 16

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 61

Manchester-Hartland Telephone ........................39 Mary Go Round Shop ............................................. 5 Minnesota Corrugated Box .................................. 53 Morreim Drainage ................................................39 Motor Inn.............................................................. 10 Mrs. Gerry’s Salads...............................................62 Nancy’s Café............................................................ 6 New To You............................................................. 6 Nick’s Country Store.............................................39 Nordaas American Homes ................................... 15 Northbridge Mall ............................................ Cover Northbridge Mall .................................................. 12 Northland Custom Interiors ................................46 Northstar Power Sports .......................................54 Northwood True Value Hardware .......................46 Oak Park Place ......................................................63 Pace Electronics.................................................... 18 Panels Plus ............................................................52 Produce State Bank ..............................................40 Produce State Bank .............................................. 55 Reinertsons Embroidery ........................................ 6 Riverland Community College ....................... Cover Riverland Community College Foundation .. Cover Rofshus Precision Machine..................................49 Schipps Pro Power Wash ..................................... 41 Security Bank ........................................................ 21 Security Insurance................................................49 Shell Rock River Watershed .................................11 Shoff Chiropractic .................................................. 6 Southside Custom.................................................49 St. John’s Lutheran Community..........................43 Steam It Clean ......................................................48 Stensrud Insurance .............................................. 55 Strong Insurance .................................................... 6 The Children’s Center........................................... 13 The Color Wheel ..................................................... 6 The Marketing Plant.............................................58 Thompson Sanitation ...........................................40 Thorne Crest ........................................................... 1 TNT Used Appliance .............................................. 6 Total Lock and Glass ............................................28 Troy Irvine/Alliance Benefit Group......................11 Troy Thompson Agency .......................................59 Ulland Brothers .....................................................11 VanWilgen Farm Drainage ..................................38 Ventura Foods ................................................ Cover Village Cooperative............................................... 41 Wells Federal Bank............................................... 14 Wells Insurance Agency .......................................39

Page 62 | IMPaCT | FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015

Hugh Crawford, right, and Dale Grotson pry off rotted wood on an awning at a house on Dunham Street Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Rocking the Block property rehab project.

Jeff Phelps scrapes off old paint at a house on Dunham Street. Rocking the Block is a collaboration between businesses, nonprofits and volunteers.

Pete Van Erkel spray paints the side of a house on South Fifth Avenue.

• Potato Salads • Pasta Salads • Cole Slaws • Dips • 3 Varieties of Mashed Potatoes • Desserts

• Low Fat/Low Sodium Products • Gluten-Free/ Fat-Free • Protein, Marinated and Holiday Salads • Many other prepared salads

2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave. Albert Lea, MN 373-6384 • Fax 373-5617

Financial Planning | Investments Employee Benefits www.iscfinancialadvisors.com Securities offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Listed entities not affiliated.

FRIday, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015 | IMPaCT | Page 63

Brent Johnson paints the side of a house on Louis Street Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Erwin Hill paints the side of a house on South Fifth Avenue.

Rocking the Block property rehab project.

Assisted Living...

with helping hands built-in Oak ParkÂŽ Place features assisted living apartment homes with licensed nursing staff on call 24-hours.

Planned activities and amenities are customized to individual needs. A wide range of floor plans are available, from cozy studios to deluxe two-bedroom apartment homes.

To learn more about our Assisted Living options and to schedule a personal tour, Call (507) 373-5600.

Suspensions, Bed Liners, Programmers, 1000+ Accessory Brands Custom Wheels & Tires featuring

InSTALLATIon AvAILABLe

Albert leA: 1615 Bridge Avenue Albert Lea, MN 56007 Assisted Living • Memory Care Independence when you want it, assistance when you need it.

www.OakParkPlace.com

Airport Rd & Hi-Tec Ave | Albert Lea 507-373-2464

Are you a coach or parent with youth sports?

Submit results and photos to: tribsports@albertleatribune.com

Above: The side of a house on Louis Street is painted Aug. 20 as a part of the fourth annual Rocking the Block property rehab project.

