November/December 2023 by St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

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E X P LO R I N G C E N T R A L M I N N ES OTA’ S B US I N ESS ES .

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Cover Story

THIS OLD BARN When Randy Schmitz entered the wedding

38 TOUGH CONVERSATIONS Difficult employees can be a drain on company morale. Quick corrective action is key. 42 BANKING ON TECHNOLOGY As fintech continues to grow, local financial institutions weigh in on its advantages and challenges.

and event business, people didn’t get married in barns. He’s changed that.

47 2023 FINANCIAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

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8 UPFRONT Valuable information designed to guide and educate

22 BUSINESS TOOLS Useful tips and intelligence on how to continue to grow your business

• How will AI affect your industry?

50 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Jeff “Yuppy” Yapuncich, YuppyPhoto

• Marketing and DEI: Why they must coincide • The key to 15-minute meetings • How (and why) to focus on an aging workforce

ON DECK

COMI N G I N J A N UA RY: 2024 Central Minn. Farm Show Are you interested in advertising? Contact Melinda at melindav@businesscentralmagazine.com to find out more!

Main Phone: 320-251-2940 / Automated Reservation Line: 320-656-3826 Program Hotline: 320-656-3825 / information@StCloudAreaChamber.com StCloudAreaChamber.com President: Julie Lunning, 320-656-3804 Director of Finance and Operations: Bonnie Rodness, 320-656-3806 Director of Programs & Events: Laura Wagner, 320-656-3831 Director of Marketing & Communications: Emily Bertram, 320-656-3809

Director of Downtown Planning & Development: Tyler Bevier, 320-656-3830 Director of Member Engagement: Antoinette Valenzuela, 320-656-3834

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF ____________________________ Main Phone: 320-251-4170 Executive Director: Rachel Thompson, 320-202-6728 Director of Sales: Nikki Fisher, 320-202-6712 Sales Manager: Sumer Hager, 320-202-6713 Sports Director: Craig Besco, 320-202-6711

Administrative Assistant/Network Administrator: Vicki Lenneman, 320-656-3822

Marketing Manager: Lynn Hubbard, 320-202-6729

Administrative Assistant: Shelly Imdieke, 320-656-3800

Administrative Assistant: Melissa Ludwig, 320-202-6770

Marketing & Services Coordinator: Olivia Way, 320-202-6713

Aaron Meester Aaron Meester Aaron Meester Aaron Meester

Lisa Koster Lisa Koster Lisa Koster Lisa Koster

Curt Gainsforth Curt Gainsforth Curt Gainsforth Curt Gainsforth

Elizabeth Statsick Elizabeth Statsick Elizabeth Statsick Elizabeth Statsick

Matt Laubach Matt Laubach Matt Laubach Matt Laubach

Jessica Riley

Jessica Riley NMLS# 2312537 Jessica Riley NMLS# 2312537 Jessica Riley NMLS# 2312537 NMLS# 2312537

Melissa Muehlbauer Melissa Muehlbauer NMLS# 1166383 Melissa Muehlbauer NMLS# 1166383 Melissa Muehlbauer NMLS# 1166383 NMLS# 1166383

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Editor Emily Ber tram with Randy Schmitz, owener of Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center. Emily's one-room cabin located about a mile into the woods

The Cabin in the Woods

grew up in the woods. My parents’ home is situated four-wheeler through the woods, wagon in tow, to spend on nearly 300 acres in Minnesota, most of which is the night at the cabin. We didn’t have a generator yet, so we covered in mature trees. Inside the woods, we have operated solely on candles, lanterns, and a few flashlights. walking paths that lead to grassy meadows, sprawling My dad would get the fire roaring, the old radio would be wetlands, and the gem of the property — a log cabin. tuned to country music, and my brother and I would fight My parents own the land thanks to my grandpa, over who got the twin bed and who got the cot. We’d play Donald Dean. He purchased it in 1973, and my family has Go Fish, eat chili prepared on a portable gas stove, and fall used it for recreation ever since. In 1987, he worked with asleep to the dancing shadows of a crackling fire and the local contractors to build a one-room log cabin on the sounds of the woods beyond. property. Located about a mile into the woods, the cabin There was something so special about these evenings. was the first structure built on the land — long before No modern conveniences, immersed in nature, living my childhood home. — just for a night — like Constructed with white our ancestors may have Even if the cabin itself wasn’t that old, pine logs, the cabin is lived. It evokes a feeling of it gave me a keen sense for wired for electricity that gratefulness and contentment runs with a generator, but that is hard to replicate. Even if appreciating history. we rarely use it. There the cabin itself wasn’t that old, is no running water, but it gave me a keen sense for there is a small log outhouse about 50 steps from the appreciating history. Randy Schmitz, owner of Rolling Ridge front door. The cabin is heated by a wood stove and can Wedding and Event Center, has worked hard to preserve sleep three adults comfortably. The wood floor is covered the history of his 130-year-old barn. Entering the barn is like with an antique rug. Two upholstered armchairs face the taking a step back in time, and on page 32 he shares more wood stove. The walls are hung with mementos from past about why that’s so important to him. pheasant hunting trips, cross country skiing endeavors, Thankfully, my husband can also appreciate an and collections of vintage artifacts that my family has unplugged evening in the woods. We have taken our accumulated over the years. There is a porch that wraps all girls up to the cabin many times, and spent the night on the way around the cabin, offering sweeping views of the occasion as well. It’s admittedly a little less quiet with them woods and wetlands. around, but no less magical and fun. Throughout the fall — and even winter — we visit the cabin often. A bonfire pit surrounded by picnic tables is Until next time, located just outside the front door. Many afternoons are spent playing beanbags, taking hikes, and roasting hot dogs over the fire. At least once an autumn growing up, my mom, dad, brother and I would pack up and take the

IN MEMORIAM Our condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Dan Pearson, owner of PleasureLand RV, who passed away in September. Dan was a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce, a leader in his industry, and a recognized supporter of law enforcement. We had the honor of featuring Dan twice on the cover of Business Central: in March/April 2003 and again in September/October 2018 when he received the "Business Central Mark of Excellence: Entrepreneurial Success Award."

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September/ October 2018

ST CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2022-23 BOARD MEMBERS ____________________________ Nick Bischoff, Design Electric Publisher Julie Lunning // Editor Emily Bertram Founding Editor Gail Ivers CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Emily Bertram, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Whitney Ditlevson, Stearns Electric Association Dr. Fred E. Hill, St. Cloud State University Lynn Hubbard, Visit Greater St. Cloud Ari Kaufman, freelance writer Randy Krebs, freelance writer Lynn MacDonald and Ethan Bible, St. Cloud State University Carl Newbanks, Initiative Foundation Jeanine Nistler, freelance writer Alexa Sandbakken, Stearns History Museum

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher/Sales Melinda Vonderahe, Marketing Consultant Ad Traffic & Circulation Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media ART Design & Production Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media Cover Story Photography Joel Butkowski, BDI Photography WEBSITE Vicki Lenneman, 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 BusinessCentral Magazine.com

Ron Brandenburg, Quinlivan & Hughes Doug Cook, Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting LLC. Tanja Goering, Celebrate MN, Board Chair Joe Hellie, CentraCare, Board Vice Chair Ray Herrington, Pioneer Place on Fifth Patrick Hollermann, InteleCONNECT

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

Hudda Ibrahim, Filsan Talent Partners Kevin Johnson, K. Johnson Construction, Past Board Chair Matt Laubach, West Bank Laurie Putnam, St. Cloud School District 742 Paul Radeke, BerganKDV Brenda Sickler, Theisen Dental Melinda Tamm, Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio Melody Vachal, Arise Cares Donella Westphal, Jules’ Bistro Dr. Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University

© Copyright 2023 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.

Small children, big needs CentraCare’s mental health referrals for young children have grown by more than 350% since 2016.

Your gift will help us expand Clara’s House to better address the mental health needs of our children.

Give by Dec. 31 at centracare.com/foundation or call 320-240-2810. Scan and donate today!

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N E WS & P EO P L E T H AT M A K E U P T H E C H A M B E R N E T W O R K

I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Digging His tor y / Do it No w ! / To p H at s / N ew at t h e To p / T h e Tro u b le w it h Bu s i ne ss BOOK REVIEW

NEWS REEL

Tiny but Mighty It’s the tiny things in life that can have the biggest impact. Reviewed by Dr. Fred Hill

12 Tiny Things, Simple Ways To Live A More Intentional Life by Heidi Barr and Ellie Roscher serves as a guide to practice living a more intentional life. From the reviews of others: “If you’ve been looking for the starting blocks for a more intentional life, you’ll find them within these pages.” —Jer Swigart –––––––––– “An excellent companion for anyone who is looking to simplify and stay fully rooted in what truly matters.” —Erica Layne These 12 Tiny Things are: Space, Work, Spirituality, Food, Style, Nature, Communication, Home, Sensuality, Creativity, Learning, Community. There is also an Afterword. At the beginning page of each of the 12 sections, there is a meaningful and pithy phrase of explanation: • Space – Saying no to one thing is saying yes to the possibility of another. • Work – Practicing presence is remembering how to live. • Spirituality – Tend to the things you want to grow. • Food – Breaking bread mindfully is everyday alchemy. • Style – Create a life that

“In 12 Tiny Things, Heidi Barr and Ellie Roscher, have given us twelve humble but insightful meditations on self-care, inclusion, gratitude, and mindfulness. There is nothing tiny about the impact this book will leave.” —L.M. Browning

aligns your radiant inner and outer beauty. • Nature – change to wilderness. There is healing there. • Communication – Healthy communication fosters seeing and being seen. • Home – Gratitude, embodied, is to find home within. • Sensuality – Allow your body to take up space by wanting what it wants. • Creativity – Just Start. Remember how it feels to create. • Learning – Playfully explore the edges of your mind, body, and being. • Community – In vulnerability, we find community. Dr. Andreas Michaelides, chief of psychology at Noom Inc., suggests there is one inevitable truth –

environmental chaos is a constant. We are constantly bombarded with stimuli and choice, which can lead to decision fatigue and even paralysis. This type of cognitive overload can make even small tasks feel insurmountable. “I have often found myself wondering how some people manage to harness and focus their energy in multiple directions with such grace, and now that I’ve read this book, I understand – Heidi and Ellie do so, one tiny thing at a time,” Michaelides wrote. Be prepared for an excellent tiny read. Dr. Fred E. Hill is an emeritus professor at St. Cloud State University.

1 2 T i ny T hi ng s, S i mp l e Way s To Live A More In ten tion al Li fe ; Heidi Bar r an d Ellie Ro sc h er 20 21, Broa d lea f Books , Min n eapo lis, MN , IS BN 97 8-1 -5 064- 6 50 4-3

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Coborns Inc. announces new partnership Coborns Inc. has a new partnership with House of Pizza. Guests can now pick up House of Pizza frozen pizza from local Coborn’s and Cash Wise Foods grocery stores. Brandon Testa is the owner of House of Pizza. “Coborn’s was the perfect retail option to partner with locally for availability and additional growth with outlying markets where their stores are located,” Testa said

Career Solutions receives state recognition Career Solutions, an employment and training agency, earned a Promising Practices award from the Minnesota Association of Workforce Boards (MAWB) for its “Career Seekers Open House” events. These events have brought in many new job seekers that likely wouldn't have been reached otherwise.

Lathrop GPM LLP earns distinction Lathrop GPM LLP is included in World Intellectual Property Review Insights’ “US National Trademarks Rankings," a guide to the nation’s leading law firms and lawyers practicing trademark law. The firm was designated as "Notable" in the non-contentious category.

