South-West Progress 2014

8/10/2019 South-West Progress 2014

1/12

THE TALES BEHIND THE SALES

Behindevery amazing company is an

extraordinary story to tell.

WEEK OF MARCH 30, 2014 SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOUTH WEST REVIEW PUBLISHED BY LILLIE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS, INC.


2/12


3/12

Kathwww.kathhvac.com www.kathelectric.com

YOUR HE TING ND COOLINGYOUR HEATING AND COOLINGF CTORY UTHORIZEDFACTORY AUTHORIZED E LERDEALER

Call The Leader!Call

Kath Heating, Air Conditioning Electrical

Kath Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical

100% Satisfactionguaranteed by Carrier

turn to the expertsSM

(651) 484-3326www.kathhvac.com www.kathelectric.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW

FILTER STOREON OUR WEBSITE!

WWW.KATHHVAC.COM

S

P

E

I

L

S

SPECIALS

RepairCost$25OFF

Limited 1 per customer. Applies to parts and labor only, not diagnostic fee.Present coupon to service tech. Not valid on Tune-Ups.

Minimum service call $158.00

Save on aService Call

0%Financing Availableon approved credit

W REHOUSEWAREHOUSE

CLE R NCECLEARANCEWE MUST MAKE ROOM FORSPRING AIR CONDITIONERS

EVERYTHING PRICED TO MOVE!

$340000*UPTOIN REBATES & INCENTIVES PLUS

FREE WIFI THERMOSTAT UPGRADE*

*on a complete Furnace/AC System when installed in April

All Kath products are installed by Kath employees, not subcontractors, Manosnotes, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Three powerful words that define what it means to be recognized

as a CarrierFactory Authorized Dealer and what you should

expect from your experience as one of their customers.

CarrierFactory Authorized Dealers have earned their distinction

its not given to them. And its not about what they are, but

what theyve done and continue to do: they go to work and get

the job Done. Right. Guaranteed

DONE. RIGHT. GUARANTEED.

Whetheryourelookingfor heat-ing, coolingor electricalservice foryour homeor busi-ness, thestaff atKath hasyour bestinterest atheart.

We always look out for the cus-tomers, notes manager and masterelectrician Keith Williams. Werecustomer service-based.

In addition to offering stellar ser-vice, Kath carries the industrys mosttrusted products and is a Carrierfactory-authorized dealer. Williamsnotes that its important for custom-ers to make sure theyre doing busi-ness with a reputable Carrier dealer,

and unlike many other heating,cooling and electrical companies,Kath will always back up its prod-ucts.

Williams pointed to an exampleof a woman who called Kath recent-ly when her systems controllerscreen started going blank. Becausethe system had been purchasedelsewhere, it wasnt covered underKaths standard 10-year warranty,and she had a $600 repair bill.

Williams adds sales representa-tives wont ever try to upsell unnec-essary products to customers.

Were not going to sell some-

thing you dont need, he explains,adding, however, that quality canbe key when it comes to protectingvalue.

Williams notes that many newerhomes may have been built withlower-priced HVAC systems, whichdont measure up to better-gradeproducts when it comes to efficiencyand comfort.

What technology has found overthe years is that half a degree makesa huge difference in the comfortof the house, explains sales repre-sentative Jim Manos, noting that

higher-quality systems will be ableto provide more even and efficientheating and cooling.

Controlling yourheating/cooling system

via the internetThe new Carrier Infinity

Control products also provide forsome high-tech perks, with touchscreen and WiFi-accessible ther-mostats. Customers who choose toupgrade to the WiFi compatibleproducts can control their thermo-

stats from any Internet connectionwhen theyre away from home. Thethermostat system will even send anemail update to users in the event ofthe malfunction or error.

While on their electronic device,customers can check out Kathsredesigned website, www.kathhvac.com, which offers more inquirytools such as detailed productinformation, educational videos,service request forms and even apre-financing evaluation. Air filterscan even be purchased on the web-site from Kaths online filter storeor by scanning the attached QRcode. Customers can also call Kathanytime during daytime hours, or24-hours-day for emergency heatingcalls.

A seamless processWell go the extra mile to help

our customers, even if its not just aquick fix, Williams says,

And with a more than quali-fied work force, customers can restassured the entire installation orrepair process will be seamless fromstart to finish. Experienced techni-cians have been trained by Carrieron exactly how all products shouldbe installed and serviced, and to addthe most value to each customerspurchase, Kath doesnt subcontract

anything on the job, Manos notes.Most jobs are completed on thesame day theyre started, and in theunlikely event of a two-day installa-tion, Kath ensures that the customerhas necessary heating or cooling onday one.

Everybody works together, andits all very coordinated, addsHVAC sales representative BradHansen.

