15th Annual Gourmet

Food Auction

It’s time again for The Annual Gourmet Auction! Now in it's 15th year, this event is

sponsored by the Big Island Rendezvous and the Albert Lea – Freeborn County

Chamber of Commerce !

Join us on Friday, January 30th, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club

for this unique event! Social hour begins at 6 p.m. with the “tasting” commencing at

6:30p.m.

The silent auction runs from 6:00 to 7:25. At 7:30 p.m. the live auction action begins

and continues throughout the evening! With an array of items to bid on and lots of

great food to sample and savor, this is an night you don’t want to miss! Tickets are

$20 each or 2 for $35. Table of ten available for $160.

To make reservations call the Chamber

at 373-3938.

Money raised will be used for the 2015 Educational Days at the Big Island

Rendezvous and Festival and community projects of the Albert Lea-

Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.

Join us, bring a friend, or bring your family,

and don’t forget to bring your appetite!

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce

Business Monthly

January 2015

Thank you New Members

Thank you Renewing

Members

KQPR-FM, POWER 96

Classic Rock

Copper Kitchen Trumble’s Family Restaurant

Big Island Rendezvous

Produce State Bank

Reinertson’s Embroidery

Freeborn County Pork Producers

Thorne Crest Retirement

Community

Edward Jones

United Employee Credit Union

Uptown Dental

Etcetera Tanning & Clothing

Northstar Powersports & Marine

Peterson, Savelkoul, Kolker, Haedt & Benda

American Family - Cliff Wuerflien Agen-

cy

Edwards Manufacturing Company

KATE/KCPI—The Breeze

Marketing Plus

Rustic Winery LLC

Geneva Meats

Manufactures Bank & Trust Company

Perkins Restaurant & Bakery

Ron Holtan Realty

Fisher’s Jewelers

Complete Realty

City of Emmons

Freeborn County Historical Museum

Mike Funk

Northwestern Mutual

Silver Bee Farms

Total Glass & Lock, Inc.

Habit for Humanity Freeborn/Mower County

Minnesota Corrugated Box, Inc.

A-Best Sewing Machine & Vacuum Cen-

ter

Closing the Skills Gap

By Randy Kehr

There has been much talk recently about the lack of skilled workers available to our employers. There are many jobs in our community that are sitting vacant due to this shortage. While a number of organizations are working on this, in-cluding the Chamber’s Business/Education Partnership Committee, it remains a significant problem. The following presents a series of steps that could and

should be taken and is reprinted with permission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Recently, I wrote a blog post about the importance that career and technical education has in closing the nation’s skills gap. We cannot just rely on the traditional, four-year college graduate as the sole demographic responsible for growing our economy. We need to expand the pool of students enrolled and graduating from all sorts of postsecondary programs, whether that’s a four year college degree, two year degree, or other credential in a skilled labor. And we need high school graduates to have the skills necessary for success in the workplace. Career preparation programs are an important part of making this a reality. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) recently released a report on how to improve career preparation programs in K-12 schools to truly prepare students for an in-demand job that pays a family sustaining wage. CCSSO recommends 3 ways to make sure more students graduate high school prepared for careers:

Enlist the employer community as a lead partner in defining the pathways and skills most essential in today’s economy. Who has a better understanding of workforce needs than employers? Frankly, it’s a no-brainer that employers need to take the lead on identifying the high-growth and high-skill jobs of tomorrow to ensure career preparation programs are aligned to those needs.

Set a higher bar for the quality of career preparation programs, enabling all students to earn a meaningful postsecondary degree or credential. Schools need to align to the needs of the economy if they are going to get better results and outcomes for their students. And business must be a part of developing programs that provide students with the skills needed in high-demand fields.