To be included in the News Reel, please send your submissions to Emily Bertram at Ebertram@ StCloudAreaChamber.com

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DIGGING HISTORY

CentraCare earns nine awards

A Laundry Legacy

The American Heart Association recognized 22 hospitals in Minnesota this year, including CentraCare in St. Cloud, for its

E. F. Meyer found decades of success in the name of cleanliness and innovation. By Alexa Sandbakken

work improving systems of care for heart disease and stroke patients. CentraCare earned nine awards this year, more than any other single hospital.

Proviant Group promotes Kruchten, Recknor Josie Kruchten and Tyler Recknor

Lef t: St. Cloud Laundr y, 114 5th Ave S., St. Cloud

advisors with the practice of Proviant Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. Kruchten graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in finance. Recknor graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in finance.

Local banks make Top 10 Minnesota SBA lenders for 2023 The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Minnesota District announced this year’s list of honorees for small-business lending. The SBA Minnesota District honors 10 lenders annually throughout the state in different asset sizes for their “commitment to helping small businesses succeed.” Making the local list are: Credit Union: Magnifi Financial Credit Union; Lender with between $250M and $500M in assets: BankVista; Lender with more than $1B in assets: Frandsen Bank; National Lender: U.S. Bancorp; Export Lender: Minnwest Bank; Certified Development Company (Loan Volume): Minnesota Business Finance Corporation.

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wald F. Meyer was born in 1869 in Illinois. As a child, he didn’t stay in one place too long. His father was a preacher, so he attended several schools in several towns. He took courses at Northern Indiana Normal School in Valparaiso, Indiana, and ended up in Wahpeton, North Dakota, working at his brother’s laundry business for over four years. In 1899, Meyer moved to St. Cloud, where he and his brother, Oscar, bought a laundry from August Swanson. The business was in the West Hotel building at 5th Ave. and 1st St. S. That same year, he married Emma Sothman. They had two sons, Kenneth and Norbert. Around 18 months after purchasing the business, it was destroyed by a fire. Meyer then bought a laundry on 2nd St. S. In 1902, Meyer

moved the business back to 5th Ave. S where they remained for five years. St. Cloud Laundry found its final location when Meyer built a larger two-story building at 114 5th Ave. S, moving in on January 8, 1908. The building was one of the first in St. Cloud to use terracotta, a ceramic-looking material with a glazed finish. In 1918, they added a 3rd story to the building. St. Cloud Laundry would operate there for the next few decades. Meyer bought a second laundry company in Brainerd in 1920. Business was booming, and by 1938 he had built a new plant, changing the name to Meyer Cleaners and Launderers. In 1944 the Brainerd operation was incorporated into St. Cloud Laundry. The St. Cloud building was remodeled using diamond pink granite and glass blocks

Above: E. F. Meyer (right) operates St. Cloud Laundr y in 1903

in 1947. The offices were moved to the southern side of the plant, and the washing room was remodeled with more modern equipment and a new flatwork ironer. The walls were paneled with mahogany, acoustic tiles were added to the ceilings, and new floor tile and furniture were also brought in. Meyer was known nationally for patenting a tagging machine for use in laundry and dry-cleaning businesses. He also designed many machines and pieces of equipment for his own business. St. Cloud Laundry always worked with walk-in customers, but had larger business clients such as hospitals, hotels, and resorts. Some of the services they offered included: • Sanitone dry cleaning (nationally advertised)

Courtesy of the Stearns History Museum

have been promoted to financial

Operations g rew by 1950. E. F. Meyer is pictured in the center.

• Rug cleaning, sizing, and binding • Cold fur storage and fur cleaning • Linen supply • Dyeing of garments, drapes, etc. • Hat cleaning and blocking • Cleaning of drapes, leather good,

and miscellaneous items • Pillow sanitizing • Blanket laundering In 1949, there was a big celebration for E. F. Meyer’s 80th birthday, his 50th wedding anniversary, and the 50th year of being in business. The Meyers also were recognized by the Minnesota Institute of Laundering

and Cleaning with an engraved sterling silver platter and a leatherbound book of congratulatory letters. In early 1951, Ewald Meyer passed away. His sons, Norbert and Kenneth, who had worked for him since the 1920s, took over the business. Throughout its history, St. Cloud Laundry went through several name changes: St. Cloud New Process Steam Laundry, St. Cloud Steam Laundry, and by 1926, St. Cloud Laundry Inc. By 1959, the company was known as St. Cloud Launderers & Cleaners Inc. and was purchased by American Linen Supply Company on December 31, 1965.

IN THE NEWS

NATIONAL PRAISE Minnwest Bank was named the “2023 Best Small Bank in Minnesota” by Newsweek Magazine. In partnership with Lending Tree, Newsweek analyzed thousands of FDIC-insured banks and credit unions across the United States to determine the best bank in each state based on more than 50 different factors, including competitive rates, low fees, rewards, and a wide

Alexa Sandbakken is the managing

range of financial products

editor at Stearns History Museum.

and services.

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St.Cloud State University receives award

What’s in a Word?

The Herberger Business School received the 2023 Innovation in Business Education Award from the MidAmerican Business Deans Association. The program was recognized for its rapid growth and its ability to offer both online and in-person options in a modular format to align with students’ learning needs, work-life demands and career trajectories.

The ability to be more persuasive lies in the nuances of language and psyche. Business Review study. Startups seeking funding had more success when they used abstract language, because it signaled a stronger future.

Coborn’s Inc. names new COO David Best will assume the role of president and COO of Coborn’s Inc. on January 1, 2024, upon the retirement of current COO Dave Meyer. Best joins Coborn’s from General Mills, where he served as the head of Omnichannel for North America. Prior to General Mills, Best spent 19 years at Target, holding positions in merchandising, supply chain, and business development.

Schmitt earns Gold Circle of Distinction Scott M. Schmitt, certified commercial investment member of Coldwell Banker Commercial - Orion Real Estate Advisors received the Gold Circle of Distinction, which recognizes the top producers within the Coldwell Banker Commercial organization. Schmitt was recognized and awarded top 2 percent achiever status of over 3,000 commercial brokers/associates globally. Additionally, he recently acquired the business assets of Coldwell Banker Commercial Orion from his father, rebranding as Coldwell Banker Commercial | Orion Real Estate Advisors Inc.

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he benefits of persuasion in business go beyond the obvious purpose of making a sale. A persuasive person can be an excellent leader and motivator, and can accomplish tasks more efficiently. But how can you become better at getting what you want? The art of convincing others one way or another can be as simple as the words you use and how you use them.

Make it an identity When trying to convince someone to take a certain action, make that action a part of their identity. For example, as a manager, instead of telling an employee who is struggling to finish their work “you need to get your work done on time,” try “I need you to be a go-getter.” This implies stability — that the behavior

will persist because it’s who the person is. In another example, a study done by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) showed that asking people to “be a voter” vs “to vote” increased turnout by 15 percent.

Details, details, details The Journal of Consumer Research shows using concrete language can shape consumer attitudes and behavior. Using concrete language is the act of being more specific in the way you talk. For example, instead of telling an employee “I read your email about your idea,” try “I read the email you sent yesterday about your idea to increase profits.” Concrete language makes people feel heard. There is also a time and place for less concrete language, according to a Harvard

Say it like you mean it Speaking with confidence is one of the easiest ways to influence conversation. In other words, trim the hedging. Eliminate the “maybes”, use more “definitelys”, and try not to hesitate or say “umm.” Another way to convey confidence is to speak in the present tense. Instead of wrapping up a retreat with “this was a great meeting,” try saying “we really have great meetings here.” However, downplaying confidence works better when the topic is contentious, as expressing doubt can show respect. Question everything A study published by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology discovered that asking more questions in conversations — especially follow-up questions — increased the likeability of the person asking. Follow-up questions are an easy way to show people you’re engaged and actually make you appear more intelligent. It’s also helpful to respond to tricky questions with more

Ask for

questions, and to phrase your questions in a way that urges people to answer them honestly. For example, instead of saying to a potential client, “You’re ready to purchase the product, right?” try “What concerns do you have about purchasing the product?”

Hello, you There is great value in the good old mirror pep talk, when done correctly. Research shows that referring to ourselves in third person is most effective, as it builds confidence and reduces anxiety. In cases when you’re trying to talk yourself out of doing something, use “I don’t” instead of “I can’t,” because

“can’t” implies that you still want to. For example, if you say “I don’t miss deadlines,” it makes the statement part of your identity and puts you in control. Words are powerful and can often determine who is successful, who is well-liked, who is seen as powerful, and more. Whether your goal is persuasion or simply effective communication, consider the words you use and the way you deliver them in every scenario. These tips were outlined by Jonah Berger in his book Magic Words, compiled by Emily Bertram.

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TO P H ATS : M I L ESTO N ES

From getting back to everyday living to running your ﬁrst full marathon, St. Cloud Orthopedics provides the type of personalized orthopedic care that will get you there. Choose St. Cloud Orthopedics, live better.

#ChooseSCO StCloudOrthopedics.com Sartell & South St. Cloud 70 YEARS IN BUSINESS: East Side Glass Company, glass solutions and services, 305 Franklin Ave. NE, St. Cloud. Pictured: Kristin Hannon, Luke Ferkinhoff, Laura Hutt, Andy Ferkinhoff, Patrick Hollermann.

60 YEARS IN BUSINESS: WACOSA, labor needs fulfillment, 310 Sundial Drive, Waite Park. Pictured: Kristin Hannon, Alicia Johnson, Ann Kennedy, Rachel Miller (front), Nancy Betts, Matt Gotschy, Patrick Hollermann.

50 YEARS IN BUSINESS: AMERICORPS SENIORS RSVP, retired and senior volunteer program. Pictured: Paul Ravenberg, Carole McNaughton-Commers, Debbie Backes, Tauna Quimby, Jennifer Wucherer, Jason Miller.

Pictured: Spencer Meier, Division 1 college hockey player. Catch the action! >>

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Stearns Electric reaches $3 million in awards Funded by the contributions of member-consumers of Stearns Electric Association, the cooperative’s Operation Round Up® (ORU) program awarded its three millionth dollar in July 2023. Since 1993, funds from ORU have been given annually to nonprofit organizations, community service programs

160 Driving Academy, driving education, 1215 15th St. N, St. Cloud. Pictured: Mark Chlebecek, Donna Roerick, Michelle Brown, Karen Booth, Sean Adams, Clint Lentner.

Bridge Healing Center, therapy services for immigrants and people struggling with mental health, 22 Wilson Ave. NE, ste 109, St. Cloud. Pictured: April Diederich, Lul Nur, Ali Aden, Safia Mohamud, Jason Miller.

Shrewd Real Estate LLC, full service real estate brokerage, 2757 Ocarina Ct, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Paul Ravenberg, Chris Goering, Jeremy Schreifels, Pam Benoit, Jason Tangen, Eric Johnson.

Ellison Center, nonprofit providing infant & early childhood mental health services, 600 25th Ave. S, ste 102, St. Cloud. Pictured: Patrick Hollermann, Tracy Schreifels, Chris LeDuc, Alison Erickson, Rachel Layton.

JP Morgan Chase Bank, banking services, 211 5th Ave. S, ste 300, St. Cloud. Pictured: Patrick Hollermann, Nathan Altendahl, Andrea Stier, Jordan Olson, Kristin Hannon.

