WCT

2
Business
Business

December 2014

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Mary Floren stacks loaves of bread at the Sara Lee Bakery on Willmar Avenue. Floren, who manages the business, organizes three deliveries a week with
the Willmar Area Food Shelf. While she applauds businesses who donate food and funds to the food shelf, she believes more can be done by the city to help
those living in poverty or on the streets.

Businesses play vital role

By Dan Burdett - dburdett@wctrib.com

ary Floren was driving from a Willmar

bank recently when she observed a man
wandering aimlessly, two dogs at his
side. His bedraggled appearance hinted
he was likely homeless and certainly down on his
luck.
Floren drove to the Sara Lee Bakery on Willmar

Avenue, a business she manages, and filled three

bags with baked goods.
She backtracked and came across the man close
to where she first observed him. While offering a
pleasantry, she handed him the food.
What she saw next brought her to tears.
Continued on Page 2

December 2014

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Feeding the hungry

Continued from Page 1

You know what he did? Floren asks,

her voice shaking, he fed those
dogs. How about that? He fed his dogs
first.
Sara Lee Bakery has for years been
among numerous local businesses
that donate to the Willmar Area Food
Shelf, which provides
sustenance to low-income
residents in Kandiyohi
County. And, Floren says,
there has seldom been a
greater demand for donations.
There are just too
Floren
many people starving,
she says. For many, you
either put gas in your car or you eat.
Floren organizes three deliveries with
the food shelf each week.
Each tray consists of 12 loaves of
bread and a covey of baked goods.
Each delivery is comprised of up to
100 trays.
We can play a part in helping
because we sell bread, she says. Its
a staple. You can do a lot with bread.
Its not a fix, I know, but its something.
Continued on Page 3

Each tray consists

of 12 loaves of bread
and a covey of baked
goods.
Each delivery is comprised of up to 100
trays.

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Baked goods are stacked on shelves at the Willmar Area Food Shelf. Sara Lee Bakery organizes the delivery
of thousands of loaves of bread each week to the food shelf.

A season of reflection. A time for thanks.

Reflection. Looking back. Looking ahead. Assessing what
matters most. At Bremer Bank, were grateful for the chance
to serve you, and for the opportunities ahead to build closer
relationships, stronger businesses and a healthier community.
We realize that sometimes, the most important thing we can
do is to simply say . . . thank you.

Willmar 235-1111
800-908-BANK (2265)
Bremer.com
Member FDIC.
2014 Bremer Financial Corporation. All rights reserved.

BusinessToBusiness1114.indd 1

Monthly publication of the West Central Tribune

11/14/14 4:04 PM

Staff

Advertising

Administration

Sharon Bomstad, B2B editor

Dan Burdett, B2B writer/social media

Kevin Smith, Director

Steven Ammermann, Publisher

Kelly Boldan, Editor
Timothy Bailey, Business Manager

Volume 2, Number 11

Copyright 2014 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.

Contributors
Ken Warner, Willmar Lakes Area Chamber
Travis Steffensen, NeXt
Cameron Macht, DEED

To advertise,
call 320-214-4317,
fax 320-235-6769
email ksmith@wctrib.com or contact
your assigned marketing consultant.

P.O. Box 839 / 2208 W. Trott Ave.

Willmar MN 56201
wctrib.com / 320-235-1150

B2B

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December 2014

Sweeping contributions
Continued from Page 2

From Jennie-O Turkey Store the food shelfs largest

donor, with upward of 5,000 pounds of food and $17,000
to other large donors, including Cash Wise Foods,
Cub Foods and Runnings, the Willmar Area Food Shelf
received nearly 16 percent of its more than $240,000
in total financial support in 2012 from area businesses
(2013 numbers are not yet available.) That number trails
only the donations from individuals (25.7 percent) and
churches (24.5 percent).
More than 10,200 families, 17,500 adults and 1,297
senior citizens were served at the Willmar Area Food
Shelf last year, and more than 1 million pounds of food
was distributed.
The numbers reflect a divide between the countys
haves and have-nots, according to Christie Kurth, executive director at the food shelf.
She has been with the food shelf for nearly a decade
and has seen a vast increase in demand for food donations in that time.
Statistics on the food shelfs website show 5,871 families were served in 2008, more than 4,400 fewer families
than the total number served last year.
These data, Kurth says, have been influenced by a slow
recovery from the recession and stagnant wages.
In a 2013 article, the New York Times reported that
wages in the U.S. in 2012 fell to 43.5 percent of the
nations gross domestic product. Wages have consistently accounted for more than 50 percent of the GDP, the
Times reported.
The reality is so many people just dont have the
money today, Kurth says. Youre seeing people working two or three jobs to make ends meet. And theyre still
struggling.
Kurth says there is also a misconception about who the
food shelf serves.
Fifty-six percent of the clients are Caucasian; 50.6 percent are adults with no children; and nearly 20 percent
are either homeless or have a disability that prevents
them from working. Of all the clients served, 39 percent
are children under the age of 18.
They are numbers that make Floren cringe.
Look, we live in a growing community, she says. We
need to do better. Willmar is a big enough town that we
should have a shelter and a soup kitchen. We need beds.
People are sleeping under the bridge. You might not see
them, but trust me, theyre there. Theres plenty of empty
buildings downtown to offer shelter. We can do more.
Continued on Page 4
B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Christie Kurth is the executive director at the Willmar Area Food Shelf. She has been
with the food shelf for the best part of a decade and has seen a vast increase in demand
for food donations in that time.

December 2014

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About the food shelf ...

