MARCH/APRIL 2019 by St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

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LOCATIONS COBORN’S • SARTELL • FOLEY • SAUK CENTRE CASH WISE • WAITE PARK

MARCH/APRIL 2019

6 17

CONTENTS GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

President’s Letter

Top Hats

8 19

Editor’s Note

Network Central

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C E L E B R AT I N G 1 9 Y E A R S I N B U S I N E S S

GROW

32 Cover Story SKIPPING RETIREMENT

What do health care and the arts have in common? Bob Johnson. PROFIT

28 Feature TOOLS OF THE SCHMOOZE

Does your networking toolkit include technology, multiple generations and a few apps? If not, it should.

38 Special Focus EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

Once slow to implement technology, the construction industry is trending toward the increased use of digital do-dads and whatchamacallits.

44 Special Section COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

10 UPFRONT Valuable information designed to guide and educate

Only Online // BusinessCentralMagazine.com • Profit Problems

• Questions Employers Should Ask

• Delivering Your Story on YouTube • Working with Cranky Customers

20 BUSINESS TOOLS

Marketplace intelligence and useful tips on how to continue to grow your business

46 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Bruce Miles, Big River Group

Business Central is published six times a year

by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, 1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487

Phone (320) 251-2940 • Fax (320) 251-0081 Subscription rate: $18 for 1 year.

President’s Letter

Teresa Bohnen, seated, proudly smiling as part of the DBS staff during a foreshadowing Top Hat photo.

While I was typing away one day, two men

wearing top hats came in. They wanted a new

member photo with our DBS staff, and I was invited to be part of it. I proudly smiled for the camera with no idea of the significant role the St. Cloud Area

Chamber of Commerce would play in my future.

The Madsens believed in me and my abilities.

They promoted me to office manager after my

When the Paramount underwent major renovation 20 years ago, I wondered about the wisdom of investing so much money in such an old structure.

Memory Lane

moved to St. Cloud to attend St. Cloud

State in the fall of 1977 – yep, 42 years ago. For those of you who were here, you may

They taught me some lessons (why cash flow is so

important) and stood back to allow me to learn other lessons by myself (NEVER come to work with a

nasty hangover). They were great educators in more ways than I believe even they knew.

Two blocks east of DBS sat the Paramount

remember some of my column material for this

Theatre. It was a sad, run down movie venue. The

I remember the old bus stop downtown,

sticky and you had to test your seat to make sure

month. For those who were not, indulge me! which was located where Courtyard by Marriott stands today. The shelter was

clogged with smokers in the winter. I rode

the bus regularly, as I had no car of my own. Often, I’d take a connecting

bus further west to the Tempo/

carpet was worn with holes, the hard floors were it was in working condition. In the fall of 1978 I

dragged my roommate down to view a new horror

movie called “Halloween.” I remember sitting tense with my fingers over my eyes wondering if Jaime

Lee Curtis would make it through to the end or not. When the Paramount underwent major

Red Owl stop (where US Bank is

renovation 20 years ago, I wondered about the

walk the five blocks in the sharp

structure. But when I sat in the gorgeous renewed

now located) so I didn’t have to

winter wind to work at Dynamic Business Services. DBS was in

the remodeled carwash building

across from where Quality Cleaners now stands. Paramount Theatre circa 1920s.

19th birthday and trusted me with their business.

DBS was owned by Russ and

Jean Madsen who were well known

area teachers. The business was a temporary placement agency and typing service. I could

type 111 words per minute back then, and they

wisdom of investing so much money in such an old facility and watched Lorie Line in all her red velvet Christmas glory infusing the crowd with holiday

spirit, I knew it was absolutely the right choice. What an incredible gift and asset for our community to have this beautiful, historical structure to enjoy!

As we continue our sesquicentennial celebration,

I hope it opens your memories to all our community has been, and for all the memories we will make during this very special year.

were more than happy to accommodate my SCSU class schedule for my typing skills.

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Teresa Bohnen Publisher

Main Phone: 320-251-2940 Automated Reservation Line: 320-656-3826 Program Hotline: 320-656-3825 Email: information@StCloudAreaChamber.com StCloudAreaChamber.com ST. CLOUD AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STAFF President: Teresa Bohnen, ext. 104 Vice President: Gail Ivers, ext. 109 Director of Administration: Judy Zetterlund, ext. 106 Communications & Workforce Development Coordinator: Kelti Lorence, ext. 130 Special Events Coordinator: Sheri Wegner, ext. 131 Membership Sales Specialist: Antoinette Valenzuela, ext. 134 Administrative Assistant: Kellie Libert, ext. 124 Administrative Assistant: Vicki Lenneman, ext. 122 Administrative Assistant: Shelly Imdieke, ext. 100 CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU STAFF Main Phone: 320-251-4170 Executive Director: Julie Lunning, ext. 111 Director of Sports & Special Events: Dana Randt, ext. 110 Sales Manager: Nikki Fisher, ext. 112 Sales Manager: Rachel Thompson, ext. 128 Social Media & Marketing Specialist: Emily Bertram, ext. 129 Sales and Services Coordinator: Erin Statz, ext. 113 Administrative Assistant - Information Specialist: Jennifer Schroeder, ext. 170 2018-19 BOARD MEMBERS Marilyn Birkland, LocaliQ David Borgert, retired, CentraCare Health Ron Brandenburg, Quinlivan & Hughes Christy Gilleland, Gilleland Chevrolet Cadillac Jim Gruenke, Traut Companies Jason Hallonquist, AIS Planning, Board Vice Chair Patrick Hollermann Dennis Host, Cobornâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Inc.

ORTHOPEDIC Excellence When expert bone and joint care gets put into place, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no telling what you might be able to enjoy again. Let our technology-driven experts help, right here at home. Start living better today with St. Cloud Orthopedics.

Willie Jett, St. Cloud School District Kevin Johnson, K. Johnson Construction Bernie Omann, St. Cloud State University Mark Osendorf, Xcel Energy Bernie Perryman, Batteries Plus Bulbs Roger Schleper, Premier Real Estate Services, Past Board Chair Allison Waggoner, DCI, Inc. Chriss Wohlleber, Courtyard by Marriott-St.Cloud, Board Chair

320.259.4100 StCloudOrthopedics.com M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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Editor’s Note

Bob is a visionary. He doesn’t lay bricks. He builds cathedrals.

Vision A

re you familiar with the story of the three brick-layers?

A woman walking along a street came to

a construction site where three men were busy working. She stopped at the first man and

said “What are you doing?” The man said, “I’m laying bricks.” She walked a little further and stopped at the second man. “What are you doing?” she asked him. “I’m building a wall,” the man answered. She walked a little further and came to the third man. “What are you doing here?” she asked. The third man stopped what he was doing, stood up and spread his arms wide. “I’m building a cathedral,” he said. I recently shared that story with

Bob Johnson, executive director of the

Paramount Center for the Arts (see the story on

page 32). I asked Bob, who had spent a full career in health care before arriving at the Paramount,

Recently I’ve developed an interest in

woodworking. I want to learn how to properly

use the tools, which tools do what, how to select

wood, what finishes to use when…essentially the wall building of woodworking. Last fall I took a woodworking course through the Paramount

and we built a jewelry-type box that turned

out nice enough to give to my sister-in-law for Christmas. (I’m holding it in the center photo above, front row, left.)

Following this minor success, I joined the Central

Minnesota Woodworkers Association (CMWA)

and anticipate learning the fundamentals of box building over the next several months. I’ve been

corresponding with one of the members of CMWA about their meetings and my concerns about my less-than-beginner status. His responses have

been welcoming and encouraging. And thought-

provoking. He asked me “What are you interested in working towards with woodworking?”

Huh. That’s a cathedral-building question if

why he was there. What was it he wanted to look

I’ve ever heard one. And I realized I had not been

expand the upper level of the Paramount into the

thinking about the mechanics of the process.

back and see one day. He told me about hoping to neighboring building, creating a Black Box theater that could hold a small audience for boutique-

type concerts, and display space to expand the already substantial visual arts offerings.

You have to ask Bob what he does on a

thinking about working towards anything. I was

Now I see bird feeders I’d like to replace, an entryway cabinet that I could customize to be exactly what I

need, an end table that could accompany the coffee table my father-in-law built 50 years ago…

If I ever accomplish any of these cathedrals,

daily basis to learn about the grant-writing,

it will only be with a lot of help and encouragement.

Bob is a visionary. He doesn’t lay bricks. He

cathedral ever gets built.

staff training, budgets, and artist receptions. builds cathedrals.

I don’t consider myself to be a visionary.

I think I’m probably in the “wall building” category.

But then, I suppose, that’s the only way any Until next issue,

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Publisher Teresa Bohnen Managing Editor Gail Ivers Associate Editor Dawn Zimmerman CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Teresa Bohnen, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Dr. Fred E. Hill, St. Cloud State University Gail Ivers, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Tracy Knofla, High Impact Training Kellie Libert, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Kelti Lorence, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Betsey Lund Ross, Lund Ross P.A. Mary MacDonell Belisle, mary macdonell belisle wordingforyou Jeanine Nistler, Freelance writer Jessie Storlien, Stearns History Museum Barb Umberger, Freelance Writer Dawn Zimmerman, The Write Advantage

• • • • • •

ADVERTISING Associate Publisher/Sales Wendy Hendricks, Hendricks Marketing Ad Traffic & Circulation Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media ART Design & Production Yola Hartmann, Hazel Tree Media Cover Story Photography Joel Butkowski, BDI Photography ACCOUNTING Judy Zetterlund WEBSITE Vicki Lenneman

1411 West St. Germain Street, Suite 101, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487 Phone (320) 251-2940 Fax (320) 251-0081 BusinessCentralMagazine.com For advertising information contact Wendy Hendricks, (320)656-3808 Editorial suggestions can be made in writing to: Editor, Business Central, P.O. Box 487, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0487. Submission of materials does not guarantee publication. Unsolicited materials will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

Sophisticated Tax Planning Agribusiness Wills & Trusts Minimize Estate Taxes Business Transitions Probate & Guardianship

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: People to Know •

UPFRONT GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

Digging the Past

Your Voice in Government • New at the Top • Top Hat Photos uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu

NEWS & PEOPLE THAT MAKE UP THE CHAMBER NETWORK

BOOK REVIEW

Words Matter

It’s the words you choose and how you use them that makes all the difference. Reviewed by Dr. Fred Hill

