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1Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corporation
www.kossuth-edc.com www.paloaltoiowa.comKossuth/Palo Alto CountyEconomic Development
Corporation
106 S. Dodge Suite 210 Algona, IA 50511 Phone 515.295.7979 Fax 515.295.8873 [email protected]
VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 JANUARY-JUNE 2012
Get your community out from behind their computer, out of the house and spending downtown.
It is time to book and plan your September & October merchant business-building seminars.
Help businesses understand how important it is to post a “Buy Local” sign in their place of business or window.
A community needs to realize “THIS IS THEIR HOME” and their way of life depends on the support of its independent, locally owned businesses.
GIVE YOUR COMMUNITY A REASON TO SHOP LOCAL! Let’s transform your community into a retail destination, draw traffi c and encourage sales.
Buying local is the right choice for your schools, your families and for your community. Keep your community strong. Invest in your locally owned businesses and keep your money in town!
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUYING LOCALLet’s aim to improve the economic health of your
neighborhoods, your localities and your shopping corridors.
1. Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy.
2. Local independent shops invest more in your communities. Local businesses are proportionally more generous in their support of local charities, schools, and community events. So supporting local shops means a fi nancial contribution to your community.
3. Local shops sell great products at affordable prices. Some
THREE INTERESTING
FACTS
1Spend $100 locally, $62 stays right
in your community
23
Spend that same $100 in
a national chain, only $42
stays in your community
Spend that same $100
on-line, $0 is returned to your
community
people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products available.
4. Shopping locally saves you time and money. You travel less, saving on time and fuel.
5. Shopping locally retains your communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns but don’t equate this with how they spend their money.
6. Shopping locally retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Local businesses respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet changing population needs.
7. Shopping locally saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods that do not require long-distance transportation, helping to reduce our global footprint.
8. Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly, young people and others who rely on public transportation.
9. Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
10. Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants and other businesses.Consumers can pledge to Think, Shop, Buy, Local and commit to
patronizing businesses near where they live and work. Local stores employ your neighbors, pay taxes that support your schools and improve your roads, and contribute to local non-profi t groups
Together we can strengthen relationships that improve our quality of life. So next time before you make a purchase,
Think, Shop, Buy, Local.
GIVE Your COMMUNITY A REASON to
2 January-June 2012 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
COULD BRINGING BACK A GROCERY
STORE REVITALIZE A COMMUNITY?
GRAETTINGER, Iowa – How important is a local supermarket to the quality of life in small, rural locales dotting the Iowa countryside? Pretty important, if you ask some folks in Graettinger. After several months without a local grocery store, the Graettinger Economic Development Committee and River Valley Telecommunications Coop got together to reopen the local grocery store, restock the shelves, and make grocery items conveniently available to the city’s residents once again. Due to an incredible amount of community pride, the Graettinger Market opened in January 2007.
The store had various owners and went by different names over the years, most recently known as J’s Market. In September of 2006 the facility closed its doors, leaving only a convenience store to meet the grocery needs of local residents.
“We were missing it for several months,” said Graettinger Mayor Kevin Hanson, “I know I missed it.” People were traveling out of town to shop for groceries, spending their money in places other than Graettinger.
After fi elding requests to do something about the lack of a grocery store in the town, the Committee began investigating what opening a new store would entail. “There was a balance on a loan to pay and some equipment was left in the empty building,” said Committee member Ivan Dalen. “Then some vendors expressed interest, and that led to meetings and then eventually to opening the Graettinger Market.”
A loan was procured through the River Valley Telecommunications Coop’s revolving loan fund targeted toward helping better communities it serves. Dalen, who is General Manager at the Coop, said the committee received the loan to reopen the store and stock it full of product once again. There is a grant in the mix as well.
“It’s an honor for River Valley to have the revolving loan fund to help out,” Dalen said, “...and to maintain stability of employment for people living and working in the community.” The Coop has made similar loans for more than a dozen projects through the fund.
The grocery store is also important to the city in ways besides providing a needed service to residents. It improves the economic stability of the downtown area. “We need to make it a viable business on main street,” Dalen said. “Besides the Post Offi ce and a bank, there are only a few other businesses downtown Graettinger. It’s a viable retail store. The elderly need it; we all need it. It’s a must.” “It’s a big part of our business downtown,” Mayor Hanson added. “You don’t have to travel 15 to 30 miles to purchase groceries anymore, especially with these gas prices. It saves time, money and fuel, and it’s very convenient.”
There is progress to report since the store opened. For instance, there are two full-time and two part-time employees, an increase over the three who worked at J’s Market prior to the closing. “They are really hard workers,” Dalen noted. “They go above and beyond to accommodate the customers and to help it remain a viable business.”
A circular is printed about every month. Mailings have been done and coupons created with the aim of drawing customers to the store. These measures have been somewhat successful, Dalen said, but getting shoppers to change their habits is still a challenge. “A lot of people still use it as a convenience store, and we cannot operate that way,” Dalen explained. “We need to increase foot traffi c. It’s been hard trying to get people to change their buying habits. But with the economy the way it is and high gas prices, how much are you really saving by shopping out of town?”
Though a more consistent stream of customers is an improvement management would welcome, the store is doing well. A big concern at the moment is replacing coolers and displays, which don’t come cheaply. A survey related to “going green” is being conducted as
part of a grant, and Dalen thinks it will demonstrate the current coolers are ineffi cient. The grant should help cover the cost of new coolers.
“We are doing whatever we can to make the grocery store profi table and recognizable,” Dalen said.
The store offers items typically found in a grocery, but also features a meat counter, a bakery section with rolls and cookies, and produce -- all the things typically available at a grocery store, only on a smaller scale. Catering is available, and other things like greeting cards, lottery tickets, wine and gift certifi cates of varied denominations can be purchased.
“It is unique because we have one,” Dalen said of the market. “Every community needs a grocery store. It’s convenient to have (one) to get what you need. The more people we can get going into the store, the better.”
Maureen Elbert, Exec. Director of Kossuth/Palo Alto County Economic Development Corp., stated,
“A grocery store in a rural community is one of the most important businesses in town. The grocery store will not only provide healthy food, but also provide jobs and generate tax revenue. Without a local grocery store, the revenue that our food purchases generate would go elsewhere. Having a grocery store can also help attract new residents to a town. Similar to a school, post offi ce, churches and restaurants, a grocery store makes a community a more attractive place to live and is a crucial part of any viable community. It takes leadership and commitment to take the steps that Graettinger has done to keep their community viable-true community PRIDE.”