In 1982, a number of local services joined with representatives of social service agencies to start a temporary emergency food program for the needy. They envisioned the program
to last about five years.
A meeting was held in February of that year to discuss the
possibility of establishing a food shelf. After news went public,
donations came pouring in.
The Willmar Area Food Shelf was officially established at
what was then the South 71 Plaza. The operation later moved
to facilities on Becker Avenue Southwest and Sixth Street
Southwest.
In November 2004, the food shelf moved to 624 Pacific Ave.
N.W., from where it currently operates. Five years after moving to the Pacific Avenue location, the food shelf opened a
second branch in a property located at 206 Main St. N. in New
London.
Last year, an office was added to the Ridgewater College
campus in Willmar, which helps to serve about 125 students
with their food needs.
Currently, the food shelf employs the equivalent of two fulltime workers and four part-time staffers, with more than 100
volunteers packing and delivering orders.

Dan Burdett

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Boxes of fruits and vegetables

are stacked in the packing area at
the Willmar Area Food Shelf.

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Utilizing the food shelf ...

What types of products are offered?

The food shelf provides households with the perishable and

non-perishable items for three meals a day for three to four
days. Basic toiletry products are also available. All items are
free. Clients can use the food shelf once a month.
Who is eligible for services?

Any resident of Kandiyohi County who meets income guidelines is eligible to use the food shelf. Anyone who qualifies for
government assistance, regardless of whether they accept
the assistance, automatically meets the food shelf income
guidelines.
How can I obtain services?

All that is required is for a resident of the county to come into

the food shelf and complete a registration form.

What do I need to bring with me when I come in?

A proof of residence is required. This can be a bill with a

name and corresponding address. Also, identification for all
members of a household birth certificates, social security
cards or government-issued ID cards is also required. For
those under the age of 18, a school ID is acceptable. All client
information is updated annually.
How long will it take to be served at the food shelf?

It normally takes between 15 and 25 minutes from the point

of arrival to when a client departs. Clients are asked to bring
their own bags or boxes to take their groceries home.
Source: Willmar Area Food Shelf

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

The Willmar Area Food Shelf is

located at 624 Pacific Ave. N.W.
near downtown Willmar.

If youre looking for a health plan to fit your changing life, or you just
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and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota plans available to
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Your Independent agent for

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Phone: 320-222-6111
Email: colleen@matsonins.com

Linda Ryks, Agent

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Email: linda@matsonins.com

Authorized independent agent/agency for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of

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WAFS by the numbers ...

Category

Families (Households)
Served:

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013

5,871
6,947
6,947
9,274
9,959
10,206

Adults
Served:

Children
Served:

9,898 8,011
11,785 7,758
13,494 9,750
17,024 12,008
17,164 12,008
17,581 12,248

Total pounds of
Seniors
(65 and over): food distributed:

329 511,198
364 634,457
442 814,165
686 873,635
1,038 1,008,365
1,297 1,029,343
Source: Willmar Area Food Shelf

December 2014

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What sad statistic do more than 20

percent of American children share?

4 ways you can help alleviate the problem

While most Americans will
worry about eating too much this
holiday season, 16 million of our
countrys children live in households that struggle to afford food,
according to a 2012 report from
the United States Department of
Agriculture.
We hear about food insecurity quite a bit, especially after
the 2008-09 economic crash,
but I think most people dont
have a clear picture of what that
means, says Lois Brandt, a
former Peace Corps volunteer
and author of Maddis Fridge,
(www.MaddisFridge.com), a childrens picture book that asks the
question: what do you do if your
best friends family doesnt have
enough food?
Food insecurity means an
empty refrigerator. Food insecurity means soda instead of milk.
Food insecurity means a child
coming to school hungry and
unable to focus. Poverty may
not look exactly the same in our
country as it does in a war-torn
region or a developing country,
but it is affecting our children
and their futures. Sometimes,
working parents have to choose
between rent and food, medicine
and food, or gas and food.
Brandt suggests four things you
can do to help prevent childhood
hunger.
n Support non-profit organizations like Feeding America (www.
FeedingAmerica.org). Previously
known as Second Harvest,
Feeding America is a national network of food banks that
feeds more that 37 million people through food pantries, soup
kitchens and shelters. Its the
nations leading organization for
countering hunger and educating
the public about this crisis.
Public awareness is important, Brandt says. Many people
simply do not know that were
surrounded every day by hungry
children.
n Talk to your children about
childhood hunger and how they
can help. When I was a child I
opened my best friends refrigerator to get a snack and was
shocked to see it held almost
nothing, she says. I didnt know
what to do.
As an adult, Brandt says shes
amazed by the number of people
who share with her their own stories of childhood food insecurity.

Rather than sheltering your

children from this sad fact of
American life, talking to them
about it can help nurture their
compassion and empathy, she
says. And theres plenty they
can do to help, from making posters to raise awareness, to organizing a food drive at school.
Taking action teaches children
that they do have the power and
ability to change the world for the
better.
n Dont make childhood hunger a political issue. Of course,
childhood hunger doesnt exist
in a vacuum; issues like welfare,
minimum wage, income inequality and access to health care all
of which are heavily politicized
surround the problem. Whatever
your take on these topics, realize
that no matter the decisions a
parent has made in his or her lifetime, children are innocent and
have no control of their familys
circumstances.
n Volunteer with your family at a shelter or food pantry
during the busy holiday season.
While serving or cooking food
for a holiday-themed meal at a
shelter during Thanksgiving or
Christmas does not solve the
larger problem, it will affect every
person whose life you touch that
day. Your efforts and kind words
can become a fond, lifelong
memory for a child, or remind
adults that others care and
theyre not alone.
Volunteering also has personal
benefits, not the least of which is
knowing that, despite whatever
problems youre facing, you were
able to help someone else.

