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Leading the Way to Wellness
The Albert Lea – Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Worksite Wellness
Committee has been in place since 2009. Since then, the committee has sought to
bring greater health and wellness to Freeborn County businesses and, through
those actions, to the entire community. Partnering with the Statewide Health Im-
provement Program (SHIP), they have worked to improve vending options, re-
duce smoking by creating tobacco free campuses, and sponsoring the Chamber’s
Annual Worksite Wellness Awards.
Today, they are once again partnering with SHIP but also serving as the
Worksite Committee for the Blue Zones Project® by Healthways. Utilizing these
partnerships, they are enacting even greater change in the workplace by seeking
Blue Zones Worksite® status for our businesses. The initial phase of their work
involves achieving designation for their own businesses. They do this by regis-
tering with the Blue Zones Project and completing a company assessment.
Through this process and utilizing the Resource Center that is available to them
as a registered worksite, they can develop a plan to achieve designation. For
many of them, due to their work over the last few years, designation is only a
few steps away.
Freeborn Mower Cooperative Services recently became our first Blue Zones
Worksite and celebrated this accomplishment on January 12, 2015. Their com-
mitment to wellness has been long term. CEO Jim Krueger has steadfastly sup-
ported the efforts of their representative on the Worksite Wellness Committee,
Judy Jensen. From themed wellness fairs to sponsored canoe and kayak events
at the community boathouse, the company is actively engaged in fostering a cul-
ture of wellness.
They are not alone, however. To date, seventeen of our top twenty worksites
have registered and been assessed. The assessment gives them a clear path to
designation. Of those, there are four worksites that are classified as pending as
they gather the documentation to submit for designation. Those worksites are
Alliance Benefit Group, Cargill, Freeborn County and Riverland Community
College. In addition, nineteen other businesses outside of the top twenty have
Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce
Business Monthly
February 2015
Thank you New Members
Thank you Renewing
Members
Dras Cases Inc.
Edward Jones Investments
Fountain Warehouse Liquor
Intestate Molding & Manufacturing, Inc.
Tiger City Sports
Total Security of Southern Minnesota
Raleigh’s Ace Hardware
Tea Properties, Inc.
Untied Methodist Church
The 112 on Broadway
Group Support Services, Inc.
KIMT Television
Kennel Club of Freeborn County,
MN, Inc.,
Coldwell Banker Home
Connection Dr. Wayne Sletten
Wireless World
Barry Jacobson
American Legion Post #56
Master Plumbing
Erbert & Gerberts
Martin’s Cycling & Fitness
Page 2
Business Monthly
registered and assessed their worksites. Clearly, the hard work of the Chamber’s Worksite Wellness Com-
mittee over the last five years created fertile ground for the Blue Zones Project by Healthways.
Their work didn’t stop there. Rachel Breneman, Registered Dietician at Hy Vee, is a member of the com-
mittee. Piggybacking on the work of former Hy Vee Dietician, Amy Pleimling, Rachel quickly joined in
the efforts of the committee and was determined to take Hy Vee to the next level. Supported by Al Weisert
and the rest of the management team, Rachel was able to achieve that goal when Hy Vee became our first
Blue Zones Grocery Store®. They celebrated their designation on January 23rd as part of their Wellness
Weekend.
The work of the Worksite Wellness Committee goes on. If you are interested in becoming a Blue Zones
Worksite, contact the Chamber at 507-373-3938 or by emailing [email protected] . You can also con-
tact the Blue Zones Project by contacting Ellen Kehr at 641-530-5742 or by
emailing [email protected].
Opportunities Abound but Deadlines Loom
Throughout the year, the Albert Lea – Freeborn County Cham-
ber offers many ways for companies or individuals to receive
recognition. From our annual awards for businesses and volun-
teer of the year to regular Ambassador visits to celebrate new
members or members that have had significant changes in the
workplace such as new managers or remodels, we are constantly
seeking ways to highlight superior efforts and special achievements.