WELL & Company, primary care, medspa with integrative medicine, 2330 Troop Drive ste 101, Sartell. Pictured: Carl Newbanks, Jennifer Peterson, Krissy Weyer, Ashley Rood, Joshua Larson, Eric Johnson.

American Family InsuranceMichael Brower, Agent, insurance agent, 1727 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jason Miller, Michael Brower, Rachel Layton.

Gutter Shutter of St. Cloud LLC, gutter shutter installation, 8856 Ridgewood Court, St. Joseph. Pictured: Donna Roerick, Jason Borresch, Amy Pederson, Clint Lentner.

Alloy Insurance, insurance company, 1101 2nd Street S, ste 110, Sartell. Pictured: Jason Miller, Allan Karki, Darren Brix, Michele Castellano, Jay Olson, April Diederich.

Melinda Pedersen Coaching, LLC, health, life and relationship coaching services. Pictured: Debbie Clausen, Melinda Pedersen, Patrick Hollermann.

Legacy Restoration LLC, roofing contractors, 868 3rd Street S, ste 101 Waite Park. Pictured: April Diederich, Austin Nelson, Adam Lesteberg, Amanda Stolp, Brian Jarl.

Thies & Talle Management, property management and development, 830 13th street S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jenna Binsfeld, Jennifer Dobbelaire, LeeAnna Mathews, Debbie Clausen.

and worthy causes in the communities served by the member-owned electric cooperative.

New development center at St. Cloud State The Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation, in partnership with Department of Defense’s Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization office, announced that St. Cloud State University is one of two Minnesota institutions chosen as new machine tool workforce development centers via the America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) program. ACE is a national initiative aimed at revitalizing U.S. manufacturing. It chose St. Cloud State and the University of St. Thomas to provide essential manufacturing training across the state.

Davis joins the GSDC Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation hired Emily Davis as its Exploring Potential Interests and Careers (EPIC) coordinator. In her role, Davis will work to connect businesses and school districts to help students explore careers through events and initiatives.

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Penmac Staffing, staffing agency, 607 Washington Street, Brainerd. Pictured: Chris Jacques, Dana Kahlhamer, Debbie Clausen.

Bulljive Brands & Bulljive Solutions, customized print and cut solutions for wide format printing, 5150 Marson Drive, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Brady DeGagne, Bo Schmitz, Jim Schmitz, Paul Ravenberg. LRS, solid waste collection company, 2355 12th Street SE, St. Cloud. Pictured: Kristin Hannon, Matt Davis, Dave Pikkaraine, Brady DeGagne.

Roof Maxx of St. Cloud, roof replacement alternative. Pictured: Rachel Layton, Jon Copeland, Lacy Plemel, Patrick Plemel, Chris Jacques.

Nextera Energy Resources, Benton solar energy project. Pictured: Brenda Eisenschenk, Brittney Paxson, Danell Herzig, Patrick Hollermann.

herARTS in Action, nonprofit. Pictured: Sarah Drake, Brady DeGagne.

Celebrate Minnesota, communitywide collaborative to connect people. Pictured: Brian Jarl, Tanja Goering, Jason Miller.

Nautical Bowls, restaurant, 305 5th Ave. S, ste 110, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jason Miller, Brent Wagner, Lori Wagner, Danielle Wagner, Adam Wagner, Brian Jarl

DELIVERING EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING WE DO.

NOR-SON CONSTRUCTION

Nor-SonConstruction.com Nor-Son is an awarded contractor for Sourcewell and AUTHORIZED NUCOR BUILDER.

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NEWS REEL New manufacturing lab opens St. Cloud Technical and

N E W AT T H E TO P

Gretchen Boulka Executive Director, Paramount Center for the Arts

Community College (SCTCC)

the theatre and related programs, which is great because that area is an important part of my history and passion.

celebrated the grand opening of its Advanced Manufacturing Center in September. The 8,000 square foot facility allows

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

SCTCC to increase capacity from 24 to 48 manufacturing students. The modern lab is

I’m looking forward to engaging with people and organizations throughout our community to connect our programs and resources with both those who have been coming to the Paramount for years and those who may have never heard of the Paramount. We have an amazing staff team that is dedicated and passionate about the arts, and I’m excited about what we will all be able to accomplish together.

available to students who are new to the manufacturing industry, as well as those currently in the workforce who need training.

Pantzke receives national recognition RE Magazine named Stearns

Previous position: Director of Performing

Electric’s John

Arts at Paramount Center for the Arts

Pantzke as one of the 2023 Cooperative Rising Stars. Pantzke is among 19 other electric cooperative employees from across the United States who were recognized for the contributions made to their electric cooperatives and their communities. Pantzke joined Stearns Electric in January 2020 as business development representative, and currently serves as manager of energy services.

Habitat for Humanity names new director Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity (CMHFH) announced the appointment of Chad Bouley as its executive director. Bouley was chief real estate officer for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

How long have you been with Paramount Center for the Arts? Since June of 2017

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but have lived in Minnesota since 2000.

What are your hobbies? I love being

What did you do in your previous position, and what will you miss most? For the last six years, I have been the director of performing arts at the Paramount. During that time, I was responsible for booking artists (local, national and international) to perform in the historic 102-year-old Paramount Theatre and overseeing all the related marketing, box office and technical areas. I’ll still be involved in what happens in

outside, so I’m always up for hiking, biking and kayaking. Outside of that, believe it or not, I enjoy attending arts events, everything from my kids’ school concerts to ballet or seeing the latest exhibit at Minneapolis Institute of Art. That all sounds good to me!

Fun fact about yourself: During 2020, when we all were staying home, we got some chickens. They bring me a lot of joy (and eggs).

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Three join Chamber Board The following individuals have been elected to fill three-year terms on the Board of Directors of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

since 2003. CMHFH is the largest nonprofit, affordable homeownership developer in Central Minnesota, serving people in the 30-60 percent average median income range.

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Melody Vachal

Nick Bischoff

Melinda Tamm

Arise Cares 320-230-6348

Design Electric 320-252-1658

Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio 320-257-8637

TO P H ATS : N E W M E M B E R S

Mosford, Barthel & Co., PLC, CPA firm, 2107 Troop Drive, ste. 104, Sartell. Pictured: Donna Roerick Andy Moll, Molly Sytsma, Linda LaSota, Jenna Binsfeld.

APEX Engineering Group, engineering and land surveying, 3800 8th street N, ste 101, St. Cloud. Pictured: Rachel Layton, Tom Welle, Tej Bala, Michael Quamme, Kent Exner, Barry Glienke, Ryan Kotta, Kris Nelson. Active Central MN, nonprofit promoting wellbeing. Pictured: Brady DeGagne, Heather Corcoran, Heather Rothfork, Brian Jarl.

Lindstrom’s Auto Detailing, auto detailing services, 225 15th Ave. N, St. Cloud. Pictured: Jason Miller, Chris Lindstrom, Donna Roerick.

Ippin Ramen, restaurant, 601 2nd Street S, Waite Park. Pictured: Chase Larson, Chad Schwinghammer, Xianyn Fu (Michael), Xiange Fu (Sam), Clint Lentner.

Minnesota Quilters, nonprofit offering quilt education and activities, 253 State Street, St. Paul. Pictured: Brenda Lyseng.

Holiday/Circle K, convenience store, 4255 Roosevelt Road, St. Cloud. Pictured: Patrick Hollermann, Amy Schreifels, Debra Thomsen, Jason Miller.

Cabi by Carol Copeland, wardrobe stylist and studio, 834 2nd Ave. N, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Jason Miller, Carol Copeland, Brian Jarl.

PRIORITY #1: PATIENT SATISFACTION I recently needed last-minute foot and ankle surgery and was referred to St. Cloud Orthopedics. I met with Dr. Lindsey Hjelm on a Thursday afternoon, fully expecting to have to wait until the following week for surgery. Thanks to the quick work of Dr. Hjelm and the staff at St. Cloud Surgical Center, I was scheduled for surgery the next morning! From there on, I knew this experience was going to be different. The staff at St. Cloud Surgical Center made it a fantastic experience for me, and I can’t thank them enough. Their quick response to my needs, fast scheduling, and top-notch care make them easy to recommend.” - Taylor Better Care, Better Costs, Better Recovery… Better YOU. 1526 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303 | PH 800.349.7272 | stcsurgicalcenter.com

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THE TROUBLE WITH BUSINESS

Ready, Set, Road Trip! A Guide for Tracking ROI As with any successful road trip, tracking ROI comes down to a few key things. By Whitney Ditlevson

your clients or supervisors agree in advance on the overall goal, important metrics, and a project timeline.”

Pick the right vehicle.

nderstanding how to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of a marketing campaign is an important skill. Data has influence with your organization’s executives and boards. Tracking ROI is powerful when it comes to outlining the marketing direction for your company. This data sets a baseline for success and helps you adjust your overall campaign as needed. It can even help you justify budget increases or a new hire for your department. But tracking data can be daunting, especially for creative individuals who might prefer art over numbers, or when your marketing department consists only of one or a few people. Tracking ROI also proves challenging as there’s is no perfect metric or tool to use. Successful ROI varies by

industry, organization, campaign, and goal. Think about measuring ROI as a journey — a road trip, if you will. As we all know, a successful road trip comes down to a few key things.

Set your destination by defining your goal. “There is no perfect ‘one size fits all’ approach to tracking ROI. Everything comes down to a specific goal,” Tim Schmidt, owner and founder of Agency 511, explained. “In order to be successful, your organization and leadership need to be clear and define the No. 1 thing that must be measured.” “Discussing the expectations for your campaign with company leaders ahead of time is extremely important,” Kelly Cane, owner of Moxie Creative, said. “Successful campaigns happen when you and

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Multiple resources exist to track metrics that might relate to your overall goal. Equip yourself with the right tools and vehicles to successfully track relevant data. Free digital tools like Google Analytics, Google Business and social media metrics are favored by Cane and Schmidt. But not every marketing tactic can be measured digitally. “Billboards are a good example of this. I can tell you how many cars drive past a billboard daily, but there’s no way to track how many individuals see your advertisement,” Cane explained. “Brand awareness is extremely important to overall ROI, but it’s hard to track.” Think through your campaigns in advance and make a plan to track metrics that are not so clear. “One way to track the success of your billboard, for example, is to simply ask clients how they heard about your organization, product or service,” Cane said.

Plan stops along the way. Successful road trips require pit stops, akin to pins in a map. Each check point helps you get closer to your destination and achieve your goal. “Every mile marker indicates if you are on track to meeting your goal or not. It’s important to stop along the way and check in on the journey,” Schmidt explained. “For

instance, if you are traveling from Minnesota to San Diego and you come across a sign that says, ‘500 miles to Colorado,’ you know you are headed in the right direction. But if that sign says, ‘500 miles to New York,’ you’re definitely off track.” Additionally, beware of distractions that are not aligned with your goal. “Let’s say you get to Las Vegas on your way to California. If you’re not happy with your results, don’t let the bright lights in Vegas distract you,” Schmidt said. “Don’t just set it and forget it,” Cane warned. “If you are consistently tracking your campaign metrics, but your conversion rates are low, you know either your tactics are wrong, or your creative is off. Data tracking can help you adjust your strategy mid-campaign, so you don’t veer too far off course.”

Celebrate your arrival. At the end of every campaign, make sure to celebrate! Look back on the journey, document your wins and outline adjustments you plan to make as you set your next goal. Even if your campaign was not completely successful, honor the fact that you gained valuable insights into what doesn’t work, allowing you to move forward to your next destination. Whitney Ditlevson is a communications and marketing supervisor at Stearns Electric Association.

