Buersken joins Edina Realty Baxter
BAXTER Edina Realty, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, recently announced Eric Buersken joined its Baxter sales office. Buersken is an 18-year resident of Brainerd, where he lives with his family. Buersken was previously self-employed as a truck driver for 11 years. Buersken specializes in working with first-time homebuyers, experienced buyers and sellers and new construction homes.
Bacher Joins Big Stone Therapies
BAXTER – Heather Bacher recently joined the administrative staff at Big Stone Therapies in Baxter. Bacher was raised in the Twin Cities.
She received a diploma in medical transcription from Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie.
Fine Line hosts training
The Fine Line Salon & Spa of Brainerd recently had an Aveda Skincare and Makeup class at its salon. The Oct.
27 class was taught by Aveda educator Jasmine Seuling.
CRMC rotates 3 interim oncologists
CROSBY – Three interim oncologists are now treating patients on a rotating basis at Cuyuna Regional Medical Center in Crosby as the organization continues to partner with the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to recruit a permanent medical oncologist. Dr. Antonio Fontelonga, has more than 37 years of internal medicine experience combined with 20 years of oncology and hematology practice. His articles have been published in numerous medical journals and he has served as academic faculty at the University of Nevada Oncology Program.
Dr. Thomas Flynn, a hematologist/oncologist from Minneapolis, who is also the medical director and chairman of the U.S. Oncology Network’s National Policy Board. He has more than 28 years experience in private practice and teaching at the University of Minnesota. Dr.
Sanda Morar, is a medical oncologist and medical director of the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute – Cambridge Medical Center. She is board-certified in medical oncology and has more than 19 years of experience. Since 2010, CRMC has partnered with the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to provide oncology care to Crosby area residents. The partnership and program is designed around a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, including access to outstanding surgical care, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists.
Schwendeman presents at real estate summit
Chad Schwendeman, broker/owner of Exit Lakes Realty Premier, Baxter, was a guest speaker at the Mastermind Real Estate Summit in Atlantic City, N.J. Schwendeman spoke on how to build a successful real estate career.
Other speakers included Motivational speaker Tony Robbins and Barbara Corcoran from ABC’s “Shark Tank.” The event was Nov.
2-5 at the Borgata Hotel and Casino. More than 2,500 real estate and mortgage professionals from across the country attended.
Lakes Urology Clinic relocated to Essentia Health – Brainerd Clinic
The urology team, which includes Drs. Eric Chapman, Bradley Qualey, Scott Wheeler and physician assistant Jessica Brandl, relocated from the Lakes Urology Clinic across the street to the first floor of the Essentia Health Brainerd Clinic, 2024 S Sixth St., Nov.
3. The relocation was made possible following the recent renovations of the Brainerd Clinic. In addition to more privacy for patients, convenience was also a goal offering patients easier access to all the services and specialties housed at the newly renovated Essentia Health St. Joseph’s-Brainerd Clinic. Other new services also being offered on the first floor of the Brainerd Clinic include nephrology, rheumatology and pain management.
The urology team diagnoses and treats a wide variety of urological conditions in children, as well as both men and women from kidney stones to urinary incontinence to male infertility. Urology patients are asked to check in at the main registration desk 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment time to get familiar with the new environment.
Jarvis gains recognition
LITTLE FALLS – LuAnn Jarvis, Morrison County Veteran’s Services is the Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce November Employee of the Month. Javis has worked for Morrison County Veteran’s Services office for almost 11 years.
“LuAnn has been commended by community veterans and their families for her outstanding professional efforts and customer service,” said Kathy Marshik, in a news release. “She works diligently to ensure the needs of customers are met in a compassionate, courteous and efficient manner. She often goes above and beyond her required duties. LuAnn not only addresses the immediate need, but looks outside the box to strategize how to improve welfare of a veteran, dependents and widows.”
Marshik said Javis’ “expertise and her pleasant, caring, friendly personality and flexible communication skills have been a huge contribution to the County and the success of the Veterans Service Office.”
Jarvis stated she enjoys helping veterans and their families and was thankful for the recognition.
