Transcript
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 1
DOING BUSINESS . . . MAKING PROGRESS . . .
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
HEALTH & MEDICINE
COMMUNICATIONS
CONSTRUCTION
AGRICULTURE
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October 8 & 9, 2014
Published
Albany Enterprise
Melrose Beacon
Sauk Centre Herald
2 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
Your Animal Lover
Convenience Store!
Dr. Jason Spychala and the staff at Albany
Family Dentistry strive to create a comfortable,
relaxed, and inviting atmosphere to make their
patients feel like family. Along with seeing the
smiling faces of the team, the sound of laughter
is a common gem found in the ofce; easing the
worries of patients.
Albany Family Dentistry continually seeks
out the best technology to better serve patients.
By offering CEREC technology-assisted crown
fabrication, they are able to give their patients
crowns in one appointment – offering convenience
and saving time. Albany Family Dentistry also
offers 3D x-rays of superior diagnostic quality.
360 Railroad Avenue, Albany, MN 56307
www.albanyfamilydentist.com
Dr. Jason Spychala
Casey Spychala
Cathy Lyon
Charlene Ohmann
Emily Pantzke
Come Check Out All of
Our Great Fall Deals!
Gina Gapinski
Caring for
your smile
starts with
making a call:
320-845-2
For the past 14 years, the Sauk Centre Country
Store has served area farmers and pet owners with
feed and supplies along with top customer service.
The Sauk Centre Country Store
one of 13 Centra Sota Cooperative
is o
locations across central Minnesota
loc
that market to both the agricultural
tha
market and the urban customer.
ma
A wide array of services and
products are offered to dairy, beef,
pro
equine,
pet, chicken, goat and rabbit
eq
owners.
Unique products sold at
ow
the
th Country Store include Leaning
Tree
Tr cards, candles, designer rubber
boots
bo and bird feeders.
The Country Store opened
in Sauk Centre in 2000 as part of
the Cabinet Components
building. In 2005 they
Comp
moved to their current location on Sinclair Lewis Avenue. The 12 other Centra
Sota locations' employees are considered co-workers, and inventory is shared
between them.
Sauk Centre Country Store manager, Kate Stalboerger, has worked for
Centra Sota for seven years and has been the manager in Sauk Centre for 2 1/2
years. Stalboerger said about the Country Store, "We strive to always have the
answer with a smile. Our customer service is very important to us."
The Country Store hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Stop in and meet Goodie,
the store cat who greets everyone at the door!
Goodie the Store Cat
032
Stephanie Toenyan Shirley Zenzen
Brenda Vanbeck
Mindee Suchy
3/4 Mil
Miles W
Westt off th
the D
Downtown
t
Stoplights on Sinclair Lewis Ave.
in Sauk Centre, MN
320-351-2227
Albany Country Store | 320-845-4791 • Centra Sota - Little Falls, MN | 320-632-3631
Centra Sota - St. Martin, MN | 320-548-3245
Centra Sota - Upsala, MN | 320-573-2186 • Centra Sota Feed & Grain - Albany, MN | 320-845-4086
At the Woodshop of
Avon, if it can be
imagined, it can be built.
From classic styling to the most contemporary designs,
select finely crafted cabinetry from the Woodshop of Avon
to enhance the beauty of your home.
Fine Custom Cabinetry For Every Room In Your Home.
3918 Sunnyside Road, Edina, MN 55424 • 952.927.8002
1452 Railroad Ave., Albany, MN 56307 • 320.845.7141
www.thewoodshopofavon.com
We Make Cabinetry An Art!
The history of The Woodshop of Avon is a classic
story of friends, tradition, and good old Midwestern
work ethic. It started with two men fueled by a love
for the craft, and a commitment to designing and
building quality products. The Woodshop of Avon
has now grown to become a leader in custom built
cabinetry.
In 1981, The Woodshop of Avon was founded
by John Harlander and Mark Caspers with humble
beginnings in John’s single stall garage. The company
quickly outgrew the garage and set up shop in a
larger facility in Avon, Minnesota.
Over the years, we have met the increasing
demand for our cabinetry. By the time the company
celebrated its 12th Anniversary, an additional office
and showroom were added in Edina to better serve
the demand in the market.
1995 marked the corporate headquarters’ move
from Avon to the neighboring community of Albany,
Minnesota. This move was necessary so that all
operations, including manufacturing and finishing,
could be under one roof. The Woodshop of Avon’s
manufacturing and finishing departments, as well as
showroom and office space, remain at this location
today.
The company, which began with two men and
a dream, has grown to over 24 employees and 2
locations since its conception in 1981.
Also Featured on the
Today Show
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Over the past several years, one of the
most important contributions psychology
has made to the field of business has been
in determining the key traits of acknowledged leaders. Psychological tests have
been used to determine what characteristics are most commonly noted among successful leaders. This list of characteristics
can be used for developmental purposes
to help managers gain insight and develop
their leadership skills.
The increasing rate of change in the
business environment is a major factor in
this new emphasis on leadership; whereas
in the past, managers were expected to
maintain the status quo in order to move
ahead, new forces in the marketplace have
made it necessary to expand this narrow focus. The new leaders of tomorrow
are visionary. They are both learners and
teachers. Not only do they foresee paradigm changes in society, but they also have
a strong sense of ethics and work to build
integrity in their organizations.
Raymond Cattell, a pioneer in the
field of personality assessment, developed
the Leadership Potential equation in 1954.
This equation, which was based on a study
of military leaders, is used today to determine the traits which characterize an effective leader. The traits of an effective leader
include the following:
Emotional stability: Good leaders
must be able to tolerate frustration and
stress. Overall, they must be well-adjusted
and have the psychological maturity to deal
with anything they are required to face.
Retail
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 3
How to lead in business
Industrial
Dominance: Leaders are often
competitive, decisive and usually enjoy
overcoming obstacles. Overall, they are
assertive in their thinking style as well
as their attitude in dealing with others.
Enthusiasm: Leaders are usually
seen as active, expressive and energetic.
They are often very optimistic and open
to change. Overall, they are generally
quick and alert and tend to be uninhibited.
Conscientiousness: Leaders are
often dominated by a sense of duty and
tend to be very exacting in character.
They usually have a very high standard
of excellence and an inward desire to do
their best. They also have a need for order and tend to be very self-disciplined.
Social boldness: Leaders tend to
be spontaneous risk-takers. They are
usually socially aggressive and generally thick-skinned. Overall, they are responsive to others and tend to be high in
emotional stamina.
Self-assurance: Self-confidence
and resiliency are common traits among
leaders. They tend to be free of guilt and
have little or no need for approval. They
are generally unaffected by prior mistakes
or failures.
Compulsiveness: Leaders are controlled and very precise in their social interactions. Overall, they are very protective of their integrity and reputation and
consequently tended to be socially aware
and careful, abundant in foresight, and
very careful when making decisions or de-
Commercial
Empathy: Being able to put yourself in the other person's shoes is a
key trait of leaders today. Without
empathy, you can't build trust; without trust, you will never be able to get
the best effort from your employees.
termining specific actions.
Intuitiveness: Rapid changes in the
world today, combined with information
overload result in an inability to know everything. In other words, reasoning and
logic will not get you through all situations.
In fact, more and more leaders are learning
the value of using their intuition and trusting their gut when making decisions.
Charisma: People usually perceive leaders as larger than life. Charisma plays a large part in this perception. Leaders who have charisma are
able to arouse strong emotions in their
employees by defining a vision which
unites and captivates them. Using this
vision, leaders motivate employees
to reach toward a future goal by tying the goal to substantial personal
rewards and values.
Leaders are rarely (if ever) born. Circumstances and persistence are major
components in the developmental
process of any leader, so if your goal
is to become a leader, work on developing those areas of your personality
that you feel are not up to par. For
instance, if you have all of the basic
traits but do not consider yourself
very much of a people person, try taking classes or reading books on empathy. On the other end, if relating to others
has always come naturally to you, but you
have trouble making logical decisions, try
learning about tough-mindedness and how
to develop more psychological resistance.
Just remember, anyone can do anything
they set their mind to.
Article courtesy of the Minnesota Department of Em
ployment and Economic Development.
Preferred
Controls Inc.
460 Huskie Drive
Albany, MN 56307
320-845-6772
Water and Wastewater
Control Systems
and Professional
Engineering Services
Preferred Controls has been established since
1998 and has completed many successful projects
throughout the country. We provide complete
system integration services as well as consulting
and design services for all of our clients.
Preferred Controls takes pride in our ability to
understand your existing system no matter what
the technology and readily take on projects
that require innovative solutions. Technically
challenging projects are our passion.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
• Design and Consulting Services
• Instrumentation & Controls
• Radio Path Studies
• SCADA Systems
• Satellite-Based Automatic Meter Reading
FIELD SERVICES
Preferred controls offers field service for all of
our clients 24/7-365. With our experienced staff,
Preferred Controls provides field service in many
aspects of the water and wastewater industry. We
also offer service contracts and we are happy to
quote any size project to fit your needs - give us a
call today.
www.preferredcontrols.com
Employees at Warrior Boats, Inc., located in the Melrose Industrial Park,
build high-performance fiberglass fishing boats from 17 to 21 feet long.
The company, originally based in Maple Lake, Minnesota, was
purchased in July of 2011 by Charles Barth, Al Leinen, Pat Brookshaw and
David Andersen.
The Warrior product line was developed with input from fishermen,
dealers and customers to build the best fishing machine for the toughest
fishing conditions in the northland.
Construction of the new facility in Melrose was completed in February
of 2012 and production of multi-species deep-V boats, with a washdown
interior, started shortly after, by a talented crew of 12 full-time and two
part-time craftsmen.
Their product line is sold through dealers in the upper Midwest-Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana.
Owners and employees are passionate about the fishing industry.
Warrior Boats, Inc. co-owner and Pro Staffer, David Andersen, was the
2005 In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail Champion and the 2005
Minnesota Walleye Trail Team of the Year winner.