Make career readiness matter to schools and students by prioritizing it in accountability systems. All schools need to play an important role in getting all students prepared for their future careers. No longer can we look at career preparation programs as inferior or for students who just can’t “hack it.” Furthermore, making more rigorous and relevant career prep pro-grams requires more buy in from states. This means that these programs need to be given a higher standing in their accountability systems so that schools and students prioritize them.

To date, 41 states and the District of Columbia have signed on in support of the recommendations in the Opportunities and Options report. This is highly commendable. While so much emphasis is put on raising standards in K-12 to graduate college-ready students, it’s also critical to raise the bar for career readiness programs. Through employer-focused efforts like this and the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Man-agement initiative, we can make the skills gap a thing of the past.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark D'Alessio is manager of communications for the USCCF's Center for Education and Workforce.

Dear Chamber Members,

Page 2

Business Monthly

Referrals The following Business

have received referrals from he Chamber Office this

month: Freeborn Lumber Company

& Design

Holiday Inn Express &

Suites

Best Western/ I-90

AmericInn of Albert Lea

Americas Best Value Inn

Big Island Grille & Bar

Wedgewood Cove

Green Mill

Comfort Inn

Alliance Benefit Group

Applebee's Neighborhood

Grill & Bar

Cuban Island

Home Depot

Kwik Trip

Albert Lea Family Y

Anytime Fitness

Fleet Farm Supply

The Unbridled Boutique

Hy-Vee

MarketPlace Foods

Salvation Army

Mona’s Style Salon & Spa

Senior Resources

Anytime Fitness Albert Lea

American Red Cross

Country Soule Boot &

Western Market

Trumble's Family

Restaurant

Godfather’s Pizza

Grandma’s Kitchen

Iron Skillet/SKOL Tavern

Membership Drops The following members chose not to renew their Chamber Membership.

Ambassador Visits

Page 3

Business Monthly

Chamber Board of Directors

Randy Cirksena Chair

State Farm at the Barn 373-7717

Jeff Woodside

Vice Chair Albert Lea Select Foods

379-9265

Catherine Buboltz 2nd Vice Chair

Albert Lea Tribune 379-3427

Amy Davis Cargill Value Added Meats

377-2526

Kade Vershay Dave Syverson Auto Mall

373-1438

Julia Thompson Freeborn County Shopper

373-1310

Justin Oman Security Bank

373-1481

Kathy Sabinish Dave's Phone Booth/Frames-R-Us

377-0848

Jeff Eaton Eaton Sport and Spine

377-1570

Patricia Dahl Mayo Clinic Health

System Albert Lea and Austin 373-2384

Dr. Adenuga Atewologun Riverland Community College

433-0607

Kim Nelson

The Children Center

373-7979

Angie Kolker

Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services

373-6421

Stephanie Haedt Past Chair

Peterson, Savelkoul, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. 373-6491

Between Friends Boutique

Bragen Rights Photography

Small Street Journal

Page 4

Business Monthly

Ambassador Scholarship Applications Available

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Ambassadors

will offer 5 $1000 college scholarships for the 2015 gradu-

ates of any Freeborn County High School. Applications will

be available on the Chamber’s website from December 1,

2014 through February 11, 2015.

In order to be eligible, graduating seniors must meet the

following criteria:

1. Must be a resident of Freeborn County.

2. Individuals making application must be seeking finan-

cial assistance for their freshman year at a college or

university.

3. Preference is given to business majors, however others

will be considered. All majors are encouraged to apply.

Here is the link to the application:

http:surveygoldcloud.com/

s/79FABCFF3BE642CD/42.htm

Farm Family of the Year

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce is

now accepting nomination for the Farm Family of the Year.

Selection Criteria include:

1. Full-time farmer (majority of income must come from

farming).

2. Farmed at least 5 years.

3. Have some involvement in the community organiza-

tions.

