April 2015

BusinessBusinessBusiness 22WCTWCT

By Dan Burdett - dburdett@wctrib.com Continued on Page 2

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Kyler Olson adjusts the inner bearings of a black chrome bicycle hub, while working in the manufacturing department of Onyx Racing Products in Blomkest. Onyx produces instant-engagement hubs designed for BMX and mountain bikes.ONYX

With its customized bike hubs, Blomkest manufacturer is leaving a mark on BMX, biking circuits J ust south of Minnesota Highway 7 near Blomkest is a far-flung farmstead that is home to Christianson Systems. A manufacturer of ship unloaders and pneumatic conveying systems for bulk materials that include feed and cereal grains, plastics and chemicals, the company is at the center of its field, preserving a presence in agriculture, commercial bulk handling and marine port industries across the globe.

2 April 2015 B2B

Willmar 235-1111 800-908-BANK (2265)Bremer.com

Member FDIC. 2015 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

Talk with a banker todayOnline Banking Online Bill Pay Online StatementsDebit Cards Credit Cards

.OWTHATS Convenient

Bank with ease.

StaffSharon Bomstad, B2B editor

Dan Burdett, B2B writer/social media

ContributorsKen Warner, Willmar Lakes Area Chamber

Kenneth Smith, NeXtCameron Macht, DEED

AdvertisingKevin Smith, Director

To advertise, call 320-214-4317, fax 320-235-6769

email ksmith@wctrib.com or contactyour assigned marketing consultant.

AdministrationSteven Ammermann, Publisher

Kelly Boldan, EditorTimothy Bailey, Business ManagerVolume 3, Number 3

Copyright 2015 West Central Tribune Business2Business

All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained.

MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

P.O. Box 839 / 2208 W. Trott Ave. Willmar MN 56201

wctrib.com / 320-235-1150

But if variety is indeed the spice of life, as noted poet William Cowper once attested, Christianson Systems is positioned to leave a substantial mark on another sector the business couldnt have reasonably conceived being a part when it was established in the 1970s.

Through its Onyx Racing Products division, Christianson Systems produces customized hubs, the gear ratio changing system of a bicycle. And so progressive is the Onyx product, noted riders a number of Olympians included are lining up in droves, while competitors are wondering who the new boys on the block are.

As Shannon Hansen tells it, the hubs are about as good as it gets on the market.

Hansen has been with Christianson Systems for two decades, spending the past four years as a design engineer with Onyx.

Our hubs work flawlessly, he extolled.While Onyxs climb through the industry

ranks was focused and direct, the division was born merely through a chance conversation.

Hansen was sitting at his desk in 2011 when Jim Gerhardt, president of Christianson Systems, entered the office holding the rear hub for his sons BMX.

Gerhardt wanted to order a new hub but couldnt find one available for shipping for months. Gerhardt pondered designing and building a hub in-house.

The sprag clutch used by Onyx in its hubs is a type of rolling element bearing that rotates freely in one direc-tion and locks in place when turned in the opposite direc-tion, the clutch uses spring-loaded sprag rollers that allow one element to freewheel around the other until the di-rection is reversed. The sprag can also withstand greater torque and low-rolling resis-tance over similar freewheel devices.B2B photos by Dan Burdett

Poised to leave a mark on the biking industryContinued from Page 1

Continued on Page 3

3 B2B April 2015

Why not? Hansen concluded. The men spent countless hours researching the inner workings of the hub

mechanism, the bearings and their susceptibility, after time, to fail. Jim was on fire, Hansen said. We were working on this 24/7.Their experimentation led them to a sprag clutch.A type of rolling element bearing that rotates freely in one direction and locks in

place when turned in the opposite direction, the clutch uses spring-loaded sprag rollers that allow one element to freewheel around the other until the direction is reversed.

The sprag can also withstand greater torque the twisting force that causes rotation and low-rolling resistance over similar freewheel devices.

But it wasnt without struggles, Hansen said. I think some of the other staff here thought it wasnt worth the effort at first. Theyve since come around. But it was exhausting. Every time wed have a perfect hub, wed struggle to duplicate it. So wed tinker and tinker and tinker some more.

After a year of field testing, the end product was so minutely precise and tightly woven it could withstand the toughest riding conditions, while offering the cyclist greater precision.

The hubs, which come in a variety of styles and colors, are outfitted standard with ceramic bearings and tita-nium hardware. The sprag eliminates the clicking that resonates from a standard clutch when the wheel of a bike rotates but the pedals arent moving. It also offers instant engagement, which refers to the riders move-ment and how the bike re-sponds.B2B photos by Dan Burdett

Instant engagement a key selling feature for Onyx

But it wasnt without struggles. I think some of the other staff here thought it wasnt worth the effort at first. Theyve since come around.

Continued from Page 2

Continued on Page 4

4 April 2015 B2B

The hubs are outfitted standard with ceramic bearings and titanium hardware. The sprag eliminates the clicking that resonates from a standard clutch when the wheel of a bike rotates but the pedals arent moving. It also offers instant engagement, referring to the riders movement and how the bike responds, a crucial ingredient in competitive cycling, where success can be defined by fractions of a second.

Its so smooth and thats the key to the product taking off, Hansen said.

Two years ago at Interbike, an annual trade show in Las Vegas that attracts international manufacturers and retailers from the cycling industry, Hansen was manning the Onyx booth when a man loped over to the area. Hansen recognized him as the proprietor of the company that produced the hub from the BMX of Gerhardts son.

The two began talking and the man eventually quizzed Hansen on how Onyx developed its line.

Hansen smiled and politely informed the man it was his product that inspired Onyx.

I knew the sky was the limit, Hansen said. When the Onyx line was unveiled, a principal enthusiast was Alise

Post. A native of St. Cloud, Post, now based out of Chula Vista, California, has evolved into one of the top female BMX racers in the world.

According to her official online bio, Post was the U.S. champion in 2006 and 2007 and would have been a candidate for the U.S. team at the debut of Olympic BMX racing in 2008 in Beijing, were she not too young at the time.

However, she represented the U.S. four years later in London at the age of 21 and was a medal favorite before crashing in a semifinal heat.

Post was unavailable for comment for this article, but a status update on Facebook shows she was using Onyx hubs when she claimed silver at the 2014 World Championships in The Netherlands.

According to Hansen, more than 30 renowned riders now use the Onyx brand, to include 2012 Olympic silver medalist Sam Willoughby, St. Paul-based Joey The Bomb Berthiaume and 2014 U.S. Amateur Champion Roman Jaworsky.

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Shannon Hansen, right, discusses an order for a downhill mountain bike with Kyler Olson in the manufacturing department at Onyx Products. Hansen is the design engineer for Onyx.

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Hansen spent months as part of the team testing hubs before Onyx un-veiled its product. The hub designs came about after Hansen and Jim Gerhardt, president of Christianson Systems, of which Onyx is a division, had a discussion about building a hub after Gerhardt struggled to fi nd a replacement hub for his sons BMX.

Continued from Page 3

Early testing struggles led to a more precise hub

5 B2B April 2015

Experience Local decisions On-time closings Prompt service

Need a home loan?Contact Heritage Bank

N.A.

www.HeritageBankNA.com

Apply online now at www.HeritageBankNA.com and youll be on your way to the most convenient home loan ever!

The Home Team at Heritage Bank knows the mortgage

industry inside and out.