Williams notes that potentialand repeat customers are alwayswelcome to stop by the business todiscuss their heating, cooling andelectrical needs over a cup of cof-

fee, and to see for themselves whyKath is known locally and regionallyfor top-notch customer service andtrusted products.

We go far beyond what wehave to do to make people happy,Williams notes. And we have a100 percent satisfaction guaranteebacked by Carrier.

At Kath, service and quality

are second to none


4/12

Whether you need help with lawn care, snow

removal, or even asphalt sealcoating, New LeafOutdoor Services, LLC has got you covered.

The business provides year-round service forall your lawn, snow removal and asphalt needs,saving you the hassle of calling around to differ-ent companies for various services.

And with snow melting and spring justaround the corner, nows the time to start think-ing about beautifying your yard.

New Leaf Outdoor Services is your No. 1source for spring cleaning, starting with settingthe scene for a fabulous lawn. Theyll dethatchit, removing dead grass and blowing away allthe debris left from fall and winter.

Through the spring and summer, New Leaf

Outdoor Services keeps the surroundings greenwith weekly lawn care, sidewalk edging, shrubtrimming, fertilizing and weed control.

They even offer summer driveway services tokeep your asphalt drive in top shape and ensureyouve got the best looking lot on the block.

Thinking of selling your home in the springor summer? Getting New Leaf Outdoor Servicesout to make sure your property has that all-important curb appeal could make the differ-ence in a recovering real-estate market.

Hometown appealMy goal has been and will always be to pro-

vide professional, quality and reputable services

at affordable prices to local homeowners, saysowner Scott Nelson.

His family-owned business has served thecommunity for more than 20 years, formerlyoperating under the name of Scotts LawnCare and Snowplowing, LLC. And with thenew name and rebranding, New Leaf OutdoorServices hopes customers will continue to trustthem as their one-stop-shop for all their homecare needs.

Nelson extended his original business plan installing and maintaining asphalt drive-ways and lots into snowplowing and lawncare to meet his customers requests. With sixplows and a dedicated crew, New Leaf Outdoor

Services has great response time for plowingcustomers out whenever more than two inchesof snow fall. And best of all, customers pay a

flat $349 rate (avg. driveway) for the entire sea-son.Even before the business got started, Nelson

had already began honing his craft. In juniorhigh school, the West St. Paul native beganworking for his fathers sealcoating company,and he worked as a parking lot striper in thelate 70s.

Im still serving the community that I wasborn and raised in, Nelson proudly states. Ifeel a great sense of loyalty to this community.

New Leaf Outdoor Services has extended itsclientele area now and offers home care to SouthSt. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, InverGrove Heights, Woodbury, New Port, CottageGrove and the West Side of St. Paul.

Last year we cut more grass than we haveever cut, Nelson says, adding that his clientbase continues to grow thanks to customerloyalty and neighbor-to-neighbor recommenda-tions.

For all your homecare needs, trust New LeafOutdoor Services. With their reliable service andtop-notch expertise, all you need to do is enjoythe time they save you.

Formerly...

Same Owner & Great Ser vice, With a New Name & a New Look!

Full Service Lawn Care

Snow Plowing with Great Seasonal Specials

Asphalt Seal Coating

Summer Driveway Services

Summer Lawn Services Weekly Cut N Trim Service

Shrub Trimming

Fertilizing & Weed Control

Sidewalk Edging

Summer Driveway Services Asphalt Seal coating & Crack Filling

Apron Cut-Outs

Parking Lot Striping & Design

651.457.410

newleafoutdoor.com Free Estimates Fully Insured

For every season, New LeafOutdoor Services is your one-stop shop

New Leaf Outdoor Services will make your

lawn looks its best with a weekly cut and

trim service in addition to sidewalk edg-

ing and other services.

New Leaf Outdoor Services

Heres what New Leafs happycustomers have to say:

Your team of workers did anamazing job!

- Carol, Mendota Heights

Thanks Scott! Great to be doingbusiness with you again! Wisheveryone was as dependable andefficient as you and your company!

- Jane, South St. Paul

Your plow drivers do a good jobevery time it snows. I have alsoreferred you to three of our friendsand they agree your guys are thebest, as they are now your custom-ers too! You guys are beyond good!Thanks for the service.

- Sue, Mendota Heights


5/12

www.realifewsp.comRealife Cooperative of West St. Paul

As we grow older, the last

thing we want to have is

regrets. Residents of RealifeCooperative of West St. Paul

believe youd never regret

moving out of your large

house to their hometown

community.

It seems youre really giv-

ing up so much when youre

moving out of your house,

but youre really not, says

resident Jim Aydt.

I havent given up a

thing, he adds.