NUMBERS GAME

Follow the Formulas Return on Investment is no doubt important to understand before launching a marketing campaign, but just how is it tracked?

t its core, the ROI formula can be defined as (Sales Growth – Organic Sales Growth – Marketing Cost) / Marketing Cost = Marketing ROI. The key here is knowing what average organic sales look like prior to launching the campaign, so that there is a clear benchmark for comparison. There are many other metrics that are helpful for calculating ROI. NEW LEADS If your goal is to collect leads, you should know your cost per lead (CPL), which is the cost of acquiring a new lead.

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CPL = ad spend / number of leads gained AQUISITIONS Collecting leads is great, but how many turn into customers? Lead close rate (LCR) is the percentage of leads that make a purchase. LCR = (number of closed leads / total number of leads) x 100 –––––– What is the value of those leads that turn into customers? It’s your cost per acquisition (CPA). CPA = marketing cost for campaign / # of new customers gained during campaign VALUE OF ORDERS If your goal is to see the value of individual orders increase, you should be tracking average order value (AOV). AOV = total revenue for time period / number of orders for time period

Inspiring and celebrating Granite talent. Granite Partners is a private investment and holding company founded in 2002 in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with a mission to grow companies and create value for all stakeholders. As trusted partners, innovative leaders, and responsible stewards, we are committed to 100-year sustainability, and we aspire to world-class wellbeing for all people in and around the Granite community.

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E V E N T S A R O U N D T H E ST. C LO U D A R E A

M O R E O N E V E N T S : Fo r i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e s e o r o t h e r b u s i n e s s e v e n t s , c a l l 3 2 0 -2 51 -2 9 4 0 o r v i s i t S t C l o u d A r e a C h a m b e r. c o m a n d c l i c k o n “ C a l e n d a r.”

Network! The 77th Annual Chamber Open was hosted at St. Cloud Country Club Club in July. Teams, sponsors and volunteers enjoyed a day on the course playing golf, networking and having a great time.

Charlie Ketchum, Center for Energy and Environment (L); Ben Barhorst, American National Bank; Jim Gruenke, Traut Companies; and Connor Comstock, American National Bank

Jeff Jensen (L), Allen Hillstrom and Jill Shaw, West Central Technology

Katherine Grochow (L) and Bonnie Wenker, Quinlivan and Hughes P.A.

Jeff Benda, Edward Jones (L); Randy Koester, Weidner Apartments; Lance Barthel, Batteries Plus; and Scott Kerzman, U.S. SiteWork

Jonalyn Lahr (L) and Tia Anderson, Whitebox Marketing

Eric Johnson, Bradbury Stamm Construction (L); Ryan Schepp, Cream City Tattoo; Mike Hinz, Audio Video Extremes; and Brady DeGagne, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central MN 20

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Eric O'Brien (L) and Wayne Elam, Commercial Realty Solutions

Kris Root and Roger Christianson, Christiansons by FLUID

Erik Johnson, K. Johnson Construction, tees off

Kelly Cane (L), Taylor Sellnow and Isabella Severson, Moxie Creative

Julie Lunning, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce president (L) and Bernie Perryman, Batteries Plus

The Chamber Open Planning Committee: Melinda Pederson, Melinda Pederson Coaching (L); Brittney Goebel, North Creative Co.; Dana Randt, St. Cloud State University (back); Tricia Schleper, Schleper Coaching; Shelby Hedtke and Shelby Klehr, Powder Ridge Winter Recreation Area; Laura Wagner, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce; Eric Johnson, Bradbury Stamm Construction; Mary Hagen, West Central Technology; and Brady DeGagne, Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota

Mike Markman, Deerwood Bank (L); Kevin Johnson, K. Johnson Construction; and John Martens, Iron Street Distillery

Grow! The inaugural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit took place at the Chamber office on September 19th. Speakers from St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, and Independent Lifestyles spoke to 40 attendees about how to integrate DEI practices into their businesses from the perspective of race, gender, and ability.

Dr. Jason Woods, SCSU, gave a broad explanation of diversity in the workplace and what factors to consider when implementing DEI practices.

Njeri Clement, SCTCC, shared stories of inclusive leadership and the immigrant experience.

Charlie Curtis, SCSU, covered the basics of LGBTQ+-friendly workplaces and respecting gender identities.

Cara Ruff, Independent Lifestyles, discussed inclusivity as it relates to people with disabilities.

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I N S I D E T H I S I S S U E : Entrepreneurship / Tech Strategies / Economy Central by Falcon Bank DOING GOOD

Meaningful Action It’s no longer just a preference that companies give to important causes. It's becoming a requirement. By Carl Newbanks

To develop a shared commitment — and to build toward successful outcomes — companies are increasingly aligning their values with the very things that motivate employees and customers. They’re tapping into people’s altruism and empathy, their personal connections to a

orporate giving in the United States grew to $21 billion in 2021, an increase of 24 percent over the prior year. Nested within that growth are these impressive 2021 statistics: • Three-fourths of U.S. businesses made charitable contributions. • A full two-thirds of companies provided a match for employee contributions to their giving programs. Across the nation, among companies of all sizes, corporate giving programs are on the rise. There are a myriad of reasons for the upward momentum, including a sweeping recognition that corporate giving programs are

Contributor ________

now common and a testament to good business practices. More importantly, though, is a growing expectation among stakeholders — employees, vendors, investors, and customers — that companies are vested in programs that generate meaningful action through financial donations, volunteerism, or both. Building a Culture of Generosity As businesses develop and grow their giving programs, it is essential they build a genuine and authentic culture of generosity—one that connects stakeholders’ heads and hearts to the mission of the program and its charitable actions.

Carl Newbanks is the director of development for the Initiative Foundation. Learn more at ifound.org.

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leadership, and its stakeholders, fosters a shared commitment to the program's objectives. It also provides a basis for determining the size and scale of a giving program and the financial resources that will be needed to deliver meaningful results. To sustain a culture of generosity, businesses should

Businesses with a natural connection to a cause have a distinct advantage in shaping their goals and objectives, crafting their mission and engaging stakeholders. cause, and their desire for social change. They’re taking into consideration personal satisfaction and fulfillment, peer influence, social norms, and they are leveraging their good work to gain recognition and publicity. They’re also likely to realize tax benefits. Aligning Values Businesses with a natural connection to a cause have a distinct advantage in shaping their goals and objectives, crafting their mission and engaging stakeholders. When the connection isn’t so obvious, linking the effort to stakeholder values is crucial. Aligning the philanthropic motives of the business, its

explore practical ways to strengthen engagement by: • Creating and communicating clear pathways to participation. • Enlisting stakeholders in the process of selecting where charitable donations are directed. • Celebrating the impact of the giving program through internal and external communications. Giving programs are now seen as an essential part of any successful business, and cultivating a strong culture of generosity is the key to making it work. By intentionally investing time and resources, businesses can position their giving programs for long-term success, resulting in meaningful and lasting contributions to society.

It’s not just a house. TECH NEWS

It’s a space that is uniquely yours; a sanctuary full of the things and people you love.

Spot the Imposter Artificial Intelligence is in nearly every tech headline these days, and it’s beginning to infiltrate the retail world as well. AI generated products — like books, art, and more — are becoming increasingly prevalent on third-party selling websites. Though believable at first glance, these pieces often contain distorted limbs, odd combinations of features and repetitive textures in the background. Many websites are aware of the AI products’ presence, but don’t currently have rules against selling them. It’s up to the consumer to do the research and purchase from reputable sources as much as possible. Or, you could always ask ChatGPT about it.

At W. Gohman, we have been creating environments where people live, work, and play for more than 70 years. From renovation and historic rehabs to large and technically complex projects, our mission is the same: to create beautiful, functional places where people gather. Because this isn’t just a house. It’s your home.

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| CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT | DESIGN/BUILD | BUILDING + REMODELING

wgohman.com

Source: Washington Post

LOOKING FORWARD TO SERVING OUR COMMUNITY IN THE COMING YEAR Password Pro There is very little that you can access these days without a password, both in personal and professional lives. There are also more passwords being stolen than ever before. So how can you create the most secure password? Try these five tips: 1 Use unique passwords for every account. 2 Be creative — use made-up words and nonsensical character strings. 3 Make passwords longer than the required minimum. 4 Use two-factor authentication where possible. 5 Change your passwords regularly. Source: Business News Daily

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PH-320.252.1658

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ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Investing in Issues ESG investing calls into question just how important the bottom line is. By Ari Kaufman

nvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing standards have been making headlines for more than a decade. These standards encourage corporations to operate under the mantra of “making the world a better place.” That said, is ESG investing good for your retirement account? What do investors know about this trend, which has become controversial not only in the financial investment world but the halls of Congress? A 2022 study from the non-partisan FINRA Foundation found that less than a quarter of investors could correctly define ESG investing. ESG effectively began in 2004, when the United Nations asked major financial institutions to identify ways to integrate environmental, social,

and governance concerns into capital markets. A year later, the “Who Cares Wins” initiative marked the first use of the term. Suddenly, criteria such as a focus on developing sustainable investments was required to be incorporated into a company’s financial evaluation. Major institutional investors like BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, have made it clear they expect the companies they hold to commit to the ESG movement. CEO Larry Fink long ago promised to put sustainability at the core of how his company invests. Therefore, many investment directors and CEOs must think about ESG as part of their overall strategy. ESG detractors believe the initiative supersedes fiduciary duties. They don’t believe most people want their savings to

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fund partisan priorities, such as climate or energy policies, racial hiring quotas and more. Last year, Congress introduced the Ensuring Sound Guidance (also ESG) Act to protect people

political agendas. The act requires plan sponsors to obtain written permission from customers if they take non-financial interests — like shunning fossil fuel investments — into account when investing. While some Republican governors have divested state pension funds from BlackRock over its ESG investment principles, others note that ESG investing accounts for more than $20 trillion in assets under management in the U.S. Exxon Mobil, for example, recently appeased ESG investors by electing three directors in a campaign sponsored by the sustainable investment firm Engine No.1 Exxon has taken actions since to reduce its emissions footprint to support a low-

ESG is undeniably becoming a factor in a company’s success in attracting and retaining employees within the current workforce demographics.

from seeing their returns diminished by asset managers steering investors unwittingly towards ESG initiatives. By requiring consent and transparency, the legislation hopes to ensure investment strategies are based around sound financial practices, like maximizing returns and minimizing risk, instead of

carbon business strategy. Six years ago, nearly two-thirds of Exxon Mobil shareholders went against management’s recommendations by voting to require the world’s largest oil and gas corporation to report on the impacts of climate change to its business. ESG is undeniably becoming a factor in a company’s success

in attracting and retaining employees within the current workforce demographics. Millennials and Generation Z now represent well over half the U.S. workforce, and these groups tend to value issues addressed by ESG. But how are individual retirement accounts and institutional ESG funds faring? Heavily weighted toward tech and an environmentalist agenda — and away from oil and gas — green funds underperform the broader market. A recent report published by The Economist found that some of the world’s biggest ESG funds don’t live up to their promises. Others note that ESG investments are higher-fee, lower-return and less diversified. Even ESG supporters worry about accountability during rapid growth, with claims that companies are misleading when touting ESG accomplishments. A former BlackRock chief information officer, who oversaw sustainable investing, recently said ESG is “critically needed… but the overarching narrative that these alone will matter, without rule changing, risks rendering all these efforts meaningless or even counterproductive.” As the debate over ESG investing continues, the complex conversation surrounding the role of corporations in shaping social policy alongside government will, too.