We offer accurate advice and provide fast turnaround on all types of home loans.

| purchase | refinance | home equity/lines of credit | new construction

JEFF ASCHE NMLS #479517CHRIS VRAA NMLS #580203

MemberFDIC

NMLS ID#446440

Chris Vraa(320) 214-5507NMLS#580203

Jeff Asche(320) 214-5524

NMLS#479517

Submitted

John Patton has been an enthusiast for Onyx Racing Products since the hubs became available. He is seen in this undated photo during an off-road BMX event.

ABOUT CHRISTIANSON SYSTEMS

Christianson Systems roots are in agriculture and farming. In the early 1970s, Christianson diversified into equipment distri-bution through an association with then-Illinois-based Dunbar Kapple/Vac-U-Vator.

In 1979, Christianson began manufacturing a line of pneu-matic conveyors under the Handlair brand, marketing them throughout the U.S. and Canada.

A decade later, Christianson purchased Dunbar Kapple/Vac-U-Vator and consolidated its manufacturing and international marketing operations to an 85,000-square-foot facility at a farmstead located at 20421 15th Street Southeast, just south of Blomkest. The facility features an 80-foot-tall manufacturing center, one of the tallest of its kind in the state.

Christianson products are marketed directly from the Blomkest location and through a network of independent agents and resellers.

Recent international projects include installations in Australia, Vietnam, Venezuela and the Philippines.

In 2010, Christianson expanded into the bike industry with its Onyx Racing Products division.

Early on, Onyx specialized in bike hubs for the BMX racing market but has since started producing hubs for mountain bikes and fat bikes. Numerous colors and designs are avail-able.

Onyx also manufactures the barrel gates used at BMX racing events. The product was used at the 2014 BMX Nationals in Nashville, Tennessee.

For more information and for pricing, visit www.onyxrp.com or call 320-995-6141.

Dan Burdett

FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 20158 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Willmar Civic Center | 2707 Arena Drive NE, Willmar

call the West Central Tribune at 320.214.4317 for detailsEXHIBIT SPACE AVAILABLE

001200462r1

6 April 2015 B2B

Safe Reliable Cost EffectivePublic Transportation

Central Community Transit offers bus transportation within Kandiyohi and Renville Counties to work, appointments,

shopping and errands. All buses are handicap accessible. Call to Schedule your ride today!

Volunteer Driver ProgramThe volunteer driver program has volunteer drivers to pick you up at your door and take you to your destination. A 48 hour notice is required for service. To qualify for the program individuals must be 60 years of age or older and be a resident of Kandiyohi or Renville

County. Cost of service is based on income.

00

120

305

0r1

www.katbus.org

Willmar Offi ce1320 22nd St SW

PO Box 186Willmar, MN 56201320-214-7433 or

320-235-8413

Olivia Offi ce612 East LincolnOlivia, MN 56277

320-523-3589

Contact Us Today!Business Offi ce Hours: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm

Bus Hours: M-F 5:30am-5:30pm Saturday 8:00am-4:30pmSenior Transportation Hours: M-F 8:00am-5:00pm

Being a leaderTake a moment to ask yourself if youre a problem solver or a solution seeker?

Its hard to believe that we are at the doorstep of spring. Where does the time go? The community has enjoyed another year of growth and change, as has the Chamber. And, as with any growth, the pains are worth the gain. If they have and learn all of the facts,

I believe rational people make rational decisions. We just have to be willing to give the process a chance. Public advocacy works and is a great thing.

The part that concerns me is many times it seems people do not take the time to properly learn the facts, arriving at their decision based on what theyve heard in the media or from neigh-bors.

We might have to agree to disagree from time to time, but if we always agree to keep it professional and not personal, in the end, a good community discussion happens and decisions are made through consensus. Are we becom-ing a community of Not In My Back Yard (NIMBYs) or Citizens Against Virtually Everything (CAVE People)? I sure hope not. I dont think were even close yet. We need to challenge each other to prac-

tice the three Cs: compromise, controver-sy and consensus.

Dont get me wrong, its great to stand up for what you believe in. But, remember that even though we agree to disagree, we will remain friends, neighbors and not hold grudges. So many times this isnt the

case, we take it so personal or we get personal and, to me, this is one of the main reasons its hard to find people to run for public office or to serve on com-munity boards.

Leadership takes guts, but it also takes listening, commu-nication and compromise. But once a decision is made, accept the outcome and move on. To be an effective leader means to take the time to learn the facts, show up objectively at meet-ings, and listen and learn before you make a decision or pass judgment.

I believe we, the Chamber and the com-munity as a whole, are in for another year of change and growth. As we navigate 2015, we do need to work together for the betterment of the community.

KenWARNER

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

President

Continued on Page 7

7 B2B April 2015

NEW SPECIAL!

$10.99Men & Womens Suit Special

CLEAN AND PRESS

Coupon must be presented with incoming order. Expires 4/21/15.One coupon per customer per transaction.

DRY CLEAN SAVINGS

20% OFFANY DRY CLEANING ORDER

OF $10.00 OR MORECoupon must be presented with incoming order. Expires 4/21/15.

One coupon per customer per transaction.

Includes leathers

ALTERATIONS Re-line Coats Hem Pants Install New Zippers Shorten Skirts, Dresses and Trousers

108 W. Minnesota Ave., Willmar | 235-2545Mon.-Fri.7a.m.-6p.m. | Sat. 9a.m.-5p.m.

SAME DAY DRY CLEANING @ NO EXTRA CHARGEDRIVE-THRU SERVICE

DRY CLEANERS & LAUNDRYfor Alterations & Dry Cleaning

UNSURPASSED PICK-UP AND DELIVERY IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

UNSURPASSED PICK-UP AND DELIVERY IS JUST A PHONE CALL AWAY

00

1219

731r

1

1 2 6 0 1 0 t h S t r e e t N o r t h | S a u k R a p i d s , M N 5 6 3 7 9320.255.1733 | 800.467.1744 | www.gjawning.com

COVERING MINNESOTA and BEYOND

We understand how customers respond to what they see.

G & J can take your businesss curb appeal to the next level!

You Imagine it.We cover it.

00

1215

95

4r1

The Chamber is fortunate to have strong financial resources, board leadership and the vision to meet the needs and expecta-tions from our diverse membership. We are the only organization representing business and as we continue our role as the Voice of Business, we will face uncertain challenges, but ones I know we are ready to address as an organization and as a staff.

As we look at providing leadership in the community in 2015 and beyond, represent-ing the interests of the business community will no doubt be challenging and perhaps controversial. If we dont do what our mem-bers expect, theyll find other associations or organizations to be proactive for them. And if we dont stay engaged with our members, theyll invest their membership elsewhere. Nobody can better represent the local busi-ness community in our community better than the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Your Chamber is willing to take some risks and show some leadership through its hired staff and respected volun-teers.

You do not have to be an elected offi-cial to be a leader. You just have to care and decide to do something, and to enlist like-minded people in the doing. The spark of leadership comes from committed local people willing to risk failure to reach for suc-cess..

This truly is a great community and we have several things to be thankful for. I am most thankful for the fact we just dont talk about partnerships and collaboration, we practice it every day and thats what makes us a great place to be with such a prosper-ous future. I would rather be a solution seek-er than a problem solver. Problem solvers only want to talk about the problems.

LEAD BY EXAMPLELeaders need to show, not just tell. If you want your employees to be punctual, make sure youre there on time or even early. If professionalism is a prior-ity, make sure youre dressed for success, and treat everyone (both in-person and online) with courtesy. Set the correct tone and your employees will surely follow it.

