Impact 2018

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 1

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PAGE 2 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 10 13 16 17 24 39 41 48 54

Schipp’s Pro Power Wash undergoes expansion Qdoba work is wrapping up, slated to open mid-Oct. City leaders, mall owners work to bring in more retail Mortarr brings new concepts to mature industry Downtown Albert Lea investments are paying off Northwood revitalization program helping businesses High school, Riverland work to address workforce needs Limousine company offers big-city service locally New arrival and departure building at airport complete Worth Brewing Co. finds success with expansion

On the cover: Lou-Rich is one of a handful of businesses in Albert Lea partnering with the Youth Apprenticeship program. © 2018 Albert Lea Tribune Media

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 3

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PAGE 4 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Events continue to draw tourists into the Albert Lea community Travel and tourism generate $15 billion in leisure and hospitality gross sales in Minnesota annually.

The leisure and hospitality industry is a major provider of tourism services, which employs more than 265,000 workers, representing 11 percent of Minnesota’s private sector employment.

Albert Lea has over 600 rooms and five campgrounds, attracting visitors and tourists to our community. Lodging revenue continues to be solid in 2018. Minnesota welcomes over 70 million domestic and international travelers annually.

Over the last decade Albert Lea has been experiencing a sort of renaissance. On any given day or night, you can find something going for both tourists and locals to enjoy. Thursdays on Fountain have been amazingly successful, and for the second year, record crowds are enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Fountain Lake Park along the shores of Fountain Lake. We celebrated the sixth year of Wind Down Wednesday this summer, and Rock ’n’ Roll the Lakes, the new bike event coordinated by a local committee and Bike MN, was a huge success we are excited for next year. The annual car show events — Eddie Cochran Weekend, Fourth of July Car Show, Cruise to the Cove and Thorne Crest Car Show — continue to draw crowds.

The beautiful surroundings and atmosphere at Three Oak Vineyards and Winery attract both out-of-town visitors and locals for live music and award-winning wines. Live music and food on Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July Weekend, Labor Day Weekend — and new this year, Wine, Wheels and Wildflowers — continue to draw crowds.

We are thrilled and honored to

Guest Column

By Susie Petersen

host the 72nd Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener in our Albert Lea lakes area in May 2019. The opener is one of Explore Minnesota’s biggest cooperative promotional events of the year and has been held each year since 1948 with the goal to promote the state’s recreation industry and kickoff to the summer tourism season.

John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota, said, “the Albert Lea area is a real recreational gem of southern Minnesota, and our organization is incredibly excited to work with this friendly, energetic community on one of our biggest cooperative promotional events of the year.”

The event brings media representatives from throughout the region and Canada to attend the event, which results in significant publicity and averages $650,000 to over $2 million in media exposure into a community.

Our goal is to showcase our community, highlight travel activities, attractions and tell our story Lake/Land/Life symbolizes our new website design that was created by the professionals at Mortarr.

Be sure to check it out at www.albertleatourism.com. Lake/Land/Life — you can find everything you love about the lakes up north right here.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 5

Chamber provides a welcome to community and many other efforts What do you think of when you hear Chamber of Commerce: Help, information, nonprofit, businesses, communities? It is all of that and more. The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is here for the businesses and communities in Freeborn County. The chamber staff fields phone calls, emails, texts and walkins dealing with many questions about communities, businesses, where to buy what, who does what and so many things that an information center handles. The chamber assists businesses with classes, one-on-one meetings and support to help grow and potentially even expand their business.

The chamber is the welcome to Albert Lea and Freeborn County, helping people visiting Albert Lea or Freeborn County, interviewing for a job in Albert Lea or Freeborn County and interested in seeing the area. Individuals who have moved to Albert Lea and want information come to the chamber and are able to be helped with brochures, maps, a welcome packet and knowledgeable chamber staff. The Ambassadors take part in the welcome, as well as doing Ambassador visits to new businesses and to

Guest Column

By Rhonda Jordal

businesses doing a special event, expanding their business or adding new services to their businesses. The Ambassadors also have an annual golf outing which raises money for scholarships each year.

The chamber and chamber committees and groups include a retail group, business group, young professionals group, Ag Committee, Ambassadors/ Ambassadors Welcome Committee, Business Education Committee, Governmental Affairs Committee, Green Committee and Worksite Wellness Committee.

The Governmental Affairs Committee hosts quarterly informative topics open to the public with professional speakers on topics pertinent to the communities and businesses

in Freeborn County. The committee sets the chamber’s legislative priorities each year and works in partnership with local officials to lobby on our behalf. The chamber offers information to members and communities through election forums. While not endorsing any candidates, the chamber provides the forums for communities to better understand the candidate’s positions.

The chamber retail group plans campaigns in Albert Lea and Freeborn County at different times of the year to create fun events for the public that help drive traffic to our retail businesses. The chamber also provides training classes to the retail group throughout the year on topics that they have suggested would assist the businesses in Freeborn County.

The business group is made up of all types of businesses, including retail or merchandising, service and manufacturing. This is a networking group to support and assist one another. The chamber provides this group professionals who speak on topics chosen by the group.

The young professionals group is one of the newest groups in the

chamber. Albert Lea and Freeborn County have a number of businesses hiring a younger demographic. The 35 and younger group have been moving back or moving into Freeborn County. The young professionals give this group the opportunity to network and be involved in a number of ways with the chamber and the communities.

The Agriculture Committee works to increase awareness of how the agriculture industry impacts the business community and educates and assists our youth in the understanding of the importance of the agriculture industry. They are involved with the thirdgrade farm tours, hosting the annual agricultural lunch and selecting the Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year. The committee volunteers and takes an active role in helping to attain donations in support of the annual 4-H Livestock Auction at the Freeborn County Fair.

The Business/Education Partnership Committee continues to partner businesses with educators working together to develop a program that enhances the education of our youth and aids in See JORDAL, Page 50

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PAGE 6 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

‘IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION AND

WE’RE AT THE BEST LOCATION’

John Schipper started Schipp’s Pro Power Wash after seeing the need for the service while working for a car dealership. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Schipp’s Pro Power Wash undergoes expansion, hopes to add 6 jobs

By Colleen Harrison

colleen.harrison@albertleatribune.com

What started as a business run out of his garage has grown leaps and bounds for one Albert Lea man.

John Schipper started Schipp’s Pro Power Wash in 2005. The business power washes tanker trucks. Schipper first got the idea while working at a car dealership and seeing people wash the

cars in the lots.

“I thought, ‘I could do that,’” he said.

After researching equipment and lining up lots through the dealership he then worked for, Schipper bought a pressure washer and a trailer in 2005 and started washing car lots with his son, Mike, and eventually with his son, Josh, as well. The business was based out of his garage.

One month later, Schipper was so busy

he had to quit his job at the dealership.

“I’m a go-getter,” he said.

In the business’s second year, Schipper moved into his first commercial location, which he rented for five years. He then moved the business to its current location at 2340 Crossroads Boulevard in Albert Lea. A major reason for the move was the new location’s ability to store equipment to keep it from freezing during the winter. He rented the location

for about a year and a half before purchasing it.

With time, the washing business evolved into tanker washing. A full bay was put in at the property eight years ago for tanker washing. Today, Schipp’s Pro Power Wash is the biggest kosher tank wash in the Midwest, according to Schipper. On average, the business washes about 30 tankers a day, and Schipper said customers are almost always from out of

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 7 state. Kosher is a certification achieved for materials or equipment that deal with transporting and handling food.

Trucks carrying food must be washed out in between runs, and must adhere to certain sterilization guidelines if kosher-certified.

In addition to a kosher certification, Schipp’s is also certified by the Juice Production Association and has a dairy license. Schipper said he hopes to attain a Cargill license, as well. He said each certification or license proves that the business goes through certain audits that approve of the conditions and quality of the services Schipp’s Pro Power Wash provides.

What started as a business run by Schipper and his two sons is now a business staffed by 19 full-time employees, with plans to staff more. The business underwent a major expansion this year — purchasing additional property, building a new building and adding a food grade division. Two jobs have been created so far with the expansion, and Schipper said he hopes to add four to six more this year alone as business picks up. Schipp’s now has four washing bays. It has a parts store on site and a break room for drivers to relax in while their tankers are cleaned.

Schipp’s also has a deal with Trail’s Travel Center — Schipp’s sends service work its way while Trail’s sends wash jobs to Schipp’s.

In addition to the standard of quality Schipp’s holds itself to, it also is working to be environmentally friendly.

Schipper said he has figured out a way to reuse the waste from cleaned out tankers, meaning there’s less waste going into the sewer system. The residual oils and other materials from tankers are kept and then treated, before being sold to companies such as REG to be recycled and made into biofuel.

Schipper, originally from Mason City, said his wife, Danielle, was born and raised in Albert Lea — where the couple lives today. While he said the business regulations in town can prove challenging, the proximity to interstates 35 and 90 are paramount to his business’s success.

“It’s all about location, and we’re at the best location,” he said.

Part of Schipp’s expansion was made easier with help from the Albert Lea City Council. Earlier this year, the council permitted two $35,000 loans from the city’s revolving loan fund to Schipp’s Pro Power Wash Inc. The first loan was meant as a means to retain the existing business and create tax base, while the second loan is forgivable if seven private sector jobs are created within three years.

“Some people say ‘the city never does anything to help you,’” Schipper said.

Schipp’s Pro Power Wash has four bays for cleaning and servicing tankers. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

“Some people say ‘the city never does anything to help you.’

Well, that’s because you don’t ask. If you produce jobs, they’ll help.”

— John Schipper “Well, that’s because you don’t ask. If you produce jobs, they’ll help.”

In addition to completing his business’s expansion, Schipper, 52, hopes to be a 24/7 operation by next year. The business is currently open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Customers are welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to his two sons, Schipper’s wife, one of his daughters and one nephew work at the business.

“It’s a family business for sure,” he said.

“If we were to close, I think a lot of people would be hurting, because I think they depend on us.”

Pictured is the new facility constructed as a part of the expansion of Schipp’s Pro Power Wash, 2340 Crossroads Boulevard in Albert Lea.

PAGE 8 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 9

City has variety of financial tools for business retention The city of Albert Lea has financial tools available to recruit and retain businesses, including loans, grants, tax increment financing and tax abatement. During my tenure as mayor, the city has provided economic incentives via loans or public improvements, contingent upon job creation, to Schipp’s Pro Power Wash, Pro Manufacturing, Mrs. Gerry’s Foods, intellicents, Lou-Rich, SAR Manufacturing, Mortarr and Zumbro River Brand.

These are jobs that pay a good wage in a variety of sectors.

Recruitment

The city has demonstrated that we are willing to provide incentives to businesses to locate within Albert Lea. The (still unbuilt) Hy-Vee distribution center nearly located here. In addition to tax incentives, city staff partnered with ALEDA and the chamber to create a website that connects college students to local employers to recruit students joining the workforce.

Taxes

There was an article in the Tribune recently, which stated that the tax bill in Albert Lea is higher than

action because the community survey showed that people were unhappy with sanitation issues in town. By making this a more attractive community, we hope to galvanize investment.

Façade grants

Guest Column

By Vern Rasmussen Jr.

surrounding communities. What the article did not mention is that the operating levy in the city has not increased for the last six years. Few cities can provide that type of stability. Moreover, when there has been an overall tax increase, it is due to the debt levy. That means taxes have increased as a result of a decision we made as a city to invest in our infrastructure. Roads are smoother.

Staffing

The inspections department is now fully staffed. Not only do we have more people available to residents and business owners when they’re looking to build or improve, but also more staff to investigate and address issues at derelict properties. We took this

On the note of aesthetics, it bears repeating that the city has a grant program available to building owners in the downtown and along the South Broadway corridor. More than 10 building owners in downtown Albert Lea have taken advantage of this grant program. And just recently, two building owners along South Broadway applied for funding. This will create a more attractive entry into the city from Interstate 35.

What’s next?

Uniting our resources ALEDA, the chamber and Convention and Visitors Bureau are holding discussions about locating under one roof. Sharing staff, knowledge and resources will allow these teams to serve their members, businesses and See MAYOR, Page 50

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PAGE 10 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Qdoba construction wrapping up; restaurant slated to open mid-Oct.

By Sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

The planned 3,000-square-feet Qdoba restaurant in Albert Lea could be open the second week of October.

“It’s going good,” said owner Mike Cooper of construction. “It’s coming along pretty quickly here.”

As of Aug. 29, crews were installing interior walls along with plumbing and electrical work.

The restaurant is expected to be at 2526 Bridge Ave., in front of Northbridge Mall, next to a Verizon store.

Cooper said the community has supported his plan.

“We’ve been really, really happy and honestly a little bit surprised by the overwhelmingly positive response we’ve received so far,” he said.

Cooper said the restaurant has received extensive support on Facebook.

“It just makes it that much more exciting to get something open,” he said.

Qdoba serves tacos, burritos, guacamole, nachos and breakfast food. The restaurant is expected to create 30 jobs in Albert Lea, with the possibility of future growth.

See QDOBA, Page 51

Qdoba is expected to be at 2526 Bridge Ave., in front of Northbridge Mall. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 11

How do watershed projects impact the area community?

If you have ever fished for northern pike on Fountain Lake, duck hunted on Pickerel Lake or drank well water, you have experienced the impacts of watershed projects — maybe without even knowing it. A watershed is defined as an area of land in which water drains to one point. In the Albert Lea area, for example, water flows from the upper lakes of Pickerel, White, School Section and Goose to Fountain Lake. Water in Fountain Lake then flows to Albert Lea Lake and off to Iowa by the Shell Rock River. From the start of the smallest stream to ending at the largest lake, even the groundwater beneath, the Shell Rock River Watershed District values each and every resource and the direct and indirect community benefits that result from restoring it.

Although many people think that the Shell Rock River Watershed implements projects that are just focused on clean water, they may often lack to notice that numerous other benefits result from clean water projects.

For a perfect example: the Fountain Lake restoration program. This dredging project is focused on promoting clean water by removing high nutrient sediment from the bottom of Fountain Lake. High nutrient lakes often lead to low clarity and algae blooms, and can affect fish populations by having summer fish kills.

