2023 Spotlight on Business

2023

SP TLIGHT

e n i s u B ON

A special supplement to the

Herald Sauk Centre

ST R

Publications The newspaper of today is the history of tomorrow.

2 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

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October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 3

Huls Horticultural Services Backed by 30 years of nursery industry and horticultural experience, Paul Huls shifted focus from products to service and rebranded from Huls Nursery to Huls Horticultural Services in 2018 when his brother and co-owner Larry Huls retired.

“It’s really about the plants,” Paul said when describing his business.

With a passion for plants, the team at Huls Horticultural Services is dedicated to offering the highest quality service, using their technical knowledge and enthusiasm to preserve the investment you have made to your home or business. Paul and his team provide landscape plant maintenance, plant installation (annuals, perennials, shade trees and fruit trees), and even renewal of landscape plants.

Huls Horticultural Services can help you design a new landscape or refresh an existing one, giving advice on plant selection or developing a customized maintenance plan. They will also provide training should you want to perform the work yourself but aren’t sure how to proceed.

Once your landscape is personalized and looking beautiful, Paul’s team can provide maintenance services to keep it growing and looking its best by

HULS

HORTICULTURAL SERVICES LLC

320.267.9805

fertilizing, trimming, shearing, controlling weeds, deadheading, replacing plants as needed, doing fall cleanup and even designing and installing annual beds and containers.

“Timing in plant and tree care is everything,” Paul said. “For example, trimming fruit trees in February or March is typically something that’s difficult to find someone to do, but it’s a service we provide.”

Continuing a 65-year family tradition of supplying plants to central Minnesota, Huls Horticultural Services is located at the former site of Huls Nursery near St. Wendel and offers bare root fruit trees, ornamental and shade trees, and special-order plants. They also carry Farmer Bob’s Lawn and Garden Fertilizer. Check out their plant/products page for details on varieties, sizes, prices and availability.

Contact the specialists at Huls Horticultural Services for a free consultation to determine the perfect landscape or maintenance plan for you. Paul and his team are looking forward to working with you to create a stand-out landscape and help you preserve your investment.

(Top) Our installation of annuals at the St. Cloud Hospital 2020. This is only a portion of the complete planting along 6th Avenue, which is 300 feet long by only 42 inches deep. (Top, right) Container of flowering annuals at the St Cloud Hospital, 2020.

PROUD TO BE VETERAN OWNED! (320) 267-9805 • www.hulsplants.com

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320-845-2747 Conveniently located next to I-94

At AMPS Inc., Quality service starts with QUESTIONS Customers do not have to search hard to find out what AMPS Inc. provides; it is where the company gets its name: appliances, motors, parts and service.

Owner Jim Mergen has been an owner of the operation since it first started serving Albany area businesses and residents in 1991. He said AMPS staff truly listen to guests to determine how to best provide service.

“As one of my teachers in high school said, ‘There’s no such thing as a stupid question.’ There are a lot of times you learn more from answering a challenging question because you never would have thought of it in a certain way.”

The team at AMPS specializes in repairing and servicing household appliances, electric motors and generators.

Jim Mergen, owner of AMPS, Inc., stands inside his They also sell trusted appliances, including storefront Oct. 4 in Albany.

Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Samsung, KitchenAid, Speed Queen and much more.

He said if customers come through for. They ask questions about specific the doors without knowing precisely what requirements, preferences, important they’d like, staff will help them by getting features and size.

In addition to quality service at the to know more about what they are looking shop, he said attention to customers’ needs extends beyond purchasing new appliances. He said AMPS can turn around repairs quickly by asking questions to narrow down the maintenance required Full-Time Appliance Service Technician before sending a technician to the 3+ years experience preferred with a customer. refrigeration certification or license.

The shop has an extensive parts Clean driving record. Drug screening, inventory for technicians to remedy the criminal background check, pay based on experience. most common problems promptly.

“When something is broken, we try to Come join our team! get there as fast as we can to repair it so www.ampsrs.com the customer is less inconvenienced.”

Apply in person: 105 Co. Rd. 10, Albany, MN or send resume to ampsrs@albanytel.com www.ampsrs.com

HELP WANTED

4 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

When it comes to ESTATE PLANNING local attorney Nick Adams wants people to know know

IT’S NOT JUST FOR THE WEALTHY. HY.

Cultivating a family atmosphere Tree of Life hosts Grandparents’ Day

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Nicholas T. Adams Adams, who grew up in and lives in Sauk Centre, is an attorney at Pemberton Law’s Alexandria office.

He provides services out of the Minnesota National Bank in Sauk Centre on Tuesday afternoons.

While Adams focuses on estate planning and real estate law, the firm, with offices in Alexandria, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lakes and Wadena, offers a multitude of services.

Attorneys with the firm, he said, have primary practice areas that include a variety of fields including family law, probate, litigation, corporate law, employment law and labor law, among others.

“We kind of pride ourselves on being able to handle most, if not all, areas of law a person might need help with,” he said. “When looking for an attorney, find someone who routinely practices in the area you’re looking for...make sure the person you’re hiring is truly knowledgeable in their field.”

Adams helps clients plan for the future. Estate plans, he said, include all of the typical documents a person would need if they were to become incapacitated or die. That commonly encompasses wills, power of attorney documents, health care directives and/or trusts. “(The goal) is to try to make sure their wishes get followed through with if something should happen to them,” he said.

Having those documents in

place, Adams said, can save thousands of dollars and 12 or more months of agony for survivors as they go through the court system to settle up the estate.

“A lot of times it’s easier to hire an attorney on the front end and incur some upfront costs to avoid incurring more on the back end,” he said. “Just about anybody can benefit from an estate plan.”

About one-third of Adam’s clients are young families just starting to acquire assets, so estate planning is not just for those entering the second phase of life.

Plans, he said, should be reviewed every few years to make sure they stay up to date as a person’s assets and family can grow and change. It’s often helpful to create a plan that’s revocable so it can be changed over time. The plan should provide for incapacity so someone can legally make decisions on a person’s behalf without court involvement, and the focus should be on efficiently protecting assets for a partner and/or minor children. Other common considerations typically include probate avoidance and tax planning.

Adams and his wife Jena live in Sauk Centre with their son, Theo.

Adams participates in the Sauk Centre Rotary and is a board member on the Sauk Centre Area Community Foundation and CentraCare Foundation.

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6 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

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8 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Diekman’s Jewelry A ONE STOP SHOP

member driven. community focused. energy smart.

WWW.STEARNSELECTRIC.ORG | (800) 962-0655

Diekman’s Jewelry is a family owned and operated retail and repair shop located in downtown Alexandria.

Kyle Diekman began the store alongside his dad back in 1980. The original plan was for his dad, Gordon, to be the retail sales manager and Kyle would work with jewelry and clock repair. Kyle headed off to attend college in St. Paul to learn the ins and outs of jewelry and clock repair. After achieving his degree, he came back and they opened Diekman’s Jewelry.

However, two short months after opening, Gordon Diekman had a stroke. At the age of 19 Kyle was left to run the entire business on his own. Being 19 years old and losing your father is difficult in itself, now add a family business to take care of adds another element of difficulty.

Some may have decided to close their business’s doors and take another path, but not Kyle.

Kyle recalls days in the 80’s where he would manage the retail portion until close and then move down to complete jewelry repair work some nights until 2 a.m. He never gave up the dream and has been in business ever since. In the past 40 years Kyle has raised four children and four grandchildren, one of which now works alongside him at the store. Brandi Wilson is his second eldest granddaughter. Wilson began with the store in 2017 by cleaning and helping with customers when needed.

In 2019, she decided to come aboard full-time to work with her grandpa as the store manager. Her bright smile and quick wit make it easy for the customers to feel comfortable working with her.

Now with Brandi as the manager, Kyle has been able to put even more focus into the repair work again and has even been able to handcraft some pieces for sale. One thing is certain – the Alexandria community has supported this jewelry store and Kyle & Brandi could not be happier to be located in a place with such heart and compassion for locally run business.

HOURS: M-F • 9 to 5:30 Sat. • 9 to 5 Sun. Closed

Toll Free 1-800-568-5336 • 320-762-0309

111 Sixth Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308 • Downtown Alexandria

PROVIDING HOME AND FARM INSURANCE SINCE 1895

BanksGiving™ Category Award

2023

Money Smarts Category Award

2023

2023

Minnesota National Bank

Two-Time Extraordinary Bank Award Recipient Community Icon, Minnesota National Bank, Named Among the Top Extraordinary Banks in the Nation Atlanta, Georgia, September 20, 2023 – Minnesota National Bank, a local icon in Central Minnesota with offices in Sauk Centre, Long Prairie and Pelican Rapids was just named among the top extraordinary banks in the United States by The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™.

Minnesota National Bank was recognized with the Institute’s Banky™ Award for its commitment to strong community banking. This recognition is given to top community banks across the country to help people find the best banks in their communities. Minnesota National Bank was also recognized with two category awards. The first category award being the Institute’s BanksGiving™ Banky™ Award for Extraordinary Philanthropy in recognition of their commitment to the strategic direction of their communities and to making profound impacts within the communities they serve. The second category award given was the Institute’s Money Smarts Banky™ Award for Financial Literacy Education as a result of their extraordinary service to their customers and community through a commitment to financial literacy programs.

Minnesota National Bank CEO, Steve Jennings, stated, “It is very humbling and exciting to be honored for award winning banking practices. I want to thank our team for being involved in our communities we serve and for all the time they give to needs within the community including their commitment to financial literacy programs. Our team is an exceptional group of highly trained professionals that have been recognized for the excellent job they do of helping our clients with their financial needs. We are also so blessed to have the trust of our clients and be looked upon as trusted advisors to them for their financial needs.”

The Extraordinary Banking™ Awards emphasize the indispensable contribution community baanks ban nks kss have hav avvvee on their communities—how co communitiees— deeply woven into the fabric of the community banks eir role rol in elevating ro elev e they are. Their the national economy is profound yet often misunde misunders nderstoodd. misunderstood.

Community banks are the beacon that illuminates their local communities and the pillar of small business success.

Roxanne Emmerich, Chair and Founder of The Institute for Extraordinary Banking™, proclaimed during the awards ceremony: “Community banks recognize aspirati dreams, and silent hopes of small businesses and aspirations, individuals within their communities. The heart and soul of an extraordinary community bank is the visionary blueprint for the suc and ability to enact that plan. Those banks were community’s success chosen to receive this year’s Banky awards.”

