January/February 2019

ST. CLO U D A R E A

SP ONSORED BY: PARTNER SPONSOR

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 :: 5-7pm Best Western Plus Capitol Ridge 161 Saint Anthony Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55103

I N VE ST M E N T S P O N SO R

E VE N T S P O N SO RS ST. CLOUD AREA

Fre e S p o n s o re d Bu s Ava i l a b l e fro m St. C l o u d – l i m i te d s e a ts available .

Re gist rat ion is o p e n a n d s p o n s o r s h i p s a re a va i l a b l e a t L e g i s l a t i ve - C o n ne c tion.com

JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2019

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CONTENTS GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT GROW

36 Cover Story THE LITTLE BREWERY THAT COULD

President’s Letter

Top Hats

8 19

Editor’s Note

Network Central

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C E L E B R AT I N G 1 9 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S

36

At its foundation, this is a story about hope, that has been bubbling up from a cold spring in a small town in Stearns County for over 150 years.

PROFIT

42 Feature JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

Companies are creating careers that attract and keep employees.

46 Special Focus MR. ST. CLOUD

Working behind the scenes, Glenn Carlson established an enduring foundation for business and the St. Cloud Area Chamber.

29 Special Section CENTRAL MINNESOTA FARM SHOW GUIDE

10 UPFRONT Valuable information designed to guide and educate

Only Online // BusinessCentralMagazine.com • Avoiding Social Media Blunders • The IRS Video Portal

• Analyze Your Failures

• Working with Unhappy Customers

20 BUSINESS TOOLS

Marketplace intelligence and useful tips on how to continue to grow your business

50 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Mark Roerick, Advantage Chiropractic

© Copyright 2019 Business Central, LLC

Business Central is published six times a year

by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, 1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487

Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 Subscription rate: $18 for 1 year.

The right care at the right time.

CALL 320-200-3200

TEXT Text CARE to 320-287-WELL

CHAT Visit centracare.com/connect

Connect with a nurse 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: • Learn about options open days, nights, and weekends • Get advice on self-care for your symptoms • Schedule appointments with a primary care provider

eCLINIC n PRIMARY CARE n WALK-IN CARE n URGENT CARE n EMERGENCY MEDICINE

President’s Letter

Happy Sesquicentennial!

I

am not the best at celebrating, or even

John Campbell, Governor of the Wyoming Territory,

anniversary is June 30. I remember one

allowing women to vote.

–––––––––––– AND, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of

remembering milestones. My wedding

year during Fourth of July fireworks, I looked at my husband in horror and said, “Oh my goodness! We forgot our anniversary!”

Commerce was started!

around, it deserves recognition, remembrance

it struck me that the more things change, the more

Chamber is celebrating 150 years of serving our

concerned over who gets elected President of the

But when a really BIG anniversary rolls

and celebration. This year the St. Cloud Area

business community. It’s difficult to grasp how long ago 150 years actually is.

This year the St. Cloud Area Chamber is celebrating 150 years of serving our business community.

approved the first law in U.S. history explicitly

Consider what was happening in 1869: Ulysses S. Grant was sworn in as

our 18th President.

–––––––––––– The “golden spike” was driven, marking the

completion of the First Transcontinental Railroad in

As I researched what was happening in 1869,

they stay the same. Our members are still highly

United States. Transportation of all types, including rail, remain a high priority. Professional baseball

is still considered the national pastime. We worry

about what to do with all that plastic that has been created. Violent crime continues to be a critical national concern. Women are not only voting,

they are running for, and holding more elected offices than ever before.

AND, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Promontory, Utah.

–––––––––––– The Cincinnati Red Stockings opened the baseball

continues to serve YOU, our local businesses,

(I wonder who they played?)

–––––––––––– John Wesley Hyatt patented the first plastic, called

Anniversary in the coming year at the events we

season as the first fully professional baseball team.

celluloid, in Albany, New York.

–––––––––––– Outlaw Jesse James committed his first

confirmed bank robbery in Gallatin, Missouri.

––––––––––––

creating and supporting a healthy business environment for our entire community.

Help us celebrate YOUR Chamber’s 150th

have planned. (See the story and calendar of events on page 46.) Our strong business community and reputation as a critical Minnesota regional center are assets worthy of pause, recognition and celebration!

Teresa Bohnen Publisher P.S.

Many thanks to our members who have chosen to support our 150th Anniversary!

All of our anniversary activities are funded either through in-kind donations or from the financial support of the following businesses:

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Main Phone: 320-251-2940 Automated Reservation Line: 320-656-3826 Program Hotline: 320-656-3825 Email: information@StCloudAreaChamber.com StCloudAreaChamber.com ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF President: Teresa Bohnen, ext. 104 Vice President: Gail Ivers, ext. 109 Director of Administration: Judy Zetterlund, ext. 106 Communications & Workforce Development Coordinator: Kelti Lorence, ext. 130 Special Events Coordinator: Sheri Wegner, ext. 131 Membership Sales Specialist: Antoinette Valenzuela, ext. 134 Administrative Assistant: Kellie Libert, ext. 124 Administrative Assistant: Vicki Lenneman, ext. 122 Administrative Assistant: Shelly Imdieke, ext. 100 CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Main Phone: 320-251-4170 Executive Director: Julie Lunning, ext. 111 Director of Sports & Special Events: Dana Randt, ext. 110 Sales Manager: Nikki Fisher, ext. 112 Sales Manager: Rachel Thompson, ext. 128 Social Media & Marketing Specialist: Emily Bertram, ext. 129 Sales and Services Coordinator: Erin Statz, ext. 113 Administrative Assistant - Information Specialist: Jennifer Schroeder, ext. 170 2018-19 BOARD MEMBERS Marilyn Birkland, LocaliQ

Location is no longer a hurdle.

New South St. Cloud Location

David Borgert, retired, CentraCare Health

For those who live or work near South

Ron Brandenburg, Quinlivan & Hughes

St. Cloud, the best possible bone, joint,

Christy Gilleland, Gilleland Chevrolet Cadillac Jim Gruenke, Traut Companies Jason Hallonquist, AIS Planning, Board Vice Chair Patrick Hollermann, Park Industries Dennis Host, Coborn’s, Inc. Willie Jett, St. Cloud School District Kevin Johnson, K. Johnson Construction

and muscle care is closer to you than ever before, right here at our 2nd stateof-the-art orthopedic specialty clinic.

It’s time to start living better— make an appointment today.

Bernie Omann, St. Cloud State University Mark Osendorf, Xcel Energy Bernie Perryman, Batteries Plus Bulbs Roger Schleper, Premier Real Estate Services, Past Board Chair Allison Waggoner, DCI, Inc. Chriss Wohlleber, Courtyard by Marriott-St.Cloud, Board Chair

3315 Roosevelt Rd. #200B

320.259.4100 StCloudOrthopedics.com J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

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Editor’s Note in front of Editor Gail Ivers with her mom inth Cor ient Anc , the waterworks

The Bema in Ancient Corinth

Gail with her mom at the Temple of Apollo

Ghost Whispers ...I could feel the life of the town.

I’m not talking about imagination, I’m talking about goose bumps and ghosts.

S

everal years ago, I had the opportunity

see the people milling around, some watching,

is an astonishing place – white towns

chasing each other…I could feel the life of the town.

to travel to Greece with my mom. This

delicately balanced along mountain ridges,

ancient ruins every few feet, and stories of the

birth of civilization that remind you that you are only a blink in time.

One of the places we visited in Greece was

I’m not talking about imagination, I’m talking about goose bumps and ghosts. Later, when I tried to

explain this experience to my mom, she just smiled and said, “I had the same experience in Ephesus.”

While working on this issue’s cover story (see

Ancient Corinth. It is called Ancient Corinth

the story on page 36) long-time Cold Spring

in an earthquake and modern Corinth was rebuilt

Government Cellar ghost. He came to work one

because in 1858 the original city was destroyed on the coast of the Gulf of Corinth.

If you are familiar with Bible stories you

will recognize Ancient Corinth as one of the places where the Apostle Paul went to preach. On our

Brewery employee Vic Esplan mentioned the

morning shortly after brewmaster Jim Schorn

died unexpectedly. About 3 a.m. Vic entered the

Government Cellar (so called because it was the

tour of the ruins, the guide stopped in an area

location of the government meters) and “got a really weird feeling.”

town square where anyone could bring a stool to

swinging. “That wasn’t something that could

choice. For Paul, of course, it was Christianity.

playing a joke on me.” He went out of the room

where some walls still stood. This defined the

stand on and begin talking about the topic of their Along one section of the wall there were

large, flat rocks laid in rows in the ground to create a sort of platform. The guide called

this the Bema, variously translated as podium, platform, or tribunal. In a public hearing in

the Bema, Paul had to defend himself against

accusations from the city’s Hebrews that he was persuading people to worship God in ways that

were contrary to the law. The judge determined that Paul hadn’t broken any Roman law, so he was allowed to continue preaching.

As our guide told us about this history, I walked

along the walls and among the ancient rocks. At

one point her voice drifted away and subtly I could

8

others hurrying to unknown destinations, children

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

Then he saw that the CO2 tester was

just happen,” Vic said, “so I figured someone was and ran to the other door to catch the jokester,

but no one was around. He tried any number of things to try and get the CO2 tester to swing

again, but nothing worked. “They laugh at me,” Vic said, “but I know what I saw.”

Is it possible that people from the past

leave footprints for us to find? Nah. I don’t believe in ghosts.

Or do I?

Until next issue,

.

Publisher Teresa Bohnen Managing Editor Gail Ivers Associate Editor Dawn Zimmerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa Bohnen, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Dr. Fred E. Hill, St. Cloud State University Gail Ivers, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Kellie Libert, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Kelti Lorence, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Betsey Lund Ross, Lund Ross P.A. Lynn MacDonald and Monica Garcia-Perez, St. Cloud State University Mary MacDonell Belisle, mary macdonell belisle - wordingforyou Jeanine Nistler, freelance writer Steve Penick, Stearns History Museum Chad Stahl, Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher/Sales Wendy Hendricks, Hendricks Marketing Ad Traffic & Circulation Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media

1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 Fax (320) 251-0081 BusinessCentralMagazine.com

ART Design & Production Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media Cover Story Photography Joel Butkowski, BDI Photography ACCOUNTING Judy Zetterlund WEBSITE Vicki Lenneman

For advertising information contact Wendy Hendricks, (320)656-3808 Editorial suggestions can be made in writing to: Editor, Business Central, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Submission of materials does not guarantee publication.

Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

• • • •

Business Conflicts Contract Disputes Property Disputes Partnership & Shareholder Disagreements • Insurance Coverage Issues • Marital Dissolutions

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UPFRONT GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: People to Know •

Digging the Past

Your Voice in Government • Top Hat Photos

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NEWS & PEOPLE THAT MAKE UP THE CHAMBER NETWORK

BOOK REVIEW

Brain Games

Simple steps can create a lifetime of brain healthy habits.

Reviewed by Dr. Fred Hill

2 Weeks to a Younger Brain by Gary Small, MD and Gigi Vorgan, Humanix Books, Boca Raton, FL, USA, 2015, ISBN 978-163006-030-5

Dr. Gary Small and Gigi Vorgan’s 2 Weeks To A Younger Brain translates the latest brain science into practical strategies and exercises that yield quick and long-lasting benefits. It will not only improve your memory but will also strengthen your physical health by reducing your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. —From 2 Weeks to a Younger Brain

T

his timely book consists of nine chapters and two appendices.

1. Brain-boosting discoveries for a younger mind 2. Mastering memory 3. Cut stress to sharpen your mind

10

4. Get smart with brain games 5. Food for thought 6. Keep fit for a younger brain 7. Good friends make happy neurons 8. Mind your medicine 9. The 2-week younger brain program Appendix one: Brain Game websites Appendix two: Additional resources.

Author Gary Small, MD, is convinced that our daily lifestyle habits are directly linked to our brain health. His work shows that it only takes two weeks to form new habits that bolster cognitive abilities and help stave off, or even reverse, brain aging. He further states that if we commit only 14 days to his program, he is confident we will reap noticeable results.