Before he and his wife Barbdecided to move to Realife

years ago, they realized they

werent using their whole

house; they were only using

the kitchen, bedrooms and

living room. Yet they were

paying big bills in upkeep.

This place was perfect,

he explains. We had every-

thing we needed, with less

space to vacuum.

Residents can choose

how much time they spendsocializing. For social but-

terflies, there are many on-

site events to choose from

(Saturday morning pancakes,

anyone?) but apartments are

quiet and cozy for the times

when a resident just wants

some downtime.

Realife offers many advan-

tages to residents, including

an on-site library, laundry

rooms (4 per floor), party

room, community areas,

guest rooms and even a

workshop for folks who liketo tinker.

I have access to more tools

now than I ever had in my

garage, Jim adds with a

chuckle.

Access is an important fac-

tor at Realife; Barb Aydt

calls Realife two blocks

from the world. The com-

munity is just two blocks

from Robert Streets shop-

ping areas and offers easy

access to bus routes whilestill maintaining its wooded

privacy.

Because Realife which

is available for residents 55

and older is a non-profit

cooperative, each member

owns a share of the property

based on the square footage

of the unit. Selling prices are

determined by the coopera-

tive members, rather than a

market rate.

In addition, the monthlycarrying charge includes

most utilities and housing

costs.

It really makes your retire-

ment dollars stretch, Jim

says.

Of course, you cant put a

price on the security of liv-

ing at Realife. We leave

town in the summer, and we

have the ability to just lock

the door behind us and not

worry, says resident Stephan

Flister. It really works won-

derfully.Other residents spend their

winters in warmer climates,

knowing their home in

Minnesota is secure in their

absence.

You have nothing to lose

and so much to gain, Jimsays. Weve never regretted

moving to Realife.

Realife offers community

life in West St. Paul

Cooperative of West St. Paul55+ Cooperative Living at its Best.

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AT REALIFE!

170 Emerson Ave. E, West St. Paul

651.455.1340

www.realifewsp.com

Spacious, Beautiful 1 & 2 Bedroom Homes

Many Amenities & Activities

Great Location

Realife offers gorgeous, wooded views. Realife residents Barb and Jim Aydt and Stephan Flister (standing) enjoy the on-site library.


6/12

The Truman Companywww.trumanrc.com

Devoting himself to therare coin and precious metaltrade for well over threedecades, Westerlings com-mitment to the customer issecond to none. From theirRoseville office, he and hisassociates offer purchasesand appraisals for estates,banks, insurance companiesand individuals.

My staff and I are dedi-cated to helping people pre-

serve and grow their wealth,Westerling explains. Thatswhy The Truman Companyoffers personalized servicetailored to each individual.

Introduced to the busi-ness by his Uncle Truman, ayoung Roger became enam-ored with coins. This nearly-lifelong passion encouragedWesterling to open his ownbusiness under the Trumanname.

Every time he visited my

family, he gave me a coin thathad an interesting history.His hope was that I woulddevelop a real interest inrare and unusual coins, andit worked, Westerling sayswith a smile.

Westerling visitedMinnesota to appraise a col-lection in 1998, and was sotouched by the welcome hereceived he decided to movebot h his home and bus iness

to St. Paul. He currentlyworks with about 3,000 cli-ents around the country.

Westerling is a life memberof the American NumismaticAssociation and holds anA+ rating with the BetterBusiness Bureau.

His knowledge can reas-sure people that theyreinsuring or pricing suchitems correctly. Im morethan happy to visit a home orbank to review a col lec tion,Westerling notes. Theres amarket for everything!

Though old coins appreci-ate gradually, precious met-als have undergone dramaticspikes over the past decade

in value, Westerling adds.From 2002 to 2013, the valueof silver went up by 668 per-

cent and gold by 595 percent.Many of Westerlings custom-ers are currently transferringindividual retirement accountfunds from banks to a pre-cious metal IRA.

I honestly think the pricesfor gold and silver will con-tinue to rise throughout ourlifetime, while the U.S. dol-lar declines, Westerlingexplains. Transferring to aprecious metal IRA can be anexcellent investment.

Customers will feelat home in The TrumanCompany office, where theymight even meet Westerlingspooch, Sonny, and his wife,Donna, an award winningTwin Cities artist whose workis featured throughout theoffice.

Curious about the worth ofa personal collection? RogerWesterling and his staff atThe Truman Company areready to help.

The Truman Company: a valuablesource for coins and precious metals

Trust and confi-dence are key inthe coin industry,

and customers from all overMinnesota and the U.S.have found an extraordinaryguide in Roger Westerling ofThe Truman Company.