Warrior Boats, Inc. co-owner Chuck Barth and his fishing partner, Perry
Dreyer, recently won the 2012 Leech Lake Walleye Tournament.
Warrior Boats, Inc., is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
16 Industry Parkway Drive NW
Melrose • 320-256-2628
4 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
888.330.8482 | myCMCU.org
facebook.com/myCMCU
People helping people...
Central Minnesota Credit Union has been built from the
ground up by its members since 1939. The credit union was
chartered in Melrose in 1939 under the philosophy of ‘people
helping people’.
Tomorrow’s Internet,
Phone & TV.
HERE TODAY.
As a member-owned organization, our vision is enhancing
the lives of members and community through strength,
service and growth. CMCU has always been willing to go
the extra mile and help members with their financial needs.
We are also committed to serving our communities by
sponsoring events, volunteering and contributing to local
organizations.
Internet
Phone
TV
Cellular
Thank you for choosing us!
www.albanytel.com
320.845.2101
Ramler Trucking, Inc.
Truck & Trailer
Repair
Our father, the late Ambrose Ramler, founded Ramler Trucking, Inc., Albany, in 1954. This year marks
our 60th anniversary.
In the early years, Ambrose provided transportation of farm animals from local farmers to the South
St. Paul stockyards. On his return trip, he would backhaul feed products, hardware supplies, building
products and liquor to the area merchants. In 1982 Ambrose retired.
Jack and Doris Ramler and Greg and Sue Ramler entered the business in 1975 and 1982 respectively.
Since then, Ramler Trucking, Inc. has grown to 68 tractors, including 34 company, and 34 Owner/
Operators. Our trailers consist of 120 refrigerated trailers, 30 regular flatbeds, six expandable flatbeds
that stretch out to 80 feet, 15 tanker trailers, and four dry vans. Ramler Trucking, Inc. employs 45 office
personnel and drivers plus 34 contract drivers.
Jack handles payroll and human resources. Greg, Chris, Brian, Tammy, Eric and Kim are the dispatchers.
Doris, Sue, Ingrid and Chas take care of all other office duties.
One of our largest customers is Gold ‘N Plump Poultry, with plants in Cold Spring, Luverne, MN, and
Arcadia, WI. We provide them with plant-to-plant transfers and also deliver their chicken products to
distribution centers throughout the 48-state area. We haul approximately 150 loads per week for them.
Working for Wells Concrete, Inc. has proven to be a great match-up for us. It is fascinating to haul the
oversized loads to the sites and watch a building rise in a matter of weeks. We have hauled loads that
are 12 to 14 feet wide as well as loads that are 120 feet long in which you remotely steer the rear trailer
axle from your cab. These longer loads require a front and rear escort. We have four such escort vehicles.
In our tankers, we haul inedible animal bi-products. These are used as ingredients for dog and cat
foods.
As part of the National Fleet Safety Awards Program, Ramler Trucking, Inc. this year received a Platinum
Safety Award. This makes it the 15th consecutive year that we received the award. We attribute this to
our high-quality drivers and mechanics that are employed here.
In 1999, a spin-off company was established which we named Ramler Truck and Trailer Repair Inc. We
operate out of a 27,000 square foot building with 22 service bays at 400 13th street in Albany across
from the water tower. In 2012 we purchased two adjoining lots with another 5000 sq. ft. building for
expansion reasons. We employ 15 full-time mechanics, two parts salespersons as well as three part-time
employees. Our mechanics can perform anything from engine overhauls, welding steel or aluminum,
refrigerated trailer repairs, to tire repairs and heavy-duty alignment.
In 2008 we added a Robotic aluminum wheel polishing machine. The machine is manufactured by
Vehicle Inspection Serve or VIS. This machine can take an old oxidized and pitted wheel and give it a
mirror-like shine. This year we purchased another machine built by VIS that you drive a truck onto one
axle at a time. We call it the shaker machine because it moves an axle back and forth and then side to
side while you can visually check for any loose components. This has greatly reduced labor costs by
cutting the time it takes to trouble shoot a problem.
We also operate Ramler Truck Brokerage, Inc. With this company, we can broker any additional loads
to other carriers that our fleet is too busy to handle. Doing this, we can meet all of our customers’ needs.
All three businesses are now employee owned or an ESOP (Employee Stock Option Purchase). The
ESOP is in its sixth year and proves to be a great retirement benefit to our valued employees while still
maintaining the company’s heritage and longevity.
400 13th St., Albany, MN 56307
320-845-4500 • 1-800-732-8958
Fax 320-845-7245
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Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 5
Come See Us
Today for All Your
Insurance Needs!
Like what your reading?
If you would like your business highlighted next year
Call 320-352-6577
DAHLIN’S
“Your Local Hometown Grocery Store”
106 Avon Ave. S, Avon • 356-7472
Store Hours: Monday to Saturday 8-8, Sunday 8-6
Serving the Area for 40 Years!
Thank you for your continued support!
Dahlin’s Supermarket-Avon
Dahlin’s Super Market in Avon will be celebrating its 40th anniversary.
• They make fruit or food baskets, vegetable or meat & cheese trays to order all year-round.
• In the spring a complete line of flowers and vegetable plants are set up outside of the store.
• In the summer the Avon Boy Scouts sell hamburgers, brats, hot dogs,
• Groceries
and root beer floats during Spunktacular Days in front of the store.
During the Avon Chamber’s city-wide garage sale, the Avon Women of
• Meats
Today sell hamburgers, brats, hot dogs, and rootbeer floats. They also
• Cold Spring Bakery
have many non profits or youth groups selling throughout the summer.
• Health & Beauty Aids
The Avon Boy Scouts have an aluminum can recycling bin for donations.
They also now have a clothing/shoe drop box. A portion of the proceeds • WondeRoast Chicken
go to Avon Women of Today.
• In the winter on Santa Day Dahlin’s sponsors sleigh rides.
• The store carries Minnesota Lottery tickets, on-line or instant. In October 2003, Dahlin’s was lucky enough
to sell the $95.45 million lottery ticket to the Happy Huskers.
• As a service to our customers we carry postage stamps and have a drop box for Bueckers Sanitary Service
payments. Dahlin’s has a drop box for Labels for Education. They also have a discount program with Holy
Family School.
Customers at Dahlin’s will find themselves helped by a high-quality, friendly staff which includes Jackie
Girard and Dan Dahlin, owners; Shannon Malbraaten, Kathy Lemke, Laurie Blackmore, Karen Hennen,
Mariah Kurtz, Emily Schindler, Emma Komppa, Chelsea Maile-Galvan, Lyndsey Ostendorf and Brenda
Zierden.
Billmark’s Insurance Services, LLC is an independent, full
service insurance agency serving the greater Sauk Centre and
Alexandria lakes area. There are four locations: Sauk Centre,
Alexandria, Brandon and Parkers Prairie. Billmark’s was founded
in 1989 with Marty Trierweiler and Keith Meyer becoming owners
of Billmark’s in 2010. Local Sauk Centre agents, Darcy Jennissen
Pfeffer and Claire Rieland, use their combined experience of
over 31 years to design an insurance plan that is specific to your
needs.
The agents at Billmark’s are what sets them apart from their
competition. The agents are part of the local community and
are willing to go the extra mile for their customers. Things like
a dedicated claims specialist to help when you need it most,
access to over 30 insurance companies and someone always
available to answer your questions, are just a few ways the
agents at Billmark’s strive to provide you with an outstanding
insurance experience.
www.billmarks.com • 320.351.2436
512 Main Street S, Ste 2 • Sauk Centre, MN 56378
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm • Appointments available anytime
Standard Iron & Wire Works, Inc.
My name is Mary Richter
h and
d I llookk fforward
d to assisting you with
h allll
of your travel needs. As a full-time travel specialist since 1996, I combine
custom travel solutions with superior client service. I am part of one the
largest travel networks in the industry, Travel Quest/Travel Leaders. I work
with a large variety of suppliers, including airlines, hotels, car rentals, tour
operators, cruise lines, and travel insurance, worldwide to provide my clients
with the best deals on the market. I am here to find the best value on a
vacation package for you.
People often ask me, “Why should I book my vacation with a travel
agent? What can you do that Expedia, etc. can’t do?” I have a lot of answers for
that:
1.) I am a human being and can GET TO KNOW YOU well enough to find
the PERFECT fit for your vacation.
2.) I travel to improve the travels of my clients. Having the opportunity to experience resorts
and destinations allows me to GIVE YOU THE BEST INSIDER SCOOP on your desired destination
assuring you the BEST value for your money.
3.) DETAILS, DETAILS, DETAILS! Are you going on a honeymoon? Family reunion?
As an agent, I build relationships with resort/destination staff so that YOU have the best
experience you can have while on vacation.
4.) Heaven forbid you have any problems while on vacation, you CAN ALWAYS CALL ME to
help resolve the issue ~ no matter what it is. If I can fix it, I will. Will Expedia do that?
5.) I understand the value of travel and will ensure that your hard-earned money GETS YOU
JUST WHAT YOU WERE LOOKING FOR AND THEN SOME.
and lastly,
6.) I truly enjoy travel, not just for myself, I really enjoy sending others on their travels. It’s a
joy that becomes multiplied when I know people are going to be in their happiest of places ~ on
vacation!
I look forward to making
your next trip a memorable
and enjoyable one, so
contact me today and get
packing!
Whichever you
prefer, a phone call, e-mail, or
a meeting in person for more
personal attention, we can
review your travel needs to
find the perfect destination
for you. Your travel specialist
since 1996.
Standard Iron is committed to fabricating quality metals products to
meet the changing needs of the industry and our customers. Standard Iron
was founded in 1930 and currently has facilities in Sauk Centre, Alexandria,
Monticello, Grand Island, Neb., and Monterrey, Mexico. We are a growing
company with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.
We employ welders, machinists, NC machine operators, painters and
material handlers. For more information on Standard Iron or to apply on-line,
visit us at www.std-iron.com.