With the removal of this sediment, the district is promoting high clarity, low algae blooms and an increased fisheries habitat. A primary benefit is increased water quality, while a secondary benefit is increased habitat for fish and waterfowl.

Stemming from this increased habitat for fish is increased value to the community by increasing the fishing opportunity. Fountain Lake was selected, and will be the focal point, for the 2019 Governor’s Fishing Opener. Come early May next year, the prized lakes of Fountain, Albert Lea and Pickerel will be the showcase for clean water efforts that have been implemented in the community. What will the Governor’s Opener do for our community? Provide increased tourism into the Albert Lea area. All stemming from one clean water project, we are now benefiting fish habitat, recreational opportunities and a boom in the local economy.

When life offers the gift of time...

how will you spend it?

Guest Column

By Andy Henschel

Examples of primary and secondary benefits can also be seen from a variety of other projects that the district has implemented. Wetland restoration projects promote improved water quality, but also provide water storage to limit flooding to infrastructure downstream. Identifying and replacing septic systems that are out of compliance not only increase surface water quality, it also promotes healthy groundwater sources for generations to come. Streambank restorations reduce eroding sediment transported downstream but also promote fish and amphibian habitat. Lake reclamation projects focused on removing rough fish species promote habitat benefits to sustain healthy waterfowl populations, further increasing hunting opportunities.

From the establishment of the Shell Rock River Watershed District in 2003, the organization stays true to its mission of implementing reasonable and necessary improvements to the water-related and other natural resources of the district. Furthermore, these projects have long-term benefits to the community members who use these resources as well.

However, the watershed does not work alone to establish these projects. Multiple other entities are associated with projects, including the city of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, the Lakes Foundation, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, among many others. Collaboration is truly key to solving water quality issues. So, the next time you are walking around, fishing on or boating on an area lake, realize that many people were involved in protecting, enhancing and restoring that resource for you to enjoy.

Andy Henschel is the administrator of the Shell Rock River Watershed District.

Support Newspapers in Education Call Melissa to donate at 507.379.3421

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PAGE 12 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

ALEDA focused on helping businesses, addressing needs The Albert Lea Economic Development Agency is the doing-business name for the two local economic development entities: Albert Lea Port Authority and Greater Jobs Inc. These two separate organizations were consolidated in 2003 to function more seamlessly and utilize each other’s strengths. The Port Authority is a self-funded political subdivision of the state of Minnesota, able to operate within Albert Lea’s city limits; and Greater Jobs Inc. is a private nonprofit that can function anywhere within Freeborn County.

Our vision statement is, “ALEDA will be recognized as a catalyst for community development. We are dedicated to building a strong economy and improving the quality of life in Albert Lea and Freeborn County.” Our organization promotes services and resources to assist local businesses in expanding and outside companies to locate here. A recent example of this is our project in 2017 with Zumbro River Brand, which led to the addition of 20-plus quality jobs in our community. We also launched a new program this year called Tiger Cage. Tiger Cage is a business competition for new and existing businesses to compete for a grand prize to help them launch or grow their business. We are excited to bring this opportunity to the community through the support of many local businesses who have devoted resources and their time toward our program and the grand prizes. To learn more about Tiger Cage, you can visit growalbertlea.com/tigercage. Applications are due Oct. 5.

While working directly with companies is an important part of our work, we are also concerned with other community issues that impact our citizens, workforce and ultimately our business community. A steady trend

Guest Column

By Noelle Hagen

in Greater Minnesota that we’re facing in Albert Lea as well is a shrinking workforce. Now more than ever, we need to be able to attract people to our community to help fill the labor needs of our local companies and to create new businesses to keep our community diverse and thriving. To do that, we need to have an exciting, engaging, welcoming community with good housing opportunities, child care and attractive amenities, among other quality of life benefits.

While the city of Albert Lea and other partners have begun working on some of these issues, we will be joining alongside them. Currently we are working toward child care shortage solutions with several other local organizations and people, as well as new marketing and community building projects and increasing business visits to let them know we’re here to support them and help them grow.

Later this year, we hope to engage the community to learn more about what our citizens and businesses think is lacking in Albert Lea and what we could do to make Albert Lea an even better place to live and work. If you have any questions about our development efforts or our work, please feel free to reach out to me at 507-373-3930 or noellehagen@growalbertlea.com.

Noelle Hagen is the interim executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 13

GROWING ALBERT LEA

CITY LEADERS, MALL OWNERS WORK TO BRING IN MORE RETAIL

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

Out of a desire to grow retail options in the community, the city of Albert Lea has hired a consultant to form a plan for retail recruitment.

The Albert Lea City Council approved the contract with Retail Strategies LLC earlier this year for $40,000 a year for three years.

The firm has visited the community to see what Albert Lea’s core retail areas are and what retail businesses in the community could be marketed to companies looking to expand or relocate here.

A recruitment plan was slated to be completed by mid-September, including metrics and other data to provide to companies See RETAIL, Page 14

The city of Albert Lea has contracted out with a firm to study Albert Lea’s retail base and promote the community to retailers. The owners of Northbridge Mall, the Carrington Co. are also working to fill space in the mall. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

PAGE 14 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

RETAIL Continued from Page 13

about Albert Lea’s retail base and desire for more retail options.

Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said under the contract, the company is required to have a minimum of 30 recruitment contacts a year. Retail Strategies LLC also visits two large retail trade shows a year — one in the spring and one in the fall — and will help spread the word about Albert Lea to all the major retailers.

“They’re planting the seeds,” Adams said.

Retail Strategies will find out why firms may not be interested in the community, as well, so the city can see if there is anything that can be done to improve those chances.

In addition to the effort with Retail Strategies, the city is working with Carrington Co, the owner of Northbridge Mall, that recently went out and had a third-party independent study completed on the strengths of the Albert Lea market on why the city is a better site to locate. That report is also expected in the near future.

The study came after the announcement that Albert Lea’s Herberger’s store — and all other companies owned

by Bon-Ton Stores Inc. — were slated to close. Herberger’s at Northbridge Mall closed late August.

“Herberger’s had a lot of success here,” Adams said. “Unfortunately (it was) a victim of a larger corporate downfall.”

The city manager said the city has had conversations with The Carringon Co. about a high-focused strategy to get

City Manager Chad Adams said the new strip malls in Albert Lea have been a good source of new tax base for the city. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

more retailers at the mall.

Mall owners are looking at more creative options, as well, to attract retailers, including possibly adding more outside entrances.

A representative with Carrington Co.

We are very happy to be part of the vibrant Albert Lea Community.

See RETAIL, Page 22 Contract Manufacturing of Snacks and Cereals.

Job Opportunities Available

Apply in Person 1215 Hershey Street

IT’S YOUR WORLD. The former Herberger’s location at Northbridge Mall is one retail space community members, city leaders and the mall owners would like to see filled.

READ ALL ABOUT IT YOUR WAY.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 15

WHERE TO SEEK CARE

A Freeborn County Health Care Resource Guide In case of emergency or life threatening conditions call 911 immediately.

1

NURSE LINE – FREE Advice 24/7 from Mayo Clinic Health System by phone.

Call 507-373-2384 or 888-999-2386 (toll-free).

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES – FREE to $ • Freeborn County Mental Health Center: 507-377-5440 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or www.co.freeborn.mn.us • Freeborn County Mental Health Crisis Line: 507-377-5499 (5 p.m. to 8 a.m.)

• Mayo Clinic Health System Behavioral Health Services: 507-377-6406 or mayoclinichealthsystem.org • South Central Mobile Crisis Team: 877-399-3040 or horizonhomes.org/#!crisiscenter

COMMUNITY HEALTH RESOURCES – FREE to $ • Freeborn County Public Health: 507-377-5100 or co.freeborn.mn.us

2

ONLINE CARE – FREE to $ • Patient Online Services: mayoclinichealthsystem.org • Mayo Clinic Express Care Online: Available daily with extended hours through Patient Online Services. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

EXPRESS CARE CLINIC – $ • Mayo Clinic Health System Express Care: Appointments or walk ins welcome. Open daily, extended hours & holidays.

2708 Bridge Avenue (Hy-Vee), Albert Lea

3

CLINIC VISIT – $$ • Mayo Clinic Health System: 507-373-2384, 404 W. Fountain St., Albert Lea Appointment required. mayoclinichealthsystem.org • Health Reach Campus: 507-668-2900, 1705 S.E. Broadway, Albert Lea

SAME DAY CLINIC (URGENT CARE) – $$ Mayo Clinic Health System: 507-668-2041, 404 W. Fountain St., Albert Lea Appointments recommended. Open extended hours. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

4

ADVERTISING & DESIGN EXPERTISE to put the focus on your business

EMERGENCY ROOM – $$$$ Mayo Clinic Health System: 507-373-2384, 404 W. Fountain St., Albert Lea Serious health needs that require immediate action. mayoclinichealthsystem.org

For additional health care services visit mayoclinichealthsystem.org or co.freeborn.mn.us

Make your business thrive with targeted and effective exposure in the place more people turn and trust for local news and advertising.

Contact us today to speak with an ad consultant about the best way to maximize sales during the upcoming months.

In Print & Online

507.379.3427 www.albertleatribune.com

PAGE 16 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Steve Pulley, Abby Murray and Amy Petersen, not pictured, are co-founders of Mortarr. The company plans to begin renovations of the Freeborn National Bank building this fall. SARAH STULTZ/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Bringing new concepts to a mature industry HIGH-TECH COMPANY STARTED IN ALBERT LEA IS BEGINNING TO SPREAD ACROSS NATION

By Sarah Stultz

sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

One of Albert Lea’s newest businesses is hoping to make waves across the commercial construction and design industry.

Officially formed in July 2017, Mortarr was created by Abby Murray and Amy Petersen, formerly of The Marketing Plant, who approached Steve Pulley with an idea.

Pulley said Murray initially pro-

posed the idea of an online inspiration and networking platform for commercial construction and design to Petersen, who had always wanted similar as well. Providing commercial design services themselves, the women found there was nothing to help guide them in their decisions and to help them find images and resources for their projects in a timely and inexpensive manner.

“We started Mortarr not just to solve a problem, but to revolutionize an entire industry for the better,” said Murray, chief marketing officer.

“What has been done so well on the residential side is now being applied to the commercial construction and design industry. Over 5 million Google searches are happening every month for services and ideas within the com-

mercial space. We’re bringing those eyes to Mortarr, so they can finally find what they’re looking for on one single platform: photos that inspire and the products and services that bring those spaces to life.”

Pulley said the idea germinated for about a year when one day Murray and Petersen were talking in front of his wife, who told them they should talk to him, who was looking for something to do with his next phase of life.

Though the three had talked about it a little the year before, the timing wasn’t quite right. But in July 2017, things had changed, and the three decided to start the company.

In that month, The Marketing Plant See MORTARR, Page 21

Mortarr will utilize the first and second floors of the bank building.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 17

DOWNTOWN ALBERT LEA

INVESTMENTS ARE PAYING OFF

Customers eat lunch outside The Interchange on Broadway Avenue. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Streetscape, private upgrades increase values downtown 25 percent

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

Decisions made by the city in 2013 and 2016 continue to play out in 2018 as Albert Lea sees some results from past changes and looks ahead to future investments.

Since progress on a downtown revamp began in earnest five years ago, Albert Lea City Manager Chad Adams said windshield survey estimates saw a drop in

open business spaces downtown, from approximately 25 to 40 percent vacant spaces prior to the Broadway Avenue streetscape project to a current 10 to 15 percent vacancy.

The Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau tracks its out-of-state visitors, and Executive Director Susie Petersen said summer numbers hit between 50 and 100 a month.

According to Adams, after the

streetscape project was completed in 2014, which included street and sidewalk improvements to Broadway Avenue, after which 15 new businesses opened in the downtown Broadway block.

“That’s pretty extraordinary,” Adams said. He also noted a number he said the city was hoping to see as a result of downtown renovations: a 25 percent increase in tax value to the downtown area since the 2013 focused start of Albert Lea’s

downtown revitalization. He said this has amounted to over $1 million a year of new tax base for the community.

“That’s one of the things when you revitalize a downtown or invest in some of these grants or et cetera or invest in the streetscape — that we’re hoping for a return on that investment, and that’s one of the returns on the investment is See DOWNTOWN, Page 19

PAGE 18 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Addie’s Floral & Gifts Florals, Plants, Home Decor, And much more!

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507-377-2081

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—

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Promoting Health & Wellness Since 1950

Performing Accupuncture since 2002

—

Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 10 - 5 Thurs 10 - 7 • Sat 10 - 3 144 S Broadway, Albert Lea, MN 507-473-2111

Retailer of fine cabinetry, countertops & flooring. Specializing in kitchen & bath design, custom tile showers & backsplashes.

Dr. Christopher Shoff For APPoINTMENT CALL 373-7054

Massage & Wellness Studio

Come check us out today!

Free Delivery Breakfast All Day Mon.-Fri. 4:30am-2pm Sat. 4:30am-11am

123 North Broadway Albert Lea, MN 507-373-0388

120 S. Washington • 373-5469

Liners extra, does not include suede, leather or furs

C

lothing are enter

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Monday-Friday 6-5:30pm Locally owned & Operated by Robin Carstens

Stop by Jake’s for a delicious pizza A Leader and Innovator in Real Estate.

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373-8963

cbhomeconnection.com

Each office is independently Owned and Operated

Caring Hands Enhancing the quality of lives at home.

Call for a free Consultation

COATS $8.99 Offer Ends October 31, 2018. Must be picked up within 2 weeks of drop off date to receive sale price. Have your winter outerwear fresh and ready for the season. This is also your chance to have your rain & shine wear cleaned now before spots and stains become set. (Does not include leather, suede or fur.) No storage on this sale.

128 Broadway Ave S • Albert Lea, MN 507.473.2800 www.broadwayhomedesign.com

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Albert leA Art Center CreAte, eduCAte, Promote & ShowCASe the ArtS

Become a Member Today!