WE BUY,SELL &TRADE

2585 Hamline Ave N Suite E

Roseville, MN 55113

Toll Free: 1-877-334-4990 Fax: 1-877-334-4991www.trumanrc.com

Rare coins and Precious Metals

ACCREDITED

BUSINESS

BBB

A+

This is a look at the variety of coins and pieces in The Truman Companys collec-

tion. With 37 years experience in the field, Roger Westerling can appraise andhandle a wide range of inventory.

Roger Westerling was introduced to coins at a young age by his Uncle Truman, a

numismatist for whom the company is named. Westerling is as passionate aboutcoin collection as his customers, making them feel right at home when they visit

The Truman Company.

Roger Westerling and his rescue dog Sonny, a fixture at The Truman Companyoffice in Roseville.


7/12

When they first opened their

doors in 1980, Apollo Heatingand Air Conditioning set the

bar for excellent service in themetro area.

For the past34 years, thefamily-ownedcompany has

been installingand repairing top-of-the-line unitsfrom brands likeLennox, Carrier,Amana, Apollo Select Series,Venmar, Honeywell, Aprilaireand Weil-McLain.

The knowledgeable andfriendly staff will help youdetermine whats best for yourhome, no matter what serviceyou may need. Apollo is pre-pared to tackle any issue whether your furnace is on thefritz, air conditioner is actingup or just want to make yourhome more energy efficient,Apollos technicians are ready

to lend their expertise.Comfort specialist RyanHalverson says Apollo hasseen a recent uptick in busi-ness since housing construc-tion and remodeling is on therise. Many clients are choosingto install new, more energy-efficient electric heat pumps,he says.

These new variable-speed

heat pumps from Lennox canreduce home utility costs by49 percent for the majority ofwinter, Halverson says. Thisreduces the reliance on gas andpropane, which are expensive.

Apollo has also beenexpanding its air duct clean-ing service, and is preparedto take on even the dustiest ofducts. Blending state-of-the-arttechnology with classic goodservice, an Apollo technicianwill come to your home andtake a video of whats in yourair ducts. If theres excessivedust and debris, chances aregood your air ducts need to

be cleaned out. Using a roto-brush to reduce the amount ofairborne dust and dander that

could contaminate your home,a technician can whip yourducts back into shape in a mat-ter of hours.

Apollo is also convenientfor those on the go. As always,Apollos staff is only a phonecall away, but customers canalso book appointments onApollos newly redesignedwebsite, www.callapollo.com.An array of outstanding dealsand special offers are alsoavailable on the site.

Were constantly updatingand redesigning our websiteto make it more convenient forfolks to use, Halverson says.

In addition to providingquality services at affordableprices, Apollo is community-

minded. Partnering with TwinCities Live, Apollo has givenaway a number of furnaces,valued at $5,000 each, to fami-lies in need this winter.

Its great to be able togive back to the community,Operations Manager AaronCave says. Weve been gettinga lot of positive feedback fromcustomers about our TwinCities Live giveaways.

Review readers recentlyvoted Apollo the BestHeating and Air ConditioningCompany in the area schedule an appointment todayand find out why!

Apollo Heating and Air Conditioningwww.callapollo.com

Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning:

Part of the local community for over 30 years

The knowledgeable, friendly technicians at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning will service all your heating and cooling

needs.

651.770.0603 www.CallApollo.com

APOLLO

Heating

&Air ConditioningDuct Cleaning

Thru

April

14,2

014

0% Financing Available

Like us on Facebook

Thru

April30,2014

Apollo Gives BackApollo Gives Back Not valid on prior purchases or orders.One Coupon Per Visit Per House. CertainRestrictions Apply. Not Valid With Any Other Offers.

One Coupon Per Visit Per House. CertainRestrictions Apply. Not Valid With Any Other Offers.

$5959

SERVICE CALLSERVICE CALLValid 7:30am to 7:00pm, Mon-Fri

Must show coupon at time of service.

Not valid on boilers.

APOLLOHeating &Air Conditioning

www.CallApollo.com

Call for details 651.770.0603

APOLLOHeating&Air Conditioning

www.CallApollo.com

Call for details 651.770.0603

UP TOUP TO40 OFF

40% OFFA FURNACEA FURNACE

with Purchase ofNew Central Air UnitSave an Extra 10% When You

Like Us on Facebook

LILLIE

SUBUR

BANNE

WSPAP

ERS

bestof

theco

mmuni

ty

2013

READ

ERS

award

sCH

OICE

BESTHEATING

&AIRCONDITI

ONINGCOMP

ANY

APOLLO


8/12

Van Drake Jewelerswww.vandrakejewlers.com

VAN DRAKE JEWELERS IS PAYING CASH FOR GOLD, PLATINUM & SILVER IN ANY CONDITION.