O 80 Years of
Over
Custom Metal
Fabricating
Experience!
Watch for specials and
follow me on my adventures
on my face book page.
https://www.facebook.com/
PackNGoTravelAgency
Mary Richter, Albany
Pack N Go Travel is part of the Travel Quest/Travel Leaders Network.
[email protected] • 320-845-7123 or 320-250-4044
1131 Sinclair Lewis Avenue • Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1923
www.std-iron.com • (320) 352-6525
6 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
★
ST R
Enterprise
Albany-Avon-Holdingford
★Beacon
MELROSE
Herald
Sauk Centre
By Dave Simpkins | Publisher/Editor
I pestered Don Griswold for 15 years. From
the first time I met him as a rookie newspaper
man at the Albany Enterprise in 1973, every time
I saw him, I’d say, “If you ever think of selling
the Sauk Centre Herald, please give me a call.” I
believed then as I believe now, Sauk Centre is a nice
town to newspaper in as well as to live in, raise a
family and grow a business. On a cold February day
he called. We sat for four hours, we ate cake, we drank
coffee, we ate donuts, talking about newspapering,
politics and the weather before he said he was ready to
retire and wondered if I would be interested in buying
the Herald. I was publishing the Grant County Herald in
Elbow Lake at the time. Sauk Centre would be a big jump
from that. I was scared and thrilled and on July 15, 1988,
I opened the doors for the first time.
gathering job much easier and more creative than ever before.
Bringing the Internet to Sauk Centre was a big thrill. We
wanted to put the Herald online in 1996 but there was no In
ternet service in town. So we started our own, eventually sell
ing it to diversiCom.
Looking ahead, I can see our local newspapers providing
video news and programming.
Big Stories
The first stories I covered as a new editor all came out
of Sinclair Lewis Days. Since then there have been many
events, fires, murders, business changes, accidents, elections
and big storms to fill our pages.
The big stories of the powerline fight and the teacher
strikes were behind us but farm issues and our school would
continue to be big news.
We were suffering a drought in 1988 that saw many farm
ers quit, sparking a steady decline of farmers due to low
prices, high land prices and consolidations. Not all farming
news has been bad. Good news happens too, like last year
when Minnesota’s number one dairy county finally got a
Princess Kay of the Milky Way in Christine Reitsma.
School issues have continued in the headlines as declining
enrollments and revenues have caused teacher and program
cuts.
One story we got involved in was the saving of the cupola
over Bryant Library, joining the Great River Library System
and the subsequent remodeling of one of the last Carnegie
Libraries in the state.
Owners
Jeff Weyer brought extensive sales experience to the Her
ald and Mark Klaphake came with a solid farm background.
We combined the two talents to form a three-way partnership
to run the Dairy Star.
Joyce Frericks became our bookkeeper in 1999 and grew
into advertising manager and now business manager.
Bryan Zollman joined our staff in 2004, adding a broad
experience in sports writing and warm, touching columns.
In 2007, Zollman and Frericks bought a share of the Her
ald.
In 2010 we merged the Sauk Centre Herald and the
Dairy Star creating a five-person partnership we called Star
Publi
cations, which purchased the Albany Enterprise and
Melrose Beacon. We settled into the following positions:
Mark Klaphake-General Manager, Joyce Frericks-Business
Manager, Dave Simpkins-President and Inspirational Leader,
Jeff Weyer-Sales Manager, Bryan Zollman-Managing Editor.
An exciting part of Star Publications today are the many
talented, committed and professional people on staff, making
the future brighter.
We’ve seen many changes in the last 25 years and there
are many changes to come.
As long as there are communities there will be community
news and we’ll be there to cover it.
Publications
The
Remembering 25 Years
Technology
In 1985, I was the first newspaper publisher to use a com
puter to produce a newspaper. I’ve never seen a computer
upgrade I didn’t like. Pagination, digital photography,
WiFi, Smartphones and social media make this news-
Publications
Newspapering gives us so many opportunities to create
new, interesting publications. In 1998 we started the Dairy
Star, which is now the largest dairy publication in the mid
west, covering dairy in four states twice a month.
We also publish the Sauk Centre Herald, Melrose Beacon,
Albany Enterprise, Star Shopper, Classy Canary, Old Times,
Minnesota Trails and now the Country Acres out of this office.
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Contact:
Missy Traeger
Sales
320-291-9899
[email protected]
Contact:
Todd Anderson
LLC
Sales
Making You a STAR in Any Market!
THE
B
ENTERPRISE Herald +Beacon
Country
Sauk Centre
Acres
+
SHOPPER
STAR
Offices in Albany +Melrose + Sauk Centre
LLC
THE
MELROSE
SIGN Design
Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
320-293-5911
[email protected]
B
ENTERPRISE Herald +Beacon
Country Acres
Sauk Centre
+ SHOPPER
STAR
Offices in Albany +Melrose + Sauk Centre
MELROSE
SIGN Design
Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 7
Star Publications
continues to expand
Star Publications continues to expand other facets of its operations. In addition to operating our
newspapers, we offer up other services to our area communities. One fast-growing segment is our sign
business. Logan Thomas and Joyce Frericks head up this business and we can handle all types of jobs.
From business signs to vehicle detailing to political and yard signs we can pretty much handle any size
job. You may have seen some of our work at Centra Sota in Albany and Sauk Centre, on the front of the
Premiere Real Estate building in Melrose (formerly owned by the Beacon), and on many of the business
semis and cars driving around the area. Our capabilities seem to be growing each day.
Pat Turner and our production staff also design flyers, brochures, posters, catalogs, and invoice
forms that are used by businesses throughout the area. The Stearns County Fair books, Albany Pioneer
Days catalogs, Champion Milking System flyers are just a few of the jobs we have done.
Also in the works to go along with our www.saukherald.com, www.melrosebeacon.com,
www.albanyenterprise.com, and www.dairystar.com websites is a new division of our company that
is just starting up. We will be offering website design, domain name registration, and hosting services
for area businesses. We do a limited amount of this now but will be expanding significantly in the next
few months. We currently operate the number one websites for all our papers and we look to bring this
leadership to our website building division. If you are contemplating getting a website or revising your
current one or just want a better rate for hosting your site, keep us in mind. We offer up some great
advertising banners and with over 2.5 million views on our sites you will not find better value from any
independent rural newspaper sites. As we move forward we will let you know as we add more services.
★
ST R
Publications
Classy CANARY
The
Country
Acres
Star Publications
is locally owned
and operated.
Owners include
(clockwise from bottom
left) Jeff Weyer, Mark
Klaphake, Joyce Frericks,
Dave Simpkins and
Bryan Zollman.
CANARY
DAIRY ST R
★ SHOPSTAR
Making Your
Making
You aBusiness
Star in
The
Star in
AnyAny
Market.
Market
Victory
Contact:
Kayla Hunstiger, Sales
320-247-2728
[email protected]
More Advertising Options than
Anyone Else in the Universe!
Contact:
Tim Vos Sales
+Beacon
B
n
MELROSE
LLC
SIGN Design
Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
320-492-6987
LLC
THE
[email protected]
B
ENTERPRISE Herald +Beacon
Country Acres
Sauk Centre
+ SHOPPER
STAR
Offices in Albany +Melrose + Sauk Centre
MELROSE
SIGN Design
Sauk Centre, MN (320) 352-6577
8 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
Sales and Service
of all types of
electric motors
We repair and rewind:
• All Sizes of Agricultural PTO Alternators
• Generators • Heaters
• Woodstove fans • Corn burner fans
We carry a
complete linde
of bags an
belts.
Schlenner Wenner & Co. Certified Public
Accountants & Business Consultants
Schlenner Wenner & Co., is a regional independent CPA firm dedicated to serving clients with professionalism and integrity. The firm’s professional staff ’s attention to detail and personal touch promote excellent
working relationships with their clients.
Schlenner Wenner & Co., a member of the McGladrey Alliance, has a significant presence in Central
Minnesota by maintaining offices in St. Cloud, Albany, Little Falls, Monticello and Maple Lake. The firm
focuses on serving accounting, tax, payroll, QuickBooks, and business consulting needs of their business,
individual, not-for-profit, and governmental clients. The firm has been providing high quality, value-added
professional services since 1964 to St. Cloud and the surrounding areas.
Schlenner Wenner & Co. currently has 11 partners and 68 employees, including 29 Certified Public
Accountants. This allows them to offer a broad range of services to their clients. Industries served include
agriculture, construction, transportation, telecommunications, retailers, wholesalers, printing, government
agencies, dealerships, not-for-profit organizations and manufacturing.
The partners of the firm are Jim Schlenner, Mike Wenner, Bob Hengel, Steve Schueller, Molly Thompson,
Pat Plamann, Brian Bastian, Brian Mackinac, Cory Ritter and Bill Buckentine.
Schlenner Wenner & Co. has local offices at 115 6th St. in Albany; 109 E Broadway in Little Falls; and 630
Roosevelt Rd. in St. Cloud.
Dave’s Vacuum
Sales and Service
MIDSTATE ELECTRIC
MOTOR SERVICE
1613 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Ste. 1 • Sauk Centre, MN • 320-352-3344
(From left) Aaron Smith, Trese Willenbring, Jamie Marien & Bob Hengel.
Q: HOW DO YOU PICK A CPA? A: EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE.
320-356-7976
www.langetrenchinginc.com
Since 1971, Lange Trenching Inc., located in
Avon, Minnesota, has been providing professional,
year-round, excavating services. Whether your needs
include having a basement dug or installing a septic
system, we have the know-how to get the job done
on time, with-in budget, to industry regulations and to
your specications. No job is too large or too small for
us to handle. Working year-round, we offer full-service
excavating and seasonal services such as land clearing,
material hauling and frost ripping.
Lange Trenching, Inc. is currently owned
by Jeff and Dale Lange. We have
15 full-time employees
Jeff an
d Dale
• Site work
• Basements
• Demolition
• Silt Fencing
• Hauling
• Top Soil
• Gravel
• Street Sweeping
• Ponds
who can help with your commercial or excavating needs.