STAY HUMBLETheres a difference between a leader and a boss. While both are in charge, a leader shares the spotlight and is comfortable crediting others. While it might seem counterintuitive, being humble takes more confidence than basking in glory. Your employees will appreciate it, and your clients will, too.

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELYEffective communication is imperative, both in the office and in life. Great leaders make sure they are heard and understood, but they also know the impor-tance of listening. Communication is a two-way street, and making the most of it will have your company zooming forward instead of pumping the breaks.

KEEP MEETINGS PRODUCTIVEAs the saying goes, time is money. So, of course, you should want to limit tangents and other time wasters during meetings. If you trust your team to do their job, there should be no need for micromanaging, and meetings can run swiftly.

KNOW YOUR LIMITSEven the kindest, most caring leader has limits. Set your boundaries and stick to them. Knowing what you

will not tolerate can save everyone in the office a lot of frustration, and keeping boundaries clear means theres no confusion.

FIND A MENTORNo man is an island, as they say. The best leaders out there know when they need help, and they know where to turn to in order to get it. Nobody can know everything, so finding someone you trust for advice when things get tough can make all of the difference.

BE EMOTIONALLY AWAREWhile many people advise keeping emotions sepa-rate from matters of business, business is ultimately about relationships between people. To make these relationships last, you need to be emotionally intelli-gent to be sensitive to different points of view and different backgrounds. When using your head to do whats best for the company, dont forget to have a heart.

LOOK FOR COMMON PITFALLSEveryone makes mistakes, but some of them are avoidable. Being aware of common mistakes, while not focusing on them to the point that they become self-fulfilling prophecies, can be the first step toward not repeating them.

LEARN FROM THE PASTTo once again quote an adage, those who dont learn from the past are doomed to repeat it. Think about what the people you admire do well, and consider what went wrong for those who end their careers mired in scandal or disgrace.

Source: www.entrepreneur.com

TIPS FOR BEING A BETTER LEADERContinued from Page 6

To advocate and promote theTo aarea-wide business communityarea-w

We proudly servebusinesses throughout

the communitiesof Kandiyohi County

Public Policy Community Promotion

001219593r1

New Members

The MN Chamber monthlycolumn can be found on

www.willmarareachamber.com.

MembershipInformation

CenterTo join the Chamber go towww.willmarareachamber.com and click on Bundle-Up plan.Bundle Up

First Dollars

Abigail Loesch - Attorney at Law316 W Becker Ave., Suite 312, Willmar320-403-2550L to R: Tom Amberg, Ken Quist, Eric Spencer, Abigail Loesch (Attorney / Owner), Brittney Odens and Kelly Gardner

North Star Massage700 S 1st Street, Willmar - 320-905-0232L to R: Leo Martinez, Mike Negen, Kris Gulbran-sen, Amanda Roelofs (Owner / Massage Th era-pist), Brittney Odens and Kelly Gardner

April 20153rd: Project Turnabout

130 Willmar Ave. SE, Willmar10th: The Oaks at Eagle Creek 1000 26th Ave. NE, Willmar17th: West Central Tribune - Life Connec ons 2707 Arena Drive (Willmar Civic Arena), Willmar24th: West Central Industries 1300 22nd St. SW, Willmar

March 201520th: Benne O ce Technologies 312 24th Ave. SW, Willmar27th: Willmar Public Schools 611 5th St. SW, Willmar

A full schedule of all ChamberConnec ons, complete withaddresses can be found at

www.willmareareachamber.com

Join us in our Quest for 600 Members!Did you know that you can earn a $35 gift card just by referring a new Chamber member? Contact Jesse at 320.235.0300 or jhulscher@will-marareachamber.com with a new Chamber lead and help us reach 600 members, help yourself earn a free gift card and help your fellow mem-bers by shopping local! Once we reach 600 members all new refer-ral recipients will be put into a drawing where one lucky winner will be wined and dined at a place of your choice with up to three of your guests! (Drawing will be held on October 1, 2015).

THESE

BUSINESSUPPORT

IN THE COMMUNI1st Minnesota Realty, Inc.3rd OpinionA & B Plumbing Inc.A & WAB Vacuum CenterAdvance Auto PartsAdvance Services, Inc.AestheticsAf liated Community Medical Centers - New LondonAf liated Community Medical Centers -WillmarAfrican Development CenterAgricultural Waste ManagementAll-Star Realty, Inc.Allergy & Asthma Specialty ClinicAlmlie, OrloAlzheimers Association - Minnesota - North DakotaAmerican Door WorksAmerican Express OPEN Small Business Credit CardsAmerican Family Insurance: Gary L. Hern AgencyAmerican Family Insurance: Rick Thorson AgencyAmerican LegionAmerican Welding & Gas/Willmar Fire EquipmentAnderson & Burgett, PLLCAnderson, L. Ted DDSAnderson Law Of cesAnderson, Larson, Saunders & KlaassenAnez Consulting, Inc.An nson Thompson & Company, CPAsAnytime FitnessApres Soleil Tanning StudioARCH Language NetworkArnolds of WillmarAssembly of God ChurchAtwater FordBaker, Dave RepresentativeBarn TheatreBehm, Myron & MyraBello Cucina of Spicer, Inc.Bennett Of ce Technologies, Inc.Benson LaundryBerghs Fabricating, Inc.Bernicks PepsiBest BuyBest Western Plus & Willmar Conference CenterBethel Lutheran ChurchBethesda Care CenterBethesda Day BreakBethesda Home Health CareBig Kahuna Fun ParkBlue Cross Blue Shield of MinnesotaBoline Fenstra ChiropracticBollig, Inc.Bolton & Menk, Inc.Bonnema SurveysBorder States ElectricBremer Bank, N.A.Bremer InsuranceBremer Investment ServicesBremer TrustBrock White CompanyBroman, RogerBuhler Versatile, USABuilding 330Burger King 4167Burger King EastgateBushmills EthanolBusiness Music, Ltd.BusinessWare SolutionsC&A Financial AdvisorsCalvary Lutheran ChurchCampe AgencyCaribou Coffee CompanyCarlson ConstructionCarlson Studio Inc.Caseys General StoreCaseys General Store #2Cash Wise Food & DrugCash Wise LiquorCDS Administrative Services, LLCCenterPoint EnergyCentral Community TransitCentral Lakes CooperativeCentral Minnesota Senior CareCentral MN Jobs & Training ServicesCentral Tire & AutoCentury 21-Kandi Realty, Ltd.CenturyLinkCetera Investment ServicesChappell CentralCharter CommunicationsChecks CashedChristianson & Associates, PLLPChristianson, GrantCity Auto GlassCity of New LondonCity of SpicerClearwater Mortgage Club BethesdaCo-op Credit UnionCollection ResourcesCollision CareCommercial Janitorial System, LLCCommunity Christian SchoolConcorde Bank - WillmarConcorde Bank - BlomkestConcrete Products of New LondonConnect HearingConvention & Visitors BureauConway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLPCopperleaf Senior LivingCorneil - Elkjer Insurance AgencyCornerstone CoffeeCornerStone of Willmar, Inc.