SAUK CENTRE | 320-352-5211 SA LONG PRAIRIE | 320-732-2133 LO PELICAN RAPIDS | 218-863-6688 PEL

www.mn-bank.bank

ALBANY MUTUAL INSURANCE From horses to horsepower, from homesteads to large farms, your local mutual insurance company has served you from 1895 to present modern society.

In the 1800s, fire was one of the greatest threats to human financial and emotional welfare. Insurance to protect against the peril was unavailable or often beyond the financial means of average people. Fire meant economic and human disaster. It was during this period that groups of citizens banded together in the first basic mutual fire protection groups.

On April 15, 1895 property owners from the towns of Albany, Avon, Krain, and Oak met in the Albany village hall for the purpose of organizing a mutual fire insurance company. The meeting was successful, and a company was formed. The first board of directors was elected with Jacob Krebs as president, John Loehlein as treasurer and John Schwinghammer as secretary. An additional board member was elected from each town to act as agent to policyholders.

That year the fledgling company wrote over 150 policies at a premium rate of 10¢ per $100 of insurance. At last citizens homes and barns were protected from complete financial loss due to fire. But of course, it was not just homes, but hay and grain, livestock, machines, horse harnesses and all manner of possessions were covered. The stark possibility of bankruptcy caused by fire loss was staved off.

The mode of business was simple. Once the initial premium was collected, the insurance was paid for as long as the company had enough funds to cover losses. But the problem with this became immediately apparent. The company was short of the $150 to pay for a house that

burned in the first year, so an assessment was made on policyholders. The difficulty with this procedure was that policyholders might have difficulty paying the unexpected expense. Nevertheless, the procedure stayed in effect until 1977 when an annual premium was adopted.

The annual premium allowed the company to build a surplus to help pay large claims and reduced the probability of assessments.

In 1969 the mutual purchased reinsurance from the Reinsurance Association of Minnesota (now known as Ram Mutual Insurance Company) that paid claims beyond a set maximum.

This service allowed the company to protect itself from extremely large losses, a procedure followed today.

As the mutual insurance industry matured, additional perils were covered, such as: collapse, theft, collision, vandalism, water damage and others. And in 1985 Albany Mutual began packaging policies with statewide windstorm and liability insurers. This eliminated the need for policyholders to purchase two policies from two sources.

From a small beginning, Albany Mutual has grown to a company that serves over a thousand policyholders. Fourteen affiliated agencies provide a broad range of insurance services, bringing our product to nine counties in Central Minnesota. We are strong in terms of service and financial stability and we anticipate continued growth in policy numbers, service area and agent services.

HOME OFFICE: 141 5th Street, P.O. Box 301, Albany, MN 56307 320-845-2375 patraeker@albanytel.com www.albanymutual.com A Century of Serving Our Neighbors...

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 9

IT’S ALL HERE! Visit our two locations: Sauk Centre • 320.527.0050 131 12th St. S.

Long Prairie • 320.732.6612

Let one of our friendly agents help you with your insurance needs!

Internet

WiFi TV

Phone Security Mark T. Maloney

Business and

Agency Manager

home services!

Heidi Beissel

CISR Elite/Account Manager

Kevin Berrios

Shannon Stans

CSR

CSR

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www.mnnationalagency.com

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• Residential Real Estate and Secondary Market Loans • Construction Loans and Second Mortgages • Home Equity Line of Credit

UR FINANCIAL NEEDS O Y L L A FO R A T I N MEMBER FDIC

S

Carol Rieland

CISR/Office Manager

Agency manager Mark Maloney is your source for professional local insurance knowledge. As a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) and Financial Services Specialist (FSS), he has unique knowledge and an independent viewpoint on the insurance industry. With more than 25 years of insurance experience, Mark is a trusted insurance partner for resort owners, farmers, small business owners, and homeowners across the area.

Certified Insurance Service Representatives (CISR) Carol Rieland and Heidi Beissel are prepared to answer your questions on coverages or billing issues, be your advocate, and help with your claim. As a valued partner in your insurance policy, they will have the answers you are looking for in times of need. Attending the program to annually renew their CISR and CISR Elite certifications show our commitment to serving you. Customer service representative Shannon Stans is the main contact in our Long Prairie office and is taking continuing education classes for her CISR certification. Kevin Berrios recently joined the team and looks forward to serving the Long Prairie community.

We live here and are proud to serve our community.

Sauk Centre office staff are involved in their local churches, schools, the Sauk Centre Rotary Club, and its STRIVE program. Long Prairie office staff are involved in their local churches, schools, and the Long Prairie Rotary Club.

Minnesota National Agency, Inc. is a licensed insurance agency in Minnesota, but also holds licensures in Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Arizona. Offices are located in Sauk Centre and Long Prairie, Minnesota.

BO E E kensington.bank | 321 Washburn Ave. | Belgrade

OPEN 24 HOURS ALWAYS

• Complete auto collision repair with ASE • We have a frame machine used to certified technicians with over 50 years straighten the chassis of a vehicle back to combined auto body repair experience its manufacturer specified dimensions • Computer estimating • We have a full Down Draft Spray Booth, • Computerized paint system to match every which enables a vehicle to be painted in a proper environment individual car’s make and model

Before

After

See pictures and more info at www.midwestpaintandbody.net

735 12th Street S, Ste. 3 • Sauk Centre, MN 56378

320-352-2595

TRUCKERS INN

RESTAURANT 24 Hours Daily

Homemade Daily Specials

• Mechanic/Wash Bay EVERYTHING YOU • Gas & Diesel/Pay-at-the-Pump also NEED TO GET Premium Fuel at #2 Fuel Price BA CK ON THE ROA D! ! • Souvenirs/Convenience Store

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TIRE BA LA NCER CERTIFIED E T TECHNICIA NS

Located “In the Middle of Minnesota” • I-94 & Hwy. 71 • Sauk Centre, MN

STTATIION STATION N 320-352-5241 32 20-3 352--524 41 • RESTAURANT RESTA AURA ANTT 320-352-3429 320 0-3 352--342 29

• Trucker & Travel Supplies • Clothing • Western Boots • ATM • Deli Counter/Snacks • RV Parking • 20 Acres • CAT Scale • Diesel Exhaust Fluid • Propane •Hunt Brother’s Pizza (Take Out)

10 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023 Aaron and Renee Rudolph and their team at Rudolph’s Redneck Roost in Holdingford have been an established part of the community for the past seven years and they are looking forward to many more to come.

The Rudolphs want each and every one of their customers to fully experience a small-town sports bar. Their number one priority is service and it shows as they get customers from all around, including those from St. Cloud and Alexandria.

The husband wife duo had 20 years-experience each at another smalltown bar and grill prior to opening an establishment of their own.

“We love the industry and we were ready for a change of pace,” Aaron said. “It has been a lot of hard work, but we love it and our kids love it.”

Rudolph’s Redneck Roost has lunch specials Monday through Friday, and evening specials Monday through Saturday. They have an original house hot sauce and dipping sauce.

“We wanted to have a lot of original menu items,” Renee said. “We have both been in the industry for so long, we had a lot of ideas we wanted to try.”

The Rudolphs treat their employees and customers like family.

“It’s a good team of people,” Renee said. “We work alongside them. We would never ask them to do anything we wouldn’t do ourselves.”

Since both the Rudolphs are from the area they are active in their community. Aaron is on the fire department and Renee is a member of PTA and works with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota as a mentor.

“We try to support the community as best as we can,” Aaron said.

The support has come back to them. When the Rudolph’s daughter was diagnosed with cancer, the employees and the town rallied behind them to cover shifts and support the Rudolphs throughout their years of treatment.

530 Main Street | P.O. Box 86, Holdingford, MN

(320) 228-0133

OPEN DAILY @ 11am (Holiday hours may vary)

LUNCH • DINNER • COCKTAILS | CHECK US OUT ON

Save Save the the date date

9 PM - 1 AM Oct. 28 Decades DJ - Halloween Nov. 04 Diamond Back Nov. 25 If Nothing Else Dec. 09 DJ John Young Ugly Sweater Crawl w/ prizes Dec. 30 Radio Nation

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520 Sinclair Lewis Ave. | Sauk Centre | 320-352-4343

Quality CNC Turning & Milling & Swiss Machining Complete Part Manufacturing

GALAXY PRECISION, INC. Galaxy: Good parts on time Galaxy Precision prides itself on creating high-quality, precision-crafted parts in an efficient manner to give their customers the best price and a delivery time they can depend on.

“We can do as little as one custom part or as many as thousands of custom parts,” said Ralph Finken, of Galaxy Precision.

The company is a production facility that can manufacture the smallest of parts to those weighing three-quarters of a ton. No matter the job, no matter the part, no matter the size or quantity, Finken said their high standard of precision and attention to detail has earned the company an ISO 9001:2015 Certification. That certification, he said, speaks to the reliability of the company.

“It’s a certification of the way a company

operates and controls their production and their quality,” Finken said. “To have this certification is huge for other manufacturers that are having us make parts for their new equipment. It gives them a higher level of confidence. When you’re dealing one company to another, there has to be a level of trust.”

Galaxy Precision manufactures precision machined parts for new equipment other companies are producing. All the parts they make are for custom jobs. They offer milling, turning and Swiss machining. Turning work is done on a lathe to create bearing surfaces, gear surfaces, snap ring grooves and other round diameters as needed. Milling work includes features such as keyseats, threads, bolt holes, flat areas and other features as needed to make the part functional. The Swiss-style machines

This is the Small CNC turning department at Galaxy Precision.

Galaxy Precision in Albany.

Contact Us!

320-836-2184 info@galaxyprecisionmn.com

produce high-quality, highproduction complete machined parts in one operation. The company touts lathes that have a milling capability; the machines can feed off a bar Three Citizen L32 Swiss Machines at Galaxy Precision. loader, providing the optimum in technological efficiency and fewer labor costs. The employees they have at Galaxy Precision are Finken takes pride in the company. His adult skilled machinists who often attend two years of children, Sharon and Mark Finken, are covocational school and then spend years honing owners of the business. As a trio, the leadership their skills. team focuses on customer relations to ensure “It isn’t just sticking a piece of metal into a they meet the expectations of each and every machine and pressing a button,” Finken said. “It’s client, no matter how tight their tolerance is on a constant monitoring of it. You have all kinds of parts. Having a leadership team also provides things you have to deal with so your quality is consistency for the customer so they know who what it needs to be.” to talk to for every job.

The technological advances help.

“You have to learn what their expectations “We can make the parts a lot more are on their parts, as far as price, delivery and efficiently and at a more competitive price,” quality,” Finken said. “You have to learn that from Finken said. each company.”

The company’s internal motto is: “Always The better the relationship, Finken said, the making things better.” For Finken, that means easier it is for the team to work with their clients updating technology, improving their processes, to troubleshoot any obstacles that may arise. improving their facility, strengthening their “A lot of times, you can resolve these issues relationships with customers and vendors and without too much trouble or time wasted,” he improving their benefits for employees. said. “We’ve developed customers because As a family-owned and operated business, we’re reliable and we ship good parts on time.

www.GalaxyPrecisionMN.com Please see our website for more information and video links.

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 11

. . .

N O O S G N I COM Rebecca and Scott Mueller are rallying communities and volunteers to come together to support and plan for the proposed Garden Sports Complex in Belgrade.

The proposed complex would span 120-feet by 400-feet and include a 100-foot by 100-foot indoor turf section to use for a variety of sports including softball, baseball, wrestling, dance, virtual golf, football practices and camps. Additionally, the facility would house three basketball courts, six volleyball courts and a walking track.

Eventually, Rebecca Mueller said, they’d like to open the space up to not only community athletic groups and organizations, but area residents looking for indoor exercise opportunities.

“We want to host open gyms, clubs and families … we want to support the schools and host bigger tournaments,” Rebecca said.

The Muellers have a piece of land they’d like to purchase for the facility and they’re looking to raise $10 million to cover the cost of the land and the proposed complex.

The Garden Sports Complex is a non-profit, which allows the Muellers to take in funds to move the project forward and can serve as a tax write off for those donating.

“Our goal is to raise all the money through sponsorships,” Rebecca said. “I want to support other businesses and give their names a shoutout.”

They’re looking for major sponsors and local business and organization sponsors. The sponsorship levels of support are detailed on the complex’s website at: www.gardensportscomplex. com. Each sponsorship level comes along with its own perks, some levels are tied to signage in and around the building, while other levels are tied to player T-shirts and yet others are tied to larger media ads.

The Muellers are not only reaching out to businesses to sponsor the project, they’re looking for representatives to serve on a board of directors for the facility. They’re seeking representatives from communities including Glenwood, Sauk Centre, Albany, Paynesville, New London, Spicer and Willmar.

“The more the communities get involved the more their community will help use it as well,” Rebecca said.

Those interested in joining the board can send a note of interest to Rebecca at rebmuel23@ icloud.com.

The facility, she said, would be community owned. The Muellers plan to run the operation and serve as the CEOs. They’ve been working on the plans for seven years and had formal blueprints drafted.

Their own children’s involvement in sports pushed them to plan for a centrally located facility.

They have four kids involved in a variety of sports and spent years driving their own kids, along with a carpool of others, up to an hour away for practices because no local indoor space could be found. Many times, she said, practices on weekends, would run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. just to allow enough timeslots for the teams – then, she said, practices began to seep into Sundays because there wasn’t enough space.

“We sacrificed as a family,” Rebecca said.

“We’d eat suppers in the car getting to … practice and waiting.”

The sports their kids were involved in sometimes announced their practice or game location the day of, bouncing from churches to other facilities depending on where space was available for the day. The real push for the project came during COVID-19 restrictions when many teams shut down practices. When players were able to return, there weren’t adequate facilities for them to come back to. At that time the Muellers opened their 40-foot by 60-foot corrugated tin shed on their property to use for practices.

The shed was home to a basketball hoop, wresting mats and a volleyball space.

Originally, they had the shed set up as a man cave but added kids sporting equipment during COVID restrictions. Then, Rebecca said, people started to rent out the space for their team while parents sat in cars.

“We’d open up our place for them to come and practice,” Rebecca said. “That just gave us more and more drive.”

The lack of facilities, she said, is hurting local kids and families.

“We have to do something around this area,” Rebecca said. “Families either travel all day long or don’t have time to get home, turn around and run back. It was just hurting my heart.”

The location in Belgrade they’ve chosen for the complex is land that used to be farmed, it’s a place where things used to grow. Now, the Muellers said, they want the land to be used as a place for athletes to grow – hence the name, the Garden Sports Complex.

Eventually, the Muellers said, they hope the site, once built, can be a place where athletes from the region return home from college and offers camps and clinics. That’s something their own children are interested in doing through their various sports.

“Why can’t we bring them back to … inspire a younger generation?” Rebecca said.

GARDEN SPORTS COMPLEX Becky Mueller @ 320-429-0967 rebmuel23@icloud.com

COMING TO BELGRADE, MN SOON...

H S U P YOUR IL MIT

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 13

122 8th Street, Albany, MN 56307

320-845-4120

do We now can ign es d specialty g on all plasma cuttinetal. m f types o k.

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I N D U S T R I A L

TANK & TRAILER Building quality tanks since 1976

Manufacturing and repair

Equipment

• Repair or replace barrels • Heads • Jackets • Cabinets • Pumps • Replacement of • sub-frames running gear frames • all types of axles & • suspensions • Fifth-wheel plates and Supports • Landing gear

Convenient drive-through bays and modern equipment ideal for: • Tank handling • Shearing • Bending • Rolling • Welding • Refinishing We also are equipped with a 75’ drive-thru paint booth & 10-ton bridge cranes that handle tanks efficiently & safely.

320-429-0989 | engletanktrailer@gmail.com | engletanktrailer.com | 39465 415th St. | Sauk Centre, MN 56378

• Custom Welding & Repair • Machining • Forming & Shearing • Steel Supplies on Hand for the Do-It-Yourself Welder Back in 1979, Dick Christenson and Arlan Pearson each had an interest in welding and machining, and they figured the Melrose community had a need for these services.

They opened CAP Enterprises, Inc., in Melrose, and today, over 43 years later, it continues to be a company that serves welding and machine shop needs in Melrose and the surrounding areas, with services like custom aluminum and stainless steel welding,

machining and farm repair.

New attributes include automated plasma and flame cutting, robotic welding and automated sawing, which lends to more accuracy.

“Not many people offer this type of repair,” said Christenson.

CAP Enterprises, Inc. employs four full-time and two part-time people and is open Mondays through Fridays, from 8 to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

Located at 511 3rd Ave. SW in Melrose Call CAP Enterprises at (320) 256-3900

JACKIE J’S STRIVES FOR HAPPY CUSTOMERS Jackie J’s Bridal has been serving brides in the upper Midwest for OVER 30 years. We would like to invite you to set up your try on appointment to experience our one on one attention we offer our brides and their entire bridal party. Jackie J’s offers everything to make your wedding the one you have dreamed of for years. We carry bridal gowns, bridesmaids dresses, mothers gowns, prom and special occasion gowns, menswear and tuxedos. Call soon to come visit our newly renovated bridal salon and “Experience the Jackie J’s difference”

SIGNS • BANNERS

CUSTOM APPAREL & EMBROIDERY Come check out our exclusive PROM 2024 collection!

520 Broadway Alexandria, MN 56308

Everything Signs was started by Robb Berscheid d in August of 2007. Originally starting with just signs, Everything Signs now offers a variety of services including: Signs, Custom Apparel & Promotional Items.

Located on Main Street Loc in Holdingford!

Huskers apparel in stock!

320-762-5163

jackiejsbridalandprom.net

320-746-0746 • www.everythingsigns.com 500 MAIN STREET, HOLDINGFORD, MN

14 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Minnesota small busine export statistics

The US Census Bureau’s profile on importing and exporting companies reports that a total of 8,469 recognized firms exported goods worth $20.7 billion from Minnesota in 2019. Of those exporters, 7,268—or 85.8%—were small. Small firms exported goods worth $5 billion, making up 23.9% of exports by identified firms.

Information from https://lbg-online.net/small-business-statistics/minnesota/

F

or 22 years Alex Dodin has been looking forward to providing goods and services to customers through his very own store.

In May of this year, he celebrated the one-year anniversary of the opening of the Main Street Smoke Shop in Sauk Centre where he serves as proprietor.

“I decided to make something for myself,” Dodin said.

His store carries E-cigarettes, cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, loose tobacco, tobacco paper and CBD products. Additionally, he carries products like candles and incense.

“If the customer needs something (I don’t have), they can tell me what they want and I try to make it available in a short amount of time,” he said.

He prides himself on customer service and said he enjoys getting to know his customers.

“I love talking to them,” he said. “They welcomed me from day one, they encouraged me and supported me.”

Dodin came to the United States from Palestine in 2002, setting foot in Minnesota on May 15. The 15th day of the month has played a special role in Dodin’s life; through the years it has signified the day of the month he applied for his visa, the day of the month he opened his store in Sauk Centre and the day of the month he got married.

Dodin is married to Basema Amro and together, they have four kids. His wife works in the school district as a special education paraprofessional.

Main Street SMOKE SHOP 201 MAIN STREET S. | SAUK CENTRE, MN 56378 | 320-352-4080

Meet Joelene Wieling Our New Melrose Area Chamber Executive Director With immense happiness, I would like to thank Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce for hiring me as the New Executive Director for the Chamber.

I have been in this area for 25 years and have been married to my husband Allen for almost 23 years.

We have 4 beautiful children and 2 grandchildren.

I have 13 plus years of experience in owning my own business and most recently, I have been copastoring with my husband Allen at Harvest Church. I also have had an opportunity to serve on the Melrose City Council. I will be continuing both of those positions alongside this one. I truly believe they are all going to

fit well together. her.

I am committed ommitted to being here for our business and for or our community and believe I will bring excellence xcellence in this leadership position. I hope pe to bring in new excitement, and new creative ideas to add to what the he Melrose Area Chamber already has to offer.

Please follow ow the new Facebook Page by scanning the QR code below, as the current one is not able to be transfered. ransfered.