Uncommon Creativity. Vye partners with businesses to deliver creative marketing strategies that drive meaningful

A former schoolteacher and historian, Ari Kaufman has worked

engagement and growth for your brand.

as a journalist in various roles since 2006. He has published articles in a dozen newspapers

V Y E . AG E N C Y

and written three books.

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MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Let’s Be Real Influencer marketing is an effective way to communicate marketing messages authentically. By Lynn Hubbard

isn’t worth the money. Whose opinion holds more weight? Your best friend, because they have your trust, right? This is precisely why social media influencers create highly effective marketing campaigns – they’ve earned the trust of their

partnership between brand and influencer, with open lines of communication and plenty of trust. It’s a match!

If your brand has a clear vision, or falls in a niche market, you

Any brand can find and work with an influencer with a shared vision, but it takes time and effort to find the right influencer and build that relationship. audience. Influencers have a way of producing content that both advocates for your brand and feels genuine, and their loyal followers respond to that. This audience engagement is key for boosting brand credibility and awareness. Who’s it for?

nfluencer marketing has become an important marketing strategy for brands to reach their audience on social media. Yes, we’re about to dive into why you should put your brand, your dollars, and your faith in the hands of someone whose credibility is based on social media followers. The way consumers respond to advertising has changed exponentially over the last

decade. Traditional ads don't resonate the way they once did – the new consumer needs connection and authenticity. When properly executed, influencer marketing is highly effective at delivering just that. Why it works

Your best friend tells you the new restaurant in town is fantastic, but later, you overhear a stranger say the new restaurant

Influencer marketing can be effective for any business, product, brand, or service. There are dozens of broad verticals — travel, fashion, parenting, technology, gaming — with niche specialties within each. Any brand can find and work with an influencer with a shared vision, but it takes time and effort to find the right influencer and build that relationship. Campaign success stems from a collaborative

Contributor ________ Lynn is the marketing manager for Visit Greater St. Cloud, where she regularly partners with social media influencers for marketing initiatives.

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can easily search for compatible influencers on your own. If that seems daunting, there are many third-party agencies who can help you hone your vision and find the right influencer for your brand. Some of these agencies include Creator.co, Upfluence, and Brandwatch, but there are many more vertical-specific options as well. Either way, it’s important that you find an influencer whose values and voice align with your brand. To be successful, the partnership between influencer and brand should feel natural as you need to trust them to promote your brand through their own authentic, creative way. Measuring success

In the end, it’s all about the numbers, just like any other marketing strategy. That’s why it’s important to discuss goals and objectives with the influencer you’re working with to ensure you’re measuring

success in the same way. Tracking reach and impressions will tell you how many people saw the post. Measuring audience engagement is one of the best key performance indicators. Watching your audience growth rate can be beneficial. When it comes to determining ROI (return on investment), you need to track conversions and revenue from social media to find out who’s clicking your links or using your codes and how many of those clicks generate revenue. These are just a few of the dozens of ways to track and measure a campaign. Influencer marketing is a powerful strategy to help your brand increase visibility and build lasting relationships with consumers. It’s here to stay – jump on the bandwagon.

TECH NEWS

Flippin’ Crazy If you thought we left flip phones in the early 2000s, think again. Research firm International Data Corporation estimates that global sales of foldable smartphones will grow by more than 50 percent this year. While the draw lies in compact size and the ability to multitask, the pitfalls include a short battery life, a camera that’s not as nice as traditional smartphones, and a screen that holds on to grime and dust more than its counterparts. Now, if ringback tones make a comeback, then we will have come full-circle. Source: Washington Post

Grounded in Conservation As 3D printing evolves, researchers are continuously looking for ways to improve its applications. Enter, Michael Rivera, an assistant professor at the University of Colorado Boulder. He has developed a way to handle used coffee grounds mixed with water, cellulose gum and xanthan gum to produce a variety of products, including pots for plants, espresso cups and jewelry. It’s a step toward Rivera’s goal of infusing 3D printing with environmental consciousness. As if coffee wasn’t already wonderful! Source: Tech Times

Digital marketing solutions You know your business best. We’re here to help you grow it. Whether it's driving leads for banks and credit unions, to building relationships for your insurance or financial services company, we're here to help you take control of your business. Marilyn Birkland Regional Sales Director mbirkland@localiq.com

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Economy Central presented by

ECONOMY CENTRAL

Certainly Uncertain Does artificial intelligence have a place in finance? It seems to think so. Ethan Bible and Lynn MacDonald

quality, AI model transparency, regulatory compliance, market volatility, and overfitting. Adequate risk management, robust data governance, and human oversight are essential to address these challenges. 4 AI in Broader Fintech: AI’s

applications extend beyond investment management. It’s used in credit scoring, fraud detection, customer service chatbots, and regulatory compliance (Regtech). Blockchain and cryptocurrencies also benefit from AI’s efficiency and security enhancements. 5 In-House AI Platforms: Leading

rtificial Intelligence (AI) presents opportunities as well as uncertainty and risk. These opportunities and uncertainties are present in all areas of its use, including its use in finance. Many large financial firms like J.P Morgan and Blackrock have already developed and use internal proprietary AI platforms. To start, we asked ChatGPT questions about fintech and AI’s ability to manage investment portfolios. We then asked ChatGPT to summarize that discussion. According to ChatGPT*:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the financial industry in profound ways, offering innovative solutions and opportunities.

1 AI in Investment

financial institutions have developed their own AI platforms for trading, risk management, and customer service. These platforms are tailored to meet specific business needs and drive efficiency.

Management: AI is revolutionizing

investment management. Hedge funds, asset managers, and roboadvisors are using AI algorithms to optimize portfolios and assess risks, potentially boosting returns. However, it’s vital to remember that market conditions still play a significant role in financial performance. 2 Who’s Leading the AI Charge: The adoption of

AI in finance is led by firms like quantitative hedge funds, asset management companies, and fintech startups. The extent of AI usage varies, depending on each firm’s specific goals and resources. 3 Challenges and Considerations:

Incorporating AI in finance raises valid concerns, including data

6 Data Security: Data security

remains paramount. While there haven’t been reported data breaches related to OpenAI platforms, safeguarding sensitive data is a top priority when using AI systems. 7 Customer Insights: AI empowers

financial institutions to gain deeper insights into customer behavior. Analyzing data helps tailor financial products and services, improving overall customer satisfaction. 8 Market Competition: The

integration of AI in fintech has intensified competition. Startups, traditional financial institutions, and tech giants are competing to offer innovative AI-driven solutions, driving advancements in AI technology and improving financial services.

In conclusion, AI is fundamentally transforming finance by automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and delivering innovative services. While challenges exist, the benefits are substantial. As AI continues to evolve, it will shape the financial industry’s future and redefine how businesses interact with their customers. Staying informed and agile in this evolving landscape is vital for success. OpenAI platforms such as ChatGPT are only as good as the information that has been supplied and the questions being asked. According to ChatGPT, “ChatGPT may produce inaccurate information about people, places, or facts.” Additionally, OpenAI has fallen prey to at least one confirmed data breach. Fintech and AI have changed how financial practices can be executed. Machine learning, one branch of AI, sifts through vast amounts of data to assist computers in developing their own algorithms. It then adjusts actions based on new data received to perform tasks optimally. Machine learning is sometimes used in investment portfolio management to optimize asset allocations based on risk and return data. Machine learning, and AI more broadly, continue to have uncertainties and risks that should not be ignored. AI can make incorrect assumptions from supplied data that can lead to poor decision making. AI is an exciting technology that can advance fintech further, but there are both costs and benefits to be considered in its applications.

Contributors ________ Ethan Bible is a double major in economics and finance at St. Cloud State University; Lynn MacDonald, Ph.D., is associate professor of Economics at SCSU; * ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversational dialogue.

BusinessCentral Magazine.com // N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Economy Central presented by September

July 2023 Jan Feb December Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

2023 Totals represent data reported as of 10/01/23

2021

2022

641

500

65 $4,995,996 116 $13,249,203

November

Home Sales Closed in St. Cloud Area

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

2021

February

December

November

October

September

August

July

April $2,766,805

Food and Beverage ST. CLOUD

October

B U I L D I N G P E R M I T S BY C O M M U N I T Y Commercial September 2021 #/$

TOTAL: $83,351,267

2022 #/$

August 282

275 2023 $139,287,507

222 $26,144,026

Sartell

July 158 December

174 $31,707,799

241 $9,563,004

$105,238,005 $18,230,359

June

TOTAL: $215,772,443

Sauk Rapids November 56 $12,310,906

65 2022 $11,765,992

May Waite Park October122

12 $2,774,220

10 2021 $300,363

Mar August

2000

$2000000

Jan June

44 $3,001,040

TOTAL: 182*

170 $21,617,182

TOTAL: 1868

St. Joseph

$11,691,421

Apr September

TOTAL: 1823

St. Augusta

$200M $250M TOTAL: $215,772,443

2023 #/$

St. Cloud

Feb July

$150M

June

27 $1,034,842

181 $10,076,422

1500

TOTAL: $1,287,691

TOTAL: $1,604,677

$1500000

$100M

49 $1,155,337

162 $4,529,642

1000

Data not released at time of print

$1000000

2022

$50M

317 $8,820,551

January

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH TOTAL: $153,245,951 TOTAL: $83,351,267

$0M

994 $21,072,914

December

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

2023

252 May $9,116,510

110 $12,380,467

500

$500000 2021

0$9,043,177

113

$100M

Commercial Building Permits

2022

1,350 $15,624,339

March $11,360,899

Commercial Building Permits

2023

May

$80M

477

2020

$60M

January$28,930,350 June

2023

2019

$40M

719 $28,676,869

$20M

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

ST. CLOUD

$0 $0M

ST. CLOUD

612 2021 $24,252,325

St. Augusta St. Joseph

Home Sales Closed 2023 #/$

Waite Park

2021

2022

2022 #/$

777

Sauk Rapids

TOTAL: $88,202,416

2021 March #/$ $31,498,210 February July

Sartell

$80M $100M TOTAL: $84,561,804

September August

St. Cloud

2021

2020

2019

2022

$60M

May October

April

$40M

March

Residential

2023 $20M

June November

BUILDING P E R M I T S BY C O M M U N I T Y April

TOTAL: $65,820,639

$0M

February

January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

TOTAL: $84,561,804

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH TOTAL: $88,202,416

2021

ST. CLOUD

COLOR KEY:August

TOTAL: $65,820,639

Compiled by Shelly Imdieke, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

Residential Building Permits

Home Sales Closed

October

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

ECO N O M I C I N D I C ATO R S & T R E N D S

E PARK,

November

16,523*

$200M

Residential Building Permits

2022

621,465

885,721

$80M

E PARK,

1,424*

32,948

24,272

December

31 Food and Beverage $11,902,415

ST. CLOUD 138 $12,041,501

13 $1,095,923

2023

96 $11,093,600

$22,604,397 $0

$500k

2022

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

TOTAL: $153,245,951

Unemployment Rates

2021

2022-2023

December

November

1.0%

October

September

August

July

June

May

Jan

April

1.5%

March

$250M

February

January

$200M December

November

October

September

$150M

August

$100M July

June

May

April

March

February

January

$50M

Source: positivelyminnesota.com $0 $500k

Feb 2.0%

$0M

3.5%

2022-23 -% CHANGE

Source: positivelyminnesota.com

4.0%

2021

Non-Farm Mar Jobs

0.5%

3.0%

0.0% 2.5%

-0.5% -1.0%

2.0%

-1.5% 1.5%

St. Cloud Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota United States

-2.0%

St. Cloud, MN MetroSA Minnesota United States

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 // BusinessCentralMagazine.com

GROW

E PARK,

December

Benton County Sheriff's Civil Process; Stearns County Sheriff's Office

BusinessCentral Magazine.com // N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

December

November

October

September

Benton Co.

