Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Year in Review

Message from the Outgoing President

We always will be ‘Better Together’ As I look out my window at swirling snow, white hills, and unplowed roads, I am once again reminded of the importance of “Better Together” and how much we rely on others to support our needs, wants and desires.

Better Together was the Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s theme for 2021.

Opening a business after a foot Lynn Jenc of glistening, powdery 2021 President snow falls takes a team of people. We rely on many talented, trained and sleep-deprived people to clear our state, county, township, and city roads. They rely on technicians to keep their equipment running and businesses being open to purchase parts.

We need our education systems to teach them the skills needed. We rely on snow removal businesses, ourselves, or our neighbors to get us out of our

The Alexandria Area has a strong tradition of working together for the common good of our community. driveways. Our healthcare system keeps us healthy and strong to do the backbreaking work of shoveling.

We rely on large snow removal businesses to clear our parking lots in the middle of the night with heavy equipment.

Their crews shovel businesses and large residential complex’s doorways, walkways, between cart carousels and so forth.

These crews rely on gas stations to be open at 4 a.m. for doughnuts, chips and chocolate milk to keep their energy up.

We are better together so that we can get to work, keep our medical appointments, go to a movie, get groceries or shop downtown because we just can’t stay home.

The Alexandria Area has a strong tradition of working together for the common good of our community. We

Garfield • Alexandria, MN

6 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

care about a thriving, diversified business community and nonprofit sector. We care and want to support our oldest businesses and our new businesses.

Acts of kindness and support are continually shown in our community.

Businesses purchase Chamber Bucks or gift cards for their employees to keep dollars local. Businesses support local restaurants, hosting holiday parties or team building activities. Our strong businesses reach out to support others who may need a hand. This is shown through mentorship, shopping local and telling others about the great service, products, or leadership.

When we come together, we have incredible power. When we lift each other up, we lift our community up. 2022 will again be a chance to discover our collective potential... Better Together.

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Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 7

Del Mari Runck 2021 Friend of the Chamber The Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2021 Friend of the Chamber – Del Mari Runck, former COO/Market President/ Director of Neighborhood National Bank.

Del Mari retired in June 2021 after nearly 20 years with Neighborhood National Bank and nearly 40 years in the banking industry.

She got her start in 1981 as a teller at Security State Bank in Wimbledon, ND. Over the next 20 years she climbed the ranks to bookkeeper, lending officer and vice president of operations.

In 2001, she made the move to Alexandria to accept a position as EVP/ CFO/COO at Neighborhood National Bank. In 2010, she became the President/ CEO and in 2015 moved into the role of COO/Market Manager/Director.

Once in Alexandria, she quickly got involved in the community and connected with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

She joined the Chamber Ambassadors in 2003, serving in this role for 18 years.

She became a member of the Chamber Finance Committee in 2004, a role she still serves in today.

She served on the Chamber Board of Directors from 2014 to 2019, serving as treasurer in 2017 and as president in 2018.

Through the years, Del Mari has been a strong advocate for the Chamber and the work it does through business membership, sponsorship support, serving on the board and committees, participating in leadership programs and events, and encouraging and allowing employees time to be involved as well.

After her retirement, she and her husband joined the Chamber as individual members to continue supporting the organization.

Del Mari’s volunteer efforts go well beyond the Chamber. She served on the Alexandria Public Schools Strategic Planning Team and Curriculum Advisory Board, First Lutheran Church Endowment Committee and Vision Team, Minnesota Bankers Association board, and has

Del Mari Runck Retired COO/Market President/Director at Neighborhood National Bank been active with Lakes Area Professional Women and the Douglas County Library Friends and Foundation.

She has also earned several accolades, including being named one of the

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8 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

PREVIOUS HONOREES Top 50 Women in Finance in Minnesota in 2013 by Finance and Commerce and one of the Outstanding Women in Banking in 2000

by NorthWestern Financial Review, earning the Lakes Area Professional Women’s Spirit of Professional Development Award in 2010, and being named the 2004 Woman of the Year by the Alexandria Business and Professional Women’s organization.

She and her husband Kim have two adult children, Jessica and Spencer, and one grandson, Arlo.

