Impact 2011

• Crossroads I-90&I-35

• TrainedLabor Force

• Small/LargeSites

• BuildingsAvailable

Home of “Minnesota Twins”

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8 &movers

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What is

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out of the

airport?

The sweetest jobs in Albert Lea

Hotels rebrand and renovate

Hart Bros. is more than just guns

Cover 1-8.indd 1 9/14/11 9:47:48 AM

We’re proud tobring healthyingredients and innovativeproducts to your dinner table.

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Cover 2-7.indd 1 9/14/11 9:48:21 AM

Albert Lea • New Richland • Ellendale

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Cover 4-5.indd 1 9/14/11 1:48:26 PM

IMPACT 20112 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 IMPACT 2011 Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 1

411 S. Broadway AveP.O. Box 1147

Albert Lea(507) 377-5785

www.shellrock.org

The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen peti-tion.

The Shell Rock River Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers.

The District is 246 square miles all within Freeborn County and it is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns.

The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes:

Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres)Fountain Lake (500 acres) Goose (82 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) School Section (69 acres)Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres)Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres)Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total)

Current water quality monitoring program:18 stream sites 9 lake sites 2 city stormwater sites

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winner

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Society’s (MNTWS) prestigious Conservation

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When you or your business needs an answer to a financial problem or a quick response to a loan request, our lending staff is here to assist you with their full line of competitive loan products with the exceptional customer service you deserve. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and commitment in serving the financial needs of the residents and businesses of Freeborn County through high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner, best of all, desicions are made right here locally. To learn how we can assist you, stop by Security Bank Minnesota today and visit with our experienced lending staff about our affordable lending products and services.

• Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year

• Voted #1 Reader’s Choice “Best Bank” for 2010

• Business Loans

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HOURS:M-F 9-8Sat 9-7

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Next to Dollar Tree across from Wal-Mart2312 Hendrickson Rd., Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-0177

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Kelvin Rehnelt Kelly Dempewolf Tiffany Carlson

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS!

IMPACT 2011Page 2 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 IMPACT 2011 Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 51

2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!

Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way!

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From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers

8330

for choosing Dave Syverson the Best Place to Buy an Auto-mobile in the 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.

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HARTLAND OFFICE 601 N. Broadway 507-845-2233FREEBORN OFFICE 214 5th Street 507-863-2371

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Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

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2010 census: 31,255Change from 2000: down 4.1 percentMedian age: 44.2Races:

White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percentHispanic/Latino: 8.8 percentBlack: 0.7 percentAmerican Indian: 0.2 percentAsian: 0.8 percentPacific Islander: 0.1 percentOther race: 3.4 percentTwo or more races: 1.7 percent

Households: 13,177Housing units: 14,231

Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088

Family households: 8,555with children: 3,249

Husband-wife family: 6,833with children: 2,187

Male household, no wife: 605with children: 322

Female household, no husband: 1,117with children: 740

Non-family households: 4,622Living alone: 3,961Households with children: 3,542Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278Average household size: 2.32Average family size: 2.85Median household income (2000): $36,964Median family income (2000) $45,142Per capita income (2000) $18,325Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percentSquare miles: 722.63County seat: Albert LeaCourthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert LeaCourthouse phone: 507-377-5116Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union PacificHighways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109

Freeborn County

by the numbers

Table of Contents

Above photo: Freeborn County’s

population is overwhelmingly white, but more

faces of color are arriving each year.

Played by nearly all cultures on the

globe, soccer is a popular sport

among immigrants and longtime

locals alike in the parks of Albert Lea and the fields of its

school districts.

We ask leaders of business and industry how they stay organized.

Why the construction at the airport matters to your business.

Why did so many hotels renovate and rename themselves this year?

10

30

4Other pieces: 9 Top 40 employers 22 The boutique in the barn 24 Where employment is sweet 26 Discover Dinah’s Style 34 Nursing home buys golf course 37 Neighbors by the numbers

Table of Contents continues on Page 5


The hotels, they are a changin’Inns switch names and renovate their propertiesBy Kelli [email protected]

Changing names, or franchises, is a common occurrence for hotels as owners and managers weigh regula-tions and requirements against costs and freedoms.

Most of the hotels in the Albert Lea area are franchises, which often come with restrictions — sometimes as stringent as a specific weight of towels or thread count of sheets, according to Albert Lea-Freeborn County Cham-ber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr.

“Owning a hotel franchise is not cheap,” Kehr said. “Some are very picky.”

Several area hotels have changed franchises through the years, most notably what are currently America’s Best Value Inn and the Knights Inn on East Main Street. Locals have seen these hotels both go through franchis-es such as Ramada Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Holiday Inn and more.

Tina Stripe currently manages the America’s Best Value Inn and was at the hotel when it changed from a Ra-mada Inn. Most hotels call their brand a “flag.”

“It’s very common to change your flag,” Stripe said.

Stripe said the hotel changed to America’s Best Value Inn, which is a relatively new hotel brand in America.

“We offer amazing customer service which is why we were drawn to them,” Stripe said.

Another hotel that has recently changed flags is the Best Western Plus on Plaza Street. In May what was for-merly a Holiday Inn Express, owners switched to the Best Western brand. Manager Julie Sternhagen was told Holiday Inn didn’t want to renew its contract with the hotel because there were too few rooms.

“We went looking for a new flag and we really like Best Western,” Sternha-gen said.

A Holiday Inn Express was built in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35 this summer, and the same owner is expected to build another in Albert Lea near the Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park.

Kehr said that the community wants

Continued on Page 6

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneAngie Kittelson, housekeeping supervisor at Best Western Plus in Albert Lea, makes a bed while cleaning one of the rooms.

A tally on hotels in Albert Lea588 rooms are available in

Albert Lea

40 million dollars in gross

sales from hospitality and leisure were generated in Freeborn County in 2009

1,031 workers in Freeborn County were em-

ployed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009

Place cards stand at the ready before a banquet held at America’s Best Value Inn in Albert Lea.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS4 Seasons Advertising ............................................74 Seasons Coffee ....................................................74 Seasons Travel ................................................. 27Accentra Credit Union ........................................ 39ACT - Albert Lea Community Theater ............... 34Addies Floral & Gift .............................................18Advanced Family Dental .....................................13Advantage Auto Glass ........................................... 8Ag Power ............................................................. 38Alamco ................................................................ 52Albert Lea Area Schools ..................................... 32Albert Lea Art Center ..........................................19Albert Lea Electric ..................................................Albert Lea HRA................................................... 44Albert Lea Public Warehouse ............................... 9Albert Lea Seedhouse ..........................................21Albert Lea Steel, Inc ............................................. 9Albert Lea Tribune...............................................21ALEDA .................................................. Back CoverALFC Chamber ..........................Inside Back CoverAllen’s Tow & Travel ............................................31Alliance Benefit Group ....................................... 43Allweather Roof ...................................................13Almco ...................................................................10Americana Insurance Group ...............................21America’s Best Value Inn ................................... 26AmericInn ............................................................15Antiques of the Midwest ......................................18B&L Metalworks ................................................. 47Best Western Plus ............................................... 29Big Toe Excavating .............................................. 17Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerc.............. 48Bonnerup Funeral Service ........Inside Front CoverBookkeeping Cents ............................................. 30Borderline Siding ................................................ 22Bowman Electric .................................................. 17Brick Furniture ....................................................12Certified Travel ....................................................21Cheers Liquor ..................................................... 50Christianson Plumbing ......................................... 9Church Offset Printing, Inc ................................ 45Citizen’s State Bank of Glenville ........................ 37Clarks Grove Hardware ...................................... 44Collins Auto ........................................................ 32Com-Tec .............................................................. 37Conger Catering ...................................................41Conger Meat Market ............................................41Corporate Recognition, Inc. ............................... 44Country Inn & Suites ............................................ 6Countryside RV Service .......................................16Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wine ..............19Crow Wing Kayaks ...............................................16Curt’s Pharmacy ................................................. 29Dahl Farm Supply .............................................. 33Dave Syverson Auto Center .................................. 2Diamond Jo Casino ............................................. 11Doug’s Sandblasting ............................................16Dr. Lundstrom .................................................... 40Emmons Legion .................................................. 42EO Johnson Office Technologies ....................... 22Erlandson Implement .........................................13Etc Tanning & Clothing ...................................... 40

Exact ....................................................................10Expressions ..........................................................18Farmers Mutual Ins. of Manchester .................. 46Farmers State Bank .............................................. 3Federated Insurance ..............................................7First National Bank .............................................. 9Fisher’s Fine Jewelers .........................................18Fleet Farm ........................................................... 38Fountain Centers ................................................ 42Frames R Us ........................................................18Freeborn Construction, Inc. .....Inside Front CoverFreeborn County ................................................. 35Freeborn County Historical Museum ................31Freeborn Lumber ............................................... 43Freeborn Pride Builders ..................................... 45Geno’s Plumbing & Heating ................................. 5Glenville Plumbing ............................................. 37Glenville Shortstop ............................................. 37Good Earth Village ............................................. 45Good Samaritan Society ..................................... 27Green Lea Golf Course ......................................... 17Green Mill ............................................................51Greg’s Grass Service ........................................... 25Hagen & Associates Construction ...................... 40Hair Designers Inc. ............................................. 27Hanna Heating & Cooling .................................. 33Hanson Tire ...........................................................1Hart Brothers Weaponry .....................................13Hayward Co-op ................................................... 44Heart of the Artichoke ....................................... 20Hemenway Storage ............................................. 44Hillcrest Cemetary Association ...........................31Home Federal Bank ............................................ 45Huber Supply Co. Inc. .......................................... 9Indoor Tech ........................................................ 44Injection Technology Diesel Service .................. 46Interstate Packaging ........................................... 36ISC Financials ......................................................14ITC Midwest ....................................................... 23Jakes Pizza ...........................................................18Jan Jerdee/Blue Cross Blue Shield .....................31Jensales Inc ........................................................ 46Jim & Dudes ..............................Inside Back CoverJohnson Heating ......................Inside Front CoverKarl’s of Wells Inc. .............................................. 46KIMT .........................................Inside Front CoverKing Maintenance Inc. ........................................14Lake Mills Chamber............................................ 47Lake Mills Community School ........................... 47Lake Mills Task Force ......................................... 47Larson Allen ........................................................ 35Larson Contracting .................................................Larson Manufacturing ........................................ 42Larson Manufacturing - Lake Mills.................... 47Lawn Pro ..............................................................31Lou-Rich ..............................................................10Loverink Drainage .............................................. 34M&S Outdoor ........................................................ 8Mabel House Hotel ..............................................31Manchester Hartland Telephone Co. ................. 46Manpower ............................................................41Mary Go Round ...................................................18

Massage Connections ......................................... 26Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Lake Mills ........ 47Minnesota Abstract .............................................. 5Minnesota Corrugated Box ................................ 26Morreim Drainage .............................................. 46Mrs. Gerry’s Salads ............................................. 43Nancy’s Café.........................................................18Nelson’s Market Place ........................................ 29New To You ..........................................................18Nick’s Trading Post ............................................. 37North American Mat Service .............................. 38Northbridge Mall .......................Inside Back CoverNorthwood Lumber ............................................ 46Northwood True Value ....................................... 46O/NE Realty ....................................................... 48Oak Park Place ..................................................... 11Panels Plus ...........................................................10Plymouth Shoes ...................................................18Produce Bank .......................................................12Pub 69 ................................................................... 6Reinertson’s Embroidery ....................................18ReMax - Emilie & Jim Paulson ...........................31Riverland Community College ........................... 30Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc. ......................... 17Sanderson Auto .................................................. 39Scott’s Office Products .......................................... 6Security Bank ...................................................... 52Security Insurance .............................................. 33Select Foods .........................................................51ServiceMaster ..................................................... 40Shell Rock River Watershed ..................................1Signature’s Supper Club ..................................... 46South Central Pet Care ....................................... 40Southern Lock & Glass ........................................14Southern Minnesota Magazine .......................... 39Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc. ...................... 48Southside Custom ................................................16St. John’s Lutheran Home.................................. 20State Bank of Clarks Grove ........Inside Back CoverState Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt .....15Thompson Sanitation .......................................... 11T-N-T Used Appliance .........................................18Tobacco Store ..................................................... 52Total Glass-Lock, Inc. ..........................................16Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union ................ 32Trading Post.........................................................21Troy Thompson Agency ...................................... 30Ulland Brothers .................................................. 20United Employees Credit Union ........................ 50Uptown Dental.................................................... 50Ventura Foods ...........................Inside Back CoverVillage Cooperative ............................................. 29Wal Mart ...................................Inside Front CoverWangen Excavating ............................................ 46Weber Construction ............................................. 9Wells Federal Bank ..............................................41Wells Insurance Agency ..................................... 47WFS ..................................................................... 47Zogg Dermatology, PLC .............Inside Back CoverZumbro River Brand, Inc ..................................... 8


220 ElizabEth avE, albErt lEa, mn

373-2828

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507-526-2916www.blueearthchamber.com

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Faribault County’s newest promoter

Linsey Warmka started as just an intern; now she leads an organizationBy Tim [email protected]

The Faribault County Development Corp. is a public-private economic de-velopment agency based in Blue Earth but serving the entire county.

And it has a new director. Meet Linsey Warmka. But she’s not new to the organization. In fact, she has been with it from the beginning in 2008.

“I really love it. It’s a perfect fit for me,” she said.

She came as an intern and then was hired as an assistant. Her first boss died after three months, and she worked as the interim director until another director was hired. That person retired last winter. The board hired Warmka in January.

She received a degree in finance in 2006 from Minnesota State Univer-sity, Mankato.

The Faribault County Development Corp. gets funding through dues from public entities and businesses, plus grant programs.

For instance, Faribault County Development Corp. appled for a grant from the Minnesota Depart-ment of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Develop-ment Program for the cities of Wells, Winnebago and Blue Earth. The grant helps bolster housing and business in-frastructure. Warmka said she hopes to extend the benefits to Frost and Bricelyn in coming years.

It helps the small cities to have an agency to manage the grant applica-tion, she said.

“Small cities love to get money, but they don’t have the staff or time or resources to apply for the grant,” Warmka said.

The Faribault County Develop-ment Corp. is working with Truman-

based Watonwon Farm Service on a $24 million expansion project in Dela-van for a grain-handling facility.

The Faribault County Development Corp. helped other businesses, doing things such as helping to arrange financing and

find tax braks. Among them are Back Woods Designs in Winnebago and Everwood Log to Home in Wells.

The agency has helped Wells line up aerial photos of its business parks and helped several Faribault County businesses relocate. It also has worked to promote the busi-ness climate of Faribault County in general.

“We really offer a good place to do business,” she said.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneLinsey Warmka stands on the Faribault County Courthouse steps in Blue Earth.

Board of directorsTravis Keister, Minn-Iowa Insurance, chairmanMark Drake, Corn Plus, vice chairmanDeb Barnes, Parker Oaks, treasurerWade Barslou, Barslou Realty, memberTom Warmka, farmer, memberJeff Lang, United Hospital District, member

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Veterinarian moves his business downtown to get more visibility.

Hart Brothers Weaponry has more than merely rifles and handguns

A new economic developer in Faribault County has been around a while

7

36

48

Table of Contents

Other pieces:40 Why tourism dollars are key44 Lies businesses tell themselves45 How the chamber stays efficient46 What is Greater Jobs anyway?50 Freeborn County by the numbers

Continued from Page 44

investments. Get your finances in order, so that a slip in monthly performance doesn’t cause the entire organization to collapse.

“Our vendors will stand by us until our company decides to end the relationship.”

The unfortunate truth is that ven-dors drop customers. Even a great rapport among buyers and sales representatives won’t sustain poor alignment between products and pric-ing desired by customers and those offered by vendors. Develop a suc-

cession plan for vendors, similar to a management succession plan. Do the groundwork for adding new ven-dors. Pay attention to changes in the marketplace, noting market segments that are becoming more attractive as well as those that are becoming less appealing.

“I know this employee should go, but I’m not ready to take care of that just yet and it’ll be all right anyway.”

A low-performing employee can drag down any business, especially a small one. And a person who may have contributed early on may not have evolved as the business did and there is a mismatch between skills needed and skills possessed. Taking care of problems as quickly as possible helps everyone involved: owners, customers and fellow employees.

“I don’t need help. I really can do everything. Besides, it will cost me to have help and I can’t afford help.”

Don’t make this mistake. A busi-ness owner cannot do all things because he or she doesn’t have all the skills or experience. Help doesn’t al-ways have to be costly but not getting help when needed will usually cost

your business big. Optimism is essential to success, but

needs to be grounded in facts rather than fantasy. Managing a business can be complex, especially in these economic times.

If you need help, contact America’s free and confidential source of small business mentoring and coaching, SCORE, on our website: http://semin-nesota.score.org/.

Dean L. Swanson is a volunteer mentor with Southeast Minnesota SCORE.


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to plan more events that bring people into the town who would then stay in hotel rooms, but that would mean more hotels may possibly want to have a presence.

“It’s a competitive business,” Kehr said. “But there’s such brand loyalty.”

Kehr said with the economy the past few years that hotels have been suffering, mostly in the winter months when people aren’t traveling as much.

“Now we’re getting back into the recovery process,” Kehr said. “The last fews years it’s been a challenge.”

Hotels are one of the first aspects outsiders see of the Albert Lea area, which is why it’s important they have hospitable, knowledgeable staff, ac-cording to Kehr.

“They all have good people who are important to the community as the first contact to travelers,” Kehr said.

Renovate, renovate, renovateSternhagen at Best Western said

updating the interior of a hotel must be done to stay competitive and be-cause guests expect it.

“There are very nice hotels in Albert Lea,” Sternhagen said.

Many of the hotels in Albert Lea have been updating rooms or com-pletely renovating the interior of the hotel. Within the last year the Knights Inn on East Main Street has begun a renovation process on some of its rooms. Sternhagen said the Best Western just completely upgraded everything with the flag change, and again to acquire the plus rating from Best Western.

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is also in the process of renovat-ing, and work is expected to be com-pleted this winter. The hotel opened in 2000, and Connie Ward, director of operations for Venerts, the hotel’s management company, said staff have gotten positive comments on

the changes.“It’s just a fresh, new look,” Ward

said. Ward said it’s important to keep

things updated, but that she didn’t know if there was any set time frame for replacing things because it de-pends on the wear and tear.

“Some things you just have to replace and some things might last a little longer if you take good care of them,” Ward said.

Stripe agreed that updating rooms is important to make guests feel welcome. About a year ago 50 rooms were added to the America’s Best Value Inn.

“New hotels don’t stay new forever,” Stripe said. “You have to put the maintenance in.”

Heads on bedsMost hotel management in Albert

Lea hope tourism increases in the area, which puts “heads on beds.” Anything that can bring people to, or even through, the area can help increase hotel stays including the Big Island Rendezvous, Sturgis or the Red Power Round Up, according to Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen.

“Events like the Big Island BBQ gives us a chance to use our fair-grounds and that’s what it takes,” Pe-tersen said. “We need to bring people into town.”

Petersen said she thinks Albert Lea has a healthy hotel market, especially with traffic from both Interstate 90 and 35. Sternhagen at Best Western said the hotel gets a lot of travelers from Interstate 90, especially during Sturgis when bikers are heading to South Dakota.

“I hope it becomes a destination town,” Sternhagen said.

Hotel staff and city leaders will have to continue to work together to attract visitors to the city, but collaboration is what Albert Lea does best, Petersen said

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneThe Best Western Plus in Albert Lea boasts a fitness center, pool and breakfast area among its amenities.

The exterior of the Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is shown. There is also a Coun-try Inn & Suites in Northwood, Iowa, near Diamond Jo Casino.

A GreAt PlAce to live And Work

Call for information onhousing and new business

incentive programsLake Mills Chamber

Development Corperation203 North First Ave.W.

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$1,000 Finder’s FeeTo anyone that helps bring in a

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Establish a business in Lake Mills employing at least 10 people.

Have an average starting wage of at least $10 per hour.

Make a capital investmentof at least $500,000

Lake Mills has available buildingsand workforce due to an industryrelocating jobs outside the U.S.

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Eric Peterson/Albert Lea TribuneFarmers need business plans to achieve success just the same as other indus-tries. Farming is a business these days.


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Albert Lea Animal Hospital gets new digs

By Tim [email protected]

What was once on Highway 13 on the west edge of Albert Lea is now smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moved his business, Albert Lea Animal Hos-pital, this summer to its new location at 414 E. Main St.

“It was two decades beyond what was expected originally planned,” Elwood said.

That’s because when he and his wife, Patti, were raising children, having the animal hospital at home at 22325 733rd St. became a matter of convenience. Now, he said, it makes business sense to have a more visible location. The Albert Lea Animal Hos-pital is right across from Hanson Tire Service and Godfather’s Pizza.

“I thought it was time to move to a more accessible location,” Elwood said.

The former location had been on two floors in his house on a 10-acre property. The veterinarian and his wife still plan to live there, but should the day come that they want to sell it, the option would be easier, he said.

“It does allow the house where we live now to become a residence once again,” he said.

The space where the hospital was now returns to use for the garage and the basement, much of it for storage.

Everything at the downtown loca-tion is on a single floor, which will reduce going up and down stairs, yet Elwood, his wife and their staff of two occupy the same amount of space — 1,800 square feet.

Continued on Page 8Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Veterinarian Steve Elwood holds Gracie, a Shih Tzu cross, at the new Main Street location of the Albert Lea Animal Hospital.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moves business downtown

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The Albert Lea Economic Develop-ment Agency, or ALEDA, is the first stop for anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in Freeborn County.

The ALEDA mission statement is: “To provide and promote services and resources to retain, expand, create and attract businesses, increase tax base and quality employment oppor-tunities in Freeborn County.”

ALEDA is an umbrella organization made up of two separate enti-ties: the Albert Lea Port Author-ity and Greater Jobs Inc.

Both Greater Jobs and the Port Authority are self-funded relying on real estate and other investments to pay the bills. In addition, Greater Jobs has more than 100 members who contrib-ute to the organization annu-ally. The Port Authority has the ability to levy a tax for administration costs but has never done so because of its strong financial position.

Without question, the last few years have been difficult for not only the lo-cal economy but for that of Minnesota and the nation. There have been some positive signs for growth recently. The SoyMor biodiesel plant is reopening after being acquired by the Renewable Energy Group.

In addition, there are two new ten-ants in buildings owned by ALEDA. Vision Processing is leasing space in a building on Myers Road and Zumbro River Brand is leasing a third of the new building on Margaretha Avenue. There has also been an increase in the number of requests and inquiries from outside the community.

ALEDA is also the home to a Small

Business Development Center office and councilor. This is a joint effort be-tween ALEDA and the regional Small Business Administration to provide services to people wanting to go into business or needing help planning an expansion. Services include help with writing a business plan, cash flow projections and assistance prepar-ing for a loan request. In the last year our councilor, Dave Lundak, helped prepare several loan applications for

ALEDA and City of Albert Lea loan funds.

Most people were disap-pointed by the manner in which this summer’s partial state government shutdown ended — more spending with-out paying for it. In addition, the pre-session talk of “jobs jobs jobs” resulted in very little that will help create them.