The percent of businesses that expect AI to increase productivity –––––––

August

64%

1 in 4

July

June

May

Stearns Co.

April

2023

March

2022

February

2021

The expected annual growth rate of AI from 2023 to 2030 –––––––

January

December

October

November

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

SHERIFFS' FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS

37.3%

January The estimated net increase on US GDP by 2030 because of AI –––––––

The percent of consumers who are concerned about misinformation from AI –––––––

2021

March

21% February

75%

TOTAL: 31

Residential

November

TOTAL: 69

Home Sales Closed in St. Cloud Area

2023

TOTAL: 182*

$2M

TOTAL: 1868

2000

$2000000

TOTAL: 33 $1.5M

TOTAL: 1823

$2M

TOTAL: $1,420,811

November

$2M

Artificial October Intelligence, or AI, has moved from the trendy buzzword category firmly into the reality category in September recent years. Its applications are boundless — and somewhat August scary. Even tech leaders like Tesla’s Elon Musk, Meta’s Mark July and Microsoft’s Bill Gates have warned of the Zuckerberg potentialJune dangers that AI poses in the realms of misinformation and spreading propaganda. That said, the momentum of AI May development has not halted. As far as business is concerned, it’s here to Aprilstay. A recent Forbes article summarized some major takes on AI in the business world.

TOTAL: $1,587,656

October

The Business of AI

TOTAL: $498,327

$1.5M

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

2021

December

TOTAL: $1,142,027

$1M

September

August

July

June

$1.5M

BY THE NUMBERS

STEARNS AND BENTON COUNTIES

January

Source: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

Sheriffs’ Foreclosure Auctions $500k

1500

TOTAL: $1,287,691

TOTAL: $1,604,677

$1500000

$1M

May

2500

2022 Source: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

2020

2000

1000

Data not released at time of print

$1000000

ST. CLOUD

April

Feb

TOTAL: $1,543,320 Food and Beverage Tax Collection

$1M

February

500

$500000 2023

March

1500

TOTAL: $1,420,811

March

2021

Mar

TOTAL: $1,029,924

$500k

April

Apr

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

1000

ST. CLOUD

TOTAL: $1,587,656

TOTAL: 2010

Lodging Tax Dollars

2023

May

2022

Jan of Realtors, Housing/Real Estate sources:$250M St. Cloud Area Association $150M $200M http://stcloudrealtors.com/pages/statistics.

2021

TOTAL: $498,327

June

TOTAL: 1569

May

ST. CLOUD

500

October

2019

2021

2020

2019

$0 0

2500

July

2023

June

TOTAL: $153,245,951

2021

November

August

TOTAL: $215,772,443

2000

ST. CLOUD September

SeptemberTOTAL: 860

July

2022

1500

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

October

TOTAL: $83,351,267

2023

February

January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

December

UD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK,

2021

1000

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

Home Sales Closed in St. Cloud November ST. CLOUD

2022

500

16,523*

BUSINESSTOOLS

ing Permits

$100M

621,465

January

ECO N O M I C I N D I C ATO R S & T R E N D S

2022

885,721

$100M

$80M

$200M

E PARK,

$80M

1,424*

32,948

24,272

$60M

February

The number of companies that are adopting AI because of labor shortages –––––––

97 million The estimated number of jobs that AI will create –––––––

77% The percent of workers concerned that AI will cause job loss in the next year

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THIS

OLD BARN

When Randy Schmitz entered the wedding and event business, people didn’t get married in barns.

Photography by Joel Butkowski, BDI Photo

Story by Emily Bertram

HE’S CHANGED THAT.

andy Schmitz didn’t plan to own a wedding and event center. Schmitz wanted to work in landscaping. He grew up spending time with his mom in the garden and remembers being fascinated by both plants and architecture at a young age. When his grandparents built a home and had their landscaping done by Thomsens Greenhouse and Garden Center, Schmitz remembered his dad’s advice: get a job related to something you want to do before spending money on college. So, at age 15, Schmitz started working for Bob and Bonnie Thomsen. They took him under their wing, while allowing him to try new things. Plants alone weren’t enough for Schmitz – he was still drawn to architecture. So, while continuing to work at Thomsens, he combined his two passions by pursuing a degree in landscape technology at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, followed by

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 // BusinessCentralMagazine.com

COVER STORY

PERSONAL PROFILE

Randy Schmitz –––––––––––––––––– AGE: 46 Owner, Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center FAMILY: Wife, Nancy; and children, Lily, Sylvie, and Wylie HOMETOWN: Sauk Rapids, Minnesota EDUCATION: Cathedral High School, Central Lakes College, St. Cloud State University WORK HISTORY: Thomsens Greenhouse & Garden Center, Scenic Specialties HOBBIES: Spending time with family, snowmobiling, going to the cabin, spending time in the woods

ADVICE TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS:

“

When you’re in the creative business, and you’re doing something that doesn’t already exist, don’t stop believing. There’s gold in asking questions and staying curious. If people ask why, ask why not.”

The old barn foundation is a popular site for wedding ceremonies.

an AAS in horticulture from St. Cloud State University. “I knew I wanted to own my own business someday, so I wanted to have the paper to prove that I knew what I was doing,” Schmitz said. After he graduated college, the Thomsens encouraged him to start his own business at their location so that he could handle all of the landscaping work. In 1997, Schmitz started Scenic Specialties. “We were there for about five years,” Schmitz said. During that time he also opened and operated The Pond Shop at Thomsens, selling specialty pond landscaping features. Schmitz had dreams of taking over Thomsens, but the timing didn’t work out. “So I bought this property as a backup plan,” Schmitz said with a laugh, gesturing to Rolling Ridge. He purchased the property on September 18th, 2001, and moved Scenic Specialties’ operations there.

Something About a Barn The property was in a good location. It has easy access to major roads, it’s large enough to hold landscaping supplies and equipment, and located in a setting that Schmitz knew he could turn into something special. But what Schmitz really liked about it, was the barn. “When we bought this place, I bought it because it had

BusinessCentral Magazine.com // N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3

the barn on it,” he said. He remembers watching the show This Old House with his father – specifically an episode where they turned an old barn into a house. “It was super intriguing,” Schmitz said. “I thought, would that be cool to do that someday.” He kept that idea in the back of his mind for nearly 15 years as Scenic Specialties grew and expanded. Dorene Rennie owned the property when Schmitz first became interested in it. He initially offered her a contract for deed deal, but Rennie wasn’t interested. A few months later, though, she had a change of heart. Schmitz purchased the property from Rennie, and later ended up hosting a family reunion at the venue for her family. The original farmhouse is still on the property, as are most of the farm structures including the chicken coop, silo, pump house, and original barn foundation (more on that later ...). Rennie still lives in St. Joseph. The barn was built in the 1890s, and still stands tall thanks to the original tamarack timbers. Schmitz is enamored of the engineering that went into the structure over 130 years ago. “Long before you hired architects and engineers, they kind of figured it out.” When Schmitz purchased the property, the barn had been most recently used to

house hogs – a far cry from crystal chandeliers and twinkle lighting. Fortunately, Schmitz isn’t one to be deterred by a challenge.

A Venue is Born After Schmitz moved Scenic Specialties operations to the property, it began to take on a new look. Landscaping elements were added around buildings. A pond with a fountain was constructed in the front. Gardens sprang up among the rustic buildings. As the curb appeal increased, so did requests from people to take their wedding photos at the property. Schmitz’s friends, Joel and Melissa Torborg, pushed him to take the interest in his property further – to host a large event. So, he did. The first big event hosted at the property was CentraCare’s La Gratitude event in 2013. “What could go wrong, did go wrong,” Schmitz said. “The day of the event, the temperature dipped to single digits, the wind came out of the wrong direction, water lines froze ... .”

In the end, he was thankful for the experience. “We learned a lot and had invested a lot already into the barn, but we didn’t know what we would really have to do until this event,” he said. Rolling Ridge Wedding and Event Center was officially launched in 2015, and Schmitz sold his ownership of Scenic Specialties soon thereafter so that he could focus on Rolling Ridge full time. Scenic Specialties still shares the property today. “They’re part of what makes this place successful,” Schmitz said. He credits partnerships like this as one of the keys to his success, instead of trying to do everything in-house. “We focus heavily on partnerships,” Schmitz said. He is not afraid to rely on people who are experts in their areas. Custom Catering is another example of a valuable partnership. “They’re our food and beverage and day-of providers,” Schmitz said. “Food and beverage is such an important part of an event. People see that as part of Rolling Ridge, whether we provide the service or not, so we wanted to make sure we had the best of the best.” They are also behind the great pizzas you can find at Rolling Ridge on Wednesdays in the summer.

FUN FACT

Familiar Places As Schmitz was starting Rolling Ridge, he had to meet with Environmental Services at the St.Cloud courthouse. Schmitz was telling his business plan to Jane, an administrator there at the time, and he looked up to see a surprise. “I said, it looks like that place,” Schmitz said, pointing to a framed photo on the wall behind Jane. As it turns out, it was a historic photo of Schmitz’s property

A Pizza the Action

from the Stearns History

As primarily a wedding venue, the public was not initially afforded the opportunity to experience Rolling Ridge in its full splendor very often,

Museum. “I had to get a copy for myself, and I still have it to this day.”

FOND MEMORIES

Lasting Impressions

hen you work in the wedding industry, you see a lot of emotions, great stories, and memorable days. Some come and go, and some stay with you forever, such as one special couple that Schmitz remembers fondly. “She was a super positive person,” Schmitz said. While working with the couple to plan their special day, Schmitz

found out that she had an aggressive form of cancer. Her father would drive her down to the Mayo Clinic for treatment, and whenever the song Fight Song by Rachel Platten came on, she would crank it up loud. The song became her rallying cry, and the artist an inspiration for her though her journey. As her wedding date approached, her father was able to get in touch with Platten, and the artist recorded a special video message for the bride. Her father wanted to surprise her with it on their wedding day at Rolling Ridge. “I had a family vacation planned for that weekend, but I changed it,” Schmitz said. He worked with one of their preferred DJs, Digital Encore, to figured out a way that they could project it outside right after the first dance. “It was one of those super moving moments,” Schmitz said. He has stayed in touch with the couple since their wedding. They have since attended several Wood Fired Wednesday events over the years, and Schmitz was recently happy to learn that they are expecting their second child. “Every once in a while there’s that special couple that you connect with,” Schmitz said. “It’s those moments — all those little cool elements of your whole journey — that you can pull together and share on your wedding day, and it’s great to see our couples doing that.”

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COVER STORY

timeline ––––––––––––––––––

Photo credit: Shane Long Photography

1993 Schmitz begins working at Thomsens Greenhouse and Garden Center. 1997 Schmitz starts Scenic Specialties and operates out of Thomsens.