MicroNet announces new employees
NISSWA MicroNet Inc., the market leader of member management software and services recently welcomed three new employees to its team – Andy Kadlec, Paul Schmalenberg and Mindy Ostrander. Kadlec joined the company as an account manager. He has more than 12 years of experience in customer technical support. He majored in anthropology and business management at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Additionally, he served on the board of directors for the United Way of Duluth and is a Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
Schmalenberg is an account manager. He has an associate degree in communication and design from Central Lakes College. He most recently worked in Business Support for TDS (Telephone and Data Systems). Ostrander works in the Web Services department as a project manager. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth. Her previous experience includes working for Broadridge Advisor Solutions as a website help desk specialist. She has a strong background in education and is fluent in French.
With headquarters in Nisswa, MicroNet, Inc., develops membership management software like ChamberMaster and MemberZone for over 2,200 member-based organizations nationwide.
Weichert Realtors attend convention
Weichert Realtors – Tower Properties, with offices in Brainerd and Waite Park, participated in the Weichert National Convention in Orlando, Fla., with nearly 600 fellow participants comprised of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates, Inc. franchise owners, brokers, managers and agents from more than 240 offices across 36 states. At The Caribe Royale Orlando Hotel and Convention Center from Oct.
7-9, the convention included speakers who provided insights and best practices to help participants grow their businesses. The roster of speakers also provided information on market trends, advice for real estate success and inspiration for professional growth. The speakers included Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Olympic Medal winner and world champion, who motivated attendees with her talk, “The Power Within You.” Other sessions featured industry experts such as David Knox, real estate negotiation and sales trainer; Stefan Swanepoel, best-selling author and Industry trends expert; and chief economist Lawrence Yun with the National Association of Realtors.
Other motivational speakers included Matt Ferrara, philosopher and photographer, and Hal Elrod, best-selling author and success coach. Manager Chris Jacques attended with Tim Bosch, Dan Kavanaugh, Travis Banks, Trista Oseland, Carolyn Olson and Michelle Rodahl. Other convention highlights included a marketing panel, which discussed trends in such areas as social media, traditional marketing, and agent ratings and rankings. During breakout sessions, participants dove deep into new tools and programs and other popular real estate topics, such as industry insights by Zillow Group. Participants also recognized the network’s top agents, offices and companies.
Surgeons Henson, Lenz join Lakewood Health System
STAPLES – Dr. Craig Henson and Dr. Jay Lenz, both general surgeons, are the newest members of Lakewood Health System’s medical provider team. Originally from Battle Creek, Mich., Henson completed the physician assistant program at Cornell University Medical College, and received his medical degree from University College in Dublin, Ireland. His residency was done at Bassett Medical Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.
A board-certified general surgeon, Henson started his surgical practice and taught medical students and residents as a member of the Bassett Medical Center faculty for the past six years. He belongs to the American College of Surgeons and the Association of American Physicians and Surgeons. Henson has a special interest in the trauma and teaching aspects of general surgery. Henson said he moved with his family to Minnesota to return to his Midwest roots. Henson’s wife Lisa is a physician assistant.
Having provided surgical care at Lakewood on a part-time basis for several years, Lenz began his full-time practice at Lakewood in August. Originally from the Twin Cities, Lenz completed his undergraduate work, and received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. His residency was done at the University of North Dakota. Lenz served in the United States Navy as an active duty surgeon in Jacksonville, Fla. He was also a ship surgeon on the USS Saratoga.
A board-certified general surgeon, Lenz has practiced mainly out of the Duluth area, where he not only practiced as a general surgeon, but also taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth for third and fourth year medical students. He has earned prestigious awards, such as the Alpha Omega Alpha Volunteer Teacher of the Year, Lake Superior Medical Society Teacher of the Year in 2008, and was honored as a four-time “Top Doctor” as chosen by his peers for Duluth-Superior Magazine. Lenz said he would like to see Lakewood expand and grow the surgery program with a variety of different surgeries, more minimally-invasive procedures, and continue to add surgeons to the team.
Deadline for forage, grazing approaches
The deadline to file hay (forage), pasture (grazing) and any fall seedings with the Crow Wing, Cass, Aitkin and Itasca counties is Nov.