The JOBZ program ends in 2015 and needs to either be replaced or extended. The local incentive pack-ages we can offer a prospective new or expanding business are some of the most competitive in the state. But these alone can’t offset the statewide incentives others states can offer.

ALEDA Board meeting are open to the public. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month in the ALEDA offices, 2610 Y.H. Han-son Avenue, Albert Lea. If you have any questions, comments, ideas or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reach at 373-3930 or at [email protected].

Dan Dorman is the executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

About Greater Jobs Inc. and the

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Individual organization is important. Whether at home or in the office, being organized allows the individual to ap-proach their tasks with some semblance of order. Organization also gives one a place to return to when interruptions occur, as they inevitably do.

The organization required for an indi-vidual is only one definition of the word, however. Another is: a group of persons organized for some end or work.

The chamber was founded on Feb. 10, 1881, and was originally called The Albert Lea Board of Trade, the city’s first civic and commer-cial development organization. In 1892 the organization was renamed the Albert Lea Com-mercial Club. The organization was changed again in 1907 and was called the Albert Lea Busi-nessmen’s League. The name was changed again in 1930 to Chamber of Commerce.

On Jan. 2, 1940, the organiza-tion was formally incorporated. The original purpose was to bring together individual businesses to work toward common goals and solve common problems.

That is exactly what the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Com-merce sees as its mission. Our role is to bring together businesses from throughout Freeborn County to be united behind the chamber’s mission statement: “Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County.”

How do we accomplish this? The board of directors endeavors to speak for those who, individually, may not have the time or the comfort level to do so for themselves. On occasion, we are asked to work with a business to help them deal with an individual issue with the city, county or state gov-ernment. At other times, the issues are broader and impact the entire business community.

The chamber then becomes the convener for meetings around those larger issues.

For example, this year the board of directors took a strong stance support-ing our city’s need for local govern-ment aid as a means of controlling property taxes. They also met with Congressman Tim Walz to discuss key issues and with Gov. Mark Dayton during the July shutdown. Repre-sentatives of our renewable energy members met with former state Rep. Al Juhnke, Sen. Al Franken’s lead staff person for ag and energy issues, to discuss renewable energy.

The chamber also helped bring together representatives of our major energy consumers who joined with the Minnesota Chamber and the City of Albert Lea to challenge the Alliant rate case and offered testimony before the Public Utilities Commission in June. Those efforts resulted in a major reduction in the new rate granted to Alliant. These are examples of the strength of being part of a larger or-ganization. One company cannot have

the impact that 500 companies can.

Another advantage to being part of an organization such as the Chamber is that the organiza-tion gets “called to the table” for major projects within the com-munity. Very often we are called upon to join the City of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency or the Shell Rock River

Watershed District to discuss an issue. This could involve the recruitment of a company, the development of new economic development tools or assist-ing in the communication of goals for a new initiative of one of those govern-mental bodies. As the representative of the business community, the chamber is there to express the feelings of the membership regarding these types of activities.

Being organized on your desk is im-portant. Being organized in your busi-ness is important. Being organized as a community of like minded individuals and being part of the largest business organization in Freeborn County makes each of our member businesses stron-ger. Individuals alone can change little, but a group of individuals can truly be change agents for the greater good.

Randy Kehr is the executive direc-tor of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.


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Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneVeterinarian Steve Elwood listens to Gracie’s heartbeat while assistant April Olson holds the pet.


That means the space for the hos-pital is the same. There are four small and two large cages for animals that need long-term veterinary attention.

Patients, visitors and delivery truck drivers, he noted, will like that they no longer have to drive up a hill. And the new place is better for wheelchair ac-cessibility. It has doors for customers on the front and back, with the back one being handicapped-accessible. The front faces Main Street. The back has a view of the neighboring car wash.

Both directions offer views of floodplain that is slated to be park-land someday, which means there are sometimes views of standing water, which means views of Albert Lea’s

beloved waterfowl.“There might be a week or two we

are treating ducks and geese,” Elwood said jokingly.

The building is a former show house Elwood bought for $100,000. It allows Albert Lea Animal Hospi-tal to have more room for waiting patients. Elwood hopes to offer puppy classes to teach good socialization skills.

“It is good for puppies to be around other animals and people,” Elwood said.

Otherwise, Albert Lea Animal Hospital’s services are the same: laser surgery, spays, neuters, tumor remov-als, checkups, wellness exams, teeth cleaning, blood profiles, blood moni-toring and X-rays, among others.

Organization matters to the Chamber of Commerce

By Randy Kehr

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Here are the top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to re-spondents who filled out a survey.

Information listed as:Ranking, employerField, employees

1. Mayo Clinic Health SystemMedical, 1,200

2. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 500

3. Albert Lea Area SchoolsEducation, 492

4. Innovance (Lou-Rich and Almco)Contract Manufacturer, 350

5. Cargill (Schweigert)Food processing, 310

6. Riverland Community College(all campuses) Education, 296

7. St. John’s Lutheran HomeSenior health services, 292

8. Freeborn CountyGovernment, 287

9. Good Samaritan SocietySenior health services, 285

10. Hy-Vee food storeSupermarket, 285

11. WalmartSupermarket, 265

12. Ventura FoodsOils, margarine, lard, 191

13. Minnesota Corrugated BoxShipping containers, 178

14. City of Albert LeaGovernment, 140

15. Trail’s Travel CenterTruck stop, 140

16. Mrs. Gerry’s KitchenRefrigerated foods, 137

17. Thorne Crest Retirement CenterSenior health services, 130

18. Larson ContractingGeneral contractor, 125

19. Streater Inc.Store fixtures, 123

20. Ulland Bros.Road Construction, 90

21. Bridon CordageIndustrial cordage, 86

22. Nelson’s Market PlaceSupermarket, 84

23. Alamco Wood ProductsLaminated wood products, 83

24. AgilisDonations processor, 76

25. Alliance Benefit GroupFinancial services, 74

26. Alliant EnergyGas and electricity, 68

27. South Minnesota OilPetroleum products, 65

28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & BarRestaurant, 65

29. Interstate Motor TrucksTruck services, 60

30. Larson Manufacturing Co.Doors and windows, 60

31. Sorensen Bros. Inc.Road construction, 60

32. Poet BiorefiningEthanol production, 60

33. The Children’s CenterChild care, 54

34. Oak Park PlaceSenior health services, 50

35. Pro TruckingTransportation, 45

36. U.S. Post OfficeMail services, passports, 45

37. Almco, De-burring equipment 43

38. Cedar Valley ServicesVocational training & services, 43

39. Crossroads Trailer SalesSemitrailers, 42

40. Motor Inn New and used vehicle sales, 42

Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea

Economic Development Agency, in-cluding one conducted in March 2011. This information is based on responses from the firms listed. For several participants in the survey, the totals reported may include employees at other locations, plus part-time employ-ees. Employment figures for several firms may be based on earlier statistics. Also, several firms may have declined to participate in this survey. An important note: Employment totals for some firms may vary accord-ing to seasonal and economic factors.

Last week I ran across some great reminders for business owners. Julie Rains, senior writer for Wise Bread, a popular personal finance site that provides career, lifestyle and finance tips, wrote a great piece related to this topic. Running a business is exhilarating but challenging. Positive self-talk and the ability to envision great opportunities in difficult times are important to achieving success and emotional stability.

But, Rains warned, “these ac-tions and attitudes can interfere with being honest about your business.”

I refer to these as “lies” because there are certain false perceptions that business own-ers allow themselves to believe about their business and as a result they unknowingly put their business at risk. Let’s look at a few of these. Have you experienced any of these?

“We don’t have to worry about the competition because we have a unique product.”

The harsh truth is that customers may not understand, need or value the differences between your company’s solutions and those of your com-petitors. Cheaper versions that fulfill similar functions are preferable. Plus, if you happen to introduce innovation successfully and capture market share, competitors will be quick to follow and imitate you.

“We have air-tight proce-dures that drive our busi-ness operations.”

Yes, written procedures may have been painstakingly de-veloped and introduced years before. Today, however, that once-living document may be dead, buried in a virtual file cabinet. The scary truth is that the effort that you or your staff

spent in documenting, creating and re-fining procedures does not necessarily result in specific activities happening the way you envisioned.

“When things return to nor-mal, our business will start grow-ing again.”

The sad truth is that getting ready to succeed is not the same as actu-ally succeeding, no matter how well the foundation is laid. Even upticks in the economy won’t boost profits to levels that sustain overloaded expense structure. Be realistic and ready to make tough decisions. Be ruthless when evaluating revenue streams and cutting under-performing areas. Deal with problems now; situations will not improve through inaction even in great economic times. Realign resources rather than expanding staff, infrastructure and technology

Continued on Page 47


The Albert Lea HRA provides affordable housing in Albert Lea and Freeborn County through its Public Hous-ing and Section 8 Voucher programs, and through the USDA apartments in Glenville. The agency also adminis-ters a foreclosure recovery first time homebuyer pro-gram, the Minnesota Cities Participation mortgage pro-gram, co-administers the Small Cities Development owner occupied rehab program, and can provide other housing resource information including Homestretch training for first time homebuyers and referrals to fore-closure prevention programs.

For more informationcontact the Albert Lea HRAat 507-377-4375 or stop at the

HRA office at 800 4th Ave S, Albert Lea, MN

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Q&A: Get organized!What is your position at Mayo

Clinic in Albert Lea?Chief nurse executive.

How long have you been there?I have been a nurse in Albert Lea for

31 years and the role of nurse execu-tive for 10 years.

What tips do you give new em-ployees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Before you start any projects, make sure you clearly understand what the expectations and timeframes are. If there is a misunderstanding about what the outcome of the project is supposed to be there will be time wasted on re-work. It is frustrating to spend a significant amount of time on a project and learn that it has to be reworked because the project doesn’t meet the expectations. There aren’t enough hours in the day to make those kind of mistakes!

How has being organized helped you in your career?

Being organized can help free up some time in the day to deal with the unexpected “fires” that come up almost every day. Most of those situations need your time and atten-tion. Being organized helps to ensure deadlines are met, which benefits the entire team working with me. Nobody else should have to drop everything they are doing to help me meet a deadline because I was disorganized.

How have you learned to be ef-ficient in your position?

One of the most helpful things is to make sure my days aren’t filled with

meetings. There needs to be time in the workday to accomplish assign-ments. It can also be very efficient to work from home for a couple of hours where there aren’t any interruptions. I can get twice as much work done at home in a couple of hours then I can get done in a whole day at work.

How have you made your opera-tion more efficient in the past year?

Printing less paper and moving more information to the electronic world. When information is available electronically, changes can be made easily and everyone can be made aware of the changes immediately. In the paper world, changes are more difficult and sharing information is very cumbersome.

How do you use computers to be more organized?

Being able to access email from my Blackberry helps me keep junk mail cleaned out and then I can spend my time focusing on the email that needs addressing when there is time to dedi-cate to it. The best is the electronic reminders that remind me where I need to be!

Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

My favorite is old but still the most valuable, Steve Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Another resource people don’t utilize enough is spending time with a co-worker who is very organized. You would be sur-prised what you can learn from some-one who is in the office next to you.

— Kelli Lageson

We speak with 8 professionals about efficiency

Xxxxx xxxxx/Albert Lea TribuneXxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxx. Xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxx.

Lori Routh,Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

Employee benefit consulting and administration firm specializing in:

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AccommodationsCountry Inn & Suites

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Tourism by the numbers• $2.69 million: The amount brought into Freeborn County from state sales tax in the hospitality and leisure industry in 2009• 1,031: Workers in Freeborn County who were em-ployed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009• $40 million: Amount in gross sales generated in Free-born County from hospitality and leisure in 2009• 9: How Freeborn County ranks in southern Minnesota in terms of gross sales from hospitality and leisure in 2009— Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism

The Big Freeze is a new festival for

Albert Lea and this February will see

the third year of the winter fun. On the

right, Abbie Solum, Alyssa Matson and

Grace Hutchins jump in the cold

water of Albert Lea Lake for the Polar

Plunge.

Kelli Lageson/ Albert Lea Tribune

Freeze, music and theater events and Eddie Cochran Weekend, to name a few.

In the second half of the year, there’s events including the April So-rensen Memorial Half Marathon, the Freeborn County Fair, the Shortstop Golf Tournament and the Festival of Trees, among others.

“We’re always trying to work with different organizations,” Petersen said. “We’re not to organize it. We’re to promote it.”

Outside of all of the events, there’s other attractions including the Pelican Breeze, the Freeborn County Histori-

cal Museum, the Albert Lea Farmers Market and the Albert Lea Commu-nity Theatre.

Petersen said people also come to Freeborn County for the many recreational opportunities available, including on Albert Lea’s lakes, at Myre-Big Island State Park and at all the parks the community has to offer.

There’s everything from boating to skiing, to golfing, snowmobiling and fishing available.

She said she thinks recreation is the area Freeborn County could really expand its marketing.

To get the word out of what there

is to offer in Albert Lea and Freeborn County, Petersen said the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau puts out visitors guides each year that are distributed at travel center.

In 2011, the CVB put out 37,900 visitors guides, including in all of the travel information centers in the state, at the Mall of America, at airports and even at locations in Iowa.

There are more than 1,000 workers in Freeborn County alone who were employed through the private sector in the hospitality and leisure industry.

The hospitality and leisure industry throughout all of Minnesota earns $11 billion each year.


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Q&A: Get organized!Steve Tufte,Lou-Rich Inc.

What is your position at Lou-Rich?

Chief financial officer.

How long have you been there?

Eighteen years.

What tips do you give new employees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Set some time aside each day for one or two specific topics or tasks. The best time seems to be either first thing in the morning or late afternoon. These times usually have the least interruptions. While you start the day usually planning to complete a number of items usually interruptions or meet-ings consume most of your day.

How has being orga-nized helped you in your career?

My organization is not the everything-has-its-place look, but more to have the information I need to access frequently easily at hand. The biggest challenge has been to box up and put into storage the information that I don’t need to access on a monthly or quarterly basis.

How have you learned to be efficient in your posi-tion?

Basically, know which proj-ects are the priority for the day or the week. If you can’t get to the low priority ones, this should not be an issue.

How have you made your operation more ef-ficient in the past year?

I would probably say the two things that have helped is the smartphone that allows access to email and other company information when you are away from the office without bringing the computer and the headset that plugs into your desk phone and allows you to move around and retrieve information when you are talking to someone.

How do you use comput-ers to be more organized?

Microsoft Outlook probably has been the most helpful for scheduling and notifying for meetings or other remind-ers. Also, smartphones are extremely helpful when you are away from the office for staying current on emails and looking up information on the web. The third item would be digitizing docu-ments so you can access them from anywhere with your computer.

Can you offer any help-ful resources for other business leaders?

My suggestion would be to look around at others that you see as being organized or time-efficient and either observe how they are doing it or ask what practices they use. Everyone has a different practice that works for them so try a few based on what you see others doing.

— Kelli Lageson

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Good for the economyTop 10 counties in southern Minnesota for hospitality and leisure salesCounty Gross sales State sales tax JobsOlmsted $353,761,640 $22,972,136 7,739Blue Earth $149,890,259 $9,251,546 3,650Rice $109,243,765 $4,978,634 2,138Lyon $66,699,482 $2,642,517 1,227Goodhue $64,976,150 $4,337,594 1,826Winona $64,234,254 $4,275,587 2,072Steele $59,272,160 $3,818,583 1,454Mower $52,240,952 $3,131,463 1,314Freeborn $40,715,679 $2,691,409 1,031Nicollet $32,306,774 $2,208,198 953

— Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2009


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Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea TribuneThe Big Island Rendezvous takes place annually in October at Bancroft Bay Park in Albert Lea and is one of Freeborn County’s major tourism attractions. This year, it hap-pens Oct. 1 and 2.

By Sarah [email protected]

Sports tournaments. Special events. Shopping. Attractions. Recreation.

They all play a role in bringing tour-ism dollars into Freeborn County.

In 2009 alone, more than $40 mil-lion was spent in Freeborn County through the hospitality and leisure industries, according to figures from Explore Minnesota Tourism.

And Albert Lea Convention and Visi-tors Bureau Director Susie Petersen said those numbers are increasing.

“People, they’re not going as far maybe, but they’re doing more region-ally,” Petersen said.

The goal of the Convention and Visi-tors Bureau is to encourage this activ-ity, essentially to bring people into the community — people who will ulti-mately stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

To encourage this, the CVB works with the various organizations or companies putting on different events to promote them not only within the county but outside of the county, she said. Each year, there are dozens of key events taking place in Albert Lea and in the county that draw people into the community.

In the first half of the year, there are events such as the Gourmet Food Auction, hockey tournaments, The Big

Bringing in the tourism dollars


507-373-9446717 Marshall St. • Albert Lea

Owners: Keith & Angie Flatness

We have unlocked the answer to customer satisfaction

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Mark Smed • Richard J. Murray143 E Main Street • Po Box 171 • Albert Lea

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Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPCISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities

Q&A: Get organized!

Mark Smed,ISC Financial Advisors

What is your position at ISC Financial Advisors?

Registered representative.

How have you made your op-eration more efficient in the past year?

Our company has updated the technology used with equipment and computer programs. This change has made the entire office more efficient. We have a new client management pro-gram that assists with client relations. We are continually updating our client information to enhance the service of our clients’ current and future goals.


The programs that our company re-searched and ultimately chose needed to meet certain organizational criteria. We have increased productivity by having alerts, reminders, updates, list creation options and sorting. Our incoming and outgoing emails can be saved directly to a client’s file which saves time. We use different research and monitoring programs to compare and review performance. The com-puter can be used as an organizational tool, but our business is about build-ing personal relationships with people.


I personally like the magazine “Smart Money,” “Kiplinger” and Wall

Street Journal. There are many web-sites to choose from; I would suggest using a fund family site for calcula-tors, risk modules and to answer many questions.

How important is it for your company to stay organized as you are advising others on being financially organized?

Extremely important, the organiza-tion that we show should be an ex-ample to our clients, to become more efficient in budgeting and saving. The more organized we are as a company the more successful we are at helping our clients.


We are continually educating our administrative assistants and new personnel in recognizing and under-standing the different products we use. It is very important to understand the forms we use and the information required to accomplish the project at hand. Our client management pro-gram keeps all of us on task.


Our business relies on decision making, sometimes quickly. Being organized helps facilitate all of the processes involved with the most suc-cessful outcome possible.

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Highways: U.S. Highway 65Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elemen-tary School

Hartland2010 census: 315Median age: 36.8Households: 140Housing units: 148Square miles: 0.3City hall address: 407 Broadway St.City hall phone: 845-2469Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union

PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 13Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Hayward2010 census: 250Median age: 44.5Households: 114Housing units: 123Square miles: 0.6City hall address: 107 County Road 26City hall phone: 373-1222Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Interstate 90Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Hollandale2010 census: 303Median age: 38.3Households: 128Housing units: 146Square miles: 0.4City hall address: 110 Park Ave. W.City hall phone: 889-4001Railroads: noneHighways: Minnesota Highway 251Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District

Kiester2010 census: 501Median age: 47.8Households: 246Housing units: 281Square miles: 0.4City hall address: 116 N. Main St.City hall phone: (507) 294-3161Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 22Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Lake Mills, Iowa2010 census: 2,100Median age: 45.3Households: 944Housing units: 1,055Square miles: 2.6City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450City Hall phone: (641) 592-3251Railroads: Union PacificHighways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105Schools: Lake Mills Community School

Manchester2010 census: 57Median age: 36.8Households: 26

Housing units: 30Square miles: 0.1City hall address: 70830 255th St.City hall phone: 826-3483Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 13Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

New Richland2010 census: Median age:Households: Housing units:Square miles: 0.6City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072City Hall phone: (507) 465-3514Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30Schools: NRHEG Secondary School

Northwood, Iowa2010 census: 1,989Median age: 44.2Households: 885Housing units: 1,004Square miles: 3.8City Hall address: 627 Central Ave.City Hall phone: (641) 324-1075Railroads: Union PacificHighways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105Schools: Northwood-Kensett El-ementary School, Northwood-Kensett Junior/Senior High School

Wells2010 census: Median age:Households: Housing units:Square miles: 1.4City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave.City hall phone: (507) 553-6371Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central El-ementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School


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Q&A: Get organized!

Gareth Hataye,Innovision Eyecare


We’ve looked at our business on all fronts, utilizing a matrix system to ensure that few things fall through the gaps. As the economy has slowed, we’ve worked to eliminate expenses that we could do without. Patient-friendly software to help communicate specific topics was added. We are in the process of evaluating a few elec-tronic health records programs, which will further streamline processes.


As technology continues to develop, speed, information and applications help both efficiency and effectiveness. Many multi-step processes can now be accomplished in one step. For ex-ample, our computers can talk directly with the optical labs we work with. Some equipment can directly measure the eye. Other programs can help ex-plain conditions or answer questions patients may have. Integrated email, calendars, phone and pagers dramati-cally reduce redundancy.


I like John Maxwell’s books: “Talent is Never Enough,” “The 360 Degree Leader,” “Today Matters,” and “Devel-

oping the Leader Within You” as they are easy reads and full of nuggets that you can apply daily to both work and personal life.

What are some of the features that make software patient friendly?

One is office software that is pre-loaded and is designed for patients to be able to search topics of interest and access them directly. The topics are then explained in more detail to efficiently utilize the time of both the provider and the patient. Additional software can visually demonstrate anatomical structures, function and physiology of the eye and adjacent structures. We’ve come a long way to be able to effectively answer both common and uncommon questions patients have asked for decades.

How do you use social me-dia? If you don’t, what are your plans for social media use in the future?

We utilize a few of the platforms like Facebook to reach out to our patients. We are able to present educational information and new cutting-edge technology in a more personal format. As upcoming media begins to gain at-tention, we will attempt to incorporate it into our practice.


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Albert Lea2010 census: 18,016Median age: 44Households: 7,774Housing units: 8,410Square miles: 14.28 City Hall address: 515 Clark St.City Hall phone: (507) 377-4300Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union PacificHighways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Haw-thorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview El-ementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, The Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschools

Alden2010 census: 661Median age: 39.9Households: 268Housing units: 292Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St.City Hall phone: (507) 874-3620Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Interstate 90, Minnesota Highway 109Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools

Bricelyn2010 census: 365Median age: 47.9Households: 168Housing units: 197Square miles: 0.3City Hall address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 653-4369Railroads: both are Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 253Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Clarks Grove2010 census: 706Median age: 38.1Households: 295Housing units: 312Square miles: 0.4

City Hall address: 101 N. Indepen-dence Ave.City Hall phone: (507) 256-4106Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Conger2010 census: 146Median age: 32.7Households: 62Housing units: 69Square miles: 0.1City hall address: 51 School St.City hall phone: 265-3435.Railroads: noneHighways: noneSchools: none; is in Alden-Conger School District

Ellendale 2010 census: 691Median age: 39.6Households: 296Housing units: 317Square miles: 0.9City Hall address: 505 Second St.City Hall phone: (507) 684-2681Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30Schools: NRHEG Elementary School

Emmons2010 census: 391Median age: 43.4Households: 174Housing units: 190Square miles: 0.8City hall address: 219 Main St.City hall phone: 297-5707Railroads: noneHighways: U.S. Highway 69Schools: none; is in Glenville-Em-mons School District

Freeborn2010 census: 297Median age: 38.9Households: 120Housing units: 130Square miles: 0.2City hall address: 402 Park St.City hall phone: 863-2204Railroads: noneHighways: noneSchools: none; is in United South Central School District

Geneva2010 census: 555Median age: 38.3Households: 220Housing units: 228Square miles: 0.4City Hall address: 403 Fourth St.City Hall phone: (507) 256-4192Railroads: noneHighways: Interstate 35Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Glenville2010 census: 643Median age: 44.2Households: 278Housing units: 290Square miles: 2.2City Hall address: 221 W. Main St.City Hall phone: (507) 448-3916Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River



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Q&A: Get organized!

