Topic: New Jobs, Not Here
started by: danbelshan
Posted by danbelshan on Feb. 08 2004,12:03 pm
One company's perception. Will we learn from their comments ? Maybe this company wouldn't have come to our area but I found the comments by Paul Carlson, the operations manager very interesting. If other companies feel this way about us we need to change our approach and reassure expanding companies we have the workforce, can educate them if needed (Riverland), we have the buildings available or will build to their needs quickly, and we have the work ethic plus JOBZ tax zones.
Anybody have some constructive ideas ?
Let's find ten companies like this one. I'll bet they are right in the metro if we look hard enough.
February 5th, 2004
Branch of electronics firm opens in Le Sueur
By Nicole Christiansen
Free Press Staff Writer
LE SUEUR — A Chanhassen-based electronics company opened a new facility in Le Sueur this week.
Control Products Inc., which designs and manufactures electronic controls, opened a new branch of their company Monday in part of the original Green Giant headquarters at 901 N. 4th St.
The privately owned company had been looking to expand for about a year, but it needed to pick a place for the new facility, Vice President of Operations Paul Carlson said. Buffalo, Albert Lea and Hutchinson were considered, but the company finally chose Le Sueur.
"Le Sueur was the best fit for labor reasons, availability of facilities and health of the community," he said. He also likes the people in small towns and their work ethic.
Control Products focuses on custom electronic control development and manufacturing, and it makes more than 100 standard commercial controls.
Workers started operations Monday at Control Products in Le Sueur, but Carlson expects things will be in full swing by Feb. 16.
"We've already hired everyone from the area," he said. "(Having local employees) was one of our criteria."
The company hired 20 base employees in February, and they were trained at the Chanhassen facility. These people will be the core group as the company expands its manufacturing capabilities in the next two to three years, Carlson said.
Employees only will work in about 5,000 to 7,000 square feet of the 20,000-square foot building at first, but the company plans to fill it out as it grows.
"We've designed and planned for growth," he said. "We do plan to grow near the 100-person capacity of that building."
Control Products will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 20 at its new facility in Le Sueur.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 08 2004,1:32 pm
You are failing to see the big picture. We're a service economy now. Like Bruce Springteen said, " those jobs are gone boys... and they ain't coming back".We will not work in factories, most of those jobs go to China and Mexico. We will work in service industries...especially when the "bid deal" begins...the baby boomer retirement!
Want to provide for your future family college kids. become a nurse, or other health related field. We must learn to change and adapt.
Posted by jimhanson on Feb. 08 2004,2:37 pm
I'd be curious why they considered this area, how they heard about us, what their needs were, who they talked to, and why they chose not to locate here. Dan is right, we should learn from our mistakes so we can make a better presentation.Minnow also brings up a good point--we should play to our strengths--if health care (a service industry) is what we can offer, embrace it.
Despite the political rhetoric in this election year--manufacturing jobs ARE in decline--but this is nothing new--Agriculture once was king here, but IT changed, and nothing will bring it back. Heavy manufacturing jobs have been exported for more than three decades (think of the steel and auto business). Two decades ago, light manufacturing (textiles and finished goods) started going overseas. Ten years ago, the electronic revolution offered hope to stop the exodus, but those jobs are also going away. As long as we don't insist that foreign companies play by the same rules as American industry (ecological, safety, wages) before selling their goods here, American industry can't compete. We have the home field advantage here (no freight costs), but if the other countries play by different rules, we lose.
Other countries don't HAVE to sell to the U.S.--they can export to nearly any other country in the world. U.S. industry would have an equal footing in the U.S. market, but still be at a disadvantage in selling in other global markets. (At least U.S. companies could sell their products HERE--and Wal-Mart wouldn't have to import from China) Don't think other countries would ramp up their quality control and certification? Look how the world has embraced the ISO standards of quality.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE "GLOBALIZATION" AND "ONE WORLD ORDER"--THERE NEEDS TO BE A QUID PRO QUO--A MINIMUM STANDARD!
Posted by Liberal on Feb. 08 2004,4:17 pm
Jim, I really doubt that we can change the way the world works so we are going to have to try to make more local changes.If you look at the reasons that have been given lately by businesses that have decided not to locate here they have all been real unclear reasons like "Quality of life" or a "health of the community". which makes it hard to point your finger at any one thing and say, "that's the reason".