Top left: Chuck Avery, left, and Dale Schroeder repair gutters on a Dunham Street house. Since the inception of Rocking the Block — and including this year’s work — community volunteers have completed rehabilitation of more than 30 owner-occupied homes. In 2014, there were more than 200 volunteers. These volunteers include local licensed general contractors, professional plumbers and electricians, among others — mostly organized through the Shinefest and AZ-One organizations. Habitat for Humanity donated labor, paints and other materials.

It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching. Time to start planning that holiday party! Show your employees and customers how much they have meant to your business with a sensational party at Diamond Jo!

PLANNING A CASUAL CELEBRATION? A MORE FORMAL AFFAIR? Our award-winning chefs are up to the challenge of ensuring the perfect meal for your event, including: • Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to start things off deliciously. • Plated entrées for that touch of class.

• Buffet dinners to suit every taste.

• Decadent desserts to end on a sweet note.

Please contact Mary Holmes, Catering Sales Manager, for a free tour of the Event Center, or to discuss options to make your holiday party perfect this year!

641-323-7819 | maryholmes@boydgaming.com

777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood, IA | DiamondJo.com

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!!

We are prepared to provide solutions to your challenges

• 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

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

Find it in Freeborn County!

Our members are the fabric of Freeborn County!

• Living and working here • Building & expanding their businesses • Creating new jobs • Reinvesting their money in our community

Experience Albert Lea, MN

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

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate to improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area."

The Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all aspects 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

Skyline Plaza, Albert Lea, MN 56007

507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org

507-373-2316

The success of Riverland Community College Foundation to achieve this mission is dependent on the many partnerships we create with local individuals, organizations, and companies. The incredible financial support we received in the past year from our donors has helped the foundation to provide more than $800,000 to support Riverland students and programs: • 513 Scholarship awards to Riverland students, valued at more than $471,000 • Leveraged equipment funds to purchase the following items for varied career and technical programs: Automation cells and trainers to support the new automation lab for IMMR/Wind Turbine/Construction Electrician programs Two emergency transport cots for the ambulance simulation with the EMS program Aluminum Sheet Metal body tools for the Collision Repair Technology program Auto Painting Virtual Reality simulator for the Collision Repair Technology program Aluminum Welder for the Collision Repair Technology program • Provided 266 non-cash donations worth more than $193,000 to support varied programs, projects, and fundraisers.

• Provided funding to support: 9th Annual High School Welding Competition 5th Annual High School Carpentry Contest In-person and on-line tutoring services for all 3 campuses Support of the Be Your Best Summer Academy Extend Parenting Center services to Owatonna and Albert Lea campuses The purchase of two Spectrophotometers for the Biology Lab The purchase of a new conference table for the Admissions department.

The purchase of a new HD Battery Load Tester for the Diesel Technology program Supported three faculty to present at a National Conference for Business & Office Technology.

The purchase of high top table and chairs for Austin East “Main Street” Funding to establish the Riverland Promising Scientist Awards for the STEAM Expo for FY2014 Be Your Best Summer Academy CPH mentor costs The purchase of a Leadership Essentials CD set to include a test bank and unlimited use license for the Radiography Program The purchase of iPads with Retinal Display, Wi-Fi, Logitech keyboard for students use in the Riverland Bookstores to help ensure they are ordering the right books Funds to repair and refinish the donated 1947 Ford Vehicle for future use in parades, car shows, recruiting/ marketing events for the Collision Repair technology program • Provided $32,000 in donations to support Riverland Athletics.

• Provided $9500 in donations to support Riverland Theatre and music programs Your donations help create access to education for our students and enhanced quality for our programs.

We appreciate all you do to help the Riverland Community College Foundation BUILD HOPE, CREATE DREAMS, AND CHANGE LIVES!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY PARTNERS

The Riverland Community College Foundation raises, manages, and distributes resources to support, enhance and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people in our region.

Austin • Albert Lea • Owatonna 507-433-0600 | riverland.edu

Industrial Since 1940, Riverland Community College has been training and educating southeastern Minnesota’s workforce in a variety of skilled trade areas including automotive and diesel service, carpentry, construction, electrical, engineering, machining, and welding.

With affordable offerings for both individuals and companies including short-term training, licensing, and special certifications, Riverland is an excellent resource for local business and industry.

Contact us today to learn more.

Riverland Community College | Success Starts Here

SM

Riverland Community College, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer.

Austin • Albert Lea • Owatonna | 507-433-0600 | riverland.edu