2002 Scenic Specialties and The Pond Shop move from Thomsens Greenhouse and Garden Center to the County Road 133 location. 2013 Rolling Ridge hosts its first event, CentraCare’s La Gratitude. 2015 Schmitz formally starts Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center, and the first wedding is hosted at the property. 2016 Schmitz begins Wood Fired Wednesdays. 2017 Schmitz sells Scenic Specialties to focus on Rolling Ridge full-time. 2020 The Root Cellar — a speakeasy bar under the barn — opens.

Family Legacy You could say that business ownership is in Schmitz’s blood. His parents owned Ron’s Cabinets in Sauk Rapids all throughout his childhood. “There were many nights around the dinner table talking about business,” Schmitz said. Over the years, Schmitz watched that company grow and expand, observing the importance of hiring good people and focusing on customer satisfaction. While his parents certainly taught him about the business operations, neither Schmitz nor his sister were ever expected to work for the company. “Dad kind of wanted to keep us from that. He didn’t want to pressure us,” Schmitz said. “Just because he owned the

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ldwood photogra

unless invited to a wedding there. Plus, couples who have hosted their weddings at the venue didn’t have a lot of opportunity to come back and reminisce. Those factors fueled creation of the weekly music series, Wood Fired Wednesdays, in the summer of 2016. It started out as a monthly event, moving quickly to bi-monthly, and now to its weekly schedule every Wednesday from midMay through mid-September. “If we’re going to do this, let’s go big or go home. That’s kind of what we do here,” Schmitz said. Attendees pay a small cover fee to enter the venue, where they can enjoy live music by local artists, wood-fired pizzas, a full bar, and the beauty of the venue in a relaxed setting. “It was meant to be a community event, to bring people together.”

Photo credit: Wi

SEPT. 18, 2001 Schmitz buys the property at 31101 County Road 133, St. Joseph, Minn. where Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center is now located.

phy.

1999 Schmitz opens The Pond Shop at Thomsens.

business, that was his dream. He was really good about making sure that it didn’t have to be our dream.” Schmitz credits the proximity to Ron’s Cabinets for teaching him many great lessons. One of those is to always be searching for a better way of doing things. “Just because it is this way today, doesn’t mean that it’s meant to be that way forever,” Schmitz said. It’s that spirit of imagination that drove Schmitz to start a wedding venue like no other. “In my opinion, at the time, weddings were pretty boring,” Schmitz said. “So my goal was, what can we do to make not every wedding seem the same.” Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center has seven ceremony locations and eight venue spaces available for guests. The bridal suite is every bride’s dream place to get ready, with vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and plenty of mirrors. The former chicken coop is now called the Rooster’s Roost, and features a foosball table, dart board, and other groomsmen essentials. The basement of the barn has been transformed into the Root Cellar, a speakeasy-style room with a bar, vintage lighting, and plenty of photo ops. The courtyard rests between the lively bar, the big red barn,

and a glass atrium topped with a white cupola – a dreamy area for dancing the night away. Let’s not forget the rolling green hills, shady tree groves, lush gardens, and giant pond with water fountain feature. The variety helps make each event unique, and also provides couples with options that best fit their personalities. The team at Rolling Ridge draws inspiration from a variety of sources. They spend a lot of time looking at problems that other industries or businesses face, and how that can relate to the venue. One example is the courtyard area at Rolling Ridge. Schmitz and his team began noticing that people would move chairs and tables to make new, bigger seating areas during events. “After events, we’d get back on Monday and the furniture was everywhere,” Schmitz said. Schmitz and his father worked together to build larger, heavier tables that would accommodate more guests. “So that’s what makes it fun,” Schmitz said. “I get to create things every day that I’m here.” Part of what makes Rolling Ridge so successful is its ability to keep ahead of the trends. “We are always trying to improve the environment here,” Schmitz said. Experience is everything, according to Schmitz, and no two couples are the same. By offering a wide variety of new photo settings and entertainment areas, the venue stands out from others. “By the time the shovel is in the ground for me, the next idea is already thought through.”

Measuring Success While the whole Rolling Ridge property is full of beautiful settings, the gem is the barn. It is the hub of all creativity for the venue. It’s the main building, the central location, the ultimate draw for couples. When Schmitz first entered the wedding industry, there weren’t a lot of other

barn venues on the market. He has blazed the trail for others in that regard, and still stands out among the rest. “Nothing speaks the same story as this 130-year-old barn that was built here with local materials and put together before there were power tools,” Schmitz said. “That makes it a one-of-a-kind piece of art.” He works hard to maintain the barn’s original splendor. “I wanted to keep the barn as original as possible,” Schmitz said. “For me, it’s a lot about the story and preserving the history.” That said, sometimes adjustments are needed to be safe and effective. The flooring in the barn was redone with red and white oak from Schmitz’s father’s woods, new lighting and electricity had to be added, and of course, heat and air conditioning. True to his values, Schmitz is always looking for a better way of doing things – even big things. “We ultimately ended up moving the entire barn to where it is now,” he said. Its new location worked better with their plans and allowed them to better preserve the history of the barn. The former foundation is now the most popular place to host outdoor ceremonies at the venue, with the stone retaining wall still in place. Whenever he’s able to, Schmitz enjoys sitting in the back of a room during a wedding and listening to people talk. He’ll often catch guests debating how the barn was built and what they think the history of the barn was. It’s in those moments of happiness — the creation of memories — that Schmitz knows he’s been successful.

BUSINESS PROFILE

Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center –––––––––––––––––– 31101 County Road 133, St. Joseph, MN 56374 320-257-7755 Rollingridgeevents.com BUSINESS DESCRIPTION: Rolling Ridge Wedding & Event Center is a private event venue. It is an all-in-one venue with 10 ceremony locations and dozens of photo opportunities. The historic barn seats 300 guests and is fully air-conditioned and heated, with a courtyard patio for outdoor reception and dancing. NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 2 full-time and 4 part-time employees CHAMBER MEMBER SINCE 2018

Emily Bertram is director of marketing and communications at St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and editor of Business Central Magazine.

FUN FACT

Anchors, away! Before the barn was moved to its current location, it was just resting on the foundation – not anchored in any way. Don’t worry, it’s secure now!

Randy Schmitz takes a celebratory photo from the new foundation for the barn prior to moving the entire structure.

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F E AT U R E

Policy Notes

––––––––––––––––––––––––

Every organization should have an employee discipline policy. Indeed.com offers these tips if you need to create such a policy:

TOUGH

Conversations

DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES CAN BE A DRAIN ON COMPANY MORALE. QUICK CORRECTIVE ACTION IS KEY. By Jeanine Nistler

o you employ a worker who rarely does any work? How about an employee who is a phenomenal worker when he or she is there, but habitually shows up late, takes L-O-N-G lunches, and leaves early?

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Is there a member of your team who antagonizes others? If you’re a supervisor, human resources manager or business owner, you’re likely to encounter difficult employees from time to time. That’s the bad news. The good news. There are tried-andtrue ways to help them improve

Clearly outline the expected behaviors and the unacceptable behaviors in the employee handbook. –––––– Make sure all employees have access to the handbook. –––––– Only implement disciplinary actions that have been clearly noted in the handbook. –––––– Your action should suit the behavior or issue. In other words, don’t go overboard but don’t under do it either. –––––– Take consistent actions for similar situations. –––––– Document, in writing, all disciplinary action against a given employee, even if that action is only verbal. –––––– Let employees respond to disciplinary action. Do not dismiss their opinions or interpretations.

– or help them out the door if that becomes necessary. While there are many types of difficult employees, the most common are “those who don’t play nice with others,” said Christina Hopke, an attorney with Rinke Noonan. “Those who are egotistical, constantly pessimistic, manipulative, overly dramatic into gossiping and stirring up issues, or just downright mean and antagonistic … they can be a detriment to many other employees, impacting workplace morale.” “Some people are just strongheaded individuals and just think they are always right,” said Jenna Binsfeld, human resources manager for Newport Healthcare’s Minnesota operations, which

who are egotistical, constantly pessimistic, manipulative, “Those overly-dramatic, into gossiping and stirring up issues, or just

downright mean and antagonistic … they can be a detriment to many other employees, impacting workplace morale. — CHRISTINA HOPKE, RINKE NOONAN

include facilities in St. Cloud, Monticello, and Buffalo. Dealing with these employees can be tough, Hopke said, because they “may otherwise have all the other aspects of a great employee. They might have a keen sense for the business, and their skills may be really well developed.” Workplace performance issues may be the result of an employee’s personal or family troubles such as drug or alcohol abuse, medical problems, caring

for aging parents, marital woes, even domestic violence, said Allison Waggoner, director of Human Resources and Safety at DCI Inc., manufacturer of stainless steel storage vessels and other equipment. “I’ve rarely met a difficult employee who isn’t dealing with something,” she said. Employees may think the boss doesn’t care about what they’re facing at home, Waggoner said, but “we do care, and it is

”

our business if it is impacting your work. You have to pay attention to your employees in their good times, too, so you can recognize their patterns.” Bosses want their employees to succeed. “The majority of leaders are there to understand and help employees,” Binsfeld said. But wanting to help doesn’t necessarily make it easy to confront the issues. “It means getting comfortable being uncomfortable with those

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F E AT U R E

Letting something go and seeing what happens rarely is the answer. “Coaching is key. Coach, rehabilitate, and move on. Employees appreciate that approach, particularly if it leads to their success. — ALLISON WAGGONER, DCI INC.

conversations and leaning into them.” She suggests being open and honest, and using statements that do not attack the individual. “You need to focus on the job, not the individual,” she said. Waggoner agrees. “You have to have a certain amount of tact,” she said, adding that genuine concern must come through to the employee. This all seems logical enough, but how do you know when to

intervene with a problem employee? “As soon as you notice something, as soon as you see a pattern,” Waggoner said. “Letting something go and seeing what happens rarely is the answer. Coaching is key,” she added. “Coach, rehabilitate, and move on. Employees appreciate that approach, particularly if it leads to their success.” In an online piece for Wolters Kluwer, Mike Enright supported Waggoner’s position.

“Procrastination makes the situation worse. Behavior in the workplace does not often change and a problem usually gets worse. Waiting until a situation is desperate is unfair, wasteful, and counterproductive.” The best way to help? Be open, honest, clear, and direct with the individual. If you are not that person’s direct supervisor, make sure their boss is involved. “The goal of disciplinary action,”

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according to Indeed.com, “is to inform the employee of the issue, provide them with opportunities to improve, prevent a negative impact on other employees, and protect the interests of the company and staff.” Indeed.com outlines these four approaches: 1 Progressive discipline.

Generally, this begins with a verbal warning, followed by a written warning or perhaps a performance improvement (PI) plan if the employee does not correct the undesirable behavior. A PI plan, according to Hopke, Waggoner, and Binsfeld, must feature clear, specific, realistic, achievable, and measurable goals. “Describe the areas of performance that the employee must improve,” Enright wrote. “As best as possible, describe desired performance in terms of results that are to be achieved. Explain what happens to the department or the company when the employee does not perform well. Describe what good performance looks like. Discuss possible solutions. Have the employee develop steps to solve the problem to create a sense of ownership in the solution.” 2 Positive discipline.

This approach focuses on reinforcing good work and offering constructive criticism of areas that need to be improved. A company may choose to provide rewards or recognition for those who consistently meet or exceed expectations. 3 Suspension or reassignment,

but not termination. This may be a good idea for those with severe, ongoing performance issues. It may be that the person could benefit from time away from work or would be more successful in a different job with the same company. You need to have a reasonable expectation that the 40

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latter will work, Binsfeld said, noting that you “don’t want to transfer a problem to another department.” 4 Termination.