Our staff is extremely knowledgeable and have over 60
years of combined experience. Among our employees are
Jeff and Dale’s sons; Josh, Jordan, Trevor and Tylor Lange.
Jeff’s daughter, Jenna Smith is the ofce manager.
Throughout the years our company has grown
and expanded, offering more services and equipment.
Our equipment list has expanded to backhoes, dozers,
excavators, front end loaders, frost ripper, gravel trucks,
mini excavators, road grader, street sweeper and skid
loaders.
Lange Trenching is licensed, bonded and certied.
We are members of the Avon and Albany Chamber
of Commerce and NFIB – National Federation of
Independent Business.
With every job we strive to provide the best
quality, efciency and safety we can at the best price
for our customers. Contact us today for a free, no hassle
estimate on your next excavating or trenching project 320.356.7976.
Schlenner Wenner & Co. prepares all types of tax returns including farm, small business, individual,
partnerships, corporation, gift, estate, fiduciary, and not-for-profit.
As an authorized electronic filer since the inception of the program, Schlenner Wenner & Co. filed over
7,300 returns electronically for 2013.
We prepare monthly, quarterly and yearly financial statements (compiled, reviewed and audited) for
clients in a variety of industries.
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR.
Certified Public Accountants & Business Consultants Providing Quality, Personalized and Timely
Services Since 1964. Your Most Valuable Financial Asset.
Albany
320.845.2940
Little Falls
320.632.6311
St. Cloud
320.251.0286
Maple Lake
320.963.5414
SCHLENNER
WENNER & CO.
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
& BUSINESS CONSULTANTS
An Independently Owned Member, McGladrey Alliance
Lange
• Lakeshore Work
• Recycled
Blacktop
• City Water &
Sewer
• Install & Repair
Septic Systems
Monticello
763.295.5070
www.swcocpas.com
INSURANCE SERVICES
LICENSED • BONDED• INSURED
Albany
P.O. Box 399, 140 5th Street, Albany, MN
845-4020, 845-2151, 356-7622
1-800-685-7262
Fax: 845-4988
For all of your insurance
needs... Auto, Home, Farm,
Business, Health, Life
Excellence and integrity have been a focus of MN National Agency
for more than 75 years. Our first clients were farmers, small businesses,
homeowners and automobile customers, which continue to be an
important part of our agency. We are also an Endorsed Provider and
member of the Minnesota Resort & Campground Association and are
the largest retail agency for resorts and campgrounds in Minnesota.
We represent many highly-rated national and regional insurance
companies and brokers, giving our agents
options in addressing the insurance concerns
of our customers.
Mark T. Maloney, Agency Manager
Visit our two locations
Sauk Centre • 320.352.5211
Long Prairie • 320.732.6612
Let Mark, Carol or Heidi help you with your insurance needs!
www.mnnationalagency.com
Ross Voit,
Agent
www.stearnsinsurance.com
Stearns Insurance Services of Albany –
Providing quality coverage, best value
Cheryl Johnson,
C.I.S.R.
Stearns Insurance Services, Albany, is committed to being the only source you will need
for insurance. Ross Voit’s goal, as agency manager and licensed agent for over 25 years, is to
be your trusted advisor, listening carefully to your needs and guiding you to the policies that
serve you the best.
Stearns Insurance Services is a member of the Stearns Insurance Services, Inc. group that
has other agencies in St. Cloud and Holdingford.
No single insurance company can provide the quality coverage with the best value for all
the policies you need. That’s why Stearns Insurance Services is an independent insurance
agency.We’re not tied to any one insurance company but can shop several different insurance
companies to nd the best coverage with the best price and service. We know your time is
valuable so we do the shopping for you! Ross and Cheryl are also trained and certied to help
you with all your MNSURE needs.
Stearns Insurance Services has access to many ne insurance companies such as AutoOwners, Allied, North Star Mutual, Western National, Progressive, Elmdale Mutual, Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Zurich, General Casualty, Grinnell, Travelers and
Medica, along with several other specialty, life and health carriers.
Whether your needs are for personal, farm, life, health or business insurance, Stearns
Insurance Services of Albany has the solution that’s right for you.
Ross, and Cheryl Johnson, Customer Service Agent, are there to answer any questions you
may have on insurance concerns.
Albany Mutual
Allied Group
Auto-Owners
Blue Cross & Blue Shield
Continental Western Group
Elmdale Mutual
Foremost
General Casualty
Grinnell Mutual
Health Partners
Medica
North Star Mutual
Paynesville Mutual
Preferred One
Progressive
RAM Mutual
Travelers
Western National
Zurich
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 9
FAMILY
BUSINESS
Whispering Oaks Winery: known for good quality wine
by HERMAN LENSING
STAFF WRITER
Rural Melrose-“Good quality
fruit equals good quality wine."
Terri and Chris Ellering should
know.
As owners of Whispering Oaks
Winery in rural Melrose, they harvest grapes grown in their Black
Oak Vineyard, which is made into
wine produced in their winery.
“We start the harvest in September, and we usually bottle in
April,” said Chris.
Ten different wines are produced at the four-year-old winery.
Most, but not all, of the wines are
made from grapes grown in the
Ellerings’ vineyards.
"The Gewurztraminer and the
Riesling are derived from German
grapes, grown in Washington. The
grapes will not survive Minnesota
winters," said Chris. Our Serenity,
Elegance, Imagine and Black Ice
are blended wines."
“Blends are like a recipe,” said
Terri. “You blend different wines
together.”
Whispering Oaks' La Crescent,
Marquette, Frontenac Gris, Frontenac Blanc, and Black Ice are
made from grapes grown in Minnesota, most from their vineyard.
Winemaking roots run deep
Chris is a vintner, a maker of
wines. He has experimented
with making wine for years, but
it wasn’t until 2011, that he and
Terri officially opened their own
winery.
Growing grapes, which they
started doing in 2005, and making
wine was a perfect fit for this Melrose couple, who enlisted the help
of their children to get the vineyard and winery off the ground.
“They are two different businesses,” said Chris. “We grow
grapes in the vineyard. We pro-
were sold to other wineries and
made into wine, until 2011 when
the Ellerings started making wine
at Whispering Oaks Winery.
“We make all the wines here,”
said Terri. “We don’t bring a wine
here and rebottle it.”
The Ellerings have a very intimate connection to the grapes
and wine, which they can see out
of their kitchen windows. Grape
vines line the left side of their
driveway leading to their winery,
with more grapes planted just
south of the winery. They watch
and tend the vineyard and harvest
the grapes each fall, before a hard
frost, with help from family and
friends.
At their winery they crush and
ferment the grapes, check the fermentation and mix wines they
want to create.
"Depending on the process, it
can take from four to six weeks to
make the wine," said Chris. "But
all the wines are aged for a period
of time before being presented to
the public."
Machines are used for crushing grapes, but there is still work
done by hand in the winemaking
process. The Ellerings are present
PHOTO BY HERMAN LENSING
during every step of the process,
Terri and Chris Ellering have hands-on involvement from gathfrom harvesting grapes to bottling
ering grapes in Black Oak Vineyard, to bottling award-winning
wine. Last year they bottled 5,000
wines at Whispering Oaks Winery.
bottles of wine.
“Our hands touch the bottles
duced wine and sell wine in the them,” said Terri. “We wanted to many times,” said Chris. “Terri
winery.”
do something, because this would and I make it, bottle it and present
it to the public.”
The Ellerings decided to start be a lot of lawn to mow.”
a vineyard after hearing about a When a co-worker told Chris Even wine labels are designed
variety of grape, developed by about the University of Minnesota at their facility.
“We don’t hire anyone. I like
the University of Minnesota, that grapes, he told Terri.
could be grown during Minneso- “She said, ‘Let’s talk about it.’ to tell people who come here that
ta’s short growing season and used That afternoon we ordered 250 when they see us, they see all the
people who have worked on the
to make wines.
plants,” said Chris.
Plus they had the perfect place In 2008, three years after they wine,” said Terri.
Award winning wines
to grow grapes.
planted those first plants, they
“We raised elk here but after harvested their first grapes to The wines the Ellerings make
the elk business peaked, we sold make wine. Those first grapes are becoming well known lo-
cally, nationally and internationally and have won awards. The
International Cold Climate Wine
Competition, which includes
wine-makers from 14 states in the
northern tier of the United States,
has awarded Whispering Oaks
Winery gold, silver or bronze
awards every year since 2011.
All of those wines were first
tasted in the attractive winery
tasting room, open weekends
from Memorial Day through September. Visitors
can sample
the wines
before determining
which are
their favorites to take
home and
enjoy.
Visitors have
come from
France,
China, Austria, Luxemburg, as well
as most states
in the United
States.
The
tasting
room is in its "off" season now, but work in the
vineyard and winery continues year-around.
“When its starts fermenting, it smells really
good out here,” said Terri.
The Ellerings look forward to another year of
growing grapes and making—and drinking—good
quality wines.
Yes, they enjoy
drinking a glass
of their wine
as much as
they do making it.
Standing Byy Our Service and Serving Central MN for Over 35 Years
A Quality
Team Selling
Quality
Equipment
404 County Road 50
Avon, Minnesota 56310
South Side of I-94
877-356-2407
www.midsotamfg.com
Midsota Manufacturing has come a long way from their roots of a
welding company started in a garage in Albany in the early 1970’s. With
continued company growth in the 90’s and 2000’s Midsota outgrew their
Albany facility and in 2005 the company was moved from Albany to Avon.
Since that move in 2005 Midsota has been experiencing steady growth and in
2013, that growth started to exceed building capacity!
Joel Bauer and Tim Burg, owners of Midsota Manufacturing, Inc.,
began to search for additional property to be able to keep up with the
growing demand for their quality and custom built trailers. The search was
turning up empty without nding the right building or right location to be able
to maintain efciencies. One day the phone rang and it was from the city
of Avon; they had been notied earlier that day of a local business that would be closing its doors by mid-summer of 2014.