What is a younger brain? Dr. Small tells us that “a bigger, fatter brain is a healthier and younger brain – one that is packed with sturdy cells. These healthy cells, or neurons, rapidly transfer information through connections called synapses. Tiny

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

neurotransmitters, or packets of information in chemical form, travel across these synapses throughout the brain, helping us think quickly and efficiently. Healthy, young brains have many qualities that keep them functioning at their peak.”

Two of these qualities are optimal blood flow providing oxygen and nutrients to neurons, and minimal abnormal protein deposits that lead to neurodegeneration and brain disease.

The improvement goal is to alter our behavior and create new brain-healthy habits for the rest of our lives. Here are a few you can try: • meditation • tai chi or yoga • exercise • reduce multitasking • laugh more • experience restful sleep • get organized • increase positive attitude and relationships • ask for help.

Dr. Small shares many more simple and useful ideas.

Dr. Fred E. Hill is an emeritus professor at St. Cloud State University

NEWS REEL

PROVIANT GROUP ADDS PRINCIPALS

Financial advisors Josh Nelson, April Diederich, Jamie O’Rourke and Regan Johnson have joined the leadership team at Proviant Group as principals.

ST. CLOUD VA PROCLAIMED A “YELLOW RIBBON COMPANY”

The St. Cloud VA Health Care System was proclaimed a Yellow Ribbon Company by the State of Minnesota. The Yellow Ribbon program recognizes companies and organizations with national, regional or statewide influence that unite all areas of the company in connecting and coordinating resources, education, outreach and support to meet the needs of service members, veterans, and military families. The St. Cloud VA is the first federal entity in Minnesota to receive this designation and is the 63rd organization across the state to achieve Yellow Ribbon Company designation.

In the greater St. Cloud area, other Yellow Ribbon Companies include Rasmussen College and St. Cloud State University.

PLEASURELAND RV CENTER HONORED

PleasureLand RV Center received one of North America’s “2018 RV Business Top 50 Dealer Awards” and was chosen as one of five “Blue Ribbon” awardees.

POINT OF VIEW // BUSINESS CENTRAL ASKS READERS:

What is one skill you think every professional should develop?

“Develop a reputation for being responsive and detail-oriented. Follow up with an email or phone call after every meeting/ encounter and complete action-required details in a timely manner.”

Kalie Schuster, Leighton Broadcasting

“Develop empathy.

Make it a priority to listen and understand all sides of a situation. Take time to reflect on what you’ve learned and respond the next day.”

“Every business can only succeed if all team members are on the same page – so developing a team attitude is essential! Not only within your office, but with all your business partners.”

Emily Jenson, Eyecon Graphics

Jessica Houle, United Way of Central Minnesota

“Stay positive and dedicated even in challenging situations. It’s easy to be a good employee when things are going well, but the real development of a professional comes out when you are in difficult circumstances.”

Tanja Goering, Pro Staff

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

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UpFront DIGGING THE PAST

NEWS REEL

HARRINGTON JOINS VEIN LASER TREATMENT

Jennifer Harrington joined Vein Laser Treatment & MedSpa as the new medical director. She is a Board-Certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and was director of plastic surgery at North Memorial Medical Center Level 1 Trauma Center and adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota.

Prohibition

Criminalizing the production and distribution of alcohol meant more than just no booze to the people of Central Minnesota.

By Steve Penick / Photo’s courtesy of the Stearns History Museum

GOOD SHEPHERD ANNOUNCES NEW CEO

Mike Stordahl has been selected as the new president/CEO of the Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids. He replaces Bruce Glanzer, who recently retired after 19 years with the organization.

During Glanzer’s tenure, he initiated the growth of many programs and services at both the Sauk Rapids and Becker campuses.

Good Shepherd recently received McKnight’s Skilled Tech Care Award for their Anytime Dining program.

The program is a collaboration with the center’s dietary provider that has transformed an outdated dining program into a state-of-the-art restaurant experience for skilled care residents and guests.

BERGANKDV MERGES

BerganKDV merged with HSMC Orizon, adding six new partners, 45 employees, and two new locations in Omaha, Nebraska, and Kansas City, Missouri, to the firm.

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local brewery due Residents supported their . Here's a crew tage heri ic ethn r in part to thei 1910 ca r, bee enjoying Cold Spring

F

rederick Schroeder, from St. Joseph, speculated in his 1870’s diary, “The quarrels among married people and drunkenness are so common it is frightful. . .”

One hundred years later, Bowlus resident Sylvester Benusa recalled in a 1989 St. Cloud Times article about Prohibition, “Oh, it was a fun time.”

These extreme perspectives on booze became synonymous of the decade sandwiched between the World Wars. Banning the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the United States resulted in what some viewed as turning good, law abiding citizens into criminals. For Central

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Some 1,200 individuals ran "Copper Cow" stills in Stearns County duri ng Prohibition.

Minnesota residents, Prohibition signified an attack on their way of life that also fleeced their pocketbooks. A resourceful lot, these entrepreneurial citizens found a way to earn a buck and have their liquor, too.

By 1890 Stearns County was comprised of German, Polish, and Slovenian Americans who brought their beer drinking culture from the Old World. So ethnic was the county at the time that “Yes, it was mostly all German, there was hardly any other nationalities around here,” said resident Ben Thielen. Their cultural values wrapped around faith, agriculture, and their

native language. They enjoyed a beer on Sunday or at family gatherings.

Breweries produced beer in Cold Spring, New Munich, Melrose, and St. Cloud, most having saloons catering to their specific brands.

Central Minnesota farmers were already feeling the pinch of an agricultural depression when Prohibition started in 1920.

Prices had plummeted.

Urban Gaida, from Holdingford, said, “When you could only get $4 for a 200-pound cow, or $3 to $5 for a gallon of moonshine, it wasn’t hard to see what was going to pay the bills.”

This depressed economy forced rural residents to

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its Sesquicentennial throughout 2019. In recognition of this milestone, Business Central is partnering with the Stearns History Museum to give you a glimpse of what business life was like when contracts were sealed with a handshake and computers were people who did math by hand. We’re calling this new column Digging the Past.

This depressed economy forced rural residents to rethink not only how to survive, but how to make a living. rethink not only how to survive, but how to make a living.

The answer grew in their fields. While most locals preferred beer, they distilled whiskey because of production ease and available resources.

Many corn growers used Minnesota 13, a seed brand that eventually became the homebrew namesake.

Residents quickly learned the trade. Some estimates determined four out of five people became involved in bootlegging. Even the local church participated. Most

Catholic priests favored moonshining as a way for farmers to support their families. At St. John’s Abbey, tinsmith Brother Justus Trettel took it upon himself to build stills for interested individuals.

Moonshining became big business by the mid 1920s. Stills increased in size from several gallons to 500 gallons or more.

Larger operations, such as one near Holdingford, produced 1,000 gallons a day. Intricate transportation networks developed as runners hauled moonshine to the Dakotas,

Twin Cities, Chicago, and beyond. They distributed to Al Capone and other mobsters who preferred Minnesota 13 because of its high quality. This drew the attention of the Feds, who stepped up enforcement.

Moonshiners countered, inventing German codes like “reicht nach limpen” (roughly meaning “smells like rags”) to warn producers if agents were nearby. Gun violence became more common as turf wars developed.

Prohibition’s unpopularity with the public showed up in a St. Cloud Times 1926 survey.

Residents responded to end Prohibition enforcement by a whopping 3,296 to 163 margin.

Local author Glanville Smith summarized the mood seven

years later. “By 1933,” he wrote, “it was all over. Repeal had come, the abuses being worse than the discreditable saloons that Prohibition had been expected to wipe out.”

Booze survived, but other Old-World traditions took a hit.

St. Cloud’s German paper, Der Nordstern, ceased publication just before Prohibition ended. Societal pressure from state and national groups discouraged native language use. Within ten years, songs and other printed materials eroded into English as another war with their former homeland loomed on the horizon.

Steve Penick is the head archivist at the Stearns History Museum in St. Cloud.

The Future is Here:

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With robotics, our surgeons are performing knee and hip replacements that are more accurate and more personalized, resulting in better outcomes for patients like you. No need to drive to the Twin Cities or Rochester – these revolutionary outpatient procedures are performed right here in St. Cloud.

Life without joint pain is closer than you think. Learn more today by calling 320.259.4100.

1526 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303 |

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13

UpFront NEW AT THE TOP

NEWS REEL

BERGANKDV ADDS STAFF

Carie Essig

Executive Director, Stearns History Museum, Age 48.

Josh Rapp joined BerganKDV as a retirement plan advisor.

Rapp has more than 15 years of experience in the retirement plan industry, and technical background in plan administration, vendor management, and sales.

Previous employer: YMCA of the Rockies When did you start in your current position?

April 2018 What do you miss most about your previous position?

The mountains

JIM SCHLENNER RECEIVES ALUMNI AWARD

Jim Schlenner, Schlenner Wenner, was one of three recipients to receive the 2018 Alumni Achievement Award from Southwest Minnesota State University.

This award is presented to graduates in recognition of their professional success and the positive reflection made on the reputation of all graduates of SMSU.

CENTRACARE HEALTH, COBORN’S ADD QUICKCLINICS

Coborn’s, Inc., and CentraCare Health are providing quickClinics inside the Sauk Centre and Sartell Coborn’s grocery stores. This will offer greater access to health care with convenient and low-cost care options for people living across Central Minnesota.

FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF:

I lived in Venezuela as an exchange student when I was in high school and had a chance to camp in the Canaima National Park.

What are you looking forward to the most in your new position?

Developing the museum and surrounding Heritage Park into a go-to destination for our

citizens and our visitors to learn, explore and engage in our past and discover how history influences us every day.

Where did you grow up?

St. Paul, Minn., near St. Kate's college What are your hobbies?

Nordic skiing, gardening, walking in the woods, camping and snow shoeing, swimming

MARK THE CALENDAR!

Winter Institute

February 7-8. Cost is $50 for one day or $75 for both days.

Annual economic summit outlining the economic outlook for Central and greater Minnesota. Co-sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s Winter Institute focuses on “Immigration Explored."

See the ad on page 18.

Maybe you need a better approach.

Perhaps our strategic thinking and proven experience can improve your marketing. A no-obligation meeting is a good way to find out.

320.260.5744 | GreenfieldComm.com ADVERTISING • PUBLIC RELATIONS • RESEARCH • PUBLIC AFFAIRS 14

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MORE TO SEE ONLINE!

BusinessCentral Magazine.com

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Four people worth knowing Andy Noble Advantage 1 Insurance Agency - 3rd St

Liz Kellner Odor Eliminators

(320) 221-0622 odoreliminators02@gmail.com Chair, Membership & Workforce Development Division The Membership Division is responsible for all marketing and membership activities, including workforce development, networking programs and all of the Chamber’s special events.

Kara Tomazin St. Cloud Hospital/ CentraCare Health

(320) 229-5199 x71390 tomazink@centracare.com Chair, Marketing Committee The Marketing Committee is responsible for the over-all marketing of the Chamber of Commerce, including communication materials, advertising, publications, website, promotional programs, and organizational research.

(320) 252-6650 andy@advantageoneins.com Chair, Central Minnesota Farm Show Committee

Tanja Goering Pro Staff

(320) 656-9777 tanja.goering@prostaff.com Business Development Council The Business Development Council provides training and education for Chamber members and their employees to help their businesses grow and thrive. Programs include Lunchtime Learning, and a variety of seminars, workshops, and certificate programs.

This committee is responsible for planning and organizing the Central Minnesota Farm Show, the largest indoor agri-business expo of its type in the region. The annual three-day show starts the last Tuesday in February at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. For more information on the Farm Show, see the insert in this issue of Business Central.

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UpFront YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT

NEWS REEL

KEN HOLMEN ELECTED TO MPR BOARD

President and CEO of CentraCare Health Ken Holmen, M.D., was elected to the Minnesota Public Radio Board of Trustees.

Dr. Holmen has led the St. Cloudheadquartered health system since January of 2015, providing strategic direction for the organization’s 12,000 employees.