Sticks & Stones Exposed; The Power of Our Words by Dave Weber, Weber Associates, Kennesaw, Georgia, 2004, ISBN 0-9760628-0-1

ou may recall a rhyme from childhood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Truthfully, they can hurt, maim, demean. They can also praise, enlighten, improve. Broken bones generally mend themselves, but harmful words and behaviors can result in lifelong injury. Author Dave Weber asks, do we use words like sticks and stones, to tear down, to destruct, and destroy? Or, do we use them to build up, encourage, and affirm? Words matter. They’re powerful. And what matters most is how we use them. 10

Weber is president of Weber Associates, a training and consulting firm in Atlanta, Georgia. He is an internationally recognized speaker, who conducts training and motivational programs for thousands of people every year in organizations such as The Weather Channel, FedEx, Cintas, Delta Airlines, Bank of America, and many others. Although the book is organized into 14 chapters, important content in chapters 4 through 11 are somewhat revealed in the chapter titles. They are: Chapter 4: The Me I Think I Am Chapter 5: The Me I Really Am Chapter 6: The Me I Used to Be Chapter 7: The Me Others See Chapter 8: The Me I Try to Protect Chapter 9: The Me Others Try to Make Me Chapter 10: The Me I Want to Be Chapter 11: The Logjam of Me’s

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

“We need to remember that each concept of self is always present in each of us,” according to Weber. “Kind of like a rowdy group of kindergartners, the Seven Me’s are constantly jostling for our attention. Depending on the situation, each Me can influence our behavior, actions, and decisions. Our challenge is to figure out which Me to allow to call the shots, to give the reins to, to allow to preside over the proceedings.” Dr. Carol Adrienne, reports that the “syndrome of inauthenticity,” occurs when our inner needs, values, and self-image don’t match our outer expressions, behaviors, and accomplishments. Weber says that this is what happens when our Seven Me’s are out of sync. Are your “Seven Me’s” out of sync? Give Weber a look. Dr. Fred E. Hill is an emeritus professor at St. Cloud State University

NEWS REEL

IIW MINNESOTA NAMED BEST PLACE TO WORK

IIW Minnesota was named among the “Best Firms to Work For” in the industry by the Zweig Group. This award is based on workplace practices, employee benefits, employee retention rates, and more. This marks the third time that IIW has made the list.

APH’S TIM FEDDEMA RECOGNIZED

Tim Feddema, marketing manager at Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH) was recognized with Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award. This award is reserved for industry leaders throughout the country who have made noteworthy contributions while demonstrating substantial commitment to education within and outside of the industry. Feddema was one of eight industry leaders to receive this award.

RESIDENCE INN OPENS IN WAITE PARK

The 100-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Waite Park is now open for business.

HEARTLAND GLASS ADDS STAFF

Heartland Glass Company hired Ron Traut as a project manager and Dan Heiser as a shop supervisor.

“Relationship building, because it is part of everything, and impacts all aspects of your life, personally and professionally.”

POINT OF VIEW // BUSINESS CENTRAL ASKS READERS:

If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be and why?

“Nursing, because I have a passion for helping people!”

Nicole Nelson, Premier Real Estate Services

Lauren VanGerpen, United Way of Central Minnesota

“Remodeling and refurbishing, because I often want to fix and upgrade things myself. It’s faster, financially efficient, and gives a feeling of accomplishment!”

Sara DraxlerGainsforth, Bremer Bank

Halli Rodriguez, BerganKDV

“Parenting. While you do have to learn as you go, becoming an instant expert would allow me to skip mistakes, and always sound like I know what I’m doing!”

Luke Riordan, DAYTA Marketing

“Public speaking, because it’s not something that comes naturally to me, but it is very important to advancing any career and taking on new leadership roles.”

"Mastering residual income. Money paying for itself is one of the keys to growing my life and business!” William McLeod, Cloud Media, LLC

Make A Better Choice:

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Anterior Cervical and Lumbar Diskectomy and Fusion Disk Replacement SI Joint Fusion Removal of Spine Fixation Device

To learn more about making a better choice for your spine surgery, call us today 320.259.4100. St. Cloud Surgical Center complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Interpretalk 1-877-386-9235 & Keystone Interpreting Solutions (TTY: 1-651-454-7275)

Better Care, Better Costs, Better Recovery… Better YOU.

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1526 Northway Drive, St. Cloud, MN 56303 |

800.349.7272 | stcsurgicalcenter.com

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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UpFront DIGGING THE PAST

NEWS REEL

Building Faith

Stearns County contractor Paul Koshiol made a name for himself by building churches. By Jessie Storlien / Photos courtesy of the Stearns History Museum

BRENNY SPECIALIZED RECEIVES INNOVATION AWARD

The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation announced the recipients of the 2018 Innovation Awards. Brenny Specialized, Inc. received the for-profit established company award for creating a Young Driver Training/ Apprentice Program.

BRENNY TRANSPORTA� TION IN TOP 50, DRIVER RECOGNIZED

Brenny Transportation, Inc., was named in the Top 50 companies for women to work for in transportation. Jeff Rau, Brenny Specialized, Inc., was named “Driver of the Year” by the National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

CHAMBER PRESIDENT RECOGNIZED

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce President Teresa Bohnen was recognized by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives for her 12 years of leadership on the MCCE board of directors. Bohnen served as chair of MCCE 2016-17.

MARCO EXPANDS, RECEIVES DESIGNATION Marco purchased Enterprise Systems Group (ESG), a business IT services company headquartered in Little Chute, WI. Marco also became a Platinum Partner with HPE, the highest level of designation.

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

St Paul's Catholic Church, Sauk Centre, ca 1910

St Hedwig's Catholic Chu rch Holdingford, 2000

aul Koshiol was born in Germany in 1854 and immigrated to the United States in 1872 with his parents, ultimately settling in Luxemburg in Stearns County. In 1883 he married Margaret Harren and the couple went on to raise 10 children. Koshiol worked as a contractor in the St. Cloud area for 45 years. During that time, Stearns County and the surrounding area underwent a period of construction. Growing communities created a need for larger schools, churches, and hospitals. Koshiol served as the contractor for the original St. Mary’s Catholic School and St. Raphael’s Hospital in St. Cloud. However, he was most noted for his work on six Central Minnesota churches. In 1898, Koshiol received the contract to

Top: St Cloud City Directory ad 1904. Above: Building Sacred Heart Church, Freeport, ca 1905

renovate the Church of Seven Dolors in Albany. The previous frame church was moved away, and the addition was built in the shape of a cross on that site. The expansive gothicstyle church boasts vaulted ceilings, making it possible to house the 37-foot-high center altar, and 18 stainedglass windows. Koshiol next went to Sauk Centre to build the foundation of the Church of St. Paul in 1902. Author of the book Legacies of Faith, The Catholic Churches of Stearns County, John Roscoe, called St. Paul’s “The ultimate Gothic church.” In 1937, the St. Cloud Sentinel wrote of St. Paul’s: “The parishioners had every right to be proud of their new church. The costliest materials had been used and Rev. Artz had devoted much of his

time to superintending its construction.” The contract for the Sacred Heart Church in Freeport was awarded to Koshiol for $22,000 in 1905. According to Heritage of Faith, the Sacred Heart Parish Centennial book, 38 carloads of brick totaling nearly 1,971,080 pounds were used in the rebuilding of the church. At a meeting on September 26, 1906, “…it was agreed that the work on the new church was finished according to contract by Paul Koshiol and that $800, the money available, be paid to him and the balance to be paid as soon as money becomes available.” The work that Koshiol did in Freeport has not been forgotten. “Since its initial conception shortly after the fire of 1904…the Church of the Sacred Heart has stood as a powerful symbol of

faith for the parishioners and citizens of Freeport.” Church of St. Hedwig in Holdingford was Koshiol’s next church contract. Another gothic church, this time with a Romanesque interior, it was described in Harvesting a Heritage of Charity as: “The excellent quality and workmanship on the project still shows as a tribute to Mr. Koshiol today.” The St. Cloud Times said of the new church in 1912, “The village of Holdingford has during the past year caused the erection of a handsome church; one which ranks among the most beautiful of the many expensive and handsome Catholic houses of

worship in the county or state in fact.” Then it was on to Royalton, where the red brick, Romanesque, Church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1911-1913.This was followed by Church of the Holy Cross in North Prairie, which Koshiol built in 1922. This was another Romanesque and Gothic style church, but on a smaller scale than Koshiol’s other projects. Koshiol lived another 10 years after completing Church of the Holy Cross. His contributions to the area remain as memorials to his many years of hard work.

Jessie Storlien is an archivist at the Stearns History Museum, www.stearns-museum.org

PEOPLE TO KNOW

Tauna Quimby Tri-County Humane Society Chair, Top Hat Ambassadors –––––––––––

The Top Hat Ambassadors welcome new members, congratulate members who have expanded or relocated, and serve as greeters and hosts at Chamber events. ––––––––––– give@tricountyhumanesociety.org // (320) 252-0896 Ext. 28

Jeff Udy Infinite Eye Care

Chair, Chamber Connection ––––––––––– Chamber Connection is the premier networking event for businesses in Central Minnesota. Hosted by a different Chamber member every Friday morning, Chamber Connection attracts 120 -150 people each week to network and share information about their businesses, all for the price of $1 at the door. ––––––––––– Jeff@infiniteeyecare.com // (320) 257-4990

Does your bank listen? We do. In fact, our banking decisions are based on the relationships we have with our valued customers—not an impersonal risk assessment tool that reduces your needs to numbers. When you have an idea in mind, come talk it over with the banking experts here at Farmers & Merchants State Bank. Personal Banking Business & Agriculture Online Services Sauk Rapids 320.252.5121 NMLS #528169

Pierz 320.468.6422

Eden Valley 320.453.2000

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MEMBER FDIC

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UpFront YOUR VOICE IN GOVERNMENT

NEWS REEL

KSIAZEK JOINS GET HOME INSPECTIONS

Robb Ksiazek, certified home inspector and licensed radon measurement professional, has joined the growing team at St. Cloud-based Get Home Inspections.

Small Business First

Minnesota chambers partner to support statewide policy priorities for business.

CENTRACARE HEALTH RECEIVES TECHNOLOGY AWARDS St. Cloud Hospital was named the Health care Most Wired recipient and the winner of the Nonprofit/Government Cyber Security Awareness Program Excellence Awards.