Educational & Worship

Commercial

Health Care

Industrial

Financial

About Lois Brandt

Lois Brandt is a childrens fiction writer
whose work has appeared in Highlights
and other fine childrens magazines.
Her new book Maddis Fridge, (www.
MaddisFridge.com), illustrated by
Vin Vogel, is the first picture book to
address child hunger in the United
States. It was inspired by Brandts childhood memory of opening her friends
refrigerator and finding only condiments
and a lunch milk carton her friend had
saved from school for her little brother.
Ten percent of proceeds from sales
of Maddis Fridge go to hunger solutions. Brandt, who holds an MFA from
Northwest Institute of Literary Arts,
served as a Peace Corps volunteer in
West Africa.

www.MarcusConstruction.com

December 2014

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Stand up for your health

B2B

More at the office opting to go chair-free to beat mid-afternoon slump, reduce excessive sitting
By Tracy Frank - Forum News Service

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Take a stand

Spending a few hours a week at the gym or otherwise

engaged in moderate or vigorous activity isnt enough to significantly offset the risk, Dr. James Levine cautions on Mayo
Clinics web page.
Continued on Page 9

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Excessive sitting is cited as a key factor in four of the top seven

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Wanner said. Its also linked to obesity and early mortality rates.
People who sit for more than six hours a day have a 40 to 50
percent chance of dying earlier than somebody who sits three
hours or less per day, said Pete Seljevold, administrator of North
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Research has shown excessive sitting can also lead to depression and joint, back and shoulder pain, Seljevold said.
Some reports have asserted that prolonged sitting is as dangerous as smoking. Its not quite that bad, according to STATS
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activities are only comparable when it comes to heart disease,
STATS stated, and even then smoking increases the risk of coronary disease at a greater rate than prolonged sitting.
But excessive sitting is still a health risk. And the prevalence
of office jobs and a culture that relies on screen time in the
form of computers, tablets and televisions for entertainment and
to unwind, means people are sitting more than they used to,
Seljevold said.
Weve kind of become a chair society, he said. Weve kind of
taken movement out of our day.

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Mid-afternoon can be a difficult time in the office.

Energy starts to wane and deadlines often loom, so some
might reach for a coffee, soda or other sugar-infused snack to
help them push on.
Brenda Ostlie, who works as a content strategist for Flint
Group in Fargo, North Dakota, avoids a mid-afternoon rut
what she calls sleepy time by standing up.
Its really huge in mental alertness, she said. Especially this
time of year when its darker out, it helps so much to be able to
stand.
Many adults sit or recline 21 out of 24 hours in a day, said
BriAnna Wanner, North Dakota Department of Health Worksite
Wellness Coordinator.
And spending too much time off our feet, it turns out, can be
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B2B

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Continued from Page 8

Levine, co-director of the Mayo Clinic/Arizona State University

Obesity Solutions Initiative, has written books on the risks of too
much sitting and is credited with developing the concept for the
treadmill desk.
Levine suggests adults cut down on chair time by standing while
working, taking walking meetings or positioning work surfaces
above a treadmill. The impact of even leisurely movement can be
profound, he says.
The muscle activity needed for standing and other movement
seems to trigger important processes related to the breakdown of
fats and sugars within the body, Levine said. When you sit, these
processes stall and your health risks increase. When youre
standing or actively moving, you kick the processes back into
action.
Ostlie uses a standing desk throughout the day while working at
Flint. She doesnt stand all day long but can easily adjust her desk
depending on whether she wants to sit or stand.
In addition to feeling more mentally alert, Ostlie said shes also
able to concentrate better and focus on projects longer when she
stands.
When Im sitting for long periods, I notice that I get really restless, she said. Our bodies want to move, so if Im sitting for a long
period I find myself getting up a lot, my mind is wandering a lot.
When she stands, Ostlie said, she moves her core more and
burns more calories.
My initial motivation was I didnt like how crummy I would feel
when I would sit all day, she said.
Tasha Haug, a development officer with The Village Family
Service Center in Fargo, sits on a stability ball at work to help with
chronic back pain.
Using a stability ball is considered active sitting, health experts
say, because it engages the core muscles.
Haug also sometimes stands while she works, and she makes it

B2B photo by Carrie Snyder / The Forum

Tasha Haug, development officer at The Village Business Institute in Fargo,

North Dakota, sits on a balance ball at work. Too much sitting causes a variety of health issues. Using a stability ball instead of a chair can help increase
movement and improve posture.

a point to get up and move around.

The primary reason is to avoid pain, she said. But a sedentary
lifestyle is not good for you.
In addition to a standing desk, Wanner also keeps a small stepping machine at work to help increase her movement.
Both she and Seljevold suggest setting a phone alert as a
reminder to take a couple minutes to walk around the office every
hour.
Microbursts of activity throughout the workday can easily add up
to 30 to 40 minutes of movement, Seljevold said.
Over a week, that activity can add up to the two and half hours of
moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
Those little movement breaks make a lot of difference, Seljevold
said.

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We proudly serve
businesses throughout
the communities
of Kandiyohi County

Public Policy

To a
area-w

Community Promotion

Dans Diesel 320-235-0208

L to R - Gerard Ninow, Jordan Prahl (Mechanic/
Tow Truck Operator), Dan Prahl (Owner/
Operator), Jennifer Prahl (Office Manager),
Brad Hanson, Mary Hagen, Doug Kuehnast, Ann
Anderson and Jan Queenan.

Cornerstone Coffee 320-222-6333

L to R - Gerard Ninow, Ann Anderson, Mary
Hagen, Lisa Liebl (Owner/Operator), Doug
Kuehnast, Leah Beckman (Bakery Manager),
Lynn Gauer, Brad Hanson and Jan Queenan.