320-25 3 2566 71 7174 74 | mel elro rose ro semn se mn.org org | mel elro rose ro sech se cham ch ambe am ber@ be r@ou r@ outl ou tloo tl ookk.co oo com m

MELROSE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Selling attachments with a farming touch Messer Attachments provide efficient manufacturing nationwide dealers, our local customers, and our online Nathan and Jana Messer began Messer Attache-commerce website. All of our products are available to ments at the start of the year 2009 (then called Messer be purchased online, also.”

Repair & Fabricating) as farmers looking to provide susMesser Attachments run through durability testing tainable service for those seeking skid steer attachments on-site and manufacture their own products, and the and other farm equipment needs.

Fourteen years later, the business still maintains process is extensive and detailed. While they pride themselves in maintaining their full stock and working from a that goal.

“We have a continuous improvement program,” homegrown perspective, they care even more about the Nathan said. “We’re constantly striving to get better, effectiveness of the end result.

“We do our own extensive durability testing here to get more efficient at building the products and and other locations and we back it up with a 30-day improving the quality of the products.”

What separates Messer Attachments from satisfaction guarantee and a two-year warranty,” Nathan many other farming product sellers and distrib- said. “Customer satisfaction is also paramount.”

The Messers have expanded their sales nationwide utors is their personal touch. The location can be found on a farm, as Nathan and Jana grow and have shipped attachments to other countries in an effort to extend their reach. corn and soybeans and raise beef cattle.

“From dairy to material handling, wood-splitting “We cater to farmers and one thing we do that sets us apart is we do farm,” Na- and snow removal, I don’t know if there’s one particular than said. “That’s unique. I don’t know of item that is the most popular, it depends on what the cusother companies that build attachments tomer needs on any given day,” Jana said. “For example, that actually farm. We get to use them we had an area out in California that over a five-month firsthand, test our new products here period, we shipped four of the same bale spears to four different customers within a 25-mile radius of each other.” and make sure they work great.”

The business recently added 4,000 square feet of Another point of emphasis for warehouse space with the hopes of storing more parts Messer Attachments is its versatiland providing an even-stronger service. ity and appeal to a wide range of While continued innovation and a concerted effort farming needs, from must-have attachments like bale spears, buck- to grow its horizons is a major goal for the company, ets and grapples and telescoping Messer Attachments has not lost its familial feel. With 14 booms to sizable machinery like employees forming a strong cohesiveness and connection inside its doors, Messer Attachments is excited for what it snowblowers. offers in the future.

“We have everything “Taking care of employees, I think we do a good job in stock,” Nathan said. “We of that and we certainly care about that,” Nathan said. “It’s keep everything in stock family-oriented.” to support our local and

The Messer Attachments staff consists of Adam Rambow (from left), Nathan Ruegemer, Evan Long, Bailey David, Juan Zamora, Ryan Ahrens and Dan Brunko; (back, from left) Bob Jambor, Bryan Petersen, Nathan Messer and Jana Messer. The business has catered to the needs of farmers for the past 14 years. Not pictured: Devin Kaeter, David Robertson and Kyle Believeau.

Located 1.5 miles west of Sauk Centre at 42739 County Road 184

320.352.3477

www.messerattach.com

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 15

We Are Wells At Wells, our mission is to inspire pride within communities and help them thrive by transforming how our partners think, design, construct and succeed. We know that using quality, prefabricated building components are critical to the success of any construction project.

Our team is committed to reducing risk, building confidence and deliberately planning for our partners’ success - from vision through construction and beyond.

A career worth building is a career at Wells.

PRODUCTION LABORERS

$22-28/hr This is a Full time opportunity with a growing company that offers great benefits. Job duties include but not limited to working with construction co-workers to strip, set-up, and pour concrete panels from our Albany, MN plant.

Come work construction where we work indoors, year round, and from one location.

Other opportunities include:

DESIGN ENGINEERS PROJECT MANAGEMENT ESTIMATING

Apply online

DRAFTING

wellsconcrete.com/careers Or Call: 800.658.7049

Wells is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ppor po un por u i Action Employer..

210 Inspiration Lane, PO Box 656 Albany, MN 56307

We do not discriminate t on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, te sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, or protected Veteran status.

We’re Selling Fun! Winters Recreation is a thriving 23-year-old company, with experience in new and used golf carts. We have a wide variety of options; aiming to find the right, comfortable unit for our customer’s needs. We’ve grown from renting a small shed to a 70,000 square foot facility and our team nearing 50 employees. We are still centrally located in Sauk Centre, MN, right off I-94 on County Road 186.

We are an authorized Club Car, Evolution, Star and Polaris Commercial Dealer. We are honored to have been awarded Club Car’s Black & Gold Award in 2020, 2021 and 2022. This is awarded to only 100 authorized Club Car Dealers, and earning this strengthens our customer satisfaction. We specialize in customer service, quality, selection and dedication. The carts themselves we specialize in customization; thinking outside the box.

You can expect straight up honesty, answers and fairness at Winters Recreation. We walk you through options We’re and will be here if you need to come back. We re not going

anywhere. Sales, regardless, are a clear and smooth transaction.

Where Winters Recreation may be different than the others, is our selection and customization on both new and used golf carts. Offering LSV (low speed vehicles) is on the rise, and we have a good selection. It’s also nice offering a cart at the right price and when needed customers can take advantage of our same day financing. Our Logistics Department ships nationwide for a low flat rate fee with a pretty impressive turnaround time.

Golf carts are fun! Every Winters Recreation employee – one way, shape or form – is involved in our customer’s satisfaction, which we are proud of. They work as a team and have fun while doing it. They stay educated with the latest models, and network within we work with helps the industry. Liking the product w

Your Authorized

us retain our customer satisfaction. We are a team – receiving units with care, and inventorying parts with accuracy. With attention to fine details as well as an eye for design within our production line. Two stages of quality checks, marketing units with information you’re looking for and units in stock. Genuine honest sales and fair pricing. Shipping to your door, our accounting and logistics teams are quick and on the spot.

Expansion, selection, a dedicated team, supportive vendors and, of course, our loyal customers cultivate our growth. We continue to look forward to what the future brings, and wish all the same and best of luck!

Dealer!

AUTHORIZED GOLF CART DEALER 320-351-7533 39204 Cty. Rd. 186 Sauk Centre, MN 56378

www.wintersrec.com

Winters Rec...

Not just for golf carts!

Winters also offers a wide variety of snowmobiles, mountain sleds and vehicles.

16 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Always something new!

Glen B Gl Borgerding di

With the arrival of autumn, it is a time of transitioning for Glen Borgerding.

The owner of Ag Resource Consulting Inc. in Albany, Borgerding assists farmers from all around with crop advising, soil testing and nutrient management program options for an efficient yield. Now, the focus for Borgerding changes.

“We’re getting into the mode where we’re gathering information toward next year’s cropping plans,” said Borgerding, who leads Ag Resource Consulting.

Information is a vital component of Ag Resource Consulting, a company that turns 40 in December. With each farm facing distinct situations and outlooks, Borgerding hopes to provide a path forward for the farms he services.

He works to track new information and trends and helps farmers break the messages down into something that might be applicable to their farm.

In an ever-changing industry, Borgerding and Ag Resource Consulting continue to analyze trends and factors affecting crops. Farmers are finding more reasons to pay close attention to the finer details, especially as environmental concerns and an ongoing drought rage on.

“There’s much more emphasis being put on farmers having sound nutrient management systems in place,” Borgerding said. “They’re starting to be more attentive to what they’re doing and how they’re doing it.”

Ag Resource Consulting keeps track of what nutrient flow looks like on a farm before establishing a plan of action to best utilize those nutrients, while offering the soil help necessary to keep a source of agriculture thriving.

“It’s a matter of using your own farm resources first, putting the manure in the most appropriate place, identifying what you’re still short on and putting together a fertilizer program to meet the remaining needs of the crops,” Borgerding said.

Find your fall home decor here!

Our creative team will help you!

Kitty Eickhoff, Owner Serving Central Minnesota Since 1982

Albany Country Floral & Gifts 401 Railroad Avenue • Albany, MN • 320-845-4776

albanycf.net

A financial partner rooted in your community.

We take pride in our member loyalty, giving back to the places we call home, and investing in our local communities. We’re committed to providing the best personalized banking experience possible.

If you’re not a member, become one and experience the Magnifi difference today!

24 branches throughout Minnesota (888) 330-8482 mymagnifi.org

INSURED BY NCUA

18 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Auto • Home • Farm • Recreational Vehicles Health • Life • Commercial First State Agency was established in 1901 and is one of Sauk Centre’s oldest businesses on Main Street.

First State Agency is an independent i n s u r a n c e agency with k nowledgeable staff and expertise to help each client with his or her own unique needs.

First State Agency is staffed with four licensed professionals with strong customer and community ties. With more than 95 years of combined insurance experience, our staff will be able to find the right policy to fit your personal needs and budget. First State Agency offers many insurance lines including automobile, home, farm, crop, recreational, life, individual health, Medicare Supplements, disability, commercial automobile, liability, property, and workers compensation.

Brenda, Carrie, Sue, and Karen strive to offer outstanding service to all their clients. They will take the time to sit down and explain all the coverages to make sure their clients can make good informed decisions and feel comfortable with not only the insurance coverages they purchase, but also with the insurance advisor assisting them.

Stop by to visit any one of our four insurance advisors to see how we can help you.

Our office hours are 8am – 4pm Monday-Thursday and 8am – 5pm on Fridays.

Call Us Today!

STATE AGENCY

Albany Home Bakery Bakery fresh rolls, bread, frozen breads, bars, cookies, made-to-order design cakes for all occasions!

Albany Home Bakery, 531 Railroad Ave., offers fresh rolls, bread, frozen breads, bars, cookies and made-to-order cakes.

Albany Home Bakery specializes in frozen bread dough, along with frozen cinnamon rolls and kolaches. They also have baked-fresh rolls and donuts daily, along with bakedLuAnn and Tim fresh cookies and bars. They specialize in homemade bars: magic, mound, scotcheroo, salted nut roll, pumpkin, rice krispie, caramel bars, etc. One of the bakery’s most sought-out specialties is the Florentine, a chewy almondtype cookie dipped in chocolate.

Rita Judy Sauk Centre Coborn’s has added bigger selection of frozen product from Albany Home Bakery. You can purchase frozen bread dough, frozen cinnamon rolls, Kolaches and frozen hamburger buns.