TWO JOIN INITIATIVE FOUNDATION BOARD

St. Cloud State President Robbyn Wacker and CentraCare Health’s Santo Cruz were appointed to the Initiative Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

STEARNS ELECTRIC CONTRIBUTES TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

Stearns Electric’s Operation Round Up Program contributed $61,950 to area organizations during its November meeting.

HOLLY BALL SETS RECORD

The CentraCare Health Foundation sponsored the 44th annual Holly Ball with more than 2,000 guests in attendance. A record-breaking amount of nearly $840,000 was raised.

REISINGER JOINS BREMER BANK

Eric Reisinger joined Bremer Bank as a business banker. Reisinger brings 18 years of commercial banking experience to his new role at Bremer.

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

re you concerned about tax competitiveness? Health care costs? Transportation? Most likely your answer is a resounding “Yes!” The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Federation, a group of 70 local chambers of commerce, annually partner with each other to created a united front at the Minnesota Legislature on these and other small business issues. Following is a summary of the 2019 small business policy priorities: Tax Competitiveness A tax system that improves competitiveness, reduces complexity, improves predictability and stability, and increases accountability. Key Priorities: • Return state revenue gains realized from federal tax conformity. • Reduce corporate and individual income tax rates. • Enact tax relief for pass-through entities by reducing rates for business income and adopt federal conformity with expensing rules. • Implement federal estate tax conformity. • Protect research-and-development tax credit. • Reduce state property tax levy.

Control Health Care Costs Ensure access to quality, affordable health care by reducing health care taxes and mandates; expanding product and coverage options; increasing market competition and stability; encouraging outcome-based payment and delivery reform; and improving consumer engagement and transparency of cost and quality. Key Priorities: • Improve care outcomes and reduce costs by aligning Minnesota’s Health Records Act with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). • Oppose making government sponsored health insurance options like MinnesotaCare available to any Minnesotan through a “Buy In” option. Preserve Private Sector Employers’ Benefits (Pre-emption) In today’s tight labor market, Minnesota employers provide competitive benefits that help attract and retain talent, tailored to the unique needs of their industries and workforce. Local governments are right to impose certain requirements on public sector workplaces and local

IN THE NEWS

government employees, but enacting employee wage, benefit and scheduling mandates on private employers is outside city authority. We will aggressively pursue opportunities to advance statewide pre-emption of local mandates. Full Dedication of Transportation Related Revenues Nearly $2 billion of transportation related sales taxes will be captured and directed to the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s transportation system over the next 10 years. This includes 100 percent of the revenues generated from the sales tax on rental cars and approximately 60 percent of revenues generated from the sales tax on auto parts. We support 100

percent dedication of the auto parts sales tax to transportation. Workforce Solutions Legislative solutions should focus on ensuring that existing funding and programs meet the needs of Minnesota employers in our state. As a business federation we will work to accelerate private sector solutions to help Minnesota employers attract and retain the skilled workers needed to compete effectively. The St. Cloud Area Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board of Directors has agreed to support these 2019 priorities. If you are a Chamber member and have input regarding

them, please contact Teresa Bohnen at tbohnen@stcloudareachamber.com .

Simonson buys Mathew Hall Lumber

On January 31, 2019 Simonson Lumber purchased Mathew Hall Lumber. The businesses will continue to operate at their current locations, though the Mathew Hall name will change. Mathew Hall Lumber was established in 1890 in downtown St. Cloud. Mathewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandson, Jim Hall, purchased the business from his uncles in 1967, eventually selling it to his three sons, Loran, John and Dan in 2000. Loran Hall served as company president until passing away unexpectedly on July 4, 2018. Simonson Lumber was established in 1913 with their first St. Cloud location in 1927. They are a family owned business with a long history similar to Mathew Hall Lumber.

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UpFront NEW AT THE TOP

NEWS REEL

Robin C. Doege, 56 years young Chief Executive Officer, Stearns Electric Association How do you pronounce your last name? The phonetic spelling is “day-ghee.” Interesting, I know. I am of German descent. The German spelling is Däege. The” ä” in my last name was changed to an “o” at Ellis Island in the late 1800’s.

NEXT – CHAMBER’S EMERGING LEADERS RECOGNIZED

St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis presented NEXT – Chamber’s Emerging Leaders with the 2018 Reflection of the Year Award. This award recognizes young leaders who encourage other young professionals to be engaged for the benefit of our community. NEXT is a program of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

Previous employer: Chief Executive Officer for eight years at the Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative (TWEC)

RENGEL PRINTING ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION Rengel Printing acquired longtime local printer, Continental Press in January 2019.

ROTOCHOPPER HIRES

Rotochopper added several new employees: Josh Gladis, engineering manager; Greg Person, purchasing; Jack Klemek, Jed Scheierl Jakob Klob and Aaron Vowles, fabricator/ welders; Andy Bulson, account sales representative; and Nicole Klein, marketing manager. Send News Reel items to Gail Ivers, givers@stcloudareachamber.com for possible inclusion. News Reel is compiled by Kelti Lorence.

FUN FACT

Apparently I have some doppelgangers out there. People that I meet for the first time say that they know me or have met me before.

What will you miss most about your previous position? The people that I worked with at TWEC. When did you start in your current position? August 2018 What are you looking forward to the most in your new position? I am really looking forward to furthering the Stearns

Maybe you need a better approach. Perhaps our strategic thinking and proven experience can improve your marketing. A no-obligation meeting is a good way to ﬁnd out.

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Electric tradition of being a premier organization and providing reliable, safe and competitively priced electrical service. Stearns Electric is an important community partner for the areas that we serve. Where did you grow up? I grew up in Anoka County near Forest Lake, Minn. I’m a graduate of Forest Lake Senior High School. What are your hobbies? My wife Stacey and I enjoy outdoor and exercise activities. We like bicycling, boating, golf, long walks, and time at the gym. I enjoy Midwest bird and big game hunting, and fishing during all seasons. We also enjoy traveling and spending time with our five children and grandchild.

MORE TO SEE ONLINE!

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TOP HATS: New Locations, Ownership and Expansions

New Location: Woodlands Chiropractic, providing chiropractic care, physical therapy, electrodermal screenings, massage, 48 29th Ave. N, St. Cloud. Pictured: Tanja Goering, Kris Peterson, Dr. Michael Balfanz, Katie Larson, Patrick Hollermann.

New ownership: Peters Body Shop, Inc., car repair, glass replacement, auto body repair, mechanical repair, 205 Osseo Ave. N, St. Cloud. Pictured: Brian Jarl, Glen Sunder, Patrick Hollermann.

New Location: Gabriel Media, home of family-friendly Spirit 92.9 and KYES radio stations, and 20 year Chamber member, 1926 W Division Street, St. Cloud. Pictured: Caryn Stadther, Sheri Moran, Deb Huschle, Tanja Goering

New Location: Fostering, LLC., CRM (customer relationship management) specialist. Helping companies implement and train on a customer relationship platform to increase effective communication and sales, 26 8th Ave. S, St. Cloud. Pictured: Mark Osendorf, Matt Foster, Patrick Hollermann.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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TOP HATS: MILESTONES

35-year Chamber member Arnzen Construction and St. Rosa Lumber, construction labor and lumber materials, barn equipment, feed carts, choppers, in-house or portable welding, general contractor, 29033 County Road 17, Freeport. Pictured: Bob Arnzen, Lillian Arnzen, John Arnzen, Chris Panek

30-year Chamber member Food Ecstasy Deli Diner and Catering, full service caterer, 619 W St. Germain Street, St. Cloud. Pictured: Matt Knutson, Betty Maritsch, Ken Maritsch, Tammy Buttweiler.

35-year Chamber member Rinke Noonan, a full-service law office, 1015 W St. Germain Street, suite 300, St. Cloud. Pictured: Mark Osendorf, Tonya Hinkemeyer, Roger Justin, Tanja Goering.

35-year Chamber member Lyon Sheet Metal & Heating, HVAC, residential and light commercial, 235 Stearns Drive, Sauk Rapids. Pictured: Brian Jarl, Bryant Schreifels, Roger Schleper.

30-year Chamber member Central Minnesota Community Foundation in affiliation with Community Giving is a public charity that attracts and administers charitable funds for the benefit of the local community, 101 7th Ave. S, suite 100, St. Cloud. Pictured: Tammy Buttweiler, Maryanne Mahowald, John Herges, Caryl Turnow, Steve Joul, Brenda Eisenschenk.

30-year Chamber member Forum of Executive Women, a non-profit organization that encourages women's growth as leaders and serves as a resource for its members and the community, PO Box 1451, St. Cloud. Pictured: Tammy Buttweiler, Kathleen Bernick, Sally Baumgartner, Liz Kellner.

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NetworkCentral GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

E V E N T S A R O U N D T H E S T. C LO U D A R E A

Network! Central Minnesota’s legislators discussed what to expect at the Capitol in 2019 and took questions from the audience at the St. Cloud Area Chamber’s 2019 Legislative Kick-off.

(L – R) Rep. Dan Wolgamott, Rep. Tim O’Driscoll, Sen. Jerry Relph, Rep. Lisa Demuth, Sen. Jeff Howe

Kevin and Deb Durken, the Boot Shack

Bernie Perryman, Batteries Plus Bulbs

John Inkster, CentraCare Health; Pegi Broker Relph; Kim Orn, American Cancer Society

Sen. Jerry Relph (L) and Tony Goddard, City of St. Cloud

Steve Greenfield, Greenfield Communications, (L) and Rep. Dan Wolgamott

Julie Johnson, K. Johnson Construction; Steve Gottwalt, Steve Gottwalt Consulting

Tammy Biery, Career Solutions

Grow!

Mystery Night Out offers young professionals an opportunity to enjoy new experiences and network in fun and surprising ways. The Sanctuary hosted the November event, including cultural bingo and blackjack with the residents, a 5-star dinner, chocolate and Champagne.

It’s BINGO! for Mystery Night Out participants and Sanctuary residents.

Jenna Peterson, Playhouse Child Care, leads the table in blackjack.

Sam Ross, Central MN Council Boy Scouts of America, deals a hand of blackjack. M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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InSIDE THIS ISSUE:

BUSINESS TOOLS GROW | NETWORK | PROFIT

Management Toolkit • Entrepreneurism Economy Central by Falcon Bank

RESOURCES THAT HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Distracted Driving

You might think distracted driving is not an employer’s problem. Think again. By Betsey Lund Ross

n our fast-paced, we-needit-today, business world, it’s not uncommon for employers to require employees to operate a motor vehicle as part of the employee’s duties or responsibilities. Delivery drivers and outside sales representatives, for example, spend most of their time on the road during the work day. Other employees may only occasionally be required to use a vehicle as part of their work duties. But when that employee is involved in a car accident, the employer, not the employee, will be liable for the employee’s accident if the employee was operating the vehicle “within the scope of employment” at the time of the accident.