It's to bad that Albert Lea doesn't have a more qualified economic development employee that could go ask them for more specific reasons.
Posted by Montyman on Feb. 08 2004,5:41 pm
I agree with Jim, Mr. Belshan, when he thinks we need more information as to why this new company didn't locate in Albert Lea. The reasons could be myriad, and we will probably never know them all.Remember when you asked the next prom queen for a date and she said: "Not tonite, I have to wash my hair"? If I owned a business, I'd try for every advantage I could when I located somewhere new or expanded, and I probably wouldn't have many meaningful things to say to the unsuccessful suitors once I decided where to go.
I don't know if the idea of a more qualified economic development person is the answer either. People in those jobs really only follow the local politics, anyway. Look who they work for.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 08 2004,6:44 pm
"I don't know if the idea of a more qualified economic development person is the answer either."---->That's because you don't know a gosh darn thing...LOL
One of the all time dumbest things posted on this forum. Hang it up pal...Yer brain is shot.
Posted by danbelshan on Feb. 08 2004,7:06 pm
Control Products Inc expanding in Le Sueur < http://www.controlproductsinc.com >
Blue Cube LLC expanding in Charles City
< http://www.bluecubelcd.com >
Press release on Blue Cube
< http://www.globegazette.com/archive....nt=http >
Here are two high tech companies going to small midwest towns that are not cultural meccas. Both towns have lost large good paying employers in the past, (Le Sueur lost Green Giant corporate and some processing), (Charles City lost Oliver and White tractor plant,the largest employer at that time)Sound familar?
With the JOBZ neither of these sights have any advantage over our area. Plus we are told lakes, interstate highways , new school, new Courthouse build and they will come.(hasn't brought them yet) Instead of waiting to see if this theory comes true.
I proposed this in my Dec 2002 newsletter.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (CALL OUT THE SWAT TEAM?)
One of my county board committee assignments is to represent our county on a regional workforce development board. We keep an eye on the economic job and retraining situations which are important to our region. During a “meet the candidates” forum in Albert Lea I proposed a Special Workforce Action Team (SWAT) consisting of Workforce Development, Riverland, Greater Jobs, county, and other local government and business leaders, to show industry a coordinated front and hopefully bring jobs to our economically depressed county. Several elected and appointed officials countered that they were already doing all they could....
Posted by cpu_slave on Feb. 09 2004,8:31 pm
| Quote |
| From todays Tribune opinion section: We are confident that we are moving the city in the right direction at this time and that the new city manager will soon be in place so that we can continue making positive progress for our community. |
Continue making positive progress?? Can anyone point out any positive progress that occured that the past few years, I seem to have missed it?!
| Quote |
| Several elected and appointed officials countered that they were already doing all they could.... |
If the job was not getting done and this is the excuse that an employee gave his boss, he would be out on his @ss! We need to start demanding more from these people, after all they have been demanding more from us in the form of tax dollars year after year after year after year after year.....
Posted by minnow on Feb. 09 2004,8:36 pm
Don't tell me some gal is going to come here from beautiful Fort Morgen Colorado and will be happy! LOL You must be kidding! 6 months and she'll be awake at night asking herself what in the hell did she do...
Posted by Montyman on Feb. 09 2004,10:05 pm
I really appreciate your respect for my opinion, Minnow.I think YOU ought to volunteer your expertise to the City to get the economic development jumping!
Posted by Jesus Juice on Feb. 09 2004,11:01 pm
I think Mayor Eaton was mis-quoted here. She says "all the pieces are falling together", I think she meant to say "we are falling apart". This town is going no where fast as long as Sparky & Gabe are still calling the shots. Amazing how some people never learn from their mistakes."The pieces of the puzzle of putting Albert Lea together, we're moving in a different direction are all the pieces are falling together.I believe that she has the expertise and the professionalism and the vision to work well with the staff, which is very important, and the city council," said Eaton.
Albert Lea hasn't had a new city manager in 26 years.
