Topic: Local Industry
started by: greenbeans56007
Posted by greenbeans56007 on Jul. 07 2014,8:08 am
Driving thru Owatonna over the weekend and looking at all the Large Companies. Why can't Albert Lea do this. I know its an age old question....but, really?
Posted by the breeze on Jul. 07 2014,8:45 am
watch a city council meeting.
Posted by Twiggs50 on Jul. 07 2014,8:45 am
Because they want us to be a retirement community. That was decided years ago and it hasn't changed.
Posted by greenbeans56007 on Jul. 07 2014,9:11 am
retirement?...how can a town survive on that?What can I do to make a difference?
Posted by Joink on Jul. 07 2014,10:29 am
Start spending more of your money locally and get involved in community projects. Support candidates that agree with your philosophy(don't be afraid to donate some money) 
. Be frank and honest. You don't have to agree with everyone. Point out fault, but also bring a solution or a willingness to work on one. Stop the negativity surrounding this community. Work to build positive relationships with government officials and the business community. This is just a start.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 07 2014,12:23 pm
Though not local Greenbeans, taxes are a big part of the problem. Look at the companies that are ditching the US to save millions of dollars they would have paid in taxes. Can't blame them either.< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 07 2014,3:12 pm
Offshoring should have consequences. Import tarriffs, perhaps?
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 07 2014,3:48 pm
^^ perhaps, but usually it's the consumer who ultimately pays the tariff
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 07 2014,3:50 pm
How about a company like Medtronic? They just recently aquired a company in Ireland, land of 12.5% corperate tax as opposed to our35%.How About that tariff?
Posted by Moparman on Jul. 07 2014,7:44 pm
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 07 2014,12:23 pm)
QUOTE
Though not local Greenbeans, taxes are a big part of the problem. Look at the companies that are ditching the US to save millions of dollars they would have paid in taxes. Can't blame them either.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
Can't blame them, huh? So you condone tax evasion? So it's acceptable that a company uses this counties infrastructure, turns a profit from it's tax paying citizens, provides compensation so low that it's employees are onfood stamps and welfare paid for by the taxpayer, all so they can open a p.o box in another country to avoid taxes?
You really believe that's ok?
Who do you think pays for this lost tax revenue?
Truly pathetic!
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 08 2014,5:02 am
(Moparman @ Jul. 07 2014,7:44 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 07 2014,12:23 pm)
QUOTE
Though not local Greenbeans, taxes are a big part of the problem. Look at the companies that are ditching the US to save millions of dollars they would have paid in taxes. Can't blame them either.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
Can't blame them, huh? So you condone tax evasion? So it's acceptable that a company uses this counties infrastructure, turns a profit from it's tax paying citizens, provides compensation so low that it's employees are onfood stamps and welfare paid for by the taxpayer, all so they can open a p.o box in another country to avoid taxes?
You really believe that's ok?
Who do you think pays for this lost tax revenue?
Truly pathetic!
These companies are playing by the rules that have been set, no "evasion" has been committed. I'm sure they have tons lawyers accountants and lobbyist working on their behalf to make sure they are within the law.
So when you file your taxes do you tell your preparer that you should pay more? Do you deduct your union dues??? I would think by your thinking that you would be "evading" taxes if you do.
Are you one of the dumbass morons that get a refund every year? Making an interest free loan to the gov. every year? Wouldn't that refund be an ill gotten gain with your thinking?
When you shop for a large ticket item do you compare prices?
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 08 2014,5:18 am
Here's a big reason Owatonna's way head of Albert Lea.< http://www.owatonnaincubator.com >
You might like this one too.
< http://minnesotabusiness.com/big-business-owatonzna >
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 08 2014,7:57 am
Back when the Interstate Highway System opened, and the intersection of I-90 and I-35 was touted as being THE thing that would make Albert Lea super-profitable, Owatonna and Faribault had populations around 12,000 souls, while A.L. and Austin were hovering around 20 to 25 thousand people. Fast-forward to now, and both towns down here are stagnant, population-wise, while O-town and Faribault are booming, teeming with industry and growth. You have to ask yourself, how did Albert Lea screw that up?
Posted by Joink on Jul. 08 2014,8:20 am
Albert Lea is not in "The Egg". The egg is the area stretching from Mankato - Owatonna - Rochester - Twin Cities and St. Cloud. This is the industrial/manufacturing area of the state that gets the most attention.Albert Lea is not included.