Several categories to choose from, Call us, visit our website or facebook page.

Thanks for supporting ALAC!

226 West Clark St., Albert Lea, MN 56007 Hours: Tues-Sat, 10am-2pm

507-373-5665

alartcenter@gmail.com www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 19

Celebrating over 31 years in business!

A worker touches up the brick on the Broadway Bike Co. building in mid-September.

SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

DOWNTOWN

202 S Broadway • Downtown Albert Lea 507-373-3925

Conger Meat Market

Continued from Page 17

“Agents Readily Available To Help You Today”

Quality Meats All Locally Raised

Two Locations to Choose From

146 William St. E doWntoWn albErt lEa and 100 William avE. congEr

• Fresh and Frozen Meats • Many Homemade Sausages • Custom Processing • Venison Processing • Meat & Cheese Trays monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

albert lea: 507-377-1556 • conger: 507-265-3340

Hearing Care Centers 203 South Washington Ave. Albert Lea, MN

AUTO • HOME BUSINESS • BONDS

373-3062

209 S. Washington, Albert Lea

Representing Fine Companies Such As:

Progressive • Travelers Farmers Mutual Ins. Co. • RAM Mutual State Auto • AAA • Dairyland

Lic# 064643-PM

Call for an estimate on a new heating system!

507-995-6090 For an appointment call Hearing Care Center, or Dr. Frank Pacovsky, Audiologist Providing hearing service to people in the Albert Lea area since 1994.

PLUMBING

HEATING

312 W. Front St. • 373-1301

more tax base for the community,” Adams said.

However, some efforts downtown to improve businesses have yet to gain high traction. According to Adams, the 13 to 14 businesses who received grants through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Development Program in 2016 are still being finalized. He said awards for the projects have not yet gone out and business owners have not yet been able to make improvements.

This means the city is expecting another bump in business since the streetscape project.

Nonetheless, since the streetscape project, Adams said the private sector has invested more than $3 million of its own dollars into businesses downtown. He expects Mortarr, the company moving into the Freeborn National Bank building, to add to those numbers.

“We’re going to see a lot of returns on that business in the future, which will be substantial,” Adams said.

A large portion of Broadway’s remaining vacant space would require a substantial amount of investment to see upgrades, Adams said. Those cost concerns are why the city has been spreading around its $526,000 in Small Cities Development Program dollars.

Further revitalization of downtown

A changing downtown Since the completion of the streetscape, the following businesses started or relocated downtown: • Between Friends • The Marketing Plant (now Brick and Mortarr) • The Copper Kitchen (has since closed) • The Interchange • The Color Wheel • Kelly Gau Studio • Albert Lea Convention and Visitor’s Bureau • Bragen Rights Photography (moved) • Mark Kness Art • Broadway Home Design • Broadway Bike Shop • Grandma’s Kitchen • Intego Financial (has since moved) • Meraki Studios • intellicents • SNAP Fitness • Heartwaves Studio buildings and businesses is also the driving force behind the city’s interest in the Minnesota Main Street program, which doubles down on helping communities by preserving historic buildings and also providing training, tools and support for commercial revitalization. Adams said the city has the application ready to go and plans to move forward in partnership with the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce and the Albert Lea See DOWNTOWN, Page 20

PAGE 20 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

DOWNTOWN Continued from Page 19

Economic Development Agency after both agencies get settled following leadership transitions.

“We’re hoping, for 2019, that program in itself will be another continued investment in not only the downtown, but just tourism in general — take it to another level,” Adams said. “So, we’re actively working on things every year that we can find.”

Petersen said continuing to build on progress downtown — to continue making it both more welcoming and happening — is the future of the community. She is looking ahead to when the downtown area is busy at all times.

“It’s great, but we’ve got a ways to go,” she said.

Downtown streetscape/ Broadway and Main pedestrian count Sept 2014: 364 (base count) Sept. 2015: 608 Sept. 2016: 713 — Information from The Blue Zones Project Albert Lea

A grandmother looks in the window at Plymouth Shoe Store while walking with her grandchild. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Providing quality public service in an efficient, fiscally sustainable manner with integrity and transparency.

County Administration --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5116 County Assessor ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5176 County Attorney------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 377-5192 County Auditor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5121 County Ditch Inspector -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 379-2962 County Recorder (Vitals Statistics) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5130 County Sheriff -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5205 County Treasurer ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5117 Court Administration ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5163 Court Services / Probation---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5137 Environmental Services-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5186 *Burn Permit / Building Permit / Feedlot Permits ------------------------------------------ 377-5186 Highway Department------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 377-5188 Human Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 377-5400 *Victim’s Crisis Center ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 377-5460 *24 Hour Crisis Hotline ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 373-2223 Maintenance / Building Manager ------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5114 Public Health ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5100 University of MN Extension Services (4-H) ----------------------------------------------------- 377-5660 Vehicle & Driver’s License Center (tabs, transfers, license renewals) ---------------- 377-5126 *State Driving Exams: Thursday & Friday ONLY-------------------------------------------- 377-5125 Veterans Services Office------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 377-5184 County Fair Office --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 373-6965 Freeborn County Museum & Historical Village ------------------------------------------------ 373-8003 POLICE * FIRE * MEDICAL * SHERIFF * STATE PATROL EMERGENCY:

507.383.5710

www.co.freeborn.mn.us Freeborn County Government Center 411 Broadway S. Albert Lea, MN 56007

911

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 21

MORTARR Continued from Page 16

officially became part of Mortarr, and they decided to stop taking on new clients through that company as the workload of Mortarr started picking up.

The website went live in May, and the app for Android and iOS devices is expected to come out in October.

On the site and the app, professionals and brands within the commercial construction and design industry can showcase their services and products with a customized profile and project galleries. Those using Mortarr are people and professionals looking for commercial design ideas and the capabilities to carry out their project, and anyone can access Mortarr at no cost to gain inspiration, locate professionals and discover brands with whom they may collaborate.

“It’s a mature industry, but we’re trying to bring new concepts to it — trying to help them be more efficient in the future,” Pulley said.

The business is working toward having 250 company — or paying — subscribers on the platform by the end of the third quarter, along with 1,000 personal — or free — subscribers, said Jen Levisen,

Mortarr communications director.

Pulley said since the company went live, it has hired six new people. Mortarr now has 22 full-time employees and hopes to have 34 when it moves into its new space in the Freeborn National Bank building. He said employees have been hired from Oregon, Colorado and Arizona.

Pulley said as of late August, they were hoping to close on the first and second floors of the bank building “soon” with construction set to begin in the fall.

The main level of the building will have three conference rooms and three offices, and the remainder will be work stations. It will be a similar setup on the second floor. The renovations of the building will be featured on the Mortarr site.

Levisen said comments from the paying subscribers thus far have been positive.

“One of our customers called us the leading inspiration and networking platform for the commercial construction industry,” she said.

They are trying to spread the word about the company by visiting trade shows and events as often as they can.

People are also finding them through Google searches.

The Mortarr app is expected to launch in October that people will be able to use on their mobile devices, in addition to the website that is already live. PROVIDED

By the numbers

34

Employees expected to work for Mortarr when the company moves into the Freeborn National Bank building after renovations are completed.

250

Paid subscribers Mortarr hopes to have by the end of the third quarter, along with an additional 1,000 personal subscribers.

Your Destination for

Shopping, Dining & Entertainment We are turning the old Claires into a POP UP Shop.

If you are interested in renting the space contact the Northbridge Mall at 507.377.3185

I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MN Shopping Hours: M-F 10-9, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5 Event Information 507-377-3185

Join us on Facebook!

The Beacon at Mapleton

206 3rd Ave NE, PO Box 365 Mapleton, MN 56065 Phone (507) 524-4990

The Beacon offers residents assisted living and specializes in memory care in a small, personal setting that is cozy and convenient.

The Beacon at New Richland 113 SW 1st Street New Richland, MN 56072 Phone (507) 463-3565

The Beacon at Lake Crystal 511 West Blue Earth St. Lake Crystal, MN 45044

Phone (507) 726-6537

MIDWEST REPAIRABLES, INC. 507.465.3101

Buy | Repair | $ave 334 3rd St. NE New Richland, MN mike@midwestrepairables.com

PAGE 22 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

RETAIL

A.L.’S NORTHBRIDGE MALL HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR 32 YEARS

Continued from Page 14

could not be reached as of press time for this article.

Adams said said one thing that isn’t promoted is Albert Lea’s strong retail presence.

The city has better numbers than many other places in the region.

He said the city and others need to be stronger in promoting smaller retail opportunities, such as Qdoba, which is scheduled to open in October.

“These are small wins for the community,” Adams said.

Despite the closing of Herberger’s, which was one of the city’s largest retail establishments, he said the city has seen other growth, with the new strip mall near Walmart, which has provided good tax base and sales tax generation.

The city overall will have a 4 percent growth in tax base in 2019, and the city is continuing to see lodging taxes grow and sales tax grow.

“Those are all good signs,” he said.

Herberger’s in 1986.

Northbridge Mall in Albert Lea had a grand opening in August 1986 and has seen a variety of stores in the years since.

The mall was expected to be at 75 percent occupied at that time, according to a March 28, 1986, Tribune article.

Shopko was the first store to open in the mall in October 1985, and Herberger’s opened in March 1986. Fifteen stores opened at the end of May 1986, and others were expected to move into the building in June and July of that year.

According ot the article, firms moving into the mall included Leuthold’s, R and R Sports, Michael’s Hair Styling, Haas

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

826-3212 Community Service Since 1903

Shopko in 1986. PHOTO COURTESY FREEBORN COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Hallmark and Photo, Cost Cutters, The Right Line gift and card shop, The Dahl House, Mountain Electronics, Tradehome Shoes, Sunday’s Ice Cream store, Bookends Book Store, Maurice’s, Salkin and Linoff, Sounds Easy Video Store,

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!

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!

Pic-A-Pair and RadioShack.

A three-screen theater was planned to open in fall 1986.

At the time of the mall’s opening, it was expected to create between 350 and 375 new jobs.

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

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM 71610 263rd St • Albert Lea

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

Thompson Oil Co. Call Us For All Your Fuel Needs

• Diesel • Gasoline • LP Gas • Furnace Oil • Motor Oil We also carry tanks, pumps and all petroleum related equipment LOCALLY OWNED • 507-889-3891

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 23

Building a healthy community Running a medical center is an important responsibility that has direct impact in a community. It is a responsibility we take seriously as we focus on our patients, our employees and our community. Since 1996, Mayo has invested more than $34 million on the Albert Lea campus, and we continue to invest today to ensure the facility is updated and ready to serve future generations. Mayo Clinic operations in Freeborn County generate more than $180 million in economic activity and indirectly support 500 jobs in the community, in addition to the 1,000 people we directly employ, making us the largest employer in Albert Lea and Freeborn County. This impact will only grow as we continue to invest in the technologies, facilities and people to deliver the best care to our patients right here in Albert Lea. In addition to the clinic and hospital, Mayo Clinic recently invested $2.1 million to build a new ambulance building and training facility in Albert Lea to support high-quality, prompt emergency services and transport for local residents. The new facility allows for the addition of eight new full-time positions. The facility is also used for training and continuing education for Gold Cross staff across southern Minnesota. For patients, we offer a number of unique services that patients travel to Albert Lea to receive, such as dialysis, hyperbaric wound care, physical medicine and rehabilitation at Health Reach, and, later this fall, the new psychiatric services unit to address inpatient mental health care. All these services have a positive impact in the community. Visitors from out of town, for example, patronize local restaurants and hotels while they are here visiting patients or attending training, adding to the economic vitality of the community.

Our investment extends to our employees. In a highly competitive recruiting environment, Mayo Clinic Health System works aggressively to attract the best providers to serve the needs of our patients. We recently announced a number of new hires, some of whom have chosen to make Albert Lea their home. We are also

Guest Column

By Mark Ciota

increasing the number of family medicine residencies we offer, since we know some of those residents will join our Albert Lea/Austin practice after graduation. We remain committed to hiring additional providers to serve the needs of this community.

The talent pipeline in our community is also important, as the clinic and hospitals rely on specially trained staff in many departments. Mayo Clinic Health System is an active partner with Riverland Community College to support ongoing education and training for adult learners. We also sponsor numerous scholarships to local high school students interested in pursuing higher education in health care. We hope some of these students will be part of our workforce of the future.

Perhaps you have met some of our staff at Wind Down Wednesdays or the Freeborn County Fair. We know that a healthy community is a strong community, and our providers and employees volunteer their time and talents to a wide range of activities in the community — from providing information on healthy living to serving on local boards and initiatives like The Blue Zones Project to participating in a variety of fundraising efforts.

Mayo Clinic Health System makes these investments in technologies, facilities and people because we are a part of this community. The impact as an employer and driver of economic activity is important, but our care for our friends, neighbors, family and community members — our patients — is what makes our work worthwhile.

JoIn our teaM!

Most generous employee campaign award winner for donations to united Way

2410 YH Hanson avenue albert lea, Mn 56007 (507) 379-9269

Mark Ciota, M.D., is the CEO of Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea and Austin.

Not all “news” sources are created equal #Support Real News

507-377-2372

1414 W. Main, Albert Lea AlbertLeaGardenCenter.com Open Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to noon

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

PAGE 24 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Northwood seeing business revitalization with new program

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

NORTHWOOD — In an effort to boost the local business economy, the city of Northwood has implemented a new business and commercial revitalization program to encourage and assist the development of small businesses throughout the community.

The program is divided into two categories. One category is for new businesses that are looking for help in the start-up process, and the other category is for commercial revitalization projects like remodeling, building renovations or leasehold improvements.

Northwood’s city clerk, Amber Julseth, talked about what it’s like for the community to have this program.

“Northwood is very fortunate to have a new business/commercial revitalization program,” she said. “We assist new business with start-up costs, signage, as well as help our existing businesses with needed improvements.”

To apply, businesses fill out a twopage application, which is available at City Hall. Once an application has See NORTHWOOD, Page 38

Northwood’s Bean & Bistro. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

THANK YOU TO OUR LOYAL CUSTOMERS!