The location happened to be directly across Interstate 94 and visible from Joel and Tim’s ofce windows!
The former PSI building, located at 316 Blattner Drive in Avon, is a 600’ long building with 6 acres of open eld
adjacent for more future expansion! Midsota closed on the property on May 30th of this year and on August 11th full
production was taking place in the building! The new facility will be used entirely for wholesale trailer manufacturing for
trailer dealers across the United States and Canada.
This expansion will help Midsota cut lead times that had gotten out of hand in early 2014. It also will allow us
the room to add additional trailer models to the Midsota lineup that trailer dealers from across the country have been
requesting. Midsota had 4 of those new models at this year’s NATDA trade show in St. Louis, MO in early September!
Midsota has been building commercial grade trailers since the early 70’s and has grown into a complete steel open
trailer provider with the addition of the Nova series in 2012. With the building addition on the North side of I94 Midsota will
be able to utilize the original building on the South side of I94 to grow their attachment manufacturing and add additional
skidsteer attachments to their line and also expand retail sales including adding additional trailer manufacturers to the line
up for sale, also giving more room for additional trailer service options.
This fall Midsota also added snow plows to their retail line up including the Fischer and Blizzard brands of plows! Stop
in a
nd ssee
ee w
hatt Mi
ha
Mids
dsot
ota
a Ma
Manu
nufa
fact
cttur
urin
ing
g ha
hass to o
ffer
ff
er!!
and
what
Midsota
Manufacturing
offer!
10 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
s
e
l
fi
o
Pr
Central
Minnesota
Retail
Industrial
Commercial
Doing Business
....
Making Progress
Enjoy reading about local business people
you already know, and some you may not.
Sauk Centre Family Dental
Getting to know
your local Dentist,
Dr. Jason Bjerketvedt.
Dr. Jason Bjerketvedt grew up on a dairy farm, in rural Parkers
Prairie, MN. At a young age he knew he wanted to work in healthcare,
be a part of a smaller town and support a local community. With that,
he sought out a chemistry degree from the University of MinnesotaMorris and continued on to dental school at the University of
Minnesota-Twin Cities. Following dental school, he began practicing
at the Fergus Falls Community Dental Clinic (FFCDC).
Dr. Jason also is a 15 year member of the military and is a dentist
for the Minnesota National Guard. Being in the military has taken
him to many places and provided him with confidence and increased
his ability as a dentist. In 2010, he was deployed to Iraq. It is there
that he treated soldiers under extreme situations.
This deployment enhanced his performance as a
dentist. He became proficient in surgical extractions on impacted teeth
and executed multiple, successful root canals daily.
Dr. Jason is an avid outdoorsman and can often be found hunting
and fishing. He enjoys helping out on his family's farm in Parkers Prairie,
running marathons and spending time with his family. Dr. Jason lives 320
-352-41
with his wife Natalie, and their new son, Harrison.
4
Call
Today!
1
“Conveniently located downtown.”
The Power to Protect™
Heartland Security protects your home and family
Heartland Security provides alarm systems for homes and businesses
as well as medical alert systems. We also offer interactive services
available through your smartphone that allow you to arm or disarm
your system, control your lights and thermostat, or view live video.
Heartland Security is a two-time winner of the Security Pro Dealer of
the Year award and protects more than 7,000 customers in western
and southern Minnesota and northern Iowa.
Call us today for a free, no obligation security analysis and quote!
1-888-264-6380
Hours: Mon. 7 am-4 pm • Tues. 7 am-4 pm • Wed. 10 am-7 pm • Thurs. 7 am-4 pm • Fri. 7 am-12 pm
HEARTLANDSS.COM
www.saukcentrefamilydental.com • Sauk Centre, MN
Albany
Home
Bakery
531 Railroad Ave., Albany
320-845-2963
Bakery fresh rolls, bread, frozen breads, bars, cookies,
made-to-order design cakes for all occasions!
Call
(320)356-7943
In February 2014, Missy Donabauer and her husband opened
MD Salon & Spa (formerly known as The Hair Connextion
Salon). They have taken the salon and given it a complete
facelift to give it a big city atmosphere
look with a small town feel. For the past
year Missy has been spending endless
hours converting the old laundromat
side of the salon into a state of the art
spa. MD Salon & Spa has an experienced
staff to meet any of your needs and offers
a wide range of amenities and products.
Hours: Monday-Friday 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Saturday 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Albany Home Bakery, 531 Railroad Ave., offers fresh rolls, bread, frozen breads, bars,
cookies and made-to-order cakes.
Albany Home Bakery specializes in frozen bread dough, along with frozen cinnamon
rolls and kolachies. They also have baked fresh rolls and donuts daily, along with bakedfresh cookies and bars. They also specialize in homemade bars: magic, mound, scotcheroo,
salted nut roll, pumpkin, rice krispie, caramel bars, etc. One of the bakery’s most sought-out
specialties is the chewy almond-type cookie, which is dipped in chocolate. This cookie is
called “Florentine.” We can make gluten free cookies by special order.
Albany Home Bakery has been in business for more than 45 years and is under the
ownership of LuAnn Jopp as of Jan. 1, 2002. Husband Tim helps out and does most of the
deliveries and errands. They have seven employees: Rita, Mary Kay, Rita G., Bev, Elaine,
Tom and Matt.
Albany Home Bakery is open Monday through Friday 4 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday
4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call the staff of the Albany Home Bakery to place your special orders by
calling 320-845-2963.
Missy Donabauer
Owner • 9 years exp.
OPEN: Tuesday 8am-5pm
Wednesday 8am-8pm
Thursday 8am-8pm
Friday 8am-5pm
Saturday 8am-12pm
(Closed Sundays & Mondays)
MASSAGES - Deep Tissue Massage, Relaxation Massage,
Hot Stone Massage and Reflexology
HAIR CARE SERVICES - Style Cuts, Perms, Coloring, Highlights,
Lowlights, Updo’s, Moisturizer Treatments
and Demineralizing Treatments
NAIL SERVICES - Maintenance Pedicure, Spa Pedicure,
Gelish Polish, Manicure
SKIN CARE - Professional Facial Waxing
Kari Kreuzer
13 years exp.
Jan Grutsch
38 years exp.
Jennifer
Schleper
11 years exp.
Beth Brix
15 years exp.
Janelle
Schlangen
6 years exp.
Samantha
Gertken
3 years exp.
www.mdsalonspa.com |111 Avon Ave. S., Avon
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 11
Open to the Public!
O
ASK
A
SK FOR
FO IT AT YOUR LOCAL LIQUOR STORE!
www.pantherdistillery.com
w
ww
w.pa
panthe
h rd
y.com
m
et
300 East Pike Street
Osakis, MN
320-859-2256
Boat St
Storage
tora
age &
Winterizing
te
eriziing
Avon Marine started out as a family
business in 1975 and is still in the family to this
p
day. Duane and Gloria Pierson opened the shop
more than 30 years ago and ran it until the 90s
when they sold it to Crystal Pierz Marine.
Their son, Randy, kept the business going
with a smaller custom shop called Gran Prix
International, LLC, mainly working on specialty boats.
When Crystal Pierz closed up shop, Randy jumped on the opportunity
to move back into the space and re-create Avon Marine. The business now
specializes in the service restoration and storage of boats, motors and
watercraft.
“Avon Marine is doing what it does best, which is to take care of customers’
boats and give service beyond what the big sales shops can do,” Randy said.
During the winter months Avon Marine continues to stay busy. One of the
many services offered is watercraft restoration. Whether it comes to upholstery,
flooring, or fiber glass repairs, there isn’t a task that can’t be handled. During
the down time not only do they specialize in watercrafts, but also repair
snowmobiles.
“Our experience really sets us apart,” Randy said. “We treat customers’ boats
like they’re our own. We make the best decisions on proper service, giving our
customers the best value.”
Randy said he enjoys seeing customers throughout the season, from the
spring right up to putting the boat away for the year.
OVER 30 YEARS
EXPERIENCE
211 Stratford St., Avon • 320-267-0440
e-mail:
[email protected]
Come for a Tour...
T
Touring
i P
Panther
th Di
Distillery
till
off Osakis,
O ki MN iis lik
like
visiting an old friend.
Walking through the door of this distillery you are
immediately greeted as if you are family, by gift shop/
tour manager Char Petroske, Master Distiller Brett
Grinager, Owner Adrian Panther, or one of the seven
other friendly local faces employed there.
Everyone at Panther Distillery is passionate about
their whiskey and can walk you through a detailed
tour of the distillery and whiskey making process.
Your tour starts and ends in the gift shop where
there are several items to purchase; however, the
heart of your tour is in the fascinating distillery itself.
As you are guided through the distillery by one
of the many talented and knowledgeable Panther
Distillery employees they explain everything about the
whiskey making process from the eld to your glass.
Details, from picking the local farmer and eld the
corn will come from, to the bottling and legal sales of
their whiskey in an establishment or liquor store near
you, are very exciting.
The entire Panther Distillery family would like to
invite you into their home for a tour and a sample of
one of their ve liquors (White Water Whiskey*Spiked
Apple Spirits*Bad Medicine Gin*Pike Street
Bourbon*Minnesota 14 Whiskey).
As the Panther business
and family continues to
grow, make sure you’re part
of the fun, by visiting the
distillery in person, through
their website, or on their
Facebook page.
. .and a
SAMPLE
Like us on
Facebook!
Distillery Hours:
Mon. - Sat.
10 am - 4 pm
Galaxy Precision, Inc., 37429 – 251st Avenue, Albany, is a precision CNC machine job shop. The business is owned by
RRalph Finken, Mark Finken & Sharon Finken. Ralph is the CEO, Mark is the COO and Sharon is the CFO.
After working in machine shops for over 22 years, Ralph started this business alone, using manual equipment, in 1989.
Galaxy machines gear blanks, axles, shafts, rollers and many other custom-made parts for new equipment. Galaxy
m
machines steel, stainless steel, brass, aluminum and plastic parts.