AN APPRECIATION COFFEE WAS HELD OCTOBER 20, 2011 FOR THE VOLUNTEERS OF
KOSSUTH/PALO ALTO COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
Pictured left to right: Marilyn Lensing, Iris Hackbarth, Marilyn Frideres, Peg Lallier, Rita Green, Kristin Petersen, April Petersen, Joan Helmkamp,
Jean Knobloch, Evelyn Lickteig, and Betty Murphy.
January-June 2012 3www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
BUFFALO CENTER - When looking across the fl at fertile fi elds of Kossuth County’s corn and soybean country, a person no longer expects to see livestock, much less a dairy, especially one that has been in operation only two years.
Meinders’ Farm Fresh Dairy, owned and operated by Bruce and Stacie Meinders, went into operation in 2009.
Bruce Meinders had always been interested in the dairy business and decided two years ago to get into it.
He built a milking parlor and installed a robotic milking system manufactured by Lely. “The fi rst cows were milked with it on June 20, 2009,” said Meinders.
His dairy philosophy refl ects both old and new. While his cattle are milked robotically, the cattle are free-housed using deep packed bedding.
While not organic, Meinders’ approach to dairying is similar to concepts used by organic producers emphasizing quality and fl avor in the milk, butter and ice cream produced by his dairy.
At the time he started, the dairy industry was running at a low in the cycle coming off recent record highs. Bruce Meinders said fi rst sale of his milk was for $9.80 a hundredweight.
Meinders saw that milk was not lower priced in the retail market and that retailers were making record profi ts while the dairy producers were losing money. It was then he decided to retail his own milk.
By selling his own milk at the retail level, “the goal is to take the price swings out of the market and stabilize income, “Meinders said. He’s the 10th milk producer in Iowa to retail his own milk.
Meinders scoured much of the United States searching for used equipment to equip his processing plant. Equipment was purchased in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida,
Pennsylvania, Texas and Idaho.Michael Dunn was recently hired as plant manager. Dunn
is a graduate of the dairy science program of South Dakota State University. He graduated in May and started work for Bruce Meinders two days later. Before being hired full time, he helped on weekends. Dunn’s family had a 400 cow dairy operation at Sturgis, SD.
Meinders’ Farm Fresh Dairy processes its milk two days a week producing milk, butter, and ice cream. Milk is for sale as whole, 2 percent, 1 percent and skim.
Ice cream is available in vanilla and strawberry using natural fl avors. Meinders said he’s close to offering chocolate ice cream and chocolate milk.
Being a milk producer and a milk retailer requires two completely different hats, Meinders said.
He’s working on retailing his milk locally, especially in towns where there is neither a grocery store nor a convenience store.
To achieve this, Meinders has had seven vending machines built specifi cally for the sale of his dairy’s products. After searching vending machine manufacturers, he found one in California that would build a machine to vend dairy products.
Six of the machines are now in Meinders’ garage waiting to be installed in area towns once a location is picked. One vending machine remained in California to serve as a reference when any machines need troubleshooting.
There are two screens on the vending machines. The top one shows scenes from Meinders’ farm with photos of the cattle, dairy facility and the Meinders family.
Customers make their purchases through a series of choices on the lower touch screen.
The vending machines hold 50 half-gallon containers of
milk and need to be in an inside location that is accessible 24 hours a day. The only requirement is a 20 amp 110 volt circuit to power them.
The vending machines can access the Internet through their own built in wi-fi . With Internet accessibility, the machines can take credit cards as payment and contact the Meinders’ dairy offi ce near Buffalo Center to alert when a machine is running low on inventory or needs servicing.
Meinders said he is meeting with community leaders or any business that would be willing to host one of his vending machines as a service to the community.
More vending machines will be shipped from the manufacturer as the vending business grows. He sees a radius in northern Iowa and southern Minnesota of 60 miles from his dairy farm as a target area for his vending machines.
Meinders Farm Fresh Dairy milk can be purchased at grocery stores in Titonka, Buffalo Center, Thompson, and Algona and some area convenience stores.
The fi rst communities to receive the vending machines will be Rake, Lakota, Woden, Leland, Fenton, Lone Rock and Ringsted, he said.
With a 60-cow milking herd and a federally inspected processing plant, Meinders’ Farm Fresh Dairy has room for expansion.
Meinders is looking to use his excess processing capacity for other dairy farms wanting to retail their own milk.
Meinders’ farm is a Century Farm of 600 acres. Bruce and Stacie are parents to Ava, 3, and Ben.
Meinders’ Farm Fresh Dairy can be found on Facebook where there is more information about the dairy, farm and contact information.
Contact Clayton Rye at [email protected].
Left: Bruce Meinders stands in his fully automated dairy parlor in Buffalo Center. He’s been in the dairy business since June 2009. He overcomes the income losses of the past two years by retailing his own products.Above: Dairyman Bruce Meinders explains how his custom vending machines will work once they are distributed through communities around Buffalo Center where there are no grocery stores.
No Tea in this ParlorBy CLAYTON RYE, Farm News staff writer
Meinders’ dairy fully automatic; 10th Iowa dairy doing its own retail marketing
4 Janu ary-June 2012 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
It is no secret that wind energy is potentially one of the greatest resources available to our country in terms of the generation of electrical power. Yet, one of the biggest drawbacks to the growth of wind energy in our area at this point in time is the lack of a way to get the energy from wind turbines to the consumers. Clean Line Energy Partners has a plan to address that very issue and brought that plan to area residents on June 2, 2011, in an Open House at the Wild Rose Casino and Resort.
The Open House began at 5 p.m. in the ballroom of the Wild Rose and it didn’t take long for area residents to begin fi ling in to learn more about the project. Within 15 minutes, nearly 75 area residents had registered at the doors and were looking over maps and diagrams of information on the proposed project.
The Rock Island Clean Line is a proposal to construct and operate a roughly 500-mile long, overhead electrical transmission line across Iowa to terminate in Illinois. The project would represent a potential investment of $1.7 billion to construct the high-voltage Direct Current transmission line, but it also has the potential to infl uence the construction of up to $7 billion in new wind farm construction in the region, along with the creation of up to 500 jobs, not to mention up to 5,000 construction jobs. “Clean Line Energy Partners was created to meet a need - to bring power from where it is readily available to where it is needed in the most effi cient way,” explained Hans Detweiler, Director of Development for Clean Line. “Northwest Iowa is on the east end of wind resources in the nation, so it’s the easiest point to acquire the wind power. By building the Rock Island Clean Line, it would allow us to bring that power to where it is needed.” One might ask why existing transmission lines can’t be used to do the same thing. The answer is capacity. “The current power transmission grid is operating at capacity,” Detweiler said. “That’s why there isn’t a lot of new wind farm construction underway right now - there isn’t any capacity to get the power from the turbines to the consumers.”