Posted by farouk on Feb. 10 2004,8:29 am
We got a new City Manager now JJ. I think she is to start in April, that would mean some time in March we should start ripping on her 
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 10 2004,10:49 am
I myself am going to give the woman 30 years to show what she is capable of didn't we do that with Paul
Posted by rosebudinal on Feb. 10 2004,9:23 pm
Was that a typo in the paper, please tell me it was. She is coming from managing a town of 1,200. Whoa, hold the phone. Even if it were 12,000, aren't we at least 16,000. Oops, there goes another one 15,999!!!! Has experience in redecorating the downtown area. I say lets give her a chance. But, the numbers are a concern to me.
Posted by Mamma on Feb. 10 2004,9:44 pm
oh what the heck...they said she had a sparkling personality. That in itself is a bonus in Albert Lea. And besides, she can help with the planning of the new library. 
Posted by minnow on Feb. 11 2004,1:30 am
Fort Morgan has seen more action in one month than this whole town in the last ten years! LOL You must be kidding...look in the mirror...you're dead to the world.
Posted by Frustrated on Feb. 11 2004,10:53 am
I think the biggest reason Albert Lea has problems attracting new industry is the quality of its workforce. It's mostly a meat packer town. There is a lack of education and people generally seem to radiate a "not too bright" impression. There's no university or even college in the area. There is a higher than expected crime rate with underlying racial problems. Too many are on welfare. It's been a union town with mostly unskilled but expensive labor that has driven many companies out of town with strikes (sometimes violent) and demands for more money than they are worth and more money than the companies can or need to pay.
Posted by The Advocate on Feb. 11 2004,12:43 pm
Minnow, I think you forgot to take your Vitamin B Complex pill, negativity is your middle name. ( And please spare us all the sophomoric rhetoric on that other life enhancing agent, weed. It never ceases to amaze me how you can find fault with anyone and anything. You attitude, Minnow, and others like you, is the problem with lack of growth in Albert Lea. The Albert Lea City Council selects a City Manager and all you do is start to complain. Good gravy, we do not even have the foggiest idea what she is like etc. A hardy welcome may be in order and a positive attitude.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 11 2004,2:21 pm
Oh yes, I'm supposed to support jailing people on cannabis charges and just go along to get along. Oh yes, I'm supposed to except stupidity, failure and mediocrity. No sir...I am NOT typical Albert Lea!
Posted by Frustrated on Feb. 11 2004,4:04 pm
Minnow - seems like everything you post has to do with smoking pot. What's the deal? I thought we were discussing reasons there aren't any jobs?
Posted by Liberal on Feb. 11 2004,4:53 pm
| Quote |
There is a higher than expected crime rate with underlying racial problems. |
Just to prove you wrong about the crime rate I went and got my old police scanner out of the closet and hooked it up to a streaming media server so that people can listen to the Albert Lea police dept.
I'll leave this link up as long as it doesn't suck up all the servers bandwidth. If you're not listening to the stream please try to remember to close windows media player so that it doesn't use up anymore bandwidth than needed.
Albert Lea Police Department Scanner
Posted by Jesus Juice on Feb. 11 2004,5:04 pm
Yes, tune in & see what Donna does next.-JJ
Posted by Clovis on Feb. 11 2004,8:54 pm
| Quote |
| You attitude, Minnow, and others like you, is the problem with lack of growth in Albert Lea. The Albert Lea City Council selects a City Manager and all you do is start to complain. Good gravy, we do not even have the foggiest idea what she is like etc. A hardy welcome may be in order and a positive attitude. |
Well put, Advocate.
Posted by Ole1kanobe on Feb. 11 2004,10:30 pm
I've been listening to that scanner link and the most exciting thing I have heard tonight is a cop chasing a dog, a cop taking a cat to the pound and some girl called the cops because either she or her mother was slapping her husband/father.How many cops does AL have?
Posted by minnow on Feb. 12 2004,12:53 pm
It's really so simple. The reason AL is failing is because weve had the worst possible leadership for at least 30 years. AL makes life difficult for people. In many ways it's a rude, unfriendly police state that wants to make it difficult for new businesses to start up.
Frankly, with the exception Walmart, a business would have to be a few marbles short to invest money here. Many people in positions of authority feel the the law doesn't apply to them. When they are supported when they cheat and steal, we see that the law truely does not apply to them. No business, with the exception of Walmart can tolerate such a business climate.