Free Money!

Need help training new employees?

Access Minnesota’s job training incentive program.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?

Eligible criteria include:

ST. CLOUD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION GIVES BACK

The St. Cloud Federal Credit Union participated in its fourth annual Community Day of Giving. Nearly 60 employees donated their time to four local non-profit organizations.

MARCO EXPANDS

Marco announced its acquisition of East Coast leader Phillips Office Solutions, and purchased ETC ComputerLand, a business IT services company in Quincy, Illinois.

CENTRAL MINNESOTA CHILD ADVOCACY CENTER EARNS ACCREDITATION

Central Minnesota Child Advocacy Center (CMCAC), a department of CentraCare, earned accreditation by the National Children’s Alliance.

This accreditation is based on the center’s compliance with 10 national standards. Since opening in 2016, CMCAC has served more than 400 children and 300 caregivers in Stearns and Benton counties.

GRAY PLANT MOOTY HIRES Alyssa Brandvold, Amy Fiecke, and Jon Hodge joined Gray Plant Mooty as associate attorneys.

Send News Reel items to Gail Ivers, givers@stcloudareachamber.com for possible inclusion. News Reel is compilied by Kelti Lorence.

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m Participating businesses must be located outside the seven-county metro area.

C

EOs can become so busy running their businesses that they miss important and valuable support that can make their jobs easier and their companies more profitable.

One of those sources is Minnesota’s Job Training Incentive Program. JTIP provides grants to new or expanding businesses located in greater Minnesota for training workers as quickly and efficiently as possible. With the workforce shortages challenging businesses, who wouldn’t want to access free training money?

Grants of up to $200,000 are awarded by the State

of Minnesota to businesses to provide training for new jobs. The award amount is limited to $5,000 to $10,000 per new employee trained, based on wage rates.

Funds may only be used toward training for new jobs. They may be used for direct training costs, including: • Assessment, testing and certification • Curriculum development • Training delivery • Trainee wages • Training materials and supplies • Training equipment and facilities • Trainer travel and lodging costs

m The businesses must be adding at least three new jobs. m The new jobs must pay wages equal to the median weekly wage for the county in which the jobs are located. m The new jobs must provide at least 32 hours of work per week for a minimum of nine months of the year. m Businesses are required to match the grant on a 5:1 basis.

Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development; Compiled by Teresa Bohnen

You can find additional program information and eligibility requirements at BusinessCentralMagazine.com MARK THE CALENDAR!

Central Minnesota Farm Show // February 26-28

The largest show of its kind in the Upper Midwest! Meet exhibitors from all areas of the agriculture industry. Free and open to the public from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Thursday at the River’s Edge Convention Center. For more information see the Central Minnesota Farm Show Guide beginning on page 29.

TOP HATS: NEW MEMBERS

AT & T Mobility, entertainment and telecommunications company providing Direct TV and wireless service, as well as rural internet through cellular towers, 4101 W Division Street, St. Cloud. Pictured: Liz Kellner, Brian Rolph, Bradley McDonald, Tammy Buttweiler.

Intelligent Wireless Management, taking the hassle and headache away while optimizing your telecom spend, 515 4th Ave. NE, Sartell.

Pictured: Tanja Goering, Todd Fritz, Jason Miller.

BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of industrial supplies including cutting tools, abrasives, saw blades, safety supplies and many other industrial related items, 1317 2nd St. S, Waite Park. Pictured: Patrick Hollermann, Ken Voigt, Derek Brink, Brenda Eisenschenk.

Kay’s Midtown Café and Catering, with a daily luncheon buffet and weekend brunch; catering or all sizes of events, 3333 W Division St., St. Cloud. Pictured: Peg Imholte, Jason Streit, Tanya Finken, Brian Jarl.

Culver’s of Waite Park, specializing in frozen custard and specialty burgers made with fresh, never frozen beef and dairy.

1101 2nd St. S, Waite Park.

Pictured: Sheri Moran, Jordan Lindquist, Peg Imholte.

SuperGreen Solutions of Central Minnesota, a local partner for increasing your business revenue and lowering costs through green (sustainable) initiatives; also manage and execute the Green Compass Sustainable Award program, 56 33rd Ave. S, #305. Pictured: Dr. Mark Roerick, Reggie Vanlonden, Inese Mehr.

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TOP HATS: NEW MEMBERS

Facility Health Solutions, specializing in maintaining surfaces like linoleum, sheet vinyl, tile and grout restroom floors, 26733 168th Ave., Cold Spring. Pictured: Jason Miller, Tim Burnette, Peg Imholte.

7 West Taphouse, locally owned and operated, handcrafted burgers, hand-cut fries, fried beer cheese wontons, and a selection of beer that's always changing. 28 5th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Beth Putz, Adam Hainlin, Chris Lee, Rory Cruser.

Groome Transportation, low cost shuttle between St. Cloud and Minneapolis - St. Paul airport, 266 33rd Ave. S, suite 4, St. Cloud.

Pictured: Kris Hellickson, Scott Hayes, Diane Diego Ohmann.

Follow Your Arrow-Live Your Dream LLC, professional EOS implementer helping business owners get more out of their business by focusing on sustainable growth, 62933 328th Street, Litchfield.

Pictured: Brian Jarl, Melissa Sonsalla, Peg Imholte.

Cloud Media, LLC, quality commercial photo and video, 5667 Main Ave. NE, Albertville.

Pictured: Kris Hellickson, William McLeod, Jayne Greeney Schill.

Advanced Repair, Inc., full service auto repair shop offering competitive pricing, student discounts, and same-day service with a national warranty, 27 16th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Kris Hellickson, Riley Valentine, Jamey Maurer, Diane Diego Ohmann.

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St. Cloud State University is committed to legal affirmative action, equal opportunity, access and diversity of its campus community. (http://scsu.mn/scsuoea)

18

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

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InSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BUSINESS TOOLS GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

u

Management Toolkit • Entrepreneurism Economy Central by Falcon Bank

uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

RESOURCES THAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

ENTREPRENEURISM

Common Mistakes

It’s a new year and a good time to review your processes in order to avoid these common business mistakes. By Betsey Lund Ross to taking is significantly reduced. There are other steps a business owner must take to protect personal assets, but the first step is to create a true business entity that distinguishes you, personally, from your business.

W

hether you are a seasoned business person or new to business management, many business leaders make the same common mistakes.

Unfortunately, they can create hardship and trouble for the business, even increasing the likelihood of litigation.

Here are the top five business mistakes to avoid in 2019.

1 Protect Your Personal Assets The No.1 reason a business owner should create a business entity, e.g. limited liability

20

company (LLC), incorporated entity, etc. instead of operating as a sole proprietor or under assumed name, is to protect personal assets from the business’ liabilities. If the business is operated as a sole proprietorship (or under an assumed name), the business owner’s personal assets are subject to taking if liability is found in a court proceeding.

If the business is formed and operated as an LLC, incorporated entity, or some other business entity, the risk that the business owner’s personal assets will be subject

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

2 The #MeToo Movement Media reports of sexual harassment claims against some of the biggest executives made headline news in 2018 and there is little doubt the #MeToo movement will continue with full force in 2019. In fact, in 2018, 32 U.S. states introduced anti-sexual harassment legislation. Now is a good time to review your company’s policies to ensure procedures are in place to address claims of workplace sexual harassment.

3 Changes in Minnesota’s LLC Laws In 2014, Minnesota enacted changes to its LLC laws.

Many of the changes became

contributor

effective between 2015 and 2018. The changes provide the perfect opportunity for LLC owners and leaders to review their existing agreements.

Some of the key law changes pertain to indemnification requirements for nonemployees, default rules on management structure of the LLC, and member control/ operating agreements. Several new default rules will apply unless the LLC’s documents state otherwise.

4 Job Descriptions Job descriptions are valuable, especially when facing legal issues. For example, if the position requires the employee to be at the office, rather that working from home, the job description should specify this. Otherwise, injured or disabled employees may argue they should be allowed to work from home because the job description does not state the requirements to perform work at the office.

Now is a good time to review

Betsey Lund Ross, is an attorney with Lund Ross, P.A.

your current job descriptions and draft new job descriptions if your company has none.

5 Revisit Your Existing Contracts and Agreements A well-drafted contract is worth its weight in gold. While verbal agreements can be enforceable, it is certainly more difficult to do so. It is important to review your existing contracts to make sure key terms are included and defined, and that vague or ambiguous provisions are clarified in order to reduce the likelihood of contract disputes.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other professionals and experts to assist you with matters outside of your expertise. Relying on the advice of other professionals allows you to focus on operating your business and helps you avoid some of these common mistakes businesses make.

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TECH NEWS

Work Local, Think Global Silicon Valley may be the center of our tech world, but don’t be surprised if the next great idea comes from much further away. There’s already a hint of what is to come.

For instance, an Indian company has created an app that greatly simplifies bus timetables, and an Indonesian company has mobilized more than 200,000 motorbike riders, solving a number of logistics challenges.

Source: TechCrunch

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21

BusinessTools MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Difficult Conversations

The dynamics of a difficult employee conversation can vary greatly.

To achieve the best possible outcome, take time to give it the attention it deserves. and measurable language. For example, instead of stating “poor attendance,” state the number of times the employee was absent over a specific period. Likewise, instead of telling the employee he or she is on a “probationary period,” tell the employee that immediate and sustained improvement is expected in a specific area or toward a specific goal. ________

By Chad Stahl

L

et’s be honest. Nobody enjoys having to sit down with an employee to start a difficult workplace conversation.

As a result, managers often hesitate to engage the employee or end up postponing the conversation. Unfortunately, difficult conversations are inevitable. The more we can learn about how to navigate them the better off everyone will be.

Having a difficult conversation requires a thought-out plan prior to engaging the employee. That includes understanding the reason for the conversation.

In my experience difficult conversations emanate from three basic categories: 1 Attendance 2 Misconduct 3 Performance

22

Identifying the conversation category not only focuses the discussion, it provides an opportunity to become aware of and seek advice on any legal concerns that may be related to the discussion. For example, attendance concerns may involve the Family Medical Leave Act. Performance concerns may lead to disclosure of a disability and a reasonable accommodation request.

The next part of the plan is to identify what needs to be achieved during the conversation. I subscribe to the belief that there are three main objectives during every difficult conversation: 1 Plainly describe the conduct or behavior giving rise to the conversation 2 State concise, understandable, and reasonable expectations 3 Communicate the consequences for failing to

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

meet those expectations.

Following are some tips to achieve those objectives in as positive a way as possible: ________

Do not dance around the issue.

Politely, but firmly, state what the employee did or did not do. Note any policy violations as well as past warnings or disciplinary action. However, try to steer the conversations away from blame and toward contribution. How did everyone involved (including the employer) contribute to the problem or conflict? This sets a more collaborative tone that asks those involved to take ownership of any contribution they may have. ________

Give sufficient factual detail.

During every part of the conversation, give sufficient factual detail and use objective

Do not jump to conclusions.

It is human nature to have preconceived notions. It is a mistake, however, to hold onto those preconceptions.

A conversation requires an exchange of information. Take time to consider and reflect on the information provided by the employee. Similarly, it is important to ask questions and then really listen to what the employee has to say.

The dynamics of a difficult employee conversation can vary greatly, ranging from low risk verbal reprimands to high risk terminations. Whatever the nature of your next difficult conversation, take time to give it the attention it deserves to achieve as positive an outcome as possible.

contributor

Chad Stahl is an attorney with Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.

www.scr-mn.com

GOING GREEN

Greenest City St. Cloud has been recognized as the Greenest City in Minnesota. Insurify, an online care insurance shopping platform, created the award to recognize cities with the smallest carbon footprint resulting from responsible car ownership and driving habits.

Vehicles represent one of the greatest sources of polluting emissions in the United States. To create the list of winners, Insurify analyzed over 1.5 million vehicles input into their site by auto insurance shoppers. They looked at such things as fuel efficiency, engine type, annual miles driven, commuting patterns, and count of cars per household. The resulting list identifies the five communities in each state with the lowest average environmental impact score.