The Friend of the Chamber Award was established in 1990 to recognize an individual who has gone beyond expectations in giving of time, resources or influence to benefit the Chamber and its members.

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2013

2012 2011 2010 2009

2008 2007

Carl Vaagenes (Alomere Health) Brett Paradis (Paradis Broadcasting) Shari Laven (Viking Bank) Carol Wenner (Local Level Marketing) Todd Emmons (Innovative Builders, Inc.) Kathy Pesta and Carla Spaeth (Pro Staff) Kevin Kopischke (Alexandria Technical and Community College) Mark Proudfoot (MJ Communications) Marie Rutten (Bremer Bank) Tom Jacobson (Swenson Lervick Trosvig Jacobson PA) Tim Aarsvold (Geneva Beach Resort & Viking Motel) Jill Blashack-Strahan & Joani Nielson (Tastefully Simple) Bruce Wiitanen (Juettner Motors)

2006 Lynette Kluver (Alexandria Extrusion) 2005 Susan Skoglund Boerhave (Viking Savings Bank) 2004 Carol Meyer (Garden Center) 2003 Rose Virnig Shorma (American Business Solutions) 2002 Kyle Diekman (Diekman Jewelry) 2001 Vicki Jodsaas (Alexandria Technical and Community College) 2000 Jody Hanson (Echo Press) 1999 Blake Evert (Target Alexandria) 1998 Chamber Ambassadors Group 1997 Sue Davidson 1996 Al Quam 1995 Janet Thorkelson 1994 Leroy Meyer 1993 Jim Karn, John Carlberg, Chuck Pugh & Ken Martinson 1992 Governor’s Fishing Opener Committee 1990 Jerry Jensen

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Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 9

Community support was strong in 2021!

The plea to “Do Business Local” was stronger than ever over the past two years due to the pandemic and the challenges it created for local businesses to stay profitable.

Online business takes millions of dollars from rural communities each year – dollars needed to support local services, infrastructure, and the economic vitality of these communities.

Local residents and businesses rose to the challenge, with an impressive $96,514 in Chamber Bucks purchased in 2020, and an even more impressive $173,157 purchased in 2021! Those are dollars that get reinvested back into this community, in which we live, work and play.

In addition, local businesses reported high gift card sales over the past two years. People were more conscientious of buying local vs. online. Many increased their donations to local causes and nonprofits. More people visited local businesses and were pleasantly surprised at all they found right here.

In 2018, the Pride of the Lakes community pride campaign was created to educate area residents about the importance of taking

In 2021,

$173,157

in Chamber Bucks were distributed locally!

pride in their community and supporting it.

Knowing young people play a major role in the future success of a community, the campaign was placed in the hands of marketing students at Alexandria Area High School.

The campaign places community pride at its foundation and builds upon that with education and awareness of the impact of keeping dollars local.

There is a place on the campaign’s website where businesses and individuals can take a pledge to do business local. Visit www.prideofthelakes.com to learn more and to take the pledge to do business local!

Your support matters all year long!

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10 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

The Chamber Bucks program is designed to keep dollars local. Anybody can purchase them, and they can be spent at 257 participating Chamber member businesses.

Top 2021 Chamber Buck Purchasers Alomere Health $106,055

Douglas Machine $8,250 Diamond Buick GMC $7,750 Public Sales $7,702

Businesses recognized for community impact More than 430 people attended the annual Business and Industrial Appreciation Day (BIAD) luncheon in November to honor the 2021 honoree – Viking Bank, as well as the honoree of the newly created Legacy Award – Alomere Health.

The BIAD award, which originated in 1984, is co-sponsored by the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission and Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce with the purpose of saying “thank you for being a vital part of our community.”

Recipients are selected based on the following factors: • Growth in number of employees and impact on the job market.

• Increase in sales and/or unit volume – an indication of continued growth.

• Capital investment – an indication of commitment by the business to increase community capacity.

• Community contributions – evidence of time, skills and resources to assist in community-oriented projects.

The Viking Bank team accepted the 2021 BIAD award at a banquet in November.

Viking Bank got its start in Alexandria at 504 Broadway in 1981 as a statechartered mutual savings association.

Through the years it underwent relocations, expansions, and name changes before finding its home in a new building on Dakota Street in 2017. In 2019, the bank opened a second branch in Ashby with the acquisition of the Ashby State Bank.