Albany Home Bakery has been in Abby business for more than 50 years and is under Kathy the ownership of LuAnn Jopp as of Jan. 1, Not pictured: Joan, Charlie, Brice, Birdie, 2002. Her husband, Tim, helps out and does Brenda, Sandy, Hailey and Harley most of the deliveries and errands. Their employees are: Rita, Joan, Judy, Charlie, 531 Railroad Ave., Albany Kathy, Abby, Brice, Birdie, Brenda, Sandy, Hailey and Harley.

320-845-2963

Albany Home Bakery is open Monday -Friday 4 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 4 a.m. to Noon.

Call the staff of the Albany Home Bakery to place your special orders at 320-845-2963.

423 Main St. S. • Sauk Centre, MN • 320-352-7200 www.firststateagencysc.com

Enterprise-CP AKA “The Noodle Factory”, produces macaroni and cheese, pasta dinners, pasta sides as well as boxed meals and stuffing for the 3 largest retailers in the world. Headquartered in Long Prairie, MN, ECP is a full-service, vertically integrated pasta and pasta meal manufacturing and packaging company. EnterpriseCP was founded in 2015 in Alexandria, MN in the old Kmart.

Today it is a highly automated and cutting-edge facility in Long Prairie that employs nearly 90 employees across three shifts.

It’s meteoric rise continues as the company grows to be a leader in the industry due to its “head turning” innovation, and close collaboration with fellow team members and customers.

Enterprise-CP hires local staff that have an interest in professional growth and development. Production positions across two shifts produce, package, and ship numerous products all over the country. Skilled maintenance mechanics and line technicians work on three shifts to program, repair and troubleshoot high speed production lines, where up to 550 cartons of macaroni and cheese each minute are produced. Quality Technicians inspect and communicate concerns or deficiencies with management and are drivers of quality, safety and efficiency within the plant. The Press Room staff are responsible for the pasta production equipment operation and ensure proper blends of raw ingredients are used to produce the many shapes of the 8,800 lbs of noodles produced per hour. With the addition of the flour mill in Cando, ND in 2020, they also mill their own flour. This

mill produces much of the flour used to produce ECP’s delicious pasta.

With the continued growth and additions of new equipment, ECP is looking to add to their amazing staff!

Become a part of a leading manufacturer in the area and see where ECP takes you!

Nolan Wolkow, President of ECP, put it best when he said, “By anticipating the wants and needs of our customers, creating new and innovative products, and collaborating closely with our stake holders, ECP will continue to be a company to watch in 2024”.

If you would like to learn more about Enterprise-CP and see what they do, visit them online at www. premierpantry.com.

To apply, visit them in person at 100 Banta Road Long Prairie, MN 56347

100 Banta Road, Long Prairie, MN 320-357-3521 | www.premierpantry.com

T H E

N O O D L E

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 21

LANGE

Call for FREE ESTIMATES Sitework, Basements, Install & Repair of Septic Systems, Cityy Sewer & Water,, Ponds, Lakeshore Work, Silt Fencing, Demolition, Hauling, Topsoil, Gravel & Street Sweeping.

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TRENCHING

LICENSED • BONDED • CERTIFIED • Since 1971

Over 47 Years Combined Experience

MOTORCYLCE & ATVS

Claire Rieland

MEDICARE

LIFE

HEALTH

BUSINESS

BOATS

AUTO

Darcy Jennissen Pfeffer

HOME

Billmark’s Insurance Services, LLC. is an independent, full-service insurance agency serving Sauk Centre and central Minnesota with four locations. Billmark’s has a diverse range of insurance products for all your needs!

FARM

We’ve Got You Covered!

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm • Appointments available at anytime 320.351.2436 • 512 Main Street S, Ste 2, Sauk Centre • www.saukcentreinsurance-billmarks.com

OUR SERVICES OUR SERVICES OUR SERVICES

At Black Financial Services, we provide a wide range of financial services and products designed to manage the needs of individuals and businesses. We offer products and services in the following areas:

Financial and Retirement Planning

Mutual Funds, Brokerage Accounts & Annuities

Our goal is to be there for you in all stages of your life. Whatever your plans are, our financial services can help make sure you’re on a prudent path to work towards your dreams.

Speak with a financial professional for details on these services.

Life Insurance

A benefit through which an insurance company pays out when the policyholder dies. Cost and availability varies based on your health, age, and other factors.

Guaranteed interest rates are based on the claims-paying ability of the underlying insurance company. Applicants are subject to underwriting, which may include medical history and current health.

401(k) Plans and 403(b) Plans

Whether you work for a for-profit company with a 401(k) or a tax-exempt organization like a school, hospital or religious group with a 403(b), we have the experience to help manage your retirement plan.

IRA’s and Roth IRA’s

IRA’s and Roth IRA’s are used by some as part of retirement strategy. Speak with a financial professional for more details.

Long-Term Care Insurance

401(k) Rollovers

When you leave a job, your 401(k) may be able to come with you. Speak with a financial professional to learn more.

529 College Savings Plans

529 plans are designed to encourage savings for future college costs.

Investment in a plan like this can be used later to cover tuition, room and board, fees, as well as books and computers if required for classes.

Participation in a 529 Plan does not guarantee the contributions and investment return will be sufficient to cover future higher education expenses. Investments involve risk and may incur a profit or loss.

A variety of services are covered under long-term care, including both medical and non-medical needs for those with a chronic illness or disability who can’t care for themselves for long periods. This insurance can cover the cost of nursing home care, in-home assistance, assisted living or adult day care.

Medicare Supplements

We can help coordinate other benefits under Medicare insurance, to make sure you have the coverage you need, whether through Medigap or group health plan coverage from an employer. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Today, Tomorrow, Together!

PO Box 346 • 110 Avon Ave. N., Avon, MN 56310 Office: 320-356-9031 • Toll Free: 800-279-2374

www.blackfinancialservices.com Securities and investment services offered through Woodbury Financial Services, Inc. (WFS), member FINRA/SIPC. WFS is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of WFS.

22 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Celebrate, Honor Honor, Remember with products from Coil’s

The Coil family is proud to offer a collection of quality items to kindle the spirit of patriotism across central Minnesota. Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles has everything from the Stars and Stripes to beautiful military memorabilia and gifts for honoring, remembering and celebrating local heroes.

Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles can also help residences and businesses commemorate Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day holidays. They sell durable, long-lasting flags in sizes from 2 feet by 3 feet to 30 feet by 60 feet and residential and commercial flagpoles from 15 feet to 150 feet tall.

Installation and repair services are available in central Minnesota.

“Whether it’s a residence or a business, flagpole customers are just so amazed at how beautiful they are. We have all sizes, depending on your needs.”

TIM COIL, OWNER

Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles recently installed a 100foot flagpole in Clearwater and a 150-foot flagpole in Cold Spring.

“If you or someone you know is looking to make a statement with a large flagpole, Coil’s can make it happen,” Tim said.

Tim, his wife, Karen, and family have owned and operated Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles for 12 years. They moved their business to 2803 Clearwater Road, St. Cloud, last August and have since gained 1,000 square feet of retail space and 2,500 square feet of warehouse space in a more visible location.

Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles offers a plethora of patriotic items for holidays and everyday display. Durable, long-lasting flags and flagpoles, banners, military patches and stickers, and promotional items are just some of what this family-owned business has to offer.

In addition to American flags, the business is a one-stop shop for state, prisoner of war flags and custom flags and banners.

Coil’s Flags & Flagpoles carries a vast selection of military patches, stickers, lapel pins, hats and clothing.

They offer custom in-house embroidery and promotional products. Logos can be embroidered on shirts, caps, tote bags and more. Flag embroidery is also available. Mugs, pens and signage are some promotional products businesses can brand and distribute.

Customers can also purchase flag cases to beautifully display folded burial flags of their loved ones and framed military art.

Find Coil’s store behind the flagpoles along Clearwater Road. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

2803 Clearwater Road, Suite B St. Cloud, MN 56301

(320) 253-8160 | www.coilsflags.com

Cloud 9 MATTRESS SUPERSTORE

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Come on down and visit us!

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WE DELIVER Waite Park • 320-230-3400 • www.cloud9matt.com West on Division, next to Anton’s, in the Riverwood Mall

Centre Rehab welcomes familiar face, new physical therapist Brianna Cooper returns home, specializes in pediatric chiropracticphysical therapy Physical therapist Lisa Lahr’s job involves asking a lot of questions. When clinic patients visit her at Centre Rehab, in Sauk Centre, the goal is pulling together missing pieces of the treatment puzzle.

Lahr has a new ally in her mission to treating all things related to the body in a time-friendly setting.

Sauk Centre native Brianna Cooper will be working full-time at Centre Rehab starting in November.

Cooper went to college at South Dakota State University and majored in exercise science. She received her doctorate of physical Sauk Centre native Brianna Cooper’s (from left) hometown return therapy at the Mayo Clinic in represents a unique opportunity for Lisa Lahr, physical therapist and clinic owner of Centre Rehab. Cooper has been working at Rochester. The past six years, she’s the clinic Fridays and will move to full-time status in November, been working for CentraCare in specializing in pediatric physical therapy.

Willmar and living in Paynesville with her husband and two boys, “This past summer we moved Lahr said she’s known Cooper Graham and Louis. Currently, she back to Sauk Centre, and I connect- for 15 years and is excited to have works with patients on Fridays at ed with Lisa,” Cooper said. “There’s the ability to offer more pediatric the clinic and will move to full-time a real need for pediatric physical care on site. Additionally, she said, in November. therapy right now.” it saves patients a clinic or therapist visit to Long Prairie, Alexandria or St. Cloud.

Centre Rehab physical therapist and owner Lisa Lahr explains how different colors of resistance bands are incorporated into a patient’s clinic session during a Sept. 15 clinic visit.

She graduated from Melrose High School and has been a physical therapist for 15 years, attending the University of St. Catherine in St. Paul where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science and a doctorate in physical therapy.

“We’ve been talking for almost a year-and-a-half, and it just worked out that I’ve gotten busy enough that I need additional help,” Lahr said. “It worked out when Brianna wanted to move back to town.”

Cooper said when she graduated from college, she didn’t want to specialize because she wanted a little bit of variety in her schedule. She really loves working with pediatrics, but enjoys using her skills when seeing patients who have had a stroke or need help with a knee, shoulder or a neurological condition.