4. Not previously been an award recipient.

Able to attend recognition program in August at Farmfest

and participate in Freeborn County Farm Family recognition

in March.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce

Agriculture Committee and the University of Minnesota

Extension Service sponsor this award. Nomination will be

accepted until February 20, 2015 and can be picked up at the

Chamber Office, located in the Northbridge Mall at 2580

Bridge Avenue

Here is the link for the Nomination Form:

http://app6.websitetonight.com/projects/3/3/7/1/3371604/

uploads/

Farm_Family_of_the_Year_Nomination_application.pdf

Transfer Station &

Demolition Landfill The Albert Lea Transfer Station & Demolition Landfill

will be selling permits for use of the City compost site for

2015. These permits allow you unlimited use of the site for

the calendar year (January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015)

and will be available at the Transfer Station and City Hall.

Checks should be made payable to “City of Albert Lea” in

the amount of $10 for city residents, or $15 for non-city

residents and $100 for City Commercial, or $150 for non-

city commercial businesses. Permits must be visibly placed

on your windshield when using the site. Receipts will be

provided for these permits. If you lose your permit your

receipt will be required to reissue another permit at no

cost.

If you have any questions please contact the Transfer Sta-

tion at 373-5013 or City Hall at 377-4325.

Business After Hours

Page 5

Business Monthly

Thank you Albert Lea Tribune for

sponsoring the December Business After

Hours

Quote of the Month

You need to be aware of what others are do-

ing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their

successes, and encourage them in their pur-

suits. When we all help one another, every-

body wins. – Jim Stovall

2015 Business After Hours Schedule

January 2015 - Pantheon Computer Systems

February 2015 - Green Mill

March 2015-

April 2015 -

May 2015 - Vern Eide

June 2015 - Blue Zones Project

July 2015 - St. John’s

August 2015 -

September 2015-

October 2015 - MarketPlace Foods

November 20145- Hy-Vee

December 2015 - Albert Lea Tribune

If you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours

Event please call the Chamber Office at: 507-373-3938

Thank You One and All

The Board of Directors and staff of the Albert Lea – Free-

born County Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a

big thank you to everyone who purchased Chamber Bucks

throughout the last year. The last two months have been es-

pecially busy as businesses and individuals purchased them

for holiday gifts or end of the year bonuses.

We are certain that those members who accept Chamber

Bucks are also grateful. Keeping these funds in the commu-

nity goes a long way in supporting our businesses and the

jobs they provide. We know that it is a choice to select the

“Chamber Buck option” and it is truly appreciated. So again,

thank you for your continued investment in Freeborn Coun-

ty.

Page 6

Business Monthly

Chamber Offers Job Bank The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has initiated a webpage dedicated to job openings in our area. To view the job openings, go to www.albertlea.org. If you have positions that you would like posted, please send your available positions to chamberoffice@albertlea.org or call the Chamber for more information.

Chamber Continues to Connect with Membership The Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce in an attempt to keep up with the times and in an effort to better com-municate with our membership, encourages you to like us on Facebook.

Interested in having an Ambassadors Visit your Office? Has your business experienced a change – such as management changes, relocation or remodel? If your business has experienced any of these changes, please contact Geri at the Chamber Office – 507-373-3938 to schedule an Ambassador visit.

Special Chamber Member Offer

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber in partnership with Coggno.com, are now offering our member businesses the op-portunity to purchase, through our website, a carefully selected assortment of online training courses that are relevant to your needs. For a limited time, we are offering a coupon code for a 20% discount per class for a month. The code is: alfccoc1 and should be entered at checkout. Go to www.albertlea.org and click on Online Trainings to redeem your coupon and register today!

Video Tours Now Available! Check out the new community video tours on our

website www.albertlea.org These videos would be great tools for businesses to use for employee recruitment!

Member Referral Know someone who isn’t a Chamber Member but who should be? Now there is a reason for you to actively recruit those non-members. Any member who actively recruits and refers a current non-member to our office and that non-member subsequently joins the chamber is eligible for a special prize drawing. Drawings will be held once per quarter from those new members. Prize will be a one night stay in the Country Inn and Suites and a $50 Gift card from Green Mill for both the new member AND the referring member. The Quarterly drawing will take place at Business after Hours.