Voted the area’s Best Waste Disposal Service for the past 10 years!

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

Thompson Sanitation, Inc. LOCALLY OWNED & OWNER OPERATED

CONTROL OF QUALITY FROM START TO FINISH

Skip the Middleman and Buy Direct!

Root River Hardwoods Kiln Dried Lumber Stores have everything you need to create the warm and inviting home you have always dreamed of.

(Red Oak, Walnut, Cherry, Etc.) Also: Trim, Paneling, Flooring, Stair-Parts, Doors & Plywood

Clarks Grove, MN

404 Airport Rd. | Albert Lea, MN

www.thompsonsanitation.com

www.rootriverhardwoods.com | Fax (507) 377-8774

507-256-4370

(507) 377-8781

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 25

IMPACT DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS

161 Years...

160 Years...

WESTERN STAR LODGE

143 Years...

151 Years...

“THE MASONS”

Making good men better.

147 N Broadway • Albert Lea, MN Since 1858

FREEBORN COUNTY

723 Marshall Street • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-2366 www.albertleamonument.com

MINNESOTA SINCE 1857

140 years

142 Years... 141 Years...

Trinity Lutheran Church

Farmers mutual Insurance co.

Manchester, MN Phone: 826-3425

Sandy Walstrom, Mgr. In business since 1876

501 S. Washington, Albert Lea 373-2466 • www.tlc-al.org Pastor Eileen Woyen Sunday Worship: 9:00am Sunday School: 10:30am Wednesday Worship: 5:30pm

121 Years...

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

www.albertleatribune.com

Since 1897

United Methodist Church

Albert Lea

Have a

story

115 Years...

We’re the "A" Team

377-2000 www.americana insurance.com Building for the future since 1899

?

507-373-7253

826-3212

Community Service Since 1903

MEMORIALS WITH INNOVATION AND DISTINCTION 1006 S. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4030 In business since 1892

115 Years... 113 Years... 108 Years...

Manchester Hartland www.hillsgardens.com Telephone Co.

www.mhtele.com

126 Years...

idea Call the newsroom at 507-373-1411

119 Years...

www.edwardsironworkers.com

2512 W. Main Albert Lea

CITIZENS STATE BANK Glenville, MN 56036 (507) 448-3981

MEMBER FDIC Since 1910

PAGE 26 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 99 Years...

107 Years... 106 Years... 105 Years... 104 Years... 101 Years... 99 Years...

STRONG Credit Bureau MEMBER FDIC Albert Lea AGENCY HARTLAND, MN • ofCollections AMERICAN WELCOME TO WORSHIP 845-2233 • Credit Reporting INC. LEGION FREEBORN, MN Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea, MN

Paula & Bill Hertling

209 So. WaShington 507-373-3062 In business since 1911.

98 Years...

ALDEN LEGION

863-2371 ALBERT LEA, MN 373-1945 Since 1912

98 Years...

“Always providing quality service Post #404 to the construction industry.”

151 N. Broadway Alden, MN www.ulland.com Tuesday Bingo Asphalt Paving • Site Grading Every Friday: $5 Burger Road & Driveway Construction Basket & FREE Pool & Darts Every 2nd Sat. — Steak Fry Albert Lea 373-1960

874-3679

License No. 00983-02

Also available a wide variety of aggregate & landscaping stone for pickup or delivery.

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

507-373-2325 CBALCOLLECTS.COM In business since 1913

96 Years...

Let us help.

507-377-5660 | Since 1922

91 Years...

91 Years...

Represented since 1927

Shannon SteenSma

Member

FDIC

109 Park Ave. Hollandale, MN 507-889-4311

220 East William Albert Lea, MN 507-373-5500

2401 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-8600

www.producestatebank.com 84 years

96 Years...

Not sure what to do next?

“4-H is about purple ribbon kids, not purple ribbon animals and projects.” - Eldon Senske

Wealth management adviSor CLU, ChFC, CASL, CFP®

206 n. BroadWay ave.

507-377-1686

Sundays, 8:00am Traditional 9:15am Sunday School & Adult Education 9:15am Chapel Worship 10:30am Praise & Worship Thursday, 6:30p.m.

ALBERT LEA FAMILY Y 2021 West Main Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-373-8228 www.ymcaal.org

In Business Since 1917

95 Years...

Albert leA NooN KiwANis www.kiwanis.org

507-373-2461

89 Years...

BERGDALE HARLEY-DAVIDSON 905 Plaza Phone 373-5236

Original Business started in 1929– Under New Ownership Since May, 1985 www.bergdalehd.com

www.flcal.org

POST 264 GLENVILLE, MN Since 1919 License #B-01304-001

95 Years...

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

Albert leA/ellendAle new richlAnd

www.bonnerupfuneralservice.com

301 W Clark St • 373-6424

"Serving

the children of the world"

211 So. Newton • 373-6491 www.AlbertLeaLaw.com Douglas R. Peterson • Matthew L. Benda Daniel L. Kolker • Stephanie A. Haedt Eythan G. Frandle SINCE 1923

Do you 88 Years...

87 Years 88 Years

Conger want this Mfg., LLC spot?

Call 379-9850 265-3100 Conger, MN today!

People Helping People

83 Years...

81 Years...

John Doppelhammer Bob Weiser MANUFACTURING MACHINE SHOP

Since 1930

Since 1930

accentracu.org • 800-533-0448 Federally Insured by NCUA

Serving local communities

since 1934.

JustCallHome.com

Member FDIC

2501 E. Main Albert Lea

265-3340

www.fmcs.coop

143 W Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007

Serving you at 2 locationsConger & Downtown Albert Lea

507.379.2551

Jeremy & Darcy Johnson Since 1935

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1633 W. Main Albert Lea 373-2338 Since 1937

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 27

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS ALAMCO wAs estAbLished in 1982, hOwver, we hAve been prOviding CustOM gLuLAM in the sAMe AreA sinCe 1938.

80 Years... 79 Years...

Eddie's Bar and Lounge

877-679-9663 www.alamcowood.com

72 Years...

719 Marshall Albert Lea, MN Since 1938

72 Years...

grace lutheran church an air Liquide CoMpany Welding Materials & industrial supplies

Bringing people together & becoming disciples for Christ.

69 Years...

Albert Lea Firefighters L1041

Since May 1, 1948

66 Years...

Since 1952

Room The Elbow

"Best Hamburgers In Town"

373-1836

310 8th Street Albert leA, MN

We Can Cross This Bridge Together 1415 N Highway 13 Albert Lea, MN 507-373-4330 www.bayviewfuneral.com Locally Owned & Operated

71 Years... an

918 garfield 373-6496

2417 Myers rd. • Albert leA 507-373-2411

Do you want this spot?

Call 379-9850 today!

69 Years...

Voted Best Golf Course 2018

101 Richway Dr. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-1061 www.greenlea.com

68 Years...

6 oz Steak ������������������������������������������ $11�65 12 oz� Flat Iron ��������������������������������� $15�60 Prime Rib, Queen ����������������������������� $14�30 Prime Rib, King �������������������������������� $18�15 Shrimp Dinner ���������������������������������� $14�30 Steak & Shimp����������������������������������� $15�60

Room The Elbow

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

507 W. Front St. & 902 East Main 377-2102 Since 1947 www.almco.com

68 Years...

PROVIDING TRUCKING SERVICES

nick.tradingpost@gmail.com Inventory Featured on findcars.com Since 1950

Since 1950

Moose Lodge #1703 FaMiLy Center 373-2106 1623 W. Main st.

Wednesday Baskets 5:30-7:30pM neW MeMBers WeLCoMe!

70 Years...

2401 Becker Drive Albert Lea Phone 373-8513

65 Years..

PLUMBING

FreeborN, MN 863-2455 SiNCe 1948

68 Years...

SHOFF C hiroprACtiC

Promoting Health and Wellness Since 1950

64 Years...

Furnaces • Boilers Fireplace • Plumbing

373-1301

68 Years...

B&B Cafe

321 Sibley, Albert Lea Clint & Holly Miller Owner/Operators

373-1921

Original business started October, 1950

64 Years...

512 S. Broadway Ave (Individualized Care, Home-like atmosphere)

www.stadheimjewelers.com Since 1953

HEATING

BROADWAY CARE ASSISTED LIVING 507-373-2909

Albert Lea • Austin Mason City "Known For Fine Diamonds"

69 Years...

MORRISON WELL Residential Irrigation Sealing Old

Albert Lea, MN 56007

80860 110th St. Suite 2 Gordonsville, MN 56036

FRIDAY & SATURDAY 65 Years...

Nights

company

BECKER HI-WAY FRATE

507-448-3302

74 Years...

512 E. 7th St. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-4526

Since 1954 Linda Waalkens, RN Annabelle Frazier, Owners

PAGE 28 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 64 Years...

373-9586

www.lelandrealty.com

?

Kiester, Minnesota

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

1501 Betha Larson Lane Albert Lea, MN

Years Built On TRUST

Call the

Rochester, MN • Albert Lea, MN • 507.289.3555

VxÄxunewsroom Ütà|Çz ICat 507-373-1411 In business since 1954

çxtÜá Celebrating 60 Years

60 Years... 75$'(6

62 Years...

$% 25 Hammer)('TRADES /& LABOR ( 5$/ & CREDIT UNION Dieser & FEDERAL 5(',7 81,2 , mangskau g 1 be { Ü Throughout 2018 we will É â P.L.L.P. z{Éâà

411 S. 1st Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-373-0611

135 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN. 373-2451

59 Years...

59 Years...

Clarks Grove -Waseca Veterinary Clinic L.L.P. Thomas Metzdorff, D.V.M. Scott Lang, D.V.M. Carey Prigge, D.V.M Kipling Jones-Lang, D.V.M. 1400 State Street South Waseca, MN 56093 (507) 835-1700 Fax: (507) 835-1980

Small & Large Animal Services

56 Years...

idea

SIDING & WINDOW COMPANY

500 Larson Ave. N. Lake Mills, IA

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

story

BORDERLINE

America’s #1 Selling Storm Door

Proudly manufacturing in the USA!

Have a 63 Years...

63 Years...

63 YEARS

securityinsuranceagency.com

59 Years...

E

á tÇw ÑÜÉ çxtÜAlbert á Lea Å É S à | Stop in for details: 610 S Broadway, Albert Lea, MN É e 507-373-1185 Ç e Since 1958 ww ‰

59 Years...

w.trad

esandl

abo58 56 Years... r.cYears... om fo r deta HAROLD’S ils Minnesota

www.McCourtesy.com

BAR

Bridge Avenue McDonald’s: 2808 Bridge Avenue

SUNDAY FUNDAY 2nd Sunday of each month!

Main Street McDonald’s: 609 East Main Street

226 W. Clark St. P.O. Box 313 Albert Lea, MN 56007

Trails McDonald’s: 840 Happy Trails Lane

Art in the Heart of the City

373-5665

hello@securityinsuranceagency.com

CDK ãx 60 years with celebrating NASBY RADIATOR ã|ÄÄ ux vxÄx u Ü tà|Çz IC 1325 SE Broadway ãprizes |à{ ÑÜ|éxand promotions.

VISIT US TODAY!

www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

1606 E. Main St. 507.373.6446

Proudly Serving Albert Lea Since 2009

Independent Living Assisted Living Short Term Rehab Skilled Nursing/Memory Care 901 Luther Place • Albert Lea, MN Phone (507) 373-8226 • Fax (507) 379-9506 www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org In Business Since 1962

Charitable gambling license #A00423005

1318 E. Main Albert Lea • 373-0965

Check us out on

Freezer Warehouse Co.

820 E. Thirteenth St. Albert Lea, Minnesota 373-1477 Service Since 1962

56 Years...

Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic 401 St. Thomas Ave. Albert Lea, MN

507-373-8161 alvc91@gmail.com www.albertleavet.com

We underestand how much you love your pets!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 29

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 56 Years...

Fully Insured Prompt Service

ACCEPTING AGES 3-5 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

FREEBORN CONSTRUCTION, Inc. County Rd. 46 E., Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4434

Dennis & Brad Haugen, Owners "Complete, Competent Construction Work" In business since 1962

52 Years...

702 HIGHWAY 69 SOUTH • ALBERT LEA

507-373-6712

Originally started in 1962

51 Years...

Architects & Civil Engineers

COMPANIES • travel • vacationS • Specialty coffee

2046 Sorensen Road Albert Lea 507-373-0689

130 WeSt clark albert lea, mn 373-2473

Since 1966

50 Years...

SouthSiDe barber Shop

In Business Since 1967

50 Years...

Gary Thompson 220 East 7th Street Albert Lea, MN

FU LLY D RECOVERE FROM MY BACK INJU RY!

Tues & Thurs 8:00am-4:00pm Wed & Fri 8:00am-12:00pm

51 Years...

209 S. St. peter avenue albert lea, mn 373-8026

John butler harriet hemenWay, oWnerS “In BusIness sInce 1967”

POOLE ELECTRIC

For those of you who wondered what happened to me, in December 2016 I broke my back. Since then we moved our business to 1020 Dunham Street and I am BACK!!

373-1101

49 Years...

49 Years...

In Business Since March 1969

Changing one life changes everything.

A residential treatment facility that offers programs for boys & girls ages 6-19 with emotional and behavior issues.

SPECIALIZING IN SEPTIC SYSTEMS • Conservation Construction • Land Drainage • Wildlife Ponds • Road Boring • Backhoeing • Consulting

PHILLIP OR MARK MORREIM 71610 263rd St • Albert Lea Office (507) 826-3449 Phil Cell (507) 330-1889 Mark Cell (507) 383-6550

~DESIGN~ ~INSTALLATION~ ~SEEDING~

Pizza

373-7350

126 W Clark • Albert Lea Now delivering at lunch!

Reader's Choice for pizza 15 years running!