Posted by rosebudinal on Feb. 12 2004,7:37 pm
We need to start demanding more from these people, after all they have been demanding more from us in the form of tax dollars year after year after year after year after year..... cpu slave that was probably the best statement that I have saw in this forum in months. I agree, and think that we as citizens should make it our motto!!!!!!!
Posted by Liberal on Feb. 13 2004,9:08 pm
For anyone that is wondering why the police scanner doesn't work. Or wondering why it's silent all the time. The reason it's silent is because there is nothing for them to do. I've noticed that there are times that they don't even speak for 30 mins. It seems to be a little busier on a friday night and at bar closing time but other than that there just isn't much going on other than traffic control and animal control.Anyone that listens to the scanner for a couple hours can tell that we have to many cops in Albert Lea for the amount of crime we have.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 13 2004,10:39 pm
That's right...the extra 12 officers are "drink police""we're the drink police and we're coming for you"---Cheap Trick
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 14 2004,12:39 am
Just for the heck of it, I looked up Ft. Morgan. It actually has more than 10,231 people, but I could not find any articales showing that Ms. Simonson was actually in charge of anything. I will keep looking. Did we pull another boneheaded deal Is anyone really checking on this woman? ;) And I don't mean just her physical attributes
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:29 pm
Yes here is the story< Fort Morgan Times >
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:40 pm
New Morgan council takes reins Author: BILL SPENCER
Date: January 14, 2004
Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO)
Times Editor
The reins have changed hands.
Newly elected Fort Morgan City Council members were sworn in Tuesday night in a reorganization meeting also highlighted by comments from new Mayor Jack Darnell and council members as well as outgoing Mayor Doug Trevithick and "old" council members.
Municipal Court Judge Ron Lebsack administered the oath of office to Darnell, Ward One Councilmen Terry McAlister and Mike Mese, Ward Two Councilwoman Terri Schafer and Ward Three
Posted by cpu_slave on Feb. 14 2004,2:41 pm
Reading an < editorial > from their paper, it looks like she can possibly get the ball rolling on the communication...It will be interesting to watch her try and make some changes around here, hopefully she can pull it off.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:46 pm
I don't know yet cpu do a search of her name and read article familiar as we have read here sounds like she will be part of the same ole sh1t.| Quote |
| La Porte's locker Community center not new Author: JOHN LA PORTE Date: December 23, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Sports Editor {SECTION}"We have all been here before. We have all been here before." {SECTION}-- "Deja Vu" Crosby, Stills, Nash (and Young?) {SECTION}------ No disrespect to Sink Combs Dethlefts of Denver; all the firm did was offer a service -- a study for a community center in Fort Morgan. But how badly does Fort Morgan need a community center -- or, for that matter, a $30,000 study for one -- with the City Council and staff singing the blues |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:48 pm
| Quote |
| Author: BILL SPENCER Date: December 17, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor A Fort Morgan community center feasibility study will be conducted -- at a cost of up to $30,000. City Council members awarded a contract to Sink Combs Dethlefts of Denver Tuesday night after several of the members noted they had received calls from residents concerned about the cost of the study. Councilwoman Alberta Simmons said she had "numerous calls," but that the big issue was spending the $30,000 for the study. In another matter a proposal to raise |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:52 pm
| Quote |
| Poe resigns city post Golf course panel to study proposal Author: BILL SPENCER Date: December 3, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor A community forum and formation of a Golf Course Redevelopment Ad Hoc Committee will be held Dec. 18 as the first formal step toward working with developers who are proposing a residential community around the Fort Morgan golf course. The forum will be held at 7 p.m. in the Morgan Community College Founders Room. It will be open to the more than 30 citizens who indicated a willingness to serve on a committee to assist with a possible feasibility study and all other members of |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,2:53 pm
| Quote |
| Out and about Executive session 'tap dance' Author: WILLIAM R. HOLLAND Date: November 21, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Publisher In my last column I informed you of the decision made by City Council in executive session Nov. 4 to return Tom McFarland and Vern Harbart to full-time status. If you remember, McFarland and Harbart are the two longtime city employees at the Fort Morgan golf course who had their livelihood threatened earlier when city staff made the decision to try and balance the books at the golf course by decreasing the weekly hours of the two men from 40 to 25 and taking away their |
Posted by minnow on Feb. 14 2004,2:54 pm
She'll be authorizing a $30,000 study for redeveloping downtown. I'm not waiting till it happens to say I've told you so. I've been correct so many times that I can even say that BEFORE it occurs!