According to Detweiler, the Rock Island Clean Line was so named because originally, Clean Line obtained an option to utilize abandoned right-of-way of the defunct Rock Island Railroad, in the hopes of using those right-of-ways as the route for transmission lines. But, after making studies of the routes, it was decided that a more direct route would be most economical and effi cient to construct and operate, as well as having less of an impact on communities and landowners.
“We’ve maintained all along in our studies that we didn’t want to bring these transmission lines through towns or disturb sensitive areas,” Detweiler said. “So, that’s why we’re holding open house meetings like this, showing our project to people, and asking them for their suggestions and comments as far as the best places to run a transmission line. Local people know their area and we value their input.”
At the open house, area residents were asked to view maps showing the proposed transmission line study corridors, each of which are three to 10 miles wide. Several such corridors are being considered to determine the best route for the line. Considerations such as possible impacts to agricultural land, state and federal land, recreational areas, water resources, cultural resources, airports, schools, churches and sensitive habitats are being considered, along with input from individual communities, governmental entities, conservation groups, investors, engineers and the general public will go into the decision-making process.
When a fi nal route is determined, the actual corridor will be narrowed to a right-of-way easement of 50 to 200 feet in width, with landowners retaining full property ownership and
rights to use the land for farming or other purposes.A major difference of the Rock Island Clean Line is the fact that it is a Direct Current
transmission line, as opposed to the current AC, or alternating current transmission lines. The difference in the two types of lines is length of transmission - AC lines are considered to be for shorter distance transmission, while DC lines can transmit the power longer distances with greater effi ciency. And, in terms of being environmentally friendly, stray voltage issues don’t occur with DC lines like can happen with AC lines. Detweiler noted that a DC transmission line requires a physical footprint a third of that of a normal AC transmission line.
According to Detweiler, sites in O’Brien and Cherokee counties are being considered for a 65-acre, $250 million converter station that will convert the alternating current from wind turbine generators into direct current to be transported to a similar station in northern Illinois.
“Our studies have shown that most of the power to be transmitted on a DC line such as the Rock Island would come from wind sources located within 50 to 100 miles of a converter station, and that puts Palo Alto County and this area right in the heart of the area,” Detweiler noted.The economics of moving wind energy are key to the development of the Rock Island Clean Line, when it pencils out that the transmission line will cost about $2 million per mile. “Using that as a guide, the majority of the power on the line will come from this area of the state, just because of the costs to convert AC power into DC and then back,” Detweiler said. “But, this project will undoubtedly be a major economic boost for Northwest Iowa. Building this line would create around 5,000 construction jobs over a two or three year period, and then, you also have property taxes of $7,000 per mile, every year, coming back to each county. And, that doesn’t even take into account the possible development and construction of additional wind farms that could move forward once an outlet for their power is available to them.”
The proposed DC transmission line will be able to deliver 3,500 megawatts of wind energy from the area to points east, an amount that is equal to what is currently generated by existing wind turbines in Iowa. Those 3,500 megawatts is enough electricity to provide the energy needs for almost 1.5 million households each year. “This is a project that Iowa is excited about,” Detweiler said. “We have wind fi rms here in the state like Trinity, who manufacture turbine blades in Newton and Axion in West Branch and Clipper in Cedar Rapids who are all supporting projects like this for the potential it brings to the wind industry.”
The informational open house meetings such as the one held June 2nd are the second step in the process.
“Once we’ve completed our public outreach efforts, we go before the Iowa Utilities Board to seek approval of our plans,” Detweiler said. “Once we would receive approval, then we would begin site planning and permitting and land acquisition efforts. In 2013, we would anticipate signing agreements with customers for the delivery of the power and be fi nalizing the land acquisition for the actual right-of-way to build the line. In 2014 is when we would actually anticipate the construction to begin.”
The Rock Island Clean Line is just one of four such projects being proposed by Clean Line. Similar projects are being proposed for the Grain Belt Express from Kansas into eastern Missouri; the Plains and Eastern Line from Oklahoma into Arkansas and Tennessee and the Centennial West Line from New Mexico into Arizona and California. “Really what we want to do is deliver clean energy to the communities and people who need it,” Detweiler said. “We’re hoping to create the new farm-to-market road for the 21st Century.”
by Dan Voigt, Emmetsburg Publishing
OPEN HOUSE GIVES RESIDENTS INFORMATION
ABOUT PROPOSED DC
TRANSMISSION LINE
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2012 5
BANCROFT, Iowa – Honor: A showing of merited respect or recognition.Those who lose their lives in service to their fellow man are certainly worthy of honor.
Two Minnesota men are making sure there is a grateful voice proclaiming the fact.The Bell of Honor – Voice of a Grateful Nation is a project spurred by the vision
brothers Jan and Terry Throndson. The 101-year-old bell is housed in a custom-built trailer, manufactured by Aluma Ltd. In Bancroft, emblazoned with vivid patriotic imagery and highlighted with LED lights. The bell will travel to funerals of men and women belonging to the armed forces, law enforcement, fi re departments and EMTs/First responders who lose their lives in the line of duty.
The idea began to take shape in October of 2010, based on a similar project in Texas where David Hall takes a replica Liberty Bell to funerals and special events ringing it to honor the fallen.
“It’s fashioned after David Hall’s,” Jan said of the Bell of Honor. “But it isn’t exactly the same. We don’t want to take anything away from anyone.”
Honoring the nation’s fallen heroes is a topic close to the brothers’ hearts. Their father Warren served in the Merchant Marine during World War II, Terry was in the Navy, and their brother Rick was an Army Ranger. The entire Bell of Honor Committee are members of the Patriot Guard Riders, an organization of motorcyclists who attend funerals of fallen heroes showing respect and protecting mourning families from protesters.
The Throndson’s purchased the bell and shortly after 20 like-minded friends joined them to form a non-profi t organization and set out to bring the vision to fruition. The 32-foot long enclosed trailer holds the 3,080 pound bell, which rolls out on a ramp when it is tolled at funerals just prior to the playing of Taps, signifying the end of the service. The ramp assures the bell never touches the ground. Along with the bell four Harley Davidson Ultra Classic escort bikes ride inside as well.
“The trailer was designed by us and Aluma,” Jan said. “They took our plan. It has LED lights to light the graphics on the outside and in. It’s kind of state of the art.”
Aluma was approached to do the work because Jan was familiar with their products and held them in high regard. He had a trailer that needed repair and Aluma honored its fi ve-year warranty with no questions asked.
“I was impressed that a company stood behind their products,” Jan explained. After a couple of meetings with Aluma, the company’s openness to work with the committee and its desire to take on the project was enough to forge a partnership.
“It consumed them like it consumed me,” Jan said. “From there we built a wonderful relationship with the people at Aluma. The idea grew as they saw what we were doing. They took some of our ideas and made them work. It worked out wonderfully.”