Minnesota’s Greenest Cities 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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23

BusinessTools

Economy Central presented by

ECONOMY CENTRAL

The Economics of Immigration

By Mónica García-Pérez and Lynn MacDonald

Understanding immigration goes beyond just assessing economic impact.

W

hy do people migrate? How does migration affect our community, our state, our country? Economists around the world have devoted considerable time to answering questions like these. We all know what immigration is, but do we have a handle on the economics of immigration?

In 2017, approximately 258 million people worldwide (3.4 percent of the world’s population) were international migrants living outside their native country. Since the 20th Century, the United States has been a leader among developed countries in receiving immigrants. By 2016, 72.4 percent of immigrants had been in the U.S. for more than ten years and, simultaneously, the total foreignborn population living in the U.S. accounted for 13.5 percent of the U.S. population. In comparison, Minnesota falls below

the national average with only 7-8 percent of its residents born abroad in 2016. Though Minnesota ranks low in terms of number of immigrants, it leads in receiving refugees. Hmong and Somali refugees represent the largest waves of immigration to the state since the 1970s – an average of 2,800 refugees resettled directly in Minnesota from 1979 to 2015.

Economists typically study immigration and its impact by looking at labor market effects, such as how the arrival of newcomers will impact employment and earnings.

Although the impact differs depending on the time period, research has consistently shown that immigration creates positive net effects in the long run. Immigrants add value to receiving economies.

This positive effect is found when comparing the total cost of immigration through

the use of public resources to the benefit that comes from taxes paid by immigrants. Over time, immigrants pay more in taxes than they use in public resources. This result persists across all major developed receiving countries. In the aggregate, economic research also consistently finds that in the long run immigrants have no discernible impact on wages or earnings.

People tend to migrate in adulthood when they are of working age, motivated by either economic or safety reasons.

When they relocate, immigrants bring knowledge and experience. The key labor market value of immigration relies on the ‘skill diversity’ they bring to the U.S. Research shows that immigrants tend to be either extremely well-educated or tend to have low levels of formal education. This makes them very different, in terms of experience, from local workers. Immigrants largely move to jobs in two areas—low-paid positions or highpaid, specialized positions with a very narrow technical scope.

In doing so they fill the gap that locals are not able to fill. Further, as the competition for low-paid jobs increases, there is an incentive for natives to invest more in education and to search for jobs that require more skills.

While economic research consistently shows positive longterm effects of immigration,

research on short-term effects has been less conclusive. In the short run, small, local areas could experience some net costs.

City size seems to play a role here. The proportion of immigration may be more notable in small cities as immigrants usually move in larger groups to magnet areas. (Cities with employment opportunities, low cost of living, and services for immigrants tend to act as magnets attracting newcomers to the area.)

The visibility is heightened as an influx of new workers can exert a larger impact in a relatively smaller job market like those found in smaller cities. In smaller, more specialized cities (cities without great diversity in industry or job opportunities), low-wage workers may find themselves competing for similar jobs with newcomers.

This effect is more prevalent in certain industries like construction and manufacturing where jobs tend to be manual and might not require English proficiency. Initially, an influx of newcomers looking to enter the job market can lead to shortterm wage reductions and could inflate short-term unemployment in that area. Smaller cities may also lack public or private transition assistance programs and amenities that might benefit new immigrants. Assistance programs for immigrants have been Story continued on page 26

contributors Mónica García-Pérez, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Economics, director of Faculty

Research Group Immigrants in Minnesota, and co-director of St. Cloud State University’s Survey Center migarciaperez@stcloudstate.edu and Lynn MacDonald, Ph.D., is associate professor of Economics, and director, Winter Institute, lcmacdonald@stcloudstate.edu. For the sources used in this story, visit BusinessCentralMagazine.com

24

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

November

73 $6,403,398

TOTAL: 1789

August St. Joseph 71 56 55 2018 Feb $0

$32,698,175 $19,525,262 $13,605,806

June

2017

Apr

J

December

October

J

$0

November

September

Jan

August

July

June

May

April

1.0%

Feb

March

1.5%

February

$300M

4%

Source: www.positivelyminnesota.com

2017�18 % CHANGE January

$250M

2016

Non FarmMarJobs 2.0%

December

November

October

September

$200M

$500k

July Total as of 12/13/18. Jan *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of print.

Source: www.positivelyminnesota.com

$150M

Food and Be

ST. CLOUD 66 $3,610,842

2016 St. Augusta 66 13 6 September Mar

$0 $2,107,200 $1,577,063

TOTAL: 1752

TOTAL: $221,316,488

106 October Apr $3,9550,295

2000

$300M

Waite Park

2017

Sartell 33 32 31 November May

$13,013,812 $14,128,688 $16,353,293

TOTAL: $239,669,534

August

$100M

July

June

$50M

May

April

March

$0M

February

January

5%

ST. CLOUD

555 44 44 December $15,684,403 $89,959,156 $13,791,300 June

May

2017�2018

Food and Be

Sauk Rapids

Sources: Building departments for the following cities: St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and St. Joseph.

Unemployment Rates

500

St. Cloud 464 341 314

$138,751,046 $89,192,774 $215,913,871 July

2017

2016

94 $6,032,519

Commercial 2016 2017 2018*

#/$ #/$ #/$ August 2018

TOTAL: 1655

TOTAL: $239,669,534

$250M

December

TOTAL: $221,316,488

$200M

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

TOTAL: $264,735,175*

TOTAL: $264,735,175*

$150M

2016

January December Total as of 12/13/18. *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of0print.

1500

TOTAL: $133,773*

$1500000

TOTAL: $1,272,176*

TOTAL: $1,333,423

$1200000

$100M

140 $4,433,502

1000

$900000

$50M

186 February $4,796,651

BUILDING PERMITS

BY COMMUNITY September

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

$0M

102 88 67 March $9,180,780 $6,116,630 $6,262,395

October

Commercial Building Permits

2016 2018

$100M

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

$600000 2017

$80M

Commercial Building Permits

2018

St. Augusta

St. Joseph

$60M

2017

Waite Park 78 70 45 April

$2,197,513 $4,244,281 $1,459,887

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

$40M

500

Sartell 252 199 161 May

$13,311,389 $7,908,010 $8,159,252

2017

$20M

0

January

Sauk Rapids 345 299 344 June

$22,647,287 $15,947,945 $17,876,152

500

$300000

$0M

February

St. Cloud 986 622 521 July 2018

$32,774,443 $32,230,127 $22,824,253

2016

2016

March

Residential 2016 2017 2018* 2016 August

#/$ #/$ #/$

0

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

ST. CLOUD

$0

TOTAL:$84,908,072

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. C ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSE

September BUILDING PERMITS

BY COMMUNITY

2015

2018

2017

2016

2017

November

TOTAL:$70,880,396

Home Sales C

2017 October

$100M

September

$80M

August

$60M

880,396

$40M

July

$20M

June

$0M

October April

May

2018

TOTAL:$60,667,070*

April

2016

March

TOTAL:$84,908,072

November May

February

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

2017

2018

July December June

TOTAL:$70,880,396

Residential Building Permits

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOS

Economy Central presented by August COLOR KEY:

2018 Compiled by Kellie Libert, data current as of 12/13/18

Home Sales C

September

TOTAL:$60,667,070*

ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS

908,072

October

$100M

$250M

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

832,866

316,488

669,534

111,110

Residential Building Permits

A

S

$500k

0.5% 0.0% -0.5%

3%

-1.0% -1.5% -2.0%

2%

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

M

J

J

A

S

O

-2.5%

O

N

D

J

F

M

A

St. Cloud Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota United States

M

O

St. Cloud, MN MetroSA Minnesota United States

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

www.businesscentralmagazine.com

25

396

072

866

COLOR KEY: December

ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS

Jan November Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

December

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

December

November

October

September

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

TOTAL: 1789

December

November

Economy Central presented by

October

September

August

reaches well beyond the labor market. Immigrants are not only workers but are also consumers, business owners, and family members. “We wanted workers, but we got people instead”—the inspiration for leading immigration economist George Borjas’ most recent book that explores the economic impact of immigration, while also reminding readers that understanding immigration goes beyond just assessing economic impact.

July

June

May

Total as of 12/13/18. *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of print.

$2M

April

$1.5M

shown to improve immigrants’ ability to enter the job mar,ket more quickly and efficiently so they can be incorporated into the economy as both workers and consumers.

Exploring the economics of immigration, specifically the labor market effects, can help us better understand the local, national, and global impact of immigration, although some nuance and several relevant elements are lost with such a narrow focus. The economic impact of immigration March

2016

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

January

February

TOTAL: $1,508,301

26

$2M

For more details, see the advertisement on page 18 February

or visit BusinessCentralMagazine.com for details.

January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

2017

Sources: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

August

2000

$1500000

TOTAL: $1,317,284*

TOTAL: $1,623,035

$1M

March

The Economics of Immigation continued...

Lodging Tax Dollars

$500k

2017

TOTAL: $1,333,423

Total as of 12/13/18. *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of print.

$2M

mmigration, jobs and the economy have been leading September the headlines for months. Learn more about this August important topic at the 2019 Winter Institute. Hear from Internationally recognized speakers George Borjas, July professor of Economics and social policy, Harvard Kennedy June School; Bryan Caplan, professor of economics, George MasonMay University; and Mynul Khan, founder and CEO of the onlineApril marketplace Field Nation. The two-day program also includes Interactive discussions and networking.

TOTAL: 1752

200

I

TOTAL: 1655

150

Benton Co. 39 27 78

$0

July

TOTAL: 221

$0 $500k $1M $1.5M Benton County Sheriff’s Civil Process; Stearn’s County Sheriff’s Office

2018

June

TOTAL: 235

Residential 2016 2017 2018 2016 Stearns Co. 158 84 25

ST. CLOUD

May

November

February 7-9, 2019 October

1500

SHERIFF’S FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS

$1.5M

December

TOTAL: $1,523,946

TOTAL: $133,773*

TOTAL: $1,272,176*

TOTAL: $1,333,423

$1200000

100

$1M

1000

$900000

50

$500k

500

$600000

2017 0

2016

$300000

2016

January

Immigration Explored

TOTAL: 103*

TOTAL: $1,171,584*

2018

February

WORKFORCE

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

2017

$0

TOTAL: $1,333,423

Total as o 12/13/18. *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of print.

Sheriff’s Foreclosure Auctions

ST. CLOUD

March

Sources: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

Total as of 12/13/18. *Totals are cummulative and up to date at time of print.

2018

April

2000

March

Feb 1500

Jan $200M $250M $300M Housing/Real Estate sources: St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors, http://stcloudrealtors.com/pages/statistics.

STEARNS AND BENTON COUNTIES

April

TOTAL: 1752 2016

TOTAL: $1,523,946

May

0

1000

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

ST. CLOUD

500

June

2017

Mar

TOTAL: $1,171,584*

July

2015

Apr

$0 0

2018

June

2018

2017

2016

TOTAL: $239,669,534

August

TOTAL: 1789

May

February

TOTAL: $221,316,488

2016

1608 *

August July

2017

January

TOTAL: September

October

ST. CLOUD September

October

TOTAL: $264,735,175*

2018

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK,

$150M

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

November 6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK,

ding Permits ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

M

$100M

488

534

110

$250M

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FEBRUARY 26 - 28, 2019 PRESENTED BY THE ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OFJ COMMERCE A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

//

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29

WELCOME TO THE 2019 CENTRAL MINNESOTA FARM SHOW! ANDY NOBLE

Advantage 1 Insurance Agency Volunteer Chair, Central Minnesota Farm Show

T

he Central Minnesota Farm Show,

else we’d like you to know. As part of our

brought to you by the St. Cloud

commitment to agriculture and education,

Area Chamber of Commerce, is the

each year the Chamber dedicates a portion of

largest indoor show if its kind in the region.

the proceeds from the Farm Show to student

Why does such a show exist in this growing

scholarships.

Volunteers have worked hard to put together

metropolitan area?Because agriculture is still

a show that you will find both valuable and

one of the area’s leading industries!