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:05 pm
| Quote |
| Out and about Compassion or insensitivity? Author: WILLIAM R. HOLLAND Date: October 31, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Publisher Will our city and its leadership be viewed as a "City of Compassion" or a "City of Insensitivity"? You decide after reading my column today. Late last week I heard a rumble that effective Saturday two longtime employees at the Fort Morgan golf course will have their weekly hours cut from 40 to 25, their full-time status changed to part time and their health insurance premiums paid by the city eliminated since they will no longer be eligible for the |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:13 pm
| Quote |
| Salazar out as operator of home park Author: BILL SPENCER Date: October 22, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor Daniel Salazar, owner of the long-controversial mobile home park, no longer owns the right to operate the park. He was ordered by a unanimous Fort Morgan City Council vote Tuesday night to stop operation of the park at 601 S. Sherman St. effective with the vote. Mobile homes owned by others in the park may be kept there until Jan. 20, but if no license is issued for correct operation of the park by that date, all the mobile homes will have to be removed. This is the |
Posted by Liberal on Feb. 14 2004,3:19 pm
If she's willing to make staffing cuts to balance the budget I like her already.
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:19 pm
| Quote |
| Letter to the editor Date: July 9, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Dear Editor: This letter is in response to your article dated June 26 on growth and annexation. City Superintendent Victoria Simonsen says that developers want to build outside the city limits so they do not have to meet codes and pay the development costs charged by the city. This reveals itself as just another meandering thought generated by lack of facts and lack of City of Fort Morgan growth. According to our research with the Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, there was |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:21 pm
| Quote |
| Letter to the editor Date: July 9, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Dear Editor: This letter is in response to your article dated June 26 on growth and annexation. City Superintendent Victoria Simonsen says that developers want to build outside the city limits so they do not have to meet codes and pay the development costs charged by the city. This reveals itself as just another meandering thought generated by lack of facts and lack of City of Fort Morgan growth. According to our research with the Morgan County Planning and Zoning Department, there was |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:24 pm
| Quote |
| Golf course future unaffected with closing of Country Club Author: DAN BARKER and GABE SEMENZA Date: June 12, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Staff Writers Golfers need not worry about the future of the golf course with the closing of the Fort Morgan Country Club, which was decided Monday. The course is "open for play sunup to sundown," said City Superintendent Victoria Simonsen. However, she said she is disappointed and saddened at the decision to close the club. The city has worked cooperatively with the club for over a year to make both the club and the course successful. |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:27 pm
| Quote |
| Fast action eyed on land for industry Author: BILL SPENCER Date: May 14, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor Quick action by Fort Morgan City Council members is anticipated on proposed steps leading to future industrial park development. Action is likely at next Tuesday's business session on six of 10 recommendations suggested by City Superintendent Victoria Simonsen during a council work session Tuesday night. Mayor Doug Trevithick said he felt action could be taken "right away" on: Agreement that sales of industrial park property be handled on a case-by-case |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:29 pm
| Quote |
| Council denies rezoning request Author: BILL SPENCER Date: April 16, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor A request for rezoning a portion of a Fort Morgan couple's property which would have allowed for a day care center in the home was denied by City Council members Tuesday night. The request, made by Paul and Brenda Casias of 824 Wilson Ave., sought a change for a slice of their property from R-1 to R-2 zoning which would have matched the zoning of the rest of their land. If the rezoning had been approved, the Casiases would not have to seek approval for the day care |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:30 pm
| Quote |
| FM Airport layout plan looks 20 years in future Author: BILL SPENCER Date: March 26, 2003 Publication: Fort Morgan Times (CO) Times Editor A 20-year Fort Morgan Airport layout plan, highlighting a longer, "ultimate" runway, was described to City Council members at their work session Tuesday night. City Public Works Director Shawn Poe told council members the ultimate runway, which would be about 6,500 feet long -- 1,200-1,300 feet longer than the present runway -- is included in the plan for construction in 2008. It would be built just east of the current main runway and parallel to it and would |
Posted by GEOKARJO on Feb. 14 2004,3:43 pm
No dirt in the last year I say give the woman a chance to take hold of the reigns or as coach would say a chance to firmly place both hands on the plow
Posted by minnow on Feb. 14 2004,3:48 pm
One slight problem. We needed a city manager, yet they hired a economic development director. They told her, her main function would be "fixing up" downtown.