The Legacy Award was created to honor a past BIAD Award recipient for continuing to make an impact in the community. Alomere Health won the BIAD award in 1988 under the name of Douglas County Hospital. In the years since, the hospital has experienced extensive growth and numerous achievements and continues to positively impact the community in many ways.

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Chamber’s 2022 legislative priorities Chambers represent economic vitality in their communities. The MN Chamber Federation unites and amplifies the voice of local chambers by advocating for policies to advance business across the state.

The Federation promotes pro-growth policies to the Legislature, helping ensure lawmakers understand the needs and interests of MN’s diverse business community.

Here are the current legislative priorities supported by the Chamber: Replenish Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund: Use American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and the budget surplus to help resolve this fund’s $1.13 billion deficit.

MN lawmakers could impose a significant payroll tax hike on employers to replenish the fund, which would impede economic recovery. Employers should not be penalized when state and federal funds are available to cover this pandemic created deficit.

Tax Relief: MN has the third highest corporate income tax and fifth highest

personal income tax rate in the country.

Tax burdens are driving businesses to consider locating and expanding in other states. The Legislature can encourage long-term economic growth by reducing uncompetitive taxes that hinder entrepreneurship, talent recruitment, and retention, and business growth and investment. This includes lowering corporate and individual income taxes, reducing the state business property tax levy and enacting federal estate tax conformity.

Enact Employer Friendly Workforce Strategies: MN employers are subject to a 0.1% payroll tax that generates more than $150 million per biennium for workforce development programs many employers do not use. A collaborative approach in the development and management of and access to these programs would provide a greater return on investment. Allowing employers to receive a credit on this tax to support customized training specific

to needs would have immediate and direct benefits.

Facilitate Innovation and Productivity: Business success is contingent on an environment that is attractive to investment, risk-taking, innovation and growing productivity.

Access to capital is also critical.

Encouraging the angel tax credit, enhancing the research-and-development tax credit and similar tax incentives will help generate needed capital for new business growth.

Oppose Additional Mandates/ Workplace Restrictions: MN businesses must be provided autonomy to make appropriate, responsive decisions. We support employer flexibility in determining wage, benefit, scheduling and staffing decisions. Employer protections must be recognized, addressed and implemented if MN legalizes use of recreational marijuana and MN’s environmental and regulatory process must provide greater timeliness, accountability and predictability.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US #1 REAL ESTATE COMPANY! 609 BROADWAY ST, ALEXANDRIA, MN

320-219-7678 kvalerealestate.com 12 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

Did you know…

All Alexandria Chamber members have access to free notary services.

Call (320) 763-3161 for details!

Streamline Inefficient Regulation: Reasonable regulation is essential to keeping workers, consumers, and our environment safe and healthy, but MN burdens employers with regulations, certifications, licensing, and permitting requirements more than other states. Overregulation harms our economy by raising prices, thwarting competition, stifling employee earnings, and can keep qualified individuals under-employed or out of the workforce. We support reforms requiring MN to use the least restrictive regulation necessary and remove duplication. MN’s environmental and regulatory process must provide greater timeliness, accountability and predictability.

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Professionals lend their services Volunteers assist Chamber operations by serving on the Personnel and Finance committees.

The Personnel Committee provides guidance and support to the Executive Director and Executive Board of the Chamber by serving as a resource and providing parameters/ guidelines in the areas of human resources, benefits and compensation, policies and procedures. The committee assists with and/or offers guidance in the areas of hiring/ terminating, employee handbook, human resource forms, evaluations, benefits and serves as a liaison to Chamber staff.

2021 Personnel Committee members: Deb Moorman, chair (Alexandria Industries), Wendy Steidl (Tastefully Simple), Rachel Jahner (Glenwood State Bank), Craig Buysse (Anderson Funeral Home).

The Chamber’s Finance Committee establishes financial parameters and guidelines for the Chamber to ensure its financial sustainability. The committee reviews financial statements, develops and evaluates the annual budget, develops new financial policies as needed, and reviews existing financial and internal controls, policies and procedures.