BERNIE QUIST

Compeer Financial Volunteer Vice Chair, Central Minnesota Farm Show

Since opening its doors 50+ years ago, the

questions or suggestions, please stop by the

event for Central Minnesota. The show offers

information booth. We’d like to hear from you.

something for everyone with an interest in agriculture. When you turn to the center of this program you’ll find a complete map of the show and a list of vendors to help you make the most

SHERI WEGNER

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 2019 Farm Show Coordinator

fun. Enjoy your visit with us and if you have

Farm Show has been a popular community

of your visit.

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Sincerely, Andy Noble, Bernie Quist, and Sheri Wegner

Thank you to our Champion Sponsor

is committed to helping area farmers through organization and sponsorship of the Central Minnesota Farm Show. And there’s something

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30

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 // S P O N S O R E D BY B U S I N E S S C E N T R A L M A G A Z I N E

| StearnsBank.com | Member FDIC

2019 FARM SHOW SEMINAR SCHEDULE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. • Alexander Room ––––––––––––

performance as marketers illustrate important tips toward making better pricing decisions.

Edward Usset serves as a grain marketing economist for

Grain Marketing Tips with Edward Usset

the Center for Farm Financial Management at the University of

Grain prices and volatility are very low. Margins

educational programs. Working with his colleagues at CFFM and

are tight and there is little room for error in

in extension, Ed developed the award winning “Winning the Game”

Minnesota, the developers of FINPACK software and a variety of

pricing decisions. What is a producer to do? Instead of looking for one

series of workshops. In addition, he manages Commodity Challenge,

big answer, let’s turn to some celebrity grain producers. Grandma

an online marketing education game that uses real-time cash and

keeps it simple, while Peter looks for help from options. Earl wants to

futures data. Ed teaches "Commodity Markets" at the University of

know about carrying charges, while Hank holds grain too long. Their

Minnesota. He is a regular columnist for Corn and Soybean Digest.

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. • Bell Room ––––––––––––

Carrying the Load: Is your equipment fit for the road?

Learn the latest rules and regulations on roadside inspections, load securement, transporting hazardous materials, road safety with farm equipment, federal farm exemptions and state statutes, and common paperwork and equipment violations.

Tuesday, Feb. 26 continues on page 33 AA

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31

GLENN CARLSON EXHIBIT HALL

B1033

4

3

B1034

2019 BOOTH FLOOR MAP

FREE STUFF! GET YOUR TICKETS! Following tradition, Central MN Farm Show attendees are invited to have a cup of coffee and a doughnut on the Chamber.

----------------------Tickets can be picked up at the welcome tables at the entrances into the exhibit halls between 9-11 a.m. daily. While supplies last.

You are invited to have a free glass of milk and a cookie, courtesy of Minnwest Bank. Tickets can be picked up at the welcome tables at the entrances into the exhibit halls from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday; and from 1 – 3 p.m. on Thursday. While supplies last.

----------------------You can find the coffee, doughnuts, cookies, and milk in the Concession Stand window in the main exhibit hall.

Scholarships Available

There will be six guaranteed scholarships worth $1,000 each awarded this year, and recipients will be announced at the Farm Show on Wednesday, Feb. 27. We are again encouraging businesses to support our agricultural scholarship program. We will match dollar-for-dollar up to the first $5,000 in scholarship donations we receive, in the hope of awarding ten $1,000 scholarships. For more information, or to apply for a scholarship, visit CentralMNFarmShow.com.

Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2019.

32

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 // S P O N S O R E D BY B U S I N E S S C E N T R A L M A G A Z I N E

2019 FARM SHOW SEMINAR SCHEDULE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

TRACK MOVING OBJECTS > VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

1:30 - 2:45 p.m. • Bell & Alexander Rooms ––––––––––––

The Peterson Farm Bros.

The Peterson Farm Bros. will share their unique take on farming at the Central Minnesota Farm Show. The siblings farm together, along with their parents, on a 5th generation farm in Assaria, Kan. The brothers

Stop by the Arvig booth during the Central MN Farm Show and learn how you can SAVE $500 on the purchase of a 360-DEGREE VIDEO CAMERA SYSTEM.

produce entertaining and educational videos on their YouTube channel (ThePetersonFarmBros) and post continuous farming and video updates to their social media pages. When they first started posting YouTube parodies, the siblings thought they would do well if they

218.346.8250 arvigbusiness.com/farm The customer will receive a $500 discount on the purchase of a 360-Degree Video Camera System when they make the purchase during the Central MN Farm Show and provide a $500 down payment. Based on service area, some restrictions apply. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. ©Arvig 2019

could get 100,000 views. It turns out the parodies have made them famous, bringing them millions of views, taken them around the world on tours and speaking engagements, and landed them appearances on "Good Morning America," CNN, Yahoo and the "Today" show.

And now they will be appearing in-person at the Central Minnesota Farm show – a must see experience for farmers of all ages!

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Wednesday, Feb. 27 continues on page 35 AA J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

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33

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10:30 - 11:45 a.m. • Bell & Alexander Rooms

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2019 EXHIBITOR LIST

BY NAME KEY: Company Name Premier Vendors

A Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Advantage 1 Insurance

Growing Employees

Ag-related companies are wondering where their next employees will come from – and the Chamber is working to help.

I

n Central Minnesota almost everyone will tell you that they would hire if they could just find the right person. The shortage is becoming particularly acute in ag-related businesses.

There is such a shortage of students in the agriculture colleges that the ag-related companies are recruiting students with degrees in other disciplines such as business and marketing.

The St. Cloud Area Chamber dedicates some of the proceeds from the Central Minnesota Farm Show to student scholarships. Since 1998 we have funded $70,000 in scholarships.

Congratulations to our Scholarship Winners!

In 2018 the Chamber awarded six $1,000 scholarships.

The recipients were: 1 Mitchell Reitsma, Sauk Centre High School 2 Shelby Kuechle, Eden Valley Watkins High School 3 Craig Santema, Milaca High School 4 Adam Kroll, North Dakota State University, and a Pierz Healy High School graduate

34

Ag Solution , LLC and F&S Ag Ag Spray Equipment Ag Tech Drainage Agassiz Seed & Supply AgFocus AgriGold Agri-King, Inc. Agri-Plastics & Silo Repair Albany Heating A/C & Ser Inc. Albers Dairy Equipment, Inc Aldrich Tractor Inc. Alltech

American Door Works American Pressure Inc. AMPI AMPS Inc. Arnold's of St. Cloud

Arnzen Construction/ St. Rosa Lumber Artex Arvig Auto Value Parts Stores Avon Ag Lime B Bath Planet Bazooka Farmstar

5 Kylee Kohl, St. Cloud State University, and a Litchfield High School graduate

Belgrade Co-op

6 Jessica Kerfeld, South Dakota State University, and a Melrose High School graduate

Bio Till Cover Crop Seed

Benton County American Dairy Association Big Gain Inc. Big Iron Auctions

Blue Horizon Energy Boss Supply Inc. Byron Seeds C Carlson Wholesale, Inc.

Catholic United Financial

Centra Sota Coop

Freeport State Bank

Central McGowan

G Garage Door Store

Central Minnesota Credit Union CHS Prairie Lakes Cloverdale Equipment Compeer Financial

Complete Grain Systems Inc. Country Acres/ Benton Ag COUNTRY Financial Culbac-Trans Agra Int'l Inc. Cutco Jill Sieben Cy Pfannenstein Music Service D D & K Pure Water Service Dairy Farmers of America Dairyland Supply Dairyland Seed Inc. Dan's Custom Welding Tables LLC Department of Nursing, St. Cloud State University Droneography E Edward JonesBeau Hanowski Ellingson Companies Ellingson Water Management F Farm Bureau Financial Service Farm Systems a Part of Genex Co Op

Gilleland Chevrolet Cadillac Gilman Cooperative Creamery Association

Minnesota SprayFoam Insulation

Minnwest Bank

Grassland Solutions

Green Energy Products

Growers Mineral Solutions Growers Mineral Solutions H Hanson Silo Company Heads Up Plant Protectants HotsyMinnesota Hubbard FEEDS Hydro Engineering J Jenkins Iron a nd Steel Inc. Johnson Seed & Ag Services Jordan Ag Supply Inc. K KASM Radio KE Commercial Contractors, Inc. Kuhn North America, Inc L Leedstone, Inc. Legend Seeds, Inc. LG seeds

Lumber One

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 // S P O N S O R E D BY B U S I N E S S C E N T R A L M A G A Z I N E

Minnesota Farmers Union

Granite Electronics

Farm-Rite Equipment of St. Cloud

Forward Farm Lines

Mimbach Fleet Supply

Minnesota Truck Headquarters

Lifestyle Lumber

Finken Water Treatment, Plumbing, Heating and Cooling

Midwest Machinery Co.

Gold Country Seed

Farmers and Mechants State Bank

Feed Stuff Bagging

Midsota Manufacturing, Inc.

Litzau Farm Drainage Inc. M McKay's Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Fiat MEDA/ Chem-Star

Messer Repair & Fabricating, LLC

Modern Farm Munson Hybrids N Nelson Agri Structures/ Ultimate Ag, LLC Nextire Inc. Northland Building Northwestern Mutual-Jared Smith O Ok Tire Store, Inc. O'Reilly Auto Parts Osakis Silo Repair P Patz

Paul Mueller Company Peterson Farm Brothers/ Machinery Pete Peterson Farm Seed

Pluto Boes Legal Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment PowerLift Hydraulic Doors Precision Rain

Redfield, LLC Renk Seed RetroGreen Energy

Rinke Noonan Attorneys at Law Ristau Farm Service Rob-See-Co Roers Whitewashing & Steam Cleaning Rotochopper, Inc. Royalton Lumber Inc. S Schaeffer Specialized Lubricants St. Cloud VA Health Care System Stearns Bank Stearns County SWCD Steffes Group Inc. Stine Seed STOR-LOC Structural Buildings

Sunrise Ag COOP T The Boot Shack The Land

Thomas Tool & Supply Thunder Seed

Traut Companies Tri County Foam Insulation Twin Valley Tire W Weatherstar Company

Wieser Concrete Products, Inc.

Premier Door Co

Woller Equipment Inc

Puck Custom Enterprises, Inc.

Worms Lumber & Ready Mix

Q Quality Forklift Sales & Services, Inc. R R&S Tire Service RDO Equipment Company Real Time Pain Relief Real-Tuff, Inc.

Y Your Home Improvement Company Z Ziegler Cat

Zip's Diesel Injection Service, Inc.

MACHINERY PETE, CONT.

2019 FARM SHOW SEMINAR SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson has come a long way since starting out in his Rochester, Minn., home office where he passionately researched, tracked and reported on auction prices. In 2014, Farm Journal and Machinery Pete partnered to provide a more efficient marketplace for buying and selling used ag equipment.

In July of 2015, MachineryPete.com launched its marketplace with leading edge marketing solutions for dealers, informed and built with the online equipment shopper in mind, and designed to create meaningful connections between buyers and sellers. The company is now headquartered in Chicago, IL.

1:30 -2:45 p.m. • Bell & Alexander Rooms ––––––––––––

Machinery Pete’s Tales from the Auction Trail Greg “Machinery Pete” Peterson has been covering farm machinery auctions since 1989. He will share some of his favorite stories, including a few about unique tractors and machinery, and others that focus on people. These stories are sure to make you smile.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28 10:30 - 11:45 a.m. • Bell Room ––––––––––––

Succession & Transition Planning – Part 1 Learn key steps, tax strategies, and insights on developing and implementing a successful farm transition plan.

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. • Alexander Room ––––––––––––

Truth in Tariff, Trades, and Taxation 3-4:30 p.m. • Bell Room ––––––––––––

ELLINGSON IS YOUR WATER MANAGEMENT PARTNER FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION.

Succession & Transition Planning – Part 2 Ask questions and gain even greater insight on successfully transitioning your family farm to the next generation.

Presenters and topics are subject to change. For the most current information visit CentralMNFarmShow.com

Leveraging in-field experience, data and technology, our full-service solutions help you make more informed decisions about the water on your land.