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Contrary to popular belief, an employer’s liability for injuries or damages arising from an employee’s accident is not dependent on whether the employee was driving his own personal vehicle. Minnesota courts have consistently held an employer may be liable for the employee’s conduct if the employee was acting “within the scope of employment” at the time of the accident. The reason is due to Minnesota’s “vicarious liability” statutes, which state that an employer is liable for

contributor

the acts of its employees if the negligence or injury occurs within the employee’s scope of employment. Whether the incident arose within the employee’s scope of employment depends on the specific facts of the case. “Scope of employment” has been defined as occurring when the “employee’s conduct at the time of the conduct is done at least in part by a desire to serve or further the employer’s interest.” (Emphasis added.) Does hiring independent contractors alleviate an employer’s liability for car accidents? Not likely, at least according to one Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling where the Court held that if the independent contractor was driving for the company’s benefit, the company may still be held liable for any injuries or deaths caused by the independent contractor. Additionally, it does not matter whether the employee’s regular and general job duties include

driving responsibilities. So long as the employee’s negligence or accident occurred while the employee was acting within the scope of employment, the employer will likely be liable for the employee’s conduct. While an employer may not be able to entirely shield itself from liability, an employer can establish policies and practices to reduce the likelihood of employee vehicle accidents. 5 Establish clear and written policies prohibiting employees from driving while texting, driving while distracted, eating while driving, etc. 5 Ensure any employee who drives for the company’s benefit has a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. 5 Require employees to immediately report any traffic violations or accidents to the employer. 5 Create parameters for when the employee is authorized to use company vehicles.

Betsey Lund Ross is an attorney and shareholder with Lund Ross, P. A. in St. Cloud, MN, working in the areas of business law, employment law, and estate planning.

WWW.DESIGNELECT.COM

•5 Require safety inspections

of vehicles (both companyowned and personal vehicles) before work-related trips. 5 Be sure to talk with the company’s insurance agent to ensure sufficient insurance is in place in case an accident occurs. While creating and enforcing driving-related policies will not entirely shield the employer from liability, these steps should help reduce the likelihood that a high-risk employee will be behind the wheel while driving for the employer’s benefit.

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TECH NEWS

Look Up in the Sky… Or Maybe Not Miniature satellites, called CubeSats, were designed to relay information back to NASA about Mars. About the size of a Rubik’s cube and reasonably affordable, these tiny satellites provide near-real time images. Coupled with machine learning and analysis tools, they are turning into big business. The uses are endless, including images and tools to follow human trafficking, agricultural changes, and emerging criminal activity. Able to focus 15 centimeters away from faces, they can track anyone, anywhere, any time. Think about it. Source: Future Today Institute

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BusinessTools MANAGEMENT TOOLKIT

Confident Communication

The secret to becoming an effective communicator is confidence. By Tracy Knofla be hard to know the best way to share your information. Making the right choice is a bit art and a bit science. Take some time to identify the best way in each situation. Often people send an email or text thinking it’s quick and easy. However, a complex topic may require many additional clarifying emails and picking up the phone may be the best way to resolve it. In the fast-paced world of business, there is still a need for the personal touch. Don’t be afraid to seek out inperson conversations for topics involving sensitive issues or ones that are of high importance to the company. 3 Know your audience.

sk 100 business leaders what the most desirable traits are in a new employee and “effective communication” will appear at the top of the list. Those who are able to communicate well in many different situations are invaluable to their employers. Here are five tips to help you be a more confident communicator in any situation. 1 Do your homework.

People respond positively to those who have a firm grasp on their material and believe in what they are saying. Do the research you need to do in

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

order to develop an ease with your position.This is true if you’re planning a presentation to the Board of Directors or crafting an email to a colleague. Always communicate from a well-researched point of view. 2 Select the correct

form of communication. Face-to-face meeting, email, phone call, social media, text…. With so many choices it can

Be a communication chameleon! Tailor your communication style to each audience. The word audience is used here to describe the receiver of your information. Your audience could be a colleague in your own department, a disgruntled customer, 200 attendees at a conference, or an employee in a performance review. Your approach, including language and demeanor, will be different for each audience you interact with. When you write an email or make a presentation, think about who is receiving your message. They should be the

most important factor in how you design and deliver your message. 4 Get to the point. Quickly!

People are bombarded with hundreds of bits of information every day. You don’t have much time to get their attention. Be succinct. Make your point as quickly and completely as possible. Editing is hard. It takes time. It is also absolutely necessary to ensure your message breaks through all of the white noise of other people's communication. 5 Imitate the “Best of the Best.” Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Who in your work group writes a great email, gives an engaging presentation, or speaks up at a staff meeting? Study what they do and imitate the best parts. Of course, you can also take notes on the emails, meetings and presentations that drive you crazy. They teach you what not to do! There are many examples of effective communication around you. Incorporate the best examples into your communication repertoire. Now it’s up to you! Be the employee who communicates with confidence.

contributor Tracy Knofla is the co-owner and featured consultant of High Impact Training. She has been presenting to audiences across the country for more than 25 years.

TECH NEWS

Social Media Helpers

Not overwhelmed by the demands of social media? We can fix that. If you’re wondering how to improve the visual and written content of your social media, there are now a myriad of tools and apps that can help. Need to edit an iOS live photo or any video so it plays like a live photo when someone presses and holds the thumbnail image? Try intoLive. Would you like to make selfies or other photos look hand-sketched or like an oil painting? Check out Portra (left). With Grammarly Keyboard, you can add a native keyboard to your smartphone that helps you check spelling and grammar while you’re on the go. This keyboard is a great way to avoid the typos and errors that are easy to make when you’re posting to social media from a mobile device. It can also make you crazy as the keyboard questions every abbreviation. Source: socialmediaexaminer.com

––––––––––– Need more? You can find a list of 26 at BusinessCentralMagazine.com

From Garbage to Compost

// Those giant floating garbage patches you’ve heard about that are filling the ocean? They’re going to be history. Or so says the Thomson Reuters IP & Science unit. By 2025 plant-derived cellulose packaging will dominate the industry. Good-bye plastic-petroleum packaging, hello biodegradable plastics… umm…celluloses…umm…bottles. Source: Fast Company

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BusinessTools

Economy Central presented by

ECONOMY CENTRAL

New Reality

leven years ago, Minnesota was on the cusp of a recession that ultimately would cost the state more than 160,000 jobs and leave 235,000 people unemployed. Much has changed since then. After nine consecutive years of economic growth, Minnesota now faces labor market conditions as tight as anyone can remember. Employers in virtually every industry in the state have been

Minnesota and the rest of the country are grappling with the beginnings of an unprecedented labor shortage.

scrambling to fill vacant positions. Uncharted Territory The tight labor market is uncharted territory when you consider the demographic trends impacting our workforce over the past 60 years. Baby boomers began entering the workforce in 1962 and continued doing so through 1980. For the last 40 years, this bulge in our population has

provided an abundance of available workers. Simultaneously, the number and share of women in the workforce grew dramatically. Between 1960 and 2000, the labor force participation rate of women in the U.S. increased from 37.8 percent to 60 percent, a nearly 60 percent increase in the participation rate of half of our population. But that all came to a screeching halt around 2000 as baby boomers began to hit their late 50s and female participation hit its upper limit. Here in Minnesota, we saw annual increases in our labor force drop from about 40,000 workers per year between 1976 and 2000, to less than 15,000 per year since. This drop was masked, however, by the recessions of 2001 and 2008 and the lethargic expansion between them. The depth of the Great Recession also meant that we were well

into the current recovery before worker shortages began to appear. But now, with the current expansion officially the secondlongest on record and the U.S. unemployment rate at its lowest level since 1969, we are facing conditions as tight as any of us can remember. Because the baby boomer generation will continue to turn 65 for the next decade, these conditions will remain with us for some time. Welcome to the uncharted territory of prolonged worker shortages. Job Growth Minnesota job growth basically mirrored the national rate between 2011 and 2014, but has lagged the U.S. pace since 2015. Our lagging job growth is most likely due to labor supply problems as opposed to any weakening of labor demand. Story continued on page 26

BY THE NUMBERS

Cost of Living Rises // Groceries, health care drive higher cost of living in Central Minnesota.

The St. Cloud area experienced a slightly above average cost of living during the third quarter of 2018, according to the Cost of Living Index of 268 urban areas. The composite index is based on six components â&#x20AC;&#x201C; housing, utilities, grocery items, transportation, health care, and misc. goods and services. The "all items" index for St. Cloud was 101.3, just 1.3 percent above the national average (100.0) for the quarter. COST OF LIVING INDEX COMPILATION FOR THIRD QUARTER DATA FOR 2018 FOR MINNESOTA AND OTHER UPPER MIDWEST CITIES CITY

St. Cloud St. Cloud

St. Cloud

3rd. Qtr.

All Items

101.3

Grocery Housing Utilities Transpor- Health Misc. Goods Items tation Care & Services

120.4

75.5

98.5

124.2

112.2

2nd Qtr. 98.8 115.3 77.3 102.1 91.9 124.6 107.3 1st Qtr.

Minneapolis

St. Paul

Mankato

97.4 114.6 75.3 95.2 95.2 125.1 106.2 107 105.0 102.8 98.1 106.2 106.7 114.0

107.3 104.2 103.5 96.6 107.5 107.7 114.6

97.3 101.6 72.8 100.1 100.2 111.1 112.0

Cedar Rapids, IA 94.7

96.5

85.5

109.1

Pierre, SD

103.3

109.1

92.1

Eau Claire, WI

94.4

98.0

95.9

75.9

102.2

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

103.8

96.4

106.8 93.8

95.1

114.7 95.9

96.9

100.3 90.0

Accra Index Most Expensive Urban Communities

New York (Manhattan) NY

240.6

Honolulu HI

188.9

San Francisco CA

New York (Brooklyn) NY Washington, D.C.