Countertops PlusCountry Inn & Suites by CarlsonCountry Stop Car WashCTI Music MinistriesCub FoodsCullens Home CenterCullen, MikeCulligan Water ServicesDairy Queen of WillmarDale Carnegie TrainingDans Diesel & Towing of WillmarDans Diesel of SunburgDATA Success, Inc.David Monson Landscaping & Excavating LLCDavis Motors - Chevrolet/Buick/GMCDays InnDesign West Ltd.Divine Home Care, Inc.Divine Hope CounselingDivine House Inc.Dominos PizzaDooleys Petroleum, Inc.Dougs ElectricDREAM Technical AcademyDuininck, Inc.Dunn Bros CoffeeE*Tap MarketingEagle Creek Golf CourseEconomic Development CommissionEd Davis Business MachinesEdina RealtyEdward Jones - Doug Kveene, Financial AdvisorEdward Jones - Jeanne Ashburn, Financial AdvisorEdward Jones - Jennifer Shinn, Financial AdvisorEdward Jones - Lynnea Pritchett, Financial AdvisorEl Tapatio, Inc.Elite Insurance Group Agency, LLCElmquist JewelryElsewhere TravelEmployment PlusEnergy ConceptsEngan Associates P.A.EpitopixErbert & GerbertsErpelding, RonExcel Overhead Door LLPExecutive ExpressFabric & Textile WarehouseFagerlie Appraisal Inc.Family Eye CenterFamily Practice Medical Center of Willmar PAFamous DavisFancy Coats, Pet Grooming & InnFantastic SamsFarm Bureau Financial ServicesFarm Rite EquipmentFarm Rite Equipment of Willmar, IncFarmers Union Insurance/Johannes AgencyFederated InsuranceFeedlogic CorporationFenstra InsuranceFenstra Real EstateFiesta Time Rentals, IncFirebytes LLCFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Covenant ChurchFive Star Pumping IncFladeboe AuctionsFloor to Ceiling StoreG & S Staf ng Services, Inc.Gardner, Michael DDSGeneral MailingGesch, JerryGilbertson Management GroupGiovannis PizzaGislason, WaltGlacial Ridge WineryGliksGood News Book StoreGoodwill/Easter Seals ProgramGrace Living Community of GlenOaksGrand CottagesGrand Rental StationGrandview BuildingsGranite Community Loan CenterGreat Lakes Training Group LLC - FirearmsGreat Lakes Training Group LLC - Jujitsu Green Lake CruisesGreen Lake Lutheran MinistriesGreen Lake NurseryGreen Mill Restaurant & BarGrizzlys Grill-N-SaloonGurleys FoodsGustafson, WallaceHabitat for Humanity of West Central MNHagen Orthotics & Prosthetics, Inc.Hansen Advertising, Inc.Hanson-Fonkert Dental ClinicHarberts Ice Cream ShopHardees of WillmarHardware Hank ExpressHarvest Bank-Kandiyohi Of ceHarvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral HomesHarvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Homes - New LondonHaug ImplementHaug-KubotaHawk Creek Country ClubHealth Insurance Services, Inc.HealthEZ

To advocate and promote thedvocate and promote thearea-wide business communitywide business community

We proudly servebusinesses throughout

the communitiesof Kandiyohi County

Economic Development Networking

New MembersNew Members Kandiyohi County Farm Bureau Federation - Loren Molenaar501 19th Ave. SW, Willmar 320-220-1481Email: lorenmolenaar@hotmail.com Fiesta Time Rentals, Inc. - Robert Valdez5500 Hwy 71 S, Willmar 320-222-5867Website: www.fi estatimerentals.comCommercial Janitorial Systems - Terry JonesMailing Address: 105 F St., Marshall 507-828-7136Website: www.bestcommercialcleaningmn.com

Wireless World (10 years)320-222-8255

L to R: Gordy Lindblad, Jake Thole (Manager)and Jerome Jacobson.

Schwanke Museum (10 years)320-231-0564

L to R: Jerome Jacobson, Blair Hoiland(Museum Manager) and Gordy Lindblad.

BUSINESSES DO.

SSES SHOULDTHE CHAMBER

ITIES THEYRE A PART OF.

Heartland Community Action Agency, Inc.Heartland Orthopedic SpecialistsHeartland SecurityHeen, Barbara J. Attorney at LawHeglund CateringHeitke, LesHeritage Bank N.A. - RaymondHeritage Bank N.A. - SpicerHeritage Bank N.A. - WillmarHeritage Bank N.A. - PennockHMD PhotographyHoglund, DickHoliday Inn Express & SuitesHolmgren AppraisalsHolthusen, Madden & Associates - John HolthusenHome Agency, Inc.Home DepotHome Front ConnectionHome State BankHope Pregnancy CenterHumane Society of Kandiyohi & Meeker CountiesI and M Landscaping Nursery, Inc.Impact InnovationsIndependence Place Cooperative of WillmarInsurance Advisors, Inc. - Bill Chukuske AgencyInsurance by StrehlowInsurance CenterIsland Pine Golf ClubJ & T Wood ProductsJakes PizzaJames M. Ruff, Inc.Janning ENT CenterJazz N JavaJD Kreps Financial Group, Inc.Jennie-O Turkey StoreJerrys Flooring Inc.Jessica Falk, DMDJet-BlackJohnny ONeilsJohnson, Moody, Schmidt & KleinhuizenJones & Patock, PAK-95 F.M.Kandi Entertainment CenterKandi Mall Management Of ceKandi Water Conditioning IncKandi Works DACKandiyohi Abstract CompanyKandiyohi Candle CompanyKandiyohi County Administrator - Larry KleindlKandiyohi County Area Family YMCAKandiyohi County Attorneys Of ceKandiyohi County Chapter 2 Pheasants ForeverKandiyohi County Corn & Soybean Growers AssociationKandiyohi County FairKandiyohi County Farm Bureau FederationKandiyohi Power CooperativeKDJS A.M.Kents Auto Body,Inc.Kitchen FairKleinMortgage, a division of KleinBankKoronis Motors/Paynesville Chevrolet BuickKRA SpeedwayKRVY 97.3 - The RiverL.N.D. PropertiesLa Fiesta Food IncorporatedLake Country Fireplace & ExteriorsLake Region Bank - WillmarLake Region Bank-New LondonLake Region Bank-SunburgLake Region Financial ServicesLake Region InsuranceLake Region Mortgage Corp.Lakeland BroadcastingLakes Area Dental Ltd.Lakeside PressLakeview InnLand O LakesLange Agricultural SystemsLate BloomersLDMarketingLeaders Manufacturing, Inc.Lees Tae Kwon Do of WillmarLife Link IIILife-Science InnovationsLittle Crow Country ClubLittle Crow Ski TeamLockman SecurityLof er Companies, Inc.London Hills Garden Owners AssociationLuschen, SmittyLutheran Social Services of MinnesotaMagnum CompaniesMagnuson Sheet Metal, Inc.Main Street WillmarManz AutoMaracomMarco Inc.Marcus ConstructionMarcus ElectricMarv Calvin - MayorMary Kay-Laura Larson,Independent Sales DirectorMatheson McMillans RestaurantMedicaMedical Supplies Inc/TruCare PharmacyMels Sports ShopMenardsMid-Minnesota Dev. CommMidas Auto Service ExpertsMills Auto CenterMills Ford Chrysler