Currently, we are seeking applications for our Ambassador Scholarships. Each
year the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Ambassadors offer five $1000 col-
lege scholarships to graduating seniors in Freeborn County in addition to the
$1000 scholarship they present to a deserving student of Riverland Community
College. Applications are available on the Chamber website but the deadline for
applying is rapidly approaching.
Applicants must be residents of Freeborn County and seeking financial assistance
for their freshman year of post-secondary education. Preference will be given to
business majors, however others will be considered and all majors are encouraged
to apply. Applications must be completed online and are due by February 11,
2015. The application can be found by visiting the Chamber’s website at
www.albertlea.org under the events tab. If you know a deserving high school sen-
ior in Freeborn County please encourage them to apply. If you have any questions,
please call Geri Jensen at 373-3938.
Another approaching deadline is the nomination deadline for Farm Family of the
Year. Each year, the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Ag
Committee partners with University of MN Extension service to sponsor this
award. They are now accepting nominations. Those nominated must be full time
farmers (majority of income must come from farming), have farmed at least five
years, have not previously been an award recipient, and be able to attend a recog-
nition program at Farmfest. The winner will be announced at the Chamber Ag
Committee’s Annual Agriculture Luncheon on Tuesday. March 17, 2015.
Nominations will be accepted until February 20, 2015 and can be picked up at the
Chamber office, the Freeborn County Extension office, or on the Events page of
our website, www.albertlea.org. One can nominate someone they know or them-
selves. Once all nominations have been received, the committee and its partners
will review the nominations and select the winner.
We know that there are individuals in our communities that merit consideration
for these programs. Please encourage all those who qualify to apply.
Dear Chamber Members,
Page 3
Business Monthly
Referrals The following Business
have received referrals from he Chamber Office this
month: Freeborn Lumber Company
& Design
Holiday Inn Express &
Suites
Best Western/ I-90
AmericInn of Albert Lea
Americas Best Value Inn
Big Island Grille & Bar
Wedgewood Cove
Green Mill
Comfort Inn
Alliance Benefit Group
Applebee's Neighborhood
Grill & Bar
Cuban Island
Home Depot
Kwik Trip
Albert Lea Family Y
Anytime Fitness
Fleet Farm Supply
The Unbridled Boutique
Hy-Vee
MarketPlace Foods
Salvation Army
Mona’s Style Salon & Spa
Senior Resources
Anytime Fitness Albert Lea
American Red Cross
Country Soule Boot &
Western Market
Trumble's Family
Restaurant
Godfather’s Pizza
Grandma’s Kitchen
Iron Skillet/SKOL Tavern
Membership Drops The following members chose not to renew their Chamber Membership.
Ambassador Visits
Page 4
Business Monthly
Chamber Board of Directors
Randy Cirksena Chair
State Farm at the Barn 373-7717
Jeff Woodside
Vice Chair Albert Lea Select Foods
379-9265
Catherine Buboltz 2nd Vice Chair
Albert Lea Tribune 379-3427
Amy Davis Cargill Value Added Meats
377-2526
Kade Vershay Dave Syverson Auto Mall
373-1438
Julia Thompson Freeborn County Shopper
373-1310
Justin Oman Security Bank
373-1481
Kathy Sabinish Dave's Phone Booth/Frames-R-Us
377-0848
Jeff Eaton Eaton Sport and Spine
377-1570
Patricia Dahl Mayo Clinic Health
System Albert Lea and Austin 373-2384
Dr. Adenuga Atewologun Riverland Community College
433-0607
Kim Nelson
The Children Center
373-7979
Angie Kolker
Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services
373-6421
Stephanie Haedt Past Chair
Peterson, Savelkoul, Kolker, Haedt & Benda, Ltd. 373-6491
Wireless World– New Manager Ryan Schwab
The Chamber recently welcomed ITC Midwest Presi-
dent, Krista Tanner, to our offices. After discussing
ways that ITC Midwest could continue to aid the com-
munity, Randy Kehr (pictured here with Ms. Tanner
and Lori Broghammer, Area manager, Local Govern-
ment and Community Affairs) presented a commemo-
rative set of photos of the downtown winter decora-
tions which were partially funded through a generous
donation from ITC Midwest.