Julie Johnson,State Bank of Clarks Grove

What is your position at State Bank of Clarks Grove?

Vice president.

Q: How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

A: A year ago, we undertook a major business change and closed our Clarks Grove branch. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, we’ve become much more efficient in terms of staffing, technology, supplies, marketing and advertising and have seen a profitable bottom line as a re-sult. Other smaller ways we’ve tried to become more efficient is through the cross-training of employees so we’re backed up in all operational areas and through encouraging greater use of things like Internet banking and debit cards.

Q: How do you use computers to be more organized?

A: As a small business, we use computers to help us organize pretty much everything at the bank. Comput-ers assist all of our daily operations from Internet banking, debit cards, our website, processing customer transactions and information, bud-geting and strategic planning to loan processing. Besides the one-on-one customer service experience, nearly all other functions in our bank include computer use in some shape or form

to keep us accurate and organized. Personally and professionally, I don’t think I could live without a computer to keep me informed and organized in the hectic, global world we live in.

Q: Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

A: The first resources that come to mind are generally banking specific. Some of the great tools of the trade I use are websites, seminars and webi-nars offered through the Minnesota Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. There are also some terrific opportunities offered through our local colleges and universities for leadership development coursework. Local service organizations and others like the Blandin Foundation also offer excellent resources and opportunities for leadership development.

Q: What tools do you use to compete against national banks?

A: As a small, locally-owned bank, the most important tool we have to compete against the larger banks is our relationships with our customers. We work very hard to offer exceptional customer service by knowing our cus-tomers, their families, their hobbies


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Neighbors by the numbers

By Linda Holstfor the Tribune

Hart Brothers Weaponry is best known for the sale of guns. But owner Milan Hart also deals in gold, silver, coins and even war relics. During this time of economic turmoil, Hart has had an increase in people desiring to sell their collectibles.

“Every third person through my door is selling,” said Hart. “People are not selling because they want to; they are selling because they have to.”

What makes Hart’s business unique is his estimates are free.

“I do free appraisals, because I do not want people to get ripped off,” Hart said. “And when you are ready to sell, I hope you consider me first.”

Buying and selling coins began in grade school for Hart. Coins exposed him to major events in U.S. history.

Coins of collectability have a set price. Today many of these coins are worth more as a precious metal — gold and silver — than as collector

coins. Hart enjoys when people bring in old coins.

“I especially like antique coins: Indian head pennies and buffalo nick-els,” Hart said.

What makes a coin worth money is not its age, but the few made of that type.

Hart advises to not clean your coins. “You can remove thousands of dol-

lars from your collection, so let the dark stay on the coin.”

He cautioned buyers to beware of Internet coin sales. He said most coins are counterfeit.

“If it’s too good to be true, it is.” A little research can save a person a

lot of money. The research will net you a lot more money for your collectibles.

Gold has risen in price spurred by the unstable economy, which in turn has increased Hart’s business. He has an acid testing kit to verify authentic-ity of gold jewelry. Many times the jewelry is not the carat weight the person was told it is.

When it comes to buying gold coins, Hart advocates antique gold coins. “You cannot lose as much if you buy antique gold,” said Hart. “I do not

believe in buying gold bullion.” Another collectible Hart buys is war

relics.“The U.S. mementos are not worth

much, which is heartbreaking,” said Hart.

World War II German Nazi relics are the most popular; Japanese relics are also a big seller. But Hart said 80 percent of the German memorabilia is fake or counterfeit.

Even though U.S. mementos are not worth much, they deserve preserva-tion, he said.

Hart does not hold onto the gold and silver. When he has a given amount, he sells. The hope is while holding the merchandise until a large enough quantity is ready for shipping (usually to Chicago), the market does not go down.

“When I get so much scrap gold (in

penny weight, not ounce weight), I call my buyer and get the price locked in,” Hart said. “And when I get about $300 in face value for my silver coin-age, I sell.”

Hart offers some advice when decid-ing to sell your collectibles. Do your research and know what your col-lectible is worth before selling. Keep a ledger that tells what you paid for your collectibles. If you are uncertain about selling, don’t sell.

“I do not buy everything; I do not want to buy everything,” said Hart. “But I do want to give the seller the edge.”

If Hart is not interested in buying your collectible, he probably knows someone who would be interested in paying you a fair price.

“My goal is I want everyone to walk out happy,” Hart said.

Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea TribuneMilan Hart stands next to a counter with displays of coins.

Arms seller also deals in coins, relics and metals


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Bob Ackland625 W. Main, Albert Lea

507-383-4700

Specialize in Septic Systems & Demolition

Any Type of Excavatingand Foundation Work

Machine, Inc.Precision

Rofshus

Locally Owned & Operated

• Custom Plastic Injection Molding • Mold, CNC Machining1701 Margaretha Ave, Albert Lea, MN

507-377-2009 • Fax: 507-373-0045

Q&A: Get organized!

Barb Fate,Northbridge Mall

What is your position at North-bridge Mall?

Property manager.


Right employees in place — I believe this makes or breaks any business.


We do everything on computers — very effective way to keep files and cal-endars. I use several national websites to look for possible tenants.


There are no other retail shopping malls in Albert Lea, other than the strip malls, and national tenants seem to be moving in the direction anyway.


I’m the only employee that is actu-ally a mall employee. Both Val (mar-keting) and Al (maintenance) are con-

tracted employees. To help them stay on top of projects and stay organized, we meet each morning, the three of us, for 10 minutes and talk about our day and what our goals are for the day. Not only is it healthy for us as a team, it shows our tenants that we are orga-nized and do work as a team.


I am the go-to person for 30 tenants in Albert Lea and 23 tenants at the mall in Robbinsdale, a Minneapolis suburb. I split my time between the two malls. I spend a lot of time traveling, and this gives me time to get my planning for the next day done. I’m the type of person who takes care of tasks as they come up. I’m not good with a to-do list. My desk is cleaned of most projects ev-ery night when I leave because I don’t want to feel behind the minute I walk into my office in the morning.


I’m certainly not going to take all the credit here at the mall. It truly is a team effort.

— Sarah Stultz

Hart Brothers Weaponry is more than guns

• On site design facility• Experienced professional sales group• Graphic intensive POP solutions• Variable run quantities of corrugated cartons and inner-packing• Extensive Min/Max or JIT Inventory programs

1851 Margaretha Ave. Albert Lea, MN 56007(507) 373-3375

Custom corrugated capabilities include:

We are prepared to providesolutions to your challenges

See what we can create for you!

• Irrigation• Landscape lighting

519 Adams Ave507-373-0731 [email protected]

Our 5 1/2 Years in Business!Call us today!

JEFFBOWMAN

JARED BOWMAN

• Complete Electrical design & installation

• Industrial• Commercial• Residential• Agriculture

Our 32nd Year in Business!Call us today!

• Fall Blowout of systems• Call us!


Where beauty comes naturally

Expressions Salon, Spa & Tanning

123 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-6062Mon-Thurs 9-8 - Fri 9-5 - Sat 9-3 or by appt.

Custom Picture Framing228 S Broadway • Albert Lea, MN

377-0848

T-N-TUsed Appliance Store

Sales and Repair121 N. Broadway, Albert Lea, MN

Brock Tufte, Owner Phone: 507-373-6022

Delivery serviceUntil 1:30am Friday

Call373-7350

126 W. Clark St.

PIZZA And SandwichesDining Room

Piping Hot Delivery

WE DELIVER • WE DO LUNCH DELIVERIES!

SERVING FREEBORN COUNTYCounty Administrator ....................................................................................... 377-5116County Attorney .............................................................................................. 377-5192County Sheriff ..................................................................................................377-5205County Recorder ...............................................................................................377-5130Auditor .............................................................................................................. 377-5121Treasurer’s Office .............................................................................................. 377-5117Public Health ................................................................................................... 377-5100Highway Engineer ............................................................................................ 377-5188Veterans Service Office .................................................................................... 377-5184County Assessor ...............................................................................................377-5176Environmental Services ................................................................................... 377-5186Court Services ..................................................................................................377-5137Human Services .............................................................................................. 377-5400Vehicle & Driver’s License Center .................................................................... 377-5126Burn/Building/Feedlot Permits ........................................................................ 377-5186Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates ................................................................377-5130Passports ..........................................................................................................377-5130WIC ..................................................................................................................377-5289University of MN Extension Service ................................................................ 377-5660County Fair Office ............................................................................................373-6965Freeborn Cty Museum and Historical Village ..................................................373-8003Ditch Inspector ............................................................................................... 256-4256Victim’s Crisis Center ...................................................................................... 377-5460 24 hr Crisis Hotline ......................................................................................... 373-2223Building Manager ............................................................................................. 377-5114

www.co.freeborn.mn.usfreeborn county government center

411 s broadway • 377-5116police-fire-medical-sheriff-state patrol emergency: 911

Free Delivery Breakfast All Day

120 S. Washington • 373-5469

Mon.-Fri. 10-5 • Sat. 10-3123 N. Broadway

Albert Lea • 373-0388

No matter what ageor style.

We have it all.

• Unique Home Decor & Gift Ideas• Cards• Fresh & Silk Flowers for all occasions• Much More!

216 S. Broadway, Albert Lea • 377-2081

Fresh Floral for any occasion

Start the schoolyear off right

Hats • Jackets • DeniumsWind Pants •Sweatshirts

Reinertson’s Embroidery127 S. Broadway, Albert Lea 56007

507-373-0751 • 877-727-1995www.reinertsonsembroidery.com

We are watching your budget too! Fashion-

able clothing, totsto teens, mom &dads, household,

furnishings,jewelry, glassware,unique gifts, $1.00

bargain racks.

106 W. Clark St.Albert Lea, MN

56007507-373-7911

Featuring a wide variety ofgenuine antiques

218 S. Washington • Albert Lea • 377-8212Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 12-4

Antiques of the Midwest


When St. John’s Lutheran Home moved forward with purchasing 51 1/2 acres of the former Albert Lea Golf Club in January, it did so with the vision of being able to offer a full range of services to seniors in the community.

St. John’s Lutheran Home Admin-istrator Scot Spates said that means having options for seniors who are independent, along with seniors who are in need of skilled nursing care — plus everything in between.

To fulfill this vision, the board of di-rectors and staff at St. John’s Lutheran Home are developing plans for a new campus on the property, which many Albert Leans know as “the back nine.”

St. John’s purchased the land from American Bank of St. Paul for $7,200 per acre. The land had been in the hands of the bank after it was sur-rendered by commercial developer Scott LaFavre following the property’s foreclosure. A portion of the property

is still for sale. Spates said St. John’s will soon be

contracting with an architect to begin the masterplanning phase of the project, but there are some basics that have already been outlined.

He said at this point, the board of directors and staff are envisioning four anchor buildings on campus.

The first will include an apart-ment complex with 40- to 50-units of independent living; the second will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of assisted living; and the third will be for residents in need of skilled nursing care.

The transitional care patients will be in the skilled nursing care building, but will likely have a separate wing.

The fourth building would be known as the community center or town center, which people in the two apartment complexes and the nurs-ing home would have access to. This building could include amenities such as a chapel, a coffee shop or cafe, banking services, a fitness center, a therapeutic pool, a barber/beauty

shop, a library and a gathering space for entertainers.

“It would be kind of like going downtown,” he said. “It’s the place to go to get things done and to meet with people.”

All four buildings would be connected.

In addition to the four anchor build-ings, there would also be owner-occu-pied cottages or duplexes for indepen-dent seniors that are not attached to the main core.

Plans are to break ground for the project in three to five years. In the

meantime, St. John’s has to work with city officials to bring sewer and water out to the property.

Spates said staff and the board of directors are also exploring options for what to do with the current nurs-ing home facility, though he noted that one idea talked about was gutting the building and turning it into nice apartments. The Knutson Place apart-ments and the Luther Place condos will stay as is.

“What we’ve been doing now is try-ing to listen to what our clients say,” he said.

Nursing home purchases a back nineSt. John’s buys land that used to be Albert Lea Golf Club

The vegetation of the back nine of the former Albert Lea Golf Club is grown over. However, the land still provides views of Edgewater Park and Edgewater Bay.

Tim Engstrom/ Albert Lea Tribune

High QualityProducts & Service

Downtown Albert Lea, MN507-373-6793

M-F 9:30-5:30, Thurs. 9:30-7:00, Sat. 9:30-3:00CHeCk uS ouT oN FACebook

• Dansko• EMU

• UGG• Keen

• Clarks• SAS


“I’ve been taking care of Tribune marketing for the Albert Lea downtown area businesses for over 2 years. I coordinate advertising for special downtown events, manage a monthly downtown advertising program and work closely with business owners on marketing plans. I thank all business owners for the trust you have put into me. You are the heart of Albert Lea. If you are a new business to the downtown area and need help with those things that keep you awake at night, please don’thesitate to call!”

Renee CitsayMarketing SpecialistAlbert Lea [email protected]

Build YourBusiness

Renee

www.crescendodining.com507-377-2425

118 S. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea

Exquisite Food & Fine WinesA first class dining establishment that reflects

the influence of classic French & Italiancuisine, and current California trends.We offer a diverse selection of over100 imported & domestic wines.

Full Cocktail Service also available.

Art on Broadwayat the Albert Lea Art Center

Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies

224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313Albert Lea, MN • [email protected]

www.thealbertleaartcenter.org

DoubtSeptember 22-24, 28 & October 1, 2011

Christmas CarolDecember 1-3, 7-10, 2011

How to Talk MinnesotanApril 26-29 (matinee) & May 2-5, 2012

OliverJuly 12-15 (matinee) & July 18-21, 2012

Now Available: Season Tickets for the coming shows.ALL TICKETS are now online: www.actonbroadway.com

Box Office: (507) 377-4371www.ActOnBroadway.com

Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

Rural • Residential

* Individual sewer systems

• Sewer maintenance & repair

• City sewer and water installation

• Basement & site preparation

• Waterways, filter intakes & tiling (trenched or plowed)

• Field pumps, cement & box culverts

• Ponds, ditch cleaning, wetland restoration

• Excavation

• Demolition and boring

CALL FOR ESTIMATES

LOVERINK DRAINAGEHollandale, MN 507-473-0200Lee Loverink,

Owner

Q&A: Get organized!

John Forman,Alamco Wood Products

What is your position at Alamco?

Chief executive officer.


Alamco is in the final stages of a two-year, almost $2 million expansion into the former Metal Fit Technologies Building. Metal Fit was a Japanese company that planned on making post and beam houses for the U.S. market but ran headlong into the housing slump, and they had to close down the facility. This expansion process made us look at efficiencies in our manufacturing process and ways to use computers to automate processes where we could.

How do you use your comput-ers to be more organized?

For an expansion of this size we had to establish who does what and when it will be done. Computers help the communication process especially when part of our management group is offsite. Computers also help gather information needed in a timely man-ner. We needed to know code and environmental rules for building and we needed to know about state and local permits that would be required for the project.

The newer members of our team were able to get information on their

part of the project to senior manage-ment and also got feedback on the project so changes could be made in a timely manner.


I have a degree in business admin-istration from MSU and do not think I ever took a computer class in college. I have taken several classes at Riverland over the years, but being a little older I have always been one step behind in computer technology.

I always tell younger people to learn all they can about technology and computers to protect their skills in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.


I always tell newer employees to read anything you are going to send to someone a second time just to make sure it makes sense to you. It is amaz-ing how many times I reread some-thing and realized it could be saying just the opposite of the message I wanted to send.


My organizational skills have been


The view of St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea from the east.


IMPACT 2011 IMPACT 2011 Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 33

“Always providing quality serviceto the construction industry”

Austin433-1819

Albert Lea373-1960

GlenvilleScale

448-2047

Page 20 — Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011

1606 E. MainAlbert Lea • 373-6446

www.securityinsuranceagency.com

THANK YOU!We are honored to be voted Best Insurance Agency in the Albert Lea Tribune’s annual

Reader’s Choice Awards. If you enjoy unsurpassed customer service, please see Andy, Mike or any of our agents for a no-obligation

insurance review. THANKS AGAIN!

Andy Petersen

Mike PetersenCLU-ChFC

Representing great companies like

Q&A: Get organized!

Joyce Matthies,Joyce Matthies Dance Centre

What is your position at Joyce Matthies Dance Centre?

Owner and operator

How long have you been there?Forty-five years


I write it down and have them check it off when finished. I also see if it is done correctly.


I have very well-run shows and can juggle classes and other things like musicals.


It took trial and error over time. I do make changes periodically to keep up with the times. I also have an accountant. I also taught myself how to text so I can communicate

better with older dancers.


I try to keep the website and studio Facebook page up to date. I also email parents important information.


I do schedules, spreadsheets, lists and rough drafts for show programs. I can also email parents and they can email me with questions.


I have taken dance classes aimed at teachers and participated in a dance teacher business seminar. I receive and read five different dance magazines a month and am constantly looking for new inspirations for choreography.

— Kelli Lageson

27296 730th Ave, Albert Lea, MN • www.dahlfarmsupply.com

We accept

Farm Plan!Call us today!

Chris & Holly Dahl507-826-3463 • 507-383-4931

• Traeger Smoker Grills• Seed• Farm Chemicals, Major & Generic

• Fertilizer• AgriMaxx Poly Tanks

St. John’s Lutheran HomeRehabilitation ProgramSt. John’s offers short-term stays for patientsrecuperating from a recent surgery or illness.

• Medicare Certified • Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy• Eighteen Private Rooms • Skilled Nursing Services

Providing the services you need to help you return home.

901 Luther PlaceAlbert Lea, MN

507-373-8226www.stjohnsofalbertlea.org

By Ed [email protected]

Albert Lea’s significant advantage in the nation’s transportation system is clearly emphasized with the slogan that says the city and county are at the “Crossroads of the Upper Midwest.” And a check with state and national maps, plus past history, certainly con-firms this fact.

To really emphasize this statement, a check of the state map shows there are only two localities in Minnesota where there are crossroads for the nation’s interstate highway system. One place is the Twin Cities area where Interstates 35 and 94 interchange at several places, and just northeast of Albert Lea.

This city’s crossroads designation is based pri-marily on the location of the intersection of east-west Interstate 90 and north-south Interstate 35. This became a full reality in December 1972. Albert Lea is also either the starting or ending point (depending on the direction of travel) of U.S. Highways 65 and 69 going into Iowa and other locations even further south, plus state Highway 13 which goes north to Waseca, New Prague and the Twin Cities area.

The city is also at the crossroads of a railroad system that has a full north-south connection with the Union Pacific Railroad and a some-what lesser east-west connection with the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad. The ICE line through Albert Lea goes from Ramsey, just north of Austin, to Wells, Winnebago, Fairmont and ends

in Jackson. Another rail link with the south and east is at Glenville with the Cedar River Railroad which goes to Waterloo, Iowa, and makes connec-tions with several other railroads on its short route.

A publication issued by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has this commentary to explain the city’s unique location, “Albert Lea’s transportation network offers a variety of today’s necessities. Three railroad lines and seven local/regional trucking firms serve the area.

The Albert Lea Airport has local air service including private and charter services, In addition, Albert Lea is 90 minutes or less from regional com-mercial airports in Mason City, Iowa, Rochester and Minneapolis.”

The Albert Lea Economic Devel-opment Agency lists the following assets as “Your connection to Midwest markets.” Several on this list are: “I-35 and I-90 crossroads. U.S. 65 and 69. Within a day’s drive of most Midwest markets. Access to (several) rail and truck lines. Local corporate, private air service. Commercial air service at Mason City (30 minutes), Rochester, Minneapolis.”

Being at a crossroads is a plus for Albert Lea area

Call today for fast, professionalservice at reasonable rates

HANNA’SHEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

213 McArthur Dr. PO Box 55 • Albert Lea • 373-8435

Inside, it’s just the way you like it!

Freedom® 95 Gas FurnacesExtraordinary comfort with efficiency in mind.

Heart of the Artichoke

222 E. Clark St, Albert Lea373-4258

Antiques &Collectibles


We offer a complete line ofHardware, Power & Hand Tools

GORDONSVILLE, MN 507-448-330210 MINUTES SO. OF ALBERT LEA • OPEN DAILY 8-6 PM SAT. 8-3

Call us for yourhome & auto quotes

www.americanainsurance.com(507) 377-2000

We’re theInsurance Guys!

Insuring what matters the most

610 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN

377-1863www.tradesandlabor.com

Stop in today to see if you qualify to join our family of members!

• Savings/Checking Accounts• Online Banking• Debit Cards/Credit Cards• Certificates of Deposits/IRA's• Consumer Loans• Real Estate Loans• Home Equity Loans

Albert Lea Area SchoolsDistrict 241

Equipping learners of all ages to think, to achieve and to care.

District AIMS:• Safe, healthy and welcoming schools• Increase opportunity and achievement• Effective and efficient operations

For complete information on our comprehensive program, go to albertlea.k12.mn.us or call 379-4800

Complete Automotive

Repair

Tune upsBrakes

Transmission

Oil ChangeExhaust

Cooling Systems810 E. Main St, Albert Lea

377-0585 26 Years Experience

ALIGNMENTSPECIALIST


How do you plan to continue to grow your business model over the next year?

We continually develop the trust and confidence of our patients with comprehensive care, ongoing education, and dedicated customer

service. We are able to find and offer the best quality and technol-ogy available to meet the needs and interest of our patients. Our per-sonalized environment enables our patient to feel relaxed and secure knowing that our attention is solely on them.

— Garrett Wampler


developed over 40 years of working at the same place, not many people will have that opportunity in today’s busi-ness climate.


Over the years I have added responsi-bilities as other people retired, so I had to become more efficient at what I was doing. Developing a good staff that you trust and can work with is the most ef-ficient way to get things done. Delegat-ing responsibility gets things done, even when you are out of the office.

— Sarah Stultz


and interests and their occupations, etc. We want every customer to know how important they are to us, which I think makes us different and better than the larger, national banks. An-other reason to choose a community bank is because we make our deci-sions locally, quickly and with as few hoops to jump through as possible. We all live here and are involved in service clubs, volunteer boards, church committees, our children’s activities and shop locally, so you see us out supporting our community every day. Lastly, we try to offer the products and services that customers want and expect to remain competi-tive with the bigger banks.

Q: Specifically, how was the Albert Lea branch bolstered once the Clarks Grove branch was closed?