Caseys General Store (Hwy. 12) 320-214-7140

L to R: Dawn Stahl, Jim Rudnick, Mitch Neal,
Lynn Gauer, Fran Woodcock (Store Manager),
Tina Oviatt (Area Supervisor), Ryan DeGree,
Brittney Odens, Kelly Gardner and Tom Amberg.

Willmar Chiropractic 320-235-7347

L to R: Kelly Gardner, Jim Rudnick, Tom Amberg,
Brittney Odens, Dawn Stahl, Dr. Emily Flannigan
(Owner / Chiropractor), Mitch Neal, Lynn Gauer
and Ryan DeGree.

First Dollars

Membership
Information
Center

To join the Chamber go to

www.willmarareachamber.com
Bundle Up and click on Bundle-Up plan.

The MN chamb
monthly column ca
found on www.wil
rareachamber.co

DREAM Technical Academies

Advanced Auto Parts

902 1st Street South, Willmar 320-262-8277

Staff in the photo are: Brandon Fairchild, Galen
Rohloff, Zachary Galvin, Kelly Woodroffe, Jay Tyllia,
Martin Cabrera, Toney Heitz and Roger Salazar as
honorary ribbon cutter (Branch Manager).

1705 16th Street NE, Willmar 320-262-56

Front: Jan Queenan, Kristi DeGree, Mary Hage
Tre Ertl (Student Congress President), Sara DeR
Tom Amberg and Eric Spencer
Second Row: Doug Knick (DREAM), Tammie Kn
(DREAM), Serena Butterfield (DREAM), Betha
Meyer (DREAM), Ann Anderson and Doug Kueh

Ribbon Cuttings

advocate and promote the

wide business community

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Economic Development

Networking

November 2014

21st: Willmar Area Food Shelf

700 Becker Ave. SW, Willmar
(Being held at Peterson Brothers
Funeral Home)
28th: No Connecon
Thanksgiving

December 2014

5th: Rice Home Medical

1033 19th Ave. SW, Willmar
12th: Chrisanson & Associates
302 5th Street SW, Willmar
19th: Heritage Plaza
310 1st St. S, Willmar
26th: No Connecon
A full schedule of all Chamber Connecons,
complete with addresses can be found at
www.willmareareachamber.com

SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Helping small businesses do more business
American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to help businesses
attract more customers. While the day encourages people to shop at small businesses on
the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the concept has grown into a powerful movement.

Tuesday Oct 28 Noon-1PM

This year, the bid day is Saturday, November 29.

The chamber is proud to represent small and large businesses, and we support Small
Business Saturday as way to increase awareness and support of small businesses that are
making an impact in our community.

WHEN YOU SHOP SMALL

IT CAN LEAD TO BIG THINGS
THE SHOP SMALL MOVEMENT MAKES AN IMPACT
ON NEIGHBORHOODS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

New Members

Kandiyohi County Chapter 2 Pheasants Forever - Brad Hanson

PO Box 733, Willmar 320-212-4983
Website: www.kandipf.com
Lees Tae Kwan Do of Willmar - Master Jon Anderson
418 Benson Ave. SE, Willmar 320-222-5425
janderson@leestkd.com
Koronis Motors/Paynesville Chevrolet Buick - Doug Hawkinson
28601 State Hwy 55, Paynesville 320-243-3716
Website: www.paynesvillechevrolet.com
Cornerstone of Willmar, Inc. - Karen Jacobs
1020 Hwy 71 NE, Willmar 320-231-0727
cornerstoneofwillmar@mtvwireless.com

Were very excited to have Steve Slater, SEO Specialist at Vivid Image, join us again in December!
If you remember, Steve did a pretty kick-butt presentation on Google Analytics for Social Media
Breakfast back in February and we couldnt get enough! So hes back for more!
Steve Slater is the SEO specialist at Vivid Image, Inc. in Hutchinson, MN. He is a Google Analytics
Certified Individual and Google AdWords Certified Individual. But more importantly, if you ask him,
hed say hes a Dad, Husband, and unabashed Seattle sports and Pearl Jam fan. Hell be joining us to
talk about Google AdWords!
Most websites get a large portion of their traffic from Google organic search, but did you know that you
can pay Google for even more search traffic? Its true. You can use Google AdWords to drive more
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B2B

13

December 2014

Service is about giving back

ll

ervice means many things to many people, but Id like to focus on the
individual efforts of service in our community.
It doesnt matter if youre a member of the local service club, another association, place of worship, etc. What matters is if you are an active
member. In these busy times, we are hearing more and more people say:
Im just too busy to give back these days or There are too many choices
to make and, so as not to offend anyone, they make no choices.
Service back to your community, no matter what kind of service, helps all
of us. There are many ways to give back to your community and
lots of resources to help you give back if youre not sure where
to go.
Volunteer-driven organizations like the Chamber are always
looking for volunteers. There are many not-for-profit organizations like the United Way of West Central Minnesota Volunteer
Center, which actually keeps a log of different community entities looking for people who are willing to give some of their time
to help others. Notice I didnt say how much, but rather some.
My philosophy is that if everyone does a little, then no one
Ken
would have to do a lot.
Warner
We completed our Board of Directors Planning Conference
the last week of October. The Chamber of Commerce is very
Willmar Lakes
Area Chamber
fortunate to have 18 people, plus six retiring directors, who are
of Commerce
willing to give back to the community by offering their service.
President
So many times, these people are so good about giving that we
actually forget they are volunteers. Having their experience as
business people to help guide and set policy for the organization is invaluable. I know many of my colleagues in the community who are fortunate
to manage volunteer-driven organizations say the same about their volunteers. The Willmar Lakes Area and Kandiyohi County are so fortunate to
have so many service-orientated businesses in our community to help each
and every one of us in some way.

ll

So as the holidays get closer and more pleas for help are heard, I hope all
of us agree to do something. If youre not involved, why not? If you are and
feel that you need more people to help in your cause, ask someone to help.
So often people wont react unless someone asks them to do something
and, who knows, a simple request by you might make all the difference for
someone else.
Service is all about giving back. To all of you who give thank you. To all
of you who wish you could its never too late.
We all are working hard to make this community the best it can be by
working together, and a big part of that is providing some type of service
back to our community.