2021 Finance Committee members: Nicole Klimek, chair (Hilltop Lumber), Del Mari Runck (retired/Neighborhood National Bank); Dave Bjelland (Alexandria Technical & Community College), Matt Gilbertson (Viking Bank).

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Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 13

Wake Up Alexandria, Off the Clock and Pot of Gold!

Wake Up Alexandria is a popular Chamber event held the first and third Friday of each month that offers networking and business promotion opportunities.

The event is hosted at different member locations, allowing the hosts to showcase their facility, products, services, and staff.

Wake Up Alexandria is open to everyone in the community. A dollar gets you in the door; all dollars raised go to the Nonprofit of the Day selected by the event host. Chamber members can give 45-second announcements at the event to share promotions or information.

A highlight of the event is the Pot of Gold drawing. This is sponsored by Chamber members who donate items, coupons, discounted services and gift certificates to add to its value. Every Chamber member is included in the drawing. If the member drawn is present, the organization wins the Pot. Those employees utilize the prizes, with the hope that a business connection is made and a new customer/client is “won.” If a representative is not present, the Pot continues to grow until the next event.

Off the Clock is an event that follows

Bruce Strandskov of Rose City Sign accepted the Pot of Gold prizes following Wake up Alexandria hosted by The Written Gift on December 17.

This was the highest Pot of Gold value ever given out, at $6,668! the same format but is held from 4 to 5 pm. It is not a regularly scheduled event, but is instead offered upon request on a date chosen by the member.

In 2021, the Pot of Gold was won 4 times. Winners included KIK-FM & COOL-FM, Ollie’s Service, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union and Rose City Sign. The total value of prizes given out was

$21,143!

CONGRATULATIONS, LUKAS! Proud to have you on the A Team!

www.alexschools.org (320) 762-2141 An Equal Opportunity Employer/Educator

14 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

Visit alexandriamn.org/ eventsandprograms for a schedule of 2022 events, or call (320) 763-3161 for more information.

$1,996

was given to nonprofit members through these events in 2021!

Together we can do great things

1121 Broadway Street, Alexandria • 320-762-1050 www.randyfischerrealestate.com

The Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and the Echo Press are pleased to bring you the Top 5 Under 40, recognizing five outstanding professionals younger than age 40 in the Alexandria Lakes Area. Nominees were judged on their professional achievements, community involvement and overall depth of qualities. They were honored at the Chamber’s Annual Celebration on January 31.

Dustin Ditch Age: 32

Owner and Founder Evolve Orthodontics

Dentistry and graduated top of my class in 2016. I then completed two years of specialty training in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and graduated with my Master’s and Certificate in Orthodontics in 2018. Evolve Orthodontics was in the construction process as I finished my final year of specialty training. I graduated on June 18, 2018 and saw my first patients at Evolve Orthodontics on July 8, 2018. Evolve Orthodontics was built from scratch starting out with zero patients. In 2020 and 2021, I was honored by Minnesota Monthly Magazine as one of the “Best Dentists in Minnesota.”

Summarize your career path.

I graduated with an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin cities in 2012. I was accepted into the Dentistry Program at the University of Minnesota School of

Community and volunteer efforts.

I have partnered with a foundation called “Smiles Change Lives” to deliver free orthodontic treatment to individuals in need who otherwise could not afford orthodontic treatment. I have also donated a “set of braces” to St. Mary’s Catholic School’s annual fundraiser the

past three years. Evolve Orthodontics is a large sponsor for the Alexandria Area youth hockey and soccer programs. Every Christmas my wife and I adopt a family in need and buy them Christmas presents.

Leadership philosophy.

My leadership philosophy is to make those around me better in my presence but ensure that the impact lasts in my absence. The culture in my office is also that we work as a team to make a difference.

Family and interests.

My wife, Lauren, and I are expecting our first child in April. We also have our dog, Shadow. We enjoy spending time at the lake, swimming, waterskiing and relaxing with our family, enjoying a bonfire. In the winter I enjoy downhill skiing and riding snowmobile. In my spare time not spent at the office, I also enjoy working in my loop garage restoring classic cars. I am currently working on a ‘40 Ford sedan that was my grandpa’s car.