191.4 177.3 161.0

Least Expensive Urban Communities Harlingen TX

76.5

Richmond IN

79.0

McAllen TX

Kalamazoo MI

Muskogee OK

76.9 79.4 79.7

The Cost of Living Index, which is compiled and published quarterly by C2ER - The Council for Community and Economic Research, measures regional differences in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial households in the top income quintile. It is based on more than 90,000 prices covering almost 60 different items for which prices are collected three times a year by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. Small differences should not be interpreted as showing any measurable difference, according to C2ER.

TOTAL: $221,316,488

106 October Apr $3,9550,295

73 $6,403,398

TOTAL: 1789

August St. Joseph 71 56 70 2018 Feb $0 $32,698,175 $19,525,262 $18,129,160

2017

Apr

December

October

November

September

Jan

August

July

June

May

April

1.0%

Feb

March

1.5%

February

$300M

Source: www.positivelyminnesota.com

2017�18 % CHANGE January

$250M

2016

Non FarmMarJobs 2.0%

December

November

October

September

$200M

$500k

July Jan Rapids totals do not include Nov & Dec 2018 data. *Total as of 2/12/19. Sauk It was not released at time of print. June

Source: www.positivelyminnesota.com

$150M

Food and Be

ST. CLOUD 83 $7,260,630

2016 St. Augusta 66 13 7 September Mar $0 $2,107,200 $1,587,313

TOTAL: 1752

TOTAL: $221,316,488

Waite Park

2017

Sartell 33 32 34 November May $13,013,812 $14,128,688 $16,509,793

TOTAL: 1655

$300M

555 44 44 December $15,684,403 $89,959,156 $13,791,300 June

TOTAL: $239,669,534

August

$100M

July

June

$50M

May

April

March

$0M

February

January

ST. CLOUD

Sauk Rapids

2017

2016

Food and Be

2016 2017 2018* #/$ #/$ #/$ August 2018

May

2017�2018

500

St. Cloud 464 341 383 $138,751,046 $89,192,774 $231,596,447 July

2000

$250M

Commercial

1500

TOTAL: $133,773*

$1500000

TOTAL: $1,272,176*

TOTAL: $1,333,423

$1200000

TOTAL: $239,669,534

$200M

November

Sources: Building departments for the following cities: St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, Sartell, Waite Park, St. Augusta, and St. Joseph.

Unemployment Rates

December

TOTAL: $288,757,642

$150M

January December 0 data. *Total as of 2/12/19. Sauk Rapids totals do not include Nov & Dec 2018 It was not released at time of print.

1000

$900000

$100M

2016

BUILDING PERMITS BY COMMUNITY September

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

$50M

102 88 72 March $9,180,780 $6,116,630 $6,469,120

October

Commercial Building Permits

$0M

St. Augusta

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

$100M

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

2016 2018

$80M

Commercial Building Permits

$600000 2017

2017

Waite Park 78 70 46 April $2,197,513 $4,244,281 $1,509,887

St. Joseph 186 140 98 February $4,796,651 $4,433,502 $6,043,519

$60M

2018

500

Sartell 252 199 174 May $13,311,389 $7,908,010 $8,409,293

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

$40M

January

Sauk Rapids 345 299 344 June $22,647,287 $15,947,945 $17,876,152

2017

$20M

February

St. Cloud 986 622 597 July 2018 $32,774,443 $32,230,127 $25,555,950

500

$300000

$0M

2016 2017 2018* 2016 August #/$ #/$ #/$

2016

March

Residential

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

ST. CLOUD

TOTAL:$84,908,072

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. C ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSE

September BUILDING PERMITS BY COMMUNITY

2015

2018

2017

2016

2017

November

TOTAL:$70,880,396

Home Sales C

2017 October

$100M

September

$80M

August

$60M

880,396

$40M

July

$20M

June

$0M

October April

May

2018

TOTAL:$63,916,533

April

2016

March

TOTAL:$84,908,072

November May

February

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

Apr

Mar

Feb

Jan

2017

2018

July December June

TOTAL:$70,880,396

Residential Building Permits

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOS

Economy Central presented by August COLOR KEY:

2018 Compiled by Kellie Libert, data current as of 2/12/19

Home Sales C

September

TOTAL:$63,916,533

ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS

908,072

October

$100M

$250M

6 COMMUNITIES � ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

832,866

316,488

669,534

111,110

Residential Building Permits

$500k

0.5% 0.0% -0.5%

-1.0% -1.5% -2.0%

-2.5%

St. Cloud Minneapolis/St. Paul Minnesota United States

St. Cloud, MN MetroSA Minnesota United States

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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396

072

866

COLOR KEY: December

ECONOMIC INDICATORS & TRENDS

Jan November Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec

December

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

December

November

October

September

Home Sales Closed in St.Cloud

6 COMMUNITIES - ST. CLOUD, SAUK RAPIDS, SARTELL, WAITE PARK, ST. AUGUSTA, ST. JOSEPH

March

$2M

TOTAL: 1789

Total as of 2/12/19.

Receive your free guide by contacting DEED at February 651-259-7474 or emailing deed.mnsbao@state.mn.us. A pdf version is available at BusinessCentralMagazine.com January New Reality continued...

Lodging Tax Dollars

December

November

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

October

Total as of 2/12/19.

$2M

September

Sources: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

$1.5M

August

$1M

April 2018 labor supply/labor demand rate was 0.73, the fourthlowest rate behind only Hawaii, North Dakota and Colorado. The national rate of 1.37 supports the notion that Minnesota employers are having a much harder time filling job openings than employers in most other states. July

$500k

June

2016

May

TOTAL: $1,508,301

April

2017

March

TOTAL: $1,623,035

February

TOTAL: $1,748,626

State job vacancies (a proxy for labor demand) reached a record fourth quarter high in 2017, indicating that demand for workers remains solid. Declining unemployment numbers (a proxy for labor supply) combined with climbing job vacancies pushed the unemployed/job vacancy ratio to 0.8, its lowest-level in the 18-year history of DEED’s Job Vacancy Survey. A similar measure published by the Conference Board reported that Minnesota’s January

December

November

October

September

August

July

June

May

April

March

February

January

2018

August

Benton Co. 39 27 94

2017

TOTAL: $1,333,423

2018

$0 $500k $1M $1.5M Benton County Sheriff’s Civil Process; Stearn’s County Sheriff’s Office

ST. CLOUD

July

June

158

2017

TOTAL: 1752

2016

200

October

2000

$1500000

Residential 2016 Stearns Co.

TOTAL: 221

150

$2M

he Minnesota Department of Employment and September Economic Development (DEED), in partnership with August Minneapolis law firm Gray Plant Mooty, has published A Legal Guide to Privacy and Data Security 2019. Written July for non-lawyers, the publication provides information that June business owners can use to ensure they are following best practices. Noteworthy in the 2019 edition is the California May Consumer Privacy Act, which will affect any business that April collects personal information of California residents. TOTAL: 1655

SHERIFF’S FORECLOSURE AUCTIONS

May

TOTAL: 235

1500

100

$1.5M

December

TOTAL: $1,523,946

TOTAL: $133,773*

TOTAL: $1,272,176*

TOTAL: $1,333,423

$1200000

2016

$900000

2017 0

$1M

The 2019 Privacy and Data Security Guide will help November small businesses understand best practices. 1000

$600000

2016

$500k

Privacy Guide

TOTAL: 125

TOTAL: $1,303,737*

2018

January

500

$300000

2017

February

*Total as of 2/12/19. Totals do not include Nov & Dec 2018 data. It was not released at time of print.

Food and Beverage Tax Collection ST. CLOUD

TOTAL: $1,333,423

Sources: Tax Collections – City of St. Cloud

Sheriff’s Foreclosure Auctions

2018

April

2000

March

Feb 1500

Jan $200M $250M $300M Housing/Real Estate sources: St. Cloud Area Association of Realtors, http://stcloudrealtors.com/pages/statistics. Total as of 2/12/19.

STEARNS AND BENTON COUNTIES

March

1000

Food and Beverage Tax Collection

ST. CLOUD

500

April

TOTAL: 1752 2016

TOTAL: $1,523,946

May

2017

Mar

$0 0

June

2015

2018

2017

2016

TOTAL: $239,669,534

Apr

February

June

TOTAL: $1,303,737*

July

TOTAL: 1789

May

2016

August

2018

August

TOTAL: $221,316,488

2017

January

TOTAL: 1815 September

July

October

ST. CLOUD September

October

TOTAL: $288,757,642

2018

December

November

October

September

August

July

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TOOLS OF THE SCHMOOZE Does your networking toolkit include technology, multiple generations and a few apps? If not, it should. By Barb Umberger

re your networking efforts limited to meeting people at an annual conference? Attending a social hour before an industry event and coming home with a few business cards? You can’t beat in-person conversations, but professionals have many more options today to make and maintain connections.

communications strategist at The Write Advantage. “That diversity pertains to age, gender, industry and even role – so the more that professionals can develop relationships with a variety of individuals in their community and industry, the better outcomes they’ll see professionally and personally.”

The power of networking etworking is a key part of any job search, but its benefits are significantly broader. Having a wellmatched network of contacts can make a deep and positive impact throughout your career. Your connections can give guidance on a business challenge they have already faced, be a sounding board for discussing industry issues or to bounce ideas off of, know vendors offering high quality and great pricing, give tried-andtrue recommendations for a short-term consultant, and much more.

Tech tools usiness professionals have many ways to find and maintain connections. Two of the most powerful online tools are Facebook, with a reported 2.27 billion active monthly users, and LinkedIn, which has 562 million users worldwide.

Value in contacts of every age etworking contacts are valuable at any age and experience level and, ideally, offer value to both parties. Your connections could be inside or outside your field or industry, and might even be from a different generation. Someone new to the workforce can benefit in many ways from a more experienced employee, but an older employee more settled into a work routine could benefit from fresh eyes to shed light on a situation. Anyone can benefit from another person’s perspective and life experience. Professionals with a diverse circle of influencers tend to be more successful, said Dawn Zimmerman, owner and

LinkedIn The leading resource for making business connections is LinkedIn. Besides setting up a personal profile, users can follow specific companies, look for people who work at certain companies and send requests to connect. Members can post information, comment on others’ posts and discussions, and join targeted business-related groups. “Premium” (paying) members can access additional services. When you’re looking to make a contact, databases like LinkedIn are great, Zimmerman said, but also keep your eyes open for other opportunities, such as an impressive speaker at an event or frequently hearing the same name in conversations. Those may be good people to connect with. Facebook Facebook offers targeted groups where professionals can connect. According

to an article by Social Media Examiner, group members should focus on sharing expertise and being a resource, and not on self-promotion. It gives the example of Facebook’s Internet Marketing Super Friends group, “where members can ask questions about SEO, get recommendations for designers and tools, and more.” Social media Social media has long been seen as a personal tool for connecting with family and friends, but it’s becoming more common to follow or connect on Facebook or Instagram for more professional purposes. “It can warm up relationships faster, enabling people to share more about themselves,” Zimmerman said. “It’s becoming a place where you build your personal brand and build a network outside of your ‘friends’ network.” Tiffany Clements, former social media specialist at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, described another example of how technology is changing how people connect. Years ago, she’d read an article about a connection, cut it out and mail it. “Now you can post it on social media, tag the person or leave a comment, and stay connected, where before it took more work or time,” she said. “Suddenly, other people are interested in what you’ve posted -- which is the whole point of networking. So I think more than using specific tools and platforms is the mind shift to making these connections instantly and frequently.”