• Land Assessment • Planning and Design

• Drain Tile Installation • Mapping and Record-Keeping

To learn how a water management plan can maximize productivity on your operation, visit EllingsonCompanies.com or call (888) 527-2294.

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

www.businesscentralmagazine.com

35

Business Profile Third Street Brewhouse/ Cold Spring Brewing Company ...

219 Red River Ave. N Cold Spring, MN 56320 (320) 685-3690 thirdstreetbrewhouse.com

...

Vice President/General Manager: Scott Bender Ownership: Brynwood Partners, a Connecticut-based private equity firm Business Description: The Cold Spring Brewery primarily manufactures products, both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages and beer, for other companies’ proprietary brands and retailers’ private labels. Cold Spring also brews beer under its own brand, Third Street Brewhouse, for distribution in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

No. of employees: 440

36

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

Fun fact: C o l d S p r i n g Br e w e r y d o u b l e d t h e i r p r o d u c t i on i n 2 0 18 , f r o m 2 8 m i l l i o n c a s e s i n 2 0 17 t o 4 0 m i l l i o n c a s e s i n 2 0 18 . T h a t c o m p a r e s t o 19 m i l l i o n c a s e s i n 2 0 11.

The Little Brewery that Could

You might think this is a story about business. Or change.

And you’ll certainly think it’s a story about beer. But at its foundation, it’s a story of hope that has been bubbling up from a cold spring in a small town in Stearns County for over 150 years. ...

STORY BY GAIL IVERS & PHOTOS BY JOEL BUTKOWSKI & STEARNS HISTORY MUSEUM

E

very story needs a hero. In the case of the Cold Spring Brewery, there are countless numbers of them. The men who figured out how to keep a brewery open during Prohibition.

The employees whose paychecks bounced when the owners disappeared leaving a debt-ridden company. The local investors who took a chance.

The government leaders who were flexible.

Woven among these everyday heroes are three men who made a difference: Myron Johnson, Maurice “Mo” Bryan, and John Lenore.

THE AGE OF SURVIVAL: 1874-1942

T

he Cold Spring Brewery dates back to 1874 when Michael Sargl, a German immigrant, settled in Cold Spring next to the site of “pure spring waters” and decided to brew some beer. Though this story can’t be told without mentioning him, Sargl plays a small role. In short order he sold his brewery operation. Then it was sold again. And again. The brewery passed

through many hands before reaching stability with John Oster and Ferdinand Peters.

In 1900, the company of Oster & Peters hired brewmaster Eugene Hermanutz. Recognizing Hermanutz’s brewing talent the two owners soon offered Hermanutz an ownership stake and the three incorporated their business as the Cold Spring Brewing Company.

In 1920, Prohibition arrived at the Cold Spring Brewery in the form of federal agents.

Without warning they descended on the brewery and dumped beer into the local creek by the case. Oster and Peters watched with dismay, but Hermanutz was reported to become so sick at the sight of his beer being poured out that he had to leave the brewery.

Creativity, hard work and hope … and perhaps a little bootlegging … kept the brewery operating during Prohibition. The Cold Spring Brewery began production of soft drinks and “near beer,” a beer product that was put through

J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9 //

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37

Timeline 1874

Michael Sargl, an immigrant German brewer, opens a brewery in Cold Spring, Minn. Ownership changes hands several times before three families take over in the late 1890s.

1900

Brewery owners John Oster and Ferdinand Peters, Oster & Peters, hire Eugene Hermanutz as brew master, offering him part ownership. The business is incorporated as the Cold Spring Brewing Company.

(L-R) Karl Schmitz, Vic

Esplan, Mike Gold

1920

Prohibition starts. Federal agents arrived unexpectedly in Cold Spring, dumping the remaining beer into the creek.

Prohibition

The company survives by selling mineral water, soft drinks, and “near” beer. The three owners expand their interests, establishing the Cold Spring Stock Farm, pasturing and selling cattle on the brewery’s land. Fewer than 100 breweries are operating in the U.S. during this time.

February 20, 1933

Congress repeals prohibition.

Only Ferdinand Peters, now company president, is still alive.

1942

Myron Johnson is hired to run the company, purchasing it in 1944.

1966

The brewery undergoes a $250,000 expansion and modernization program, more than doubling its capacity.

1967

Cold Spring Brewery acquires Northern Brewing Co. of Superior, Wisc.

Early 1970s

The brewery becomes a Schlitz beer distributor.

38

Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

a complicated and expensive de-alcoholizing process.

Ultimately, that “pure spring water” that originally attracted founder Sargl, saved the brewery. The company introduced Cold Spring Mineral Water, a product that served them well for several decades. In fact, the water sold so well that business increased, allowing the brewery to expand and build a new bottling plant that cost over $50,000.

By the time Prohibition ended in 1933, the Cold Spring Brewing Company had nearly doubled its value and capital.

The end of Prohibition was a grand day at the brewery. Trucks were lined up, ready to deliver beer at midnight when Prohibition would officially end.

As the clock struck midnight, whistles blew and church bells rang. "It was like Christmas, New Year's Eve and everybody's birthday all rolled into one," recalled longtime Cold Spring Brewery employee Roman DeWenter for a past Stearns History Museum exhibit.

THE AGE OF ENLIGHTENMENT: 1942 – 1992

B

efore Prohibition ended, brewery partners Hermanutz and Oster had died. Ferdinand Peters and Oster’s son, Daniel, continued to run the company. Peters died in 1938 and his son, Ferdinand Peters, Jr., took over as brewmaster. In 1941 he left to fight in World War II.

Looking for someone to run the brewery, the owners found Minneapolis Coca-Cola employee Myron Johnson.

Schooled in finance and management, with production sensibilities founded in a Coca-Cola tradition, the first thing Johnson did was to literally clean up the plant. Sales grew under his leadership and in 1944 he purchased the company. Johnson invested in the facility, renovating and modernizing the plant, often purchasing new and used equipment from breweries that were going out of business.

It is long-time brewery employee Vic Esplan, who calls this the Enlightened Age. He started working at the brewery in 1974 “as a flunky on the line,” he said. “In 1969-70 Myron saw the chance to buy a bunch of brands and increase our market share and shelf space.” The Cold Spring Brewery had limited shelf space in liquor stores, according to Esplan, “but when we bought other labels, then we got their shelf space, too.”

But by the 1980s those beer brands were losing their appeal. “Myron wasn’t interested in pop,” Esplan said. “And we weren’t brewing beer anymore, just bottling it. To keep growing he made this deal with Heileman.”

The deal called for G. Heileman Brewing of La Crosse, Wis., to market Cold Spring Mineral Water. The water would continue to be produced in

Personal Profiles Karl Schmitz, 31

Brewhouse Manager

Education: High School with a diploma in automotive service; certificate in brewing from the Master Brewers Association

Work History: Production, batching and brewing, Cold Spring Brewery, 2005-2013; Head Brewer, West O Beer, Iowa, 2013-2015; Brewhouse manager, Cold Spring Brewery, 2015 – present Family: Mom, Dad and two sisters Hobbies: Fishing, beer, cars

Biggest Change: Almost every aspect, but the complete renovation of the Brewhouse in 2012 was the most significant.

Timeline

Vic Esplan, 69

Alcohol Compliance

Education: St. Cloud Business College

Work History: Three years of military experience, including one year in Vietnam; Cold Spring Bakery for three years; started at the Cold Spring Brewery Jan. 2, 1974, and has worked all aspects of the bottle shop, brewhouse, and as a relief driver.

Family: A brother and sister

Hobbies: Fishing, deer hunting, 4-wheeling

Biggest Change: Seven different brewery administrations; birth and growth of the craft beer industry; transition from Heritage Brew House to the Third Street Brewhouse; The Enlightened Age, The Dark Age, The Phoenix Age

Cold Spring, but through Heileman’s connections distribution would increase significantly. The deal also called for Johnson to sell Heileman the name. In 1987 G. Heileman moved all production out of Cold Spring to La Crosse. A devasting blow because the brewery was producing 90 percent water and 10 percent beer.

“They pulled their water and then went bankrupt,” Esplan said. The Age of Enlightenment was ending.

“We started brewing again in 1983-84,” Esplan said, “and after Heileman went out of business, we were able to get our wort from Schmidt.” But sales were sickly and key team members had died. “One brewmaster retired, his assistant died, then Jim Schorn died. Schorn

Mike Gold, 35 Lead Brewer

Education: Mechanical Engineering, NDSU; Rhetoric with linguistics emphasis, SCSU

Work History: Water treatment, Goldeneye Solutions; syrup batching, Viking Coca Cola; quality control/ utility float, DBL Labs; variety of positions at the Cold Spring Brewery.

Family: Wife, Carina; children Triston, Ezra, Ivan, and Sage Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, chess

Biggest Change: The brewery expansion; significant increase in production volume and efficiency; commissioning of production line 4

had been instrumental in keeping up the interest in brewing,” Esplan explained. “When he died there was no leadership in the brewhouse to get back into serious brewing.”

THE AGE OF DARKNESS: 1993 - 1997

S

addled with high debt, increased competition, and outdated equipment, the brewery began to lose money. When Johnson died in 1993, the family began looking for a buyer.

They found one in a company called Pure Colorado.

The sale to Pure Colorado was hailed as a save for the 120-year-old company that was struggling with debt and outmoded equipment. But unlike Johnson, Pure Colorado is not a hero in the Cold Spring Brewery story.

1977

The brewery signs a contract with the Falls Brewing Company of Louisville to brew Billy Beer, named after President Jimmy Carter’s brother, a noted connoisseur of beer. The first cases are distributed in November to wide acclaim and excellent sales. Six months later the brewery can’t give it away.

1980

Myron Johnson enters into an agreement with G. Heileman Brewing of La Crosse, Wisconsin to market Cold Spring Mineral Water. The agreement is expected to significantly increase distribution of the sparkling mineral water, which continues to be produced in Cold Spring.

1987

G. Heileman moves all production of Cold Spring Mineral Water to La Crosse.

1993

Myron Johnson dies.

1995

The Johnson family sells the business to Colorado-based Beverage International (aka: Pure Colorado) after sales plummet 51 percent over the previous five years. The new owners promise to invest $500,000 into marketing and product development, along with launching two new microbrews and several other products.

December 1996

Brewery Manager Maurice Bryan calls Beverage International headquarters in Colorado, discovering that the company is closed and the chief officers are gone. The brewery remains open, leaving 45 employees in limbo two weeks before Christmas.

Their final paychecks bounce.

February 1997

The brewery is surrendered to the First National Bank of Cold Spring following default on a $300,000 loan. The brewery owes over

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39

Timeline $400,000 in unpaid property taxes and water bills to Stearns County and the City of Cold Spring. Estimates place the brewery’s debt between $4.5 to $11 million. The bank begins operating the brewery while searching for a new buyer.

1997

An investment group begins steps to acquire the brewery. The group includes former Coors executives, brewery manager Bryan, Mabel Coborn of the local Coborn’s grocery store chain, turnaround specialist Judy Charles, and others. Business negotiations include purchasing the bank’s position of $300,000 and formulating a plan to pay-off the nearly $500,000 owed in wastewater fees and overdue taxes.

July 1998

The investment group, REFLO, takes full control of the brewery, purchasing it at a sheriff’s auction.

The company is renamed Gluek Brewing Company.

2000

Beverage mogul, John Lenore, purchases shares in the brewery.

Lenore invests millions of dollars in cutting-edge equipment for the company’s 170,000-square-foot production facility. Production increases to 500,000 cases a year.

2003

Lenore becomes sole owner of the Gluek Brewing Company.

Sales are now at 4 million cases annually. Gluek is recognized as the preferred co-packer of energy drinks in the United States – one of only three similar operations in the nation.

2005

Gluek completes construction of a 96,000-square-foot distribution center along Stearns County Road 2. The new facility has the capacity to house 1.75 million beverage cases.

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Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

Pure Colorado was interested in the brewery because of the company’s multiple packaging capabilities in glass, plastic, and cans, and its variety of products. “They were looking for a brick and mortar shop to brew their craft beer,” Esplan said.