Service is the rent we pay for living.

Marian Wright Edelman

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December 2014

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14

B2B

ll

Bringing a lot to the table

Table 1. Minnesota Manufacturing Employment Statistics, 2013

Total, All Industries

Manufacturing
Food Manufacturing

NAICS Number
Code of Firms

Number
of Jobs

Total
Industry Payroll

Average
Annual
Wages

2010-2013
Job Change
0 164,460 2,691,838 $134,897,990,609 $50,128 +128,447 +5.0%
31
8,048
307,237 $18,297,446,286 $59,540 +15,034 +5.1%
311
721
45,398
$1,977,503,115 $43,576 +1,995 +4.6%

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

Chart 1. Minnesota Manufacturing Job Change, 2003-2013

50,000

Food Manufacturing

380,000

Manufacturing

48,000

360,000

46,000

340,000

44,000

320,000

42,000

300,000

40,000

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Total Manufacturing Jobs

Web image

NAICS Industry Title

Food Manufacturing Jobs

anufacturing is the largest private-sector contributor to Minnesotas

gross domestic product and the second largest employing industry in
the state. Last year, it generated $43.7 billion or 16 percent of total
state GDP with just over 307,000 jobs at 8,048 manufacturing establishments and $18.3 billion in total payroll.
Whats more, every manufacturing job in Minnesota supports another 1.7 jobs
in other segments of the economy including professional services (accounting, legal, consulting, marketing), wholesaling, transportation, agriculture,
finance, insurance and real estate.
At $59,540, average annual wages in manufacturing were almost $10,000
higher than the total of all industries statewide. And after
losing jobs during the recession, manufacturers added
jobs faster in the last three years than the total of all industries, growing 5.1 percent from 2010 to 2013, a gain of
15,000 net new jobs. (See Table 1.)
The largest manufacturing sector in the state is food
manufacturing, with 45,398 jobs at 721 business establishments. Food manufacturers added nearly 2,000 net
new jobs from 2010 to 2013, a 4.6 percent increase.
Cameron
Though that was in line with overall industry growth in the
Macht
last three years, food manufacturing employment was
much more stable over the last decade. The entire manDepartment of
ufacturing industry has about 10 percent fewer jobs now
Employment
than in 2003, but the food manufacturing sector was down
and Economic
just 1.5 percent. While manufacturing was seeing signifiDevelopment
cant job losses during the depths of the recession in 2008
and 2009, food manufacturing was actually adding jobs. In
fact, food manufacturers have expanded every year since 2008. (See Chart 1.)
Food manufacturing employment is spread throughout the state, with the
exception of northeast Minnesota. The largest number of food manufacturing
jobs is located in the seven-county Twin Cities Metro Area, though it had the
second smallest concentration. Instead, food manufacturing accounted for
almost one-third of the total manufacturing jobs in southwest Minnesota, more
than one-fourth in southeast Minnesota, and about one-fifth of the manufacturing jobs in both northwest and central Minnesota. (See Table 2.)
All but one region gained food manufacturing jobs between 2010 and 2013,
leading to the highest number of manufacturing job vacancies since 2007, prior
to the recession. There were just under 7,000 job vacancies in manufacturing
posted in the second quarter of 2014, which was nearly triple the number of job
openings reported in the second quarter of 2009.
Food manufacturers rely most heavily on production occupations, with median wages ranging from $10 an hour for packers and packagers to more than
$25 per hour for first-line supervisors of production and operating workers. The
largest occupations including meat, poultry and fish cutters; packaging and
filling machine operators; food batchmakers; slaughterers and meat packers;
packers and packagers; and laborers and freight movers all earned between
$10 and $15 an hour, while some of the more skilled occupations including
supervisors, maintenance and repair workers, industrial machinery mechanics,
inspectors and testers, food cooking machine operators and truck drivers all
earned $17 an hour or more. (See Table 3.)
Jobseekers interested in a career in food manufacturing will find that the
industry has a lot to bring to the table. To find out more information about manufacturing careers, please go to http://mn.gov/deed/data/.