15. This for crops that growers/farmers/ranchers will have in 2016. There is a late file fee (average of $46 per farm) and spot checks that would have to be completed for those filing after the deadline. The new ARCPLC program has a requirement that all cropland on a farm must be reported on the FSA-578 (acreage report) in order for a payment to be received, if one is determined.
Contact the Baxter FSA Office at 218-829-5965 Ext 2, to schedule an appointment to come in and file.
Tri-County hosts women’s health event
WADENA – The 2015 Women’s Day Out event drew more than 600 women participating. The Tri-County Health Care’s women’s health event was Nov.
1 at Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School in Wadena.
“We met our goal to enhance Women’s Day Out and empower females ages 8-88,” said Matt Jensen, Tri-County Health Care marketing manager in a news release. Women were encouraged to visit the educational booths, enjoy the breakout sessions and even learn a cooking trick or two from Carisa Rasmussen, Fox 9/Lifestyle Expert. “The day was dedicated to providing women in our communities with fun and practical ways to improve their everyday lifestyles,” said Amy Kern, Tri-County Health Care events coordinator.
Women could choose to attend two of four sessions including “Good Period. Bad Period. And a Bladder with a Mind of Its Own.” This session was an intimate, interactive conversation with Jennifer Arnhold, MD, OB/GYN, Laura DuChene, MD and Tina Hulse, PA-C; “Changing Your Body from the Inside Out” was presented by Carisa Rasmussen, Fox 9/Lifestyle Expert; She shared lifestyle hints and a cooking demonstration; “We All Have Bruises” presented by Jil Fiemeyer who told her story about how surviving the death of her daughter taught her how to live a purposefully-driven life; and “Healthy By Choice” an interactive session led by Sara Stone, TCHC Health Promotions and Social Services Manager, Miranda Weakland, TCHC Nutrition Services Manager, and Beth Motschenbacher, Maslowski Wellness and Research Center Group Fitness Instructor. The day concluded with Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013, and Kat Perkins, “The Voice” Top 5 Finalist, sharing their individual stories. With her genuine and warm style, Mallory started the keynote session with “The Pendulum Swing: Expectation vs. Reality” inspiring women to be authentic to themselves.
Kat Perkins continued to inspire women with her presentation “Dream It. Do it.” sharing her journey from Scranton, North Dakota to competing on NBC’s “The Voice” and reminding women that they can live fearlessly and do anything they set their minds to. She concluded the event with a musical performance that included her newest single, Fearless. Immediately following their presentations, both women were available for an autograph and photo session. This year’s event was hosted at Wadena-Deer Creek Middle/High School and sponsored by Tri-County Health Care Foundation, Tri-County Health Care Auxiliary and Tri-County Health Care.
Nominees sought to honor during Small Business Week
The Minnesota District Office is seeking exceptional companies and hard-working individuals to honor during Small Business Week 2016. The office is looking for nominees in the following categories who will be honored at an event in May, 2016. Small Business Awards (minimum three year track record, except family owned).
Small Business Person of the Year – Any small business.
Small Business Exporter of the Year – Any small business that engaged in exporting.
SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year – A small business that has as a majority owner a person who will not reach age 30 before June 1, 2016.
Veteran Small Business of the Year – A small business that is 51 percent or more owned by a veteran.
Encore Entrepreneur of the Year – A small business that is owned by an individual who started the business after age 50.
Women Owned Small Business – A small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more women.
Minority Owned Small Business – A small business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more minority persons.
Family-Owned Small Business – A small family-owned business that has been passed from one generation to another and has a minimum 15-year track record.
Champion Awards
Minority Small Business Champion – Supported the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business ownership.
Women in Business Champion – Supported the advancement of women’s business ownership.
Veteran Small Business Champion – Fulfilled a commitment of advancing small business opportunities for veterans.
Go to www.sba.gov/mn1 for a complete listing of the nomination guidelines and the criteria upon which each category will be judged. The Small Business Person of the Year will compete with other state winners from around the United States for the National award. The Minnesota Small Business Exporter of the Year will also compete for the Region V (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Ohio) award and possibly the National award. Go to https://nationalsmallbusinessweek.sba.gov/user2 for more information about the bout National Small Business can be found at. For more information, contact Twila Kennedy at 612-370-2300.