Parts machined are used on large and small industrial and commercial equipment including drive components. Parts
aare also made for food processing and pharmaceutical use. Work is done for a number of manufacturers, local, out of state
aand companies that operate internationally.
Galaxy employs 25, operates 30 CNC machines and has been in business for 24 years.
In 2011 an additional 10,500 square foot building was added for production and warehouse.
A 50hp computer controlled lathe with a 24” chuck is the largest CNC lathe currently being used at Galaxy Precision and
was delivered new in November of 2011 with a price tag of $250,000. A new horizontal machining center was purchased in
August 2012 costing $350,000. This has a pallet changer, 90 tool magazine and 1,000 PSI thru spindle coolant and automatic
probing system.
In 2014 Galaxy purchased a new Doosan Puma 3100ULY CNC lathe w/ hydraulic chuck, 36” swing and over 10 feet of
turning length. Live tooling (milling): Y-Axis (above and below center machining), C-Axis (spindle indexing), X-Axis and
Z-Axis, tool setter, programmable tailstock and steady rest.
Also in 2014 Galaxy purchased a new Doosan Lynx 220LSYC CNC lathe w/ LNS servo barfeeder. Main Spindle, SubSpindle, Live Tooling (milling): X-Axis, Z-Axis & C-Axis (spindle indexing) on main and sub spindles. Live Tooling (milling):
Y-Axis (above and below center machining) on main and sub spindles. These capabilities allow this machine to manufacture
complete parts including features which would normally need to be completed in a milling machine after the lathe work
is completed. This makes manufacturing more efficient, reducing costs and saves the customer
money.
Videos to view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFrwZYA0w58 and
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCrsknN2jSk .
A new computer system was installed along with a software program from ShopTech, to
not only do business online, but also to track all jobs going through the shop. This is improving
efficiency and giving better control to make improvements and deliver parts on time.
In 2012 Gibbs CAM (Computer-Aided Machining) software was purchased to program the CNC
machines in advance in the office. This also improves efficiencies and saves time at the machine.
Galaxy Precision, Inc. is located about four miles northwest of Albany.
Phone: 320-836-2184 Fax: 320-836-2185.
Emails:
[email protected] (Ralph),
[email protected] (Mark)
and
[email protected] (Sharon)
Contact Us!
www.galaxyprecisionmn.com
12 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
The people behind the scenes
Renee Thelen
Matt Kreuzer
Administrative Assistant/Public Relations
for CHI Albany Area Health d/b/a Albany
Area Hospital & Medical Center
Branch manager at the
Central MN Credit Union at the
Avon Branch
How many years have you been at your How many years have you been at your
current job? I have been at AAHMC for current job? 12-years with CMCU, and 4
over 22 years and in my current position 1⁄2 years in Avon.
for the past nine years.
Describe your job duties: I oversee and
Describe your job duties: Assist admin- manage the Avon office. Also, I provide
istrative staff by coordinating activities, a wide variety of loan products to our
providing project support and services; members and help them with all of their
communicate with the public, our pa- financial needs.
tients and employees by personal contact,
telephone, email or written communica- What skills or education is required for
tion; management and implementation of your job? Generally, a two year degree
internal and external communication and and/or equivalent experience is required
advertising materials; support patient ser- for this position.
vice initiatives and coordinate media and
public relations functions, and participate Tell me something unique about your
in community organizations as a health job? When I started at CMCU, we had 6
care organization representative. In a branches. Since then, we have nearly trirural health care facility, we wear many pled in size, with 17 branches currently.
hats.
What’s is the biggest challenge at your
What skills or education is required job? I would have to say time managefor your job? Some of the skills include ment. CMCU is an excellent and very
health care knowledge, being able to progressive organization. CMCU is almulti-task, written and verbal commu- ways adapting to keep ahead of changing
nication skills, creativity, knowledge of technologies, developing new products,
various office software programs, organi- and growing its business while encouragzational and time management, planning, ing employees to be very civically comprofessionalism, and being personable.
mitted to their respective communities.
Through my involvement with chamber,
Tell me something unique about your school board, my career, and having three
job? No two days are the same.
children that are also busy, time management becomes critical to stay on top of
What is the biggest challenge at your everything. I am very fortunate to have
job? I think with workloads continuing a great team at work and a wonderful and
to increase, it is a challenge to balance the supportive wife at home.
workload.
What do you enjoy most about your
What do you enjoy most about your job? Helping someone with their first
job? Bottom line…the staff at AAHMC. home purchase is the most enjoyable.
They are so dedicated to our patients and This single transaction provides the fountheir families. Their compassion for the dation for a great member relationship
well-being of generations of families is and is one of the most important finantop notch. This compassion begins with cial undertakings of their lives. I take
our receptionists and continues through great pride in taking the worry out of this
to our providers and administration.
transaction, and making it simple for the
member.
Deb Schmitz
Bob Forster
Service Counter/Cashier at
Sauk Centre Coborn’s
City Maintenance Worker
for the City of Albany
How many years have you been at your How many years have you been at
current job? 12 years in October.
your current job? 31 years.
Describe your job duties: Usually opening service counter at 7 am. Helping
people in general. Happily assisting customers with lottery, stamps, dry cleaning,
money orders, cigarette sales, answering
the phone, store questions and general
service counter transactions.
Describe your job duties: I do anything
required to maintain the city. Everything
from water works to landscaping, whatever it takes to keep the city looking
great and functioning properly.
What skills or education is required
for your job? There are a lot of certificaWhat skills or education is required for tions needed, including wastewater certiyour job? I took 3 years sales and mar- fication and sewer certification.
keting in high school. I’ve worked retail
since age 16. Job knowledge is so impor- Tell me something unique about your
tant. You have to love working with the job? I get to meet a really wide range of
public!
people in my position. We see and get to
know a lot of faces and in my experience,
Tell me something unique about your I have seen so many people come and go
job? So many people think it’s easy and I have seen the changes in how peoworking service counter, a person has to ple live and the city functions. It's a lot
be patient, knowledgeable and friendly. different now than when I started.
It can be a little stressful and time consuming with just one customer, but it all What’s is the biggest challenge at your
works out, customers are understanding job? The biggest challenge is being able
and that helps make the job easier. I think to keep everything running smooth in the
a happy employee is a more productive city.
employee.
What do you enjoy most about your
What’s is the biggest challenge at your job? I like seeing people happy. I enjoy
job? Sometimes multitasking on several going home at night knowing that I did
jobs at once can be a bit hectic. Keeping a something good to keep the town lookclear train of thought is important.
ing great and allow other people to enjoy
Albany.
What do you enjoy most about your
job? I love the customers. The best place
to shop and best place to work is our goal.
I have a good rapport with the regulars. I
try to treat each person as I would want
to be treated. I enjoy seeing and meeting
new people as well. I try to be helpful to
everyone.
care products by Matrix, Brittany
offers Redkin products for all hair types
and styles and Nicole works with Pureology.
Both Brittany and Nicole bring current
trends to the ever-changing hair care
industry. They also offer manicures to their
clients and they enjoy all aspects of their job.
Call Lucy, Brittany and Nicole at the
Hairitage Shoppe today to schedule your
appointment!
Lucy Maus, owner of The Hairitage
Shoppe in Albany, has been bringing
local residents’ beauty to the surface for 30
years.
Lucy now welcomes Albany natives Brittany
Bauer and Nicole Luethmers as independent
stylists at the Hairitage Shoppe.
Lucy, Brittany and Nicole are excited to
serve their clients with haircuts, styling, color
services, perms, waxing and ear piercing.
“Adding Brittany and Nicole to the business
allows better availability for clients as well as
new ideas,” said Lucy.
While Lucy carries the Biolage line of hair
“For all your hair care needs at a
reasonable price, call The Hairitage
Shoppe,” Maus said.
Come
See Us
Today!
Brittany Bauer
We Are Locally Owned & Operated
Lucy Maus
541 R
R.R.
R Avenue,
A
Albany,
Alb
MN • 320
320-845-4770
Verizon Wireless Zone has been locally
& family owned since August of 2011.
They offer a wide variety of products
and services to meet your needs. You
can find the same great products &
services as all other major Verizon
locations. Store owner Travis Miller and
d
Sales Associate Dominic Bonacci are
not only knowledgeable but have ties
to the community. Feel free to call Travis
is
and Dominic to discuss monthly specials
ls and
promotions being offered.
Nicole Luethmers
710 County Rd. 75 East, St. Joseph, MN • 320-363-4562
Career Q and A
Tracy Tenney
Administrative Assistant
at Mother of Mercy
Campus of Care
How many years have
you been at your current
job? I just celebrated my
6 year anniversary on Aug
29th
Describe your job duties: Greeting visitors,
answering phone calls
and assisting residents/
tenants. I’ve also assisted with the planning of
the annual Wine & Dine
event. Everyday is different for tasks that a leadership personnel may need
of me which makes each
day unique.
What skills or education
is required for your job?
One year post secondary
education.
Tell
me
something
unique about your job?
The fact that I can say I
have 100+ adopted grandparents! The residents
and tenants do become
like family to me!!!
What’s is the biggest
challenge at your job?
Having to say goodbye to
a resident or tenants family after their loved one
has passed on.
Pat Elfering
Owner, Operator
Unique Boutique
Melrose
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 13
The people behind the scenes
Denise Ripplinger Kate Stalboerger
Dental Assistant & Office
Manager at Sauk Centre
Family Dental
How many years have How many years have
you been at your current you been at your curjob? 6 years
rent job? 1 year since we
opened in January.
Describe your duties: As
a business owner, I wear Describe your job duties:
10 different hats. I pur- Dental assistant and ofchase, display and sell fice manager. I assist Dr.
items, along with doing Jason during procedures.
the bookkeeping and the I make sure everything is
odds and ends that go sterilized and ready for the
with a business.
next patient. I also have
the duties at the front desk
What skills or education of checking patients in and
is required for your job? out and also working with
A lot of work and dedi- insurances.
cation.