280,000

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

Table 2. Food Manufacturing Employment by Region, 2013

Region

Number of
Firms

Number
of Jobs

Average
Annual
Wages

Percent of
Total
Mfg. Jobs

Central

120

7,518

$40,664

19.2%

Northeast

31

313

$39,156

3.5%

Northwest

98

5,761

$41,756

20.5%

Southeast

108

10,209

$46,072

27.9%

Southwest

102

10,030

$43,732

32.2%

Twin Cities

244

11,545

$43,940

71.%

Minnesota

721

45,398

$43,576

14.8%

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

Table 3. Top 20 Food Manufacturing Occupations in Minnesota

Statewide
Median
Hourly Wage

2012-2022
Projected Job
Growth

Total, all occupations

$18.15

+7.0%

Meat, poultry, & fish cutters & trimmers

$12.38

+6.1%

Packaging & filling machine operators & tenders

$14.04

-2.1%

Food batchmakers

$16.09

-1.8%

Slaughterers & meat packers

$13.03

-2.7%

Packers & packagers, hand

$10.02

+2.0%

Laborers & freight, stock, & material movers, hand

$13.27

+4.1%

Helpers--production workers

$10.88

+8.8%

Bakers

$12.43

+3.4%

First-line supervisors of production & operating workers

$26.56

+0.2%

Industrial truck & tractor operators

$17.34

-7.2%

Maintenance & repair workers, general

$19.55

+5.8%

Industrial machinery mechanics

$24.35

+18.0%

Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, & weighers

$17.80

+5.3%

Team assemblers

$14.55

+3.9%

Production workers, all other

$14.91

+6.6%

Food cooking machine operators & tenders

$17.82

-0.9%

Heavy & tractor-trailer truck drivers

$19.70

+7.1%

Food processing workers, all other

$11.83

+0.3%

Janitors & cleaners, exc. maids & housekeeping cleaners

$11.46

+8.2%

Shipping, receiving, & traffic clerks

$15.64

+0.1%

Occupational Title

Source: DEED Occupational Employment Statistics, 2012-2022 Employment Outlook

B2B

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Tax tips

15

December 2014

ll

How the affordable care act and other

changes will impact your tax return

the employer mandate, resulting in additional tax penalties for uninsured

employees, but this has yet to be finalized.
In addition to the issues relating to the Affordable Care Act, there
are many other potential changes that have not been determined. For
example, as of January 1, 2014, the Section 179 (depreciation) deduction will be reduced from $500,000 down to $25,000. This one item can
greatly affect an individual or entitys tax planning. Yet, based on discussions reported between congress, it is likely the deduction will settle
somewhere in the middle. A few of the other items that could potentially
change are bonus depreciation, tax credits for research and development, deductible state taxes, charitable donations and educator expense
deductions.
Keeping all this in mind, some things will remain consistent for individual tax planners as the year-end approaches. Take a look at your investments based on your current estimated taxable income. Sell some of the
gainers or unload the losers to maximize current tax brackets while utilizing capital gain rates. At the same time, be sure to make any charitable
contributions prior to the end of the year, along with maximizing contributions to your IRA accounts.
Now we just need to sit back and wait for the final congressional ruling
on many of the tax laws that are still in limbo. In the meantime, be sure
you are covered by a health insurance policy or be prepared to pay a penalty, have all your tax plans in line by the end of December and contact a
tax professional if you have any questions or concerns.

all is upon us and the holidays are right around the corner. Now is
the time to make sure you have your year-end tax planning ready.
There have been many changes to tax laws in 2014, which affect
both businesses and individuals. With the ups and downs of the market and a big election year, additional changes to the 2014 tax laws are
expected.
The first item to be aware of is the regulations surrounding the
Affordable Care Act. Under the regulations, everyone must have
health insurance (unless you fall into one of the few categories
that qualify for an exception). Starting in 2014, individuals that are
not covered by health insurance are subject to a penalty of $95 or
1 percent of their income, whichever is greater. These amounts
are also scheduled to increase annually going forward.
Along with the requirements to be covered, the Affordable Care
Act has also included a market place for all individuals to obtain
insurance. As part of this, a taxpayer can use the insurance
Travis
exchange to calculate a Premium Tax Credit to offset insurance
Steffensen, CPA
costs, reducing monthly rates, if you qualify. The main concern to
be aware of will be the verification at year-end on your estimated
NeXt
income. Any significant adjustments will be recaptured or credited
Past
on your 1040 return filed for 2014 and yearly going forward.
Chair
As far as requirements for employers to provide coverage to
employees, they have received a pass for 2014. However, starting in 2015 large employers may potentially be responsible for

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December 2014

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16

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B2B

Business Buzz
ACMC honors Granite Falls physician

W
t
H

WILLMAR Granite Falls-based physician Dr. Kenneth

Carter has been named recipient of the seventh annual
Affiliated Community Medical Centers Physician Excellence
Award.
ACMC created this distinguished award
to annually honor an outstanding physician
for his or her leadership, innovation, clinical
knowledge and dedication to patients.
Nominees for the award are selected by
their peers and selected by ACMCs board
of directors.
Dr. Carter is board-certified in family
medicine.
He also has an additional certiCater
fication in geriatric medicine. He has used
these skills to serve the patients in Granite
Falls very well, said Dr. Richard Wehseler, in announcing
Carters distinction.
Carter received numerous letters of support, with one nurse
commenting: Dr. Carter always encouraged us to do the right
thing for the patient and to get it right the first time.
Carter is 1968 graduate of the University of Minnesota
Medical School and moved to Granite Falls in 1970. During
his career, he has also served as a consultant at Project
Turnabout, a Granite Falls-based nonprofit that assists those
with alcohol, drug and gambling dependencies, as well as
those who have committed domestic abuse or a violent
crime.

T
A

B
W

K
o

Willmar utilities hires energy consultant to

study facilities, suggest options for the future
WILLMAR For more than a year now, Willmar Municipal
Utilities officials have been wondering how new U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency standards to cut carbon
pollution from new and existing power plants will affect
Willmars 66-year-old coal-fired power plant and other local
generating resources.
Possible answers to that question will be addressed with
assistance from an energy industry consultant hired last
month by the Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission.
The commission approved a contract not to exceed
$60,450 with Burns and McDonnell of Kansas City, Missouri.
The consultant will propose a series of scenarios for future
local generation based on a number of assumptions, which
include fuel costs, EPA rules affecting coal-fired facilities and
their associated costs, the impact of new pipelines and global
price exposure, and renewable fuels, costs and availability.
Utilities General Manager Wesley Hompe said the study
will take into account the utilitys history of generation and
reliability requirements, and the utilitys historic commitment to
district heating customers.
Its going to be a fairly comprehensive look at our generation systems, Hompe said. The utility has six diesel units, two
generators in the power plant, and a power plant boiler for the
district heating system.
The eight- to 12-week study will begin as soon as the utility
provides data to the firm.