“One of the draws of rural health is you get to see everything,” Cooper said. “If you go work in the Twin Cities, you have to pick a specialty and stick with it. The majority of our job is restoring function, and improving people’s lives. You do that by decreasing their pain. You get to improve their quality of life.”

Lahr spends a lot of time dispelling the notion sustaining an injury is the only reason to sched-

ule a physical therapy visit. “You can do it for wellness,” she said. “If you want to get into an exercise program and you don’t know where to start, come to us first. Don’t start something that isn’t obtainable.”

Cooper said she’s looking forward to renewing hometown relationships with clients at Centre Rehab.

“It’s enjoyable for me to use all of my skills and not just hone in on one demographic,” she said. “It feels great when you help your patients and make connections with almost every client. It’s rewarding when a client tells you they can play with their grandkids without having pain.”

Physical therapist Brianna Cooper stands next to an arm resistance and upper body therapy machine during a Sept. 15 visit to Centre Rehab. Cooper said she really loves working in pediatrics, but enjoys using her skills when seeing patients who have had a stroke or need help with a knee, shoulder or a neurological condition.

Physical therapist Brianna Cooper reviews the features of a recumbent bike during a Sept. 15 clinic visit to Centre Rehab. Cooper went to college at South Dakota State University and majored in exercise science.

She received her doctorate of physical therapy at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

308 OAK STREET S. SUITE 101 SAUK CENTRE, MN

320-351-4075

Fax: 320.247.6767 centrerehabmn.com

24 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Photo courtesy of The Ag Photographer - Katie Knapp

Redhead Creamery keeps strong spirits

Redhead Creamery, begun in 2014, is an award-winning cheese plant between Brooten and Sauk Centre, owned by Jerry and Linda Jennissen and Lucas and Alise (Jennissen) Sjostrom. The Creamery continues to grow each year, heralded by local cheese lovers as well as their fans in the Twin Cities metro, Fargo and beyond.

“We’ve come a long way and look a lot different from where we envisioned this in 2012,” Alise mentioned, referencing the year they incorporated the company.

“It quickly became clear that my ideas and vision for what I would be doing day to day were very wrong. I envisioned a future where I milked cows most days and spent a few hours washing and maintaining our cleaned cheese. To make this a full-time job, it’s taken a lot more great people, a lot more paperwork,

and almost no time to milk cows.”

Redhead Creamery has won a number of second and third place ribbons for a variety of their cheeses. But this year, they took home first place Natural Rind Cheddar at the U.S. Championship Cheese Contest. They were able to accept the award in Madison, Wis. “I was recovering from surgery, so I was able to join Alise to receive the award in Madison this spring,” Alise’s dad, Jerry, explained. “I’ve been to many milk and cow related conventions over the years. It is a thrill to see innovations and fun people making these great dairy products from around the world. And to be named a Best of Show in one of the elite categories – natural rind cheddar – is quite an honor for a business owner and father of the cheese-

Graphic by Lydia ‘Nibs’ Noble

maker.”

Renewed beginnings But Redhead Creamery isn’t standing still, in product space nor product type. New additions have included a number of cheeses over the years. But Linda, with help from the rest of the family and the informally celebrated “Team Cheese” at Redhead Creamery, LLC, developed a Gluten-Free Batter for their cheese curds, which is now a favorite within the creamery and many restaurants.

“We’ve got some family members affected by Celiac disease – they cannot consume gluten from wheat and other grains,” Linda explained. “As a dairy family, with a cheese plant, it felt wrong for us to celebrate a holiday without everyone being able to enjoy a cheese item. So, we started working on the gluten-free batter mix, and we think it’s better tasting than some of the traditional wheat-based mixes on the market today.”

That led to ideas about how to build out a bigger restaurant, someday. But with the pandemic shutting down part of the agritourism business – Redhead Creamery provides tours every Friday and Saturday – through much of 2020, everything seemed on hold and up in the air.

Then, with a lucky phone call, timing with grant opportunities, and the finding of a method to create liquor from milk sugars, a new plan developed. Lucas researched distillation and making spirits from whey beginning in 2019 and

through the pandemic. After the loan, grant and financing package was put together, the full plan came together that put together everyone’s passions – the family’s passion as a whole.

Beginning this winter, Redhead Creamery and Jer-Lindy Farms expect to host visitors that can see their new robotic dairy management system, with four robotic milkers, two robotic manure vacuums, one robotic feed pusher, and an RFID activity monitor system that helps track the reproduction cycle and the health of their animals.

At the cheese plant, the addition to make the space three times larger will allow for the much-enhanced kitchen, double the cheese production area, three times the cheese aging and refrigeration space, and a new milk sugar based distillery.

“Everything is, slowly, coming together,” Jerry explained.

“We are fortunate everything came together at the right time, and hope we can soon welcome people out to our new tours and fantastic kitchen beginning this winter.”

The family notes none of this would be possible without their handful of full-time employees, and past employees.

“Our team is great because they’re able to work with a small set of family companies that might need help milking cows, making cheese, delivering cheese, or serving in the kitchen day-to-day,” Linda explained.

“We wouldn’t be Jer-Lindy Farms or Redhead Creamery, LLC, without them.”

26 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Lets PINK out the stands!

St. Cloud Subaru, we’re not just about cars; we’re about community and making a difference.

TACKLE CANCER

Event was on Wednesday, October 18th at the Sabre Football game. All funds went to Randy Shaver Cancer Research fund!!

141 Park Avenue South, Saint Cloud, MN | www.stcloudsubaru.com | Sales 888-696-6143 | Service 888-705-9775 | Parts 888-712-6721

YOUR ONE STOP COUNTRY STORE! F or the past 22 years, the Sauk Centre Country Store has served area farmers and pet owners with feed and supplies, along with top customer service.

The Centra Sota Sauk Centre Country Store is one of five Centra Sota Country Store locations across Central Minnesota that markets to both the agricultural market and the urban customer.

A wide array of serv services and products are offered to dairy, beef, equine, equine pet, chicken, goat and rabbit owners.

Unique products sold at the Country Store include many dog treats, bird feeders and a variety of goat milk products.

The Country Store opened in Sauk Centre in 2000 as part of the Cabinet Components building. In 2005 they moved to their current location on Sinclair Lewis Avenue. The four other Centra Sota locations' employees are considered co-workers, and inventory is shared between them.

Sauk Centre Country Store manager, Lisa Keppers, has worked for Centra Sota for over seven years and has been the manager in Sauk Centre for that time. Keppers said about the Country Store, "Our customer service is very important to us! If we don’t have it, we will find it."

Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Winter hours, December 1 - April 30 are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

NUUSOL SANDALS & CLOGS | POTTING SOILS | HERB GROWING SUPPLIES | BIRD FEEDERS | LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT & MORE!

SAUK CENTRE COUNTRY STORE Centra Sota - Little Falls, MN | 320-632-3631 • Centra Sota - St. Martin, MN | 320-548-3245 Centra Sota - Upsala, MN | 320-573-2186 • Centra Sota Feed & Grain - Albany, MN | 320-845-4086 3/4 Miles West of the Downtown Buffalo Country Store - Buffalo, MN | 763-682-2783 Stoplights on Sinclair Lewis Ave. in Sauk Centre, MN

320-351-2227

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 27

BACKWOODS OUTDOORS, LLC blinds made of fiberglass, steel and others with wood.

So, depending on what feathers the customers are wanting, we’ve got you covered.”

The deer blinds are always available to view, but Nate recommended if customers are ready to pick up a blind to call first so a Backwoods Outdoors team member can help with the loading process.

Backwoods Doors also offers three types of Ambush Ice Houses -- Slammer, Slayer and Stryker – that have no wood components and feature seamless construction on a custom order basis. They are light and durable so you can get out on the ice early.

The Brenners also operate an online-only snowmobile and ATV parts store, which is available at backdoorpartsllc.com. Nate said keeping the sales online only allows them to get more machines parted out, which in return creates for a larger selection of parts for customers. They ship daily Monday through Friday.

Find them online at backwoodsoutdoorsllc.com and backdoorpartsllc.com

Joyful Blooms

Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. -4:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

Amy Poepping is now the sole owner of Joyful Blooms in Sauk Centre, after a four-year partnership with Megan May and Lindsey Rinde. The trio previously owned Sprinkle of Joy and Joyful Blooms together.

Both stores, Joyful Blooms in Sauk Centre and Sprinkle of Joy in Browerville, will continue to offer flowers, plants, home decor and gifts. Clothing is being added back into the Joyful Blooms product line.

“I live here by Sauk Centre and Lindsey’s life is in Browerville,” Poepping said. “So, it just made sense for us each to hone in on our own communities.”

With a background in the medical field, Poepping

Albany Chrysler Center provides transportation across generations Hometown dealership focuses on tradition, emphasis on people Albany Chrysler Center is big enough to earn your business and small enough to keep it! Customer satisfaction is their number one goal! From providing the best prices on new and used vehicles to servicing all makes and models, they are truly a one stop shop. From sales to finance, service to parts and even a body shop, Albany Chrysler is here to serve you.

Owner Bryan Schiffler said the dealership has been extremely fortunate with its business success because we have received phenomenal support from local businesses busi sin ness ne sses es and and residents res esid sid iden en nts ts

since opening in 1997.

Not only do they have community support but in order to make it all come together, they have an amazing team. “We have so many team members that have been with us for many years,” he said. “They are the reason we can provide all of the services that we do, they are the reason we can make this happen.”

“We are a family here at Albany Chrysler Center,” said Vice President Amy Silvers.

Silvers started working full-time at the dealership in 2015 with Bryan, her father, and her mother, Lynn.

Next Ne xtt ttime im you are in

Sales: (320) 227-8462

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. • Sun. Closed

34650 225th Avenue • Albany, Minnesota 56307

www.AlbanyChrysler.com | www.facebook.com/albanychrysler

Albany’s Hillcrest now Bear Crest Lounge

Small-town feel an attraction for Torrence

never expected to be a business owner, much less a floral shop owner.

After starting a family, she started exploring the small business life, expecting to find a job but instead, she found a passion.

“This is very fueling

to me, makes my heart happy and brings joy to my life,” Poepping said. “It all started as a boutique to make women feel good about what they wear. That turned into so much more than selling clothes.”