A: The most significant result we’ve seen from the closure of our Clarks Grove branch is an increase in our

overall profitability. We had been losing money at the Clarks Grove branch for several years and with the local economy being stressed dur-ing this same timeframe, our ability to make a net profit was becoming increasingly difficult. A year later, we’re seeing our profitability become more stable with the savings from eliminating two employee salaries and benefits, Internet, IT software and equipment, insurance, electric-ity and heat, property taxes, supplies and the cost of the duplication of services.

Q: Who makes up the largest part of your clientele?

A: We have a nice mixture of all types of customers at our bank. When the bank first opened in 1903, we were almost entirely an agricul-ture bank. However as farming has changed over the years, we’ve seen our customer base change from pri-marily ag to more small business own-ers and personal banking services.

— Andrew Dyrdal

Leave the details to us...to make your next business trip a

soaring success!373-8830 • 888-339-9954

CERTIFIED TRAVELNorthbridge Mall • Albert Leawww.certifiedtravelmn.com

email: [email protected]

M-F 9am-5:30pm; Sat 10am-2pm (closed Saturdays

during the summer)

Also specializing in leisure travel!

Intersection ofW. Main & Hwy 13

373-3161 Hrs. Mon.-Fri. 8 to 5,

Sat. 8 to 4

• Pet Food & Supplies• Bird Seed & Feeders• Garden Seed & Supplies• Trees & Shrubs


With 5,000 feet of runway now at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, just about anything as large as busi-ness jets or as small as recreational planes can fly in and out of Albert Lea, according to airport Manager Jim Hanson.

“You’re not going to have a 747 bound for Hong Kong going out of Albert Lea, but I don’t think that’s realistic either,” he said.

Hundreds of different types of air-planes come through the airport each year.

The largest airplane that’s come to Albert Lea has been a Falcon 7X that came in nonstop from Honolulu last year, he said. The most common air-

planes are Learjets, which are known to most people as a corporate jet.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said some of the companies that have used the airport include Walmart, Cargill, Schweigert and Poet.

Use has been pretty consistent, even after improvements began.

Hanson said while having a new airport will not necessarily land Albert Lea a new business right off the bat, it will at least help some companies give the city some consideration.

Hanson said in his several decades of flying and conducting business search sites for companies looking to build a plant or retail outlet he has found that if the company owns an airplane and they can’t get to Albert Lea by air, this location will not even be a consideration.

What planes fly in and out of the airport?

Airport annual activity statisticsYears Air taxi Itinerant Local Military Total operations1991-2000 2,000 6,775 17,100 300 26,175— Information from historical data obtained from the Federal Airport Administration

A Piper Seminole, foreground, and a Piper Warrior II rest on the tarmac outside a hangar at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport. Small propeller-driven aircraft are the most common at the local airport.


is the bird(papa-ooma-mow-mow,papa-ooma-mow-mow)

It’s time to get your word out.

Call 507-379-3427 to get started on your marketing

campaign.word.


Economize and Optimize with:

Helping offices economize and optimize with print-related and document management technologies.

See what our customers have to say. Visit www.eojohnson.com and click on “Customer Testimonials.”

• Managed Print Services• Document Management• iTECH Services™

Managed Network Services• Managed Services

• Production Print• Multifunction Devices/

Copiers/Printers• Pure Water Technology®

Meet our Rochester Sales Team

Kristen Houfek Patrick McCabeManaged Print

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Wayne HansonSales Manager

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866.977.5133 • 507.252.5133

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Call us to discuss individual plans.

Jan Jerdee InsuranceJan Jerdee • Ron Petersen

1313 Southview LaneAlbert Lea, MN

Phone/Fax: 507-373-2804Authorized independent agent for

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

ALLEN’STOW & TRAVEL24 HOUR

• Jump Start & Lockout Services • Flatbed• Wheel Lift • Air cushioned recovery

• Crane Service • Landoll Trailer

128 South Garfield • 373-3551

➠ SIDING➠ WINDOWS➠ GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS➠ CUSTOM BUILT VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

1-800-488-3621Albert Lea373-1813

Emelie Paulson, CRS, SRES • 507-383-1659Jim Paulson, SES • 507-383-4760

RE/MAX PROPERTIES412 E. William, Albert Lea

377-2752www.paulsonhomes.com

Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978

Full service includes:• Burial vaults• Grave Markers • Flowers/Wreaths• Perpetual Care

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea

373-3560www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

Museum & Library open year round.October-March

Tues-Fri 10am-4pmApril-September

Tues-Fri 10am-5pmVillage open May-Sept.

To learn more about our building expansion project,

visit our website:http://fchm.smig.net

507-373-80031031 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneThe exterior of the Barn Boutique is

shown, which is on the second floor of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in North-

wood, Iowa, off Interstate 35.

Albert Lea’s airport takes offBy Sarah [email protected]

After almost a decade of active planning and con-struction at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, city and airport staff are coming closer to seeing the recon-struction and expansion at the facility completed.

Thus far, a new 5,000-foot runway has been con-structed, and the crosswind runway has been resur-faced. To prepare for the new runway, Plaza Street north of the airport has been rerouted.

Still to be completed are the building of the taxiway, which will run parallel to the new runway, the recon-struction of the area around the hangars and main building, and the instal-lation of new lighting and fencing, said City Engineer Steven Jahnke. The old runway is being turned into the taxiway.

Some of these things are happening yet this fall, while others will have to wait on additional funding in 2012.

Airport Manager Jim Hanson said while it has been a “painful transition” with all of the construc-tion, in the long run it will be beneficial to the community.

The runway was con-structed in the 1950s and

was only 4,500 feet long. The plan since the ’60s was to move the runway at the time it had to be reconstructed.

With the expansion of the new runway to 5,000 feet, more planes will be able to use the airport.

That distance has become the default minimum for most corporate aircraft operators, so much so that most of those operators don’t even carry the ap-proach charts for airports less than that distance.

Jahnke said the updates were “prudent, needed and a good business decision.”

“Ours was at the end of its life,” he said of the former runway. “If we wouldn’t have done anything, you’d either have to say we’re not going to have an airport, or we’re going to fix what we have or put in a new one.”

He said the extension of the runway was justified, especially since it will be in place for another 50 years.

Another major benefit is that the project is be-ing funded 95 percent by users of airports — through federal and state airport and airways trust fund-ing — with a 5 percent local match, Jahnke added.

The project will make Albert Lea’s airport safer for all aircraft engines, allow-ing more runway for takeoff and an obstacle-free climb.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneThe main runway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport runs north and south.

A runway is added; another is resurfaced

40 years of quality serviceCall us first for complete satisfaction• Lawn Weed & Feed programs• Dandelion, Crabgrass, Insect Control, Lawn Seeding & Core Aeration, Tree Care, Insect & Disease Control, FertilizingFree Lawn Estimates & promp service

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we’re your energy superhighway…

right next doorITC Midwest is pleased to be a member of the Albert Lea business community.From our warehouse and office facility on Highway 46, our 25 employees andcontractors are working to create a strong electric grid for the region.

Since acquiring the region’s electric transmission system in December 2007,ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability andaccommodate the growing needs of electricity users. We’re also givingcustomers broader access to generating sources, including the clean windenergy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa. Our effortscontribute to the growth of Albert Lea and the region.

We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.

I T C M I D W E S T1.877.482.4829

www.itctransco.com

ALBERT LEA CAMPUS2200 Riverland DriveAlbert Lea, MN 56007507-379-3300

AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NWAustin, MN 55912507-433-0600

OWATONNA CAMPUSOwatonna College and University Center965 Alexander Drive SWOwatonna, MN 55060507-455-5880

www.riverland.edufacebook.com/myriverland

Classes Offered Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Online for our Programs of Study:

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGYCisco® Certified Network AssociateComputer TechnologyComputer Systems NetworkingMicrosoft® Systems EngineerWeb DeveloperWeb Page Design & Web Master

CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURINGCarpentry TechnologyConstruction ElectricianIndustrial Maintenance & MechanicsProduction TechnicianSolar InstallerWelding TechnologyWind Turbine Technology

MANAGEMENTCommodity MarketingFarm Business ManagementSmall Business ManagementSupervisory Management

SERVICECosmetologyHuman ServicesLaw Enforcement/Criminal JusticeMassage Therapy

TRANSPORTATIONAutomotive Service TechnologyCollision Repair TechnologyDiesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle MechanicsTruck Driving

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND OFFICEAccountingHealth Unit CoordinatorBusiness & Office TechnologyMedical Secretary

ALLIED HEALTHHome Health AideMammographyNursing AssistantNursing Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nursing Program (RN) PN Mobility ProgramPatient Care AssociateRadiography

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

COMMUNICATIONSEnglish / FrenchSpanish / Speech

HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCESAnthropologyBusiness & EconomicsGeographyHistoryPolitical Science PsychologySociology

HUMANITIES & FINE ARTSArtMusic Philosophy

ReligionTheatre

MATHEMATICAL/LOGICAL REASONING

NATURAL SCIENCESAstronomyBiologyChemistryEarth SciencePhysics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTHAthleticsCoachingHuman Performance

TRANSITIONAL STUDIES

1330 W. Main • Albert LeaBus.: 507-377-2852

Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301

[email protected]

We represent over 50

companies

Troy Thompson LUTCF

By Kelli [email protected]

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One small feature of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in this city has travelers com-ing back again and again.

The Barn Boutique, a small gift shop on the upper level of the barn that has stood off Interstate 35 for 14 years, sees many different kinds of travelers. Manager of the gift shop and executive director of the welcome center, Jean Stowell, enjoys meeting the travelers who pass through.

“It’s a labor of love,” Stowell said. “We have a huge cross section of visitors.”

Stowell said the gift shop is known among travelers for having local handmade items. She’s proud to offer a good variety of local products that range from photography, quilting and food items.

“We feature local people who do im-peccable work,” Stowell said. “They’re just creative people.”

When the shop first opened Stowell

sought out crafters and vendors in the area, and now people come to her with their wares. The variety of locally-made products is vast, including the gift shop’s own wine label, which is bottled by a vineyard in Jackson County, Iowa.

“They’re award-winning wines,” Stowell said.

Other items include handmade soaps, candles, hardanger, quilts, baskets and so much more. Stowell said she often gets comments from travelers that most gift shops they see just have T-shirts and other expected items. They come to the Barn Bou-tique and are surprised to find locally-crafted things.

“There is a deep appreciation for handcrafted things,” Stowell said.

Often items are bought and sent to places all over the world by the shop’s staff including to Puerto Rico, France and other places.

“It’s a great place to work,” Stowell said. “It’s about relationships.”

She said she values getting to know travelers and crafters alike. For Stow-

ell, having homemade items honors the heritage of the area.

“We’re kind of trying to honor that resilience that made the Midwest strong in so many ways,” Stowell said.

The welcome center and rest area also features a coffee shop, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths and in-formation about the state of value to travelers.

Welcome to Iowa’s handmade craftsThe Top of Iowa Welcome Center features a boutique

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneHandmade items like these baskets populate the Barn Boutique at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center.

Creating order from chaos

• QuickBooks Training

• Bookkeeping Service

• Payroll Services• Secretarial

ServicesRhodette GroeLaurie Sistek

(507) 552-1263415 E. William St

Albert Lea

TimelineAlbert Lea Municipal Airport improvements2003planning, updating of the airport’s master plan2004environmental assessments conducted2007-2010designing2008-2012construction2012paving of the taxiway, reconstructing the apron, installing fencing Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

A Mack truck driver backs down the construction of a new taxiway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.


Traveling can be stressful enough. Let our hospitality keep you comfortable and

worry-free during your journey.

• Triple diamond rating from AAA• Outstanding Best Western Rewards

Program & Promotions. Rewards can be redeemed for free room nights, travel cards, airline rewards, retail gift cards, merchandise & more.

• Complimentary full hot breakfast daily

• Fresh baked cookies & coffee served daily

• Pillow top beds featuring luxurious triple sheeting for your comfort

• Featuring in-room amenities from Bath & Body Works®

• Government/military, AAA, AARP & Harley Davidson discounts to qualified guests

• Whirlpool Suites available• Non-smoking facility

Albert Lea I-90 Hotel821 E. Plaza St, Albert Lea, MN 56007

(507) 373-4000 • www.BestWestern.comLocally owned

Julie Sternhagen, General Manager

Recently

remodeled


By Andrew [email protected]

Sugar and spice.That’s what’s blended in Albert

Lea’s sweetest company — Specialty Products & Technology, Inc.

Inside two blue buildings at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave., pallets of raw sugar and flour, and corn syrup solids sit waiting to be blended together before hitting the shelves of grocery stores. In another room, blue, 55-gal-lon drums of unprocessed honey are heated before being moved to a liquid mixer, where bits of bees and honey-comb are removed as it is pasteurized and filtered.

There’s no chocolate river, though one wouldn’t seem out of place.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc., opened in Albert Lea in 2004. The company, which is headquartered in Eden Prairie, opened a second plant in Foston in 2006, and in 2008, the Albert Lea branch was expanded into another building in an adjacent lot, in-creasing its space to a total of 25,000 square feet.

The company is relatively small and employs about 30 people between three cities. The Albert Lea branch employs 12, including plant man-ager Mike Walker. He described the company’s primary operation as, in a nutshell (pun intended, as you’ll see), “dry bit blending food ingredients for the baking industry.”

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is hired by some of the nation’s leading baked goods companies, large and small, to blend their ingredients. It is one of the largest distributors of honey-roasted nut coatings in the country.

Walker said his plant produces between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds of finished product per week. That’s two semi loads. Along with blending baking ingredients, it also processes raw honey.

Walker said contracting the blend-ing process saves companies on the cost of freight and storing inventory. Walker said through Specialty Prod-ucts, baked-goods companies might

receive one truckload of finished product per month as opposed to five partial truckloads of ingredients.

It also saves companies the mess.“Most dry blends have anti-caking

agents in them,” Walker said. “It gets dusty, and they don’t want to deal with it.”

In fact, in their four-day workweek, employees of Special Products only work three days producing goods. The last day is spent cleaning up by wet washing and sanitizing the entire plant.

Walker said his plant ships finished products to some of the nation’s largest baked goods companies but declined to mention them by name. He said one local company he works with is You and Me Inc. of Owatonna, which makes cheeseball mixes.

Specialty Products can also package a small amount of goods and has

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneWork is done in the dry mixing room at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant can mix about 2,000 pounds of dry blend per batch.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave. in Albert Lea. The company has two buildings in town, a plant, right, and a warehouse, which total 25,000

square feet, and produces 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of finished product per week.

Specialty Products blends sugars, syrups and other yummy stuff with foods

Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

1615 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MNlocated in Nelson’s Marketplace(507) 373-MEDS (6337)

Open 8:30 to 7 M-F, 9-2 Sat. & 11-2 Sun.

We give you every reasonto choose our services

• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted• We match prices• Workman’s comp claims with no up front fees• We offer the best customer service around• Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace• Medicine-On-Time

Albert Lea’sonly locally

ownedPharmacy

The BesT of BoTh WorLds!VoTed

#1 BAkeryVoTed

#1 PhArMACy

1619 West Main • albert lea • 507-373-7357

We will continue tostrive for excellence, not only in our bakery, but throughout theentire store. We are proud to be

part of the Albert Lea Community.

Open 6a.m.-10p.m. everyday


packaged products for Zumbro River Brand Inc. of Albert Lea.

Walker said his company receives some products from local business Ventura Foods.

Walker was born in Albert Lea and started his current position in 2004 when the new branch opened in town. He said the plant was built but the floors weren’t poured so he was able to design the layout including rooms and drains. He said Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is in an “aggres-sive growth schedule” and is working toward installing a spray dryer.

He also said his employees enjoy their job.

“We don’t have much turnover,” Walker said. “They like working here. It’s dusty work, but I think they like having every Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.”

Unprocessed honey is poured into the liquid mixer at Specialty Products &

Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant produces about 3,000 pounds of pro-

cessed honey per batch.

A customer receives a massage by employee Sharon Fleek. Linda Nelsen shampoos a customer’s hair.

Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Brooke McKinney works on eyelash

extensions.

Call us for: Mowing • Turf Spraying • Overseeding • Parking Lot Sweeping • Aerification• Brush & Shrub Trimming • Snow Removal • Landscaping • Fall Leaf Clean Up

Greg’s Grass ServiceGreg Stegenga

Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-1123 Cell: 507-383-9504

Your Complete Landscape Management Team


Takin’ care of businessA photo essay of a day at Dinah’s Style

By Danielle [email protected]

Left: Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Below: Sharon Fleek massages a customer’s back.

Below right: Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

Right: Brooke McKinney works on eyelash extensions.

130 West Clark StreetAlbert Lea, MN

373-24731-800-247-5330

www.4-seasonsvacations.com

SINCE 1967

Jenny25 years

Tammi20 years

Marilyn20 years

Louise44 years

109 combined years of travel planning! Trust the experience,

love the vacation

Locally Owned

Rely on the BEST!

• Therapeutic Massage• Prenatal Massage• Hot Stone Massage• Micro-Buff Body Polish• Sea Salt Scrub• Facial Massage• Foot Treatments• Spa Package

• Haircuts & style• Perms• Foils• Color• Pedicures• Manicures507-373-7443

Located at the Skyline Plaza, Albert Lea

FREE WIFIin every room

Soup &Salad Bar

2306 E. Main Street, Albert Lea

(507) 373-6471

Give yourself the peace of mind, knowing that whatever the future brings, you may never have to leave the life you’ve created and the

friends you’ve made behind.To Schedule a Visit of our continuum of care community at Good Samaritan

Society, Albert Lea, please call

507-373-0683or visit www.good-sam.com

Senior

ApArtmentS

ASSiSted Living

trAnSitionAL

CAre

Long term nurSing CAre

Home

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This publication is published by Tribune Media

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PostcardsEnvelope MailersCustom Mailers

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Get your quote today

Call Scott at

507-379-3420


packaged products for Zumbro River Brand Inc. of Albert Lea.

Walker said his company receives some products from local business Ventura Foods.

Walker was born in Albert Lea and started his current position in 2004 when the new branch opened in town. He said the plant was built but the floors weren’t poured so he was able to design the layout including rooms and drains. He said Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is in an “aggres-sive growth schedule” and is working toward installing a spray dryer.

He also said his employees enjoy their job.

“We don’t have much turnover,” Walker said. “They like working here. It’s dusty work, but I think they like having every Friday, Saturday and Sunday off.”

Unprocessed honey is poured into the liquid mixer at Specialty Products &

Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant produces about 3,000 pounds of pro-

cessed honey per batch.

A customer receives a massage by employee Sharon Fleek. Linda Nelsen shampoos a customer’s hair.

Malinda Dyrdal cuts a customer’s hair.

Brooke McKinney works on eyelash

extensions.

Call us for: Mowing • Turf Spraying • Overseeding • Parking Lot Sweeping • Aerification• Brush & Shrub Trimming • Snow Removal • Landscaping • Fall Leaf Clean Up

Greg’s Grass ServiceGreg Stegenga

Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-1123 Cell: 507-383-9504

Your Complete Landscape Management Team


Traveling can be stressful enough. Let our hospitality keep you comfortable and

worry-free during your journey.

• Triple diamond rating from AAA• Outstanding Best Western Rewards

Program & Promotions. Rewards can be redeemed for free room nights, travel cards, airline rewards, retail gift cards, merchandise & more.

• Complimentary full hot breakfast daily

• Fresh baked cookies & coffee served daily

• Pillow top beds featuring luxurious triple sheeting for your comfort

• Featuring in-room amenities from Bath & Body Works®

• Government/military, AAA, AARP & Harley Davidson discounts to qualified guests

• Whirlpool Suites available• Non-smoking facility

Albert Lea I-90 Hotel821 E. Plaza St, Albert Lea, MN 56007

(507) 373-4000 • www.BestWestern.comLocally owned

Julie Sternhagen, General Manager

Recently

remodeled


By Andrew [email protected]

Sugar and spice.That’s what’s blended in Albert

Lea’s sweetest company — Specialty Products & Technology, Inc.

Inside two blue buildings at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave., pallets of raw sugar and flour, and corn syrup solids sit waiting to be blended together before hitting the shelves of grocery stores. In another room, blue, 55-gal-lon drums of unprocessed honey are heated before being moved to a liquid mixer, where bits of bees and honey-comb are removed as it is pasteurized and filtered.

There’s no chocolate river, though one wouldn’t seem out of place.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc., opened in Albert Lea in 2004. The company, which is headquartered in Eden Prairie, opened a second plant in Foston in 2006, and in 2008, the Albert Lea branch was expanded into another building in an adjacent lot, in-creasing its space to a total of 25,000 square feet.

The company is relatively small and employs about 30 people between three cities. The Albert Lea branch employs 12, including plant man-ager Mike Walker. He described the company’s primary operation as, in a nutshell (pun intended, as you’ll see), “dry bit blending food ingredients for the baking industry.”

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is hired by some of the nation’s leading baked goods companies, large and small, to blend their ingredients. It is one of the largest distributors of honey-roasted nut coatings in the country.

Walker said his plant produces between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds of finished product per week. That’s two semi loads. Along with blending baking ingredients, it also processes raw honey.

Walker said contracting the blend-ing process saves companies on the cost of freight and storing inventory. Walker said through Specialty Prod-ucts, baked-goods companies might

receive one truckload of finished product per month as opposed to five partial truckloads of ingredients.

It also saves companies the mess.“Most dry blends have anti-caking

agents in them,” Walker said. “It gets dusty, and they don’t want to deal with it.”

In fact, in their four-day workweek, employees of Special Products only work three days producing goods. The last day is spent cleaning up by wet washing and sanitizing the entire plant.

Walker said his plant ships finished products to some of the nation’s largest baked goods companies but declined to mention them by name. He said one local company he works with is You and Me Inc. of Owatonna, which makes cheeseball mixes.

Specialty Products can also package a small amount of goods and has

Andrew Dyrdal/Albert Lea TribuneWork is done in the dry mixing room at Specialty Products & Technology, Inc. in Albert Lea. The plant can mix about 2,000 pounds of dry blend per batch.

Specialty Products & Technology Inc. is at 2615 Y.H. Hanson Ave. in Albert Lea. The company has two buildings in town, a plant, right, and a warehouse, which total 25,000

square feet, and produces 80,000 to 100,000 pounds of finished product per week.

Specialty Products blends sugars, syrups and other yummy stuff with foods

Tammy Huynh gives a pedicure.

1615 W. Main St., Albert Lea, MNlocated in Nelson’s Marketplace(507) 373-MEDS (6337)

Open 8:30 to 7 M-F, 9-2 Sat. & 11-2 Sun.

We give you every reasonto choose our services

• Medicare Part D & All Insurance Plans accepted• We match prices• Workman’s comp claims with no up front fees• We offer the best customer service around• Conveniently located in Nelson’s Marketplace• Medicine-On-Time

Albert Lea’sonly locally

ownedPharmacy

The BesT of BoTh WorLds!VoTed

#1 BAkeryVoTed

#1 PhArMACy

1619 West Main • albert lea • 507-373-7357

We will continue tostrive for excellence, not only in our bakery, but throughout theentire store. We are proud to be

part of the Albert Lea Community.