EVENTS
Cuyuna Lakes Chamber to host annual meeting, Business After Hours
CROSBY – The Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting will be hosted in conjunction with its November Business After Hours event. The event is 5-7 p.m. Nov.
17, at the Bridge Tavern, 26969 Minnesota Highway 6, Crosby.
Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served along with raffle prizes. At this meeting, the chamber will be asking its members to vote for four board members to serve a three-year term from January 2016 to December 2018. Please note that only one person representing each business can vote, so designate the person that will be placing the vote in person. The following board of director candidates have been placed in nomination: Dan Brown – Country Inn – Deerwood; Rick Coccie – Deerwood American Legion; Matt Larson (incumbent) – GuidePoint Pharmacy; Tom Martin (incumbent) – Red Rock Radio; Peggy Stebbins (incumbent) – Cuyuna Regional Medical Center; Nikki Vang – Deerwood True Value.
For more information about the candidates and to register, contact the chamber office at 218-546-8131 or email
Soup’s on in the Cuyuna Lakes join the businesses that are cooking up their favorite soups to share from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec.
12. Stop in, sample free homemade soups, register for prizes, vote for favoritea and build your own cookbook. Participants are welcome to arrive with friends for a free lunch and collect all the recipe cards.
The 7th Annual Soup Walk is another initiative of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber. For more information or questions, call the chamber office at 218-546-8131.
Lakewood Health System to host surgical services open house
STAPLES Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors in the operating room? The surgical services department at Lakewood Health System will be hosting a free open house for the public from 4-7 p.m., Nov.
19, at Lakewood’s Main Campus, 49725 County Highway 83, Staples.
The open house will feature tours of the operating rooms and outpatient areas, an opportunity to meet the surgical staff and surgeons, see and use surgical instruments, interactive fun for the kids and refreshments. No RSVP is required. For more information, call 218-894-8579. Look for signs when enter the building for directions at the open house.
Cuyuna Chamber to celebrate Christmas in the Park
Celebrate the fellowship of the Christmas season during the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber of
Commerce’s Christmas in the Park from 4-7 p.m., Dec.
2 at the Crosby Memorial Park. The event includes a live nativity, horse-drawn sleigh rides, craft projects for the kids and live entertainment. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be on hand, so participants are invited to bring their cameras and their wish lists.
This is a free community event and another initiative of the Cuyuna Lakes Chamber.
Carlson, Boran present info on travels to Cuba
Lakes Area Unlimited Learning invites you to a visit from Sharon Carlson and David Boran, both recent travelers hooked on Cuba. Carlson, a retired teacher, traveled to Cuba two weeks before diplomatic relations were resumed in 2014. She will share her impressions of Havana, its performing arts, economy, emerging middle class, educational achievements, historic architecture and Spanish influence. Boran, an accomplished photographer, has been there three times with an exchange between U.S. and Cuban photographers which gave him unique access to the arts and
permission to photograph everyday life in towns and rural areas in which many tourists have been restricted. Together, Carlson and Boran’s perceptions and photos will bring to light a captivating and complicated Cuba.
The event is 1:30-3:30 p.m. Nov.
10 at Heartwood Senior Living in Crosby. Non-members are welcome at a cost of $5. Go to unlimitedlearning.net for more information.
WORKSHOP
Thrivent Financial presents estate planning workshop
LITTLE FALLS – Thrivent Financial is hosting a free educational workshop on estate preservation. Called “Estate Strategy Essentials,” the one-hour workshop is planned at 3 p.m., Nov.
11, at the Little Falls Senior Center, 510 Seventh St.NE, Little Falls. The workshop is being presented by Carlyle Olsen, financial associate with Thrivent Financial. The “Estate Strategy Essentials” workshop helps participants understand the essential elements of any good estate strategy: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, charitable giving, living wills, and medical powers of attorney.
For more information, contact Olsen at 320-632-1655.
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