Minnesota Army National Guard 682nd EngineersMinnesota Department of TransportationMinnesotas Sunset Shores ResortMinnWest Technology CampusMotor Sports of WillmarMr. B. ChocolatierNate Larson Electric, LLCNationwide Glass of Willmar, Inc.Nelsen Cleaners & LaunderersNew London Area MerchantsNew York Life InsuranceNorth American Insurance AgencyNorth American State BankNorth Creek Group, LLCNorthern Business ProductsNorthern Factory SalesNorthern States SupplyNorthland GroupNova-Tech EngineeringOf ceMaxOlivia Chrysler CenterOptimum CommunicationsOral Facial Surgery PAOxygen Service CompanyPaffrath & Son JewelersPapa MurphysPearle Vision CenterPeps Sports BarPeps Sports Barber Shop & SalonPerkins Lumber Company, Inc.Peterson Brothers Funeral HomePeterson, DeanPeterson, Collin U.S. Rep. Pioneer Heritage InsurancePioneer Public TVPlanned Parenthood of MN, ND and SDPolk DirectoriesPolkaDot Powerhouse Willmar ChapterPrairie Woods Environmental Learning CenterPrairies Edge Casino ResortPrinceton Auto Center - Chevrolet/BuickPrinsco, Inc.Print Masters of WillmarPro Color GraphicsProject TurnaboutQC Supply LLC/Gillis AgQdobaQuality Title of Willmar, LLCQuick SignsQuist Wealth Management, LLCR&J ToursRambow Inc.Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.RE/MAX Preferred Realty, Inc. - SpicerRE/MAX Preferred Realty, Inc. - WillmarReading Therapy Center, Inc.Rebel Campers, Inc.Redeemer Lutheran ChurchREDstarRegency Condominium Homeowners Association of WillmarRELCO, LLCRenquist, SteveRice & Associates LLCRice Care CenterRice Health FoundationRice Home Medical LLCRice HospiceRice Memorial HospitalRice, SteveRicks Cycling & Sports Center, Inc.Riddles JewelryRidgewater CollegeRidgewater College FoundationRLK Farms, Inc.Rositas GrillRule Tire and AutoRunnings Rytel Moving & StorageSabre Initiatives, LLCSafe AvenuesSafeAssureSamah Home Health CareSand Electric IncScenic Sign CorporationSchwanke MuseumSchwegman CleanersSEH (Short Elliott Hendrickson), Inc.ServiceMaster Professional ServicesSheehan, KevinShutter ShoppeSkinLuxe Medspa, LLCSkylark CenterSleep Center of Willmar, LLCSlumberlandSnap Fitness of WillmarSomerset by the LakeSomerset PropertiesSomerset RidgeSourceOne SolutionsSouth 71 Veterinary Clinic, Inc.Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar CooperativeSouthwest Initiative FoundationSpartan Staf ngSpicer Castle InnSpicer Castle RestaurantSpicer Cinema 4Spicer Subway Sandwich & SaladStacys NurseryState Farm Insurance- QuinnState Farm Insurance-HolwerdaState Farm Insurance-RadelStatewide Distributing

Stay n Play Child Care CenterStef Drilling & Pump IncSterling House of WillmarStevens Shutter Shoppe Rental HousingSubway 1st StreetSubway East SideSubway Wal-MartSuite LivnSunray Express Gas Station & Convenience StoreSunray Express Liquor StoreSuper 8 of WillmarSwartz Equip. Co. Inc.Swift Manufacturing Co.Taco JohnsTaher FoodsTargetTebben Enterprises Inc.TerWisscha Architecture and ConstructionThe Goodness Coffee HouseThe Managed Assets Group, LLCThe Oaks at Eagle CreekThe Remodelers, LLCThe Salvation ArmyThe UPS Store #5989The Water Doctor LLCThompson-Michels, ColleenThrifty White DrugThrivent Financial Tiffany SquareTires PlusTolbert, Mike & SheilaTom Olson TruckingTool-YardTorkelsons Lock ServiceTouching Hearts at HomeTravel LeadersTree n Turf Services, Inc.Trouw NutritionUCare United FCSUnited Prairie BankUnited Prairie InsuranceUnited Way of West Central MinnesotaUniversal Printing/Willmar Speedy PrintUniversity of Minnesota ExtensionUS Bank National AssociationVennerstrom, CaroleViking Coca-Cola BottlingVinje Lutheran ChurchVreeman ConstructionWaechter & GustafsonWal-MartWalgreensWalts Soft Cloth Car WashWells FargoWells Fargo Home MortgageWest Central BroncosWest Central Communications, Inc.West Central Ducks UnlimitedWest Central IndustriesWest Central Interpreting & Consulting Services, LLC.West Central Roo ngWest Central SanitationWest Central ShreddingWest Central Steel/Central MN FabricatingWest Central TribuneWest Central TrophiesWest Central, Inc.Westberg Eischens, PLLPWestside LiquorWestwood CafeWhitcomb Brothers Crane Service, Inc.Whitney Music Center LLCWillmar Ambulance ServiceWillmar Area Arts CouncilWillmar Area Community FoundationWillmar Area Food ShelfWillmar Auto Plaza & Car Wash, Inc.Willmar Bus Service/Southwest ToursWillmar Business SolutionsWillmar Center for Diagnostic ImagingWillmar ChiropracticWillmar Community-Owned Grocery (COG)Willmar Curling ClubWillmar Electric ServiceWillmar Fabrication, LLCWillmar Family Dentistry P.A.Willmar Fests Inc.Willmar Fire ghter AssociationWillmar Hockey AssociationWillmar HRAWillmar Municipal UtilitiesWillmar Poultry CompanyWillmar Public LibraryWillmar Public SchoolsWillmar Regional Cancer CenterWillmar Stingers BaseballWillmar Ten InvestorsWillmar Trading PostWillmar Water & SpasWindstreamWireless WorldWoodland CentersWoodys TruckingYellowBookYoga LoftYouth for ChristZiegler CATZorbaz on Green Lake

The listing of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber members was published in good faith on the basis of membership information we obtained until March 13, 2015. To err is human and we apologize if your name and/or business was omitted. Please call us if it was.

10 April 2015 B2B

BUSINESS BUZZ

Survey to help EDC tackle critical broadband issues

WILLMAR In an effort to get a better grasp of local broadband services, the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission is launching a survey this month to assess whats available and where the gaps lie.

The first round of the survey will be small in scale and will test the waters for broader data collection as the year progresses.

Organizers see it as a step in larger efforts aimed at keeping Kandiyohi County from falling too far behind in broadband services.

Theres a need to stay diligent, said Jean Spaulding, assistant director of the Economic Development Commission.

If we dont, with the way the workforce is changing, we really will be left behind, she said.

The challenge at the local level is to keep up with needs and technology that are constantly evolving.

As recently as five years ago, the main issue was whether people had adequate access to high-speed Internet services, Spaulding said. Now its not Are you connected? because everybody is more and more connected. Now its Are you connected fast enough?

Connect Minnesota released new figures late last year on how counties measure up against state standards for minimally acceptable Internet speed 10 megabits per second for downloading and 6 megabits per second for upload speed.

The data uncovered significant disparities, not only between urban and rural but also among individual rural counties.

In some counties, such as Lac qui Parle, 90 percent or more of households had access to Internet speeds that met the standards. But in neighboring Chippewa, Swift and Yellow Medicine counties, fewer than half of households had access to acceptable Internet speeds.

In Kandiyohi County, only 13 percent of households met the standard.

The gap came as a bit of a surprise to many Kandiyohi County leaders who had expected a better ranking.

Willmar Area Multicultural Business Center transitions

WILLMAR The Willmar Area Multicultural Business Center in downtown Willmar is going through a

transition.The center, which has

assisted numerous small businesses in the area in getting started and growing, recently lost its executive director and is going through a strategic planning process.

Idalia Charly Leuze, formerly director of the West Central Integration Collaborative, is the interim part-time director during the transition. She previously served on the centers board of directors.