Open 6a.m.-10p.m. everyday


we’re your energy superhighway…

right next doorITC Midwest is pleased to be a member of the Albert Lea business community.From our warehouse and office facility on Highway 46, our 25 employees andcontractors are working to create a strong electric grid for the region.

Since acquiring the region’s electric transmission system in December 2007,ITC Midwest has been investing to improve electric reliability andaccommodate the growing needs of electricity users. We’re also givingcustomers broader access to generating sources, including the clean windenergy developments under construction in Minnesota and Iowa. Our effortscontribute to the growth of Albert Lea and the region.

We’re pleased to be your energy superhighway, right next door.

I T C M I D W E S T1.877.482.4829

www.itctransco.com

ALBERT LEA CAMPUS2200 Riverland DriveAlbert Lea, MN 56007507-379-3300

AUSTIN CAMPUS 1900 8th Avenue NWAustin, MN 55912507-433-0600

OWATONNA CAMPUSOwatonna College and University Center965 Alexander Drive SWOwatonna, MN 55060507-455-5880

www.riverland.edufacebook.com/myriverland

Classes Offered Days, Evenings, Weekends, and Online for our Programs of Study:

COMPUTER TECHNOLOGYCisco® Certified Network AssociateComputer TechnologyComputer Systems NetworkingMicrosoft® Systems EngineerWeb DeveloperWeb Page Design & Web Master

CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURINGCarpentry TechnologyConstruction ElectricianIndustrial Maintenance & MechanicsProduction TechnicianSolar InstallerWelding TechnologyWind Turbine Technology

MANAGEMENTCommodity MarketingFarm Business ManagementSmall Business ManagementSupervisory Management

SERVICECosmetologyHuman ServicesLaw Enforcement/Criminal JusticeMassage Therapy

TRANSPORTATIONAutomotive Service TechnologyCollision Repair TechnologyDiesel Technology: Commercial Vehicle MechanicsTruck Driving

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

ACCOUNTING, BUSINESS, BUSINESS AND OFFICEAccountingHealth Unit CoordinatorBusiness & Office TechnologyMedical Secretary

ALLIED HEALTHHome Health AideMammographyNursing AssistantNursing Pathway: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Nursing Program (RN) PN Mobility ProgramPatient Care AssociateRadiography

LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES

COMMUNICATIONSEnglish / FrenchSpanish / Speech

HISTORY AND THE SOCIAL & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCESAnthropologyBusiness & EconomicsGeographyHistoryPolitical Science PsychologySociology

HUMANITIES & FINE ARTSArtMusic Philosophy

ReligionTheatre

MATHEMATICAL/LOGICAL REASONING

NATURAL SCIENCESAstronomyBiologyChemistryEarth SciencePhysics

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND HEALTHAthleticsCoachingHuman Performance

TRANSITIONAL STUDIES

1330 W. Main • Albert LeaBus.: 507-377-2852

Toll Free: 877-974-9597 Fax: 507-377-3301

[email protected]

We represent over 50

companies

Troy Thompson LUTCF

By Kelli [email protected]

NORTHWOOD, Iowa — One small feature of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in this city has travelers com-ing back again and again.

The Barn Boutique, a small gift shop on the upper level of the barn that has stood off Interstate 35 for 14 years, sees many different kinds of travelers. Manager of the gift shop and executive director of the welcome center, Jean Stowell, enjoys meeting the travelers who pass through.

“It’s a labor of love,” Stowell said. “We have a huge cross section of visitors.”

Stowell said the gift shop is known among travelers for having local handmade items. She’s proud to offer a good variety of local products that range from photography, quilting and food items.

“We feature local people who do im-peccable work,” Stowell said. “They’re just creative people.”

When the shop first opened Stowell

sought out crafters and vendors in the area, and now people come to her with their wares. The variety of locally-made products is vast, including the gift shop’s own wine label, which is bottled by a vineyard in Jackson County, Iowa.

“They’re award-winning wines,” Stowell said.

Other items include handmade soaps, candles, hardanger, quilts, baskets and so much more. Stowell said she often gets comments from travelers that most gift shops they see just have T-shirts and other expected items. They come to the Barn Bou-tique and are surprised to find locally-crafted things.

“There is a deep appreciation for handcrafted things,” Stowell said.

Often items are bought and sent to places all over the world by the shop’s staff including to Puerto Rico, France and other places.

“It’s a great place to work,” Stowell said. “It’s about relationships.”

She said she values getting to know travelers and crafters alike. For Stow-

ell, having homemade items honors the heritage of the area.

“We’re kind of trying to honor that resilience that made the Midwest strong in so many ways,” Stowell said.

The welcome center and rest area also features a coffee shop, restrooms, picnic areas, walking paths and in-formation about the state of value to travelers.

Welcome to Iowa’s handmade craftsThe Top of Iowa Welcome Center features a boutique

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneHandmade items like these baskets populate the Barn Boutique at the Top of Iowa Welcome Center.

Creating order from chaos

• QuickBooks Training

• Bookkeeping Service

• Payroll Services• Secretarial

ServicesRhodette GroeLaurie Sistek

(507) 552-1263415 E. William St

Albert Lea

TimelineAlbert Lea Municipal Airport improvements2003planning, updating of the airport’s master plan2004environmental assessments conducted2007-2010designing2008-2012construction2012paving of the taxiway, reconstructing the apron, installing fencing Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

A Mack truck driver backs down the construction of a new taxiway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport.


Economize and Optimize with:

Helping offices economize and optimize with print-related and document management technologies.

See what our customers have to say. Visit www.eojohnson.com and click on “Customer Testimonials.”

• Managed Print Services• Document Management• iTECH Services™

Managed Network Services• Managed Services

• Production Print• Multifunction Devices/

Copiers/Printers• Pure Water Technology®

Meet our Rochester Sales Team

Kristen Houfek Patrick McCabeManaged Print

Services

Wayne HansonSales Manager

Jordan Fredrickson

2477 Clare LaneRochester

866.977.5133 • 507.252.5133

www.eojohnson.com

Call us to discuss individual plans.

Jan Jerdee InsuranceJan Jerdee • Ron Petersen

1313 Southview LaneAlbert Lea, MN

Phone/Fax: 507-373-2804Authorized independent agent for

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

ALLEN’STOW & TRAVEL24 HOUR

• Jump Start & Lockout Services • Flatbed• Wheel Lift • Air cushioned recovery

• Crane Service • Landoll Trailer

128 South Garfield • 373-3551

➠ SIDING➠ WINDOWS➠ GUTTERS & DOWNSPOUTS➠ CUSTOM BUILT VINYL REPLACEMENT WINDOWS

1-800-488-3621Albert Lea373-1813

Emelie Paulson, CRS, SRES • 507-383-1659Jim Paulson, SES • 507-383-4760

RE/MAX PROPERTIES412 E. William, Albert Lea

377-2752www.paulsonhomes.com

Serving the area’s real estate needs since 1978

Full service includes:• Burial vaults• Grave Markers • Flowers/Wreaths• Perpetual Care

CEMETERY ASSOCIATION17544 Hwy. 65, Albert Lea

373-3560www.hillcrestcemetaryassociation.com

Museum & Library open year round.October-March

Tues-Fri 10am-4pmApril-September

Tues-Fri 10am-5pmVillage open May-Sept.

To learn more about our building expansion project,

visit our website:http://fchm.smig.net

507-373-80031031 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneThe exterior of the Barn Boutique is

shown, which is on the second floor of the Top of Iowa Welcome Center in North-

wood, Iowa, off Interstate 35.

Albert Lea’s airport takes offBy Sarah [email protected]

After almost a decade of active planning and con-struction at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, city and airport staff are coming closer to seeing the recon-struction and expansion at the facility completed.

Thus far, a new 5,000-foot runway has been con-structed, and the crosswind runway has been resur-faced. To prepare for the new runway, Plaza Street north of the airport has been rerouted.

Still to be completed are the building of the taxiway, which will run parallel to the new runway, the recon-struction of the area around the hangars and main building, and the instal-lation of new lighting and fencing, said City Engineer Steven Jahnke. The old runway is being turned into the taxiway.

Some of these things are happening yet this fall, while others will have to wait on additional funding in 2012.

Airport Manager Jim Hanson said while it has been a “painful transition” with all of the construc-tion, in the long run it will be beneficial to the community.

The runway was con-structed in the 1950s and

was only 4,500 feet long. The plan since the ’60s was to move the runway at the time it had to be reconstructed.

With the expansion of the new runway to 5,000 feet, more planes will be able to use the airport.

That distance has become the default minimum for most corporate aircraft operators, so much so that most of those operators don’t even carry the ap-proach charts for airports less than that distance.

Jahnke said the updates were “prudent, needed and a good business decision.”

“Ours was at the end of its life,” he said of the former runway. “If we wouldn’t have done anything, you’d either have to say we’re not going to have an airport, or we’re going to fix what we have or put in a new one.”

He said the extension of the runway was justified, especially since it will be in place for another 50 years.

Another major benefit is that the project is be-ing funded 95 percent by users of airports — through federal and state airport and airways trust fund-ing — with a 5 percent local match, Jahnke added.

The project will make Albert Lea’s airport safer for all aircraft engines, allow-ing more runway for takeoff and an obstacle-free climb.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneThe main runway at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport runs north and south.

A runway is added; another is resurfaced

40 years of quality serviceCall us first for complete satisfaction• Lawn Weed & Feed programs• Dandelion, Crabgrass, Insect Control, Lawn Seeding & Core Aeration, Tree Care, Insect & Disease Control, FertilizingFree Lawn Estimates & promp service

1-800-722-2268

Lawn Care & Landscaping


We offer a complete line ofHardware, Power & Hand Tools

GORDONSVILLE, MN 507-448-330210 MINUTES SO. OF ALBERT LEA • OPEN DAILY 8-6 PM SAT. 8-3

Call us for yourhome & auto quotes

www.americanainsurance.com(507) 377-2000

We’re theInsurance Guys!

Insuring what matters the most

610 S Broadway Ave. Albert Lea, MN

377-1863www.tradesandlabor.com

Stop in today to see if you qualify to join our family of members!

• Savings/Checking Accounts• Online Banking• Debit Cards/Credit Cards• Certificates of Deposits/IRA's• Consumer Loans• Real Estate Loans• Home Equity Loans

Albert Lea Area SchoolsDistrict 241

Equipping learners of all ages to think, to achieve and to care.

District AIMS:• Safe, healthy and welcoming schools• Increase opportunity and achievement• Effective and efficient operations

For complete information on our comprehensive program, go to albertlea.k12.mn.us or call 379-4800

Complete Automotive

Repair

Tune upsBrakes

Transmission

Oil ChangeExhaust

Cooling Systems810 E. Main St, Albert Lea

377-0585 26 Years Experience

ALIGNMENTSPECIALIST


How do you plan to continue to grow your business model over the next year?

We continually develop the trust and confidence of our patients with comprehensive care, ongoing education, and dedicated customer

service. We are able to find and offer the best quality and technol-ogy available to meet the needs and interest of our patients. Our per-sonalized environment enables our patient to feel relaxed and secure knowing that our attention is solely on them.

— Garrett Wampler


developed over 40 years of working at the same place, not many people will have that opportunity in today’s busi-ness climate.


Over the years I have added responsi-bilities as other people retired, so I had to become more efficient at what I was doing. Developing a good staff that you trust and can work with is the most ef-ficient way to get things done. Delegat-ing responsibility gets things done, even when you are out of the office.

— Sarah Stultz


and interests and their occupations, etc. We want every customer to know how important they are to us, which I think makes us different and better than the larger, national banks. An-other reason to choose a community bank is because we make our deci-sions locally, quickly and with as few hoops to jump through as possible. We all live here and are involved in service clubs, volunteer boards, church committees, our children’s activities and shop locally, so you see us out supporting our community every day. Lastly, we try to offer the products and services that customers want and expect to remain competi-tive with the bigger banks.

Q: Specifically, how was the Albert Lea branch bolstered once the Clarks Grove branch was closed?

A: The most significant result we’ve seen from the closure of our Clarks Grove branch is an increase in our

overall profitability. We had been losing money at the Clarks Grove branch for several years and with the local economy being stressed dur-ing this same timeframe, our ability to make a net profit was becoming increasingly difficult. A year later, we’re seeing our profitability become more stable with the savings from eliminating two employee salaries and benefits, Internet, IT software and equipment, insurance, electric-ity and heat, property taxes, supplies and the cost of the duplication of services.

Q: Who makes up the largest part of your clientele?

A: We have a nice mixture of all types of customers at our bank. When the bank first opened in 1903, we were almost entirely an agricul-ture bank. However as farming has changed over the years, we’ve seen our customer base change from pri-marily ag to more small business own-ers and personal banking services.

— Andrew Dyrdal

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With 5,000 feet of runway now at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport, just about anything as large as busi-ness jets or as small as recreational planes can fly in and out of Albert Lea, according to airport Manager Jim Hanson.

“You’re not going to have a 747 bound for Hong Kong going out of Albert Lea, but I don’t think that’s realistic either,” he said.

Hundreds of different types of air-planes come through the airport each year.

The largest airplane that’s come to Albert Lea has been a Falcon 7X that came in nonstop from Honolulu last year, he said. The most common air-

planes are Learjets, which are known to most people as a corporate jet.

Albert Lea City Engineer Steven Jahnke said some of the companies that have used the airport include Walmart, Cargill, Schweigert and Poet.

Use has been pretty consistent, even after improvements began.

Hanson said while having a new airport will not necessarily land Albert Lea a new business right off the bat, it will at least help some companies give the city some consideration.

Hanson said in his several decades of flying and conducting business search sites for companies looking to build a plant or retail outlet he has found that if the company owns an airplane and they can’t get to Albert Lea by air, this location will not even be a consideration.

What planes fly in and out of the airport?

Airport annual activity statisticsYears Air taxi Itinerant Local Military Total operations1991-2000 2,000 6,775 17,100 300 26,175— Information from historical data obtained from the Federal Airport Administration

A Piper Seminole, foreground, and a Piper Warrior II rest on the tarmac outside a hangar at the Albert Lea Municipal Airport. Small propeller-driven aircraft are the most common at the local airport.


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IMPACT 2011 IMPACT 2011 Albert Lea Tribune, Friday, September 30, 2011 — Page 33

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Q&A: Get organized!

Joyce Matthies,Joyce Matthies Dance Centre

What is your position at Joyce Matthies Dance Centre?

Owner and operator

How long have you been there?Forty-five years


I write it down and have them check it off when finished. I also see if it is done correctly.


I have very well-run shows and can juggle classes and other things like musicals.


It took trial and error over time. I do make changes periodically to keep up with the times. I also have an accountant. I also taught myself how to text so I can communicate

better with older dancers.


I try to keep the website and studio Facebook page up to date. I also email parents important information.


I do schedules, spreadsheets, lists and rough drafts for show programs. I can also email parents and they can email me with questions.


I have taken dance classes aimed at teachers and participated in a dance teacher business seminar. I receive and read five different dance magazines a month and am constantly looking for new inspirations for choreography.

— Kelli Lageson

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By Ed [email protected]

Albert Lea’s significant advantage in the nation’s transportation system is clearly emphasized with the slogan that says the city and county are at the “Crossroads of the Upper Midwest.” And a check with state and national maps, plus past history, certainly con-firms this fact.

To really emphasize this statement, a check of the state map shows there are only two localities in Minnesota where there are crossroads for the nation’s interstate highway system. One place is the Twin Cities area where Interstates 35 and 94 interchange at several places, and just northeast of Albert Lea.

This city’s crossroads designation is based pri-marily on the location of the intersection of east-west Interstate 90 and north-south Interstate 35. This became a full reality in December 1972. Albert Lea is also either the starting or ending point (depending on the direction of travel) of U.S. Highways 65 and 69 going into Iowa and other locations even further south, plus state Highway 13 which goes north to Waseca, New Prague and the Twin Cities area.

The city is also at the crossroads of a railroad system that has a full north-south connection with the Union Pacific Railroad and a some-what lesser east-west connection with the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad. The ICE line through Albert Lea goes from Ramsey, just north of Austin, to Wells, Winnebago, Fairmont and ends

in Jackson. Another rail link with the south and east is at Glenville with the Cedar River Railroad which goes to Waterloo, Iowa, and makes connec-tions with several other railroads on its short route.

A publication issued by the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has this commentary to explain the city’s unique location, “Albert Lea’s transportation network offers a variety of today’s necessities. Three railroad lines and seven local/regional trucking firms serve the area.

The Albert Lea Airport has local air service including private and charter services, In addition, Albert Lea is 90 minutes or less from regional com-mercial airports in Mason City, Iowa, Rochester and Minneapolis.”

The Albert Lea Economic Devel-opment Agency lists the following assets as “Your connection to Midwest markets.” Several on this list are: “I-35 and I-90 crossroads. U.S. 65 and 69. Within a day’s drive of most Midwest markets. Access to (several) rail and truck lines. Local corporate, private air service. Commercial air service at Mason City (30 minutes), Rochester, Minneapolis.”

Being at a crossroads is a plus for Albert Lea area

Call today for fast, professionalservice at reasonable rates

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“I’ve been taking care of Tribune marketing for the Albert Lea downtown area businesses for over 2 years. I coordinate advertising for special downtown events, manage a monthly downtown advertising program and work closely with business owners on marketing plans. I thank all business owners for the trust you have put into me. You are the heart of Albert Lea. If you are a new business to the downtown area and need help with those things that keep you awake at night, please don’thesitate to call!”

Renee CitsayMarketing SpecialistAlbert Lea [email protected]

Build YourBusiness

Renee

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Exquisite Food & Fine WinesA first class dining establishment that reflects

the influence of classic French & Italiancuisine, and current California trends.We offer a diverse selection of over100 imported & domestic wines.

Full Cocktail Service also available.

Art on Broadwayat the Albert Lea Art Center

Consigned original art work, jewelry and a wide variety of art supplies

224 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 313Albert Lea, MN • [email protected]

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DoubtSeptember 22-24, 28 & October 1, 2011

Christmas CarolDecember 1-3, 7-10, 2011

How to Talk MinnesotanApril 26-29 (matinee) & May 2-5, 2012

OliverJuly 12-15 (matinee) & July 18-21, 2012

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Marion Ross Performing Arts Center

Rural • Residential

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Q&A: Get organized!

John Forman,Alamco Wood Products

What is your position at Alamco?

Chief executive officer.


Alamco is in the final stages of a two-year, almost $2 million expansion into the former Metal Fit Technologies Building. Metal Fit was a Japanese company that planned on making post and beam houses for the U.S. market but ran headlong into the housing slump, and they had to close down the facility. This expansion process made us look at efficiencies in our manufacturing process and ways to use computers to automate processes where we could.

How do you use your comput-ers to be more organized?

For an expansion of this size we had to establish who does what and when it will be done. Computers help the communication process especially when part of our management group is offsite. Computers also help gather information needed in a timely man-ner. We needed to know code and environmental rules for building and we needed to know about state and local permits that would be required for the project.

The newer members of our team were able to get information on their

part of the project to senior manage-ment and also got feedback on the project so changes could be made in a timely manner.


I have a degree in business admin-istration from MSU and do not think I ever took a computer class in college. I have taken several classes at Riverland over the years, but being a little older I have always been one step behind in computer technology.

I always tell younger people to learn all they can about technology and computers to protect their skills in today’s and tomorrow’s job market.


I always tell newer employees to read anything you are going to send to someone a second time just to make sure it makes sense to you. It is amaz-ing how many times I reread some-thing and realized it could be saying just the opposite of the message I wanted to send.


My organizational skills have been


The view of St. John’s Lutheran Home in Albert Lea from the east.



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SERVING FREEBORN COUNTYCounty Administrator ....................................................................................... 377-5116County Attorney .............................................................................................. 377-5192County Sheriff ..................................................................................................377-5205County Recorder ...............................................................................................377-5130Auditor .............................................................................................................. 377-5121Treasurer’s Office .............................................................................................. 377-5117Public Health ................................................................................................... 377-5100Highway Engineer ............................................................................................ 377-5188Veterans Service Office .................................................................................... 377-5184County Assessor ...............................................................................................377-5176Environmental Services ................................................................................... 377-5186Court Services ..................................................................................................377-5137Human Services .............................................................................................. 377-5400Vehicle & Driver’s License Center .................................................................... 377-5126Burn/Building/Feedlot Permits ........................................................................ 377-5186Marriage, Birth & Death Certificates ................................................................377-5130Passports ..........................................................................................................377-5130WIC ..................................................................................................................377-5289University of MN Extension Service ................................................................ 377-5660County Fair Office ............................................................................................373-6965Freeborn Cty Museum and Historical Village ..................................................373-8003Ditch Inspector ............................................................................................... 256-4256Victim’s Crisis Center ...................................................................................... 377-5460 24 hr Crisis Hotline ......................................................................................... 373-2223Building Manager ............................................................................................. 377-5114

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When St. John’s Lutheran Home moved forward with purchasing 51 1/2 acres of the former Albert Lea Golf Club in January, it did so with the vision of being able to offer a full range of services to seniors in the community.

St. John’s Lutheran Home Admin-istrator Scot Spates said that means having options for seniors who are independent, along with seniors who are in need of skilled nursing care — plus everything in between.

To fulfill this vision, the board of di-rectors and staff at St. John’s Lutheran Home are developing plans for a new campus on the property, which many Albert Leans know as “the back nine.”

St. John’s purchased the land from American Bank of St. Paul for $7,200 per acre. The land had been in the hands of the bank after it was sur-rendered by commercial developer Scott LaFavre following the property’s foreclosure. A portion of the property

is still for sale. Spates said St. John’s will soon be

contracting with an architect to begin the masterplanning phase of the project, but there are some basics that have already been outlined.

He said at this point, the board of directors and staff are envisioning four anchor buildings on campus.

The first will include an apart-ment complex with 40- to 50-units of independent living; the second will include an apartment complex with 40- to 50-units of assisted living; and the third will be for residents in need of skilled nursing care.

The transitional care patients will be in the skilled nursing care building, but will likely have a separate wing.

The fourth building would be known as the community center or town center, which people in the two apartment complexes and the nurs-ing home would have access to. This building could include amenities such as a chapel, a coffee shop or cafe, banking services, a fitness center, a therapeutic pool, a barber/beauty

shop, a library and a gathering space for entertainers.

“It would be kind of like going downtown,” he said. “It’s the place to go to get things done and to meet with people.”

All four buildings would be connected.

In addition to the four anchor build-ings, there would also be owner-occu-pied cottages or duplexes for indepen-dent seniors that are not attached to the main core.

Plans are to break ground for the project in three to five years. In the

meantime, St. John’s has to work with city officials to bring sewer and water out to the property.

Spates said staff and the board of directors are also exploring options for what to do with the current nurs-ing home facility, though he noted that one idea talked about was gutting the building and turning it into nice apartments. The Knutson Place apart-ments and the Luther Place condos will stay as is.

“What we’ve been doing now is try-ing to listen to what our clients say,” he said.