B
R
B

B
K
E
B2B photo by Dan Burdett

Ruffs Wings and Sports Bar is now open at the site of the former Green Mill Restaurant and Bar in Willmar.
The restaurant is located next to the new Green Mill and specializes in wings and craft beers brewed in
Minnesota. Ruffs opened on Oct. 6 and features a heated patio and TVs featuring every game imaginable.

BPW names Fischer 2014 Woman of The Year

WILLMAR The Willmar Area Business and

Professional Womens group has named Jenna
Fischer 2014 Woman of The Year.
Fischer is a judge for the Eighth Judicial District. She
graduated from Owatonna High School, got her bachelors degree from St. Cloud State University and then
graduated with honors from William Mitchell College of
Law.
She began her profession as a partner in her own
private practice, Jones & Fischer.
Willmar Poultry to produce poults
She also practiced law as an assistant county attorney, assistant public
for two new companies
defender and was then elected in 2010
WILLMAR Willmar Poultry Company/Ag Forte announcas the Kandiyohi County attorney. In
es its intention to begin producing commercial poults for
2013, Fischer was appointed by Gov.
Hybrid Turkeys and Valley of the Moon.
Mark Dayton as a judge for the Eighth
Willmar Poultry will exit its current role selling commerJudicial District.
cial eggs and poults in order to produce eggs and poults
Fischer is president of the Willmar
under contract for Aviagen and Hendrix Genetics. Valley of
Fischer
Lakes Rotary, is a former board memthe Moon is a subsidiary of Aviagen Holdings, and Hybrid
ber of Rice Memorial Hospital, Willmar
Turkeys is a part of Hendrix Genetics.
Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and past president
Ag Forte will immediately begin the transition of its producof the Kandiyohi Area Family YMCA, where she is curtion capability to produce eggs and poults for the primary
rently an instructor.
breeders.
She is active at Vinje Church, a past Girl Scout
We are entrusting our long-term customers to other sales
leader for many years and also taught criminal law
teams, but we will continue to focus where it matters the most:
and criminal evidence and procedure classes at
delivering the best quality poults in the world, regardless of
Ridgewater College.
breed, said Rick Vanderspek, president of Ag Forte, in a
She and her husband, Steven, have two children.
news release.
The family has hosted a Stingers baseball player for
As Ag Forte works on this long-term transition, the compathe past five summers.
ny said that deliveries will be met to current customers and
contracts now in force will be honored.
Correction
Ag Forte also continues its work in vaccines and plans to
B2B photo by Dan Burdett
launch an array of vaccines during the upcoming year.
The column about a project nursing shortage in last
Work
is
nearly
complete
at
the
new
Taco Bell restauThe companys technology businesses will focus on the
months issue of Business2Business was submitted
rant located just east of Arbys and Target on 24th Avrelease of proprietary industry innovations, which includes a
by LizVanDerBill at Ridgewater College.
system to provide feed and water to poults before and during
enue Southeast in Willmar. Applications are currently
delivery to customers.
B2B publishes news about businesses in the region
being accepted. No information has been made
The company said in the release that these developments
and their employees monthly.
available on when the restaurant will officially open.
are core to the companys strategy to keep the turkey industry
Topics such as the launch of a new business, a
on pace with other meat proteins in the arena of animal care
change in ownership or management, a new location
nificant promotions. Photos may be submitted as well.
and shifting away from the reliance on antibiotics to optimize
Email information and photos to business@wctrib.
or a significant expansion are welcome, as well as
announcements about employees who have earned sig- com.
performance.

B2B

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17

ll

December 2014

Business Calendar
Business events
WE/LEAD presents Women Who Paved
the Way: The Willmar 8 from 1977
Headlines to 37 Years Later
Thursday, Nov. 20: 5 to 7:30 p.m., MN West
Technology Campus, Life-Science Innovations
Auditorium, Willmar.

Chamber Connections

7:30 8:30 a.m.

November
21: Willmar Area Food Shelf, at Peterson
Brothers Funeral Home, 700 Becker Ave. S.W.,
Willmar; note location change.
28: No connection, Thanksgiving weekend
December
5: Rice Home Medical, 1033 19th Ave. S.W.,
Willmar
12: Christianson & Associates, 302 Fifth St.
S.W., Willmar
19: Heritage Plaza, 310 First St. S., Willmar
26: No connection; Happy Holidays
January
No Chamber Connections in January

Business After Hours

5-7 p.m.
December
4: Bremer Bank, 500 Willmar Ave. S.E., Willmar

Government meetings
Kandiyohi County Board
of Commissioners
Dec. 2: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services
Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar
Dec. 16: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services
Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar
Jan. 6: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services
Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar
Jan. 20: 10 a.m., Health and Human Services
Building, 2200 23rd St. N.W., Willmar
Rice Memorial Hospital
Board of Directors
Nov. 19: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301
Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar
Dec. 17: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301
Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar
Jan. 21: 5:30 p.m., hospital board room, 301
Becker Ave. S.W., Willmar
Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar
Economic Development Commission
Joint Operating Board
Dec. 11: 11 a.m., EDC board room, 333
Litchfield Ave. S.W., Suite 100, Willmar
Jan. 8: 11 a.m., EDC board room, 333 Litchfield
Ave. S.W., Suite 100, Willmar
Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar
Economic Development Commission
Joint Powers Board
Jan. 22: 11:30 a.m., EDC board room, 333