I'm not blaming her...I'm sure she's more normal that anyong here. I blame Eaton and company for being confused about job scopes.
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 14 2004,5:02 pm
Thank you for the research GEOKARJO, I had found some of the vague references to her. What I was hoping you would find, and I find alarmingly absent, is an offer to try to keep her, sadness that she is leaving, original ideas that were found to be newsworthy, and maybe even genuine affection for her. I have not found the editorial that cpu quoted yet. Is it a letter to the editor, or the editorial staff? I will go back and look some more. It does not sound like anyone cares if she goes, but I will concede it also does not sound like they can't wait to be rid of her like Pam and Sparky and Gabe. That is the only encouraging thing. I had a professor that always told me "C students rule the world", sounds like we are getting an average manager, which has to be a step-up
Posted by Nose for News on Feb. 15 2004,1:23 am
Date: Thursday, January 22, 2004FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from DEED (Dept of Employment and Economic Development)
Streaters/Natural Biologics, Albert Lea, $201,600.
Grant will serve 63 eligible dislocated workers from two Albert Lea-based manufacturers: Streaters, manufacturer of store fixtures and shelving, and Natural Biologics, pharmaceutical manufacturer. Individual career assessment and counseling, computer skills training, specialized workshops, on-the-job training, and supportive services will be available. Eligible dislocated workers can obtain services at the Albert Lea, Austin or Owatonna WorkForce Centers
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 15 2004,1:42 pm
Hey Nose for News, it is great that more people will get some relief from pain caused by further local opportunity deterioration, but when they get their retraining, a large amount of them will move away because there are not many places to work with their new skills in the surrounding area. This just keeps the cycle of "brain draining" going on here. Hopefully one or two of them will start something new that will grow, or some company will finally decide this place is worthy and has educated workers. I doubt it though, since one of the first people they will deal with moved a family business out of town.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 15 2004,2:31 pm
Believe me...this area has been brain drained dry many years ago...
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 15 2004,2:52 pm
Not really, you are still here, and so are others. Most of the people that post here seem really smart, (even if a little stoned), and suprisingly creative with their thinking. I can't help but believe that as the word spreads about this forum more people will use it, unless the Albert Lea thought police squad shuts it down. I wish there was a way to get the word out. I only learned about it last week. Probably no one in power wants it known about. I will tell everyone I know, and hopefully more users will join. There is a trend toward civil liberty infringement in this area, which I fear is going to cost us all a lot of money before it changes. A sharp tort attorney could make a lot of money in this town.
Posted by minnow on Feb. 15 2004,2:57 pm
You don't understand. I'm unique...I can make it in New York and LA. I'm a freak so to speak. Just because I'm here does not make this area smart. I've been all over the world and AL is actually about as dumb as you can get. Even villages in the mountains if India are filled with people more like me. You'd be surprised. Let me put it this way...this is an area of Geo's...LOL
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 15 2004,3:34 pm
We are all unique Minnow, though some of our thoughts are not. I too have been all over the world, and even though I have never been to a village in India, I have worked in small villages in some pretty poor countries, so you know that you are just goofing again. Most places in the world the general population cannot even read. We might not have as high an average IQ as urban areas that tend to attract the really bright with opportunities, but we are not by any means an area of dolts and idiots. I have met some really wise people here, as well as some really well educated. Most of them choose to live here, and do not feel trapped. Why? I don't really understand all the time, it can be exasperating watching the local leaders chase their tails so often, but most of them do it to remain close to those that they love. As I have said before, the place grows on you, as you must know, because you are here too. Having seen the world, you know that there are prettier places, with more to do, yet you are here.
No one would live in this cold weather year after year if you did not find something to keep you here. It is easier for you to find your favorite cannabis in a warmer area after all LOL
Posted by minnow on Feb. 15 2004,4:18 pm
Well, I should inform you that I moved about 1.5 years ago and it was one of the best moves I've made in the last 10 years. I've saved many thousands in taxes as well. AL is deader than dead. Weaker than weak. I don't see that changing anytime soon. It's a city that's grown accustomed to poor service and bad attidudes.