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Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 21

Emily Erickson Age: 32

HUD Service Coordinator Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores Apartments

worked in the Housing Management office where I received certification in Assisted Housing Manager. I loved this position and gained an abundance of knowledge of how to conduct business with professionalism and compassion.

Within the same company and property, the Service Coordinator position became available, and after some hesitation and words of encouragement from my peers, I realized that this was the position I had been yearning for since graduating college. I received a Certificate of Completion for the Professional Service Coordinator Program and I have been connecting senior residents to services in our area ever since.

Summarize your career path.

I graduated from Bemidji State University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health. I moved to the Alexandria area and was offered the Resident Assistant position at Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores, performing direct care services for the residents who resided in the apartments. I later moved into the Administrative Assistant position and

Community and volunteer efforts.

• 4 years as Ecumen Bethel Manor and Winona Shores Team Captain for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser for the Alexandria area • Planning Committee member of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s • Leadership member for S.C.O.P.E (Suicide Coalition on Prevention and Education for Douglas, Pope, Traverse,

Stevens and Grant counties) • Taskforce on Aging member • Dementia Friend (Dementia Friends Minnesota. An ACT on Alzheimer’s Initiative) Leadership philosophy.

Treat those you provide services for as though they were the most important people in your life. Treat them as though they are more than just a human being, treat them as though they are an important human being. And, don’t fear making genuine connections with those you work with. Making connections can lead to collaborations and partnerships and even friendships and can sometimes be the most meaningful connection another person may have in their life.

Family and interests.

When not at work, my husband and I are trying to keep up with two toddlers ages 2 and 4, one of which has special needs and the other who has lots of sass. Our family lives on a hobby farm where we tend to animals, grow some of our own food, and try our best to live a homesteading type lifestyle. It’s a lot of work but we love it and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Greg Carlson

320-763-3954 ALEXANDRIA

“Controlling the Elements” in the Alexandria Area For Over 35 Years

oakparkcampground.com

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22 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

Lukas Gotto Age: 32

Summarize your career path.

I always enjoyed working with kids.

I spent time coaching, babysitting, and lifeguarding, so teaching was a natural avenue. I obtained a Social Studies Education degree from Winona State University and taught one year in my hometown of Windom. In 2014 I became an 8th Grade Social Studies teacher in Alexandria. I earned a Masters of Education in Learning Design and Technology from St. Mary’s University and took a new position as the district Technology Integration Specialist, learning new educational technologies and teaching teachers how to engage students. I was named 2019 Sourcewell Technology Leader of the Year in

Technology Integrationist & Community Engagement Coordinator Alexandria Public Schools

Minnesota and selected for the ISTE Digital Citizenship Leadership Team. I became a Google Certified Trainer and joined Tierney Brothers (educational technology consulting company) in St. Paul as an independent contractor teaching districts around the country.

My role is transitioning to also focus on Community Engagement at Discovery Middle School (DMS) to add learning opportunities by partnering with businesses. I run summer Makercamps where students work with businesses to build/enhance outdoor learning spaces.

Our work became a DNR School Forest site, adding new trails and bridges to DMS property. I am the Unified Club advisor (Special Olympics MN and DMS partnership) and started the Cool School Plunge. We raised $107,000+ in 3 years.

I was asked to be on a Special Olympics Plunge Advisory Counsel.

Community and volunteer efforts.

• Alexandria Public Schools: Prek-12 Technology Champions Lead, District Technology Committee, middle school football and basketball coach, Makercamp coordinator, Unified Club coordinator, Education Minnesota - Alexandria representative/ contract negotiator, DNR School Forest volunteer • Viking Sportsman: Board member, OutdoorsFest Sportsman Banquet, Take a Kid Fishing Weekend Ice Fishing Event, Outdoor Gear Library

• Calvary Lutheran Church: Council member, volunteer for Backpack Attack, food packing, Men’s Connect Group Leadership philosophy.

I see myself more as a part of a team or a unit working towards a common goal than “being the leader.” I learned at a young age to treat everyone with equal respect, no matter the position they hold. Taking time to have conversations builds your relationship and grows mutual trust and respect. Just as important is the practice of truly listening to one another, creating understanding and empathy, which leads to a better relationship. Another part is by not hiding my excitement or enthusiasm. I enjoy following passionate leaders and I can get pretty excited about projects I’m working on. Lastly, I think it’s important to lead by example. I would never ask someone to do something I wouldn’t do myself.