Litchfield Ave. S.W., Suite 100, Willmar

Willmar City Council
Dec. 1: : 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700
Litchfield Ave S.W., Willmar
Dec. 15: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700
Litchfield Ave S.W., Willmar
Jan. 5: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700
Litchfield Ave S.W., Willmar
Jan. 19: 7 p.m., Council Chambers, MUC, 700
Litchfield Ave S.W., Willmar
Willmar School Board
Nov. 24: 4:30 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611
Fifth St. S.W., Willmar
Dec. 8: 6 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611 Fifth
St. S.W., Willmar
Jan.12: 4:30 p.m., WEAC Board Room, 611
Fifth St. S.W., Willmar
Atwater City Council
Dec. 3: 7 p.m., City Hall, 322 Atlantic Ave.,
Atwater
Jan. 7: 7 p.m., City Hall, 322 Atlantic Ave.,
Atwater
New London City Council
Nov. 19: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Dec. 3: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Dec. 17: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Jan. 7: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Jan. 21: 5:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
New London
Economic Development Authority
Dec. 10: 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Jan. 14: 4:30 p.m., City Hall, 20 First Ave. S.W.,
New London
Spicer City Council
Dec. 2: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room,
217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer
Dec. 16: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room,
217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer
Jan. 6: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room,
217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer
Jan. 20: 5:30 p.m., City Council meeting room,
217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer
Spicer Economic Development Authority
Dec. 16: 7 a.m., City Council meeting room,
217 Hillcrest Ave., Spicer
Jan. 20: 7 a.m., City Council meeting room, 217
Hillcrest Ave., Spicer

B2B will publish upcoming business-related meetings, classes or seminars monthly. Calendar information
will be listed two months out; email
information to business@wctrib.com;
dates and locations subject to change.

Deadline nears for nominations

WILLMAR Young professionals make a huge impact on this areas
business community, and Business2Business would like to once again
recognize some of their talent in the January issue of B2B.
Through a nomination process, we want to again recognize five young
professionals who have already made a difference in their business and
their community. We are looking for individuals who have climbed the
ranks in their company, entrepreneurs who have thought outside the box
to deliver a valuable product or service, or young employees who have
made civic duty and responsibility a priority.
To nominate someone for the 5 Under 40 issue, please submit a 200word essay by Nov. 21 on why the individual deserves to be recognized.
Please also include your contact information and the nominees contact
information. The winning candidates must be willing to meet with a
reporter and be interviewed for the January issue of B2B.
All nominees must be from the west central Minnesota area and must
be 39 or younger on Dec. 17. Please do not submit resumes, links or additional letters of recommendation with your nomination. You may submit
more than one nomination.
Please email your nomination(s) to business@wctrib.com, or mail to
West Central Tribune, Attn: 5 Under 40, P.O. Box 839, Willmar.

December 2014

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Five promises for 2015 start now

This is the time of year when many businesses are reviewing, refocusing and planning for the New Year.
As the planning process unfolds,
there is hope that great things
will take place; that breakthrough relationships, products
and possibilities will surface
and come to fruition.
The big caveat, often
unstated, is that if the leaders in the organization dont,
wont or cant change, the business results are not likely to change much
either.
The biggest shame for any leader is planning for a
great year only to have to face the brutal facts at the
end of the year that the business is in worse condition
than when the year started.
If you want a better 2015, I recommend that five
promises be made and kept during the planning process and throughout the New Year.
First, vow to stop selling vanilla ice cream.
Continuing to sell a me too commodity only leads to
shrinking margins.
Many companies get into the trap of selling on price
because they have not correctly positioned themselves in the market, but more importantly, because
there is no viable reason for a buyer to pay more.
The leadership of a growing company is always on
the hunt for a more compelling competitive advantage
and the search for higher margins by developing products that are worthy and deserving of higher prices.
Second, retain the best and either engage or
replace the rest. Every business is based on the quality of the people working in the organization.
The challenge of every leader is to retain the very
best managers and to engage as many employees as
possible.
A superior management team is one that is capable

By Ken Keller

of executing quickly, effectively and efficiently. An

engaged workforce of employees make the difference
in providing client care over and above what is expected.
People that refuse to engage can find work elsewhere.
Third, dont hesitate to start paying for performance.
Good people are an investment in the future of a company. Create the opportunity for employees to earn a
return on what they deliver.
The issue with many pay for performance programs
is that they do not extend deep enough into the orga-

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nization, thereby creating chasms between departments.

This creates anger, frustration and lack of teamwork
and alignment. When the team wins, the entire team
should be rewarded.
Fourth, lead from the front and stay there. The best
leaders are passionate about the goal and how they
will get there; this difference can be the difference
between success and failure.
Leaders need to define what it is to win, stay
focused on winning and lead from the front.
Not everyone can be like Pete Carroll, head coach
of the Seattle Seahawks. Not everyone needs to be
Pete Carroll. But every leader needs to transfer their
enthusiasm to the team they lead in order to win.
Last, get and keep everyone aligned. The responsibility of every leader is to define what winning is
for the company and each team and individual in it;
provide the tools and the atmosphere to win, and to
keep the team focused and moving towards the goal
of winning.
If you want a better 2015, now is the time to start
making plans for it.
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.

December 2014

B2B photo by Dan Burdett

See cover story inside

From business
to the shelf

Tonia Danielson, left, and Kari Goldschmidt, assistant

director at the Willmar Area Food Shelf, stack shelves in
a storage area at the food shelf.

Business

2
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The holiday season

is approaching, with
Thanksgiving just
around the corner.
It is not unusual
during the holiday
season to think of others less fortunate and
those who have fallen
on hard times.
In this issue of B2B
we take a look at how
the business community makes an impact
on the local food
shelf, one of many
local charities assisting those in need this
holiday season.
We are also nearing
the nomination deadline for recognizing
5 Under 40 business
professionals in the
community. See
details inside.

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