Posted by usmcr on Jul. 08 2014,8:32 am
s/b slight correction:< http://minnesotabusiness.com/big-business-owatonna >
excellent article, well worth reading! imho freeborn countys big problem is the decline in population. without a viable workforce not only is the attraction for new business difficult but the growth of the county as a whole in decline. this has been the trend for a number of years & i for one see no let up in the decline. this is evident in the situation at our local hospital & clinic with the problem of retaining or hiring doctors. we simply do not have the cultural, shopping, dining or entertainment facilities to attract them.
Posted by Glad I Left on Jul. 08 2014,9:14 am
So do you build the attractions to attract business, or business to get the attractions?Chicken/egg...
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 08 2014,9:42 am
^^That's pretty much it, which comes first?
Posted by grassman on Jul. 09 2014,6:53 am
It used to be demographics, that lured a business to locate. Somewhere along the line they were trained, or maybe they did the training, that who ever gives the biggest handout.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 09 2014,8:19 am
^^yep, sad ain't it? 
Posted by twingroves on Jul. 09 2014,9:18 am
this is what happens when you got dumb ass people running the town
Posted by Common Citizen on Jul. 15 2014,10:23 pm
There are so many things Albert Lea should have been doing for the last 50 years. It takes time and money and a leader with a vision and the will to make tough decisions. It would take a do-er...an " can do" type of person.There is absolutely no reason why Albert Lea could not be a destination like an Okoboji or a town with a growing workforce like Owatonna. The problem is that the voters are satisfied with their little "berg" just the way it is (crooked city leaders and all) and that's ok because no one is forced to stay and the opportunities outside of Albert Lea are abundant.
Posted by greenbeans on Jul. 25 2014,1:20 pm
I do believe it is possible to move forward to create a better work environment within the City. Who has the balls to step up?
Posted by ALAngst on Jul. 26 2014,12:37 pm
(greenbeans @ Jul. 25 2014,1:20 pm)
QUOTE
I do believe it is possible to move forward to create a better work environment within the City
. Who has the balls to step up?
. Who has the balls to step up?
It wouldn't matter. Whoever stepped up would be trampled, and even by posters on this site. To step up would take someone who's bold, a visionary, someone who would be above the fray and offer ideas that conflict with the normal year to year mode to which this city is accustomed. And most people would run back to the safe, run-of-the-mill officials, because they know what they get with them. It's up to a younger generation to say we're not taking this anymore, but the smartest among them have already left.
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 26 2014,5:01 pm
Albert Lea is a friendly and safe city with a very low crime rate.. Homes continue to be built and we have one of the nicest court houses and really cool high school..What am I missing?
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 26 2014,6:58 pm
Many empty commercial buildings and sites < shovel ready >.
Posted by MADDOG on Jul. 26 2014,6:59 pm
Previous picture compliments of Liberal.
Posted by grassman on Jul. 27 2014,2:38 am
(alcitizens @ Jul. 26 2014,5:01 pm)
QUOTE
Albert Lea is a friendly and safe city with a very low crime rate.. Homes continue to be built and we have one of the nicest court houses and really cool high school..
What am I missing?
What am I missing?
Well, sometimes what you think you have, you get something totally different.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 28 2014,5:20 am
Now it'll become tougher for Albert Lea or any other city in the state to attract business. < http://www.businessmanagementdaily.com/39763...er-hour >
Posted by Moparman on Jul. 29 2014,4:28 pm
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 08 2014,5:02 am)
QUOTE
(Moparman @ Jul. 07 2014,7:44 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 07 2014,12:23 pm)
QUOTE
Though not local Greenbeans, taxes are a big part of the problem. Look at the companies that are ditching the US to save millions of dollars they would have paid in taxes. Can't blame them either.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
< http://m.us.wsj.com/article...obile=y >
Also to have any promise of a decent company moving in a competent work force is needed.
Can't blame them, huh? So you condone tax evasion? So it's acceptable that a company uses this counties infrastructure, turns a profit from it's tax paying citizens, provides compensation so low that it's employees are onfood stamps and welfare paid for by the taxpayer, all so they can open a p.o box in another country to avoid taxes?
You really believe that's ok?
Who do you think pays for this lost tax revenue?
Truly pathetic!
These companies are playing by the rules that have been set, no "evasion" has been committed. I'm sure they have tons lawyers accountants and lobbyist working on their behalf to make sure they are within the law.
So when you file your taxes do you tell your preparer that you should pay more? Do you deduct your union dues??? I would think by your thinking that you would be "evading" taxes if you do.
Are you one of the dumbass morons that get a refund every year? Making an interest free loan to the gov. every year? Wouldn't that refund be an ill gotten gain with your thinking?
When you shop for a large ticket item do you compare prices?