51 Years...

eZ rental & party Service, llc

1020 Dunham St. • albert lea 507-373-8595

In Business Since 1968

55 Years... 53 Years...

55 Years...

56 Years...

Austin, MN

507-433-1843

www.nexus-yfs.org

Kampground 84259 Co. Rd. 46 Hayward, MN

Serving Albert Lea/ Austin area since 1967

50 Years...

2424 Myers Road

373-2357

Call for a competitive quote

49 Years...

GLENVILLE PLUMBING & HEATING 507-448-2902 491 Center Avenue Glenville, MN Since 1963

51 Years...

Christian

ChiropraCtiC 373-4322

224 S. Broadway

Since 1966

50 Years...

Tom & Mary Ferleman, Owners

istributing

2110 YH Hanson Ave. Albert Lea, MN

507-373-0327

Since Feb. 1, 1965

50 Years...

ALBERT LEA COMMUNITY THEATER

Another Exciting Season!

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

220 Elizabeth, Albert Lea 507-373-2828 genos@deskmedia.com In business since May 1968

Whatever it takes.

50 Years...

304 Central Ave. N. Hollandale, MN 507-889-2088 • Anti-fatigue matting • Matting for Commercial & Industrial Applications • Residential entry matting

www.cafourek.com

49 Years...

49 Years...

STEVENS WINDOW & HARDWARE

1109 S. Broadway Phone 373-1696

V ogt D

53 Years...

373-7979

Serving the community since 1969 www.alchildrenscenter.org

2006 East Main Albert Lea, MN • 373-6475 Now Serving Margaritas Steak & Chicken Fajitas Serving People Since 1969

PAGE 30 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 49 Years...

49 Years...

FINANCIAL PLANNING 401K'S WEALTH MANAGEMENT 200 N Broadway Ave, PO Box 171 Albert Lea, MN 56007

Tel 507.373.8216 Fax 507.373.6220 iscfinancialadvisors.com

46 Years...

TURN TO THE EXPERTS! Residential Commercial Industrial 724 West Clark Street Albert Lea, MN 507-377-8535 www.jimanddudes.com

44 Years...

45 Years...

Dozer/Blading Excavating Sitework Hauling & Trucking Septic Systems Demolition

507-826-3155

43 Years...

47 Years...

47 Years...

Hill, Benda, Skov & Bernau CPA’s

Oakview Golf Course

310 2nd Ave SW Albert Lea

507-863-2288

www.thompsonelectric ofalbertlea.com

Freeborn, MN

www.oakviewgc.com

45 Years... 45 Years...

DAVE’S AUTO SERVICE

Auto Repair Fuel - Towing

TOM WENTZLER SERVICES

369-4804

641-592-9951 Since1973

1 0 1 W . M A I N S T. LAKE MILLS, IA

1655 W Main St Skyline Plaza Albert Lea, MN

377-1333

In business since March 1971

44 Years... alberT lea radiaTor & Cooling sysTems, llC 214 elizabeTh Call For appoinTmenT 507-377-1291

auTo air CondiTioning, radiaTor, heaTer repair, sales and serviCe new and reCoring aluminum, plasTiC repair, radiaTor repair and sales, gas Tank repair

46 Years...

Senior Court 915 Maplehill Drive Albert Lea, MN 507-373-5391 www.lifestyleinc.net

Providing affordable housing for 62+ or disabled persons since 1981.

44 Years...

41 Years...

Bisek

Gardens Sweet Corn

425 W. 11th St. Albert Lea 507-373-4566

41 Years...

FREEBORN COUNTY DAYCARE ASSOCIATION

For FREE Referrals

507-369-5171 Caring for children is the choice of the Day Care Providers. Therefore, the safety, growth and development of the child is our primary concern.

Serving the area since 1978

Located Next to Farmers State Bank in Freeborn

507-863-2202

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

www.lou-rich.com

Skyline Plaza

373-2338 Since 1974

507-373-2311 www.thornecrest.net Check us out on

Travis reiChl

EOE

42 Years...

42 Years...

Angie Eggum 373-2000 Financial Advisor Paul Nolette 373-0668 Financial Advisor James Stubkjaer 373-2353 Financial Advisor

Craig's Taxidermy sTudio

505 W. Front St.

Albert Lea, MN 56007 Since 1972

"besT plaCe To Take a leak"

Member SIPC

41 Years...

company

an

44 Years...

Family sTore Alex Johnston 373-2353 Financial Advisor Andrew Irvine 373-1150 Financial Advisor David Kramer Jr 373-9050 Financial Advisor

46 Years...

M-F 10am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm

Come shop where your purchases help others!

416 Bridge Ave. Albert Lea, MN

40 Years...

DOUG'S PAINTING & SANDBLASTING

Doug Evans, Owner 2190 S. Lincoln • Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1508

FREE ESTIMATES

R&S Racing Award Winning Engines Since 1976 1025 South Broadway

507-373-5907

PERFORMANCE PARTS & MACHINE In Business Since February 1976

40 Years...

507-256-4712

104 Central Ave. N. Geneva, MN 56035 Since 1978

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 31

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 40 Years...

Terry Fox,

40 Years...

40 Years...

Sue Richards, Realtor®

Realtor

®

Emelie Paulson, Realtor

®

507-373-0115 tmfox@me.com 204 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN TOLL FREE: 1-888-373-8963 cbhomeconnection.com

39 Years...

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

37 Years...

DEWEY KRUGER MUSIC

Piano & Organ Sales & Service

641-324-1300 1-800-933-5830 dewey@ deweykruger music.com

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

35 Years...

507-383-1659

RE/MAX PROPERTIES 412 E. William • Albert Lea, MN Office: 507-377-2752 www.remax.com

39 Years...

507-383-7033 sdrichards@frontier.com 204 S. Washington, Albert Lea, MN TOLL FREE: 1-888-373-8963 cbhomeconnection.com

507-373-1016 Since 1983

excavating, LLC

& Septic tank pumping

507-377-3577 Since 1978

Dinah's Style, Inc.

18 private suites offering hair care, Complete collision repair massage, eyelash extensions, services for any manicures, sugaring & BOTOX insurance company.

373-0952 1515 Blake Ave. Albert Lea

405 East William • Albert Lea, MN 507-373-3822

Since 1980

Since 1979

37 Years...

Com-Tec Mobile Radio

37 Years...

37 Years...

1147 S. Broadway

FREE - any 1/3 Thickburger with purchase of the same.

Expires: 12/31/18 • Since 1981

New Richland, MN 507-465-3789 www.pooleysscrapiron.com

101 1st Ave SW Glenville, MN

HOURS 8am - 4:30pm - M-F

Since 1981

HIGHEST ALUMINUM PRICE GREAT PRICES ON SCRAP IRON & ALL METALS

448-3717

34 Years...

702 13th Street • 377-2526 Serving In Albert Lea Since 1983

39 Years...

39 Years...

39 Years...

Wangen

38 Years...

Complete Mechanical Repair • Exhaust • Brakes • Steering & Suspension • Tune-ups

803 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN

40 Years...

34 Years...

106 E. Main St. Lake Mills, IA

641-592-5060 norsemen.com

Family Owned & Operated Since 1979

38 Years...

Jamie a.

Kyllo attorney at law

373-4680 202 West Clark St. Albert Lea

507-889-8071

Since 1979

36 Years...

Senior Tower 905 Maplehill Drive Albert Lea, MN 507-373-6622 www.lifestyleinc.net

www.HomeSolutionsMidwest.com

37 Years...

KEN'S SERVICE • Auto Repair • Tires, Brakes & Exhaust • Engine & Transmission Installation 226 E. Clark St. • Albert Lea, MN

507-377-2099

kensservicealbertlea@gmail.com

Since Feb. 1981

Since Nov. 1979

35 Years...

2200 Y.H. Hanson Ave • Albert Lea

373-5006

Providing affordable housing www.mcbox.com for 62+ or disabled persons Visit us at: www.facebook.com/mncorrugated since 1981.

A subsidiary of Pratt Industries since May 2016

Van Wilgen Farm Drainage

28218 870th Ave. Hollandale, MN

• Seamless Siding & Gutters • Windows • Doors PROUD TO CELEBRATE OUR 39TH ANNIVERSARY! • Gutter Helmet Commercial • Industrial 603 S. 1st Ave. Farm • Home Albert Lea 519 Adams, Albert Lea 373-3435

373-0731

34 Years...

HOLLAND AUCTION & REAL ESTATE Tracy Holland

507-684-2955

5801 SW 128th Street Ellendale, MN Since Jan. 19, 1984 www.hollandauction.com

PAGE 32 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 34 Years...

R&R MINI STORAGE R&R 2409 Myers Road Albert Lea, MN 56007 507-377-8073 96 Total Units Larry & Barb Rognes Since 1984

33 Years...

33 Years...

33 Years...

E LECTRIC & M OTOR EARING B SERVICE

Serving Albert Lea Since 1985

On Call 24 Hours

CALL 377-0032

373-3331

910 S. Broadway Albert Lea, MN Since May 2, 1985

1401 West 9th Street

Albert Lea, Minnesota

32 Years...

32 Years...

33 Years...

CALLAHAN'S

1811 E. Main Albert Lea 507-373-2638

BALDOR Motors and Drives

33 Years...

33 Years...

www.dominos.com

HEATING & COOLING

21956 733rd Ave. Albert Lea, MN 507-377-1578

32 Years...

Jan Jerdee

LET US PROTECT YOUR DREAMS

Cliff Wuerflein 123 N. Broadway 373-0388 Laurie Boyer - Owner

377-2290 1907 E. Main St. Albert Lea

32 Years...

377-3185

I-90 & Bridge Ave. Shopping hours: M-F 10-9, Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5 Some business & holiday hours vary.

Like us on

Mary Go Round Shoppe 106 W. Clark

373-7911

Quality clothing, furniture, antiques & glassware Since Nov. 1, 1988

507-373-4443

In business since 1986

Since 1985

32 Years...

30 Years...

Sales & Service of Over-The-Road Trailers & Refrigeration Units

30 Years...

C

lothing are enter

373-2318

116 So. Washington Albert Lea Since 1986

29 Years...

Pro Trucking

“THE QUALITY SHINES THROUGH”

Residential & Commercial

507-WE CLEAN 507-932-5326 Since 1988

507-377-8838 1-800-274-8858

77917 209th St, Albert Lea Since March 1989

www.protrucking.net

31 Years...

HILLCREST

507-373-4678

606 S. Broadway • Albert Lea Owner Michelle Thompson

Serving the area since Dec. 30, 1985

30 Years...

30 Years...

Cemetery Association

Full Service Cemetery

Full & cremation burial vaults, bronze on granite memorial markers, artificial flowers, live wreaths & perpetual care

Hometown Broadcasting KQPR 96.1 FM

507-373-3560

Albert Lea, MN • (507) 373-9600 Contests: (507) 373-9401

A Resting Place of Natural Beauty & Perpetual Care

17544 Hwy 65 S. Albert Lea, MN hillcrestcemetery@live.com Since Nov. 1987

29 Years...

REINERTSON’S EMBROIDERY

LOCALLY OWNED! Since Aug. 24, 1988

www.power96rocker.com

29 Years...

Peterson Chiropractic Office

230 S. Washington 373-0751

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

www.reinertsons embroidery.com

Dr. John Peterson 1454 West Main St. Albert Lea

29 Years...

377-0462 Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN

Heating & Air Conditioning 24 hour emergency service

Emergency phone: 507-373-5166 Business Phone: 507-373-8435 Box 55 • Albert Lea Since 1988

29 Years...

R&R TRUCK REPAIR

Larry Rognes, Owner 2401 Myers Road Albert Lea, MN

377-8848

507-373-0120

Serving the area since 1988

373-2804

1313 Southview Lane Albert Lea Since 1986

Since Feb. 1989

In Business Since March 1989

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 33

DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS 29 Years...

HAGEN & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION 507-377-1702 426 Adams Ave. Albert Lea, MN Since 1989 Find us on

28 ½ Years... 27 Years...

Tractor Manuals Parts & Decals

Visit our World Headquarters at 200 Main Street Manchester, MN 56007

2718 Ekko Ave., Albert Lea, MN

In Business Since November 1989

Commercial, Residential & Repairs

Bob Hanson

Trish Stanley 625 West Park Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007 507.402.5913 Cell trishstanley@me.com salon625.net

373-0409

Since 1993

22 Years...

Pro Manufacturing Inc. 373-5570 • 377-0091

77917 209th St., Albert Lea

www.promfg.net Since March 1996

21 Years...

SPRAGUE PROPERTIES Find the perfect house or apartment!

507-383-1976

507-473-3048

Your Everyday Real Estate Needs 201 S. Washington Albert Lea, MN ronholtanrealty.com

Since September 17, 1991

We stock over 100 motorcycle tires.

18119 750th Ave South Broadway | Albert Lea, MN www.interstatejunction.com

Rightway Roofing

373-1000

www.zoggdermatology.com

Best tire prices, all makes.

Booking for the 2019 season now!

Craig Hoium

507-373-2270

826-3666

25 Years...

26 Years...

crhoium@yahoo.com

26 Years - 40 Years Experience

25 Years...

26 Years...

26 Years...

A Full Service Staffing Company

Parts • Sales • Service Street • Custom • Drag

www.expresspros.com/ albertleamn/

Dave Roisen, Owner

1410 West Main Albert Lea, MN

(507) 377-0626

507-373-2826 In Albert Lea

Since April 1, 1992

24 Years...

Convenient Insurance Service

24 Years...

20 ½ Years...

“SUPER STORE TO YOUR DOOR” FREE ESTIMATES • FREE INSTALLATION

507-373-8535

377-8636

20 Years...

¢ents

Bookkeeping

Toll Free 877-373-8535 DESIGN CENTER 310 1ST AVE S. ALBERT LEA, MN

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

Since Sept. 1, 1997

laurie@bookkeepingcents.com

507-552-1263

20902 782nd Ave. Albert Lea, MN Since 1992

In business since 1992

23 Years...

826-3510

2525 Bridge Ave

WE COVER ANYTHING UNDER THE SUN!

Providing local trucking in the Albert Lea area

Barb & Roger Hoeve

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

507-373-8996

Boat covers, awnings, trailer tarps, grill covers, windshield covers, air conditioning covers

& Truck Wash 2301 Myers Road, Albert Lea 507-377-8287

"We'll give your pet the loving care it needs, while you're on the vacation you need."