Small Street Journal
Page 5
Business Monthly
Randy Kehr presents $300 in Chamber Bucks to the
winner of our Annual Big Freeze Medallion Hunt, T.
J. Blanchard.
Albert Lea Community Theatre to perform You’re a
Good Man, Charlie Brown Feb. 12–21
Albert Lea, Minnesota – Albert Lea Community Theatre
(ACT) will continue its 50th season with the musical comedy
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Marion Ross Per-
forming Arts Center, Feb. 12 through Feb. 21. To commem-
orate ACT’s anniversary, this season features shows that
were performed by ACT over the past five decades.
Originally performed by ACT in 2001, You’re a Good Man,
Charlie Brown is a musical comedy that is fun for the whole
family. This is the 1998 revised Broadway version, which
provided a fresh approach to the 1967 classic stage musical.
Written by Glark Gesner and based on the comic strip Pea-
nuts by Charles Schulz, the show tells the story of a day in
the life of the famous child hero, and the audience is reintro-
duced to the whole Peanuts gang. The characters are 5-6
years old, but the show is cast with adult actors. Cast mem-
bers include: Dylan Kaercher as Charlie Brown, Jason How-
land as Linus, Kyle Frank as Schroeder, Stephanie Nelson as
Lucy, Lisa Sturtz as Sally, and Michelle Neal as Snoopy.
You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, directed by Sue Jorgen-
sen with musical direction by Lora Virgil, will be performed
at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center in downtown
Albert Lea on Feb. 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21. Shows
start at 7:30 p.m., with the Sunday, Feb. 15 matinee at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may
be purchased over the phone by calling the ACT Call Center
1-877-730-3144 (toll-free, 24/7 automated service); logging
on to www.actonbroadway.com or at the box office, which
opens Monday the week of the show’s opening and is also
open every Thursday from 4–6 p.m. Tickets are also availa-
ble at the Albert Lea Convention & Visitor’s Bureau.
Patrons can call the box office at 507-377-4371 or visit the
box office at the Marion Ross Performing Arts Center to
purchase tickets. Box office hours during show weeks are
Monday through Friday, 3:30–6 p.m., and 6–7:30 p.m., on
performance nights. On Saturday evenings, the box office is
open 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members of the Property Tax and Local Government Fi-
nance Committee, led by Representative Steve Drazkow-
ski Committee Chair, held a listening session in Albert
Lea recently. Members of the committee, Representatives
Jim Davnie and Jerry Hertaus, were joined by local repre-
sentatives Jeanne Poppe and Peggy Bennett. Committee
members heard from local farmers, in particular, that high
property taxes were having a negative impact on their
lives and their future. In addition, Sandy Forstner, Execu-
tive Director of the Austin Chamber, and Randy Kehr,
ALFCCOC Director, expressed concern for the small
business people of our community. They shared possible
solutions from the Minnesota Chamber and the Greater
Minnesota Partnership.
Page 6
Business Monthly
15th Annual Gourmet Auction Big Freeze
The 15th Annual Gourmet Auction was held at Wedgewood Cove on January 30th. Nearly 200
guests sampled the offerings of eight local chefs for the benefit of the Big Island Rendezvous and
Chamber programs. Thanks to the many generous donations of our member businesses, the event
raised nearly $10,000. A special thanks should be given to the establishments and chefs who donated
product for the event. By all accounts, the food was outstanding and the live auction produced spir-ited bidding. Mark your calendars for the 16th An-nual Gourmet Auction to be held on January 29,
2016.
The 6th Annual Big Freeze took place on Saturday, Janu-
ary 31st in almost perfect weather conditions. Held in
conjunction with Albert Lea Hockey Day, the event drew
many members of the community to Edgewater Bay Pa-
vilion. Highlights included the Blue Ice Plunge (Here
being led by Amy Davis and her Cargill coworkers), the
Disc Golf Ice Bowl (39 participants, the chili cook-off
sponsored by the Freeborn County Jaycees, and kids
games from District 241 Early Childhood Family Educa-
tion/School Readiness and Parks and Recreation staff.