The trailer is a housing for the bell and its beautiful oaken yoke covering its metal framework, but it is more than just a bell carrier. The sides of the trailer are works of art in their own right, beautifully detailed vignettes recalling military service and duty. A large recreation of the bell and its motto is featured on each side with an American fl ag fl owing out from it. That particular feature proved a challenge for the graphic artists who had to reverse the entire other side to be sure the fl ag did not fl y backward.
There are soldiers in full battle gear, fading into the scenery, jets fl ying in the “missing man” formation, and two sailors saluting – representing Warren and Terry, the turret of an armored vehicle, an honor guard representing all branches of the military and a group preparing a 21-gun salute are also prominently displayed.
The organization’s logo – an eagle with American fl ag wings draped over a bell encircled by the words “Bell of Honor – Voice of a Grateful Nation” – appears on the back doors. On the front of the trailer there are badges of all the armed forces, law enforcement, fi refi ghters, EMT’s and fi rst responders. A rack on the front holds fl ags of all the service branches with the American and POW fl ags fl ying a little higher. On the days of a funeral the fl ag of the group related to the fallen fl ies above the bell when it is tolled. The names of 13 charter sponsors are listed on the trailer, too.
The dedication of the Bell of Honor was held at Soldier’s Field Veteran’s Memorial in Rochester, Minn. 11:30 a.m. on Memorial Day, May 30th. There was a ceremony honoring the trailer at Aluma in Bancroft, Iowa on May 27 at noon but the bell was not be tolled because it was not a funeral or memorial service.
“It’s about veterans, it’s about the people who serve us. I hope people come to see it,” Jan said. “You learn from it and see why freedom isn’t free; People give their lives for it.”
Visit the Bell of Honor online at http://www.thebellofhonor.org.
By Dave Smith
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com6 January-June 2012
October 7, 2011 - West Bend, IA – Country Maid, Inc., manufactures of Butter Braid® brand pastries, started 20 years ago in the basement of Co-Founders Ken & Marlene Banwart’s farm home. In 20 years, Country Maid, now a 100% employee-owned company, together with its national network of dealerships has helped thousands of fundraising groups across the nation raise over $100 million dollars for hundreds of thousands of worthy causes.
To celebrate this milestone, Country Maid held a 20th Anniversary Open House, back-to-school supply drive and grill-out at the new facility in West Bend on August 19th. Co-founders Ken & Marlene Banwart, along with company team members, welcomed over 400 visitors to the new facility. Full facility tours were given throughout the open house and visitors were treated to a grill-out. Visitors were also asked to donate back to school items. Together, both Country Maid employees and those in attendance, were able to donate nearly 800 school supply items! These items were donated to surrounding local schools.
“Through the addition of the new facility, Country Maid has been able to gain operational effi ciencies, accommodate increased capacity demands, and completely re-design food safety practices and procedures to ensure the highest quality and safety possible of our food products,” states CEO, Darin Massner. “It has also allowed for a higher degree of team interaction and provides opportunities for improvements in many other areas of the company.”
Country Maid now employs over 80 team members from 16 different Northwest-Iowa communities and chooses to partner with as many local companies as possible to serve as vendors, lenders, suppliers, consultants and partners. It is through these key relationships, along with employees and the dealer network that Country Maid is able to continue experiencing strong, steady growth.
Country Maid products such as Butter Braid® brand pastries are sold exclusively through fundraising groups in the fundraising market. This helps fulfi ll the company mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves” as there are many non-profi t groups in need of funds that are able to raise money with Country Maid products. Butter Braid® brand pastries have not been available in stores since early 2002 after the decision was made to serve those in need of raising funds such as daycares, church groups, sports teams, relay-for-life teams, and other similar groups to provide kids and individuals with needs that would otherwise be unmet due to lack of funds.
Country Maid would like to extend a BIG thank you to those who attended the open house, donated school supply items, have purchased products from local fundraisers or have otherwise shown support throughout the last 20 years. It is with this support that Country Maid will continue to grow and remain an active part of West Bend and surrounding communities!
Country Maid, Inc., a 100% employee-owned company, has long manufactured the “famous” Butter Braid® brand pastry available only through fundraisers for the purpose of helping non-profi t groups raise funds for various causes. Country Maid has also been actively supporting the West Bend and other area communities since incorporation in 1991. Employing approximately 80 full-time and part-time/seasonal workers, Country Maid continues to grow and live out the mission of “Helping Others Help Themselves.” Visit www.countrymaid.net for additional company information.
of Helping Others Help Themselves
Country Maid Inc. Celebrates
Five Star Cooperative Facility Open in Galbraith
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2012 7
Five Star Cooperative was formed in 1916 in New Hampton, as an Iowa incorporated agricultural cooperative owned and run by the members it serves. Our membership includes farmers, businesses, and patrons in Northeast and North Central Iowa. Farm producers govern the cooperative by being elected as a board of directors. Profi ts are returned to our members in the form of patronage dividends, which has been paid annually to our members for decades.
Products and services are offered in grain, agronomy, feed, petroleum, and hardware.
There are 135 full time employees with another approximately 100 seasonal part time employees. Our company philosophy is to provide excellent customer service, and we have specialists on staff with the technology, training, and expertise to be an advisor for producers.
Five Star participates in community involvement through donations, sponsoring of events/activities, appreciation picnics, etc. Supporting 4-H and FFA are important to us as well.
Five Star Co-op’s main offi ce location is in New Hampton. Other locations that are open year-round are Lawler, Ionia, Nashua, North Washington, Dougherty, Burchinal, Rockwell, Mason City, Klemme, Galbraith, Ventura, Joice, Lake Mills, and Hanlontown. Seasonal locations for grain or agronomy include Sheffi eld, Swaledale, Cartersville, Clear Lake, Fertile, and Scarville.
Our Galbraith facility is our most recent location to serve. Effi ciency will be appreciated by farmers as they can weigh and unload right on the scale in an enclosed building. This grain is transferred with a 25,000 bushel per hour leg to a temporary wet storage bin. Grain will be dried onsite with a 7,500 bushel per hour dryer and stored. This facility has 3 million bushels of storage.
Our hours of operation are Monday – Friday 7:00 to 4:00 and will be open extended hours in the fall to accommodate our customers during harvest. Travis Starr is the location manager and Roxy Krieps is the grain originator. Give them a call at 515-295-9418.
Happy employees make for happy patients, or at least that’s how Scott Curtis, administrator of Kossuth Regional Health Center sees it. KRHC puts forth great effort to create a culture of service and engage employees.