GET CASH! REDE SIGN YOUR GOLD, PLATINUM OR SILVER INTO A NEW PIECE OF CUSTOM JEWE LRY!

We Buy Gold, Platinum & Silver

1901 S. ROBERT ST. WEST ST. PAUL, MN

651-457-4407

WWW.VANDRAKEJEWELERS.COM

YOUR OLD

JEWELRY

IS WORTH

CASH

OR NEW

JEWELRY

Jewelry styles change over time. For

years, elegant yellow gold is all the rage,and then it gives way to the cool sophis-tication of white gold and platinum.

Van Drake Jewelers has witnessedmany jewelry trends during the 57 yearsthe store has been in the community.

In the 1990s, popular engagementrings had large, raised diamond solitaires,but now brides-to-be are more apt tochoose classic designs reminiscent of the1920s and 30s with smaller, high-qualitydiamonds and white gold or platinumsettings.

What hasnt changed through thedecades, though, is the expertise, wide

selection and top-notch customer serviceoffered at Van Drake.The veteran staff have all studied

academics in the area of jewelry, saysCraig Ishii, whose family has owned thebusiness since 1981. Were all dedicatedto our profession and are accredited gem-ologists.

That distinction is important to cus-tomers selecting, appraising or repairingcostly jewelry, he notes.

That sets us apart from someone whowas selling shoes last week and behind adepartment stores jewelry counter thisweek.

Were the people you can trust. We

are not salespeople pushing items oncustomers; we are consultants helping ourclients meet their needs.

Van Drake is an accredited memberof the American Gem Society, an elite,restricted group that requires high lev-els of education, business practices andannual recertification.

Gemologist Institute of America-trained goldsmith Jim Aubol has aworkshop in the back of the store wherehe does meticulous jewelry repairs, ringsizing and stone settings.

People have peace of mind know-ing that their jewelry is never sent awayfor repairs, Aubol says. It all stays right

here.

Making the right choicesCraig suggests browsing the many

showcases in the store, or going onlineto Van Drakes website to find a widearray of selections for many occasions,from designer-styled engagement rings toclassic anniversary rings and fashionablegemstone jewelry for all lifes specialoccasions.

The store continuously updates mer-chandise to help customers find whattheyre looking for. Recently, they updat-

ed their bridal selection of engagementand wedding rings and took on a newline of solar-powered wristwatches.

The store has a Facebook page wherecustomers can stay up-to-date on mer-chandise, promotions and contests, or fol-low them on Twitter @ VanDrakeJeweler.

One trend in this economy is cus-tomers selling gold, sterling silver andplatinum pieces they no longer wear orthat cant be repaired. Craig says custom-ers frequently tell him Van Drake offersthem the most money for their old jew-elry.

Van Drake Jewelers also offers watchrepair and watch battery replacement,and David Buchosky does jewelryappraisals every Friday. He is one ofonly 20 certified gemologist appraiserstrained by the American Gem Society inMinnesota.

Craigs mother, Donna Ishii, has beenhelping customers find just the rightjewelry for over three decades. She says,We show customers different pieces tohelp them make their decisions, and thedifferent color, quality and cut of stones ifthey are unsure.

I like customers to make the rightchoice, Donna adds. We have goldand sterling silver pieces in many priceranges, and I ask them what they likeso the piece will be something they willwant to wear.

Sales associate Cathy Ishii smiles asshe adds, When you wear a good pieceof jewelry, it makes you feel on top of theworld!

For all of lifes special occasions,

visit Van Drake Jewelers

Left to right, Jim Aubol - gemologist; Donna Ishii - president; Craig Ishii - vice president and registered jeweler; Cathy Ishii -

secretary and sales associate; and Kyle Ishii - bench jeweler.

Above, Certified gemologist appraiser David Buchosky examines anheirloom gold ring. He provides appraisal reports based on market

prices so customers can have adequate insurance protection.Right, Goldsmith Jim Aubol does meticulous jewelry repairs, ring

sizing and stone settings at the store. Customers have peace of

mind knowing their jewelry is never sent away for repairs


9/12

www.townsquare.tvTown Square Television

Local community televi-sion station Town SquareTelevision is t he communi-tys connection to the future.As Executive Director JodieMiller is quick to point out,the facilities are equippedwith state-of-the-art technol-ogy, an expanded studio,edit suites, and a productiontruck.

Town Square Television

has many of the amenities ofa commercial TV station, butwith one distinct advantage its for the public.

The organization cable-casts over 1,500 uniqueshows a year, representingits surrounding communi-ties, including Inver GroveHeights, Lilydale, Mendota,Mendota Heights, South St.Paul, Sunfish Lake and WestSt. Paul.