Family and interests.

My wife, Alicia, is a 1st Grade teacher at Woodland Elementary. We have a daughter, Braelynn, 3, an angel baby boy, Micah, a yellow lab, Kai, 6 fish, and a bunny named Harvey. Favorite activities include cycling, deer hunting, ice fishing, gardening, salsa making, yard work, golfing, camping/state parks, weightlifting and cooking. I also do woodworking and construction, and I’m an Iowa State Cyclone fanatic.

Downtown Alexandria 406 Broadway • 763-5200 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 23

Kristen Haabala Wiener Age: 39

Summarize your career path.

20 years ago, I decided to go to school for medicine. I earned a degree in biomedical science and completed a pharmacy internship because I loved studying medicine and how it worked in the body. Wanting to be more one-on-one with patients in a more clinical setting, I changed paths to be a conventional physician, but in the midst of applying felt called do something a little different. I wanted to bridge the gap between conventional and natural medicine and became a doctor of natural medicine. After medical school and my residency, my husband and I moved back to the community we grew up in and love. I opened a private practice called Midwest Natural Medicine. My specialty

is functional medicine with an emphasis on gastroenterology, dermatology, and hard-to-treat cases. I began creating skin healing products in my kitchen out of herbs, vitamins, and oils for my patients.

We saw such amazing results that I began selling them. In 2015, I created a new company, Raw Natural Products.

We make all products from scratch from whole herbs and flowers. In 2018, I merged the companies to become Raw and Company, which includes three tiers: Raw Natural Medicine Clinic, Raw Natural Products Storefront and Raw Apothecary Product Manufacturing. I renovated a building on 6th Avenue for a storefront and for production, created a mobile boutique, and in 2020 launched a line of supplements and a detox program. We ship all over the country. In 2018 I began helping to grow downtown community through HW Property Management. I renovated two historic buildings providing affordable housing and workspaces, and renovated a 100-year-old home to rent and eventually sell.

Doctor and Owner Raw and Company

nominated through the ‘Raw Cause’ program; providing healthcare and products to students in need and working with them to learn healthy habits through the Reach Program and Kalon Prep; donating products and funds to children in need, patients in hospice care, the Small Mall to provide Christmas gifts, animal rescue programs, and many youth programs.

Leadership philosophy.

I am a fairly laid-back leader with an emphasis on encouraging my employees to find joy in helping others. My goal is that everyone who enters our store will leave feeling happier and more loved than when they entered. In my practice, my emphasis is to educate and empower my patients to take control of their health. I want to help my patients with personalized healthcare to become the best version of themselves!

Family and interests.

I live in Alexandria with my husband, Andrew, our sons Thomas (5) and Samuel (1), and our dog Bella. My greatest joy is having fun with friends and family and spending time at the lake.

Community and volunteer efforts.

When I started Raw, I decided to take 10 percent of every sale that I call ‘God money’ and give it back to the community that has supported me. Examples include donating money and products 620 Oak Street • Alexandria, MN 56308 to people 2IÀFH )D[ ZZZ DOH[HOHF FRP

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24 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

Lacey Severson Age: 39

Nurse Supervisor Supporting Hands Nurse-Family Partnership

and families, so I moved to Supporting Hands Nurse-Family Partnership (SHNFP) in 2008. The 21-county program serves first-time mothers in a community health, evidenced-based home-visiting program.

I started as a Nurse Home Visitor and in 2014 took on my current role of Nurse Supervisor. I have training in reflective supervision and the Facilitated Attuned Interactions (FAN) model and use that to increase staff confidence and competence, build staff reflective capacity and strengthen program quality.

Summarize your career path.

My mother was a nurse and administrator at a nursing home. I saw how staff cared for others and knew I wanted to work in healthcare. I was a CNA in high school and college and attended NDSU for nursing. I had an internship at MeritCare (now Sanford Health) OB clinics in Fargo and grew interested in women’s health, pregnancy, and child health and in Public Health nursing. I graduated from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and became a Registered Nurse with a Public Health Nurse (PHN) certificate. In 2005 I became a PHN with Otter Tail Public Health; a year later I started a PHN case manager position at Douglas County Public Health. My calling was to use my passion for supporting women

Community and volunteer efforts.