What skills or education
Tell
me
something is required for your job?
unique about your job? Dental assisting degree &
We serve a variety of people skills.
customers, many who
are looking for different Tell me something unique
and unique items.
about your job? I get to
work closely with a variety
What’s is the biggest of people.
challenge at your job?
Keeping up with all the What’s is the biggest
changes in the retail challenge at your job?
world.
Slowly learning new technology and stress on attenWhat do you enjoy most tion to detail.
about your job? I enjoy
everything about the What do you enjoy most
business.
about your job? The team
members I work with.
They make work enjoyable and easier.
Kayla Christen
Assistant Manger at
Elmerz Restaurant, Bar
& Event Centre
Manger of Ace Hardware
of Sauk Centre
How many years have
you been at your current job? Seven
How many years have
you been at your current job? 6 months.
How many years have
you been at your current job? 6 years.
Describe your job duties: Ordering product,
daily deposits, taking care
of inventory, organizing
deliveries, basically making sure the store doesn’t
burn down.
Describe your job duties: Customer service,
manage staff and run
shifts.
Describe your job duties: Customer service,
repairs, sales, ordering,
hiring process, training,
meet with vendors, paperwork and reports, work
with Coborn’s (owners)
and Ace Hardware to
provide the best possible
products and customer
service.
What skills or education is required for your
job? Accounting/business, customer service
and dairy background is
helpful.
Tell
me
something
unique about your job?
I never worked somewhere where I get baby
chicks in the mail!
What’s is the biggest
challenge at your job?
Accounts
receivable,
keeping track of inventory.
What skills or education
is required for your job?
People skills, leadership
skills, customer service
skills and team work.
Tell
me
something
unique about your job?
Meeting new people all
the time.
What’s is the biggest
challenge at your job?
Providing great customer
service 100% of the time.
What do you enjoy
most about your job?
Working with people.
What do you enjoy
most about your job?
The everyday customer
interaction continuously
learning about visiting
dairy farmers.
What do you enjoy most
about your job? The
teasing the residents give
me! The ability to make
residents/tenants smile or
laugh everyday and how
their face lights up when
they see me.
OPEN 24 HOURS
SIGNS • BANNERS • ENGRAVING
AVING
CUSTOM APPAREL & EMBROIDERY
Everything Signs was started by Robb Berscheid in August of
2007. Originally starting with just signs, Everything Signs now
offers a variety of services including: Signs,
Banners, Laser Engraving, as well as
Embroidery and Screen Printing.
What skills or education is required for your
job? Bachelor degree in
business. I have a master’s degree education in
education. I have been in
the hardware business for
18 years.
Tell
me
something
unique about your job?
Each day is new, new
opportunities, new challenges, new products.
What’s is the biggest
challenge at your job?
Computer down time.
What do you enjoy most
about your job? Working with our staff and
see the customer needs
met and help them complete their jobs or find the
products they need.
every day
New location coming
soon on Main Street
in Holdingford!
470 INDUSTRIAL DR. HOLDINGFORD, MN • 320-746-0746
www.everythingsigns.com
David Sobotke
Manager of Sauk Centre
Country Store
214 12th Street, Sauk Centre, MN • (320) 352-5990
2022Prgrmad_092214
14 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
Our Internet is fast-
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Based on Arvig service area, some restrictions apply. ©Arvig 2014. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Decades ago, Native Americans walked a path along the shore of
Black
B Oak Lake and picked wild grapes on their way to nearby villages.
Today,
T
Black Oak Vineyard rests less than 100 yards from the lake–the
source
s
of the grapes’ early nourishment.
Today Black Oak Vineyard and Whispering Oaks Winery make up a
single
s
operation owned and managed by Chris and Terri Ellering in Melrose,
Minnesota.
M
They have many award winning wines and are most excited about
the
t silver medal won this year at the International Cold Climate Wine
Competition
C
for their Frontenac Blanc. This is a fairly new grape now
growing
g
in Minnesota vineyards. Whispering Oaks Winery was the only
Minnesota
M
winery to earn a medal for it. Every wine Whispering Oaks
Winery
W
has entered into competition has medaled.
Directions from I-94 east: take exit 137 for New Munich. Turn left off
the
t ramp. Go three miles through New Munich, take a right onto County
Road
R 30. We’re three miles down on the right.
Chris
Ch
i & TTerrii El
Ell
Ellering
ll i
From I-94 west: take exit 135 for Melrose. Go right off the ramp and
33578 Co Rd 30, Melrose, MN
head down County Road 13 for about three miles. Take a left onto County
Road 30 and you’ll find us one mile down the road.
Book Your:
Hours: Memorial Day weekend to the end of September, Saturdays
Birthdays • Meetings
Ladies Night Out • Anniversaries and Sundays 1-5 p.m. They will then close for the season. Wine can be
purchased during their off hours by calling ahead for an appointment.
and other special occasions
“LIKE” the winery on Facebook for all updates.
320-256-7118 • www.whisperingoakswinerymn.com
Own Your Mobility
TODAY!
For the eighth year in a row, thanks for the hardware.
Ace Hardware has ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home
Improvement Retail Stores” according to J.D. Power, thanks to you.
226 12th St. • Sauk Centre, MN
320-352-0309
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Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 15
Central
Minnesota
Buy local and support
your local economy!
Many consumers prefer to buy locally when
shopping. There are several
advantages to choosing local products, including the
benefit of aiding your local
economy by supporting a
business with roots in your
community. Dealing with
an individual or small enterprise instead of a billiondollar operation is another
reason people are drawn to
local stores and businesses.
Spring and summer
are great times of year to
shop locally, as the warmer
weather facilitates strolling community shops and
business districts. The following items are popular
among consumers who emphasize buying local when
making their purchases.
Produce
If you desire fresher
fruits and vegetables, then
shopping locally is the way
to go. According to Local
Harvest, most produce in
the United States is picked
four to seven days before
it reaches the supermarket
shelves, and it might have
traveled thousands of miles
before landing on those
shelves. A lot of produce is
grown and imported from
South and Central America,
and such produce can take
even longer to arrive on
supermarket shelves. As a
result, the flavor and freshness of fruits and vegetables
shipped from afar might be
compromised. The best way
to get peak-season produce
is to buy items that come
from local providers.
Home services
If you're in the market
for a new air conditioning
unit or are considering a
home renovation, using a
local, licensed contractor is
often the smart way to go.
Rather than dealing with
the red tape of a larger outfit that may subcontract its
work, local businesses are
often more customer-service driven. What's more,
if ever a problem arises,
it's much easier to go into
a local business and discuss concerns face-to-face
instead of dealing with an
unknown person answering
phones at a corporate call
center.
Crafts
The home-based arts
and crafts industry has undergone a rebirth thanks to
sites like Pinterest, Craftsy
and Etsy. Many of the items
offered in local craft shops
are handmade by local artisans and not mass-produced
in overseas factories. Local artisans may be your
best bet when shopping for
unique arts and crafts full of
detail and quality.
Food
Dining out is a different experience when you select independent restaurants
over national chains. Chefs
at independently owned restaurants have a greater say
over ingredients and menu
choices than those at franchise establishments, and
you may be introduced to
foods you had never before
dreamed of trying. Restaurants that team up with
local food suppliers offer
a double-dose of regional
commerce and fresher ingredients. If you're new
to the area, browse the local newspaper, community
direct-mailers and coupon
books to find dining establishments in your area.
Columbia Gear
pr
gear products, tr ovides
ansmission
and drive compo
Construction, Ag nents to the
ric
Mass Transit, M ulture, Rail,
in
Energy, Oil & Ga ing, Wind
s Industries.
530 County Road 50 Avon, MN 56310
(320) 356-7301
www.columbiagear.com
“Compassionate, Quality Service, Because We Care!”
Highlighting the
Leading Businesses
in Central Minnesota
Mother of Mercy Campus of Care
Our
Values
We take pride in our Catholic roots and Christian
faith while serving everyone. We treat all who live,
visit and work here with dignity and respect. We are
committed to doing our work honestly, respectfully
and cooperatively. We believe that personal fulllment
comes through service to others. We are diligent
stewards of our human, physical and nancial
resources.
Our
Vision
Mother of Mercy shall be recognized for the quality of
care provided through its programs and as the employer
of choice by its staff.
• Rapid Recovery
(Short Term Care)
• Skilled Nursing
Care
• Assisted Living
Apartments
• Independent Living
Apartments with
aging services
• Memory Care
230 Church Avenue • P.O. Box 676 Albany, MN 56307
320.845.2195
“Quality Care - Caring People” • 55 Years
www.motherofmercymn.org
Trips to the drug store aren’t always
wonderful. Prescriptions can be expensive
and confusing – but at K&S Pharmacy
customers are guaranteed to feel like family.
“Our mission is to serve all our customers
to the absolute best of our ability with
compassionate, friendly, quality service,”
said owner Karla Schneider with 18 years
of experience. “We want our customers to
realize they are our number one priority!”
Schneider owns the pharmacy with
her sister, Sarah Grutsch, with 12 years
of experience. Schneider’s career path
stemmed from her love of science, math
and her love of people. Grutsch fell into it
after working as a pharmacy technician and
completing her degree in economics. They
have recently hired pharmacist, Angie Brown
who received her PharmD degree from
NDSU College of Pharmacy and has 10+
years of experience.
K&S Pharmacy is a new destination on
Avon’s main street and is sure to be a onestop shop.
Come
see us
today!
“We
strive to
be a benefit to
our community and
the surrounding towns,”
Schneider said. “We want
to offer our support because we
love living and working in ‘small-town’
America – that’s where our roots are and
those are the people and communities we
want to succeed.”
The pharmacy has now been open for a
little over two years and Schneider said she
and her sister are loving every minute of it.
Along with filling prescriptions, customers
can pick up toiletries, cards, gift-wrap, school
and office supplies and even hometown
Husky and Husker apparel.
Now offering flu & other adult (18+)
vaccinations. Walk-ins welcome.