Much of the content is

produced by dedicated vol-unteers, who logged over1,500 hours of time last yearon studio and mobile truckproductions.

Town Square Televisioncovers local programmingincluding arts features, localmusic, high school sports,faith-related shows, localgovernment and news, his-tory programs, and more.

Their channels are avail-

able on cable in over 21,000homes in Northern DakotaCounty:

Community (Channel 14) Public Access (Channel 15) Multifaith Access

(Channel 16) Government

(Channels 18 and 19) Education (Channel 20) Community Bulletin Board

(Channel 21)

Programming is easilyaccessed on cable chan-nels, and is also available atwww.townsquare.tv.

Major improvementsmade to studio lighting andequipment reflect TownSquare Televisions focus onthe importance of keepingup with changing technol-ogy.

The community can get

involved by taking classes,volunteering, or producingand submitting their ownprograms. A comprehensiveline of classes are offeredfor video enthusiasts andnovices alike and includeHD Camera Production,Studio Production,Video Editing, and TruckProduction. The organiza-tion also recently addedfour HD cameras for publicuse.

Going Live

In 2012, Town SquareTelevision started provid-ing live coverage of events,

both online and on its chan-nels. We saw really h ighviewership for live sports,says Miller.

This service can be espe-cially great for family andfriends of local athletes,who can watch from any-

where in the world. A localresident was able to watchhis sisters soccer playoffgame, while stationed on anaircraft carrier overseas.

Preparing for the Future

Town Square Television,funded largely throughfranchise fees fromComcast, will soon be work-

ing to renew its contractwith the cable provider.

The community was invit-ed to attend focus groupsand complete surveys inorder to learn more aboutwhat they need from TownSquare Television in thefuture.

Keeping in stride withtechnology, Town SquareTelevisions program-

ming and information areavailable on Facebook,

Twitter, Vimeo, ComcastOn-Demand, and atwww.townsquare.tv

We are preparing for t hefuture, Miller adds. Andindeed, the organization ispoised to stay in touch withthe ever-changing ways weconnect.

Town Square Television Looks to the Future

photos courtesy of Mark Bitner

Town Square Televisions state-of-the-art renovated studio is showcased at its

25th Anniversary event.

Town Square Television guests explore green screen technology.

Produce local programs

Train & support volunteers

Teach affordable video classes

Provide hands-on training

& employment skills

Purchase & maintain state-of

the art studio & equipment

Keep up with technology

Help non-profits tell their stories

Maintain a LOCAL media presence

Cover local events

Promote freedom of speech

Support local business economy

Employ local residents

Preserve & document local history


10/12

www.invergrovetoyota.comInver Grove Toyota

Whether providing assis-tance to a car owner indesperate need of a serviceappointment or cheerfullyresponding to questions f roman inquisitive customer perus-ing their award-winning

lineup of automobiles, InverGrove Toyota employees arehere to help.

Their goal is simple staffmembers work diligentlyto ensure every customer ishappy with their experienceso theyre happy to return.

Both new and pre-ownedvehicles are available for pur-chase at Inver Grove Toyota,and quick diagnoses and easilyscheduled service appoint-ments help keep your vehiclerunning and in tip-top shape.

A full lineup of options

Interested in a roomy ridecapable of comfortably fittingyour growing family?

How about that sport car ofyour dreams?

Maybe youd like to test outa new economical hybrid.

Whatever your preference,Inver Grove Toyota has a car

that will fit your needs, anda knowledgeable staff to helpyou find it.

If youre looking for a brandnew car, Inver Grove Toyotaoffers completely revampedversions of the Corolla,Camry, Highlander and more.For even more options, thecar center is also a full Scionservicing dealer.

If a pre-owned car is yourgoal, check out Inver Grove

Toyotas large inventory.Descriptions, as well as prices,can be found at wwww.inver-grovetoyota.com.

A comfortable welcome

Visiting the car center is a

fun outing for everyone, eventhe kids.

An entertaining, cleanand secure play area engageschildren and keeps them busyso customers can explore thedealers wide selection ofvehicles. And customers canrelax or get some work donein Inver Grove Toyotas newlyremodeled lounge while a caris being serviced. The loungefeatures a big-screen TV,

Wi-Fi and individual workspaces with personal televi-sions and desk space.

Creating an environmentin which your time and expe-rience is paramount, InverGrove Toyota also offers acomplimentary shuttle serviceto get you to and from nearbylocations while you wait foryour car to be serviced.

Whether providing safeand reliable transportation

to its neighbors or contribut-ing to nonprofit events andarea athletic teams, InverGrove Toyota works is com-mitted to the community.They regularly participate inevents including Bridge toa Cure and the Chamber ofCommerce Gold Classic, anda conference room is availablefor community groups to useat no charge.