In the September 18 edition of the Des Moines Register, KRHC was named as one of Iowa’s Top Workplaces for 2011. KRHC employee Carol Plathe nominated the organization for the award. Plathe is the Health Information Manager at KRHC and has worked at the hospital for 23 years.
“I nominated KRHC because of the people I work with. The staff here are the most caring group of people you will fi nd. We care for our patients, but we also care for each other personally,” Plathe said.
After receiving Plathe’s nomination, Workplace Dynamics distributed surveys to all KRHC employees to fi nd out more about employee benefi ts, workplace strengths and interesting facts. The information gathered from this survey resulted in KRHC chosen as one of 70 companies to win a Top Workplace Award.
Top Workplaces leads the way in measuring the health of US companies based upon employee opinions. Over 2,000 designated Top Workplaces nationally are now better positioned to attract and retain industry leading talent.
“We recognize that most of our employees, including our medical staff, have a lot of options in front of them when it comes to employment. Making Kossuth Regional Health Center the employer of choice is one of our goals and it’s not always about wages and benefi ts. People need to enjoy coming to work, seeing their coworkers and doing their jobs and we have many people on staff at KRHC that fi t that profi le,” Curtis said.
In addition to what employees responded to for this award, KRHC also offers an annual employee survey to learn about employee engagement and ways to improve. According to Curtis, KRHC has consistently scored in the top quartile when compared to all other hospitals in the nation.
“In our most recent employee survey we were pleased to have scored overall at a level identifi ed as “Best In Class” for our employee’s overall impression of how they rate KRHC as a place to work,” Curtis said.
CHOSEN AS ONE OF IOWA’S “TOP WORKPLACES”
For more information about the award go to www.topworkplaces.com.
8 January-June 2012 www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com
The PACCB has completed some exciting projects in the past few months and is looking forward to a new season. Several changes have taken place in the organization, as Steve Pitt, Director for over 39 years retired and former Operations Supervisor Art Hampe moves into that position.
The Palo Alto County Conservation Board has a strong program and we continue to grow in our programs and services offered. We manage 27 areas totaling 2,326 acres, including a campground, wildlife areas for hunting and fi shing, boat ramps, picnic shelters, hiking trails, a swimming beach and a nature center.
Providing recreation opportunities for local residents and visitors alike is one of the main goals of the Conservation Board. Whether you like to canoe, fi sh, hike, camp, bike or go bird watching, we invite you to check out several new amenities in Palo Alto County.
A new boat ramp at Lammers Landing (located east of Graettinger on B14 on the west side of the river bridge) has fi nally been completed. Construction started in 2009, but because of constant rains and river fl ooding, it was diffi cult to get back into the site to pour the fi nal approach
of the ramp. We are excited to have a boat ramp at the north end of Palo Alto County, as many people enjoy fi shing and canoeing on the West Des Moines River.
Palo Alto County Conservation Board recently received ownership of a 25 acre wetland donated by the H.O. “Lon” Helgen family. The Board plans to lower the water level in the near future to kill the carp in the marsh and re-vegetate the marsh. After that the water level will be managed to provide optimum wetland habitat for waterfowl.
Fishing at Lost Island Lake continues to improve with the lake restoration and rock reef projects. Over the past two years, the County Conservation Board has partnered with the Iowa DNR, Lost Island Lake Protective Association, Palo Alto Soil & Water Conservation District and Ducks Unlimited to carry out an intensive water quality improvement project. Lost Island Lake is the state’s fi fth largest natural lake at 1,180 acres. In 2002 and 2004, the lake was categorized as being “impaired”. Frequent algae blooms and turbid water were common. A two year study identifi ed a high population of non-native common carp in the lake and surrounding wetlands as the primary cause. The restoration project has included the removal of 1,114,000 pounds of carp and buffalo, construction of fi sh barriers and water control structures, and the stocking of predator fi sh like walleye, largemouth bass and northern pike into the lake, all to control future carp numbers. We are already seeing improvements in water quality and fi shing, and look forward to the continued rebound of fi sheries at Lost Island.
Check out the new bike trail on the east side of Lost Island Lake in Huston Park. Phase three of this trail was completed this summer, and many people are enjoying the opportunity to use the trails.
As winter nears, we will be gearing up for our annual Chili, Live Music & Silent Auction Night which is the major fundraiser for the Lost Island Nature Center. This annual event is a great time to enjoy with friends and bid on some great local art work all in support of the education program and displays at the Center. Join us for some other winter programs at the Nature Center like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
Watch for details and dates on our website at www.paccb.org.Visit the Lost Island Nature Center, we live in a beautiful part of Iowa and there is always something to see and do outdoors. We hope to see you soon!
PALO ALTO COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD IN FULL SWING
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2012 9
“We are at your disposal.”From left to right: Don and Jane Potthoff, Zeb and Katie Besch, Meredith Meyers, and John RedingF l f h D d J P h ff Z b d K B h M d h M d J h R d
On October 1, 2011, the Algona family owned garbage business, Dump It was taken over under new ownership. Zeb and Katie Besch, along with John Reding are the new friendly faces of Dump It. They promise to continue what Don and Jane Potthoff have started and successfully kept alive for the past 29 years as a growing and thriving business in the community.
Currently Dump It has fi ve drivers that have daily routes throughout Algona, as well as Bancroft. Dump It ensures its same superior service by providing all of your garbage and recycling needs. They will also pick up extra items such as tvs, appliances, furniture, and e-waste for an additional fee. Dumpster and roll off rentals for both commercial and residential are also available.
Dump It’s contact information will remain the same other than the payment drop off location. It will now be at 2001 East Oak St. in Algona (Reding’s Gravel & Excavating Building). Payments can still be mailed to PO Box 581 Algona.
They are also now offering automatic withdrawals! Your monthly bill now can be automatically be pulled from your account so you never have to worry about writing a check, paying postage, or late fees!
For more information on Dump It services, call (515) 295-7346 or send an email at [email protected].
Nashville, TN, July 9-11, 2011 – A delegation of nearly 100 members of National Rural Economic Developers Association (NREDA) attended the Association’s annual conference in Nashville, Tennessee, on July 9-11, 2011 at The Union Station. Honored at the NREDA Awards Luncheon was Jim Vermeer, Vice President, Business Development, Corn Belt Power Cooperative as the “2011 NREDA Rural Economic Development Leadership Award” recipient.
The Rural Economic Development Leadership Award recognizes outstanding leadership in the fi eld of rural economic development. NREDA seeks to honor deserving individuals across America. Nominees may be economic development professionals or rural electric cooperative/rural telephone staff or board members. Nominees are those who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in an economic development project resulting in the improvement of the quality of life, creation of new jobs, and opportunity for growth and development in rural America.