The former director Roberto Valdez resigned a couple months ago to devote more time to his entertainment rental business, Fiesta Time, and other ventures. To hold a full-time job and run that, it just couldnt be done anymore,

Leuze said. Its a good problem to have.

The center has been successful in helping small businesses get off the ground. According to information from the center last year, three-quarters of the businesses that consulted with the business center over the previous four years survived.

Nationally, about 80 percent of new businesses fail in their first year.

In 2013, five of the businesses working with the business center had gross revenue of more than $2 million.

In 2014, the business center created 17 full-time jobs, Kelly said. There may be more, as some documentation is still in the works. Also, two construction companies that have worked with WAM-BC have fluctuating workforces.

Seven new businesses were created last year.

TPI Hospitality now employee stock ownership plan company

WILLMAR TPI Hospitality, a hotel and restaurant development and ownership and management company headquartered in Willmar, has become an employee stock ownership plan company.

Tom Torgerson, CEO and chairman of the board of TPI Hospitality, made the announcement during a companywide meeting Sept. 15 that caught the TPI team by surprise.

Torgerson said he was transitioning ownership of TPI Hospitality to the employees on Jan. 1 through the formation of an employee stock ownership plan.

I chose an ESOP to reward employees for their past, current and future diligent service to TPI, to preserve the legacy of our work, and position TPI for the next 50 years and beyond, he said in a news release.

The transition to 100 percent employee ownership not only helps to secure the future of TPI Hospitality as a locally owned and operated company

but it also allows us to reward our almost 1,800 employees, many of whom have been with the company for over 20 years, with a superior retirement benefit, he said.

TPI Hospitality owns and operates 31 hotel properties and nine restaurants, and has an additional six hotels in construction. Many TPI locations have been recognized nationally with awards for service, quality, and financial results.

The magnitude of the change is further highlighted by the fact that TPI Hospitality will be in the top 1 percent of all ESOPs in the country in terms of size, the company said in the release. In addition, TPI is poised to become the largest 100 percent employee-owned hospitality-company in the nation.

ACMC opens Marshall outpatient surgery center

MARSHALL Affiliated Community Medical Centers in Marshall has opened its new 10,000-square-foot outpatient surgery center, which features state-of-the-art technologies, two operating suites, two endoscopic suites, pre- and post-operative recovery areas, consultation areas and support space.

We are very excited to celebrate the opening of this beautiful new surgery center and to establish yet another vital health care resource for those who live in Marshall and the surrounding communities, said Dr. David Newcomer, ACMC chief medical officer.

With the ongoing expansion of services at our ACMC-Marshall clinic, including the recent addition of extended weekend urgent care hours and the growth of our womens imaging services, the new surgery center reflects ACMCs commitment to providing this community with a complete scope of patient care services close to home, he said.

The center will offer the following services with more specialties expected to be added in the future: anesthesia, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat),

GI endoscopy, gynecology, general surgery, ophthalmology (eye), orthopedic surgery, podiatry and urology.

Changes for Dairy Queen storesWILLMAR Spicer Dairy Queen store

owners Dan and Jennifer Goetzman are grateful for the opportunity to buy Will-mars two Dairy Queen stores from long-time owners Fred and Candy Anderson.

I know they had a lot of people they could have sold it to, and were appre-ciative that we had a relationship with them and got along well, Dan Goetzman said. Our goal is to carry on the service and traditions that Fred and Candy have started, whether its making our own Dilly Bars and Fudge Nut Bars and continuing Freds famous barbecues.

The Andersons last year sold their Dairy Queen franchises for the store on Litch-fi eld Avenue Southeast (U.S. Highway 12) and for the store at the corner of Willmar Avenue and First Street South to the Goetzmans.

The Goetzmans will continue to operate the First Street store at the current site, as well as their Spicer store, which they bought in 2010.

However, the Goetzmans have closed the Litchfi eld Avenue store and are con-structing a new 72-seat Dairy Queen Grill and Chill store on Highway 12 East to open in May.

Candy Anderson said they have always been a family-oriented business. Candy said she and Fred were excited to sell to the Goetzmans because theyre also very family-oriented and have children who are involved.

B2B publishes news about businesses in the region and their employees monthly.

Topics such as the launch of a new business, a change in ownership or management, a new location or a signif-icant expansion are welcome, as well as announcements about employees who have earned significant promotions. Email information to business@wctrib.com.

B2B fi le photo by Gary Miller

Guillerma Serrano prepares lunch at Azteca in downtown Willmar. The business is part of the incubator program by the Willmar Area Multicultural Business Center.

Leuze

Spaulding

11 B2B April 2015

001220846r1

New Inventory NOW Available at

SURPLUS WAREHOUSE!

S.W. INC CORPORATE OFFICE:3701 W. HWY 12, Willmar, MN 320.235.9323 or 800.366.8665sw-inc@qwestofce.net

Contact Us Today to Find Out What Other Products We Offer!

Jacks Trailer Parts Socket Sets

Wrenches Tarps Pliers Hammers

Make Your Old LookNEW... AGAIN

Trailers * Semi Trailers * Bob Cats * TractorsPropane Tanks * Anhydrous Tanks * Wood

Concrete & MUCH MORE! Snow Removal

Call for a FREE ESTIMATE!!!! Todd EnglerHome: 320.599.8088 Cell: 320.894.0986 or Shop: 320.599.2222

10661 60th Street NW Pennock, MN

Tick-tock goes the clock

KennethSMITHNeXt

Member

A s the old adage goes, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Well, the same holds true when planning for your future. However, when the discussion turns to estate plan-ning, its common for Millennials and members of Generation X to tune out, or log off from the conversation. This shouldnt be the case. Whether youre just entering the workforce, recently married or starting a family, there are steps you should be taking now to secure your future.

While everyones situation is different, there are basic tools, such as life insurance, a will, a trust and a health care directive, that you should be incorporating into your arsenal to protect your estate and family.

Its never too late to take the steps to prepare for the future

Continued on Page 12

12 April 2015 B2B

Although often difficult matters to discuss, these are conversations that must not be avoided.

One of the easiest ways to protect your family in the event that something happens to you or a loved one is with life insurance. For young adults, often with young children, the untimely death of a loved one can amount to many years of lost wealth. Having a life insurance policy in place can replace lost earnings and provide a stable source of income for those who rely on you.

Another essential tool to help plan for the unex-pected is by drafting a detailed will to determine how your assets will be transferred following your death and who will be the guardians of your minor

children. If an individual dies intestate (without a will), there is a general priority list for that individ-uals assets, starting with their spouse, then chil-dren, etc. However, by drafting and executing your own will, you have full control over where and how each item is distributed. By taking the time to make your will clear and detailed, you can expect easier facilitation when the time comes.

Wills can also do much more than just facilitate distributions. With a will, a testator (the will draft-er) can also outline a designated financial trust-ee to guardians and minor children. Trustees often are appointed to do more than just distrib-ute assets, they can also make investments, set up structured payouts, sell property, or access

bank accounts. Having the right person in this role can make all the difference.

Besides a will, establishing a health care direc-tive or living will can also be an important tool should you become incapacitated or disabled. A health care directive outlines how medical deci-sions should be handled and who should make those decisions for you, if you cannot make them on your own. These tools just begin to crack the surface of all the ways you can begin to secure your future.

Oftentimes the first step is meeting with an attor-ney or financial planner who you feel comfortable with to figure out the exact course that is best for you and your family.

Planning for the future can be extremely hard, but its essentialContinued from Page 11

THE BENEFITS OF SETTING THE PIECES IN PLACE NOW FOR YOUR FUTURE

Wills allow you to choose who to pass on certain belongings to, ensuring those items of sentimen-tal value are retained in the family, a network of friends or a cause/charity.