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Feature While more technology is available today, Zimmerman said that generally, the best way to be effective at networking is to integrate it into your everyday life with tools you’re already using. Apps Some people use apps to help find networking contacts. For example: –––––––– SHAPR Shapr helps you build contacts in your industry based on information you input. It suggests potential connections daily. Think “Tinder for networking.” –––––––– BUMBLE BIZZ If you download Bumble Bizz, select “bizz mode” or you could be looking for dates instead of business contacts. The app

matches what you’re looking for when networking and, using geolocation, makes it easier to find professionals near you. –––––––– MEETUP The Meetup app provides multiple ways to connect with people who share your social interests. Join a group for a walk or run, meet people whose passion is business intelligence, artificial intelligence, WordPress or any number of other interests and activities. Friendships formed could lead to business connections.

Manage your contacts o how do you manage all of your new business contacts? Some people use an Excel spreadsheet so they can track details like date met, where you met, company name, follow-up meetings and more. Or track the information in your phone’s Contacts list or Notes. Others use a paid customer relationship management (CRM) system such as PipeDrive software.

Have LinkedIn manage your contacts Another way is uploading your contacts to LinkedIn, even those that aren’t LinkedIn “connections.” A main benefit is that as contacts change jobs, titles or email addresses, they update their information for you. A recent article in Forbes magazine also advocates the use of LinkedIn QR codes that other users can scan to see LinkedIn profiles, and quickly add connections. Using the LinkedIn app,

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find your unique QR code at the top of the right side of the search bar. Tap on it, choose “my code” and the image appears in a size easy to scan. You can save or share your code, and use it on business cards or on your personal email signature. Info at your fingertips Clements values carrying her “rolodex” wherever she goes. “Everything is right there in my hand,” she said of her smartphone. When she learns about an opportunity for an event speaker and she knows exactly the right person, or sees a job posting that might be interesting to someone she worked with years ago, she can quickly call, text or connect on Facebook Messenger. Reminders for staying in touch Speaking of contacts, set up Google Alerts for your contacts’ company names.

Knowing when the company is in the news gives you a great reason to follow up and stay in touch. Integrate into daily life While more technology is available today, Zimmerman said that generally, the best way to be effective at networking is to integrate it into your everyday life with tools you’re already using. Professionals see the best results by using their calendar system like Outlook, she said. If you want to meet with a certain person, set up reminders as recurring events. Build it into your current calendar or task system so it pops up as something on your to-do list. The key to networking is to be personal, Zimmerman added, so doing a mass email or something that feels generic never gets any traction. Instead, identify who you want to connect with and who can help you connect with them. “It

starts with these questions,” she said, “and then you can use a variety of tools to gain information and develop a system that works for you.” Whether using technology or other means, the fundamentals of networking remain unchanged, Clements said. “You’re trying to build relationships with people, trying to stay on top of what’s happening in their lives, trying to make inroads with others – and the tools will present themselves over time. Keep in mind what you’re trying to accomplish, rather than focusing on doing it on the right platform.” Barb Umberger is a freelance writer based in the Twin Cities. For the sources used in this story, visit BusinessCentralMagazine.com

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Cover Story

Personal Profile ****

Bob Johnson, 70 Executive Director and CEO, Paramount Center for the Arts

Hometown: Hancock, Michigan Education: Masters in Public Health, University of Michigan; BS, Central Michigan University with a secondary teaching certificate Family: Spouse of 47 years, Judy Johnson, retired middle school teacher. Four adult children (three daughters and a son), and now 10 spectacular grandchildren (6 boys, 4 girls)

Hobbies: Gardening, playing at throwing pots, reading, trying to play the piano 32

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Cover Story

Skipping Retirement What do health care and the arts have in common? Bob Johnson. ****

By Jeanine Nistler * Photography by Joel Butkowski, BDI Photo

he 70-yearHe bears an extremely he married and got a job as a dialysis technician at Saint old husband, common name, but Joseph Mercy Health System father of four this Bob Johnson is in Ann Arbor. Johnson soon and grandbecame a manager there. “I father of 10 has entered an uncommon man. grew in responsibility in my the fifth year of his second role and recognized that more career – as executive dieducation could lead to more rector of the Paramount Center for the Arts. At an age when many re- opportunities,” he said. Johnson earned a master’s degree from the tire, Johnson capped a 44-year career in health care administration by moving to arts/culture University of Michigan in public health and became director of the Saint Joseph heart proadministration. Neither of Johnson’s occupations is what the gram and five other clinical service lines. After native of Hancock, Mich., intended to do when 21 years with Saint Joseph, “they were doing a he earned an English degree and a secondary reorganization,” Johnson said. “I had an opporteaching certificate from Central Michigan Uni- tunity to do a job that I wasn’t sure that I would versity in 1971. “I had every intention of being enjoy or take a really nice severance package an English teacher,” Johnson recalled. Instead, and look for something else. I chose the latter.”

Did you know?

Prior to moving to St. Cloud, Johnson served as an administrative director at St. Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with responsibility for the operations of six clinical programs, the largest being cardiology.

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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Cover Story

see the patients in their Something Else hometowns, they would ohnson flew to come here for cardiac Minneapolis during care. Good results in the Halloween blizzard St. Cloud with patient of 1991 and drove to satisfaction was the St. Cloud for an earlyword that got out and morning interview at that brought us more St. Cloud Hospital the patients. Bob orchesnext day. He landed the job and started work trated all that, was able Jan. 6, 1992, charged with to work effectively with helping to create the hosthe docs, and it all came together.” pital’s heart program. “He was a marketFormer St. Cloud Personal Profile Hospital President John ing genius when it came to **** Frobenius remembers that actually putting a name to Work History & Johnson came from Ann this place,” said Phil Martin, Community Arbor with “demonstrated who succeeded Johnson as 2015 – Present: success growing a program executive director of the Executive Director of the and working with doctors. CentraCare Heart & VascuParamount Center for the Arts He impressed all of us with lar Center. Johnson created 1992-2015: his skill level, temperament, a center that “ranks among Executive Director of the finesse and demonstrated the best in the U.S.,” Martin CentraCare Heart & Vascular experience. We were lucky said. Indeed, the center has Center, CentraCare Wound Center, to get him!” been recognized nationally and Dialysis program at As with launching and by numerous organizations. St. Cloud Hospital. building any endeavor, JohnJohnson, however, is Community Involvement: quick to credit the medical son faced challenges, but Served on multiple boards professionals with the cenby the time he left that posiand commissions, including tion at the end of 2014, the ter’s growth and quality of the Housing & Redevelopment Central Minnesota Heart patient care. “I think an adAuthority (HRA), United Arts of Center had grown from a ministrative leader is someCentral Minnesota, the St. Cloud handful of physicians and one who is there to support Area YMCA, the St. John’s Boys a small team of nurses and the people who are doing Choir, and the Cathedral of St. Mary ancillary staff to the Centrathe real work. I always said, where he is currently a trustee. He was also elected to three terms ‘If you’re not touching paCare Heart & Vascular Cenon the St. Cloud City Council ter with some three dozen tients, you probably should serving from 1999 to 2011. physicians and more than be supporting someone who 500 staff. is,’ ” Johnson said. “The numbers showed the patients were in He may not have provided patient care, but the towns around us,” Frobenius recalled. “As Johnson often spoke with patients and their long as our docs were willing to do outreach and families about their experiences. He gained a

Best Advice

When angry with someone, don’t write that email or letter and send it. Put it in your desk drawer for a while and when you come back to it, you’ll most likely throw it away. —From my friend, John Mahowald, M.D.

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Cover Story

Business Profile

new perspective when he town St. Cloud – and while **** became a patient himself there asked whether he’d Paramount Center in 2003 when diagnosed be interested in leading the for the Arts with cancer, which recurred Paramount. 913 W. St. Germain, in 2006. Since undergoing “I really hadn’t thought St. Cloud, MN 56301 treatment for the recurabout retiring,” Johnson paramountarts.org said. “I thought, ‘Why rence, he has been cancer Bob Johnson, shouldn’t I? I’ve had a good free. “It bumped up my emExecutive Director career. I’ve fed my family.’ pathy quotient,” Johnson Business Description: It was the only time in my said. “We are all essentially Comprehensive art center with life that I was offered a job I the same -- susceptible to the classes, stage productions, and hadn’t applied for.” same lack of control in life education/outreach activities He spent some time and should really just try to meeting with Paramount understand and support one Total number of employees: 11 FT, 36 PT staff in December 2014 another." and started work in January As the Heart & Vascular 2015. He was undaunted by Center’s executive director, learning what he refers to as Johnson said, he secured the a new content area. “I didn’t resources that the medical We have begun see it as something I couldn’t team needed to conduct replanning for the do. I just knew I wanted to search and really take care of 100th Anniversary of do it and do it well.” people well. “I do the same the Theatre in 2021. During his tenure as exthing here,” Johnson said of his role at the Paramount. ecutive director, the ParaYippee! “I don’t act on the stage. I mount has increased the don’t sing. I help people through budget and number of art exhibits as well as the number financing and ideation, developing new ideas. and variety of stage shows – and the number I help people figure out how they can do what of people who have attended those shows. The they do best.” challenge, he said, lies in “trying to balance the mission stuff and the margin stuff” as financial Skipping Retirement reserves are required to fulfill his goal of doing ow did Johnson morph from health care more to support local artists. “I want people to see this as their arts center,” administrator to arts/culture administraJohnson said. “Our desire is to present things tor? He had long been active in, and an ardent supporter of the arts – and had served on the that are meaningful and thought-provoking.” “Bob's genuine love for the arts shows in United Arts of Central Minnesota Board. In 2014, some members of the Paramount Board everything he does,” said Patricia Soltis, who asked him to lunch at the White Horse in down- is in her 30th year of performing in St. Cloud