Poepping and her team at Joyful Blooms, share a passion for lifting people’s spirits through flowers, plants and gifts that their store has to offer.

“My team is amazing and they do their heart-work in the flowers and everything we do,” Poepping said.

Joyful Blooms provides flower arrangements for many occasions throughout the year, but Valentine’s Day and

Terry Torrence (right) and wife Marieta, Aug. 23 inside a Bear Crest Lounge-Family Restaurant dining room in Albany, are excited for their new venture as owners of this business. They took over ownership of the former Hillcrest Family Restaurant/ Stubby’s Tavern July 1.

Mother’s Day are the busiest times. The company has one full-time florist and two parttime florists.

“We do a lot of flowers, delivering every day,” she said.

“We are ramping up weddings.

Funerals are always busy and such a blessing to be part of.

We get to bring a piece of joy to every occasion in life, even if it’s remembering and celebrating a loved one’s life.”

Poepping said she loves being a part of downtown Sauk Centre and she enjoys having the opportunity to build relationships with fellow business owners and community members.

“We always say, we are delivering love and joy one flower arrangement at a time,” Poepping said.

the market for purchasing a vehicle or have a vehicle repair, look up Albany Chrysler Center. “With your satisfaction in mind, we will continue to do what we do best and keep you moving!” she said.

Service: (844) 717-6847 • Parts: (888) 496-9783

Terry Torrence’s nickname is “Ter-Bear.” He used that bear twist when naming his business – Bear Crest Lounge-Family Restaurant in Albany – complete with a bear on his logo.

On July 1 he became the owner of the former Hillcrest Family Restaurant, purchasing it from Sandy Eggert.

Thanks to his people personality, he loves visiting with customers, including regulars who, over the past month, he has gotten to know.

With more than 40 years as a building contractor in Minnesota, he has a vision for the upstairs dining and downstairs bar areas. He plans to utilize the downstairs, making it more of a banquet space. He plans to freshen up the facility with new

carpeting, blinds, paint and pictures in the dining areas where home cooked meals are served.

“I’d like to put up more pictures of Albany, the buildings, the people,” he said.

Torrence has applied for a grant from a Latino economic association. His wife, Marieta, who he married in 2016, is from Colombia and on June 14 earned her U.S. citizenship.

His good friend and mentor is Armando Campo, owner of Los OCampo Mexican Restaurant & Bar in the Twin Cities.

He has hired more waitresses, cooks and bartenders.

“We work as a team here,” he said.

While this is Torrence’s first endeavor as a restaurant owner, this father of four, grandfather of nine and great-grandfather of two, who call him “Pappa,” is up for the challenge – and excited about the future of Bear Crest Lounge-Family Restaurant.

“People have been happy I bought the place,” Torrence said. “This is part of small town Americana, right here.”

FAMILY R

To say Backwoods Outdoors, LLC, owners Nate and Stephanie Brenner are huge lovers of hunting, fishing or just about any outdoor activity would be a massive understatement.

Their passion is just part of what makes their business a premier destination for those in the market for deer blinds and stands along with ice houses and a store for snowmobile and ATV parts.

Their goal is to “unplug” their customers and get Minnesota families to enjoy nature and the fresh air Minnesota has to offer while getting away from their screens.

“We love what we do,” Nate said. “Our love of both hunting and snowmobiling makes our business enjoyable for our family. As a family, we spend a majority of our time outdoors and much of what we do in our free times revolves around hunting and snowmobiling.”

Backwoods Outdoors currently offers 18 different deer stand models.

“We have something for every hunter,” Nate said. “Whether you hunt alone or with a buddy, we have several different sizes along with different tower heights ranging from 5 to 15 feet. We have

ES

R TAU ANT

EST. 2023

BEARCREST L O U N G E

1 Block off I-94 Albany exit | 1004 Shamrock Lane, Albany 320-845-2168

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 29

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October 28

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Halloween Celebration with Running 2 Fast

Dana Robinson & The Bottle Rockets

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Rough House

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51-9951

Sinclair Lewis Ave • 320-3

The team at Lake Country Vet Clinic P.A. in Albany sees value in local veterinarians providing service to their community.

Lake Country’s most recent partner to join the ownership group in 2022, Dr. Sam Beech, said locally owned and operated clinics benefit the community greatly but are becoming less common.

“In the veterinary business, larger corporations are buying small private veterinary clinics and integrating them into bigger corporate veterinary systems,” Beech said. “That really increases costs to pet owners because they raise prices on nearly all their services almost immediately.

It’s generally detrimental to people relying locally on their veterinary clinic.”

Having first joined the team in 2019, Beech said veterinarians and staff at Lake Country Vet Clinic work closely with guests looking for treatment for both large and small animals.

The clinic expanded

Dr. Sam Beech and his wife Ashley Beech and 2 dogs Nala and Willow

in 2022 to include three new exam rooms, allowing veterinarians to attend to guests and their animals more efficiently.

“I have a strong passion that veterinary clinics should be owned by the veterinarians that run them and work there because we can keep prices more fair and provide their services and be more flexible with the way we treat the individual animals.”

Operating out of a smaller clinic allows more

(320) 845-6930 or (800) 495-6930 LAKECOUNTRYVETSERVICE.COM

K&S P harmacy At K&S Pharmacy, patient care, convenience and keeping things local is a priority.

“We have great patients,” said Karla Schneider, owner and pharmacist. “We strive to maintain good relationships with local providers so that we can give our patients the care they deserve. In a small town, where customers feel like family, that’s just what you do.”

Schneider and her staff work with area providers including, but not limited to, family practice, specialty care and eye doctors. Their working relationships ensure a patient’s overall care is at the forefront of every interaction. Schneider said it’s important to see the whole picture of a patient so that the pharmacist can see what’s being prescribed and if there are any interactions or issues that need to be addressed.

Another tool K&S Pharmacy has is their connection to the Minnesota Immunization Action Coalition. They can check a patient’s vaccination history and see what they’re due for. This is important because patients do not have to wait to get their vaccine at their next visit to their primary care provider. The pharmacy is small and offers a convenient, local place for patients to take care

of their needs without having to visit large shopping areas.

The pharmacy provides vaccinations to people 18 and older. The site offers flu vaccinations, COVID-19 vaccinations by Moderna, Shingles vaccinations and DTAP vaccinations which cover tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). They now offer pneumonia vaccinations as well.

Providing local, quality pharmacy services is key; however, the staff at K&S Pharmacy can help with more than just prescriptions and vaccinations.

The store offers weekly dry-cleaning service, instant print photos and an expanded selection of greeting cards including ones from Avanti. The pharmacy provides UPS shipping service and is an access point where drivers can drop off packages for those customers who may not be at home.

Another exciting aspect of K&S Pharmacy is the Ganz holiday gifts and decoration collectibles that are available in the gift shop area. The store also carries Eichers Hobby Farm soaps and lotions, which are gentle, all-natural skin care products made primarily from goat milk. Other gift, décor and even clothing items are available as well.

Besides providing local conveniences, the K&S Pharmacy team gives back to the local community by sponsoring a ladies’ bowling team, supporting the local booster club and advertising in church bulletins. Individual staff and pharmacists volunteer for various organizations in the area and even coach a high school swim team. The store and its staff play a role in making the community what it is.

freedom for veterinarians to decide on animal care, which Beech said is one of the aspects he enjoys most about being a part of the Lake County team.

“Every appointment, every case, something is different,” Beech said.

“As a veterinarian, I’m a surgeon, pharmacist, general medicine doctor, radiologist, dentist and everything. It’s really fun because I have great freedom in how I decide to treat an animal.”

551 Railroad Ave., Albany (across from the Kraft plant)

320.356.1000

The team at K&S Pharmacy in Avon includes Brian Schneider (from left), Karla Schneider, Dana Crumley and Sarah Grutsch.

Not pictured: Angie Brown.

107 Avon Ave. S, Suite 1, Avon, MN MyGNP.com/K&SPharmacy kspharmacy412@gmail.com Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm & Saturday 8:00 am - Noon

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 31

W

edding & Tuxedo Connection is truly your ONE stop bridal shop.

With almost 13 years in business, they’ve just moved into their new location to offer an even larger selection of gowns with a more intimate setting.

They carry some of the top bridal gown designers in the business, allowing them to offer something for everyone’s body type and budget.

Allure, Mori Lee and Justin Alexander showcase some of the best styles around, giving a great selection for every bride to find something that will make her want to say YES! Don’t forget the perfect accessory to go along with it. Whether it’s a simple necklace, statement earrings or a dramatic cathedral veil, they’ve got you covered.

Don’t worry, they haven’t forgotten the men. They carry Skeffington’s and Jim’s Formal Wear for the latest looks to make the groom and his entourage look their best. From full tuxedo rentals or suit purchases to a more laid-back suspender and bowtie look, they’ve got you covered.

For the moms, Wedding & Tuxedo Connection carries a great selection of gowns for the mother of the bride or groom to look and feel fabulous as they watch their son or daughter get married. Plus, they have an adorable selection of flower girl dresses and ring bearer outfits to put those finishing touches on the bridal party.

Wedding & Tuxedo Connection also has over 36 years of experience in floral.

They’ve been helping brides design the perfect arrangements for their bouquets and bridal party since the beginning. And it doesn’t stop there. They offer all things floral for weddings, special occasions and funerals. Along with floral, they offer decorating services for your special day as well, from ceiling draping to chair covers, linens and more. If you need it, they probably have it.

Watch for our designer trunk shows coming in November.

CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR UPDATES.

13 Main in Street W | Richmond, Richmond MN 56368 | 320.597.TUXS 320 597 TUXS (8897) (889

www.weddingtuxedoconnection.com Wedding Gowns | Bridesmaid Dresses | Decorating Services | Flowers | Tuxedos & More

Our staff is here to help you with all of your Marine and Outdoor needs!

Back Left to Right: Matt, Tab, Angie, Grant, Austin Front Left to Right: Larry, Trent, Bob

R

esorters Marine was started in 2020 as a service center for boats, ATVs, golf carts, lawn mowers, and other small engines. As we grew, we took on Evolution Golf Carts, Grand Island pontoons, Polar Kraft aluminum boats, HiSun ATV and UTVs, Leg-

We sell new pontoons, docks, lifts, golf carts, utv’s, youth atvs, and Country Clipper Zero Turn Lawn mowers.

end Trailers, Paradise Dock & Lift, Black Hole Ice Shack and Snow Ex Snow Plows.