Once it accumulates, a life insurance cash value is accessible through policy loan or withdrawal for family/business opportunities, education, retire-ment, emergencies, or to pay policy premiums.

A health care directive lets your physician, family and friends know your health care preferences, including the types of special treatment you want or dont want at the end of life.

LIVING WILL LIFE INSURANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE

13 B2B April 2015

More Commercial Property Available at

www.fenstrarealestate.com

320.235.1022

COMM

ERCI

AL B

UILD

INGS

MLS #6001041MLS #6001041

412 SW 19th Ave., WillmarOf ce building with excellent cash ow.

Professionally managed.

$429,000

MLS #6001102MLS #6001102

903 N Hwy. 71, Willmar2200 sq. ft. private of ces. Can be subdi-vided. Rent includes all taxes, insurance

and utilities.

For Lease

MLS #39023MLS #39023

1120 NE Co. Rd. 9, Willmar, 10,000 sq. ft. of ce workshop and

warehouse on 7 acres.

$275,000

MLS #6003819MLS #6003819

5005 NE 909th Ave., Spicer 6,000 sq. ft. workshop, light manufactur-ing or contractors shop. In- oor heat and

fully insulated.

$199,000

MLS #6008070MLS #6008070

601 SW Industrial Drive, Willmar80,000 square feet manufacturing, storage, of ces, loading docks and

multiple 3-phase electric.

$1,385,000

MLS #6004388MLS #6004388

619 SW Benson Ave., Willmar7290 sq. ft. remodeled of ce building.

Mixed use facility, of ce or retail.

$255,000

MLS #6007703MLS #6007703

504 SW 19th Ave., WillmarOf ce building, could be two companies w/

separate entrances and reception areas.

$169,900

MLS #6004751MLS #6004751

1408 SE Willmar Ave., WillmarBeautiful new space for your of ces or

business. Build out according to your needs.

For Lease

MLS #6007696MLS #6007696

513 SW 5th St., WillmarRemodeled in 2006, large addition,

hardwood oors, private of ce space.

$267,000

MLS #600635MLS #600635

2300 1st St. S, WillmarExcellent retail, of ce or expansion.

Prime South 1st St. location.

$529,900

MLS #6001837MLS #6001837

1604 S 1st St., WillmarSkylark Mall 3 spaces available.

1034 sq. ft., 1800 sq. ft. and 2069 sq. ft.

For Lease

001217062r1

MLS #6009079MLS #6009079

1004 S. 1st St., WillmarGreat location for your of ce or retail location! High traf c & great visibility!

2,000 sq. ft.

For Lease

Doug Fenstra, Broker, ALC

320.212.1448

MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

Southwest Minnesota is the engine that powers the states leadership position in the growing agriculture machinery man-ufacturing sector. According to data from DEEDs Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program, Southwest Minnesota has 29 business establishments pro-viding more than 2,900 jobs in the agriculture machinery man-ufacturing industry, accounting for well over one-third of the

states employment in this emerging sector (see Table 1).

Despite providing just 4.3 percent of the states total private sector employment, the 18-county Southwest Minnesota region is home to 7.6 percent of the states manufactur-ing jobs, 12.3 percent of the machinery manu-facturing jobs, and a titanic 38.1 percent of the states agriculture machinery manufacturing employment.

Not only are these jobs highly concentrated in the region, they are also highly compen-sated. At $45,675 in 2014, average annual wages were over $10,000 higher in agriculture machinery manufacturing than in the total of all industries, and right in line with the manu-facturing industry overall.

Jobs grew seven times faster in the machin-ery manufacturing sector than in the total of

all industries over the last decade, with agriculture machinery manufacturing payrolls swelling by more than 24 percent. This included job gains even during the recession from 2007 to 2010, as well as much faster growth in the past five years (see Figure 1).

While the private sector grew about 2.2 percent in the region from 2010 to 2014, manufacturing employment expanded twice that fast (+4.8 percent) and agriculture machinery man-ufacturing sprouted up eight times as fast (+17.8 percent). That included a net gain of 329 new jobs in the last year, which accounted for more than half of the total net new jobs added in the manufacturing industry as a whole from 2013 to 2014.

Table 1. Southwest Minnesota Private Sector Industry Employment Statistics, Q3 2014

NAICS Industry Title NAICS Code

Number of Firms

Number of Jobs

Quarterly Payroll

Avg. Annual Wages

Percent of Statewide Employment

Total, All Industries 0 8,187 103,654 $895,999,663 $34,577 4.3% Manufacturing 31 483 24,154 $277,884,378 $46,019 7.6% Machinery Manufacturing 333 71 4,031 $47,281,618 $46,918 12.3% Agriculture Machinery Manufacturing 3331 29 2,953 $33,719,817 $45,675 38.1%

Source: DEED Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW) program

Q3 2004 Q3 2007 Q3 2010 Q3 2013 Q3 2014

5,500

4,500

3,500

2,500

1,500 97,500

100,000

102,500

105,000

107,500Total, All Industries

Machinery Manufacturing

Agriculture Machinery Manufacturing

3,2623,391 3,452

3,627

4,031

2,953

2,6242,506

2,3122,375

100,263 104,542 101,414 103,641 103,654

Figure 1. Southwest Minnesota Private Sector Industry Employment Statistics, Q3 2004 - Q3 2014

Mac

hine

ry M

anuf

actu

ring

Jobs

Total Private Sectors

Source: DEED Quarterly Census of Employment & Wages (QCEW) program

Chugging alongS.W. Minnesota a manufacturing hub

CameronMACHT

Department of

Employment

and Economic

Development

14 April 2015 B2B

Dont you think it would be best for your company if all those that work there knew exactly what is expected of them?

This is not a rhetorical question. It is something that deserves time to digest and to answer truthfully.

Jack Welch, former head of GE, has written a weekly col-umn that sometimes uses the Dear Abby format. One query asked about loyalty of employees and the role it plays in an organization.

At the heart of Welchs reply was this: these days, its far more common for managers to protect and reward employees who consistently deliver results

Welch elaborated by stating that companies can only win when they have the best players acting in the best interests of the company.

Lets define what winning is. Winning means having a concrete objective as the desired result, for the compa-ny, for each department and for every employee.

This can only happen when hiring managers possess a results-oriented mentality with the desired result being the company goal and not their own personal agenda.

Any manager with hiring and firing authority who is not focused on the desired results, who doesnt buy into the concept of having and achieving goals and shirks being held accountable, odds are that his or her department is filled with under-performers, because people are not being held accountable.

Human Resources is guilty of being complicit in this when they arent hardnosed about having honest perfor-mance evaluations completed for every employee.

HR tops it off by allowing people to be interviewed and then hired that are not results driven and are not focused on achieving goals.

When I finished reading Welchs article, I realized that most of the organizations where I earned a paycheck were mediocre.

These were companies where the employees received a paycheck. The customers were taken care of. There was positive cash flow and profits. These com-panies did okay in spite of themselves. But, they had much more potential than was actually realized.

They were mediocre because instead of being focused and driven for results, they valued the loyalty of the employee over business results. This atmosphere allowed and perpetuated people to become and stay complacent.

Top management was unwilling to have candid, rig-orous performance discussions with their direct reports. Below that level, middle managers did not want to hold awkward and difficult discussions with under-performing subordinates, so those conversations were delayed.