Pure Colorado President Tony Bottagaro traveled to Cold Spring for a company meeting, according to a 1995 report in the Cold Spring Record. The Record quotes Bottagaro as saying: “We see everything through optimistic eyes and see nothing but blue skies.”

However, Pure Colorado, now calling itself Beverage International Group, disappeared. “They planned to do an IPO to raise money,” Esplan said. “But the FCC denied it because their finances weren’t acceptable.”

In December 1996 brewery manager Maurice “Mo” Bryan called the company’s headquarters in Colorado, only to discover that they had closed and the chief officers had essentially disappeared. The brewery remained open, but two weeks before Christmas the final paychecks for the remaining employees bounced. “Those Colorado guys walked away, and the bank took over,” Esplan said.

THE AGE OF THE PHOENIX: 1998 - 2016

A

nd yet, all was not lost. “When those guys walked away, Mo stayed,” Esplan said. Only 13 employees, including Bryan and Esplan, remained, “We called ourselves the Dirty Dozen Plus One” and they worked without paychecks.

Occasionally Bryan would come by and give each man some cash, Esplan said.

Everyone had different reasons for staying, according to Esplan. He was driven by trying to save money to buy a piece of property that was critical for his family farm. “I couldn’t not stay,” he said. Others picked up jobs on the side, but always came back to the brewery.

“Mo was optimistic,” Esplan said.

“He’d give you a bear hug one day, and chew you out the next. One time he told us we had an order we had to get out no matter what. So we worked Saturday and Sunday. Mo came through about

2 or 3 in the afternoon and gave everyone a $100 bill.”

Bryan was more than optimistic.

He was working aggressively behind the scenes to put together an investment group to save the brewery. In 1997, investment group Reflo, Inc., which included Bryan and Mabel Coborn of the Coborn’s grocery store chain, stepped in to take over brewery operations from the bank. A series of complicated legal and financial arrangements followed. The Cold Spring Brewery name was changed to Gluek. Reflo took over ownership of the Gluek Brewing Company. And John Lenore joined Reflo.

Lenore had spent his entire career in the beverage business. In 1966 he founded John Lenore & Co., a California-based beverage and craft beer wholesaler. Lenore was interested in what was now the Gluek Brewing Company because of the opportunity to do co-packing, and he had the connections to make it happen. Copacking, is bottling other companies’ beverages under their labels, using their beverage product. Companies may choose to do this for a variety of reasons, including lack of capital or interest in building their own packaging plant, or because their plants are at capacity. One of Lenore’s connections was with a small energy drink company called Hansen Beverage. Still a Cold Spring Brewing Co. customer, today we know it as the Monster Beverage Corp.

In 2003 Lenore purchased the Gluek Brewing Company from his Reflo partners. He invested millions of dollars in the company from equipment to production to warehousing. The most visible investment was the 2012 construction of a new brewhouse.

“The equipment used to be piecemealed together,” Karl Schmitz said. Schmitz worked at the brewery from 2005 - 2013 before leaving for a stint at West O Beer in Iowa. He returned in 2015 as the brewhouse manager. “We basically abandoned the old equipment.

The brewhouse is purpose-built now and the production line is significantly faster.”

However, beer is only a small part of the

Timeline

Fun fact: In 1920 t h e re we re a b o u t 5 0 0 b r e w e r i e s nationwide.B y t h e e n d o f P ro h i b i ti o n i n 19 3 3 , the Col d Sp ri n g B re we ry wa s o n e o f fe we r t h a n 1 0 0 l e ft .

2006

Gluek Brewing acquires Monarch Custom Beverages, which develops and produces private-label beverages for convenience store chains.

April 2008

brewery’s production. The growth is fueled by new products, such as sparkling waters and low-calorie malt beverages, and larger customers who like the company’s expertise and location.

In 2014 the Age of the Phoenix was in jeopardy. An embezzlement hit the brewery hard. Then John Lenore died, leaving the brewery in the ownership of the John Lenore Trust. Management was told to figure it out, there would be no more cash invested in the brewery. “I don’t think people know how close we were to closing,” former Human Resources Manager Nicki Holthaus said. “We fine-tuned, worked on profitability, put in checks and balances, started an expansion, and focused on community giving. We had three years to make ourselves profitable and we did it.”

THE NEXT AGE: 2017 …

B

rynwood Partners, a Connecticutbased private equity firm, acquired Cold Spring Brewing Company in 2017. They immediately invested in the plant, opening a fourth production line in September 2018, and another expansion is under discussion.

While beer may not be the financial driver behind the brewery, it remains a focal point for the community. The Tap Room, part of the brewhouse remodel, allows the company to show off its proprietary brands.

“Craft beer is not doing as well as it was,” Schmitz said. “We’re working on things right now to grow our brand.

We released a shandy (lemonade-beer mix) last year that captured a broader

spectrum of customers, than just a craft beer.”

That challenge is what keeps Schmitz and Lead Brewer Mike Gold at the brewery. Gold had worked in a variety of positions in the St. Cloud area, including Viking Coca-Cola. “I toured the brewery on my cousin’s birthday in October 2012 and started working here in May of 2013,” Gold said. “I remember thinking how cool it would be to make beer instead of pop.”

There are many processes used to create the sweet wort that leads to beer, Gold said. “It really requires a command of all the hard sciences and that appeals to me.” Gold also helps with recipe development. “We watch the market, get feedback from retail stores on what’s selling, try to figure out where we fit in and what we want included with our brand. We want to be sure we uphold our standard of quality.”

“We’re working to grow our brand at 20 percent annually,” Schmitz said. “You have to understand, that’s coming out of a time when it was common for breweries to grow at 100 percent annually.” That means moving outside the traditional definition of craft beer. “We think in terms of creating drinkable, locally brewed beverages. We’re given a pretty large amount of freedom, but when you bring something to market you have to have your ducks in a row to be successful.”

Gail Ivers is vice president of the

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Many thanks to the Stearns History

Museum for their help with this story and to Vic Esplan for identifying “the ages.”

Gluek Brewing Company changes its name to Cold Spring Brewing Company. The company introduces a line of craft beers.

2012

The company embarks on a year-long construction project, erecting an 80,000-square-foot brewhouse equipped with 17 miles of stainless steel and a computerized system that makes the brewing process 90 percent automated.

In addition, the company rebrands as the Third Street Brewhouse, and discontinues producing Gluek beer.

2014

Adam Martin, controller at the Cold Spring Brewery, is accused of making unauthorized wire transfers of over $243,000 from the brewery’s account to a business brokerage account he set up for the purpose. He is also accused of stealing $30,000 from the brewery. Martin is convicted and begins an eight-year sentence in federal prison in 2017.

The financial impact on the brewery is devastating. The brewery is given three years to become profitable again.

April 2015

John Lenore dies.

The Cold Spring Brewery, along with Lenore’s other business interests, are operated by a trust.

September 2017

Cold Spring Brewing Company is acquired by Brynwood Partners, a Connecticut-based private equity firm. Cold Spring has more than $60 million in revenue annually and employs 350 people.

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41

Feature

! s b o J !

s b Jo Jobs!

Companies are creating careers that attract and keep employees.

By Jeanine Nistler

I

f only there were a foolproof handbook that business leaders could follow to attract, engage and retain great employees.

If only there were a checklist for helping new hires quickly enhance their knowledge and skills, grow with each passing year, smoothly rise through the ranks, and achieve their career dreams while helping the business thrive.

In lieu of such a human resources bible, let’s consider the expertise of four St. Cloud area leaders whose organizations are making strides in those very ways.

Our experts for this article are, in ascending order of employee counts: A Sarah Wischnefski, public relations director, Brenny Transportation, Inc., St Joseph, 94 employees; A Cara Ruff, executive director, Independent Lifestyles, Inc., Sauk Rapids, 120 employees;

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A Jaci Dukowitz, director, operations, human resources, training & development, sales & marketing, Ultra Machining Company (UMC), Monticello, 188 employees; A Joe Kalkman, vice president, human resources, CentraCare Health, St. Cloud, 12,500 employees.

Brenny Transportation hat does a company with fewer than 100 employees know about all of this? Brenny created a young driver training/apprentice program that won a 2018 Innovation Award from the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. New hires are thoroughly trained at their own pace, paired with a veteran driver who coaches, guides and mentors them. New employees are gradually introduced to the myriad regulations of the transportation industry. The “continuous, graduated

W

mentoring program helps not only the trainee but also the trainer,” Wischnefski said. “They learn from each other.”

Brenny team members attend a variety of classes. Employees read and discuss books as part of mentoring groups. And those who want to continue their education in the transportation field get financial assistance from the company.

Employee engagement doesn’t begin and end with training, Wischnefski said.

“We have a very open and honest culture.

It starts from the moment a potential hire walks in the door. We make sure that their purpose and values line up with that of Brenny. All team members complete a personality test, so we can learn more about each other and work more efficiently with each other. Team members are encouraged to be themselves and to speak up. We work hard and are rewarded for it.”

And there’s more:

A Employees are encouraged to put their families first.

A Achievements are recognized. “On any given day, there will be emails from all areas of the staff giving kudos to someone else,” Ruff said.

A Leadership is not just for those with leadership titles. “We believe everyone can be a leader and can guide, inspire and assist the team.”

Independent Lifestyles he size of their team has more than doubled over the past five years – and Independent Lifestyles’ programs have expanded significantly. “The growth comes from continually looking for new opportunities and ways to address the barriers that people with disabilities experience with creativeness and optimism,” Ruff said.

T

Ruff founded the organization with a goal of creating a “phenomenal culture.”

She apparently succeeded. “Ninety-five percent of our staff have relayed that this is the best culture they have ever worked in,” she said. “When you’re doing really hard work and dealing with challenging issues, I believe the culture has the power to not only retain staff, but to attract staff.”

Independent Lifestyles fosters the culture with “the literal language we speak,” such as sayings and taglines, signs and posters. But it goes far deeper. “It’s a living thing we breathe life into every day,” Ruff said.

“We have retreats to strengthen culture; we practice servant leadership, and above all, we always strive to treat our team and one another with the utmost dignity and respect,” Ruff said.

Ultra Machining Company (UMC) t’s about careers, not jobs, at UMC, where employees can embark on clearly defined paths. And they can start as early as age 16 as summertime Youth STEM Workers.

These young workers are exposed to general manufacturing processes and blueprint reading, while assisting around the shop.

“If they enjoy this kind of work,” Dukowitz said, “they can enroll in a youth apprentice role, which is more machine specific and builds on the basics of machining while finishing high school.”

Students who enter a degree program, such as machine tool technology, move to a machine apprentice role as they gain additional knowledge and relevant technical experience. After completing the two-year degree program and apprenticeship, they can progress from

I

strategic. creative. effective.

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43

Feature DID YOU KNOW?

NEW TAX CREDIT FOR EMPLOYERS

Eligible employers who provide paid family and medical leave to their employees during tax years 2018 and 2019 might qualify for a new business tax credit. This new employer credit for family and medical leave is part of tax reform legislation passed in December 2017. To be eligible, an employer must have a written policy that meets several requirements, including: 1 At least two weeks of paid family and medical leave to full-time employees.

Machinist Level I to Machinist Level 4 in the UMC shop. Each level of machinist includes progressive responsibility and authority,” Dukowitz said. Throughout their careers, machinists are encouraged to take machine-specific training, programming classes, and quality

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2 A prorated amount of paid

leave for part-time employees.

assurance/regulation/compliance courses to stay current with industry trends.

UMC has a full-time training and development specialist on staff to work with employees and their managers on individual career development plans as well as department training needs.

3 Pay for leave that is at least

50 percent of the wages normally paid to that employee.

Partial tuition reimbursement, grants and scholarships are available. When employees want to further their education, “we look to say ‘yes’ instead of ‘no,’” Dukowitz said.

As with Brenny and Independent Lifestyles, company culture is key at UMC. The SPIRIT of UMC – encompassed in the

company’s core values of Service, Passion, Integrity, Remarkable, Ingenuity, Team – is alive in the employee onboarding process, performance appraisal system, and quarterly recognition program in which employees nominate co-workers to be honored. Peer recognition for living the core values, Dukowitz said, is “powerful stuff.”