As we grew, we stuck to our roots and stuck to our top-quality service center that still provides top notch service repair and parts for all makes and models of boats, pontoons, ATVs, UTVs, golf carts, lawn mowers and other small engines.

Service

At Resorters Marine we strive to be a family-based employer and all employees and customers are treated like family! To view our new and used inventory visit us on our website at resortersmarineoutdoors.com, call us at 320-766-8181 or stop out to our show room at 15189 County Road 82 SE in Osakis.

Come be a part of the Resorters Marine Family!

It did not take Ann Scheel long to realize she wanted a career in the dental industry.

Spending time in a dental office in high school and seeing the inner workings was all it took.

“I shadowed my dentist when I was in high school and knew that a career in the dental world was for me,” Scheel said.

“My dentist hired me for the summer, and I was so fascinated with dental that he gave me his college dental books to read.”

Ann Scheel

More than 40 years later, Scheel still thrives on the environment of a successful and tight-knit dental available at the practice allows the team to fabricate same-day crowns office. out of porcelain. Instead of making Scheel soon became an office impressions, sending them to a manager at the same practice lab for fabrication and placing a where she fell in love with it and temporary crown, the team takes continued her career at several a 3-D scan and can cement in the area offices thereafter. After taking permanent crown usually within a a break from the business from few hours.

2017-23 to help transition her The X-rays can aid in root family farm while spending time with her seven grandchildren, canals and planning for implants.

Scheel has found a home as officer They also show the sinuses and administrator at Albany Family the nasal septum and can allow dentists to see a patient’s anatomy.

Dentistry.

It can catch dental abscesses, sinus Albany Family Dentistry concerns and infections in the jaw provides comprehensive dental bone. care for all ages. Their approach Scheel started her position allows staff to provide the kind of care that results in naturally at the office May 2, 2023. Her duties include human resources healthy smiles. and business accounting while Conveniently located close assisting with patient scheduling, to the I-94 corridor, Dr. Jason billing and insurance. She said Spychala and his highly-trained she takes pride in providing a staff proudly serve patients positive dental experience as well throughout the greater Central as helping patients feel welcomed Minnesota area. The full-service and comfortable at Albany Family dental clinic was designed to make Dentistry. patients feel comfortable and “I had an opportunity to come welcome with a mix of modern to Albany Family Dentistry, and and reclaimed furnishings.

I am enjoying this job and the Albany Family Dentistry community immensely,” Scheel approaches dental care with a said. “I love interacting with preventive philosophy that aims to patients plus the variety of tasks avoid costly treatments and painful that I have with my job.” dental problems. To accomplish Outside of the office, Scheel this, they incorporate thorough exams, advanced technology and a can be found spending time with family, tending to her garden or team of skilled professionals.

The advanced imaging lending a hand on the family farm.

Caring for your smile starts with making a call:

Full Marine Service, Small Engine Repair, Winterization, Cart & ATV Customization, White Glove Boat Detailing Trailers ers Legend Trailers: railers: num Aluminum ailers Utility Trailers railers Pontoon Trailers

Albany Family Dentistry

(855) 845-8415 15189 County Road 82 SE Osakis, MN 56360 • (320) 766-8181

www.resortersmarineoutdoors.com | resortersmarine@yahoo.com

Dr. Jason Dr. Kara Spychala Engelbrektson

360 Railroad Avenue Albany, MN 56307

www.albanyfamilydentist.com

34 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023

Minnesota small busine statistics by industry The professional, scientific, and technical services sectors have the largest number of small businesses operating in them compared with other industries in Minnesota, for a total of 78,475.

Approximately 63,251 of these businesses are nonemployer businesses, 14,138 have 1–19 employees, and another 1,086 have 20–499 employees on payroll.

The mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sectors have the least number of small businesses operating in them.

Information from https://lbg-online.net/small-business-statistics/ minnesota/

Community Technology Center keeps scammers at bay Savvy scammers are keeping Community Technology Center busy and Joan Scherping and David Waletzko don’t see an end in sight.

“The scammers are definitely getting more creative and looking more realistic in a lot of ways, coming up with new methods,” Scherping said. “There isn’t any one way. In email, check the verbiage, check the sender, attachments are suspicious, there’s pop ups, bad web sites, Google searching and hitting Overall, the scam numbers and not the legitimate number.” company is focused on education. They The number one way scammers hit a personal computer is by convincing offer residential and the person to let them have remote access to their system, Scherping said. Once business computer in, they can gain access to password files, track keystrokes, and networking see medical information, tax histories and the like. support services, as well as a whole host of “We’ve had customers where they’ve drained their new security packages bank account instantly,” she said. for businesses that include options for To avoid it, Community Technology Center encourdata backup, data ages customers to stop and think through an interaction recovery and security with any company that reaches out to them. Usually, path management Scherping said, there’s an urgency to the communication but taking the along with remote time to think through the logic may save headaches and money. Also, she monitoring. said, use caution when searching for business support numbers; not all the numbers listed on the internet for companies like Amazon or QuickBooks are legitimate.

In addition to cleaning up computers, or wiping computers altogether that have been infected with viruses or subject to keystroke trackers, Community Technology Center also offers computer hardware, software and advice to clients.

David Waletzko stands out front of Community Technology Center in Albany.

360 Railroad Ave., Suite 2, Albany, MN 56307 / (320) 845-8888 / www.mnctc.com

October 18, 2023 • Spotlight on Business • 35

Meet Your Star Publications

Sales Team

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Bob Leukam

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Neil Maidl

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Bob Leukam

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Robin Brunette

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Tim Vos

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522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 320-352-6577

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What is your role at Star Publications: Sales and marketing representative How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? ? I started with Star Publications on Feb. 15, 2023.

Where do call home? I call Rice home. I have lived there for 42 years, so yes, I am a community native.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? I serve Sauk Centre, Rice, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Paynesville, St. Cloud, Waite Park, Dassel, Cokato, Richmond, Cold Spring, St. Joe, Clearwater, Clear Lake, Becker, Monticello, Annandale and St. Augusta. I visit those communities at least once a week.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? Sauk Rapids-Rice High School football, then the Minnesota Wild hockey team. I love the Wild!

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? Watching their faces smile after I give them the final proof. Knowing the community will see the ad and potentially stop there.

What is your role at Star Publications: Advertising sales.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? Almost 4 years.

Where do call home? We live in Melrose now for 12 years, but I grew up on a dairy farm near Melrose, just four miles out of town.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? I serve the areas east and north of St. Cloud, I meet with most at least twice a month, some more than that.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? There is only one sport -baseball! The rest are just for fun to fill in the rest of year. St Louis Cardinals has always been my team since I was a wee kid.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? I love helping people. I really enjoy seeing the results of setting up their advertising with them and seeing what difference it makes in their business.

What is your role at Star Publications: Inside advertising sales representative.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? 19 years.

Where do call home? Belgrade is home. I’ve lived there seven years, but I am not a community native.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? I’m an inside marketing consultant, so I serve all of the Star Publications communities. I very seldom get the chance to go out to visit them, but the outside marketing consultants try to keep me up to date.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? Football.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? I love to build a trusting relationship with the people I am working with. After time, they feel like family. I work to match our products with their company so it’s a great fit for them I feel it’s important to help them build their customer base.

What is your role at Star Publications: Advertising sales and co-owner.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? 12 years.

Where do call home? Albany is home. I have lived there seven years, and I’m a community native.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? Albany, Avon, Holdingford, St. Anna, St. Wendel, St. Martin, Sauk Rapids and Wabasha County. I visit them often.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? Football.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? Building long-term relationships and creating marketing plans to help businesses grow.

www.star-p

SAUK CENTRE HERALD

Missy Traeger

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Neil Maidl

Robin Brunette

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Tim Vos

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Mike Schafer

What is your role at Star Publications: Salesman with Dairy Star.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? Eight years.

Where do call home? Originally from Buffalo Lake, I have lived in Willmar for 35 years.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? I serve central and southeast Minnesota, and I see my accounts between three and 20 times a year.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? I follow SEC football and am a passive Vikings watcher.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? Many of my clients are people I consider to be friends now. Many have mentioned their continued success because they use the Dairy Star and other Star Publications papers to market their products and services.

D

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Mike Schafer

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Missy Traeger

What is your role at Star Publications: Sales manager and owner.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? 12 ½ years.

Where do call home? Sauk Centre, I’ve lived there for 27 years, I grew up in Melrose.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? Sauk Centre, Melrose, Freeport and Greenwald. I visit those communities every week.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? NFL Football.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? I like taking some of the worry off of the shoulders of business owners by helping them set up their advertising.

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Jaime Ostendorf

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Jamie Ostendorf

What is your role at Star Publications: Outside advertising sales representative.

How long have you been a member of the Star Publications sales team? Four-and-a-half years.

Where do call home? I moved to Long Prairie when I was five years old and graduated high school there, I moved away for college, came back and reside there today so I’m a community native.

What communities do you serve as a sales team member? Alexandria, Osakis, Glenwood, Starbuck, Hoffman, Barrett, Elbow Lake, Long Prairie, Browerville, Clarissa, Eagle Bend, Grey Eagle, Swanville, Upsala, Holdingford, Belgrade, Brooten, Elrosa. I visit these communities weekly and bi-monthly.

What is your favorite fall high school sport or fall professional sports team? Football cheerleading.

What do you enjoy the most about helping the people and companies who advertise? I truly enjoy all the people I get to work with. It’s fun seeing all the different businesses in the communities I serve and how they work, it’s wonderful to be part of their success when they advertise.

I am here to help and proud that we can offer so many great marketing services to help them succeed.

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STAR POST ALBANY 561 Railroad Ave. P.O. Box 310 Albany, MN 56307 320-845-2700

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STAR POST MELROSE 408 Main Street East Melrose, MN 56352 320-351-6579

SAUK RAPIDS HERALD 2 Second Ave. S., Suite 135 Sauk Rapids, MN 56379 320-251-1971

BENTON COUNTY NEWS 1061 Hwy. 23, Suite 2A P.O. Box 689 Foley, MN 56329 320-968-7220

36 • Spotlight on Business • October 18, 2023