Nursing home purchases a back nineSt. John’s buys land that used to be Albert Lea Golf Club

The vegetation of the back nine of the former Albert Lea Golf Club is grown over. However, the land still provides views of Edgewater Park and Edgewater Bay.


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By Linda Holstfor the Tribune

Hart Brothers Weaponry is best known for the sale of guns. But owner Milan Hart also deals in gold, silver, coins and even war relics. During this time of economic turmoil, Hart has had an increase in people desiring to sell their collectibles.

“Every third person through my door is selling,” said Hart. “People are not selling because they want to; they are selling because they have to.”

What makes Hart’s business unique is his estimates are free.

“I do free appraisals, because I do not want people to get ripped off,” Hart said. “And when you are ready to sell, I hope you consider me first.”

Buying and selling coins began in grade school for Hart. Coins exposed him to major events in U.S. history.

Coins of collectability have a set price. Today many of these coins are worth more as a precious metal — gold and silver — than as collector

coins. Hart enjoys when people bring in old coins.

“I especially like antique coins: Indian head pennies and buffalo nick-els,” Hart said.

What makes a coin worth money is not its age, but the few made of that type.

Hart advises to not clean your coins. “You can remove thousands of dol-

lars from your collection, so let the dark stay on the coin.”

He cautioned buyers to beware of Internet coin sales. He said most coins are counterfeit.

“If it’s too good to be true, it is.” A little research can save a person a

lot of money. The research will net you a lot more money for your collectibles.

Gold has risen in price spurred by the unstable economy, which in turn has increased Hart’s business. He has an acid testing kit to verify authentic-ity of gold jewelry. Many times the jewelry is not the carat weight the person was told it is.

When it comes to buying gold coins, Hart advocates antique gold coins. “You cannot lose as much if you buy antique gold,” said Hart. “I do not

believe in buying gold bullion.” Another collectible Hart buys is war

relics.“The U.S. mementos are not worth

much, which is heartbreaking,” said Hart.

World War II German Nazi relics are the most popular; Japanese relics are also a big seller. But Hart said 80 percent of the German memorabilia is fake or counterfeit.

Even though U.S. mementos are not worth much, they deserve preserva-tion, he said.

Hart does not hold onto the gold and silver. When he has a given amount, he sells. The hope is while holding the merchandise until a large enough quantity is ready for shipping (usually to Chicago), the market does not go down.

“When I get so much scrap gold (in

penny weight, not ounce weight), I call my buyer and get the price locked in,” Hart said. “And when I get about $300 in face value for my silver coin-age, I sell.”

Hart offers some advice when decid-ing to sell your collectibles. Do your research and know what your col-lectible is worth before selling. Keep a ledger that tells what you paid for your collectibles. If you are uncertain about selling, don’t sell.

“I do not buy everything; I do not want to buy everything,” said Hart. “But I do want to give the seller the edge.”

If Hart is not interested in buying your collectible, he probably knows someone who would be interested in paying you a fair price.

“My goal is I want everyone to walk out happy,” Hart said.

Linda Holst/for the Albert Lea TribuneMilan Hart stands next to a counter with displays of coins.

Arms seller also deals in coins, relics and metals


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Q&A: Get organized!

Barb Fate,Northbridge Mall

What is your position at North-bridge Mall?

Property manager.


Right employees in place — I believe this makes or breaks any business.


We do everything on computers — very effective way to keep files and cal-endars. I use several national websites to look for possible tenants.


There are no other retail shopping malls in Albert Lea, other than the strip malls, and national tenants seem to be moving in the direction anyway.


I’m the only employee that is actu-ally a mall employee. Both Val (mar-keting) and Al (maintenance) are con-

tracted employees. To help them stay on top of projects and stay organized, we meet each morning, the three of us, for 10 minutes and talk about our day and what our goals are for the day. Not only is it healthy for us as a team, it shows our tenants that we are orga-nized and do work as a team.


I am the go-to person for 30 tenants in Albert Lea and 23 tenants at the mall in Robbinsdale, a Minneapolis suburb. I split my time between the two malls. I spend a lot of time traveling, and this gives me time to get my planning for the next day done. I’m the type of person who takes care of tasks as they come up. I’m not good with a to-do list. My desk is cleaned of most projects ev-ery night when I leave because I don’t want to feel behind the minute I walk into my office in the morning.


I’m certainly not going to take all the credit here at the mall. It truly is a team effort.

— Sarah Stultz

Hart Brothers Weaponry is more than guns

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Albert Lea2010 census: 18,016Median age: 44Households: 7,774Housing units: 8,410Square miles: 14.28 City Hall address: 515 Clark St.City Hall phone: (507) 377-4300Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union PacificHighways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13Schools: Riverland Community College, Albert Lea High School, Southwest Middle School, Haw-thorne Elementary School, Halverson Elementary School, Lakeview El-ementary School, Sibley Elementary School, St. Theodore Catholic School, The Montessori Children’s House of Albert Lea, Brookside Education Center, The Children’s Center, United Preschools

Alden2010 census: 661Median age: 39.9Households: 268Housing units: 292Square miles: 1.0 City Hall address: 174 N. Broadway St.City Hall phone: (507) 874-3620Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Interstate 90, Minnesota Highway 109Schools: Alden-Conger Elementary and Secondary Schools

Bricelyn2010 census: 365Median age: 47.9Households: 168Housing units: 197Square miles: 0.3City Hall address: 309 N. Main St. City Hall phone: (507) 653-4369Railroads: both are Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 253Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Clarks Grove2010 census: 706Median age: 38.1Households: 295Housing units: 312Square miles: 0.4

City Hall address: 101 N. Indepen-dence Ave.City Hall phone: (507) 256-4106Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 251Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Conger2010 census: 146Median age: 32.7Households: 62Housing units: 69Square miles: 0.1City hall address: 51 School St.City hall phone: 265-3435.Railroads: noneHighways: noneSchools: none; is in Alden-Conger School District

Ellendale 2010 census: 691Median age: 39.6Households: 296Housing units: 317Square miles: 0.9City Hall address: 505 Second St.City Hall phone: (507) 684-2681Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Interstate 35, Minnesota Highway 30Schools: NRHEG Elementary School

Emmons2010 census: 391Median age: 43.4Households: 174Housing units: 190Square miles: 0.8City hall address: 219 Main St.City hall phone: 297-5707Railroads: noneHighways: U.S. Highway 69Schools: none; is in Glenville-Em-mons School District

Freeborn2010 census: 297Median age: 38.9Households: 120Housing units: 130Square miles: 0.2City hall address: 402 Park St.City hall phone: 863-2204Railroads: noneHighways: noneSchools: none; is in United South Central School District

Geneva2010 census: 555Median age: 38.3Households: 220Housing units: 228Square miles: 0.4City Hall address: 403 Fourth St.City Hall phone: (507) 256-4192Railroads: noneHighways: Interstate 35Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Glenville2010 census: 643Median age: 44.2Households: 278Housing units: 290Square miles: 2.2City Hall address: 221 W. Main St.City Hall phone: (507) 448-3916Railroads: Union Pacific and Cedar River



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Q&A: Get organized!

Julie Johnson,State Bank of Clarks Grove

What is your position at State Bank of Clarks Grove?

Vice president.

Q: How have you made your operation more efficient in the past year?

A: A year ago, we undertook a major business change and closed our Clarks Grove branch. Although it was a very difficult decision to make, we’ve become much more efficient in terms of staffing, technology, supplies, marketing and advertising and have seen a profitable bottom line as a re-sult. Other smaller ways we’ve tried to become more efficient is through the cross-training of employees so we’re backed up in all operational areas and through encouraging greater use of things like Internet banking and debit cards.

Q: How do you use computers to be more organized?

A: As a small business, we use computers to help us organize pretty much everything at the bank. Comput-ers assist all of our daily operations from Internet banking, debit cards, our website, processing customer transactions and information, bud-geting and strategic planning to loan processing. Besides the one-on-one customer service experience, nearly all other functions in our bank include computer use in some shape or form

to keep us accurate and organized. Personally and professionally, I don’t think I could live without a computer to keep me informed and organized in the hectic, global world we live in.

Q: Can you offer any helpful resources for other business leaders?

A: The first resources that come to mind are generally banking specific. Some of the great tools of the trade I use are websites, seminars and webi-nars offered through the Minnesota Bankers Association, Independent Community Bankers Association and Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota. There are also some terrific opportunities offered through our local colleges and universities for leadership development coursework. Local service organizations and others like the Blandin Foundation also offer excellent resources and opportunities for leadership development.

Q: What tools do you use to compete against national banks?

A: As a small, locally-owned bank, the most important tool we have to compete against the larger banks is our relationships with our customers. We work very hard to offer exceptional customer service by knowing our cus-tomers, their families, their hobbies


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300 West MainGlenville, MN 56036

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Neighbors by the numbers


Highways: U.S. Highway 65Schools: Glenville-Emmons High School, Glenville-Emmons Elemen-tary School

Hartland2010 census: 315Median age: 36.8Households: 140Housing units: 148Square miles: 0.3City hall address: 407 Broadway St.City hall phone: 845-2469Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union

PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 13Schools: none; is in NRHEG School District

Hayward2010 census: 250Median age: 44.5Households: 114Housing units: 123Square miles: 0.6City hall address: 107 County Road 26City hall phone: 373-1222Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Interstate 90Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

Hollandale2010 census: 303Median age: 38.3Households: 128Housing units: 146Square miles: 0.4City hall address: 110 Park Ave. W.City hall phone: 889-4001Railroads: noneHighways: Minnesota Highway 251Schools: Hollandale Christian School; is in Albert Lea School District

Kiester2010 census: 501Median age: 47.8Households: 246Housing units: 281Square miles: 0.4City hall address: 116 N. Main St.City hall phone: (507) 294-3161Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 22Schools: none; is in United South Central School District

Lake Mills, Iowa2010 census: 2,100Median age: 45.3Households: 944Housing units: 1,055Square miles: 2.6City Hall address: 105 W. Main St., Lake Mills, IA 50450City Hall phone: (641) 592-3251Railroads: Union PacificHighways: U.S. Highway 69, County Highway 105Schools: Lake Mills Community School

Manchester2010 census: 57Median age: 36.8Households: 26

Housing units: 30Square miles: 0.1City hall address: 70830 255th St.City hall phone: 826-3483Railroads: Union PacificHighways: Minnesota Highway 13Schools: none; is in Albert Lea School District

New Richland2010 census: Median age:Households: Housing units:Square miles: 0.6City Hall address: 203 N. Broadway Ave., PO Box 57, New Richland, 56072City Hall phone: (507) 465-3514Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 30Schools: NRHEG Secondary School

Northwood, Iowa2010 census: 1,989Median age: 44.2Households: 885Housing units: 1,004Square miles: 3.8City Hall address: 627 Central Ave.City Hall phone: (641) 324-1075Railroads: Union PacificHighways: U.S. Highway 65, County Highway 105Schools: Northwood-Kensett El-ementary School, Northwood-Kensett Junior/Senior High School

Wells2010 census: Median age:Households: Housing units:Square miles: 1.4City hall address: 125 S. Broadway Ave.City hall phone: (507) 553-6371Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific)Highways: Minnesota Highway 22, Minnesota Highway 109Schools: United South Central High School, United South Central Middle School, United South Central El-ementary School, St. Casimir Catholic School, Covenant Life School


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Q&A: Get organized!

Gareth Hataye,Innovision Eyecare


We’ve looked at our business on all fronts, utilizing a matrix system to ensure that few things fall through the gaps. As the economy has slowed, we’ve worked to eliminate expenses that we could do without. Patient-friendly software to help communicate specific topics was added. We are in the process of evaluating a few elec-tronic health records programs, which will further streamline processes.


As technology continues to develop, speed, information and applications help both efficiency and effectiveness. Many multi-step processes can now be accomplished in one step. For ex-ample, our computers can talk directly with the optical labs we work with. Some equipment can directly measure the eye. Other programs can help ex-plain conditions or answer questions patients may have. Integrated email, calendars, phone and pagers dramati-cally reduce redundancy.


I like John Maxwell’s books: “Talent is Never Enough,” “The 360 Degree Leader,” “Today Matters,” and “Devel-

oping the Leader Within You” as they are easy reads and full of nuggets that you can apply daily to both work and personal life.

What are some of the features that make software patient friendly?

One is office software that is pre-loaded and is designed for patients to be able to search topics of interest and access them directly. The topics are then explained in more detail to efficiently utilize the time of both the provider and the patient. Additional software can visually demonstrate anatomical structures, function and physiology of the eye and adjacent structures. We’ve come a long way to be able to effectively answer both common and uncommon questions patients have asked for decades.

How do you use social me-dia? If you don’t, what are your plans for social media use in the future?

We utilize a few of the platforms like Facebook to reach out to our patients. We are able to present educational information and new cutting-edge technology in a more personal format. As upcoming media begins to gain at-tention, we will attempt to incorporate it into our practice.


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Select from many styles of glass shower enclosures or customize according to your specifications

We also offer:• Auto lock work

• Windshield/window/screen repair & replacement

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• Lock out service• Commercial garage

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We make keys for cars

Find us on the web at facebook.com/southernlock

Mark Smed • Richard J. Murray143 E Main Street • Po Box 171 • Albert Lea

Phone: 507-373-8216 Fax: 507-373-6220www.iscfinancialadvisors.com

Registered Representative of securities offered through Woodbury Financial Serivce Inc. Member FINRA/SIPCISC and Woodbury are not affiliated entities

Q&A: Get organized!

Mark Smed,ISC Financial Advisors

What is your position at ISC Financial Advisors?

Registered representative.


Our company has updated the technology used with equipment and computer programs. This change has made the entire office more efficient. We have a new client management pro-gram that assists with client relations. We are continually updating our client information to enhance the service of our clients’ current and future goals.


The programs that our company re-searched and ultimately chose needed to meet certain organizational criteria. We have increased productivity by having alerts, reminders, updates, list creation options and sorting. Our incoming and outgoing emails can be saved directly to a client’s file which saves time. We use different research and monitoring programs to compare and review performance. The com-puter can be used as an organizational tool, but our business is about build-ing personal relationships with people.


I personally like the magazine “Smart Money,” “Kiplinger” and Wall

Street Journal. There are many web-sites to choose from; I would suggest using a fund family site for calcula-tors, risk modules and to answer many questions.

How important is it for your company to stay organized as you are advising others on being financially organized?

Extremely important, the organiza-tion that we show should be an ex-ample to our clients, to become more efficient in budgeting and saving. The more organized we are as a company the more successful we are at helping our clients.


We are continually educating our administrative assistants and new personnel in recognizing and under-standing the different products we use. It is very important to understand the forms we use and the information required to accomplish the project at hand. Our client management pro-gram keeps all of us on task.


Our business relies on decision making, sometimes quickly. Being organized helps facilitate all of the processes involved with the most suc-cessful outcome possible.

— Sarah Stultz

• Commercial & Retail Cleaning• Hard Floor Care (Waxing & Stripping)

• Offices, Schools & Churches• Commercial Carpet Cleaning

Call us to turn your building janitorial objectives into a reality!

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First in service, First in value

Approved Auto Repair

• Auto service & repair• Trailer service

• RV sales & service• Snow plow sales & service

Serving the community for over 26 years!

WE’RE YOUR DEALERSHIP ALTERNATIVE!

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Mark & Karen SandersonOwners

Andy Nelson

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Service Consultants


18322 US Highway 69 • Albert Lea, MN 56007(507) 377-0201

www.hart-bros.comHours: Tues., Wed. & Fri. 9-6, Thurs. 9-8, Sat. 9-4,

Sept. 1-Oct. 16 Bear Season Sept. 1-Oct. 30 Morning Dove Season Sept. 1-Nov. 7 Snipe and Rail Season Sept. 17-Feb. 28 Small Game Season Sept. 17-Dec. 31 Deer Hunt Archery Season Sept. 24-Nov. 7 Woodcock Season Oct. 1 Waterfowl Season Opener Oct. 1-16 Moose Hunt NE Season Oct. 1-30 Fall Turkey Season Oct. 15-Jan. 1 Pheasant Season Oct. 22-23 Early Antlerless Deer Season Oct. 29 Furbearer Hunting & Trapping Openers Oct. 22-26 Prairie Chicken Season Nov. 5 Deer Hunt Firearms Opener Nov. 26-Jan. 7 Trapping Season Bobcat Nov. 26-Dec. 11 Deer Hunt Muzzloader Jan. 6 Spring Turkey Hunt Application Deadline

Dr. Rachel Nolander-Poppel, D.D.S.

1206 W Front StAlbert Lea, MN 56007

507-373-5968www.AdvancedFamilyDentalAL.com

Family CareGentle Cleanings • Root Canals

Extractions & Dentures • Children’s Dentistry

Hi-Tech EquipmentDigital X-rays (less radiation) • Intra-Oral CamerasState-of-the-Art Sterilization • Laser Cavity Detection

Advanced Family DentalGentle & Caring Staff

New Patients Always WelcomePrompt Emergency Care

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Available

PersonalizedDentistry

For All Ages

George R. Lundstrom D.D.S.209 N. 9th Ave. • Albert Lea, MN 56007

507-377-1659–Office • 507-377-1650–Fax507-373-4665–Home

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ETCEtceteraTanning & CLOTHing

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We Buy& SellGently Used

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Allweather Roof is one of only four commercial roofing contractors in North America to receive both Firestone’s

Master Contractor Award and Inner Circle of Quality Award every year since the inception of these programs 25 years ago. These prestigious awards are maintained by our commitment

to exceptional craftsmanship and long-term quality.

Allweather Roof offers a no-cost roof inspection with a written analysis. Whether you have a roof leak or need a

total replacement, please give us a call.

GENERAL CONTRACTORShAGEN & ASSOCiATES CONSTRuCTiON

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• Mankato Implement, Inc • Potter Implement Mankato, MN New Ulm, MN

• Minnesota Lake Implement • Zins Implement Minnesota Lake, MN Nicollet, MN

• Erlandson Implement • Erlandson Implement Albert Lea, MN Kiester, MN (507) 373-6418 (507) 294-3244

John Deere agriculture & Lawn & Garden Equipment

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-Noon, 1:00-5:00pm, sat. 8am-12pm

Located in Skyline Plaza • 373-4440Emergency Service – Complete Pet Care

Michelle Haacke/Albert Lea TribuneThe Big Island Rendezvous takes place annually in October at Bancroft Bay Park in Albert Lea and is one of Freeborn County’s major tourism attractions. This year, it hap-pens Oct. 1 and 2.


Sports tournaments. Special events. Shopping. Attractions. Recreation.

They all play a role in bringing tour-ism dollars into Freeborn County.

In 2009 alone, more than $40 mil-lion was spent in Freeborn County through the hospitality and leisure industries, according to figures from Explore Minnesota Tourism.

And Albert Lea Convention and Visi-tors Bureau Director Susie Petersen said those numbers are increasing.

“People, they’re not going as far maybe, but they’re doing more region-ally,” Petersen said.

The goal of the Convention and Visi-tors Bureau is to encourage this activ-ity, essentially to bring people into the community — people who will ulti-mately stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants and shop at local stores.

To encourage this, the CVB works with the various organizations or companies putting on different events to promote them not only within the county but outside of the county, she said. Each year, there are dozens of key events taking place in Albert Lea and in the county that draw people into the community.

In the first half of the year, there are events such as the Gourmet Food Auction, hockey tournaments, The Big

Bringing in the tourism dollars

Freeze, music and theater events and Eddie Cochran Weekend, to name a few.

In the second half of the year, there’s events including the April So-rensen Memorial Half Marathon, the Freeborn County Fair, the Shortstop Golf Tournament and the Festival of Trees, among others.

“We’re always trying to work with different organizations,” Petersen said. “We’re not to organize it. We’re to promote it.”

Outside of all of the events, there’s other attractions including the Pelican Breeze, the Freeborn County Histori-

cal Museum, the Albert Lea Farmers Market and the Albert Lea Commu-nity Theatre.

Petersen said people also come to Freeborn County for the many recreational opportunities available, including on Albert Lea’s lakes, at Myre-Big Island State Park and at all the parks the community has to offer.

There’s everything from boating to skiing, to golfing, snowmobiling and fishing available.

She said she thinks recreation is the area Freeborn County could really expand its marketing.

To get the word out of what there

is to offer in Albert Lea and Freeborn County, Petersen said the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau puts out visitors guides each year that are distributed at travel center.

In 2011, the CVB put out 37,900 visitors guides, including in all of the travel information centers in the state, at the Mall of America, at airports and even at locations in Iowa.

There are more than 1,000 workers in Freeborn County alone who were employed through the private sector in the hospitality and leisure industry.

The hospitality and leisure industry throughout all of Minnesota earns $11 billion each year.


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Make your weddingreception a trulyexceptional event!

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Q&A: Get organized!Steve Tufte,Lou-Rich Inc.

What is your position at Lou-Rich?

Chief financial officer.

How long have you been there?

Eighteen years.


Set some time aside each day for one or two specific topics or tasks. The best time seems to be either first thing in the morning or late afternoon. These times usually have the least interruptions. While you start the day usually planning to complete a number of items usually interruptions or meet-ings consume most of your day.

How has being orga-nized helped you in your career?

My organization is not the everything-has-its-place look, but more to have the information I need to access frequently easily at hand. The biggest challenge has been to box up and put into storage the information that I don’t need to access on a monthly or quarterly basis.

How have you learned to be efficient in your posi-tion?

Basically, know which proj-ects are the priority for the day or the week. If you can’t get to the low priority ones, this should not be an issue.

How have you made your operation more ef-ficient in the past year?

I would probably say the two things that have helped is the smartphone that allows access to email and other company information when you are away from the office without bringing the computer and the headset that plugs into your desk phone and allows you to move around and retrieve information when you are talking to someone.

How do you use comput-ers to be more organized?

Microsoft Outlook probably has been the most helpful for scheduling and notifying for meetings or other remind-ers. Also, smartphones are extremely helpful when you are away from the office for staying current on emails and looking up information on the web. The third item would be digitizing docu-ments so you can access them from anywhere with your computer.

Can you offer any help-ful resources for other business leaders?

My suggestion would be to look around at others that you see as being organized or time-efficient and either observe how they are doing it or ask what practices they use. Everyone has a different practice that works for them so try a few based on what you see others doing.