• District 206 Lunch Buddy and Mentorship programs • Relay For Life of Douglas County committee member • Douglas County Child Foster Care provider • Safe Families for Children Volunteer Family Coach • Calvary Lutheran Church youth ministry, Sunday school leader/ teacher, Trunk-or-Treat committee • Adopt a Family program through United Way • Habitat for Humanity build day Leadership philosophy.

I believe the key to success is seeing the best in others and building positive

relationships. Leaders need to serve and lead by example. When utilizing their leadership strengths to provide personcentered attention, they can support, encourage, guide and coach others to reach their full potential. We all have a different story. It isn’t our role to judge or fix. I feel a leader is someone who is there to listen, empathize, have curious inquiry, and then support the goals of the other person. I utilize reflective supervision in my role, as part of the NFP model. This allows me to have regularly scheduled time with those I supervise to discuss the work we do in a safe environment.

Family and interests.

My husband, John, and I have lived in Alexandria since 2005. He is a Financial Consultant at Thrivent. We have three daughters – Maddelyn, 13, Kenley, 11 and Ella, 9. Our dog, Libby, is 16 ½ years old.

We enjoy going to the girls’ school and extracurricular activities, spending time with family and friends, outdoor activities (especially lake time in the summer and deer hunting in the fall), watching football, and going on family trips. My other interests include baking, reading, going on walks, and being in a Fantasy Football league with my husband.

715 Victor St, Alexandria 320-759-2132 • VistaPrairie.org

PG %PVHMBT 0UUFS 5BJM $PVOUJFT

Where the Pros Go! 1802 Fillmore St. | Alexandria, MN 320-763-5143

-JLF JU OFWFS FWFO IBQQFOFE n Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022 25

Directors Board of

Introducing the 2022 Chamber Board of Directors!

The board is comprised of business owners and employees representing all major business sectors in the community. They are elected to three-year terms and may serve two consecutive terms. The Board meets the third Thursday of every month from 7:30 to 9 am.

Matt Gilbertson President Viking Bank

Lynn Jenc Past President Alexandria Public Schools

Tyler Notch President Elect /Treasurer Grand Arbor by Knute Nelson

Molly Comer Secretary First Lutheran Church

Greg Bowen Executive Board Brophy Lake Resort, Bowen Contracting

Kreg Anderson Alexandria Aviation

Lynn Arnquist Alexandria Technical & Community College

Craig Buysse Anderson Funeral Home

Matt Hagstrom Hagstrom Engineering

Kelly Jenzen Johnston Law

Patrick Kalina LGC, Biosearch Technologies

Jeff Lanoue Past & Present Home Gallery

Brad Lenertz Alexandria Clinic, A Service of Alomere Health

Shari Prause Arrowood Resort & Conference Center

Chamber

Staff Tara Bitzan Executive Director

tbitzan@ alexandriamn.org

Jess Ptacek Program and Events Coordinator

jess@ alexandriamn.org

Lauren Johnson Marketing and Communications Coordinator marketing@ alexandriamn.org

26 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022

Katie DeGier Visitor and Member Relations Specialist

membership@ alexandriamn.org

Let us serve you!

320-763-3161 alexandriamn.org info@alexandriamn.org

Mariah Anderson Administrative Assistant info@ alexandriamn.org

Because We Care…

As an independent supermarket owner we are proud to have a personal stake in the community we serve. We are very aware of our responsibilities to our community, our customers and our associates and pledge to be good stewards of your trust.

Because We Care...

We are committed to offering our customers the best value for their food dollar.

Because We Care...

We are dedicated to offering our customers friendly, hometown service.

Because We Care...

We will offer only the highest quality product at the best possible price.

Because We Care...

We stand behind our fresh food with a “Double Your Money Back” guarantee.

Because We Care...

We promise to be good neighbors and actively support our community’s growth and strengthen our community’s values.

Thank you for making us your hometown supermarket of choice.

Sincerely, Elliot, Jr & Dennis Christensen

OPEN 6 AM - 10 PM, 7 DAYS A WEEK! K! 320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria

Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED..

28 Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 2022