This is a very prestigious honor. Jim Vermeer was chosen by a national selection committee representing electric and telephone cooperatives from across the nation. NREDA is a vital network of rural economic development professionals providing expertise and national leadership on rural issues. Dennis Mingyar, NREDA Awards Chair says, “Jim Vermeer is the epitome of a rural economic developer. His vision, leadership and guidance to the profession have made him a source of knowledge and guidance. He is committed to his members, his consumers, and his communities. He is someone we turn to with our questions and our needs.”
The Annual Conference theme of “Community Transformation and Preparedness!” brought in over a dozen presenters from all facets of economic development. The Conference supports NREDA’s mission to provide education, advocacy and networking opportunities to rural and suburban utilities and affi liated organizations.
Also recognized as recipients of the President’s Award was J. Mark Gaddy with Berkeley Electric Cooperative due to his commitment to Rural Economic Development and leadership within NREDA.
LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTED TO
Jim Vermeer AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE IN NASHVILLE, TN
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com10 January-June 2012
Work is underway at the site of Project LIBERTY in Emmetsburg.
A new weigh station for outgoing trucks is being built in anticipation of this
year’s biomass harvest.Work is underway on the much-anticipated Project
LIBERTY in Emmetsburg following POET’s closing of a $105 million loan for construction of the cellulosic ethanol plant.
The U.S. Department of Energy announced on Sept. 23 that POET’s loan guarantee had received approval, and the company closed on the loan shortly after that.
U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu said America is in a race to develop clean renewable energy sources to compete in a global clean energy market with countries like China.
“Investments in the next generation of biofuels and plants like Project LIBERTY are critical to those efforts,” said Secretary Chu. “This commercial-scale biofuel plant will reduce carbon emissions and create new, green American jobs that will help strengthen the nation’s economy.”
Project LIBERTY is POET’s planned 25 million-gallon-per-year cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg. The plant will use corn cobs, leaves, husks and stalk harvested by area farmers. Besides ethanol, the plant will also produce biogas, enough to power itself and most of the adjacent grain-based ethanol plant, POET Biorefi ning - Emmetsburg.
The loan closing cleared the way for large-scale construction to start at the site. POET is currently fi nishing work on a second weigh station for outgoing trucks that have delivered bales of corn cobs, leaves, husk and stalk. Additional work before winter includes grading and installing footings for the biomass handling building. Next construction season, major work will begin on the biorefi nery itself.
The fi rst commercial cellulosic ethanol plants will demonstrate that the 1 billion tons of biomass available in the United States can be a major force in overcoming the country’s reliance on foreign oil, POET CEO Jeff Broin said. There is enough biomass available to allow ethanol to replace all of America’s imports of gasoline.
“I’m honored that POET is able to play such an important role in expanding America’s sources of clean-burning ethanol. I’m grateful that the Department of Energy, after conducting a rigorous due diligence process, agreed to support and approve this important project,” Broin said. “Financing has been a key hurdle to getting the fi rst commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant up and running. We’re excited to show
the world the tangible results of a decade of work by our researchers and engineers.”
The fall harvest is in full swing, and POET is preparing its 22-acre stackyard to build on the 56,000 tons of biomass harvested by area farmers last year. POET is gradually ramping up biomass contracts so that farmers are ready to supply the 300,000 or so tons needed annually once the plant starts up in 2013.
“We had a great biomass harvest last year,” Project LIBERTY Director Jim Sturdevant said. “We learned a lot about harvesting, transportation and storage, and we’re excited to learn even more this season. The farmers have been great partners with us in this endeavor.”
POET Biomass personnel will be visiting fi elds throughout the harvest season to assist farmers in proper harvesting techniques. POET’s contracts call for about 20-25% of the available crop residue on a fi eld, leaving the rest for nutrient and carbon replacement and erosion control.
Four new members elected to Iowa Small Business Development Center State Advisory Board
AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Small Business Development Centers recently elected Maureen Elbert of Algona, Kirsten Running-Marquardt of Cedar Rapids, Pat Grassley of New Hartford, and Kristin Kunert of Des Moines as new members of its State Advisory Board. The state advisory board represents all regions of the state and many of the partners and associations that represent Iowa’s businesses and industries.
Elbert is Executive Director for Kossuth and Palo Alto Economic Development Corporation in Algona, where she works with local and regional businesses in an effort to retain and expand area businesses.
Running-Marquardt is State Representative for House District 33. She is the House Ranking Member of the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and also serves on the Appropriations, Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa, Labor, and Local Government Standing Committees.
Grassley is State Representative for House District 17. He is Chair of the Economic Growth/Rebuild Iowa Standing Committee and also serves on the Commerce and the Ways and Means Standing Committees, and the Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee.
Kunert is the Iowa State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), where she represents small business interests in the Iowa General Assembly and works to preserve and protect the rights of NFIB small business members to own, operate and grow their businesses.
As Iowa Small Business Development Center State Advisory Board members, these four professionals will join other business and professional peers from across Iowa in providing insight and perspective to this successful business assistance organization.
The Iowa Small Business Development Centers are an outreach program of Iowa State University’s College of Business. Partially funded by the U. S. Small Business Administration, the organization has 15 regional business assistance centers located strategically across the state. Since program inception in 1981, the organization has provided expert, confi dential business counseling and affordable, practical training workshops to hundreds of thousands of Iowa businesses and entrepreneurs.
For more information on Iowa Small Business Development Center programs or services, call (515) 294-2030 or visit www.iowasbdc.org.
Di f h N d d B iK i h I S i l F d i f I di d
www.kossuth-edc.com • www.paloaltoiowa.com January-June 2012 11
Business SurveyHighlights
for 2011-2012
A groundbreaking was held Thursday, August 4, 2011 for a new ambulance garage in the city of Graettinger. The construction of the new garage began this week and will provide space for an ambulance bay, as well as additional space for training and meeting rooms and equipment storage.
Currently, the ambulance is parked in a donated garage stall next to City Hall in Graettinger. This facility is large enough to park the ambulance but not large enough to do maintenance work on location. When basic upkeep activities are required the rig must be moved out doors or to another location, generally Emmetsburg. There is a small area within the garage; however, it is too small for the crew to have meetings or do training on site. Currently meetings and training take place at an offsite location, which requires moving a lot of equipment.
Fourteen dedicated individuals from the community provide emergency medical services to the city of Graettinger and surrounding communities. Each person has completed the necessary training for their role and attend classes to maintain their skills. The new ambulance garage will provide space for crew meetings and education as well as for public education such as CPR classes. The new site will also have room for general maintenance of the ambulance rig and storage for medical and training equipment.
The construction of the garage was a collaboration of many entities. The garage was funded by a grant from the Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation with matching funds from the Palo Alto County Health Care Foundation. The Graettinger Economic Development Committee donated the property for the garage and River Valley Telephone and Graettinger Municipal Light Plant donated the necessary stub lines and wiring during construction.