STACEY L. JOHNSON

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PAGE 34 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 35

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PAGE 36 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 37

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PAGE 38 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Fringe & Lace by Brittany. TYLER JULSON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

NORTHWOOD Continued from Page 24

been submitted, the Business Development Committee meets to review the application and ultimately approves or denies the request.

Assistance can be given in a variety of forms, including grants, forgivable loans and/or low interest loans. Many Northwood businesses have utilized the program and are now thriving in the small town economy.

Fringe & Lace by Brittany, a shop

specializing in formal wear; Bean & Bistro, a small coffee shop/diner; Strikezone, a bowling alley and sports bar; and Rock-A-Billies, a sports/music bar, are just a few of the businesses that have used the program to benefit their establishments.

“The mayor and the city council value all of the businesses in our community,” Julseth said. “Maintaining and adding new businesses creates economic growth and job creation within the city of Northwood. The city is very supportive and wants to keep Northwood a vibrant community to live and work in.”

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 39

HIGH SCHOOL, COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORK TO

ADDRESS WORKFORCE NEEDS

Val Kvale with the Workforce Development Center, left, walks this year’s seniors through their results to a 291-question work aptitude assessment with Youth Apprenticeship students. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM, SHADOWING A FEW WAYS STUDENTS CAN LEARN ABOUT JOBS

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

Between efforts at two schools, two organizations and hundreds of businesspeople, the Albert Lea area workforce has a few hands looking to give it a leg up.

According to John Double, an Albert Lea Area Schools administrator on special assignment with the Pathways to Success program, the pieces are there for a program based on the Career Technical

Education model. The CTE model aims to provide students with the technical and occupational knowledge to move into the next stage of their lives. It works to allow students to explore career and training options outside of — or complementary to — a four-year degree.

“For every doctor at Mayo, there’s seven other jobs out there,” Double said — think manufacturing, for instance, or electrical work.

At Albert Lea High School, one of those

pieces is the Youth Apprenticeship program class, which teaches safety training and job skills to juniors and, when they transition to their senior year, gives them school credit for on-the-job part-time work with local businesses like Lou-Rich, Trail’s Travel Center or Mrs. Gerry’s.

Youth Apprenticeship teacher Christina Ebeling said the program has added experience opportunities in agriculture as student interest dictated. Student paths after the course vary: Students

could move to four-year degrees, they could decide they have the right amount of education and potentially stay on at their apprenticeship site or they could decide the field is right but they need more education.

According to Workforce Development Center career planner and placement specialist Val Kvale, who works with students in the Youth Apprenticeship See WORKFORCE, Page 46

PAGE 40 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Make sure Greater Minnesota needs get attention they deserve Fall officially begins Sept. 22. However, like many others, for me Labor Day marks the start of fall and, in even-numbered years, the beginning of campaign season. Soon our mailboxes will be filled with campaign literature, and we will be bombarded with ads on the radio, television and social media.

By and large, campaign themes have not changed much over the years.

Promises to cut taxes and increase education spending are common recurring themes. Thinking about this over the weekend, it occurred to me that many of the economic development issues that affect Greater Minnesota also remain the same.

For example, leaders and groups in the Albert Lea area have been trying to solve the workforce housing shortage for more than 25 years. And Albert Lea is not unique among communities in Greater Minnesota trying to spur housing growth to help boost local economies.

Workforce housing, job training and child care are three of the top issues that the Greater Minnesota Partnership will work on during the 2019 Minnesota legislative session. But we can’t wait until January to begin to look for ways to unlock Greater Minnesota’s potential for economic growth. Now is the time to lay the groundwork for successful outcomes in 2019.

As residents of Greater Minnesota, we need to ask those asking for our votes to tell us specifically what they will do to address our workforce housing, job training and child care needs.

Candidates will often say “I support that,” but as voters we should demand more from those who are running for office. What plans do they have to bring meaningful change and economic growth to our communities?

In order to bring positive changes to our state’s economic policies, state legislators of both political parties must work together alongside a governor who is committed to making a real difference for Greater Minnesota.

Guest Column

By Dan Dorman

This November, voters who cast their ballot for our next governor will choose between Jeff Johnson, who grew up in Detroit Lakes and now resides in Plymouth, and Tim Walz, who lives in Mankato. It is surprisingly rare to have even one gubernatorial candidate with Greater Minnesota roots; this year we have two. I’m hopeful that having a new governor with first-hand knowledge of the unique issues that affect our communities will result in progress for economic development in Greater Minnesota.

I urge you, the voters, to press both Walz and Johnson to create a comprehensive plan to foster economic growth in rural Minnesota. The last time any candidate for governor had a far-reaching Greater Minnesota economic development plan was back in 2002, when former Gov. Tim Pawlenty created the Jobs Opportunity Building Zones program, which helped bring more than 500 jobs to the Albert Lea area. We are well past due for another thorough plan of action to address Greater Minnesota’s workforce and business development needs.

This campaign season, let’s not waste the opportunity to make sure Greater Minnesota’s needs get the attention they deserve. As we head into the final weeks before the election, let’s strive to get Johnson and Walz on the record about how they plan to bring economic growth to Greater Minnesota.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 41

LIMOUSINE COMPANY OFFERS BIG-CITY SERVICE FOR SMALLER COMMUNITY USE

By Sarah Kocher

sarah.kocher@albertleatribune.com

For a local community member, his tuxedo, like many others, is reserved for special occasions. But there is one difference: The limo driver wears his to other people’s milestones.

“I think the best thing I like about it is being part of people having fun,” Brad Schuhmacher said. “Everybody’s in a good mood that normally wants to rent a limo.”

Schuhmacher owns Dawson Limousine Service, a limo company started in 2005 by Schumacher’s friend, Jared Dawson. Schuhmacher also farms with his father, delivers mail out of Glenville and has a Glenville-based storage business.

After driving for Dawson for five years, Schuhmacher bought the business and doubled its size: from one limo to two.

“I think the best thing I like about it is being part of people having fun,” Brad Schuhmacher said.

Schuhmacher owns Dawson Limousine Service.

SARAH KOCHER/ ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

See LIMO, Page 43

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PAGE 42 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

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Business

Number of Employees

Mayo Clinic Health System Albert Lea Area Schools Albert Lea Select Foods Innovance Freeborn County St. John’s Lutheran Community City of Albert Lea Walmart Mrs. Gerry’s Cargill Ventura Foods Good Samaritan Society of Albert Lea Streater Thorne Crest Senior Living Community Minnesota Corrugated Box Trail’s Travel Center Zumbro River Brand Dave Syverson’s Auto & Truck Hy-Vee Alamco Alerus Interstate Packaging Agilis Shopko Wedgewood Cove REG Biorefining Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Pro Advantage Crossroad’s Trailers Cedar Valley Services

1,004 715 430 358 351 308 299 245 223 215 200 196 159 156 154 150 120 116 112 86 84 81 72 69 65 63 62 62 55 52

— Information from the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, December 2017

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 43

Brad Schuhmacher expanded Dawson Limousine by purchasing a limo bus, which fits parties larger than the traditional limo. SARAH KOCHER/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

LIMO Continued from Page 41

“I just felt like with today’s weddings, everybody has five to eight attendants per side,” Schuhmacher said. Enter the limo bus, which seats 20 (a regular limo seats 10).

Like wedding parties, Schuhmacher said his business has also grown. However, he’s not looking to expand further at this time because his offerings seem on-track with the demand in Freeborn County. He has a few part-time drivers who rotate through driving for bachelor and bachelorette parties, sporting events, brewery and wine tours, proms and weddings.

His busiest season is April through October. Schuhmacher links that to the weather.

“Everybody likes to get out and do things, I feel,” he said.

When he started driving, Dawson said he was looking for something to do. It was never intended to feel like a job.

“They say, ‘Oh, you could write a book with all the things that happen.’”

— Brad Schuhmacher, owner of Dawson Limousine Service He wants to have fun, and he wants his drivers to have fun.

Sometimes, it is also fun for his daughters. If it’s the right job — usually a prom — Schuhmacher said he used it as a date night with his daughters.

“They love to get dressed up, and we will go out to eat or do something,” Schuhmacher said.

Sometimes the scheduling can be difficult, and the worst part is spending that time away from his family. But at the end of the day, the drivers come home with a lot of stories.

“They say, ‘Oh, you could write a book with all the things that happen,’” Schuhmacher said.

Tell us about the news in your neighborhood

507.379.3433

email: Sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com

“For All Your Construction Needs” New Home Construction Roofing • Siding • Garages Additions • Decks & More

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Lic. #20573223 Albert Lea, MN

PAGE 44 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

City making progress in growing community’s tax base; more expected The city of Albert Lea has established a primary goal of increasing the community’s tax base over the last several years. This goal has been created and sustained over the last five years following the City Council’s annual goal setting session at the beginning of each year. We have made significant progress on accomplishing this goal and working together with our local business community, which I’ll share with you in this column.

However, we have much larger expectations for future community and tax base growth that will necessitate the community’s partnership over the next several years. We have several new and existing programs that are helpful resources, but we also need your ideas and input to further build the community together.

One of our core achievements has been keeping our city property taxes at no to little increase over the past seven years. In fact, we have not increased our operating tax levy for six straight years and are working toward a seventh consecutive year. It has been challenging to not increase our property taxes, particularly considering that the city faces the same cost of living increases that our local businesses experience. We have also experienced little to no additional revenue coming from state and federal programs that have at least customarily increased with the rate of inflation in past decades.

In conjunction with the low property tax increases, we’ve also been seeing new and growing tax base that is essentially offsetting any property tax increase, thus often resulting in tax decreases for our business community. Keeping our property taxes down has allowed our business community to more competitively invest in their business and job growth. As an example, our tax base for taxes payable in 2019 is increasing by about 4 percent, while our city tax levy will be set at 2 percent or lower by December.

The city has also taken the opportunity to be proactive in working with local businesses who need to grow and add jobs. We’ve used some of our existing programs such as funding assistance for public infrastructure, rebates on property taxes that result in

Nobody covers

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

Thanks to the following Sponsors for our 2018 Golf Outing & Dinner.

Guest Column

By Chad Adams

job or tax base growth, as well as lowinterest loans that are often combined with other incentives. In 2018, the city also created an economic development fund that is providing low interest loans at a rate of about 2 percent when a business grows. This new fund has allowed the city to utilize another tool for forgivable loans to business growth in the community.

The city’s programs referenced above are a snapshot of the resources and partnership opportunities we have available. We’ve also partnered with other state agencies, and local agencies such as the county and school district, on more housing that has become a critical need in the community, along with economic development packages and subsidies to recruit large new industries to the Albert Lea area. Recent examples of businesses that have grown as part of a partnership with the city include Mortarr, Schipp’s Pro Power Wash, intellicents, Pro Truck Manufacturing, Jensen Excavating, Zumbro River Brand, St. John’s Lutheran Community, Wedgewood Cove Townhomes/Rentals, former Ramsey School apartments, Mrs. Gerry’s Foods and several businesses in our beautified downtown.

Stay tuned over the next few months as we have additional business and economic development projects that we are working on that will result in additional new tax base and substantial job growth. Meanwhile, please contact us if you need assistance in growing your business, if you are interested to help build housing in the community or if you have a new idea for growing the community together.

Chad Adams is the Albert Lea city manager.

like the

Sponsors - Albert Lea Hockey Open - 2018 112 Pub & Grill 3 Oaks Winery Accentra Credit Union Ad Art Inc. Albert Lea Electric Albert Lea Family Y Albert Lea Tax Service Albert Lea Tribune Alerus All-American Arena Products Allen’s Tow-N-Travel Alpha Orthodontics American Family Ins - Cliff Wuerflein Americana Insurance AmericInn Lodge & Suites Andy Petersen Austin Bruins Hockey Auto Value Bayview / Freeborn Funeral Home Best Western - Plus Hotel Blake’s Auto Body Boys Blue Line Club Broadway Automotive Broskoff Structures Bucky’s Bar & Grill Cargill Carpenter Co CE Power Cheers Liquor Chevrolet of Albert Lea Church Offset Printing Citizens State Bank - Glenville Clothing Care Cold Stone Creamery Collective Spirit Collins Auto Repair Colstrup Sod Comfort Inn Commodity Marketing Community Education Compeer Financial Complete Auto Services Conger Liquor Conger Meat Cooperative Reponses Center Country Inn & Suites Credit Bureau of Albert Lea CrossFit InnerDrive Crossroads Trailer Culligan Custom Concrete Dave Syverson Ford Dinah’s Style - Brenda Prescher Dirk Seeger Don Savelkoul Law Office Dras Cases Inc. Eaton Sport & Spine Eddie’s Bar Edward Jones - Alex Johnston Erbert’s & Gerbert’s Etcetera Tanning & Clothing Fair Board

Farmer’s State Bank Fisher’s Fine Jewelers Fountain Warehouse Liquor Four Daughters Vineyard & Winery Four Season’s Coffee Frames R Us Freeborn County Co-Op Oil Freeborn County Shopper Freeborn Lumber Geneva Bar & Grill Geno’s Plumbing & Heating Green Lea Golf Course Green Mill Guy Haaland Hanson Tire Hexum Companies Hi Yield Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda P.A. Holiday Inn Express Home Federal Home Solutions Midwest Hy-Vee Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits Liquor Innovance Intellicents Inc. Interstate Junction Motorcycles Interstate Motor Trucks Iron Skillet Restaurant ISC Financial Advisors Jake’s Pizza Jamie A Kyllo Law Firm Jensen Excavating & Trucking Jim & Dudes Joe and Sandy Narverud Jones, Haugh & Smith Inc. KATE Radio Keri Hacker / Sarah Stay Lair Farms Lance Tufte Larson MFG Leach Law Lembke Construction Lewis Charles Cycles Litho Printing & Graphics Louie Larson Lou-Rich Luetholds Mankato State Hockey Coaching Staff Mann’s Motor MarketPlace Foods Martin’s Cycling & Fitness Master Plumbing Minnesota Corrugated Box Midwest Outdoor Specialty Mike & Vicki Larson Mike Petersen MN Vikings ( Candy ) Motor Inn Mr. Sandless Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Munson Body Shop

Nelson’s Shell Station Nick’s Meats & Grocery North American Label Co. Northstar Powersports Nutrien Ag Solutions Oakview Golf Course Papa Murphy’s Pizza Perkins Peterson, Kolker, Haedt & Benda LTD Pizza Ranch Plaza Landscaping Polished Salon - Melissa Wittmer Pomps Tire Service Power 96 Proadvantage Produce State Bank Raleigh’s Ace Hardware Red Carpet Red Door Construction Reinertson’s Embroidery Rink Systems Sanco Equipment Sarah Ball - Studio 22 Schipp’s Pro Power Wash Security Bank Security Insurance Select Foods Shear Edge Salon Sherwin Williams Skol Tavern SLG Graphics & Signs Snap Fitness Sorenson Appliances Southern Lock & Glass Stadheim Jewelers State Farm Insurance - Ben Bartelt Steve Tubbs Pottery Streaters Taco King The Barber Shop - Mike Melpsy The Interchange Thermal King Thompson Sanitation Tic Toc Digital Printing Plus Tiger City Sports Tiger Hockey Camp (THC) TMJ Elite Fitness Trails Travel Center Trish Stanley 625 Salon Troy Prescher Tubbs Chiropractic Ulland Brothers United Employees Credit Union US Bank Val Kuvle VFW Viracon Waldorf College Walmart Waste Management Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

Albert Lea Hockey Association and the Boys and Girls High School Hockey Booster Clubs

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 45

Changes over the last year in the A.L. business environment

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BRICELYN INSURANCE AGENCY Eat’N Ice Cream Shoppe opened this summer across from Fountain Lake at 414 Bridge Ave. in Albert Lea. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Come in and visit with Ron Erickson or Ann Jensen for all your insurance needs.