No appointment needed!
Like us on Facebook at K&S Pharmacy
107 Avon Ave. S., Suite #1, Avon, MN
320.356.1000
M-F 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sat 9 a.m. - Noon
s
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16 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
Central
Minnesota
by BRYAN ZOLLMAN
STAFF WRITER
Darcy Pfeffer and
Claire Rieland know that
outstanding customer service leads to customer retention and referrals.
In the insurance business, that is the key to
their success.
Pfeffer has been in
the industry 20-plus years
while Rieland is going
on her eighth. Both work
side-by-side at Billmark’s
Insurance on Main Street
in Sauk Centre.
“I put a lot of my efforts every day into customer service, and making sure my clients are
taken care of as a number
one priority versus just
trying to sell, sell, sell,”
said Rieland.
After being in the
industry for more than
two decades, Pfeffer has
learned that quality customer service and honesty
PHOTO BY BRYAN ZOLLMAN
Claire Rieland and Darcy Pfeffer are dedicated to their
customers to provide quality insurance.
goes a long way with clients.
“A good insurance
agent is accountable, reliable, honest, and cares
about their clients and
their future,” she said. “It
is my goal to not only
educate my clients on insurance and protect their
well-being, but to provide
them with the best service
and coverage available.”
Both women work
WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Hard work and dedication
key to success at Billmark’s
Insurance Services, LLC.
with over 30 different
companies when trying
to customize an insurance
plan for a client. With the
industry always changing, and private insurers
always changing their
plans, Pfeffer and Rieland
have to be on their toes at
all times.
“Working with over
30 companies is great for
diversity, but it also poses a challenge,” Rieland
said. “But in the end it is
worth it because it allows
us to tailor our product for
our clients.”
Working as an insurance agent isn’t necessarily a 9-to-5 gig, either.
Both work upwards of 4550 hours per week, and
must be flexible enough
to work some evenings
and weekends. Pfeffer’s
daughter is grown, but
Rieland has to juggle her
work schedule with family duties.
“It can definitely be
a challenge putting in the
hours that it takes to run a
business and still have the
mother workload, too,”
said Rieland. “But I have
found that this job offers
a lot more flexibility than
my previous jobs, for example, if I need to run
with my kids, I can, and
then just catch up after
they are in bed. And work
definitely does spill over
to home once in a while,
but it’s manageable.”
Rieland said she can
see herself being an insurance agent until she
retires.
“I love what I do,”
she said. “I look forward
to many more years in
this business.”
Pfeffer takes a dayto-day approach of doing
whatever she can for her
clients. If she provides the
service and satisfaction
she sets out to provide
daily, then she knows she
will always have a career
in the insurance industry.
“My goal is to not
only educate my clients
on insurance and protect
their well-being, but to
provide them with the
service and coverage
available,” she said.
They both enjoy being their own boss and
controlling their own
destiny, and hope to be a
staple on Main Street for
many years to come.
What keeps them going strong?
“It seems cliché, but
hard work and dedication
to our clients, keeping our
integrity with every transaction, and continuing to
receive the many referrals
we receive from current
clients,” said Rieland.
Another key is they
work well together and
enjoy showing up to work
every day.
Added
Rieland,
“Loving what you do
never hurts!”
11 am - 10 pm
EVERY DAY
Dine
in or
Carry
Out
Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is proud to be
entering our 17th year of business. Our staff has stayed
strong with twenty-one members, overall having more
than two hundred years of combined experience.
Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is a 5 Star Dealership.
Being certified as a 5 Star Dealer means our sales and service staff has the most up-to-date training
to ensure top-quality performance. Our highly-trained staff puts the customer first by providing
first class service and sales performance with each
and every one of our customers. The dealership’s
inventory consists of more than 150 new and
used vehicles for sale and over 150,000 parts and
accessories in stock. The parts and service departments are equipped with 10 stalls and hoists for
your service needs.
We work with lenders and have on-the-spot financing available for your convenience. Jim, Jon,
Collin, Daryl, Lisa, Karla and Bryan are committed to getting you into the vehicle that you want at a
fair price. We even buy vehicles.
Bruce, Sue, Chad, and Amy are at the service counter to answer
any questions you may have about your vehicle and set up all your
appointments. Our trained technicians specialize in servicing Dodge,
Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Plymouth, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Oldsmobile,
Pontiac and Buick. They will repair any make and model, including
imports. Attached to our service facility and open to the public seven
days a week is a touchless automatic car wash.
The sales department is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to
4 p.m. Our service department is open Monday
through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 7 a.m.
to 1 p.m.
We want to thank our local customers and we are
grateful for the trust that you have put in us. We would also like to welcome any new customer to
come in and visit us to see why they should put their vehicle in hands they can trust.
34650 225th Avenue • Albany, Minnesota 56307
www.AlbanyChrysler.com
www.facebook.com/albanychrysler
320-845-2801 • 800-392-3426
Fresh baked
homestyle or
thin crust.
Fresh
toppings.
Now
!
a
z
z
i
P
g
n
i
v
r
e
S
Full Menu, Bar
& Daily Specials
1225 Timberlane Dr., Sauk Centre, MN
Intersection of I-94 & Hwy. 71
To schedule your next event call 320-352-4243
Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014 • 17
Huls Nursery, LLC is a family owned and operated nursery in St. Wendel. The lush
nursery is a retail grower of trees, shrubs, evergreens and perennials. Since 1969 Huls has
served the central Minnesota area by providing locally grown plant material. Their focus
has always been to produce high quality plants that are well adapted to the challenging
central Minnesota climate.
“We see our product from start to finish,” said Paul. “This makes us stand apart from
many other nurseries.”
With over 450 items on the lot to choose from, there is something for everyone. “We
try five or six new products each year to see if they perform well for our customers,” said
Paul.
Huls Nursery offers advice and recommendations on both plant selection and
design. They also offer references for vendors they know and trust, if customers need
help with planting, landscaping or tree trimming.
Located just 10 minutes northwest
of St. Cloud, Huls Nursery’s fall hours are
Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Stop by, call or visit us online
to learn more about our products and
our commitment to excellence. Preorder
your spring trees and plants today!
320.363.8110
Mon.-Sat. 8 am to 5 pm; Closed Sundays
10 minutes NW of St. Cloud (Veterans Drive) in St. Wendel
Paul & Larry Huls
Go to our website to view over 450 Photos www.hulsnursery.com
“I just want to go home.”
This is a very typical request
from a person that has
experienced a hospitalization.
Home is where people feel
most comfortable and where
they have friends and family
that can help support them.
However, managing medical
issues and medications can be
difficult without additional
skilled support. Albany Area
Home Care and Hospice is
the local agency that can
provide you the necessary
skilled care to help you stay
in your home.
Albany Area Home
Care and Hospice has been
a provider of home care and
hospice services for over 20 years in the local area. Our home care services include skilled nursing
care, home infusion therapy, wound care, home health aide, speech, occupational, and physical
therapy. Our hospice services include support from nurses, home health aides, physicians, social
workers, volunteers, and pastoral care staff. Albany Area Home Care and Hospice has a staff of
10 that provides personal and compassionate care to every patient. Our patients also have 24
hour access every day to our nursing staff for consultation on medical issues that can arise at any
time.
A common concern from our patients is if our services will be covered by Medicare, Medicaid
or insurance. By getting a referral from your physician to provide home care or hospice services,
our experienced staff can assess your individual situation and help you understand the rules. Our
agency has an insurance specialist that will review your individual case so we can provide you
your coverage information prior to starting services. Typically, home care
services are fully covered by Medicare and Medicaid, however, private
insurance plans and HMOs may include a deductible or required prior
authorization. Hospice services are fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid,
and most private insurance plans and HMOs.
If you have any further questions about how Albany Home Care or
Hospice services can help you, a friend, or family member please call the
Director Jason Wesenberg at 320-845-2440. We want to help you be safe
in your home.
161 4th St., Ste. B
Albany, MN
Our Home Health services include:
• Skilled Nursing Care
• Home Health Aide
• Physical Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Therapy
• Social Work
• FREE Chronic Disease Management Classes
320-845-2440
18 • Central Minnesota Business Profile • October 8 & 9, 2014
Ask me about Accident Forgiveness.
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Kraker Insurance Agency: 67 years of service
The Kraker Insurance Agency in Melrose has been doing business in the community for
67 years.
We offer excellent service for all your insurance needs - auto, home, motorcycle, ATV,
snowmobile, life, and health. We also have commercial lines for all your business needs. Our
agency has the insurance to fit your life and your budget.
As part of the Independent Agency System, we represent many different companies:
Safeco, State Auto, Dairyland, Progressive, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Allstate, Mendota and
many others.
For
more
information, give Erin
or Mary a call atINC.
320-256-3611.
KIA
INSURANCE
AGENCIES,
The business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. till 5 p.m.
320-256-3611
The
office is located at 502A Main Street East, Melrose.
Quality and efficient products drive the staff at
Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine to love what they do. With a
showroom that is always changing with the seasons and
personalized assistance from experienced sales staff, its
no wonder customers leave happy and come back often.
Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine is a dealer of Polaris
Rangers, ATV’s and Snowmobiles, Arctic Cat snowmobiles,
Alumacraft boats, Weeres pontoons, Mercury, Evinrude,
Yamaha outboards and Hewitt docks and lifts. Located
conveniently in Holdingford, Jim’s has something for
everyone to fully enjoy all Minnesota offers.
A wide selection of boats, pontoons and
snowmobiles fills the showroom at Jim’s, but that is only
the beginning. Polaris Rangers, Razors and ATVs for work
and play keep customers on the go all year round.
The entire team at Jim’s is honored to play a role
in the memories you make with your family and friends
as you capture the excitement of Minnesota’s great
outdoors year after year.
Jim’s carries a full line of outdoor winter wear for the
outdoorsmen, who likes to fish, snowmobile or just be
outdoors.
There are always great times and great memories
at Jim’s Snowmobile & Marine!
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KIA INSURANCE AGENCIES, INC.
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