“I am proud of the crew we have in Graettinger”, commented Sheryl Darling, Palo Alto County Health System EMS Coordinator. These individuals are committed to serving the needs of the community. They are willing to dedicate their time to respond to emergency calls at all hours of the day and in all types of weather. The new ambulance garage will improve their ability to serve the community and enhance the great job they are already doing.”
GRAETTINGER AMBULANCE GARAGE GROUND BREAKING (Picture courtesy of Emmetsburg Publishing)
Pictured (from the left) are PACGDC board members Kay Suhr, Don Miller and Norlyn Stowell; Kris Ausborn, president of Palo Alto County Hospital Board of Trustees; John Hand,
director of Palo Alto County Health Care Foundation; Graettinger City Councilman Dan Skattebo; EMT Diane Brown, Graettinger City Councilman Wayne Anderson, EMT Cheryl Harris, EMS Tasha Nielson, EMT Jane Brown, City Councilman Mike Flaherty, EMTs Stacey
Ebel, Miranda DePyper and Pam Studer, Bill Brown from EPS, EMT Ruth Petrich, Graettinger City Clerk, Sandy Henderson and EMS Coordinator Sheryl Darling.
The 2011-2012 Business Survey showed another year of satisfactory results for both Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties. Businesses from both counties were asked to complete the survey by using an internet site called Survey Monkey. Overall, the number of respondents increased in both counties compared to last years numbers. This could be a result of more people having email/internet usage. It also appears that more Retail Trade types of businesses responded to this year’s survey compared to last year as well.
From the results of this year’s survey it also appears that many businesses in Kossuth and Palo Alto counties that have multiple locations are staying in the state of Iowa. Kossuth County has actually increased their percentage from last year from 63% to 67% in-State locations.
Businesses who are able to increase employment are seeing growth in Expanded Share, which has increased from last years results in both Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties. These factors result in increased buy-in of local businesses.
Sales of Product and Services appear to be stable for both Kossuth and Palo Alto when looking at the last 3 years. Kossuth and Palo Alto counties have seen a gradual increase over the past 3 years which is a great sign that the economy is recovering.
When comparing results from last year to this year, Business for both Kossuth and Palo Alto Counties have grown. In Kossuth County, Business has seen a growth from 45% in 2010-11 to 50% in 2011-12. Palo Alto businesses have seen a growth from 44% in 2010-11 to 46% in 2011-12. As a results of this growth, many businesses in both counties are Entering New Markets. As a result, business owners are branching out and looking for new ways to continue their success.
With what has happened over the past 2-3 years in our counties economic market, our businesses took the steps they needed to take to retain what they have during the downturn in the economy and from what we have assessed from this years Business Survey, we see that new growth, reinvestment in new job creation, product development and company expansions are presently happening or on the horizon. The annual Business Survey allows our organization to keep a pulse on the business climate in both counties. More information on the 2011-2012 Business Survey is available by visiting www.kossuth-edc.com or www.paloaltoiowa.com or call 515-295-7979 at the Kossuth/Palo Alto EDC Offi ce.
Kirk Hayes, of Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company in Algona, Iowa, was honored as the recipient of the NCPA 2011 Calvin J. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award by
the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) during its 113th Annual Convention and Trade Exposition held here October 8-12.
Lifetime Achievement Award
www.kossuth-edc.com
www.paloaltoiowa.com
Kossuth/Palo Alto CountyEconomic Development
Corporation
www.kossuth-edc.com www.paloaltoiowa.comKossuth/Palo Alto CountyEconomic Development
Corporation12 January-June 2012
KOSSUTH COUNTY75 YEARS & OVER:
CAPPER’S INSURANCE ......................................................... 80 YEARSFARMERS & TRADERS SAVINGS BANK ................................. 125 YEARSHEARTLAND MUTUAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION ................. 125 YEARSJ.B. MERTZ AND SON, INC ................................................... 95 YEARSSTATE BANK OF LEDYARD .................................................. 120 YEARS
50 – 70 YEARS:BANK PLUS ......................................................................... 65 YEARSJACK’S OK TIRE SERVICE CO. ................................................ 60 YEARSKEMNA MOTOR COMPANY (BANCROFT) ............................... 60 YEARSKOSSUTH COUNTY CONSERVATION ....................................... 50 YEARSPROBUILD .......................................................................... 60 YEARSWEST BEND INTERNATIONAL CORP. ..................................... 60 YEARS
25 – 45 YEARS:AMERICAN CONCRETE PRODUCTION ..................................... 25 YEARSBANWART TAX SERVICE ....................................................... 35 YEARSBOB BOLAND FORD ............................................................ 30 YEARSCOZZINI, INC. ..................................................................... 40 YEARSDON’S AUTO REPAIR ........................................................... 35 YEARSFARM BUREAU INSURANCE – STEVE HEYER .......................... 25 YEARSGROEN AND MENNING BUILDERS ........................................ 40 YEARSIOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE ..................................... 45 YEARSKEMCO TIRES ...................................................................... 35 YEARSKKTC WINE AND SPIRITS SHOPPE OF ALGONA ..................... 25 YEARSKOFAB ................................................................................ 35 YEARSWAYNE T. HANSON .............................................................. 40 YEARSWHITTEMORE FEEDER’S SUPPLY ........................................... 30 YEARS
5 – 20 YEARS: AI PROCESSORS .................................................................. 20 YEARSALUMA KLM ...................................................................... 20 YEARSAMERICAN MARINE ............................................................. 15 YEARSAMERICINN MOTEL AND SUITES ........................................... 15 YEARSDOTSON LAW FIRM ............................................................. 20 YEARSFENCHEL, DOSTER & BUCK, P.L.C. ......................................... 20 YEARSNORTHWEST BANK .............................................................. 20 YEARSPAM’S FINAL TOUCH ........................................................... 15 YEARSPARKVIEW INN AND SUITES ................................................. 10 YEARSPROTEIN RESOURCES LLC .................................................... 15 YEARSSURFACES ........................................................................... 10 YEARS
PALO ALTO COUNTY75 YEARS & OVER:
AYSHIRE TELEPHONE ......................................................... 105 YEARSEMMETSBURG MUNICIPAL UTILITIES – WATER .................... 115 YEARSEMMETSBURG PUBLISHING CO. ......................................... 130 YEARSFARM CREDIT SERVICES OF AMERICA .................................... 95 YEARSGROTTO OF THE REDEMPTION ........................................... 100 YEARSIOWA STATE BANK – RUTHVEN ............................................ 85 YEARSKERBER MILLING CO. .......................................................... 90 YEARSWELLS FARGO BANK ......................................................... 160 YEARS
50 – 70 YEARS:CORNBELT POWER CO-OP .................................................... 65 YEARS
25 – 45 YEARS:BANWART TAX SERVICE ....................................................... 35 YEARSBURDORF, PARROTT & ASSOCIATES, PC................................. 30 YEARSCONNIE’S CREATIONS .......................................................... 35 YEARSIOWA LAKES COMMUNITY COLLEGE ..................................... 45 YEARSPICRAY’S WELDINGS & FABRICATING, INC. ........................... 35 YEARSPRAIRIE LAKES AEA ............................................................. 35 YEARSSTATE FARM INSURANCE ...................................................... 45 YEARSWEST BEND GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB .................................... 35 YEARS
5 – 20 YEARS: AG PARTNERS, LLC .............................................................. 15 YEARSAG PROCESSING INC. .......................................................... 15 YEARSAGRIGOLD HYBRID ............................................................. 10 YEARSAYRSHIRE QUICK STOP ........................................................ 20 YEARSEMMETSBURG CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC ................................... 15 YEARSLAURENS STATE BANK – EMMETSBURG ................................ 10 YEARSNORTHERN PLAINS REGIONAL LANDFILL .............................. 10 YEARSPICKET FENCE ..................................................................... 10 YEARSRUTHVEN MEAT PROCESSING ............................................... 10 YEARSSMITH WELLNESS CENTER .................................................... 15 YEARSTHE BY-PASS ....................................................................... 10 YEARS
Congratulations to the following businesses Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries in 2012
KOSSUTH COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
106 S. DODGE ST SUITE 210 ALGONA, IA 50511 PHONE: 515.295.7979
PALO ALTO COUNTYECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
BUSINESS INVESTORS 1000+Algona Area Economic Development Corp.