Located in the back of Farmer’s Trust and Savings Bank Box 367 • Phone 653-4400

CALL 379-3427 FOR MORE INFO

ERNIE’S CANVAS PRODUCTS “For All Of Your Canvas And Vinyl Needs” • Boat Covers • Truck Tarplins • Tent Rentals • Custom Awnings • Canopies ALL TYPES OF COVERS • REPAIRS OF ALL KINDS

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Albert Lea Tailors officially closed its doors at the end of July. Here, owner Adele Rosnow alters a dress.

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PAGE 46 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

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Bradford Milliron is a programmer and technician at Lou-Rich in Albert Lea and completed the Youth Apprenticeship program. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

WORKFORCE Continued from Page 39

program, several students do carry forward in the field they apprenticed in.

“Most of them have said, ‘This is what I’ve wanted to do,’” Kvale said. “It reinforced it.”

‘It just opened my eyes’

Enter Bradford Milliron. He’s a 2013 Albert Lea High School graduate and alumnus of the Youth Apprenticeship program. Milliron did his apprenticeship year at Lou-Rich. Five years later, he is still there.

“I kind of like to think I’ve worked everywhere in this company,” Milliron said.

After his apprenticeship year, Milliron went for a year at Riverland Community College. He already did some Riverland courses during high school, so he was able to complete his generals in a year outside of high school. He moved on to a machining degree from South Central College, which pairs up with two more years at Minnesota State UniversityMankato and culminates in a degree in manufacturing engineering technology.

He will finish that degree in December, all the while working part-time at Lou-Rich.

He said engineering was a logical choice for him.

“I’ve always been pretty hands-on,” he said. “I like to build stuff and figure stuff out.”

After graduating, Milliron said he would like to return to Lou-Rich fulltime in an engineering role. He said the company is a good one and has worked well with his school schedule. The Youth

Apprenticeship program was just a taste of that.

“It just opened my eyes, I guess,” Milliron said. “It got me working on something.”

Earlier exposure

However, it’s not just student interest that decides what areas students are able to learn in. Each student must have a state-approved curriculum to work through with the business, and some areas don’t have curriculum. Kvale said Mrs. Gerry’s worked with the school to write its own industrial maintenance curriculum to have it approved by the state, so the company could have a Youth Apprenticeship employee.

Over the years, Kvale said Youth Apprenticeship students have worked in 10 to 12 placement sites.

“It’s everything that we get from a job,” Kvale said. “They’re just getting it earlier.”

While Ebeling has been there, student interest at the high school has teetered around six students a year, she said. This year, the program has 10.

At Riverland Community College in Albert Lea, the two-year electrical program has enough interest behind it to have justified opening up another section of students for a total of 90 in both years of the program, electrician-construction instructor Chad Hacker said.

Riverland Dean of Academic Affairs Ryan Langemeier said the school is seeing enrollment across its programs, which at Riverland include diesel technology — which is being re-offered this year after a short spell without the program and has 15 students enrolled — the school’s electrical programs, industrial

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 47

Putting puzzle pieces together

According to Albert Lea Education Foundation Greater Education Project Director Jean Eaton, working to get students interested in trade fields is critical for not only helping them decide what is a good fit, but also for consumers who rely on those trades.

“We try to focus on the trades now because of such a crisis in the trades industry,” Eaton said.

The Greater Education Project intends to bridge the gap between business, industry and the school district. At the schools, Greater Education coordinates speakers for eighth-graders to learn about different professions and is also involved in job-shadowing opportunities for seniors in their economics class.

Eaton said she does not see enough students taking advantage of their shadowing opportunities.

“It’s like a job interview, but they get to ask all the questions,” Eaton said.

In the business community, there is more interest. Eaton said she has a list of between 200 and 250 people she can call for the speakers bureau or shadowing opportunities.

Double said part of his job is figuring out what the district offers that needs tweaking or increased interest from students.

“How many more doors can we open?” he said.

In addition, the next step for the district is taking the puzzle pieces of these programs and turning them into the complete picture.

“We’re doing them, but we’re not doing them together,” he said.

Therefore, the future of the programs is about broadening and connecting what is already in place.

“The possibilities are huge, so it’s going to be neat to see where it goes — but it’s gonna take a lot to get there,” Double said.

According to Riverland electricianconstruction instructor Steve Vietor, there’s work to be done on making a dent in the industry shortage, even with increased enrollment. He said students are starting to see the value of these skills long-term. However, he hears of baby

Bradford Milliron completed his apprenticeship year at Lou-Rich and is still there after five years. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE boomers moving on from their industry jobs and leaving space to be filled.

“That’s real,” he said. “It’s here. It’s now.”

In their electrical programs, they can’t fill all those jobs. Langemeier said that is universal across technical programs.

Vietor said he thinks students see what’s out there: a need for skilled technicians. Add to that, Hacker said, the opportunities for fewer years in postsecondary school and good wages and benefits right out the gate. Vietor said the college is also seeing more support from the high school.

“They’re painting kind of a different picture over there, and we’re seeing it on this end,” he said.

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PAGE 48 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

COLLABORATING FOR AN UPGRADE

The new arrival and departure building at Albert Lea Airport recently opened. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

New arrival and departure building at airport made possible with grants

By Sam Wilmes

sam.wilmes@albertleatribune.com

The Albert Lea Airport has a new arrival and departure building, a facility

the airport hopes will be convenient for the business community.

An open house for the 4,500-squarefoot, $1.78 million building is tentatively scheduled for mid-October. The facility

includes an operations center visible from the airport ramp, lobby space, a pilot briefing room, a quiet room for pilots, a flight school and conference space.

Proud

As of Sept. 6, major work for the project had been completed, with landscaping and the installation of a conference room wall the only work left to complete.

Jim Hanson, Albert Lea Airport

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 49 manager since 1982, said planning for the new building began approximately 2 1/2 years ago.

“We finally ended up with the design that we wanted and the price that we wanted,” he said.

The former building was built in 1943 and was meant for smaller airplanes that often only seat two people.

Hanson noted he did not see an economical way to update the facility, including adding bathroom space.

“We liked the building, but frankly, it couldn’t be expanded to accommodate that number of people,” he said.

The number of stalls in the nearby parking lot doubled from 18 to 36 from construction of the new facility.

Hanson, who has overseen airports in Owatonna, Faribault, Austin and Mankato, said his experience helped him in the planning process.

“We identified some of the mistakes we may have made before and didn’t perpetuate them here,” he said.

The $2.15 million project was financed by $766,342 in federal funds, $1 million in state funding and $384,750 locally.

Hanson said the building is a sign of the changing nature of the airline industry.

“All of a sudden, you build it not so See AIRPORT, Page 50

The facility includes a kitchen connected to a lobby. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

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PAGE 50 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

AIRPORT Continued from Page 49

much for pilots, you’re building this for their passengers, you’re building it for the businesspeople that come in here,” he said.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke noted a 5,000-square-foot runway was installed at the airport in the last 10 years, so larger airplanes can land in Albert Lea and shorten the distance business professionals need to drive to meet employees. He thanked the Federal Aviation Administration, state of Minnesota and the city for their work in updating the airport.

Hanson said the airport is infrastructure for the community.

“It helps with the business, it helps with the city or anything else to have good infrastructure, good roads, good sewers, good buildings, good municipal buildings — the kinds of things it takes to make Albert Lea not only a nice place to live but competitive for the rest of the country,” he said.

JORDAL Continued from Page 5

the development of a qualified workforce for the future.

The Green Committee focuses on helping businesses to become more environmentally responsible. They established the Environmental Leader Award that has businesses sharing what they are doing to be environmentally responsible and what

MAYOR Continued from Page 9

tourists better. As the president of ALEDA, I think this is a measure that will create a one-stop shop that makes it easier for the business community to navigate. City staff has visited other cities and believes that this is an approach worth establishing in Albert Lea. Getting Main Street status We’ve come a long way with our downtown. We need to keep moving forward, and to do that, the city should join Minnesota Main Street — a program that provides the training, tools, information and networking opportunities to keep our downtown

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changes they have made.

The Worksite Wellness Committee partners with the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership and the Blue Zones Project-Albert Lea. Their goal has been and remains implementing permanent policy, systems and environmental changes.

Rhonda Jordal is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

thriving. In 2017, for every $1 spent to run a local Main Street program, $23.77 was reinvested back in the community. More than 32 new businesses and 229 new jobs were created in 2017 on Minnesota Main Streets.

City staff has the application nearly ready, and is working with ALEDA and the chamber to best coordinate responsibilities that come with entry to the program.

The city is leveraging these tools to grow Albert Lea. You can help by volunteering with a group or activity that you are passionate about, shopping locally whenever you can and promoting our community every chance you get.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 51

Construction workers cut sheetrock Sept. 6 as construction ensues at the planned Qdoba building. SAM WILMES/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

QDOBA Continued from Page 10

“Anytime you can add jobs to a small community, it’s a positive thing,” Cooper said.

Cooper, who owned Papa Murphy’s Pizza in Albert Lea for 18 years, said the restaurant fits with the community’s

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footprint and has easy access to Interstate 90.

Cooper will own the branch with Mark Miller, who already owns Qdoba restaurants in Hutchinson, Willmar and Alexandria. Cooper, of Austin, is part-owner of the Austin Bruins and Rochester Grizzlies hockey teams.

Qdoba will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the possibility of

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The restaurant was expected to begin hiring in early September, with the process completed by the end of the month.

Cooper said Qdoba offers a “completely different experience” to other Mexican restaurants in Albert Lea. He said the restaurant allows customers to buy reasonably-priced food quickly at a higher quality than other

fast food restaurants.

Cooper expects the restaurant will play an active role in the community.

Larson Contracting Project Superintendent Rodney Farr said as of Aug. 24, walls were nearly ready to be covered, and he estimated the project could be finished by early October.

“It’s going to be a good thing,” he said of the restaurant.

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PAGE 52 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Tips for attracting new business customers, how to market your content Small business CEOs are always challenged with the task of growing the business and increasing sales.

A recent consideration has been the emergence of content marketing rather than the various advertising strategies. Both methods focus on creating positive brand associations and attracting new audiences. However, only one of them guides leads throughout the sales process and creates long-term brand advocates: content marketing.

According to estimates from Red Crow Marketing Inc., most Americans see between 4,000 and 10,000 advertisements every day. Every social media scroll, TV session or trip to the grocery store exposes consumers to ads, and to cope with this, people, especially Millennials, have learned to tune out those they don’t want to see.

As a result, marketers who attempt to nurture prospects through advertising often struggle to achieve high levels of engagement.

My observation and research leads me to believe that high-quality content, on the other hand, grabs consumers’ attention and keeps it. The best content doesn’t just create a positive

Guest Column

By Dean Swanson

brand-consumer association — it also educates an audience and fosters an appreciation for the brand’s expertise while conveying real value. As one writer that I quote below, describes “It is like creating a “nurture funnel” based on content.” Using this approach allows marketers and small businesses to amplify the effectiveness of their campaigns and build a community of brand advocates.

So what makes content great?

Companies that pump out low-quality content for content’s sake rarely convert buyers. That’s why the best content is created with an audience in mind. A technology company might create a great infographic about dieting and nutrition, for example, but if its audience is more interested in artificial intelligence than leafy greens,

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all that effort goes to waste.

Even if content is geared toward the right audience, though, it can still fall flat if it’s delivered at the wrong time during the purchasing journey.

Prospects conducting their first visits might want to hear more about what a product is, while a lead who’s close to purchasing would likely be more invested in a whitepaper that explores that product’s potential uses.

The key is to develop content that fits each stage of the customer journey, then tailor calls to action to fit each group. For instance, for lead nurturing, content should both build awareness and demonstrate credibility. Marketers can accomplish this through social proof, such as testimonials and user statistics, or through insights that prospects can’t find anywhere else.

Jennifer Tomlinson, a senior manager of channel marketing at Microsoft, wrote recently on the SCORE website and gave some good suggestions on how to build consistently effective content. She commented that “Unique, high-quality content might seem difficult to create, but it doesn’t have to be. By creating a replicable process

and following a few steps, small business owners and marketers can create engaging content that nurtures prospects from start to finish.” Here is a summary of her suggestions:

1. Know that the objective is to collect stories.

Once you’ve decided which point of the purchasing process a piece of content will be targeted toward, build it with the goal to resonate with that intended audience.