Oh I'm sure it's within the law. But, it's a loophole in the law that hopefully will be closed soon. Just because something is "technically" legal does not necessarily mean it is right.
No I don't tell my preparer that I want to pay more. I don't deduct my union dues. I just want to pay my fair share. But, with every inversion deal that happens my "fair" share will increase because the money has to come from somewhere, right? As usual you never answered that question.
Sure I get a small tax refund. Take the family on a nice vacation every year with it. With my high union income I don't miss it. With interest rates so incredibly low it's just not worth the hassle to adjust my withholdings.
Sure I compare prices when I buy high ticket items. But, price is only ONE of many things I consider. Very rarely do I buy the lowest priced item. I buy on overall value. Just like everything you get what you pay for.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 29 2014,6:05 pm
^^^Let me guess, you're one of those "zero liability voters"
Posted by grassman on Jul. 29 2014,8:14 pm
^^^ cheap...
Posted by alcitizens on Jul. 30 2014,2:41 am
When I lived in Atlanta, GA I was burglarized once and had my car stolen.. While working as a desk clerk in a motel on Interstate 75 I had a gun put in my face so close I could smell gun powder while the other guy kept swinging a knife at me.. They got caught and spent a few years in prison..I'll stick with Albert Lea until I die of natural causes.. Thank you..
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2014,4:12 am
(grassman @ Jul. 29 2014,8:14 pm)
QUOTE
^^^ cheap...
But oh so true.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 30 2014,9:33 am
Warning ignored...
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2014,11:11 am
^^^ another raging progressive.
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 30 2014,3:02 pm
Yes, because NOT concentrating all the wealth at the top would be a bad thing... 
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2014,3:44 pm
...and redistributing wealth through means of the gov will work???Just as
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 30 2014,4:25 pm
We're already redistributing the wealth upward via the government. Nobody ever seems to bitch about that. But the mere suggestion of the opposite, and some of you blow a gasket.
Posted by grassman on Jul. 30 2014,4:58 pm
I just heard on the radio yesterday, $750 a bleeder seat for Paul McCartney. Yeah, the average Joe gets to go. 
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 30 2014,7:24 pm
^^^appearently what the market will bear,Amazing how that works
Posted by Botto 82 on Jul. 31 2014,8:28 am
The market isn't bearing anything. Have you looked at consumer debt figures lately? Debt is the new money.
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 31 2014,10:44 am
I personally try to avoid consumer debt but as long as the dipsh!ts keep putting charges away on trinkets I'm happy
Posted by Common Citizen on Jul. 31 2014,3:23 pm
(grassman @ Jul. 30 2014,4:58 pm)
QUOTE
I just heard on the radio yesterday, $750 a bleeder seat for Paul McCartney. Yeah, the average Joe gets to go.
If the Blue Grassman Band could command $750 a ticket, you'd do the same. And if you really felt bad about it you could always tell people you will don't $700 of it to charity.
nuff said...
Posted by grassman on Jul. 31 2014,5:47 pm
(Common Citizen @ Jul. 31 2014,3:23 pm)
QUOTE
(grassman @ Jul. 30 2014,4:58 pm)
QUOTE
I just heard on the radio yesterday, $750 a bleeder seat for Paul McCartney. Yeah, the average Joe gets to go.
If the Blue Grassman Band could command $750 a ticket, you'd do the same. And if you really felt bad about it you could always tell people you will don't $700 of it to charity.
nuff said...
I do not believe in gouging. PERIOD!
Posted by Self-Banished on Jul. 31 2014,6:31 pm
^^^the term "gouging" is so subjective.
Posted by Self-Banished on Aug. 01 2014,1:54 pm
< http://m.jsonline.com/269292661.html >< http://m.host.madison.com/wsj...ch=true >
Posted by Moparman on Aug. 16 2014,3:49 pm
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 29 2014,6:05 pm)
QUOTE
^^^Let me guess, you're one of those "zero liability voters"
Oh no, my tax man says the IRS loves us with our high income and few deductions. We have always paid in significantly more than than we get back. Someone has to pay for all the corporate welfare going on.
Posted by Self-Banished on Aug. 16 2014,3:54 pm
(Moparman @ Aug. 16 2014,3:49 pm)
QUOTE
(Self-Banished @ Jul. 29 2014,6:05 pm)
QUOTE
^^^Let me guess, you're one of those "zero liability voters"
Oh no, my tax man says the IRS loves us with our high income and few deductions. We have always paid in significantly more than than we get back. Someone has to pay for all the corporate welfare going on.
Yeah, right pal.