Sometimes, Waggoner said, she “sees an employee who just gives up.” Deciding to end that person’s employment is an easy decision, she said. But when an employee really is trying to improve, deciding to terminate can be painful. "Employers should consider termination when the conduct of an employee is having an ongoing negative impact on the workplace as a whole,” according to Rinke Noonan’s Hopke, “when the costs of managing that employee and

administering the discipline have become too significant, or when the employer has reached the end of the progressive disciplinary scheme without improvement.” No matter what your approach, do not ignore workplace performance problems. It’s expensive to recruit and train replacement employees. And “a workplace riddled with employee issues poses two key risks for an employer,” Hopke said. “First, there are risks associated with the effects one employee’s issues have on other employees and general morale. The productivity of those around a problem employee can suffer or completely disappear.” The other core risk is the legal one, according to Hopke.

“While Minnesota is an at-will employment state, meaning employees that are not subject to employment contracts can be fired for any reason or no reason at all — as long as it is not an unlawful reason — inconsistent discipline for similar conduct issues can create headaches down the road by potentially creating appearance of an unlawful motive.” Hopke emphasized the importance of documenting undesirable employee behavior and steps taken to address it. “When dealing with a difficult employee, an employer puts itself in the best position possible by having documentation of the problem over time and having that documentation support a

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consistent disciplinary approach in dealing with other comparable employee issues.” And be fair. “This is the most important,” Noelle Forseth writes on wheniwork.com. “When employees feel like they are being treated fairly, they’re more likely to respond to discipline the way you want.” “We try to do everything we can before we part ways with an employee,” Binsfeld said. Jeanine Nistler is a St. Cloud-based freelance writer whose career has included daily newspaper reporting and editing, as well as communications work in health care, higher education, and state government settings.

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SSPPEECCIIAALL FFOOCCUUSS

Banking on Technology As fintech continues to grow, local financial institutions weigh in on its advantages and challenges. By Randy Krebs

ike all industries, technology is changing how Central Minnesota’s financial services sector does business. What started in earnest roughly 30 years ago with basic electronic banking and simplistic online stock trading has become a $16 billion (and growing) global space known as “fintech,” or financial technology. And while fintech’s emergence initially was a disruption, several Central Minnesota financial services leaders now see fintech as a space they look to regularly to keep updated on technological trends and — more importantly — help improve the products and services they provide to customers.

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“At the end of the day, all fintech really means is what type of electronic services and technology the banks offer to bring banking to you as a business owner and a consumer.” – IMRAN QURESHI, FALCON NATIONAL BANK

What is fintech? Fintech is an all-encompassing term to describe technology that impacts how the financial services sector does business. It includes everything from customers using mobile banking to businesses balancing their books or running in-house, behind-thescenes operations focused on efficiencies and customer service. Still a little unclear on the fintech space? Think Venmo, Apple or Google Pay, or your bank or credit union’s ability to “deposit” a check simply by you taking a picture of it and emailing it to your institution. Yet fintech is also intensely more complex. The fintech space is global and often may involve tracking ownership and risk of digital assets (like cryptocurrency) in real time. Many financial institutions now routinely use blockchain technology to store such transactional data. They also rely on fintech products to detect fraud and protect customers. “At the end of the day, all fintech really means is what type of electronic services and technology the banks offer to bring banking to you

as a business owner and a consumer,” Imran Qureshi, vice president of treasury management at Falcon National Bank, said. “The complexity of the business and the provider leads to what a certain institution would provide.”

Why is it here now? The fintech space exists because of paradigm shifts in finances and technology, along with the omnipresent need to increase efficiencies, improve customer service and maintain sustainability. Today’s fintech opportunities have roots in events like the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which resulted in shuttering physical places (and business conducted there) in the days immediately after the attacks. Technology gains and events like the COVID-19 pandemic only grew fintech opportunities in scope and scale. “The pandemic really accelerated the trend,” Jay Johnston, CEO of American Heritage National Bank, St. Cloud, said. “Lobbies were closed. Business and consumers had to do Story continues on page 44

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SPECIAL FOCUS

their finances remotely. We had the infrastructure, and our people worked remotely, using fintech tools to get the work done. Now people just expect that level of service.” In fact, analysts who watch the fintech global space estimate investments in it have grown by tenfold in the past five

years. While there is nothing to indicate that growth will slow, local executives have seen changes in how fintech and financial services come together. “It’s evolved. Fintech companies came in as disrupters, but they realized how regulated the banking industry is and they really had to do a pivot to work within the industry,” according to Johnston, who has 20 years of experience in financial services. “Now it’s really more about collaboration than direct competition.” Indeed, while fintech might have been a disrupter a decade ago, now it’s viewed by many local financial leaders as another

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tool in their toolboxes. “We look to fintech to make our processes more efficient, help with staffing, improve online banking, and create a better overall customer experience,” John Ohlin, president of Deerwood Bank, said. “We view it as a dual delivery system. You have to continue to invest in technology, but you also still need the people who can get things done.”

New tools, new opportunities From signing documents digitally for the business next door to tracking cryptocurrencies across the world, fintech tools offer tantalizing opportunities to financial services institutions. Yet those tools can be expensive, and they may not be a good fit for every institution. That’s why, even with this new technology, the

You have to continue to invest in technology, but you also still need the people who can get things done.” — JOHN OHLIN, DEERWOOD BANK

soft skills around customer contact and communication remain invaluable. “As banks grow, we look for what businesses need and ask them what can we do to help?” Paula Capes said. Capes is the deposit sales and development officer with Falcon National Bank. “We look at some of the automations that businesses and customers need, and we do what we can to provide them with those services when the time is right.” Financial institutions that serve regional and community audiences have much

different customer bases (and needs) than national and global financial institutions, which is why that human touch remains invaluable. “Our bankers listen to our clients,” Ohlin said. “First and foremost, we have to listen to our customers.” As they listen, they are finding a variety of desires from customers. Some individuals still want to walk into a building and interact in person with staff. Others opt for the convenience Story continues on page 46

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of online and mobile banking done virtually – 24/7/365.

Challenges As with every new development, fintech brings new challenges. Fraud, misrepresentation, and no rules governing the global fintech space pose ongoing challenges. “With the emergence of so much technology, we are seeing more fraudulent efforts,” Falcon’s Capes said. “We also are seeing technology help identify potential fraud sooner. Still, people need to be aware of the risks.” “Bad actors use fintech to get around regulations, especially in crypto,” according to Chase Larson, chief financial officer for St. Cloud Financial Credit Union. “And that failure can cost people money.” Because of those concerns, Larson says SCFCU is making security, in the decentralized world of digital assets, a top priority. Its vision is to create a digital vault in the blockchain space so its customers who have (and use) digital assets, can store them through the credit union, not on the business’s balance sheet. The credit union is working with the State of Minnesota and regulators, with the goal of offering the service soon.

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Fintech’s future While the needs of financial services institutions differ across Central Minnesota, leaders of those entities agree on one thing: Nobody can predict what exactly will happen in the fintech space. “We don’t truly know what fintech will look like in five years,” SCFCU’s Larson said. “It’s extremely transformational,” which is in part why SCFCU is focused on blockchain. “It’s improving and will continue to do so,” Falcon’s Qureshi said. “Think of how cell phones started and where they are now. There isn’t any turning back.” In the short term, though, the leaders interviewed for this story

agree that artificial intelligence is the current hot topic. “Leveraging artificial intelligence is going to be huge in the next couple years,” according to Jed Rusk, director of marketing and communications for Deerwood Bank. Ohlin, Deerwood’s president, agrees, and also sees potential opportunities for financial institutions to play a new role in fintech. “Banks can partner up with fintech companies and provide the processing rails and support, and that’s a whole opportunity for banks behind the scenes.” Randy Krebs is a freelance writer, editor and communications strategist. He can be reached at randykrebs@charter.net.

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PROFIT

BUSINESSSPOTLIGHT TIMELINE

J E F F YA P U N C I C H , Y U P PY P H OTO

1994 Jeff “Yuppy” Yapuncich moves to Colorado from Minnesota.

Say, Yuppy! Professional photographer Jeff “Yuppy” Yapuncich looks forward to the day when he can teach others how to avoid the pitfalls that came his way.

1995 Yapuncich moves to Tempe, Arizona.

By Emily Bertram

How did you get into photography? I’ve always enjoyed photography – I remember taking pictures at the zoo with my 110 camera. In 1994 I moved to Colorado and got really into mountain biking and being outdoors, so I started doing a lot of nature photography. When I moved to Arizona, I got a job at Ritz Cameras so I could learn as much as I could before going to school. I started school at Northern Arizona University in 2000 and got my degree in photography, graphic design and mass communication. Who are your clients? Eighty percent of what I do now is commercial work. The rest is wedding and seniors, that kind of thing. That has transitioned over the last six years. I love working with families, but it’s all nights and weekends. What is it like to own your own business? I enjoy the challenges, and I love getting to help people in the community and use my talents to make the world a better place. I can control my own schedule, but sometimes that’s a double-edged sword when it comes to focusing on one thing. And being a business owner, you can’t just leave work at the end of the day. I often remind myself that I need to take care of my family and myself, too.

What have been your biggest challenges? I’ve had to claim bankruptcy. I had to close my studio space. COVID really made me question if I was going to keep doing what I was doing, because there was pretty much nothing for about a year and a half. The silver lining is, because I was forced to take a break, it made me realize how much I really do enjoy photography. Get knocked down seven times, get up eight. What does the future look like? I hope to have a studio again in the near future, and I would love to have something that’s bigger – more people, more services. I would love to start some kind of program where I can teach new photographers about owning a business. I can share my mistakes, teach them how to price what they’re worth, and empower them to help others. What is your advice to other entrepreneurs? Get out in the community to build relationships and give of your time – it benefits you personally and professionally. Get a job in your field of interest first to learn more about it before starting your own thing. And just remember: if you’re going through hell, don’t stop.

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PERSONAL PROFILE

Jeff Yapuncich Hometown: Twin Cities Education: Cathedral High School, St. Cloud State University, Northern Arizona University Work History: Serving for a variety of restaurants Family: Wife, Rochelle, and children, Caleb and Lily. Hobbies: Mountain biking, traveling, motorcycling, amusement parks

2000 Yapuncich and his wife Rochelle marry and move to Flagstaff Arizona. Jeff begins school at Northern Arizona University for a degree in photography, graphic design and mass communications. 2001 Jeff and Rochelle found Absolute Image and Design Photography (AID Photography) and begin working part time. 2005 Jeff and Rochelle move back to Minnesota and change the business name to Yapuncich Photography. Jeff begins working full time. 2006 Rochelle joins Yapuncich Photography full time.

AT A G L A N C E

YuppyPhoto info@yuppyphoto.com 320-529-8779 Yuppyphoto.com Opened: Full-time in 2005 Joined the Chamber: 2014 Business Description: YuppyPhoto is a professional photography company offering commercial, event, wedding, family and senior photography, and more. Owner: Jeff Yapuncich Number of Employees: Rochelle and their kids help part time

2010 Yapuncich files bankruptcy and closes his home studio. He names his new business YuppyPhoto LLC. 2016 Rochelle stops working full time at YuppyPhoto and takes a position at Cathedral High School. 2013 YuppyPhoto opens a studio in downtown St. Cloud. 2020 Yupuncich closes his studio space and moves the office to his home.

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