— Kelli Lageson

Checking • Savings • Loans • CD's • IRAs • HSAsCredit Cards • Debit Cards • ATMs • Internet Banking

Telephone Banking • Safe Deposit Boxes

Offices at:

www.producestatebank.comMember

FDIC

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(507) 889-4311

220 E William St.Albert Lea, MN 56007

(507) 373-5500

Conger Meat MarketFriendly Small Town Service

100 William Ave.Conger, MN • Family Owned

Only 6.5 Miles W. of Hwy. 69 on Co. Rd. 17(507) 265-3340

Northbridge MallAlbert Lea377-1556

Whole Deer Venison

Processing. We do

take the trimmings

Good for the economyTop 10 counties in southern Minnesota for hospitality and leisure salesCounty Gross sales State sales tax JobsOlmsted $353,761,640 $22,972,136 7,739Blue Earth $149,890,259 $9,251,546 3,650Rice $109,243,765 $4,978,634 2,138Lyon $66,699,482 $2,642,517 1,227Goodhue $64,976,150 $4,337,594 1,826Winona $64,234,254 $4,275,587 2,072Steele $59,272,160 $3,818,583 1,454Mower $52,240,952 $3,131,463 1,314Freeborn $40,715,679 $2,691,409 1,031Nicollet $32,306,774 $2,208,198 953

— Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism, 2009


Your opportunity to ‘turn the corner’ is just around the corner

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Tourism by the numbers• $2.69 million: The amount brought into Freeborn County from state sales tax in the hospitality and leisure industry in 2009• 1,031: Workers in Freeborn County who were em-ployed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009• $40 million: Amount in gross sales generated in Free-born County from hospitality and leisure in 2009• 9: How Freeborn County ranks in southern Minnesota in terms of gross sales from hospitality and leisure in 2009— Information from Explore Minnesota Tourism

The Big Freeze is a new festival for

Albert Lea and this February will see

the third year of the winter fun. On the

right, Abbie Solum, Alyssa Matson and

Grace Hutchins jump in the cold

water of Albert Lea Lake for the Polar

Plunge.



Q&A: Get organized!What is your position at Mayo

Clinic in Albert Lea?Chief nurse executive.

How long have you been there?I have been a nurse in Albert Lea for

31 years and the role of nurse execu-tive for 10 years.

What tips do you give new em-ployees so they stay organized and on top of projects?

Before you start any projects, make sure you clearly understand what the expectations and timeframes are. If there is a misunderstanding about what the outcome of the project is supposed to be there will be time wasted on re-work. It is frustrating to spend a significant amount of time on a project and learn that it has to be reworked because the project doesn’t meet the expectations. There aren’t enough hours in the day to make those kind of mistakes!


Being organized can help free up some time in the day to deal with the unexpected “fires” that come up almost every day. Most of those situations need your time and atten-tion. Being organized helps to ensure deadlines are met, which benefits the entire team working with me. Nobody else should have to drop everything they are doing to help me meet a deadline because I was disorganized.


One of the most helpful things is to make sure my days aren’t filled with

meetings. There needs to be time in the workday to accomplish assign-ments. It can also be very efficient to work from home for a couple of hours where there aren’t any interruptions. I can get twice as much work done at home in a couple of hours then I can get done in a whole day at work.

How have you made your opera-tion more efficient in the past year?

Printing less paper and moving more information to the electronic world. When information is available electronically, changes can be made easily and everyone can be made aware of the changes immediately. In the paper world, changes are more difficult and sharing information is very cumbersome.


Being able to access email from my Blackberry helps me keep junk mail cleaned out and then I can spend my time focusing on the email that needs addressing when there is time to dedi-cate to it. The best is the electronic reminders that remind me where I need to be!


My favorite is old but still the most valuable, Steve Covey’s “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Another resource people don’t utilize enough is spending time with a co-worker who is very organized. You would be sur-prised what you can learn from some-one who is in the office next to you.

— Kelli Lageson

We speak with 8 professionals about efficiency

Xxxxx xxxxx/Albert Lea TribuneXxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxx. Xxxxx xxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx xx xxxxxxx.

Lori Routh,Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea

Employee benefit consulting and administration firm specializing in:

201 East Clark St.PO Box 1226

Albert Lea, MN 56007-1226Tel: 507-377-9344

800-880-401kFax: 507-377-2051

www.abgfs.com

• Investment Consulting• Retirement Plans• Health & Welfare Benefits• Corporate Wellness

Consulting• Health Savings

Accounts• Section 125• Payroll Processing & Tax Filing• Cobra

2110 Y.H. Hanson Ave • Albert Lea373-6384 Fax 373-5617

• Potato Salads• Pasta Salads• Cole Slaws• Dips• Desserts• Gluten-Free/ Fat-Free/Low Fat /Low Sodium Products• Protein, Marinated and Holiday Salads• Many other prepared salads• 3 Varieties of Mashed Potatoes

Here are the top 40 employers of the Albert Lea area, according to re-spondents who filled out a survey.

Information listed as:Ranking, employerField, employees

1. Mayo Clinic Health SystemMedical, 1,200

2. Albert Lea Select Foods Pork processing, 500

3. Albert Lea Area SchoolsEducation, 492

4. Innovance (Lou-Rich and Almco)Contract Manufacturer, 350

5. Cargill (Schweigert)Food processing, 310

6. Riverland Community College(all campuses) Education, 296

7. St. John’s Lutheran HomeSenior health services, 292

8. Freeborn CountyGovernment, 287

9. Good Samaritan SocietySenior health services, 285

10. Hy-Vee food storeSupermarket, 285

11. WalmartSupermarket, 265

12. Ventura FoodsOils, margarine, lard, 191

13. Minnesota Corrugated BoxShipping containers, 178

14. City of Albert LeaGovernment, 140

15. Trail’s Travel CenterTruck stop, 140

16. Mrs. Gerry’s KitchenRefrigerated foods, 137

17. Thorne Crest Retirement CenterSenior health services, 130

18. Larson ContractingGeneral contractor, 125

19. Streater Inc.Store fixtures, 123

20. Ulland Bros.Road Construction, 90

21. Bridon CordageIndustrial cordage, 86

22. Nelson’s Market PlaceSupermarket, 84

23. Alamco Wood ProductsLaminated wood products, 83

24. AgilisDonations processor, 76

25. Alliance Benefit GroupFinancial services, 74

26. Alliant EnergyGas and electricity, 68

27. South Minnesota OilPetroleum products, 65

28. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & BarRestaurant, 65

29. Interstate Motor TrucksTruck services, 60

30. Larson Manufacturing Co.Doors and windows, 60

31. Sorensen Bros. Inc.Road construction, 60

32. Poet BiorefiningEthanol production, 60

33. The Children’s CenterChild care, 54

34. Oak Park PlaceSenior health services, 50

35. Pro TruckingTransportation, 45

36. U.S. Post OfficeMail services, passports, 45

37. Almco, De-burring equipment 43

38. Cedar Valley ServicesVocational training & services, 43

39. Crossroads Trailer SalesSemitrailers, 42

40. Motor Inn New and used vehicle sales, 42

Source: This information is based on surveys compiled by the Albert Lea

Economic Development Agency, in-cluding one conducted in March 2011. This information is based on responses from the firms listed. For several participants in the survey, the totals reported may include employees at other locations, plus part-time employ-ees. Employment figures for several firms may be based on earlier statistics. Also, several firms may have declined to participate in this survey. An important note: Employment totals for some firms may vary accord-ing to seasonal and economic factors.

Last week I ran across some great reminders for business owners. Julie Rains, senior writer for Wise Bread, a popular personal finance site that provides career, lifestyle and finance tips, wrote a great piece related to this topic. Running a business is exhilarating but challenging. Positive self-talk and the ability to envision great opportunities in difficult times are important to achieving success and emotional stability.

But, Rains warned, “these ac-tions and attitudes can interfere with being honest about your business.”

I refer to these as “lies” because there are certain false perceptions that business own-ers allow themselves to believe about their business and as a result they unknowingly put their business at risk. Let’s look at a few of these. Have you experienced any of these?

“We don’t have to worry about the competition because we have a unique product.”

The harsh truth is that customers may not understand, need or value the differences between your company’s solutions and those of your com-petitors. Cheaper versions that fulfill similar functions are preferable. Plus, if you happen to introduce innovation successfully and capture market share, competitors will be quick to follow and imitate you.

“We have air-tight proce-dures that drive our busi-ness operations.”

Yes, written procedures may have been painstakingly de-veloped and introduced years before. Today, however, that once-living document may be dead, buried in a virtual file cabinet. The scary truth is that the effort that you or your staff

spent in documenting, creating and re-fining procedures does not necessarily result in specific activities happening the way you envisioned.

“When things return to nor-mal, our business will start grow-ing again.”

The sad truth is that getting ready to succeed is not the same as actu-ally succeeding, no matter how well the foundation is laid. Even upticks in the economy won’t boost profits to levels that sustain overloaded expense structure. Be realistic and ready to make tough decisions. Be ruthless when evaluating revenue streams and cutting under-performing areas. Deal with problems now; situations will not improve through inaction even in great economic times. Realign resources rather than expanding staff, infrastructure and technology

Continued on


The Albert Lea HRA provides affordable housing in Albert Lea and Freeborn County through its Public Hous-ing and Section 8 Voucher programs, and through the USDA apartments in Glenville. The agency also adminis-ters a foreclosure recovery first time homebuyer pro-gram, the Minnesota Cities Participation mortgage pro-gram, co-administers the Small Cities Development owner occupied rehab program, and can provide other housing resource information including Homestretch training for first time homebuyers and referrals to fore-closure prevention programs.

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Individual organization is important. Whether at home or in the office, being organized allows the individual to ap-proach their tasks with some semblance of order. Organization also gives one a place to return to when interruptions occur, as they inevitably do.

The organization required for an indi-vidual is only one definition of the word, however. Another is: a group of persons organized for some end or work.

The chamber was founded on Feb. 10, 1881, and was originally called The Albert Lea Board of Trade, the city’s first civic and commer-cial development organization. In 1892 the organization was renamed the Albert Lea Com-mercial Club. The organization was changed again in 1907 and was called the Albert Lea Busi-nessmen’s League. The name was changed again in 1930 to Chamber of Commerce.

On Jan. 2, 1940, the organiza-tion was formally incorporated. The original purpose was to bring together individual businesses to work toward common goals and solve common problems.

That is exactly what the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Com-merce sees as its mission. Our role is to bring together businesses from throughout Freeborn County to be united behind the chamber’s mission statement: “Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County.”

How do we accomplish this? The board of directors endeavors to speak for those who, individually, may not have the time or the comfort level to do so for themselves. On occasion, we are asked to work with a business to help them deal with an individual issue with the city, county or state gov-ernment. At other times, the issues are broader and impact the entire business community.

The chamber then becomes the convener for meetings around those larger issues.

For example, this year the board of directors took a strong stance support-ing our city’s need for local govern-ment aid as a means of controlling property taxes. They also met with Congressman Tim Walz to discuss key issues and with Gov. Mark Dayton during the July shutdown. Repre-sentatives of our renewable energy members met with former state Rep. Al Juhnke, Sen. Al Franken’s lead staff person for ag and energy issues, to discuss renewable energy.

The chamber also helped bring together representatives of our major energy consumers who joined with the Minnesota Chamber and the City of Albert Lea to challenge the Alliant rate case and offered testimony before the Public Utilities Commission in June. Those efforts resulted in a major reduction in the new rate granted to Alliant. These are examples of the strength of being part of a larger or-ganization. One company cannot have

the impact that 500 companies can.

Another advantage to being part of an organization such as the Chamber is that the organiza-tion gets “called to the table” for major projects within the com-munity. Very often we are called upon to join the City of Albert Lea, Freeborn County, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency or the Shell Rock River

Watershed District to discuss an issue. This could involve the recruitment of a company, the development of new economic development tools or assist-ing in the communication of goals for a new initiative of one of those govern-mental bodies. As the representative of the business community, the chamber is there to express the feelings of the membership regarding these types of activities.

Being organized on your desk is im-portant. Being organized in your busi-ness is important. Being organized as a community of like minded individuals and being part of the largest business organization in Freeborn County makes each of our member businesses stron-ger. Individuals alone can change little, but a group of individuals can truly be change agents for the greater good.

Randy Kehr is the executive direc-tor of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.


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Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneVeterinarian Steve Elwood listens to Gracie’s heartbeat while assistant April Olson holds the pet.


That means the space for the hos-pital is the same. There are four small and two large cages for animals that need long-term veterinary attention.

Patients, visitors and delivery truck drivers, he noted, will like that they no longer have to drive up a hill. And the new place is better for wheelchair ac-cessibility. It has doors for customers on the front and back, with the back one being handicapped-accessible. The front faces Main Street. The back has a view of the neighboring car wash.

Both directions offer views of floodplain that is slated to be park-land someday, which means there are sometimes views of standing water, which means views of Albert Lea’s

beloved waterfowl.“There might be a week or two we

are treating ducks and geese,” Elwood said jokingly.

The building is a former show house Elwood bought for $100,000. It allows Albert Lea Animal Hospi-tal to have more room for waiting patients. Elwood hopes to offer puppy classes to teach good socialization skills.

“It is good for puppies to be around other animals and people,” Elwood said.

Otherwise, Albert Lea Animal Hospital’s services are the same: laser surgery, spays, neuters, tumor remov-als, checkups, wellness exams, teeth cleaning, blood profiles, blood moni-toring and X-rays, among others.

Organization matters to the Chamber of Commerce

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Albert Lea Animal Hospital gets new digs

By Tim [email protected]

What was once on Highway 13 on the west edge of Albert Lea is now smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moved his business, Albert Lea Animal Hos-pital, this summer to its new location at 414 E. Main St.

“It was two decades beyond what was expected originally planned,” Elwood said.

That’s because when he and his wife, Patti, were raising children, having the animal hospital at home at 22325 733rd St. became a matter of convenience. Now, he said, it makes business sense to have a more visible location. The Albert Lea Animal Hos-pital is right across from Hanson Tire Service and Godfather’s Pizza.

“I thought it was time to move to a more accessible location,” Elwood said.

The former location had been on two floors in his house on a 10-acre property. The veterinarian and his wife still plan to live there, but should the day come that they want to sell it, the option would be easier, he said.

“It does allow the house where we live now to become a residence once again,” he said.

The space where the hospital was now returns to use for the garage and the basement, much of it for storage.

Everything at the downtown loca-tion is on a single floor, which will reduce going up and down stairs, yet Elwood, his wife and their staff of two occupy the same amount of space — 1,800 square feet.

Continued on Page 8Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea Tribune

Veterinarian Steve Elwood holds Gracie, a Shih Tzu cross, at the new Main Street location of the Albert Lea Animal Hospital.

Veterinarian Steve Elwood moves business downtown

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The Albert Lea Economic Develop-ment Agency, or ALEDA, is the first stop for anyone interested in starting or expanding a business in Freeborn County.

The ALEDA mission statement is: “To provide and promote services and resources to retain, expand, create and attract businesses, increase tax base and quality employment oppor-tunities in Freeborn County.”

ALEDA is an umbrella organization made up of two separate enti-ties: the Albert Lea Port Author-ity and Greater Jobs Inc.

Both Greater Jobs and the Port Authority are self-funded relying on real estate and other investments to pay the bills. In addition, Greater Jobs has more than 100 members who contrib-ute to the organization annu-ally. The Port Authority has the ability to levy a tax for administration costs but has never done so because of its strong financial position.

Without question, the last few years have been difficult for not only the lo-cal economy but for that of Minnesota and the nation. There have been some positive signs for growth recently. The SoyMor biodiesel plant is reopening after being acquired by the Renewable Energy Group.

In addition, there are two new ten-ants in buildings owned by ALEDA. Vision Processing is leasing space in a building on Myers Road and Zumbro River Brand is leasing a third of the new building on Margaretha Avenue. There has also been an increase in the number of requests and inquiries from outside the community.

ALEDA is also the home to a Small

Business Development Center office and councilor. This is a joint effort be-tween ALEDA and the regional Small Business Administration to provide services to people wanting to go into business or needing help planning an expansion. Services include help with writing a business plan, cash flow projections and assistance prepar-ing for a loan request. In the last year our councilor, Dave Lundak, helped prepare several loan applications for

ALEDA and City of Albert Lea loan funds.

Most people were disap-pointed by the manner in which this summer’s partial state government shutdown ended — more spending with-out paying for it. In addition, the pre-session talk of “jobs jobs jobs” resulted in very little that will help create them.

The JOBZ program ends in 2015 and needs to either be replaced or extended. The local incentive pack-ages we can offer a prospective new or expanding business are some of the most competitive in the state. But these alone can’t offset the statewide incentives others states can offer.

ALEDA Board meeting are open to the public. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month in the ALEDA offices, 2610 Y.H. Han-son Avenue, Albert Lea. If you have any questions, comments, ideas or suggestions, don’t hesitate to contact me. I can be reach at 373-3930 or at [email protected].

Dan Dorman is the executive director of the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency.

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investments. Get your finances in order, so that a slip in monthly performance doesn’t cause the entire organization to collapse.

“Our vendors will stand by us until our company decides to end the relationship.”

The unfortunate truth is that ven-dors drop customers. Even a great rapport among buyers and sales representatives won’t sustain poor alignment between products and pric-ing desired by customers and those offered by vendors. Develop a suc-

cession plan for vendors, similar to a management succession plan. Do the groundwork for adding new ven-dors. Pay attention to changes in the marketplace, noting market segments that are becoming more attractive as well as those that are becoming less appealing.

“I know this employee should go, but I’m not ready to take care of that just yet and it’ll be all right anyway.”

A low-performing employee can drag down any business, especially a small one. And a person who may have contributed early on may not have evolved as the business did and there is a mismatch between skills needed and skills possessed. Taking care of problems as quickly as possible helps everyone involved: owners, customers and fellow employees.

“I don’t need help. I really can do everything. Besides, it will cost me to have help and I can’t afford help.”

Don’t make this mistake. A busi-ness owner cannot do all things because he or she doesn’t have all the skills or experience. Help doesn’t al-ways have to be costly but not getting help when needed will usually cost

your business big. Optimism is essential to success, but

needs to be grounded in facts rather than fantasy. Managing a business can be complex, especially in these economic times.

If you need help, contact America’s free and confidential source of small business mentoring and coaching, SCORE, on our website: http://semin-nesota.score.org/.

Dean L. Swanson is a volunteer mentor with Southeast Minnesota SCORE.


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to plan more events that bring people into the town who would then stay in hotel rooms, but that would mean more hotels may possibly want to have a presence.

“It’s a competitive business,” Kehr said. “But there’s such brand loyalty.”

Kehr said with the economy the past few years that hotels have been suffering, mostly in the winter months when people aren’t traveling as much.

“Now we’re getting back into the recovery process,” Kehr said. “The last fews years it’s been a challenge.”

Hotels are one of the first aspects outsiders see of the Albert Lea area, which is why it’s important they have hospitable, knowledgeable staff, ac-cording to Kehr.

“They all have good people who are important to the community as the first contact to travelers,” Kehr said.

Renovate, renovate, renovateSternhagen at Best Western said

updating the interior of a hotel must be done to stay competitive and be-cause guests expect it.

“There are very nice hotels in Albert Lea,” Sternhagen said.

Many of the hotels in Albert Lea have been updating rooms or com-pletely renovating the interior of the hotel. Within the last year the Knights Inn on East Main Street has begun a renovation process on some of its rooms. Sternhagen said the Best Western just completely upgraded everything with the flag change, and again to acquire the plus rating from Best Western.

The Comfort Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is also in the process of renovat-ing, and work is expected to be com-pleted this winter. The hotel opened in 2000, and Connie Ward, director of operations for Venerts, the hotel’s management company, said staff have gotten positive comments on

the changes.“It’s just a fresh, new look,” Ward

said. Ward said it’s important to keep

things updated, but that she didn’t know if there was any set time frame for replacing things because it de-pends on the wear and tear.

“Some things you just have to replace and some things might last a little longer if you take good care of them,” Ward said.

Stripe agreed that updating rooms is important to make guests feel welcome. About a year ago 50 rooms were added to the America’s Best Value Inn.

“New hotels don’t stay new forever,” Stripe said. “You have to put the maintenance in.”

Heads on bedsMost hotel management in Albert

Lea hope tourism increases in the area, which puts “heads on beds.” Anything that can bring people to, or even through, the area can help increase hotel stays including the Big Island Rendezvous, Sturgis or the Red Power Round Up, according to Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Susie Petersen.

“Events like the Big Island BBQ gives us a chance to use our fair-grounds and that’s what it takes,” Pe-tersen said. “We need to bring people into town.”

Petersen said she thinks Albert Lea has a healthy hotel market, especially with traffic from both Interstate 90 and 35. Sternhagen at Best Western said the hotel gets a lot of travelers from Interstate 90, especially during Sturgis when bikers are heading to South Dakota.

“I hope it becomes a destination town,” Sternhagen said.

Hotel staff and city leaders will have to continue to work together to attract visitors to the city, but collaboration is what Albert Lea does best, Petersen said

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneThe Best Western Plus in Albert Lea boasts a fitness center, pool and breakfast area among its amenities.

The exterior of the Country Inn & Suites in Albert Lea is shown. There is also a Coun-try Inn & Suites in Northwood, Iowa, near Diamond Jo Casino.

A GreAt PlAce to live And Work

Call for information onhousing and new business

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Faribault County’s newest promoter

Linsey Warmka started as just an intern; now she leads an organizationBy Tim [email protected]

The Faribault County Development Corp. is a public-private economic de-velopment agency based in Blue Earth but serving the entire county.

And it has a new director. Meet Linsey Warmka. But she’s not new to the organization. In fact, she has been with it from the beginning in 2008.

“I really love it. It’s a perfect fit for me,” she said.

She came as an intern and then was hired as an assistant. Her first boss died after three months, and she worked as the interim director until another director was hired. That person retired last winter. The board hired Warmka in January.

She received a degree in finance in 2006 from Minnesota State Univer-sity, Mankato.

The Faribault County Development Corp. gets funding through dues from public entities and businesses, plus grant programs.

For instance, Faribault County Development Corp. appled for a grant from the Minnesota Depart-ment of Employment and Economic Development’s Small Cities Develop-ment Program for the cities of Wells, Winnebago and Blue Earth. The grant helps bolster housing and business in-frastructure. Warmka said she hopes to extend the benefits to Frost and Bricelyn in coming years.

It helps the small cities to have an agency to manage the grant applica-tion, she said.

“Small cities love to get money, but they don’t have the staff or time or resources to apply for the grant,” Warmka said.

The Faribault County Develop-ment Corp. is working with Truman-

based Watonwon Farm Service on a $24 million expansion project in Dela-van for a grain-handling facility.

The Faribault County Development Corp. helped other businesses, doing things such as helping to arrange financing and

find tax braks. Among them are Back Woods Designs in Winnebago and Everwood Log to Home in Wells.

The agency has helped Wells line up aerial photos of its business parks and helped several Faribault County businesses relocate. It also has worked to promote the busi-ness climate of Faribault County in general.

“We really offer a good place to do business,” she said.

Tim Engstrom/Albert Lea TribuneLinsey Warmka stands on the Faribault County Courthouse steps in Blue Earth.

Board of directorsTravis Keister, Minn-Iowa Insurance, chairmanMark Drake, Corn Plus, vice chairmanDeb Barnes, Parker Oaks, treasurerWade Barslou, Barslou Realty, memberTom Warmka, farmer, memberJeff Lang, United Hospital District, member

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Veterinarian moves his business downtown to get more visibility.

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A new economic developer in Faribault County has been around a while

7

36

48

Table of Contents

Other pieces:40 Why tourism dollars are key44 Lies businesses tell themselves45 How the chamber stays efficient46 What is Greater Jobs anyway?50 Freeborn County by the numbers


The hotels, they are a changin’Inns switch names and renovate their propertiesBy Kelli [email protected]

Changing names, or franchises, is a common occurrence for hotels as owners and managers weigh regula-tions and requirements against costs and freedoms.