Page 7

Business Monthly

Chamber Green Committee: The Green Committee did not meet in December.

The Chamber Worksite Wellness Committee: met on December 19th. Alice Englin gave the SHIP update and thanked

the businesses that submitted grant applications. She also introduced the idea of a guide to healthy meeting and events for business-

es. She has created a draft and would like this committee to help finish it out.

Ellen Kehr gave the Blue Zones update. The committee reviewed the Status Report and then went through the workplan. Freeborn-

Mower Cooperative Services is the first designated worksite. They have a celebration tentatively scheduled for January 12th. Hy-

Vee is the first designated grocery store and they will celebrate January 23rd. There will be ribbon cuttings, certificate presenta-

tions, and a press release. It is important that staff and employees are there and we need to have a presence at the worksite celebra-

tions. There are Purpose Workshops scheduled for Monday, March 2nd. There will be one during the day at ALHS for the students

and one in the evening at the Historical Museum for the community. There will be posters and they are reaching out to the commu-

nity to get the word out. This group is sponsoring the June Business After Hours for Blue Zones Project worksites.

Patti Hareid updated the group on the EAP Action Plan and Dani Armbrust reported that the Diabetes Prevention Program will

begin in January or February.

The Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee: met on December 23rd. Chad Adams gave an update on the City. The

City Council approved a 0% General Fund levy. Overall, they approved a 2% levy increase. Last night, the Council set sewer rates

with no increase and water rates were raised 7%. This raise will mean about a $1.10 per month increase to the average house. Chad

stated that the water fund is challenging, however not as severe as in years past. The City is joining with other Greater MN cities to

fight proposed water quality regulations that would require an upgrade to the water treatment plant. They are working with the

Greater MN Partnership (GMNP) on this. They would like to see independent scientific review done before the regulations are im-

plemented. This is part of the GMNP 2015 Policy Positions. Chad also reported that the housing study has been completed and

shows a need for senior affordable housing and workforce housing. The City is working with three developers of workforce hous-

ing and they can’t make it work. This has become a Greater Minnesota issue. There is too much of a funding gap. Chad explained

that one of the developers would like to build two 6-plex units. They would get 10 year’s tax abatements and are still looking at a

$400,000 gap. They are looking to the Legislature for gap funding. This is also part of the GMNP Policy Positions. Chad favors the

establishment and funding of a state workforce housing tax credit.

2015 Legislative Priorities were addressed. We will support the Greater Minnesota Partnership positions with a particular focus on

the Job Training Program request, water quality regulation, workforce housing and the Angel Investment tax credit expansion. In

addition, the committee supports the Shell Rock River Watershed request and is considering long term care requests. The Cham-

ber’s Legislative priorities will be set at the January meeting.

Business/Education Committee: The Business Education Committee (BEC) met December 5th. New committee member

Jenny Hanson from Community Education was welcomed. Child Care Survey update: The group continues to gather data. The

survey is posted on Riverland website, included in MFIP/DWP packets at WDI, available to clients at the WFC, was sent to ABE

and Semcac. Randy Kehr provided data from the surveys submitted to date. Jeff Halverson reported on high school career-based

activities: The Young Entrepreneurs class starts January 2015. The local Blandin leadership group would like to do some sort of