Fun fact:

Successes

In the four years that Bob Johnson has served as executive director of the Paramount, he and the staff have accomplished the following: 1 Replaced the theatre seats

2 Strengthened the finances

3 Renamed the program to the Paramount Center for the Arts to reflect the comprehensiveness

of all the offerings available to the community

4 Increased staff wages

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Cover Story

Timeline

Housing and Redevelopplays and is one of the Para**** mount’s house managers. ment Authority, and the liDecember 24, 1921: “Whether it be downstairs brary building committee, The Sherman Theatre opens at the Paramount creatamong others. He saw conon what is now 10th Avenue ing a pottery piece, taking stituent services (“Someand St. Germain Street. a painting class, or introbody is having trouble with 1922: Theatre prices range something”) as the most ducing the next big act on from 5 to 20 cents; a $20,000 important aspect of his stage, he truly cares and is Bartola pipe organ is installed. work on the council. passionate for the arts comCurrently, Johnson is a munity. He is not just a be1926: A Wurlitzer Unit trustee for the Cathedral of hind-the-scenes kind of guy, Organ, estimated to cost St. Mary – and with his wife, but involved and vested. He $25,000, is installed. Judy, sings in the Cathedral is a charismatic leader and August 1, 1930: The Sherman choir. Judy Johnson, a reone who shows compassion Theatre reopens as the to others. Working at the tired junior high language Paramount Theatre. Paramount is one of my faarts teacher, volunteers with helping Somali residents vorite things to do because 1942: New “deep cushioned” learn English. “Both my wife of Bob's kind spirit.” seats are installed over a and I like to be busy,” JohnOutside of work, Johnthree-day period. son enjoys family time, son said. gardening and commuJohnson may be 70, but retirement is not on his nity involvement. He has served on multiple boards and commissions, radar. “As long as I stay healthy, I’m not sure I’ll including those of the YMCA and St. John’s ever not do something.” Boys Choir, and was elected to three terms on Jeanine Nistler is a former St. Cloud the St. Cloud City Council, serving from 1999 communications professional now living and to 2011. As a council member, he sat on the working in the Twin Cities. boards of the Area Planning Organization,

Diversity

Song and Dance Man

Bob Johnson says he doesn’t dance or sing on the Paramount stage. But that doesn’t mean he couldn’t – or hasn’t.

ob Johnson, executive director for The Paramount Center for the Arts, played Professor Harold Hill in “The Music Man” right here in River City in the late ’90s. In high school and in the early years of his career in Michigan, he played roles ranging from Algernon Moncrieff in “The Importance of Being Earnest” to Fagin in “Oliver Twist,” Rudolph in “Hello, Dolly!” and God in “Children of Eden.” Johnson and his wife, Judy, sing in the St. Mary’s Cathedral choir.

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“I love music and art,” Johnson said. As he works with the Paramount directors of areas such as performing arts, finance, development and education/outreach, he said, “I want people to have all the wonderment of the arts.” He points with pride to a Paramount program aimed at engaging people 55 and older in hands-on experiences. “As we age, we experience diminishments. We can’t run as fast. We can’t lift as much. Somebody takes our car keys away from us. Then we can no longer maintain our home. That’s how the cycle of life works,” Johnson said. “But what never diminishes is our ability to have a new idea, to be creative. Even in the face of dementia, people have thoughts and ideas and sparks of joy and they need to be able to have that to flourish.” – JN

Cover Story

Timeline ****

1946: The Paramount reopens after a five-month remodeling. Improvements include a new screen, a mirrored lobby, and a new canopy and sign. Mid-1960: The Paramount has fallen into disrepair. The fire department closes the balcony as structurally unsafe. January 1984: Paramount Preservations, Inc. forms to study the possibility of converting the Paramount into a community performing arts center. Paramount Preservationists purchase the Paramount from Cinema Entertainment Corporation. 1985: A fire in the lobby causes an estimated $60,000 in damages. The theatre is closed. 1987: Following repairs, the Paramount reopens and serves as the site for performances by the New Tradition Theatre Company until 1992. 1994: The St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) purchases the Paramount from Paramount Preservationists. Paramount Arts Resource Trust is incorporated and begins working to develop a downtown arts district. 1996: The St. Cloud City Council authorizes $4 million in funding to renovate the Paramount. The entire project is expected to cost $6 million. 1997: The Paramount’s 16-month renovation and development project begins. September 25, 1998: The Paramount Arts District is inaugurated.

Celebrate!

A Place for All

As it prepares to celebrate 100 years, the Paramount continues to provide value to Central Minnesota.

ake a class. Take in a show. Take a stroll through the gift gallery. There’s a lot to take advantage of at the Paramount Center for the Arts, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. The offerings have changed since the facility at 913 West Saint Germain Street opened as the Sherman Theater on Christmas Eve 1921, but what hasn’t changed is the venue’s broad appeal. “It serves so many different audiences,” said Steve Penick, head archivist at Stearns History Museum. “It has found a way to have community value in whatever decade” from the 1920s to the present. On opening night 1921, a 10-piece orchestra accompanied a showing of the silent film “Way Down East.” In the decade that followed, the Sherman hosted an array of Vaudeville performances, including singers, dancers, comedians and even animal acts. In the summer of 1930, the facility underwent a three-week, $30,000 renovation – and reopened Aug. 1 as the Paramount Theatre, part of a national chain showing first-run Paramount movies. Touring Broadway productions and World War II rallies were part of the fare in the ’30s and early ’40s. The theatre was remodeled again in 1946 to improve the acoustics and install a new marquee. The Paramount schedule expanded to include community productions such as Cathedral High School’s annual spring musicals.

Over the years, the theatre fell victim to neglect and disrepair. Much of the facility went unused, although classic films continued to be shown there until a 1985 lobby fire led to the theatre’s closure. Following considerable repair work donated by St. Cloud Building Trades, the Paramount reopened in October 1987. The theatre changed ownership yet again in 1994 when the St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority bought it. That summer, individuals and businesses donated labor and materials to make more repairs. Local productions were staged there, but considerable work remained to be done. Late in 1996, the City Council authorized funding for renovation, a 16-month project that launched in May 1997. The renovated Paramount and new arts district facilities opened amid celebration on the weekend of Sept. 25-27, 1998. A brochure produced at that time proclaimed that “the Paramount will once again serve as a showcase for regional creative energy. Building on the strengths of a multi-faceted past, this newly created multiple-use complex will be guided now – and well into the future – by one underlying principle: ‘the arts are for everyone.’ ” And now, planning is underway for the Paramount’s 100th anniversary celebration. Executive Director Bob Johnson has assembled a steering committee to lead the effort and promises that it will be a party worthy of the Paramount’s rich history. – JN

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Embracing Technology Once slow to implement technology, the construction industry is trending toward the increased use of digital do-dads and whatchamacallits.

ºººººº

By Mary MacDonell Belisle

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echnology and innovation are really starting to hit the field,” said Cynthia Schultz, CEO of Bradbury Stamm ConstructionSt. Cloud, with headquarters in New Mexico. “I believe these technologies will really translate tangibly. There are significant labor and material cost pressures that should accelerate their adoption. A prime area is Building Information Modeling, which has been around for a decade, but only now is becoming standard on most major projects, allowing increased prefabrication and efficiency in the field.” Building Information Modeling (BIM) James Salsbury, senior estimator of

“You can’t build without mobile technology today … and today, the industry has caught up. Almost everyone relies on both cloud and mobile technology from design through the foreman running the crews on site.” – Cynthia Schultz, CEO, Bradbury Stamm Construction

BIM at Bradbury Stamm, believes the construction industry has become “extremely sophisticated,” modeling and building in 3D cyberspace vs. 2D paper to plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. BIM modeling software provides improved design insight through interactive 3D models that accurately represent existing structures and building characteristics. It even offers mobile access to the model

and relevant data via all types of devices, which can be crucial for troubleshooting and decision-making in the field. “You can’t build without mobile technology today,” Schultz said. “We were an early adopter back in 2012… and today, the industry has caught up. Almost everyone relies on both cloud and mobile technology from design through the foreman running the crews on site.”

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Trending Watch for commercial construction to embrace more of the following in 2019. AI and Machine Learning Big Data Application Building Information Modeling (BIM) Cloud and Mobile Technology Design-build Increased Popularity Drone Technology Green and Lean practices Modular and Off-site Construction Robotics / Autonomous Equipment Scanning Technology Self-healing Concrete Wearable “Smart” Technology

ºººººº ºººººº ºººººº

SPECIAL FOCUS

Drone Technology Construction is the fastest-growing sector in the country for the adoption of drone technology, according to DroneDeploy, a cloud-based construction software maker. Drones are used for aerial and typographical mapping, 3D model creation, thermal heat imaging, job-site progress and safety monitoring, building inspection, and even determining how much dirt exists in a pile. Data is collected by the drone and stored in the cloud for access by teams and clients.

wear-and-tear on workers, and improves safety. Human tenders currently interact with most “robots,” however, artificial intelligence and machine learning is a growing reality. Completely autonomous robots are on the horizon. The SAM 100 system from Construction Robotics is a semiautomated mason. Using laser, sensors, stops, bumpers, and emergency lights, the propanepowered robot accurately measures its progress as it puts mortar on each brick and places it into position, adjusting for any motion to the track. The tender guides the robot via a hand-held wireless device. SAM 100 places 200 to 250 bricks per hour, compared to a human’s 250 bricks

Robotics Robotic equipment increases the speed of repetitive tasks, increases productivity, ensures less physical

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per day. Construction Robotics’ MULE material unit lift enhancer lifts and places concrete block of up to 135 lbs. each and is used for constructing retaining walls and basements. Tybot, from Advanced Construction Robotics, Inc., is an autonomous, rebar-tying system used in bridge, tunnel, and highway building, and is designed to improve productivity and reduce safety risks.

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ºººººº By the Numbers Minnesota’s lagging job growth has more to do with lack of labor than weakening demand.