Inver Grove Toyota also

invites all customers whohave purchased vehicles fromthem to refresh their knowl-edge of car care at how-toclinics on the second Tuesdayof every month.

A stop at Inver Grove

Toyota is absolutely necessaryif youre in the market f or anew vehicle or maintenancefor your current car. Trusted

employees will greet you withsmiles, and a new quarter-time express maintenanceand an online schedulingoption makes servicing yourcar quicker and easier thanever.

Getting your car serviced is quicker and easier than ever with Inver GroveToyotas quarter-time express maintenance and online appointment

sche duli ng.

Inver Grove Toyota offers careand convenience for customers

A big-sc reen TV, Wi-Fi and individual work statio ns make Inver Grove

Toyotas lounge a comfortable place to wait while professional techni-cians service your vehicle.

INVER GROVE TOYOTA

Inver Grove Toyota

ATHLETE of the WEEK

Inver Grove Toyotas

www.invergrovetoyota.com

1037 Highway 110

651-455-6000

Saddled with a three-

game losing streak

entering its Feb. 9 Classic

Suburban Conference

game against Richfield,

the South St. Paul High

School boys hockey team

was in need of a jump

start. The Packers got it

from junior forward Billy

Brandecker.

Brandecker, the teams

leading scorer, helped

South St. Paul to an 8-0

victory over the Spartans

with a four-point effort.Brandecker notched

his third hat trick of

the season and added

an assist to record his

highest-scoring game

of the season.

The Richfield game

boosted Brandeckers

season numbers to 15 goals

and 8 assists for 23 total

points. The goal total in No. 1

on the team and he is fourth

on the squad in assists.

Billy Brandecker


11/12

Progress Pluswww.progressplus.org

Whether youre looking to starta business or expand your existing

business, Progress Plus and theirpartners can provide the boost youneed.

Progress Plus, an economicdevelopment initiative of theRiver Heights Chamber ofCommerce, City of South St. Pauland City of Inver Grove Heights,brings local businesses together topromote the interests of the SouthSt. Paul and Inver Grove Heights,business communities.

Progress Plus works with gov-ernment officials, loan providers,real estate professionals and smallbusiness owners to facilitate devel-opment by supporting the start-upor expansion of businesses.

One of the most important ser-vices they provide is information.

We serve as the conduit ofinformation, says Progress PlusPresident, Jennifer Gale. Wepoint clients in the right direc-tion based on their needs.

Progress Plus connects clientswith local resources they can

utilize for economic growth andsuccess, including programs likeOpen to Business, South St. PaulFuture and the South St. PaulHousing and RedevelopmentAuthority.

Open to Business providesentrepreneurs and small businessowners in South St. Paul andInver Grove Heights with busi-ness counseling and access tocapital. The program helps clientsdevelop a business plan, learnproper tax procedure, prepare

loan applications and make otherplans to secure funding.

Anybody who is either a resi-dent or does business in our com-munity can get assistance for freefrom the program, Gale explains.

And when small businessesneed small loans to expand ordevelop, Progress Plus connectsthem with South St. Paul Future.South St. Paul Future is a privatedevelopment corporation thatprovides low interest loans tobusinesses looking to develop in

South St. Paul.We provide low interest gap

financing to businesses that aretrying to relocate to South St.Paul or expand in South St.Paul, explains Chris Lehmann,President of South St. PaulFuture.

Businesses can use the loanfor any kind of expansion orimprovement, Lehmann notes,whether thats relocating, pur-

chasing new equipment or givingthe business a facelift.

A third agency, the South St.Paul Housing and RedevelopmentAuthority, works closely withProgress Plus to find locations forbusinesses in South St. Paul.

Progress Plus keeps an inven-tory of the properties and busi-nesses that are available in South

St. Paul, says Branna Lindell,Executive Director of the Housingand Redevelopment Authority.We contract with Progress Plus toprovide us with services to attractbusinesses to South St. Paul.

The Housing andRedevelopment Authority workswith clients on an as-neededbasis, assisting them with every-thing from obtaining governmentresources to learning about envi-ronmental regulations.

Progress Plus offers a wealth of

resources for entrepreneurs andsmall business owners in South St.Paul and Inver Grove Heights. Sowhether youve been in businessfor 20 years or have a new busi-ness idea in mind, Progress Plus

can help steer you in the directionof success.

Contact their office at 651-451-2266 or visit them online atwww.progressplus.org.

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner?

Progress Plus has got you covered!

Progress Plus has got your business covered! Progress Plus Economic Development Foundation staff work to attract andretain business in the community. From left to right: Maggie Doody (Membership Manager), Jennifer Gale (President) andNicole Bengtson (Communications Manager) of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus Economic

Development Foundation.