They were delayed so often they never took place.With lip service being paid to vigorous, candid discus-

sion about the role and results of employees, people settled into a soft and comfortable universe of compla-cency.

Everyone assumed they were doing a wonderful job

because they never heard anything to the contrary in their performance evaluations.

Welch says that its usually when theyre handing poor, unsuspecting Joe or Mary their pink slip that they (the manager) finally admits: Look, all these years, you came in everyday, and you did your job, but you were not actually very good. And now someone has to go, it needs to be you.

One of the worst things the leader of any organization can do is to not define and communicate what winning is for every employee.

Another mistake is not providing clear expectations to managers and employees about what is expected of them so that the company will actually have a good chance to win.

If the leader cannot do these two things, they need to tell their employees Im sorry, I owe you big time! Its my fault you are disengaged and arent doing what we need you to do.

Employee loyalty key for success

By Ken Keller

Ken Keller is a syndicated business columnist focused on the leadership needs of small and midsize closely held companies. Contact him at KenKeller@SBCglobal.net. Kellers column reflects his own views and not necessarily those of this publication.

WA

W

W

A

WCTRIB.COM64,500 unique visitors

every month

BUSINESS TO BUSINESS15,500 copies distributed

every month

VIDEO5,000 viewers every month

EMAIL MARKETING50,000 email addresses looking

for your product or service

WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNERead by more than 31,000

people every day

REMINDERDelivered to more than 29,000

households every week

LIVE IT!Read more than 22,000

people every other month

OUR MEDIA REACHES MORE CONSUMERS THAN ALL OTHER MEDIA COMBINED IN WEST CENTRAL

MINNESOTA. CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW WE PUT YOUR BUSINEESS IN FRONT OF THE RIGHT PEOPLE!

CALL 320.214.4317 Email ksmith@wctrib.com

2208 Trott Ave, Willmar, MN 56201

C CO LIVE IT!

it!TEACHING GIRLS TOLOVE THE SPORTOF SOFTBALL

TEACHING GIRLS TOLOVE THE SPORTOF SOFTBALL

Look GoodLook good

SMALL GARDENING TIPSSMALL GARDENING TIPSSMALL GARDENING TIPS

15 April 2015 B2B

Health Care

Financial

Commercial

Industrial

Educational & Worship

www.MarcusConstruction.com

BUSINESS CALENDAR

Chamber Connections7:30 8:30 a.m.

March20: Bennett Office Technologies, 312 24th Ave.

S.W., Willmar27: Willmar Public Schools, 611 5th St. S.W.,

WillmarApril

3: Project Turnabout, 130 Willmar Ave. S.E., Willmar

10: The Oaks at Eagle Creek, 1000 26th Ave. N.E., Willmar

17: Life Connections, sponsored by West Central Tribune, 2707 Arena Dr. (Willmar Civic Center), Willmar

24: West Central Industries, 1300 22nd St. S.W., WillmarMay

1: Goodwill/Easter Seals, 100 19th Ave. S.W., Willmar

8: The Goodness Coffee House, 333 Litchfield Ave. S.W., Willmar

15: Willmar Regional Cancer Center, 301 Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar

Government meetingsKandiyohi County Boardof Commissioners

April 7: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar

April 21: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar

May 5: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar; note time change.

May 19: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar

Rice Memorial Hospital Board of Directors

March 18: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301 Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar

April 9: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301 Becker Ave. S.W., WillmarMay 20: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301 Becker Ave. S.W., WillmarKandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission Joint Operating Board

April 9: 11 a.m., EDC board room, 222 20th St. S.E., Willmar

May 14: 11 a.m., EDC board room, 222 20th St. S.E., WillmarKandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission Joint Powers Board

April 23: 11:30 a.m., EDC board room, 222 20th St. S.E., WillmarWillmar City Council

April 6: : 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700

Litchfield Ave S.W., WillmarApril 20: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700

Litchfield Ave S.W., WillmarMay 4: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700

Litchfield Ave S.W., WillmarMay 18: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700

Litchfield Ave S.W., WillmarWillmar School Board

March 23: 4:30 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611 Fifth St. S.W., Willmar

April 13: 4:30 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611 Fifth St. S.W., Willmar

May 11: 4:30 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611 Fifth St. S.W., WillmarAtwater City Council

April 1: 7 p.m., City Hall, 322 Atlantic Ave., Atwater

May 6: 7 p.m., City Hall, 322 Atlantic Ave., AtwaterNew London City Council

March 18: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New London

April 1: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New London

April 15: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New London

May 6: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New London

May 20: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New LondonNew London Economic Development Authority

April 8: 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New London

May 13: 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W., New LondonSpicer City Council

April 7: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

April 21: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

May 5: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

May 19: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., SpicerSpicer Economic Development Authority

April 21: 7 a.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

May 19: 7 a.m., City Council meeting room, 217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

B2B will publish upcoming busi-

ness-related meetings, classes or sem-inars monthly. Calendar information will be listed two months out; email information to business@wctrib.com; dates and locations subject to change.

FLYING

HIGH

See cover story inside

BusinessBusinessBusiness

April 2015April 2015

WCTWCT

22W

elcome

to B2B

For some com

pa-

nies, change can be

hard to implem

ent.

Christianson Systems

in Blomkest isnt one of

those companies. Long

a stable of the manufac-

turing sector, producing

ship unloaders and

pneumatic conveying

systems, a chance con-

versation four years ago

has put the company on

track to make a m

ajor

and lasting impact on

the BMX industry.

Through its Onyx

division, Christianson

Systems designs and

makes bike hubs. And

demand for the product

couldnt be greater.

And, speaking of

change, as the com-

munity around us goes

through a socioeco-nom

ic shift, we look at

the best philosophies to

navigate the venture.

Story

ideas?If you have busi-

ness-related infor-m

ation you would

like to see in this new

business-to-business

publication, please

let us know. Email us

at business@wctrib.

com or give us a call

at 320-214-4336.

/ColorImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorACSImageDict > /JPEG2000ColorImageDict > /AntiAliasGrayImages false /CropGrayImages true /GrayImageMinResolution 150 /GrayImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleGrayImages true /GrayImageDownsampleType /Average /GrayImageResolution 300 /GrayImageDepth -1 /GrayImageMinDownsampleDepth 2 /GrayImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeGrayImages true /GrayImageFilter /DCTEncode /AutoFilterGrayImages true /GrayImageAutoFilterStrategy /JPEG /GrayACSImageDict > /GrayImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayACSImageDict > /JPEG2000GrayImageDict > /AntiAliasMonoImages false /CropMonoImages true /MonoImageMinResolution 1200 /MonoImageMinResolutionPolicy /OK /DownsampleMonoImages true /MonoImageDownsampleType /Average /MonoImageResolution 1200 /MonoImageDepth -1 /MonoImageDownsampleThreshold 1.50000 /EncodeMonoImages true /MonoImageFilter /CCITTFaxEncode /MonoImageDict > /AllowPSXObjects true /CheckCompliance [ /None ] /PDFX1aCheck false /PDFX3Check false /PDFXCompliantPDFOnly false /PDFXNoTrimBoxError true /PDFXTrimBoxToMediaBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXSetBleedBoxToMediaBox true /PDFXBleedBoxToTrimBoxOffset [ 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 0.00000 ] /PDFXOutputIntentProfile (None) /PDFXOutputConditionIdentifier () /PDFXOutputCondition () /PDFXRegistryName () /PDFXTrapped /False

/CreateJDFFile false /Description >>> setdistillerparams> setpagedevice