The day began with the Annual “Take a Kid Ice Fishing”
and the Ice Classic sponsored by the Fountain Lake
Sportsmens Club. The day wrapped up with the mule
drawn wagon rides provided by Todd Bergland. All of
this and the only charge was a donation to the local food
shelves.
Business After Hours
Page 8
Business Monthly
Thank you Pantheon Computer Systems
for sponsoring the January Business After
Hours
Quote of the Month
You need to be aware of what others are do-
ing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their
successes, and encourage them in their pur-
suits. When we all help one another, every-
body wins. – Jim Stovall
2015 Business After Hours Schedule
January 2015 - Pantheon Computer Systems
February 2015 - Green Mill
March 2015-
April 2015 - Vern Eide
May 2015 - Accentra Credit Union
June 2015 - Blue Zones Project
July 2015 - St. John’s
August 2015 - American Legion Post #56
September 2015-
October 2015 - MarketPlace Foods
November 20145- Hy-Vee
December 2015 - Albert Lea Tribune
If you are interested in hosting a Business After Hours
Event please call the Chamber Office at: 507-373-3938
The Albert Lea Erbert & Gerbert’s won three
awards at the their recent convention: the Opera-
tional Excellence Award, Marketing Award of
Distinction, and 10 percent to 15 percent Increas-
ing Single Unit Sales. The Albert Lea store has
earned the Operational Excellence Award for two
years in a row while the Marketing Award of Dis-
tinction is one of two that was given out at the
conference, with over 60 stores competing. In
addition, shift leader Scott Odle won the silver
medal as the second fastest sandwich maker at the
Sandwich Olympics held in conjunction with the
convention. Congratulations to Scott and the en-
tire Erbert and Gerbert’s team.
Congratulations to
Erbert & Gerberts
Page 9
Business Monthly
Chamber Offers Job Bank The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce has initiated a webpage dedicated to job openings in our area. To view the job openings, go to www.albertlea.org. If you have positions that you would like posted, please send your available positions to [email protected] or call the Chamber for more information.
Chamber Continues to Connect with Membership The Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce in an attempt to keep up with the times and in an effort to better com-municate with our membership, encourages you to like us on Facebook.
Interested in having an Ambassadors Visit your Office? Has your business experienced a change – such as management changes, relocation or remodel? If your business has experienced any of these changes, please contact Geri at the Chamber Office – 507-373-3938 to schedule an Ambassador visit.
Special Chamber Member Offer
The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber in partnership with Coggno.com, are now offering our member businesses the op-portunity to purchase, through our website, a carefully selected assortment of online training courses that are relevant to your needs. For a limited time, we are offering a coupon code for a 20% discount per class for a month. The code is: alfccoc1 and should be entered at checkout. Go to www.albertlea.org and click on Online Trainings to redeem your coupon and register today!
Video Tours Now Available! Check out the new community video tours on our
website www.albertlea.org These videos would be great tools for businesses to use for employee recruitment!
Member Referral Know someone who isn’t a Chamber Member but who should be? Now there is a reason for you to actively recruit those non-members. Any member who actively recruits and refers a current non-member to our office and that non-member subsequently joins the chamber is eligible for a special prize drawing. Drawings will be held once per quarter from those new members. Prize will be a one night stay in the Country Inn and Suites and a $50 Gift card from Green Mill for both the new member AND the referring member. The Quarterly drawing will take place at Business after Hours.
Page 10
Business Monthly
Chamber Green Committee: The Green Committee met on January 21st. The Thompson Electric video was dis-cussed. Possible topics will be T5 lighting for businesses, outside yard lighting, phantom power and rebates. A very lengthy discussion took place about the upcoming public hearing on the SMEC/Alliant purchase. The next step for this committee is to get the Thompson Electric video filmed and to contact other businesses about the possibility of doing a video in the spring.