Most of the hotels in the Albert Lea area are franchises, which often come with restrictions — sometimes as stringent as a specific weight of towels or thread count of sheets, according to Albert Lea-Freeborn County Cham-ber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr.

“Owning a hotel franchise is not cheap,” Kehr said. “Some are very picky.”

Several area hotels have changed franchises through the years, most notably what are currently America’s Best Value Inn and the Knights Inn on East Main Street. Locals have seen these hotels both go through franchis-es such as Ramada Inn, Best Western, Days Inn, Holiday Inn and more.

Tina Stripe currently manages the America’s Best Value Inn and was at the hotel when it changed from a Ra-mada Inn. Most hotels call their brand a “flag.”

“It’s very common to change your flag,” Stripe said.

Stripe said the hotel changed to America’s Best Value Inn, which is a relatively new hotel brand in America.

“We offer amazing customer service which is why we were drawn to them,” Stripe said.

Another hotel that has recently changed flags is the Best Western Plus on Plaza Street. In May what was for-merly a Holiday Inn Express, owners switched to the Best Western brand. Manager Julie Sternhagen was told Holiday Inn didn’t want to renew its contract with the hotel because there were too few rooms.

“We went looking for a new flag and we really like Best Western,” Sternha-gen said.

A Holiday Inn Express was built in Northwood, Iowa, off Interstate 35 this summer, and the same owner is expected to build another in Albert Lea near the Interstate 35/Interstate 90 Business Park.

Kehr said that the community wants

Continued on Page 6

Kelli Lageson/Albert Lea TribuneAngie Kittelson, housekeeping supervisor at Best Western Plus in Albert Lea, makes a bed while cleaning one of the rooms.

A tally on hotels in Albert Lea588 rooms are available in

Albert Lea

40 million dollars in gross

sales from hospitality and leisure were generated in Freeborn County in 2009

1,031 workers in Freeborn County were em-

ployed through private sector jobs related to hospitality and leisure in 2009

Place cards stand at the ready before a banquet held at America’s Best Value Inn in Albert Lea.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS4 Seasons Advertising ............................................74 Seasons Coffee ....................................................74 Seasons Travel ................................................. 27Accentra Credit Union ........................................ 39ACT - Albert Lea Community Theater ............... 34Addies Floral & Gift .............................................18Advanced Family Dental .....................................13Advantage Auto Glass ........................................... 8Ag Power ............................................................. 38Alamco ................................................................ 52Albert Lea Area Schools ..................................... 32Albert Lea Art Center ..........................................19Albert Lea Electric ..................................................Albert Lea HRA................................................... 44Albert Lea Public Warehouse ............................... 9Albert Lea Seedhouse ..........................................21Albert Lea Steel, Inc ............................................. 9Albert Lea Tribune...............................................21ALEDA .................................................. Back CoverALFC Chamber ..........................Inside Back CoverAllen’s Tow & Travel ............................................31Alliance Benefit Group ....................................... 43Allweather Roof ...................................................13Almco ...................................................................10Americana Insurance Group ...............................21America’s Best Value Inn ................................... 26AmericInn ............................................................15Antiques of the Midwest ......................................18B&L Metalworks ................................................. 47Best Western Plus ............................................... 29Big Toe Excavating .............................................. 17Blue Earth Area Chamber of Commerc.............. 48Bonnerup Funeral Service ........Inside Front CoverBookkeeping Cents ............................................. 30Borderline Siding ................................................ 22Bowman Electric .................................................. 17Brick Furniture ....................................................12Certified Travel ....................................................21Cheers Liquor ..................................................... 50Christianson Plumbing ......................................... 9Church Offset Printing, Inc ................................ 45Citizen’s State Bank of Glenville ........................ 37Clarks Grove Hardware ...................................... 44Collins Auto ........................................................ 32Com-Tec .............................................................. 37Conger Catering ...................................................41Conger Meat Market ............................................41Corporate Recognition, Inc. ............................... 44Country Inn & Suites ............................................ 6Countryside RV Service .......................................16Crescendo Exquisite Food & Fine Wine ..............19Crow Wing Kayaks ...............................................16Curt’s Pharmacy ................................................. 29Dahl Farm Supply .............................................. 33Dave Syverson Auto Center .................................. 2Diamond Jo Casino ............................................. 11Doug’s Sandblasting ............................................16Dr. Lundstrom .................................................... 40Emmons Legion .................................................. 42EO Johnson Office Technologies ....................... 22Erlandson Implement .........................................13Etc Tanning & Clothing ...................................... 40

Exact ....................................................................10Expressions ..........................................................18Farmers Mutual Ins. of Manchester .................. 46Farmers State Bank .............................................. 3Federated Insurance ..............................................7First National Bank .............................................. 9Fisher’s Fine Jewelers .........................................18Fleet Farm ........................................................... 38Fountain Centers ................................................ 42Frames R Us ........................................................18Freeborn Construction, Inc. .....Inside Front CoverFreeborn County ................................................. 35Freeborn County Historical Museum ................31Freeborn Lumber ............................................... 43Freeborn Pride Builders ..................................... 45Geno’s Plumbing & Heating ................................. 5Glenville Plumbing ............................................. 37Glenville Shortstop ............................................. 37Good Earth Village ............................................. 45Good Samaritan Society ..................................... 27Green Lea Golf Course ......................................... 17Green Mill ............................................................51Greg’s Grass Service ........................................... 25Hagen & Associates Construction ...................... 40Hair Designers Inc. ............................................. 27Hanna Heating & Cooling .................................. 33Hanson Tire ...........................................................1Hart Brothers Weaponry .....................................13Hayward Co-op ................................................... 44Heart of the Artichoke ....................................... 20Hemenway Storage ............................................. 44Hillcrest Cemetary Association ...........................31Home Federal Bank ............................................ 45Huber Supply Co. Inc. .......................................... 9Indoor Tech ........................................................ 44Injection Technology Diesel Service .................. 46Interstate Packaging ........................................... 36ISC Financials ......................................................14ITC Midwest ....................................................... 23Jakes Pizza ...........................................................18Jan Jerdee/Blue Cross Blue Shield .....................31Jensales Inc ........................................................ 46Jim & Dudes ..............................Inside Back CoverJohnson Heating ......................Inside Front CoverKarl’s of Wells Inc. .............................................. 46KIMT .........................................Inside Front CoverKing Maintenance Inc. ........................................14Lake Mills Chamber............................................ 47Lake Mills Community School ........................... 47Lake Mills Task Force ......................................... 47Larson Allen ........................................................ 35Larson Contracting .................................................Larson Manufacturing ........................................ 42Larson Manufacturing - Lake Mills.................... 47Lawn Pro ..............................................................31Lou-Rich ..............................................................10Loverink Drainage .............................................. 34M&S Outdoor ........................................................ 8Mabel House Hotel ..............................................31Manchester Hartland Telephone Co. ................. 46Manpower ............................................................41Mary Go Round ...................................................18

Massage Connections ......................................... 26Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Lake Mills ........ 47Minnesota Abstract .............................................. 5Minnesota Corrugated Box ................................ 26Morreim Drainage .............................................. 46Mrs. Gerry’s Salads ............................................. 43Nancy’s Café.........................................................18Nelson’s Market Place ........................................ 29New To You ..........................................................18Nick’s Trading Post ............................................. 37North American Mat Service .............................. 38Northbridge Mall .......................Inside Back CoverNorthwood Lumber ............................................ 46Northwood True Value ....................................... 46O/NE Realty ....................................................... 48Oak Park Place ..................................................... 11Panels Plus ...........................................................10Plymouth Shoes ...................................................18Produce Bank .......................................................12Pub 69 ................................................................... 6Reinertson’s Embroidery ....................................18ReMax - Emilie & Jim Paulson ...........................31Riverland Community College ........................... 30Rofshus Precision Machine, Inc. ......................... 17Sanderson Auto .................................................. 39Scott’s Office Products .......................................... 6Security Bank ...................................................... 52Security Insurance .............................................. 33Select Foods .........................................................51ServiceMaster ..................................................... 40Shell Rock River Watershed ..................................1Signature’s Supper Club ..................................... 46South Central Pet Care ....................................... 40Southern Lock & Glass ........................................14Southern Minnesota Magazine .......................... 39Southern Minnesota Surgical Inc. ...................... 48Southside Custom ................................................16St. John’s Lutheran Home.................................. 20State Bank of Clarks Grove ........Inside Back CoverState Farm Insurance/Nancy VanderWaerdt .....15Thompson Sanitation .......................................... 11T-N-T Used Appliance .........................................18Tobacco Store ..................................................... 52Total Glass-Lock, Inc. ..........................................16Trades & Labor Federal Credit Union ................ 32Trading Post.........................................................21Troy Thompson Agency ...................................... 30Ulland Brothers .................................................. 20United Employees Credit Union ........................ 50Uptown Dental.................................................... 50Ventura Foods ...........................Inside Back CoverVillage Cooperative ............................................. 29Wal Mart ...................................Inside Front CoverWangen Excavating ............................................ 46Weber Construction ............................................. 9Wells Federal Bank ..............................................41Wells Insurance Agency ..................................... 47WFS ..................................................................... 47Zogg Dermatology, PLC .............Inside Back CoverZumbro River Brand, Inc ..................................... 8


HARTLAND OFFICE 601 N. Broadway 507-845-2233FREEBORN OFFICE 214 5th Street 507-863-2371

ALBERT LEA OFFICE 1452 W. Main 507-373-1945farmersstatebankmn.com Member FDIC

REASONS TOSWITCH YOURBUSINESS TO OURCOMMUNITY BANK!

Simplify your routine. Thanks to FSB Remote Deposit, youcan focus more of your time on your business, and notrushing to the bank to deposit your checks. Instead, you cansend checks for deposit electronically, right from yourdesktop.

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Contact Rhonda Allison or Mark Heinemann today - we canstop by your business for a short 20 minute presentation!

FSB REMOTE DEPOSIT

IT’S THE FASTESTWAY TO OURCOMMUNITY BANK!

430 Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007507-377-1616 or 507-377-0276

Toll Free 1-877-647-8666Member NCUA

www.unitedecu.com

3.75%APR on loans up to 60 months,

secured by a titled vehicle,with minimum advance of $5000.

Don’t forget - FREE ice with every purchase!

1617 W. Main St. • 507.379.2364

GIFT WRAP AVAILABLE

507-377-5033141 East William St. • Albert Lea, MN

Dr. Marko Kamel, D.D.S. Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

www.uptowndental.org

Dr. Nicole Napier D.D.S.

Dr. Shannon Held, D.D.S.

Dr. MarkoKamel, D.D.S.

2010 census: 31,255Change from 2000: down 4.1 percentMedian age: 44.2Races:

White, not Hispanic/Latino: 84.3 percentHispanic/Latino: 8.8 percentBlack: 0.7 percentAmerican Indian: 0.2 percentAsian: 0.8 percentPacific Islander: 0.1 percentOther race: 3.4 percentTwo or more races: 1.7 percent

Households: 13,177Housing units: 14,231

Owner-occupied housing units: 10,089Renter-occupied housing units: 3,088

Family households: 8,555with children: 3,249

Husband-wife family: 6,833with children: 2,187

Male household, no wife: 605with children: 322

Female household, no husband: 1,117with children: 740

Non-family households: 4,622Living alone: 3,961Households with children: 3,542Households with people 65 years and older: 4,278Average household size: 2.32Average family size: 2.85Median household income (2000): $36,964Median family income (2000) $45,142Per capita income (2000) $18,325Population below poverty line (2000): 8.4 percentSquare miles: 722.63County seat: Albert LeaCourthouse address: 411 S. Broadway Ave., Albert LeaCourthouse phone: 507-377-5116Railroads: Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern (Canadian Pacific), Union PacificHighways: Interstate 90, Interstate 35, U.S. Highway 65, U.S. Highway 69, Minnesota Highway 13, Minnesota Highway 251, Minnesota Highway 109

Freeborn County

by the numbers

Table of Contents

Above photo: Freeborn County’s

population is overwhelmingly white, but more

faces of color are arriving each year.

Played by nearly all cultures on the

globe, soccer is a popular sport

among immigrants and longtime

locals alike in the parks of Albert Lea and the fields of its

school districts.

We ask leaders of business and industry how they stay organized.

Why the construction at the airport matters to your business.

Why did so many hotels renovate and rename themselves this year?

10

30

4Other pieces: 9 Top 40 employers 22 The boutique in the barn 24 Where employment is sweet 26 Discover Dinah’s Style 34 Nursing home buys golf course 37 Neighbors by the numbers

Table of Contents continues on Page 5


2410 Y.H. Hanson Avenue, Albert Lea, MN • Expansion is completed and ready for more growth!

Thank you Albert Lea Select Foods team of employees for over-exceeding their goal of $50,000 for the United Way!

COUPON $5.00 OFF ANy

Purchase of $25.00 or MoreNot valid with other offers. Good thru 10-30-11.

2218 E Main Street • Albert Lea

507-377-3000 www.greenmill.com

From Award-Winning Pizzas to Awesome Appetizers

8330

for choosing Dave Syverson the Best Place to Buy an Auto-mobile in the 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards.

1-800-423-6663 • 507-373-14382310/2320 E. Main, Albert Lea, MN

DO IT SMART... DO IT SIMPLE...

DO IT DAVE SYVERSON’S

VALUE PRICE... PLAIN & SIMPLE

AND

Stop in and Experience the difference with our non-commissioned Sales Team!

Kade Vershey Paul Stahnke

Craig Loehr Greg Hanson

Travis Stortroen Doug Conn

George Gonzalez

Christopher Balfe

Kevin Lee

Todd Edwardson

Dan Glynn

Dick Davis

Mark Christopherson


411 S. Broadway AveP.O. Box 1147

Albert Lea(507) 377-5785

www.shellrock.org

The Shell Rock River Watershed District was formed June 25, 2003 by citizen peti-tion.

The Shell Rock River Watershed area drains into the Shell Rock River, which flows into the Cedar, Iowa and Mississippi Rivers.

The District is 246 square miles all within Freeborn County and it is home to Albert Lea and 5 small towns.

The District is blessed with 12 lakes, many are wetlands a few acres in size. There are 4 main lakes:

Pickerel (715 acres) Lake Chapeau (175 acres)Fountain Lake (500 acres) Goose (82 acres) Albert Lea Lake (2,600 acres) School Section (69 acres)Halls (57 acres) Sugar (62 acres)Church (29 acres) Eberhardt (20 acres)Upper and Lower Twin (406 acres total)

Current water quality monitoring program:18 stream sites 9 lake sites 2 city stormwater sites

2010

Conservation

Award

winner

Recipient of the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife

Society’s (MNTWS) prestigious Conservation

Award for 2010

STRONG. BEAUTIFUL.

RENEWABLE.

Alamco Wood Products, Inc. is a manufacturer of environmentally-friendly structurally glued laminated timber beams and arches for many uses.

1410 W. 9th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007

Toll Free 1-800-657-6961 • www.securitybankmn.com

Member FDIC

Voted Readers

Choice

Best Bank

for 6 years!Locally owned

since 1906

When you or your business needs an answer to a financial problem or a quick response to a loan request, our lending staff is here to assist you with their full line of competitive loan products with the exceptional customer service you deserve. As a local employee owned community bank, we have a mission and commitment in serving the financial needs of the residents and businesses of Freeborn County through high quality full service banking in a friendly personal manner, best of all, desicions are made right here locally. To learn how we can assist you, stop by Security Bank Minnesota today and visit with our experienced lending staff about our affordable lending products and services.

• Voted 2010 Medium Business of the Year

• Voted #1 Reader’s Choice “Best Bank” for 2010

• Business Loans

• Ag Loans

• Online Banking

• Home Loans

• Auto Loans

• Recreational Loans & more

Serving the local area since 1906

ExcellentCustomerService

437 Bridge Ave, Albert Lea373-1481

Voted 2010 Medium Business

of the Year!

HOURS:M-F 9-8Sat 9-7

Sun 10-5

Next to Dollar Tree across from Wal-Mart2312 Hendrickson Rd., Albert Lea, MN • 507-377-0177

We AccepT All MANUFAcTUReRS OR cOMpeTiTORS cOUpONS

$150 OffAny carton purchase of



expires 10/31/11 83011Al

coupon10% Off

Any premium cigar pur-

chaseof $25 or MoreThe Tobacco Store

expires 10/31/11 83011Al

coupon

10 for $1Select

Disposable lighters


coupon$200 Offof any purchase of

$25.00 or moreRoll Your Own

Tobacco &Accessories





expires 10/31/11 83011Al




expires 10/31/11 83011Al




expires 10/31/11 83011Al

coupon

HUGe SelecTiON• Premium Cigars • Roll Your Own • Pipes & Pipe Tobacco • Lighters & Cigar Accessories

• Pre-paid Phone Cell Phones • Pre-paid Phone CardsAll prices subject to change without notice

We Accept Major

credit cards

505 E. Main373-0636

COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR• Oil changes • Tires • Radiators • Transmissions

• Brakes • Tune-Up • Wheel Balance • Shock Absorbers• Computerized Alignment • Mufflers • AND MUCH MORE!

Kelvin Rehnelt Kelly Dempewolf Tiffany Carlson

WE SERVICE ALL MAKES AND MODELS!

professional advice• Plumbing • Heating • A/C

• Water Softeners • Sewer & Drain Cleaning

24 HOUR EMERGENCY

SERVICE 8 YEARS IN A ROW! 373-6161M-F 8am-5pm

www.jimanddudes.com • 724 West Clark Street

TURN TO THE EXPERTS!Cut energy costs up to 50% with Carrier high efficiency furnace, heat pump and air conditioners.

Stop in today & see our display of quality made Bertch cabinets

Callfor FREE

ESTIMATES

1410 Olsen DriveAlbert Lea, MN 56007

Phone: 507-373-6650

Fax: 507-373-4124

VOTED BEST ELECTRICIAN

2004-2011!

Complete Electrical Design & Installation

Commercial • Industrial • Residential Farm • Specialized Service

Electronic Repair

Programming & Trouble Shooting

PLC’s and AC/DC Drives

Low-Voltage Wiring

Call us TODAY at 507-373-6650 for an onsite job estimate.

Complete NetworkingTelephone Systems • Sound Systems

Fiber Optic Work

THERMAL IMAGINGNEW

We’ll take you from concept to grand opening with maximum efficiency & superior quality

• Remodel • Expansion • Building Addition • New Facility

Let ushelp plan

your future.

Lou Rich UnderConstruction

Lou Rich Before

Cover 4-5.indd 1 9/14/11 1:48:26 PM

Albert Lea • New Richland • Ellendale

We Understand Ad - Bonnerup

Northbridge Mall, Albert Lea, MN 56007

507.373.3938 – www.albertlea.org

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of

Commerce"The Voice For Business"

Our members are the fabric of our community!

• Living and working here• Building & expanding their businesses• Creating new jobs• Re-investing their money in our community• Supporting community activities & local charities• Buying here to strengthen job security• Encouraging their employees to spend their money locally

The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce's mission is to "Promote and develop a healthy and positive business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County area."

The Chamber of Commerce is the one organization that merges all phases of our local economy from the smallest employer to the largest. Always striving to enhance the busi-ness environment, we work with local and state government to create a climate condu-cive to growth.

Look for the Chamber of Commerce membership sticker at our member businesses.

JOHNSONHEATINGAND AIRCONDITIONINGCELEBRATES100 YEARSOF COMFORT.


S I N C E 1 9 1 2

TWO GREAT COMPANIESONE GREAT HOME COMFORT SYSTEM

JOHNSON HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING1430 FRANK AVENUEALBERT LEA, MN 56007-3135(507) [email protected]


S I N C E 1 9 1 22718 Ekko Avenue • Albert Lea, MNwww.zoggdermatology.com • 507.373.2270

Experience the Best in AgeReversing Science

For more details contact

Venus Freeze treatment comfortably raises the skin’s temperature level, which shrinks and breaks

down fat cells by naturally increasing blood flow and

enhancing hormone activity. The increased blood flow also improves the overall skin condi-tion in treated areas by modifying the ultra structure of collagen and elastin fibers (increasing synthesis and making them thicker and short-er) causing the skin to tighten. This painless process is completely risk free and results are quickly mea-surable. No downtime required!

Treatmentby MultiPolar Radio Frequency

Lose inches

Eliminate Wrinkles

Reduce Cellulite

Tighten LooseSkin

Cover 3-6.indd 1 9/14/11 12:28:29 PM

We’re proud tobring healthyingredients and innovativeproducts to your dinner table.

919 E. 14th St., Albert Lea, MN 56007373-2431 • www.venturafoods.com

MemberFDIC

www.statebankcg.com

2401 Bridge Ave. • Albert Lea • 507-373-8600

Specialty Shops - Spa & Salons - Food CourtRestaurants - Cinema 7 Theater

Northbridge Mall Businesses:• Albert Lea-Freeborn

County Chamber of Commerce

• Anytime Fitness• Bob’s Farm Toys• Book World• Certified Travel• Christopher

& Banks • Cinema 7 Theatre• Classic Reflections

Salon & Spa• Conger Meat

Market

• Doyle’s Hallmark• Dunham’s Sports• Edward Jones -

Troy Irvine• Electric Beach• Fashion Nails• GNC (General

Nutrition Center)• Grandma’s Kitchen• Herberger’s• Horace Mann - Sue Grieme• JD Gifts

• La Guadalupaña• Leutholds• Manpower • Maurices• Pizza Ranch• Plaza Morena• Shoe Sensation• Skyline Jewelers • The Image Salon• Thrivent Financial

SHOP LOCALLY!

Northbridge Mall Gift CertificatesGood at over 25 stores & businessesPurchase at Doyle’s or Mall Office

I-90 & Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, MNShopping Hours: M-F 10-9; Sat 10-6; Sun 12-5

Leasing or event information: 377-3185www.northbridgemall.com

Find us on Facebook!

FREEBORNCONSTRUCTION

County Rd 46 East • Albert Lea, MN

507-373-4434

• Aggregates• Hauling• Snow Removal• Demolition• BMP Installations• Ditch Cleaning• Road Grading

• Site Development• Wind Energy Development• Water/Sewer Installation• Soil Conservation• Erosion/Sediment Control

Licensed& Bonded

Dennis & Brad Haugen

in 1991

today

Cover 2-7.indd 1 9/14/11 9:48:21 AM

• Crossroads I-90&I-35

• TrainedLabor Force

• Small/LargeSites

• BuildingsAvailable

Home of “Minnesota Twins”

Hotdogs, “Famous Dave’s” Ribs, Parts for John Deere

& G.E. Medical, plus so much more!

ForyourpersonaltourcallDanDormanorRyanNolanderat507-373-3930.

2610Y.H.HansonAve.AlbertLea,MN56007

www.growalbertlea.com

8 &movers

shakers

Get orGanized!We speak with

What is

flying in and

out of the

airport?


Hotels rebrand and renovate

Hart Bros. is more than just guns

Cover 1-8.indd 1 9/14/11 9:47:48 AM

Impact 2011

Documents

Transcript of Impact 2011