Outland Renewable Energy's team is made up of industry-leading professionals, including Field Technician Jordan Bielefeld, pictured at a wind farm near Luverne.

Congratulations to Outland Energy Services of Canby on recently being recognized by the Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of the Top Workplaces in Minnesota! Outland Renewable Energy was founded in 2005 and commissions, operates, and maintains wind energy facilities throughout the United States and abroad. With over 145 technicians, Outland has more than 900 megawatts of wind turbines under long-term service agreements.

According to a company press release, “The accreditation recognizes Outland as a workplace that rewards individual achievement and promotes personal development. Employees nominated their employers and were surveyed about several topics, including practices and policies that make these companies the top places to work. The companies were ranked based on leadership, compensation and training, workplace flexibility, and diversity.”

SWIF proudly featured Outland in our Winter 2010 Connect Newsletter and partnered with them in 2010 to provide funding for a major business expansion at their Canby headquarters.

Congratulations to Steve Scott and the team at Outland on achieving this honor, and thank you for the tremendous impact you are making on our region. 

For more information, visit www.outlandenergy.com

After a long winter and virtually non-existent spring, warm weather has arrived. Southwest Minnesota is a flurry of activity from the farmers in the fields to coffee shops setting tables outside. Many small businesses and organizations choose to hold after hours events, golfing fundraisers, customer appreciation events, open houses, summer promotions or sidewalk sales, and more. We can expect to hear about lots of upcoming events to take place in the warm months ahead.

Each event presents opportunities to grow your business. Whether your business hosts an event or participates in a community event, one thing is certain. We put time, energy, resources, and money into business events, so it’s important to capitalize on your investment by capturing as many photos,  stories  and networking opportunities as possible. One way to do this is to assign someone from your team to be in charge of taking photos.

You can use these photos later in thank-you cards, press releases, news stories, website, blog posts, or Facebook. You can even create a simple online video to post to YouTube that captures the essence of your best business event moments. One easy to use tool is Animoto, which allows you to upload photos and video clips, add text and music, and then rendure a video that you can share via email, enewsletter, YouTube and Facebook.

This past May, Southwest Initiative Foundation celebrated its 25th Anniversary. Many people from southwest Minnesota attended the event, and we took hundreds of pictures which were added to this video to help share our story with you. We invite you to watch the video, and then leave your best marketing tip for upcoming summer business events. We’d love to hear from you.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Local Business Renamed Wishy Washy Laundromat, Benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Chant and Amy Singvongsa recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the purchase of the Jackson Laundromat from Dave and Ester Bargfrede, who owned the business for many years. The new owners renamed the business Wishy Washy Laundromat. It will offer full laundromat services with a number of new machines, a laundry drop-off service, and a pick-up and delivery service for wind project worksites.

Chant has been working in the business for the past several months in training to take over the business. The Wishy Washy Laundromat will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Contact Chant or Amy Singvongsa with questions about their services at 507-847-4276.

“We are pleased to assist Chant and Amy with the purchase of the laundromat,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “It will keep a vital community service business in operation.”

Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the laundromat.  SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Start planning today for the next phase of your business.

GPS, Goals for Planning Succession, is a one day forum that is dedicated to providing business owners with an introduction to the tools that they will need as they start preparing for the next phase of their business and personal life. This forum is presented by the Southwest Initiative Foundation and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

March 29, 2011
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. – Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.
Verizon Wireless Center Mankato, MN
Get directions.

Cost $49.00 per person and includes lunch

Register online or email melissal@smifoundation.org. Please let us know if you have any diet restrictions.

Download forum flyer 

Forum Agenda

• Opening Keynote
  “Legacy & The Last Challenge of Entrepreneurship.” Thomas Hubler, President, Hubler for Business Families, Minneapolis. Mr. Hubler will focus on legacy and what it means to define your legacy in the context of the family-owned business. In addition, his presentation will focus on defining the role of owner-entrepreneur when it comes to the issue of succession planning, the four challenges of an owner-entrepreneur and what are the four areas of planning that companies need to have in place in order to have a succession plan.
• Three Learning Tracks 
  A Business Transition Case Study – Featuring a prominent Midwest company led by Pat Edeburn, Succession Strategies Forum Leader with Anderson Center in St. Cloud, MN.  Pat will present the case study that he has written which will allow us to learn and understand what it is like to be in the middle of a business transition. Talent Development – Preparing for Succession -  Don Jones of Don Jones Consulting in Marshall, MN along with Vicki Prock of Enterprise Minnesota will dive deep into the concept of having the right person doing the right job.  Their combined experience will let us learn first-hand the importance of talent development of current staff as well as the search for talent to lead your organization before, during, and after transition. 