“Shark Tank” event with the class. The Firefighter class continues, C.N.A. class done. The district is working on career materials

for 8th/9th grade. A group spent 2 days at St. Olaf College with other schools to work on improvements. LPEP/Blandin group

activities: Mary Williams reported the community connections and capacity building is growing and work continues. Raising ca-

reer awareness within the community: Val Kvale is discussing a radio spot on KATE during “Albert Lea/Freeborn County live”

with station management. This would be a good opportunity to share some of the information the BEC is involved with, share some

of the curriculum news from the high school, college, etc. WDI across the 10 county service area is looking at what schools are

doing to raise career awareness. Ongoing Committee/Activity work: The school and chamber continue the quarterly newsletter

with a financial literacy focus this year. The school is looking at a partnership with Farmer’s State Bank as a 3rd -5th grade pro-

gram. The school is using Reading Corp to help with reading intervention in elementary schools. The Y School’s Out staff may be

interested in some training with AL schools to assist with mental math problems; and techniques. Riverland Community College

update: Lori Jensen reported on a Career/Technical Ed conference in Mpls and a national CTE conference in Nashville in Novem-

ber.

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Information Committee Updates

She is working with Cybex to create posters to show the “new” world of manufacturing. Met 12/04/2014 with MDE and MnSCU to

discuss “Pathways to Post-Secondary” innovative ideas, etc. Grand Meadow school is looking at possibly adding a regional career

counselor for the schools. Youth Apprenticeship program: Val Kvale reports all eight students are doing well. The YA program

and RCC are exploring possible Credits for Prior Learning as a value-add for the YA students. Randy Kehr shared info on a MN

Regional Economic Competitiveness Initiative that states that there is still a disconnect between that schools and businesses and

communication remains a problem. The next meeting will be Friday January 9, 2015 8:30 am at the Chamber offices. The Chamber Agriculture Committee: The Ag Committee did not meet in December. The Chamber Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador’s are going to be visiting Ron Holtan Realty and Wireless

World.

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Board of Directors: met on December 18th. Chad Adams reported for

the City, Jon Murray for the Ambassadors, Randy Kehr for ALEDA and the CVB, and Dr. Atewologun for Riverland Community

College.

The following actions were taken by the Board: The Chamber will draft a letter of clarification to the Public Utilities Commission in

support of the Alliant/SMEC purchase agreement. Chad Adams is meeting one on one with the City Council members for direction

regarding the reorganization and realignment of City services to get their feedback on what they would like to see. The Board will

send a letter of support for City Manager Chad Adams to the Mayor and City Council. Full Board minutes will be available next

month on our website.

Business Monthly

Happy New Year and we wish you a prosperous 2015.

Here a guide to January events:

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Events:

National Theater Live

“John” an adult only performance, Friday, January 9 and Saturday, January 10th – 7pm.

“Treasure Island”, Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 – 7pm.

Opera

The Met HD Live Opera presents “The Merry Widow”, Saturday, January 17th -12pm.

“Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann”, Saturday, January 31 -11:55am.

Bolshoi Ballet

La Bayadere – Sunday, January 18 – 4:30pm

Music Events

Swing Dancing at Prairie Wind Coffee Shop will be held Saturday, January 17 - 7pm.

Hockey Tournament

Albert Lea U12 Girls A-B hockey tournament, Friday-Sunday, January 2-4 at Albert Lea City Arena. Jr Gold tournament, Friday-Sunday, January 16-18 at Albert Lea City Arena.

Arts Lens & Shutter Photography Club will meet Thursday, January 15 at Mayo Clinic Lower Level Room 465 at 7pm. Freeborn Historical Museum will host Photo Workshops – Saturday, January 24, 10-4pm. The Albert Lea Art Center is featuring “All Member Show”. The Exhibit opens on Sunday, January 25 with an open house 1pm-3pm. The show runs through February 21.

Special Events Festival of Nations presented by Hollandale Christian School, Thursday, January 16, 6:30-7:30pm - The 5th & 6th grade class will be showcasing various booths featuring 20 different nations from around the world.