2014 Progress Plus Chair, Bruce Bairaktaris of Quality Auto Care and 2014 River

Heights Chamber Chair, Dody Sobaszkiewicz of Bearence Management Group


12/12

Used Cars & Trucks for Lesswww.usedcarsandtrucksforless.com

If the phrase used car salesman sendsshivers up your spine, Chad Henkels aused car sales manager can sympathize.

Ive seen the places with the high-pres-sure, manipulative approach, and its not for

me, Henkels says frankly.

Sales without pressureHenkels, who has worked in a dealer-

ship environment for two decades, says theno-pressure sales philosophy revolution-ized auto sales.

Thats the approach he brings to UsedCars & Trucks for Less in Inver GroveHeights, where car shoppers find it a

refreshing change.We see ourselves in more of a consul-tant role here, Henkels explains. It onlymakes sense people have the informa-tion on cars, features and prices at their fin-gertips these days, so that high-pressure stuffjust turns them off.

Henkels knows autos from the insideout. He started working on cars as amechanic, worked for a while in parts andservice and designed a dealerships onlineprograms before moving into sales. I liketo say Ive gone from the back shop to thefront, he says.

Service with

you in chargeJohn Frantz, service manager, also has

extensive experience 20 years in hisfield, and he, too, has seen the effects ofhigh-pressure tactics.

We just had a young woman in herethe other day after a chain service place hadgiven her a huge list of things she had tofix right away on her car, Frantz says. Shewas panicked.

With a second look at the car, Frantzput together a prioritized list so the ownercould address the fixes her car needed nowand plan for those she could pursue later.

Were glad to offer people a second-opinion estimate, Frantz explains.Knowing were being frank with themabout what they really need takes a lot ofstress out of repairs.

The business service center sells tires,does oil changes with complimentary

fluid top-off and interior vacuuming andrepairs and services all makes and models.

Safety-checked on sitePart of General Manager Dan Petersons

mission is to have both sales and serviceworking hand-in-hand for customers. Andnowhere is that such a perfect fit as in

checking out the vehicles Used Cars &Trucks for Less sells.We inspect every car that goes to our

lot right here, to make sure theyre safe andmeet our standards, Frantz says. We dontsend them out and you dont have to getinformation secondhand from some service

center off site.You have to build trust in this industry,

and so I want you to know everything Iknow about the car youre buying, he con-tinues.

Selection no lemons

on the lotYou could drive from one end of the

suburbs to the other before finding a dealer-ship that offers the number and quality ofused cars as Used Cars & Trucks for Lessdoes.

A typical dealership has maybe 10, 15,25 used cars on the lot, Henkels says. We

regularly have from 110 to 140.Those cars, he adds, dont come from

the auctions where everything from sal-vaged to hurricane-flooded vehicles tradehands.

Our inventory comes from the Hondadealership next door and the Inver Groveand Maplewood Toyota dealerships, heexplains. We do not deal in salvaged orframe-damaged vehicles.

Of the vehicles on the lot, Henkels cur-rently had 60 for under $10,000 and 20 forunder $5,000.

Its reliable quality for the lowest pos-sible prices, he notes. This is the time ofyear college students and high-school stu-

dents start looking for summer jobs, and thisis a great place to find a reliable, low-pricedcar.

Savings and loansUsed Cars & Trucks for Less also offers

financing through a number of providers tofit customers needs and make the purchas-ing process seamless. Good credit, badcredit, no credit we help everybody,Henkels says.

Stop in and see

for yourselfThe business is enjoying its new frontage

along Robert Trail after starting out abouta block further west. Its spacious buildingoffers a comfortable waiting room withsnacks and pop available, toys for the kidsand a cozy fireplace and not a sound ofair hammers.

Most of all, Used Cars & Trucks for Lessis committed to serving the area for thelong haul.

Were focused on building relation-ships where customers return to us againand again, Frantz says. Im happy to sellyou one set of tires, but we want to be yourchoice into the future.

Henkels agrees, noting that customerswho stop in for car service or to look at theinventory often comment on how helpfulthey found the staff. Its a change, I think,for the better.

Used Cars and Trucks for Less:Proven in service, trusted in sales

Sales Manager Chad Henkels and Service Manager John Frantz talk with a cus-

tomer about the car hes considering while another employee confers with a cus-tomer about financing. Used Cars & Trucks for Less enjoys a large sales lot and

floor fronting on Robert along with a full-service maintenance and repair shop.

The spacious lounge offers customers a quiet place to relax, with coffee andsnacks at hand and a play area for the kids.

Documents

South-West Progress 2014