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1.1%

Minnesota’s one-year growth in employment

69.8%

Minnesota’s labor force participation rate

2.8%

Minnesota’s unemployment rate

82,100

Job vacancies located in the Twin Cities seven-county area, about 58 percent

60,200

Job vacancies located in Greater Minnesota

Did You Know: Statewide, the Health Care & Social Assistance industry had the most job vacancies, followed by Accommodation & Food Service, Retail Trade, and Manufacturing. Source: DEED Economic Snapshot, December 2018

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Embracing Technology continued...

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Scanning Technologies Technology tools are becoming more cost-effective and ubiquitous, said Salsbury. Drone scans, point cloud laser scan, and groundpenetrating radar (GPR), aid the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing areas of construction with their ability to create accurate 3D models of surfaces, elevations, and subterranean areas with data collected via drone, camera, and digital devices. Self-healing Concrete Invented by a micro-biologist and an engineer, self-healing concrete is comprised of traditional concrete mixed with the bacteria bacillus pseudofirmus. When the bacteria are activated by water, they produce limestone, eventually, repairing the cracks. Bradbury Stamm uses selfhealing concrete, however, “cost is such that you are not going to see it except in specialized applications,” said Schultz. Wearable Technology Wearables can track individuals to ascertain productivity, project efficiency, and safety. For example, Triax Technologies’ Spot-r Clip connects the worker to a wireless network that positions the worker via GPS on the site and responds to an emergency alert, such as a slip, trip, or fall, in real time. The worker can also trigger an alert if there is a hazard at the site. Smart helmets, glasses, safety vests, and bionic suits are growing in popularity, but carry a heavy price tag. mary macdonell belisle is a freelance writer-for-hire, located in St. Cloud. wordingforyou.com

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Starters

Networking with building contractors? Here are some fun facts to share: 45 Building Information

Modeling (BIM) enables better design insight says 88 percent of construction stakeholders (Dodge Data and Analytics and

General Contractor

320-251-4956

GenieBelt)

45 Design-build popularity will

rise 18 percent over three years

Design-Build

Commercial Construction & Remodeling

DaleGruberConstruction.com

ad.indd 2

2/14/19 9:53 PM

to about $324 billion (FMI Corp.) 45 Modular construction at

$123.4 billion will grow to $157 billion by 2023 (Construction Dive)

Finding innovative solutions to challenges that face our clients. Development / Architectural Design / Construction Services

45 A 2018 Off-site Construction

Industry Survey found that 87.6 percent of respondents had used off-site components over the past 12 months 45 5 billion metric tons of

concrete will be used globally by 2030 (The Guardian) 45 5 million construction jobs

are expected to be lost by 2020 (World Economic Forum), largely because of artificial intelligence,

SINCE 1874

machine learning, 3D printing, and robotics Special Focus continues on page 44.

800.772.1758 / www.millerab.com

M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9 //

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Commercial Construction

Continue reading to learn more about the variety of commercial construction companies providing growth in Central Minnesota.

PACE INDUSTRIES MAPLE LAKE, MN

www. s t r ackcom p ani es . com Commercial Construction • Project Management • Real Estate Services

Bradbury Stamm Winkelman, LLC

Dale Gruber Construction

CONCRETE POLISHING SERVICES

C.H. Robinson New London – Spicer Schools 650 seat auditorium; 2 court gymnasium; locker rooms, cafetorium; classroom and office additions and secure entries. Location: New London, MN Construction Manager: Bradbury Stamm Construction Architect: DeVetter Design Group Cost: $21 million Project Completion: April 2018 www.bradburystamm.com

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

Dale Gruber Construction remodeled an 11,400 SQFT tenant space for C.H. Robinson. Creating an employee-friendly work environment was the focus of the design; featuring high-tech conference & meeting rooms, glass wall offices, game room, break area, mother’s room and many televisions throughout the office. Location: Sartell, MN General Contractor: Dale Gruber Construction

Donlar Construction provides concrete polishing as one of our innovative construction solutions. It is beautiful, customizable, longlasting, cost effective, low maintenance and high impact. It is an excellent choice to update and revive existing concrete floors, as well as an elegant option in new construction. The polished concrete floors in the link addition at Schoenecker Commons, CSB, (above), enhance the charm of historic brick and modern details and reflect the welcoming light to all who enter. Contact us for more information at: P: 320-253-3354 | www.donlarcorp.com

Completion Date: September 2018 DaleGruberConstruction.com

INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS

COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION & LEASING

GLTArchitects

CentraCare Health – Albany Clinic Located in downtown Albany, this new 18,000 square foot facility includes Family Medicine and Urgent Care services. A Physical Therapy suite offers private therapy rooms and a large physical therapy gym. An imaging/radiology department and laboratory services are also provided. The clinic will also offer outreach services including obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics and podiatry. Location: Albany, MN Architect: GLTArchitects

HMA Architects

Miller Architects & Builders

The Depot on Main Mississippi Loft Apartments The 57 Unit Mississippi Loft Apartments is a unique development located in the downtown area of Sauk Rapids and near the Mississippi River. This 4 story building features underground parking, exterior decks with views of the downtown and river, and a roof top terrace. An urban character and a variety of unit types will be attractive to the discerning tenant interested in this development.

3-story, 65-unit apartment building. Two-story lobby and community room. Coffee bar, mail center, fireplace and large community deck. Garage with car wash. Location: Zimmerman, MN General Contractor: Miller Architects & Builders Architect: Cole Group Architects Project Completion: Summer 2019

Location: Downtown Sauk Rapids, MN along the Mississippi River

millerab.com

General Contractor: Rice Companies

Architect: HMA Architects

Square Footage: 18,000 sq. ft.

General Contractor: Torborg Builders

Project Completion: Summer 2019

Project Completion: December 2017

gltarchitects.com

hma-archs.com

Rice Companies

Strack Companies

W Gohman Construction

Spee Dee Delivery Service Terminal Facility

Park Industries Expansion

Cash Wise Rice Companies recently completed a “next generation” Cash Wise in Fargo, ND. The 53,000 SF store focuses on a “fresh first” concept for Cash Wise brand, including expanded produce, deli, meat and bakery departments, along with a new décor throughout the store. Additional amenities include a Dunn Brothers coffee, a 7,500 SF stand alone liquor store and expanded deli seating. Location: Fargo, MN General Contractor: Rice Companies Architect: Rice Companies ricecompanies.com

The new Spee Dee Delivery facility in Marion Iowa is a twin to the recently completed facilities we constructed for Spee Dee in Mankato, MN and Duluth, MN. These precast concrete structures serve as terminal distribution facilities for Spee Dee’s regular delivery service as well as their LTL service. Location: Marion, Iowa Size: 27,000 Square Feet Completion: December, 2018

W. Gohman seamlessly expanded and remodeled Park Industries while keeping their production and office operations up and running with minimal interruptions. Production Space Addition: 40,000 SF Production Space Remodeling: 8,000 SF Lunch Room Addition: 1,200 SF Office Addition: 6,200 SF Office Remodeling: 6,500 SF wgohman.com

strackcompanies.com

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Business Spotlight AT A GLANCE

Work Matters

Big River Group, LLC PO Box 5120 St Cloud, MN 56302 (320) 202-1212 info@bigrivergroup.com bigrivergroup.com

Bruce Miles’ father taught him work was important. Now he helps others find that same satisfaction. By Gail Ivers

Business Description: Consulting for businesses, schools, nonprofit agencies, and government units. Services include strategic planning, reducing organizational conflict, working with difficult employees, leadership training, personnel issues, research and data collection and analysis, program evaluation, and personal coaching.

Business Central: What is your background? Bruce Miles: I went to UMD in psychology and education. In my junior year I had a chance to work with the Special Olympics as a volunteer. It was really rewarding. I felt like I was making a contribution and that led me to go into special education. I worked with students who had severe behavioral disabilities. BC: After your years in education, why start a consulting business? Miles: My dad was a bookkeeper, accountant, then management. He would talk about what happened during the day and I thought it was really interesting. I really like work and I want people to be able to like their work and do work that matters and is effective. My focus as a consultant is to help employers create more effective workplaces and keep their employees engaged. BC: Why the name “Big River Group?” Miles: I was tired of all the consulting groups named after the owner. I’m into maps and geography. The Big River (Mississippi River) cuts through my territory and that of my clients. BC: What has been your biggest challenge as a business owner? Miles: I feel pretty good about helping clients diagnose sticking points. What I didn’t know was how to sell and close. That’s a whole different set of skills. I actually found a personal coach to help me break it down, understand the steps, and do a better job.

Owner: Bruce Miles Opened: 1999

BC: What do you like best? Miles: Job number one is still helping the client. I want them to go away with the sense they can make progress. I want people to feel confident, even if we don’t work together. All my materials are posted on my website. If you can use the tools, go use the tools. If you need help, great. I want the client to have the choice. BC: How does that work? Miles: Lots of times people just don’t know how to start. We might have a conversation over coffee. It’s better if you can do these steps on your own, better than bringing in an outsider. If that works – great! If not, we have coffee again or you hire me. In the end, success is up to the client. The more buy-in they have the more successful we’ll be. But you still have do the work.

TIMELINE 1978

Graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in psychology and education

1979-1984

Moved into educational leadership during this time

Business Central Magazine // M A R C H /A P R I L 2 0 1 9

1982-84

Received a doctorate from Oklahoma State University

1984-1994

Educational consultant and educational leadership/ administration

1994-99

Worked at St. Cloud State teaching leadership, finance, human resources, and research

2000

Opened Big River Group

Number of Employees: one full-time, four part-time Chamber member since 2001

PERSONAL PROFILE

Bruce Miles, 63 Hometown: Bloomington, Minn.

Education: Undergraduate degree in psychology and education from the University of MinnesotaDuluth; doctorate in statistics and research from Oklahoma State Mentor: Dr. Steven W. Edwards, Oklahoma State University Family: Wife Kay, married 33 years; daughters Casey and Erinn Hobbies: Boating. “Kay and I live on a boat on Madeline Island every summer.”

BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES Together.

Great design helps create space for communities to grow in so many ways, giving current and future generations room to thrive.

Jeremy Boots, PE Project Manager JBoots@mooreengineeringinc.com

Mike Foertsch, PE, PLS

Les Mateffy, PE

Client Service Representative MFoertsch@mooreengineeringinc.com

Project Manager LMateffy@mooreengineeringinc.com

mooreengineeringinc.com | 320.281.5493 MN: St. Cloud 路 Fergus Falls ND: Bismarck 路 Minot 路 West Fargo 路 Williston

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