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 15 2004,4:37 pm
Well I am sorry that you are gone. I bet we could have hung out and been friends. I know that a lot of really cool people I know have moved away and that worries me. If I decide to leave will I even be able to sell my house? I like to party, but not all the time You sound like a little bit more of the constant party type, but I have known some good people like that. ;) Did you move because of tax, or just the overall attitude? Just curious. Not judging. I have been ashamed of some of the stuff here like the persecution of Mr. Prinzing (Sp?) and the cronyism of people like the Schwabs, who I used to support until she took private property and then turned it around like she was right and the guy who she took it from was wrong. Then they created work for her because she lost? I have to agree that this place is weird sometimes. If people don't agree with something someone does for a living, but the living is legal, don't hate them because they are good at it. I think the fact he employs people here should be appreciated and that it is cool that he speaks out. Too many don't. I thought he was wrong about Schwab, but she proved him right.
Anyway, send me a private message if you are going to be in town, I'll buy you a beer
Did you move someplace warmer?
Posted by minnow on Feb. 15 2004,4:49 pm
I don't drink.
Posted by MrTarzan on Feb. 15 2004,5:08 pm
Actually I was not talking about using cannabis, but having a couple of cocktails as partying. Sorry, I did not realize you did not drink. I respect that. Most people throughout my family use cannabis from time to time, and some of them maybe too much, but I don't really care for it. I can get sleepy and hungry in others ways faster, like making love. I did not mean to offend you, sorry if I did. What is OCD? Is it like glacoma(sp?)? I know a woman in Blue Earth that has glacoma and gets to buy prescription marijaunna. Is yours prescription too- or are you just a rebel?
Posted by Nose for News on Feb. 28 2004,11:15 pm
I've been told this company was started in Albert Lea by a former Streaters employee. They left and went to Lake Mills. Somebody tell me it ain't so. Anybody know anything about this ?
DRAS Cases Inc.
DRAS Cases Inc. is a manufacturer of retail store fixtures and commercial casework. We provide cabinets to various industries including retail, restaurant, healthcare, corporate, hospitality and others.
DRAS Cases specializes in laminated products as well as veneer, solid surface, glass and other materials per our customers specifications.
We offer design, fabrication and installation services. DRAS Cases has earned a reputation for dependability, exceptional quality and outstanding customer service. We take pride in our quick turnarounds and high standards. Contact DRAS Cases today to find innovative solutions for all your fixturing needs and superior craftsmanship in the products we offer.
DRAS Cases Inc.
880 North Lake Street
Lake Mills
IA 50450
Phone: 641/592-3333 Ext.
Fax: 641/592-3339
E-mail: dras@wctatel.net
Website:
Contact Person: Dean Rasmusson
Posted by Grinning_Dragon on Feb. 28 2004,11:38 pm
Yeah,Dean Rassmusson use to work at Streaters, he left a few years later, after I did. Don't know all of the ins and outs on details as to why he left, but it all boiled down to him starting his own business.
Besides Streaters is going to hell in a hand basket.
Posted by Nose for News on Feb. 29 2004,12:29 pm
I wish him luck. It looks like the company did have contact with Greater Jobs people.Albert Lea Campus Foundation
Board of Directors 2001-02
Executive Committee
Paul Amann, President, Larson Allen Weishair & Co.
Robert Sturtz, Vice President, Goldman, Sturtz & Halvorson
Dr. Craig McCormick, Secretary, Albert Lea Eye Clinic/Mayo Health System Doreen Dieser, Treasurer, Hammer, Dieser & Mangskau
Board Members
Pam Bishop, Greater Jobs, Inc.
Mick Delger, Albert Lea Electric
Dan Dorman, Hanson Tire
Terry Kvenvold, Interstate Motor Trucks, Inc.
Al Larson, Larson Contracting, Inc.
LuAnn Mannes, North Iowa Mercy Health Center - Westside Pharmacy
Amy Petersen, DRAS Cases
Judy Verdoorn, Home Federal
For more information about Foundation
programs or the art of giving, contact:
Heidi Schara, Foundation Executive Director
Riverland Community College
(507) 433-0508
Posted by rosebudinal on Mar. 01 2004,7:37 pm
Dean Rasmussen did start his industry in Iowa once he left Streaters, it has been over 5 years.