Algona Medical Clinic IIAlgona Municipal Utilities
Alliant EnergyBank Plus
Buchanan, Bibler, Gabor & MeisCentral Financial Group
Corn Belt Power CooperativeCountry Maid
CozziniElbert Chevrolet
Erpelding, Voigt & CompanyFarmers & Traders Savings Bank
Farmers State BankHumboldt County REC
Iowa Lakes Electric CooperativeIowa State Bank
Klein Insurance AgencyKOFAB
Kossuth County Community FoundationKossuth Regional Health Center
MaxYield CooperativeMidAmerican EnergyMurphy-Brown, LLC
Northwest BankPharmacists Mutual Insurance Company
Pioneer Hi-Bred InternationalProtein Resources
SBEMCO International “Matting by Design”Security State Bank
Snap-OnStateLine CooperativeTitonka Savings Bank
Universal Manufacturing BUSINESS INVESTORS $500 - $999
Algona PublishingAluma, Ltd.
Cassel, McMahon & StowaterCounsel Offi ce & Document
Dacken & AssociatesDrs. Klepper & Trainer, ODS
Erpelding Excavating EnterpriseFarm & Home Services
Good Samaritan Society - AlgonaHeartland Mutual Insurance Assoc.
Hormel Foods Corp.Hy-Vee
KLGA “Hometown Radio”Kemna GM Center
Kossuth Abstract & Title CompanyKuehl & Payer, Ltd.
Loren EhrichNorth Iowa Lumber & DesignNorthwest Communications
Reding’s Gravel & ExcavatingSusan Post, CPA
Whittemore Municipal UtilitiesBUSINESS INVESTORS $250 - $499
Albion Advanced NutritionAlgona Floor Design
Algona Frame & Auto BodyAlgona Glass
ATC CablevisionBuscher Bros. Implement & RV Center
Deitering BrothersDiamond’s Clothing Store
Dump ItElectronic SpecialtiesErnie Williams, Ltd
Farmers Cooperative ElevatorFarmers Trust & Savings BankFenchel, Doster & Buck, P.L.C.
Floors “N” MoreFoertsch Plumbing & Heating
Heartland Power Coop.Henry-Olson Funeral HomesJerome Menke Construction
Kemco TiresLandmark Realty
North Iowa Appliance CenterOakcrest Funeral Services
ProBuildRoethler Electric
Schmitt HardwareStandard Nutrition Services
State Farm InsuranceStuart Simonson, CPA
Titonka-Burt CommunicationsWater ConnectionWest Iowa Bank
Woodruff ConstructionBUSINESS INVESTORS $50 - $249
Algona Dairy QueenAlgona Family YMCA
Algona Hearing CenterAlgona Lions Club
Algona Machine & SupplyAlgona Manor Care Center
Algona Rotary
Allure SalonAnimal Medical CenterArnold Motor Supply
Bancroft CarGoBlair & Amanda RedeniusBoyken Insurance AgencyColumbia Hall AssociationCountryside BBQ Sauce
Eugene Elsbecker ConstructionExceptional Opportunities
Fresh Coffee: Professional Growth, Brenda Clark Hamilton
Friends of Bishop GarriganGold Eagle Cooperative
Gregg Elsbecker BuildersInnovations Salon & SpaInterior Designs & Gifts
J.B. Mertz & SonJack’s O.K. Tire Service
Johnny’s Restaurant/Jumbo’s LiquorJohnson Plumbing & Heating
Kiwanis Club of AlgonaKiwanis Club of Algona Morwens
Kossuth County Farm BureauLone Rock Cooperative Telephone Company
Mark A. StuderMary Schaaf Design
Motor InnPeterson & Lipps Law Firm
Reutzel ExcavatingRuhnke Bros.
Spa Dee Dah, Too!The Chocolate Season/Bradley Jensen Photography
Thul Law FirmTom Eischen Sales
Welp, Inc. Wessels Crossroads of Algona
Whittemore Frozen Food CenterWine & Spirits Shoppe
BUSINESS INVESTORS $1- $49Tri-Square Construction
BUSINESS INVESTORS 1000+Ag Processing, Inc. (AGP)
Alliant EnergyCommunity Lumber Supply of West Bend
Iowa Lakes Electric CooperativeIowa State Bank
Iowa Trust & Savings BankMaxYield Cooperative
MidAmerican EnergyPalo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation
POET Biorefi ningWells Fargo BankWest Iowa Bank
BUSINESS INVESTORS $500 - $999Bank Plus
Northwest Telephone Cooperative Assoc.
Palo Alto County Health SystemZimmerman Family Dental
BUSINESS INVESTORS $250 - $499Ayrshire Farmers Mutual Telephone Company
Farmers State BankKiesling Associates
Petersen Insurance AgencyWild Rose Casino & Resort
2011 BUSINESS INVESTORS
BUSINESS INVESTORS2011
Kossuth/Palo Alto County Board of Supervisors and communities also contribute funding dollars to assist with our programs