Fundraisers January 4, 8-1pm – Breakfast Fundraiser - Eagles

January 11 & 25, 8-12:30pm – Breakfast Fundraiser - American Legion

January 17, 5-9pm – Grace Andersen Cancer Benefit – Dave Syverson Showroom

January 18, 8-1pm – Amaranth Breakfast – Masonic Lodge

Business Monthly

Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, Susie Peterson, Executive Director

Page 10

Business Monthly

Page 11

Business Monthly

Tax relief leads Minnesota Chamber agenda

By Bill Blazar

Good things are happening on the Minnesota economic front. Unemployment is dropping. The state treasury has a

projected sizable surplus. Our state is outperforming the national economy in many regards.

We want to make sure the momentum continues. The Minnesota Chamber and our local chamber partners are

ready to advance another aggressive agenda at the 2015 Legislature.

Tax relief headlines our priorities. Minnesota is a great place to live and work, but our taxes on all businesses – small, medium and large –

rank among the highest in the nation. And businesses do take notice. In the 2014 Minnesota Business Barometer Survey, 62 percent of

the respondents said high taxes in Minnesota were one of the top barriers for job creation.

The concerns are not surprising, given the record tax increases and spending enacted by the 2013 Legislature including a new fourth-tier

rate in the personal income tax. Though many characterize this as a “tax on the rich,” it really is a tax on those businesses that pay their

taxes through the individual income tax. Ninety-two percent of Minnesota businesses, including our smallest and newest, do so.

We propose that business owners who report income from their business on their personal income tax return be allowed to deduct a

certain portion of this income from their taxes. This will encourage businesses to reinvest in their companies and employees and improve

their competitiveness.

Rounding out our top five priorities:

Workforce: Accelerate our workforce development efforts to help employers struggling to find skilled workers. The urgency for skilled

workers is greater than ever and spans all industries and all parts of our state. We must especially ensure that our K-12 graduates are ready

for higher education and work when they get their diploma. Many jobs are available to them after high school if they have mastered our

state’s K-12 curriculum.

Health care: Ensure small employers are able to provide affordable and quality health care coverage for their workers. More than half of

those surveyed in our Business Barometer who provide health insurance for employees said their costs are increasing. We will seek policy

changes that reduce those increases. We also will advance common-sense reforms to improve the operations of MNsure, the state health

insurance exchange.

Transportation: Maintain a solid transportation system by passing a 10-year funding plan that provides for sustained and strategic invest-

ment in roads, bridges and transit. Minnesota businesses believe that today’s system meets their most pressing needs. However , without

additional funding, investment in our roads and bridges is projected to drop significantly, beginning in 2016. We support a three-pronged

approach to broaden and increase permanent funding: identify efficiencies; use a portion of the general fund; and use value-capture

mechanisms, similar to tax-increment financing, to assign a portion of a project’s cost to those who most directly benefit.

Labor/management: Eliminate the automatic inflation index in the state’s minimum wage rate, and reduce employer costs by advancing

workers’ compensation reforms in the hospital fee schedule for treatment of injured workers as we continue our efforts on regulatory

reform. Seventy-two percent of the respondents in the Business Barometer said government doesn’t do a good job of balancing the prop-

er amount of regulation with the need of businesses to keep growing.

Minnesota returns to divided government following the November elections, but our goals remains the same. We look forward to work-

ing with Governor Dayton, the Senate, and the new pro-business majority in the House to deliver policies that will keep our state’s econ-

omy changing and growing.

Bill Blazar is interim president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: www.mnchamber.com.

Minnesota Chamber Information

Page 12

Business Monthly

Business Monthly

Chamber Staff

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce 2580 Bridge Ave.

Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507.373.3938 Fax: 507.373.0344

Email: alfccoc@albertlea.org

2013- 2014 Mission Statement: "Promote and develop a healthy and positive

business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Area."

Randy Kehr Executive Director director@albertlea.org Geri Jensen Administrative Assistant member@albertlea.org Sue Axsmith Administrative Assistant alfccoc@albertlea.org

Amy Gauthier Administrative Assistant chamberoffice@albertlea.org Check out our Member to Member Discounts Here: http://www.albertlea.org/Discounts.php