The Chamber Worksite Wellness Committee: met on January 16th. Ellen Kehr recognized Freeborn-Mower Coop-erative Services as the first designated Blue Zones Worksite and reported on the celebration. The Status Report and Work-plan were reviewed. We need to have designations completed no later than the first of June. There is a lot of work yet to be accomplished. There will be a soft launch Walking Moai Kickoff at 9:00 a.m. at Skyline Mall and 5:30 p.m. at Northbridge Mall. A Purpose Workshop will be held on March 2nd. There will be one during the day for students and an evening work-shop for the community at the Freeborn County Historical Museum at 6:30 p.m. Blue Zones will be entered in the chili cook-off at the Big Freeze with a vegetarian chili. Alice Englin thanked the businesses for their grant applications. There were ten requests and everyone received some funding, but not everyone received all that they requested. Dani Armbrust reported that she attended the Diabetes Prevention Training. The program will be a year long and include 16 weeks of weekly sessions and then monthly meeting thereafter. The cost will be $429/year. They are willing to go out to worksites and hold the program there is there are enough participants. The maximum in a group is 16 and the minimum is 3. There will also be a community program. The dates have not been set as yet. They are still gathering lists of insurance companies that will pay. Dani passed out flyers for the committee and would get them more information. She is willing to do Lunch & Learn programs to help promote the program. Alice is working with MCHS and the Y to have physicians refer pre-diabetics to the program.
The Chamber Governmental Affairs Committee: met on January 8th. New members of the committee, Greg White, Sue Loch, and Dave Sabinish were introduced. Randy explained the purpose and procedures of the committee, say-ing that it tries to focus on issues that impact the business community and the community as a whole. He also explained that we do a draft of priorities for the Legislative session each year to take to the Board for their approval. Once approved, the priorities are mailed to the leadership of the House and Senate, our local representatives, and the Governor. 2015 Legislative Priorities were addressed. The committee voted to send the following priorities to the Board for approval: We are asking the Legislature to improve the way that MPCA regulations are done and that there be real scientific evidence before regulations are put in place. We are supporting legislative approval of the Shell Rock River Watershed District’s Phase IV project funding request of $2.1 million that has been recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Coun-cil. We support the positions of the Greater Minnesota Partnership with special attention to (1) the promotion of the Great-er Minnesota Employees Job Training Program; (2) Workforce Housing; (3) Broadband Expansion, and (4) Greater Minne-sota Angel Investment Tax Credit Expansion. We oppose mandated nurse staffing ratios and support Consumer Informed Choice that would require all Minnesota hospitals to disclose to patients if observation days are being used and to provide (both oral and in-writing) post-acute discharge options, including at least one location that is not affiliated with the dis-charging hospital. Lastly, we support full funding for the SHIP Program for the next five years.
Business/Education Committee: met on Friday January 9 at 8:30. We welcomed Dave Klatt to the BEC. Dave is the
Albert Lea School board rep, replacing Linda Laurie. Thank you, Linda, for your commitment and active participation to the BEC. CHILD CARE SURVEYS: Continue to slowly come in. Randy will talk with Worksite Wellness committee for other ideas. Jenny can make available at ECFE classes. Val will make available at WFC for job seekers and those attending unemployment overviews. Val will also talk to DHS and see if they would put these out, as well. HIGH SCHOOL AC-TIVITIES: Registration for Fall to begin soon. Personal Finance class (using Dave Ramsey curriculum) has been well-received by students with positive parent feedback. Young Entrepreneur’s class starts 2nd semester. Firefighter I class went well with FF 2 class being offered. C.N.A. class went well also. The 8th graders are attending a Courage retreat to help build self-image and confidence and develop skills. BLANDIN/LPEP-Jody Farr coming to AL school staff Jan. 19 and at another Community Event Jan. 27 at RCC. Next Capacity Building mtg Jan. 13 at Historical Society.
Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Information Committee Updates
CAREER AWARENESS/EDUCATION: Val will be doing Freeborn County Live 2x month with KATE radio. Will incorporate some career awareness as well as WorkForce Center info. RIVERLAND COLLEGE UPDATE: Classes start next week. Randy shared that the Senate is looking at offering free tuition for community/tech colleges. This same initiative is also on President Obama’s agenda. More to follow as it develops. COMMUNITY EDUCATION UPDATE: Classes have started for the Winter/Spring booklet. “Circle of Parents” is regenerated and under Community Ed. Exercise classes are offered (worksite wellness!) and instructors have also brought forward some new ideas. New staff at CE office-Publications and Marketing, and Pre-School on Wheels. District 241 and CE are partnering with MDE $$ for “ready for kindergarten”
programming. Goal of 50 students. YOUTH APPRENTICE UPDATE: All 8 students continue. WDI is working on materials/brochures to assist the start-up of other programs. It was suggested that Val look at bringing a report/YA students back to the school board this spring. OTHER NOTES: Randy Kehr and Ryan Nolander working on a project to bring junior high teachers into local businesses to learn more about local businesses called “Educate the Educator”. NEXT MEETING: Friday, February 6, 2015 at the Chamber Offices, 8:30 am. The Chamber Agriculture Committee: met on January 15th Committee talked about the Ag Luncheon that will be on March 17th at the Fairlane Build-ing. The Chamber Ambassador Committee: The Ambassador’s are going to be visiting Ron Holtan Realty and Gypsy K
Consignment
The Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber Board of Directors: met on January 28th. Chad Adams reported for
the City, Ryan Cafourek for the Ambassadors, Heather Lee for the CVB, Brett Behnke for the Shell Rock River Watershed,
and Dr. Atewologun for Riverland Community College.
The following actions were taken by the Board: Legislative Priorities submitted by the Governmental Affairs Committee
were approved as was a new signature resolution.
It was reported that representatives of the Carrington Company will be in town February 9th to discuss our lease. The Al-
liant/SMEC purchase agreement was discussed. Andrew Bernau of Hill, Larson, Walth & Benda reviewed the Chamber’s
annual financial statement.
Full Board minutes will be available next month on our website.
Business Monthly
We made it through the January freeze, the days are getting longer, the sun feels warmer,
so let’s move into February which is full of events and fun for the entire family!
Marion Ross Performing Arts Center Events
Music
Monroe Crossing performing the sounds of bluegrass – February 8 – 3pm.
ACT Theater
“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown –February 12-14- 7:30pm; February 15- 3pm; February 18-21 – 7:30pm.
Opera
The Met HD Live Opera presents “Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle”, February 14 – 11:30am.
National Theater Live
“Of Mice & Men” – February 27 and 28 – 7pm.
Hockey Tournaments
Albert Lea A-B Squirts, February 6-8 at Albert Lea City Arena.
Arts
Albert Lea Arts Initiative “If Walls Could Talk” Open House – February 14 - 7pm.
Freeborn Historical Museum lecture “Stars of Big Band Era” – February 14 – 9am.
The Albert Lea Art Center is featuring “All Member Show”. The show runs through February 21.
Lens & Shutter Photography Club – February 15 -7pm in lower level Rm 465 Mayo Clinic Health System.
Civic Music
Suchon wind Quintet – February 5 – 7:30pm at Albert Lea High School Auditorium.
Albert Lea High School
Albert Lea High School Band Concert – February 2 – 7pm in the auditorium.
Northbridge Mall
Blue Grass Festival – February 5 – 7pm.
Toy, Truck & Collectible Show – February 7, 9-5pm/ February 8, 10-4pm.
Winter Walking Moia kick-off – February 9, 9am.
Big Island Rendezvous Faire – February 14, 10-6pm/ February 15 12-4pm
Science Fair – February 21, 8-1pm
Trader Jacks Sorts & Collectible Show – February 28, 10-4pm.
Special Events
Blue Zones Potluck Moai Celebration – February 2, 6-7:30pm at Freeborn County Historical Museum.
Barrow Show – February 5-6 – Freeborn County Fairgrounds.
Women’s Health Care Symposium – February 7, 8:30am at Wedgewood Cove.