CentraCare Health he community’s largest employer takes pride in being a preferred employer.

CentraCare’s reputation for quality, service and being a good place to work attracts applicants to an array of clinical and support jobs, Kalkman said.

Once on board, new hires are quickly exposed to Our Best Begins with Me, which Kalkman characterized as “an allout effort to purposely build the culture of CentraCare.” Among the concepts of the culture: Understanding individual motivations, self-reflection, and bringing

T

my best to work and bringing out the best in people I work with. “Employees have a common vocabulary for what it means to belong to CentraCare. These cornerstones allow us to provide great care to the patients and families we serve and bolster employee retention.” Employee resource groups that are created around common traits and perspectives – including a group for those age 55 and older and one for single parents – provide “a sense of belonging and making a difference,” Kalkman said.

As CentraCare has experienced explosive growth in recent years, it has worked to create job titles, educational opportunities and career paths that extend across all its clinic, hospital and long-term care sites around the region.

Because of this streamlining, Kalkman said, “employees can see where their jobs fit in the system of CentraCare Health and can see paths for advancement.” They

may move from one CentraCare entity to another as they have “the opportunity to think bigger than their particular jobs.”

Kalkman pointed to St. Benedict’s Senior Community as a common place for employees to enter the CentraCare system.

“They get a taste of the purpose that comes from caring for people. It can be a gateway to a career.”

Employees also are encouraged to think beyond traditional career paths.

Some registered nurses, for example, have branched into working exclusively with CentraCare’s electronic medical records.

Some physicians have left the clinic in favor of senior administration roles. “Many CentraCare employees stay for a long time,” Kalkman said, “so opportunities to continue to develop and advance their careers are important.”

Jeanine Nistler is a former St. Cloud

communications professional now living and working in the Twin Cities.

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45

SPECIAL FOCUS

D U O L C .

T S .

R M

ndation Carlson created an enduring fou Working behind the scenes, Glenn ea Chamber. for business and the St. Cloud Ar tesy of Peggy Carlson Johnson

By Kelti Lorence ••• Photos Cour

and Rollie Carlson

talent, “What you give is your time, your r.” and your treasure - in that orde ,” Glenn Carlson, “Mr. St. Cloud - 1986 53 19 t den St. Cloud Area Chamber Presi

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Business Central Magazine // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 9

Former Chamber executive, Glenn Carlson, (L) was honored with a 10th Anniversary party in 1963.

E

verything that Glenn Carlson did, he did for the success of the St. Cloud area. He saw the potential in the community far before it was reality. From nuns to artists to cops to farmers - his gift was an ability to see the vision for others and point them to the correct resources to make it possible. Above all, family was

the center of his foundation, and the foundation on which he grew the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Over his 33 years in the president’s office, Glenn brought together every industry in the area, turning the Chamber into the hub of the community. Along with many other St. Cloud area business leaders,

Plan now to attend the following:

to support the St. Cloud Area Chamber Foundation

Chamber Connection at Whitney Sr. Center

Summertime by George

Jan. 18:

Mark Your Calendars!

•••• The Chamber has a number of events scheduled to celebrate the Sesquicentennial.

Glenn helped create partnerships and connections that brought the following to the St. Cloud area: • St. Cloud Public Utilities • Fingerhut • St. Cloud Opportunities (industrial park development) • Crossroads Mall

April 4:

St. Cloud Business Showcase

June 5:

Tending for a Cause at Beaver Island Brewing Co.

Finding innovative solutions to challenges that face our clients.

Development / Architectural Design / Construction Services

July:

Aug. 27:

A community celebration with co-host and co-150-year-old St. Cloud State University; ice cream, pizza, beer, gifts and fun!

Sept. 19:

Business After Hours in partnership with the Stearns History Museum, including a historical look back at business and the community over the last 150 years

Oct. 5:

Gala Capstone event at the Star Celebration, Gorecki Center, College of St. Benedict

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47

SPECIAL FOCUS

Chamber members hand out doughnuts to St. Cloud State freshman in 1963.

Above: Former Chamber executive, Glenn Carlson, was honored with a 10th Anniversary party in 1963.

Pictured are the volunteers leaders (L-R) who led the organization during that ten year period: Carlson Eckberg, Geroge McDowall, Allan Heuerman, George Budd, L.K. McLeland, Jerry Kigin, Edward Kain, Ernest Vogel, Lionel Spaniol; In front: Glenn Carlson, L.R. “Dick” Bartley

Other notable feats: 1 Glenn convinced Senator Hubert Humphrey to attend the grand opening of The Mall Germain

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Circa 1994

2 St. Cloud never defeated

4 Glenn added “Area” to

Glenn was president

name, demonstrating the

a bond referendum while 3 The Chamber had

300 members when Glenn Carlson arrived, and 1,000 when he retired

the St. Cloud Chamber

Chamber’s regional impact

Source: Video interview with two of Glenn Carlson’s children, Peggy Carlson Johnson and Rollie Carlson.

• St. Cloud Civic Center (now expanded and called River’s Edge Convention Center) • St. Cloud Economic Development Partnership • St. Cloud Sports, Inc. • The Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame • Crime Stoppers • The Mall Germain • Central Minnesota Farm Show • Central Minnesota Dairy Days Much of Glenn’s success came from a humble approach and a strategic mindset. Any project he took on he saw

TIMELINE

1953 - 1986: Glenn Carlson ••••

1954: Glenn receives "Award of the Bull"

for his services to the livestock industry.

Glenn helps establish the “Princess Kay of the Milky Way” contest.

through to the end. Glenn was a “behindthe-scenes” developer. He quietly pieced together innovative ideas, preparing every detail, lining up Chamber members and volunteers to lead the charge, and then would go public. His children, Peggy Carlson Johnson and Rollie Carlson, will never forget his mantra: “You should be behind the scenes, laying the groundwork, then recruit people.

There are no small people, just a few small jobs.”

Kelti Lorence is the communications and workforce development coordinator at

the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

1955: Glenn receives a certificate of

commendation from the U.S. Chamber for his work in behalf of the free enterprise system.

1963: In partnership with St. Cloud

Sports, Inc., Glenn helps establish the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame.

U.S. Senator Hubert Humphre y with Glenn Carlson

1973: Under Glenn's leadership,

St. Cloud is named an "All-American City,” a significant economic development accomplishment at the time

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49

Business Spotlight

EVVVVVERYBODYYYY…..SIT UP! Dr. Mark Roerick derives his greatest satisfaction by teaching patients how to help themselves. By Gail Ivers PERSONAL PROFILE

Mark Roerick, 48

Hometown: Tolna, North Dakota

Education: Northwestern Health Sciences University Family: Wife Donna, son Austin, daughter Amanda Hobbies: Lawn care and landscaping, travel, deer hunting, restoring his mother’s 1962 VW bug.

“I do love cruising around and seeing the back roads and taking them wherever they lead.”

Business Central: How did you decided to become a chiropractor?

Mark Roerick: I was planning on being an eye doctor.

I got through my first year of pre-med and they came out with corrective eye surgery.

I figured there wasn’t much future in that field anymore, so I asked an advisor what I could do. He said I could complete my pre-med and become a doctor, a podiatrist, or a chiropractor. My dad used to see a chiropractor and it helped him, so I thought that was the way to go.

TIMELINE 1989

BC: How did you end up in St. Cloud?

Roerick: I was an associate chiropractor in the Twin Cities and the man I worked for said he thought it was time for me to go out on my own. I wasn’t bringing in the number of clients he thought I would.

I was newly married, had a baby, so I looked at Idaho, Winona, Sioux Falls, and St. Cloud. Dr. Tom Schuller in St. Cloud said, “I think you should buy my practice.”

I said, “Good, because I want to.” I borrowed money from my family and Dr. Schuller financed me for five years.

When we came here in 1996, we didn’t know anyone.

And I didn’t know anything

about running a business.

I joined the Chamber to get clients. But I found so many resources – professional people who could help me and help the business grow.

That was a nice surprise. And of course, the friendships have been great.

BC: What do you like best about being in business?

Roerick: Being a business owner has opened a lot of doors for me that probably wouldn’t have happened otherwise. It’s given me the opportunity to help others grow. I love helping people, teaching them what they can do to feel better. I always say, “Let your stress levels indicate your level of care.”

AT A GLANCE

Advantage Chiropractic 32 32nd Ave. S, Suite 100 St. Cloud, MN 56301-3830 (320) 251-1080 info@advantagechiro.net advantagechiro.net

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Chamber member since 1998

Business Description: Chiropractor, back pain, headache, sports injuries, prenatal therapy, wellness, nutrition, pediatrics, health, posture, wellness education

Owners: Mark and Donna Roerick Opened: 1996

Number of Employees: Four, including Mark and Donna

Mark Roerick graduates from high school in Tolna, North Dakota

1994

Roerick graduates from Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minn.; he spends 1.5 years working as an associate chiropractor in the Twin Cities

1996

Roerick moves to St. Cloud and purchases the chiropractic practice of Dr. Tom Schuller, located in downtown St. Cloud

1998

Advantage Chiropractic relocates from downtown to Plaza West

2004

Advantage Chiropractic moves to a larger space in Plaza West

2013

Roerick purchases a building and moves his practice into it at 32 32nd Ave. S, St. Cloud

2017

Roerick purchases the building next door to his practice and leases the space

A relationship based on a history of success.

Crooked Pint, St. Cloud’s newest restaurant, specializes in locally-sourced ingredients, homemade menu items, and a beer and liquor selection that is hard to top.

Owned and operated by Hightop Restaurants, Crooked Pint opened in St. Cloud in July 2018 and has experienced incredible success in their first six months in the area.

Hightop Hospitality, who owns 37 restaurants, two catering companies, one grocery line, and a number of real estate properties, owns the St. Cloud Crooked Pint location. Paul Dzubnar and his partner, Mike Drummer, own and manage Hightop Hospitality and its subsidiaries.

A HISTORY OF SUCCESS

St. Cloud’s Crooked Pint isn’t the first transaction that Hightop Hospitality has financed with Deerwood Bank. Joe Bauer, Deerwood Bank Metro Market President, has been Dzubnar’s preferred banker for years. Together, they have worked on a number of transactions and have built a solid relationship of trust, honesty, and mutual success.

“When I am looking at a deal, Joe is always my first call. He shoots straight and gives me his honest advice. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and knows what a deal should look like,” said Dzubnar. “He’ll also challenge me if he doesn’t think it’s a good idea—I value that type of relationship.”

WHERE YOU NEED US

It was also important to the company that Deerwood Bank had a presence in the St. Cloud market, which made the whole process easier.

Paul Dzubnar, Hightop Hospitality Co-owner & Manager

Joe Bauer, Deerwood Bank Metro Market President

“Deerwood Bank makes the process so easy. We’ve built a strong relationship over the years and we have a mutual understanding of what makes a good deal for both of us.”

“As owners of multiple Minnesota businesses, we love that Deerwood Bank is a Minnesota-based business,” he said. “Their footprint is large, but their service is so personal. When I consider which bank to use, I always evaluate how much of my time it will take. It’s a lot of work at some of the other banks, but with Deerwood, it’s become a streamlined process.”

Deerwood Bank’s process is different, he says, because of the value they put on the relationship and the Business Banker’s opinion. “At most banks, they only look at what’s on paper. Deerwood Bank puts a lot of stock in their banker’s opinions and relationships. I don’t know other banks that do that,” said Dzubnar.

PLANNED GROWTH

With real estate and restaurant transactions on the table, Hightop Hospitality plans to continue growing their presence throughout Minnesota.

Deerwood Bank will be a strategic part of Hightop Hospitality’s growth, helping them navigate additional transactions—restaurant and real estate, alike.

“Without Deerwood’s help, we wouldn’t have the capital, resources, and expertise we need in order to grow and expand,” said Dzubnar.

-Paul Dzubnar

www.deerwoodbank.com | 800.291.6597

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