To do this, talk to your current customers and in-house experts to gather stories that will help sell your product or promote its usage. Keep in mind that most of these people won’t hand in publication-ready drafts. However, by acquiring their stories and then turning them into marketing collateral, you can develop content for each type of audience along each stage of the journey with an underlying human narrative that will resonate with consumers.

2. Figure out the “so what?”

Why would prospects want to read See SWANSON, Page 57

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 53

CARE FOR YOUR FAMILY. STILL CLOSE TO HOME.

The care you and your family use most often is still available close to home – right in Albert Lea. • Family Medicine • Pediatrics • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Emergency Department • Cancer Care • Dialysis • Radiology • Laboratory • Same Day Surgeries • Orthopedic Care • Pharmacy and more Get the facts and see all the health care services available to you. mayoclinichealthsystem.org/albertleaaustinfacts

We Get It. You are told you can’t complain because you didn’t go to the government meeting, the community occasion or you didn’t volunteer your time. Read about those happenings in the Albert Lea Tribune. We go to the events that you don’t have time for. Don’t miss a day or you will miss a lot.

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PAGE 54 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

Peter Ausenhus started Worth Brewing Co. with his wife, Margaret Bishop, about 12 years ago. The brewery moved across the street from its previous location to 835 Central Ave. in Northwood amid an expansion and renovations about 2 1/2 years ago. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

GETTING CRAFTY IN

NORTHWOOD WORTH BREWING CO. FINDS SUCCESS WITH EXPANSION, RENOVATIONS AT NEW LOCATION

The building Worth Brewing Co. has resided in for the past 2 1/2 years is about 420 years old.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 55

Worth Brewing Co. gets its hop variations from different places all over the world.

Ausenhus said German hops are used in German-style beers, American hops are used in American beers and so on. He gets some of his hops locally from farms in Northwood and Clear Lake. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Ausenhus said the brewing company uses about 400 pounds of malted barley per batch of beer — which is usally about 200 gallons. Barley is the preferred grain for beer, but the starch in a grain of barley isn’t ready to be fermented into alcohol, so the barley is generally converted into malted barley, or “malt.”

See BREWING, Page 56

Your Local Electric Cooperative

Ausenhus cleans out a line before extracting yeast. Sterilization is paramount to making quality beer, he said.

Nick Fett cleans out a brite tank, which is what holds a batch of beer to let it settle for kegging after it has gone through the fermenting process.

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PAGE 56 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

BREWING

Albert Lea Steel, Inc.

Continued from Page 55

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Ausenhus checks a tank earlier this month at his brewery. From starting to mix ingredients together to the finished product being poured into a glass, he said the entire process takes abut one month — eight hours for brewing, one week for fermentation and the rest for sitting and aging before being kegged. Stronger beers will sit longer, sometime months or even years. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

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Nick Fett takes a reading to measure how much sugar is left in a batch of beer. The measurement will tell him how close to being finished he is with the brewing process for that particular batch.

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Fett takes a reading to measure how much sugar is left in a batch of beer.

See BREWING, Page 58

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 57

SWANSON Continued from Page 52

this whitepaper or watch this video?

Is that utility immediately apparent?

Answering these questions to get at the heart of the message is figuring out the “so what?” of each piece of content.

By designing content that is obviously useful, you ensure that the target audience will want to consume it. Use eyecatching graphics and bold key phrases to bolster attraction and reach, then deliver on these established expectations by building copy that enhances the visuals and provides the needed depth.

3. Lean on experts for quality and distribution

Ultimately, the most important thing for you to avoid is creating generic content. Not only will this type of material dilute the brand message, but it will also produce low return on investment.

Many small businesses cannot hire full-time marketers with experience in content creation, but, by using a third-party vendor in the industry, you can ensure that the content you create is high-quality. Moreover, these individuals can help you with the logistics of distribution, including how,

where and when each piece needs to be disseminated.

4. Test, adapt and test again

After initiating and implementing the above content strategy, test different pieces on different channels.

What works on one channel or in one industry might not have the same appeal on another. For example, if one call to action achieves high engagement, replicate that success by using similar calls to action in other content aimed at that target group. However, make sure you continue to refine your approach as markets and audiences evolve, even if you found it successful in the past.

Long sales cycles depend on a great nurture process. And the best nurture processes keep sales flowing by distributing great content. By foregrounding customer stories and the “so what” and leaning on experts while maintaining a dynamic strategy, you can target the right audience with the right content that will make your consumers work for you.

PETERSEN Continued from Page 4

version of up north, and whatever you love about the water, land or life, you can find it here.

Thank you to all of the partnerships, organizations and collaborations that have made our events and festivals a huge success — it takes a community, and we are richly blessed to live in Albert Lea! Susie Petersen is the executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Find all of the area

worship times each Friday on the Faith page.

Dean Swanson is a volunteer certified SCORE mentor and former SCORE chapter chairman, district director and regional vice president for the northwest region.

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PAGE 58 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

BREWING Continued from Page 56

Yeast is needed in brewing to convert sugars into alcohol during the fermentation process. COLLEEN HARRISON/ALBERT LEA TRIBUNE

Part of the second floor of the building was a ballroom in a former life. Today it’s rented out for wedding receptions, meetings and other events.

Worth Brewing Co. has 10 taps going at a time. It has five beers that are mainstays year-round, with one to three special seasonal brews going at a time. The brewery serves root beer, wine and cider from elsewhere, and hopes to expand in the near future so that it can have guest taps featuring other breweries.

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ndert e

Accelerated Aviation Instruction ............................20 Accentra Credit Union ............................................. 41 Addie’s Floral & Gifts............................................... 18 Albert Lea - Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce .................................... Cover Albert Lea Art Center............................................... 18 Albert Lea Bus Company ........................................... 4 Albert Lea Convention & Vistiors BureauGlossy .................................... Cover Albert Lea Economic Development Agency ............................................................. Cover Albert Lea Hockey Association ...............................44 Albert Lea Monument ............................................. 57 Albert Lea Public Warehouse .................................. 57 Albert Lea School District #241 ..............................58 Albert Lea Seed House Garden Center ...................23 Albert Lea Select Foods ...........................................23 Albert Lea Steel Services Center .............................56 Albert Lea Veterinary Clinic .................................... 10 ALMCO, Inc. ............................................................38 Antiques of the Midwest..........................................45 Aro Accounting ........................................................40 Attig Construction ...................................................43 B & D Metal Works, Inc...........................................45 Bayview Funeral Home ...........................................42 Between Friends Boutique ...................................... 18 Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services ...............48 Bricelyn Insurance Agency ......................................45 Broadway Home Design, LLC. ................................ 18 Budget Blinds ...........................................................42 Cafourek Insurance Agency .............................. Cover Casey’s General Store ...............................................11 CCI Granite ..............................................................42 Christianson Plumbing & Heating .......................... 19 Church Offset Printing ............................................ 47 Clothing Care Center ............................................... 18 Coldwell Banker Home Connections .......................................................... 18 Conger Inn Victory Catering ...................................52 Conger Meats ........................................................... 19 Craig’s Taxidermy Studio ........................................ 10 Crescendo’s Fine Food.............................................56 CS Computers .......................................................... 57 Dave’s Auto Service ................................................. 51

Doug’s Painting and Sandblasting .......................... 57 Dr. Scott Bosacker ................................................... 51 Dr. Frank Hearing Center ....................................... 19 Dr. Shoff Chiropractic ............................................. 18 Eastside Liquor ........................................................50 Ed Nelson Trucking .................................................40 Embrace Home Care ............................................... 18 Ernie’s Canvas Products ..........................................45 Farmer’s State Bank ................................................50 Fisher’s Fine Jewelers ............................................. 19 Freeborn Consruction Inc. ................................ Cover Freeborn County Governmnent Center..................20 Freeborn Lumber Company...................................... 2 Freeborn Mower Coop............................................. 55 Geno’s Plumbing & Heating .................................... 53 Glenville Plumbing & Heating LLC. ....................... 51 Hanna Heating & Air Conditioning .......................... 4 Hanson Tire Service .................................................. 1 Hartland/Manchester Telephone ...........................22 Hearing Associates ............................................ Cover Hillcrest Cemetary ..................................................56 Home Federal Bank ...................................................8 Home Solutions Midwest .......................................... 1 Injection Technology Diesel Services ..................... 52 Innovance.................................................................38 ITC Midwest............................................................... 9 Its Worth It Massage Studio ................................... 18 J.F Brennan Company, Inc. .................................... 41 Jake’s Pizza .............................................................. 18 Jan Jerdee Insurance ................................................ 9 Jensales Inc. .............................................................22 Kenneth Osmonson ................................................. 15 KIMT News ..............................................................38 L&D Ag Service ........................................................40 Lake Mills Community School ................................ 51 Larson Contracting Inc...................................... Cover Larson Manufacturing Company ............................ 51 Lembke Construction ..............................................56 LeVern Carlson Fitness Center ............................... 52 Lewis Charles Cycles.................................................. 9 Lou-Rich...................................................................38 M&S Outdoor Equipment .......................................49 Main St Auto ............................................................56 Mayo Clinic Health System ..................................... 53

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018 | IMPACT | PAGE 59

Mayo Clinic Health System ..................................... 15 McDonalds ............................................................... 10 Midwest Repairables, Inc. ....................................... 21 Mona’s Style .............................................................46 Morreim Drainage, Inc ............................................22 Mrs. Gerry’s Salads ..................................................48 Nancy’s Café ............................................................. 18 New to You Consignment ........................................ 18 North American Label ............................................. 47 Northbridge Mall ..................................................... 21 Oak Park Place ..........................................................11 Oakview Golf Course ............................................... 10 Pizza Ranch ................................................................ 5 Platinum Plumbing Solutions, LLC. ....................... 12 Poet Biorefining ....................................................... 57 Produce State Bank - Hollandale ............................22 Produce State Bank ................................................... 5 Riverland Community College .......................... Cover Robert Hoffman Realty, Inc. ...................................49 Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc.............................. 10 Root River Hardwoods ............................................24 Schipp’s Pro Power Wash.................................. Cover Security Bank Minnesota, Albert Lea ....................... 3 St. John’s Lutheran Community ............................... 3 Steele County Historical Society .............................46 Strong Insurance, Inc. ............................................. 19 The Beacon............................................................... 21 The Colorwheel Gifts & Décor ................................. 19 The Willows ............................................................. 21 Thompson Oil Company .........................................22 Thompson Sanitation ..............................................24 Thorne Crest Senior Living Community .......... Cover Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union ...................45 Troy Thompson Agency ............................................ 4 Trumble’s Family Restaurant ................................. 12 Ulland Brothers, Inc. ................................................. 3 Van Wilgen Farm Drainage.....................................22 Ventura Foods, LLC........................................... Cover Village Cooperative of Albert Lea ........................... 55 Wal-mart ............................................................ Cover Whispering Oaks Assisted Living Community ..................................................... Cover Worth Lumber Company ........................................52 Zumbro River Brand................................................ 14

PAGE 60 | IMPACT | FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

90

BRIDON CORDAGE

2

25

SCHIPP’S PRO POWER WASH

ZUMBRO RIVER BRAND

(with 4 to 6 more through year)

(looking to fill 14 more jobs)

30

QDOBA

55

HERBERGER’S

JOB LOSSES VERSUS JOB CREATION

6

MORTARR (with potential for more)

— Job gains and losses from Albert Lea Economic Development Agency and Tribune archives.

Despite some significant job losses in recent months, others are hiring

By Tyler Julson

tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com

With the recent business closings in Albert Lea, it might seem like there have been an extensive amount of jobs lost throughout the community. While it is true there have been a handful of businesses that have shut their doors in the past few months, there are also many businesses in Albert Lea that have opened, recently expanded or are looking for more employees.

Bridon Cordage and Herberger’s

were two of the biggest closings announced in the past year, leaving around 145 employees without a job.

However, the soon to be opened restaurant, Qdoba, is set to bring in 30 jobs, Schipps’ Pro Power Wash has added two more employees with plans to add four to six more before the end of the year, Mortarr brought six more employees in and could add up to 12 more in the near future and Zumbro River Brand has added 25 employees since the beginning of the year and is looking to fill 14 more positions.

Although the numbers of new jobs and lost jobs don’t equal out, there are multiple business in and around the Albert Lea area that are hiring multiple positions.

According to the Workforce Center in Albert Lea, in the month of August there were 523 job listings within a 25mile radius of Albert Lea, 236 of which were within a 10-mile radius.

Noelle Hagen, the interim executive director at ALEDA, said the agency is always looking for ways it can help bring new businesses to town or expand current businesses. She said ALEDA doesn’t

have an exact list of the things it can do to help businesses because they are great at being creative, and any way they can help businesses that create jobs is ultimately going to help grow the community.

“If we have a company that wants to move here or wants to expand, that’s going to bring up property values and ultimately property taxes,” Hagen said.

“The property taxes are going to go back and help the city and the school district, which helps the community grow and improve.”

We promote and develop a positive business environment & help to build and grow a better community.

We are over 450 members and growing!

As a member of the Chamber of Commerce you have: • Access to free advertising (Chamber Newsletter, E-Biz, and Facebook) • Multiple benefits to network and promote your business • Opportunities to collaborate by participation on committees/groups Agriculture Committee, Ambassadors, Ambassador Welcome to Albert Lea and Freeborn County, Business & Education Partnership, Business Group, Governmental Affairs, Green Committee, Retail Group, Worksite Wellness, Young Professionals

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Ambassadors

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Departments PHARMACY (507) 377-0668 Hours:

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Pickup

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Other Services: Full Service Bakery • Deli • Grocery Health and Wellness • Money Services Holiday Headquarters 1550 Blake Ave | Albert Lea, MN

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Industrial Since 1940, Riverland Community College has trained and educated 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, we are an excellent resource for local business and industry.

Contact us today to see how we can assist you.

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