Business Monthly
Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, Susie Peterson, Executive Director
Page 13
Business Monthly
Park & Rec presents “Parents Night Out”, February 13, 5:30 - 10pm at Troy Hammer Warming House. Par-
ents bring your kids out for a night of games and fun.
Valentine’s Day – King Crab/Ribeye Dinner – February 14, 5:30 at Green Lea Golf Course.
The Good Time Band Concert performance – February 22, 2pm at Glenville United Methodist Church.
Brett Boss Benefit - Silent and live auction February 28, – 3-8pm at Moose Lodge.
Flea Market & Craft Sale – February 27, 10-5pm; February 28 9-3pm at American Legion.
Breakfast Fundraisers
February 8 & 22 – 8-12:30pm – American Legion
February 15 – 8-1pm – Masonic Lodge
Attention all snowmobiler’s! Did you know that Freeborn County has a beautiful and scenic snowmobile trail
system of 250 miles? The Convention & Visitor Bureau receives many requests for snowmobile maps and
information on Albert Lea. Give us a call or stop in for a map of the trails.
Visit www.albertleatourism.org for a complete listing of events.
Page 14
Business Monthly
Join us March 3 for Business Day NOT at the Capitol
By Bill Blazar
Gov. Mark Dayton has released his budget for the next two years, signaling once again that he has little
interest in making progress on Minnesota’s competitiveness. The statewide business community needs to
send a united message to the governor and legislators: Use the state’s projected $1 billion surplus to re-
duce some of our uncompetitive business taxes.
March 3 is the perfect opportunity. Please join the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our local chamber partners for our
annual Business Day NOT at the Capitol.
There’s a twist to our event this year. The State Capitol is under construction, so we are bringing the lawmakers to you. All
activities will be at the Crowne Plaza St. Paul - Riverfront. We promise a new format and new opportunities.
Nothing makes a better impression on our elected officials than hearing firsthand from their constituents. Business Day
NOT at the Capitol is the perfect venue to learn the latest about issues that affect your bottom line and deliver a personal
message to policy decision-makers. Let legislators know how decisions at the Capitol affect your ability to grow in Minnesota
and compete in the global economy.
Morning and luncheon keynote speakers will energize you for the afternoon. The event is also a chance to:
Network with your peers from across Minnesota.
Rally with your recognized region of the state.
Quiz key legislators on hot topics from education to transportation to environment.
Minnesota is enjoying some of its best economic times in recent years with a projected surplus of more than $1 billion for
the next two-year budget cycle, growing to $3 billion for the following two years. The governor’s budget, unfortunately,
missed the opportunity to provide tax relief. He used the majority of the surplus to lock in long-term, permanent spending,
raising taxes on some employers, and increasing fees.
His recommendations are disappointing and shortsighted. Businesses and individuals absorbed a series of tax increases in
2013 that topped $2 billion. Budget surpluses in 2013 and 2014 – in the billions of dollars – clearly present a chance to make
Minnesota businesses more competitive and ensure more investment is made in our state.
Attend Business Day NOT at the Capitol and send the message: This is not the time to raise taxes again. Use this opportuni-
ty to ease some of the cost burdens on employers to best position Minnesota in a changing and growing economy.
As one employer, your voice can be a whisper. Combine it with hundreds of others, and your voice becomes a roar. Your
voice makes a difference. We look forward to seeing you March 3.
Bill Blazar is interim president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – www.mnchamber.com.
Minnesota Chamber Information
Page 15
Business Monthly
Business Monthly
Chamber Staff
Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce 2580 Bridge Ave.
Northbridge Mall Albert Lea, MN 56007 Phone: 507.373.3938 Fax: 507.373.0344
Email: [email protected]
2013- 2014 Mission Statement: "Promote and develop a healthy and positive
business climate and improve the quality of life in the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Area."
Randy Kehr Executive Director [email protected] Geri Jensen Administrative Assistant [email protected] Sue Axsmith Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Amy Gauthier Administrative Assistant [email protected] Check out our Member to Member Discounts Here: http://www.albertlea.org/Discounts.php