  Passing on the Family Farm – led by Cathy Olson, Lookout Ridge Consulting and Luke Robinson, Thrivant Financials for Lutherans.

• Luncheon Keynote Speakers
  “After 135 Years and Six Successions, Did We Get it Right?”  Denny Dotson, President was the 5th generation and had five years working with his father before becoming CEO, but from the day Denny started he was to be CEO.  Jean Bye, CEO worked with Denny 35 years before becoming CEO and only in the past few years was it decided that she would be CEO.  It took Denny many years to understand the CEO role and responsibilities while Jean was totally prepared for the position.  Denny and Jean will concentrate on the years just before and after their successions describing both the personal challenges and the satisfactions of the transitions.
• Afternoon Speakers
  Learn from Experience - Led by Tim Penny, President of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation will moderate a panel discussion to share rewards, challenges and lessons learned from those who have experience succession planning and work with companies to achieve.Sustaining Area Businesses through Succession Planning – Cathy Enerson, Spring Valley EDA director; Abby Hellickson, Workforce Development at Rochester Community and Technical College; and Connie Kotke, instructor and consultant; will showcase how a community can create a partnership approach to building and sustaining a community culture which embraces business succession as a key economic development strategy.
• Final Comments – Tim Penny, President of Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Lynd business benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation Microenterprise Loan Program

Vicente Hernandez recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of the Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill in Lynd. Vicente reopened the Bar and Lynd ballroom complex in October. In addition, he now offers a full restaurant menu, including appetizers, steaks, burgers and Mexican specialties including enchiladas, flautas, fajitas and chimichangas.

The Lyndwood will also feature Tex-Mex entertainment, providing a dance theme venue with live music and DJ entertainment. The Lyndwood Tex-Mex Bar & Grill will be celebrating its Grand Opening Feb. 11 and 12 with food and drink specials. Hours for the business are Wednesdays through Sundays, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Vicente can be reached at 507-865-4000 to inquire about upcoming entertainment, or to book events in the ballroom.

Hernandez has been employed most recently as a shift manager for five years at Logic, Inc., in Montevideo. He has always been interested in having a restaurant/entertainment venue, and worked as a cook for four years in a restaurant. Hernandez felt the opportunity was right when the Lyndwood came up for sale this year and decided to purchase the business.   

“SWIF is pleased to assist Mr. Hernandez with opening the restaurant in Lynd, which has been a long-time asset to the community and surrounding area,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.

Together with primary financing from Klein Bank of Montevideo, proceeds from the SWIF loan will be used to purchase the equipment for the start up of the Lyndwood. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one-to-one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $53 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 510 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,900 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.

Spicer MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Glacial Ridge Winery, owned by Ron and Kim Wothe, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the expansion of their farm winery located at 15455 Old Mill Road in rural Spicer. Glacial Ridge Winery began operations in August 2007 and recently remodeled a large barn on the property to improve and expand the winery’s production area, while also adding public space to accommodate larger indoor events, including weddings, parties, entertainment and corporate events. The new event venue has décor inspired by the barrel rooms of working wineries—open and airy with exposed beams, tin and barn wood, as well as lighting and ceiling fans—which creates a simple, yet elegant space large enough to comfortably seat approximately 150 guests.

Glacial Ridge Winery continues to garner awards for their hand crafted Minnesota wines. Most recently, five Glacial Ridge wines were awarded medals at the 2010 Finger Lakes International Wine Competition in New York. Winning wines included St. Pepin, receiving gold; Castle Rock Red and Sippin’ From a Slipper, receiving silver; and Jazzy and Anitque Car Run, receiving bronze. More information about the winery can be found online at www.glacialridgewinery.com or by calling 320‐796‐6127.

“The Foundation is very pleased to be able to assist Ron and Kim with this expansion of their business, which is a vital part of the local tourist trade area around Spicer and the Willmar lakes region,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. Proceeds from the loan will be used to purchase equipment and provide working capital for the start up of the service center. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture.

SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives

Hutchinson, MN business adds snow removal services

Green Earth Lawn Care, owned by Jamie Scharfencamp, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to expand his business services to include snow removal. Scharfencamp has been offering a full service lawn and garden service in Hutchinson and the surrounding area for the past four years, building a successful business. He has recently added irrigation and snow removal services to his business, providing a full range of lawn and lot maintenance services.

Scharfencamp is available for snow removal services this winter, as well as handling lawn care and irrigation needs for 2011. In addition, Green Earth Lawn Care also serves a business niche market providing “green” applications of all natural liquid lawn fertilizer and a unique fertilizer/pesticide application service that allows spot spraying of broadleafs during the application process, reducing cost to the customer and using less chemical. Scharfencamp can be reached at 320‐296‐9465, or on his website at www.growtheglow.com to schedule any needed services.

“Jamie continues to work hard to provide good customer service, utilizing good business planning efforts to grow his business in a competitive market,” said SWIF Microenterprise Program Coordinator Berny Berger.

Proceeds from the loan will be used for equipment. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Willmar, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Neil’s Nuttin’ But Nuts, owned by Neil Hughes, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the start up of his nut roasting vending business within K‐Mart at the Willmar Kandi Mall. The business features premium almonds, pecans, cashews and proprietary coatings from the Nutty Bavarian Company, all fresh‐roasted at Hughes’ stand.

Hughes, 52, was a farmer until a massive stroke in 1993 caused left side paralysis. Today, he walks with a cane and walker, and is employed part‐time with West Central Industries of Willmar. A stroke survivor, Hughes was the 2009 Judd Jacobson Memorial Award recipient. Established in 1992, the award, administered by Courage Center, recognizes the pursuit or achievement in a business entrepreneurial endeavor by a person with a physical disability or sensory impairment.

“The Foundation is pleased to be able to assist Neil with his goals of self‐sufficiency and we are very impressed with his determination to succeed,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Hughes has been an inspiration to our program.”

Proceeds from the loan, together with a monetary award from the Jacobson Fund, was used to help purchase equipment for the start up of the vending business. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Palma Customs & Auto Sales benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

Palma Customs and Auto Sales, owned by Juan and Angela Palma, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. This marks SWIF’s 200th microloan since starting the program in 2001 with funding from the Small Business Administration. Juan has operated a used auto sales, parts, accessories, detailing and service business in Worthington since July 2006. Angela serves as the office manager and accountant for the business. The auto sales portion of the business has grown significantly since the business started, and SWIF’s loan will enable the business to increase their inventory of quality used cars.

Juan is able to communicate with customers in Spanish, which helps him to serve the Hispanic population in the area. He can be reached at 507‐376‐9181 or 507‐370‐3960.

“Juan has shown great progress in the growth of his business expansion,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “Palma Customs has great potential for success and growth in its niche market.”

SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Worthington, MN business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program

John and Tammy Roos recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to assist with the purchase of Prairie Decorating in Worthington. Prairie Decorating has been a long‐time business in downtown Worthington, started by Paul and Lois Woll in 1972. Paul and Lois have chosen to retire from the business and spent late summer helping John and Tammy prepare to take over the business in September.

Prairie Decorating continues to provide high quality Benjamin Moore paint products and supplies; flooring products by Armstrong and Shaw; and Kirsch and Graber window coverings and wallpaper, as well as installation and service. Home accents are an added product line. Visit “Tammy’s Corner” in the front of the store from now until Christmas for seasonal accents. Hours for the business are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Tuesdays to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact John or Tammy at 507376‐6847 for free estimates.

John was formerly the Chief Information Officer at Minnwest Community and Technical College and Tammy has previous experience in paint and home décor products. John and Tammy have been involved in several home makeovers and have been “do‐it‐yourselfers” with their own home over the years.

“John and Tammy’s combined backgrounds in management and decorating services will serve them well in this new venture,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson.

Proceeds from the loan were used to assist with the purchase of the business, together with financing from First State Bank Southwest, Worthington, and the Worthington Regional Economic Development Corporation. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for‐profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota. This program also now serves Wright, Carver and southern Stearns counties.

In addition to financing, SWIF provides free technical assistance to all clients who have received a loan through the Microenterprise Program for the life of the loan. SWIF staff and business consultants provide one‐to‐one business planning, accounting, marketing and other training opportunities that will help entrepreneurs succeed in their venture. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture.