Cass County Economic Development Corporation

SUCCESS STORIES

The Cass County EDC has provided assistance to approximately 200 businesses in the past five years. Each month, the EDC offers small business counseling to around 30 businesses. This assistance usually consists of loan packaging, coordination of financing and the use of public loan funds. In some cases, the EDC helps to coordinate Tax Increment Financing plans or JOBZ designations for cities where the businesses will be locating. The following is a list of some of the business projects completed:

A & B Manufacturing Furniture manufacturing company A & B Furniture, formerly of Saint Cloud, is now located in Pine River’s Industrial Park. Owners Allan and Brenda Wiener, doing business as “Down to Earth Wood” manufacture traditional styles of wood furniture. They employ 7 – 10 workers. Their products can be found in the Lakes Area Crafters Market.    

Anchorage Inn, Jeff Knuf and Larry Gavin, owners of the Anchorage Inn in Longville, completed a renovation/remodel project of the inn. The EDC assisted in putting together the SBA package for this project.

Backwoods Furniture Owner Char Johnson relocated her furniture manufacturing operations to Sylvan Township in southern Cass County.  Their four year old business was formerly in a leased building and needed more space.    Backwoods manufacturers and wholesale’s a variety of finished and unfinished furniture styles.  The move allowed them to expand their up-north and log furniture lines.  The EDC worked with Backwoods Furniture on their business planning, financing and securing the permits with Sylvan Township.  The total project cost was $406,000 and was financed by Bremer Bank in Brainerd.

Bear Pause Theatre, the Bear Pause Theatre in Hackensack opened its doors spring 2006. The theatre has 4 screens, seats 512 and employs nine workers. Owner Kevin Larson invested nearly $2 million for the project, including financing coordinated by EDC (provided by Bank Forward and the Initiative Foundation) and a Tax Increment Financing Plan for the city of Hackensack.

Birch Lake Cabin Wear, a retail clothing store that offers a variety of shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jackets, and fleece wear opened for business in the spring of 2007. We are pleased to announce that this business provides 3 new jobs for the Hackensack area. Owner Denny Ganz stated that the EDC was “very helpful and complete” in putting together a cash flow projection and business plan.

Birdie’s Nest
A new family daycare will be opening in Pike Bay township near Cass Lake.  Birdie’s Nest  owners Roberta and Leland Lord plan to open their daycare in a newly built  facility after the first of the year. The EDC assisted the Lords in securing a bank loan and structuring their pricing and business plan. Financing for the construction of their new building was through Western Bank of Cass Lake. The Lords will  employ three with total project costs of $150,000.

CavCom, Inc., a Walker MN business that sells and distributes communication and hearing protection devices moved into their 4,900 sq. ft. building in Walker’s Industrial Park January 2007. The EDC worked with business owners Jeff and Barb Morrill to coordinate financing from MN Business Finance, the Initiative Foundation and First National Bank of Walker.

 
Cedarwood Floral
Business owner and entrepreneur Amy Ringler opened Cedarwood Floral after researching what services Pillager didn’t offer that she could turn into a possible business opportunity. She found her answer in floral design and sales. Ringler sought EDC assistance in obtaining an    assumed name and federal ID number, estimating profit, determining product cost and cash flow projections. With a capital investment of $30,000 Ringler will employ two. Financing was through Mid Minnesota Federal Credit Union.

Chase on the Lake Hotel and Condominiums is a 79 room hotel and 61 unit condominium development in Walker, a project of Steven C Olson of Leisure Hotels and Resorts. The project created 70 full time employment jobs and represents a capital investment of $30 million . The EDC worked on the project with this business for over two and one half years. DEED is providing $673,700 to the City of Walker for redevelopment of the adjacent city parking lot. The EDC coordinated the grant with DEED, Steven C Olson and the City of Walker.

Donna’s Canvas Works
Donna de Neui’s self employment business from her home in Longville produces custom sewn boat covers and cushions. De Neui sought assistance from the EDC for setting up an assumed name and obtaining federal and state tax identification numbers.

Double A Automotive is a Pine River full service automotive repair shop owned  by Terry Aleckson. Aleckson has one employee. When asked about the assistance received from the Cass County EDC, Mr. Aleckson reported that "The EDC was very informative and easy to work with”.

Eveland’s Inc., manufacturer of Scamp Trailers in Backus completed their rebuild/expansion in December of 2006. The project cost totaled approximately $1.9 million. The EDC helped the City of Backus obtain grant funds from the Minnesota Investment Fund which was loaned to Eveland’s Inc. to purchase the equipment for the new facility. Financing was provided by the First National Bank of Walker in Backus and the Initiative Foundation. President Kent Eveland currently reports a total number of 52 employees.

Hackensack Senior Class, is a 37 unit assisted living facility in Hackensack. Facility owners Jim and Linda Johnson invested $3.49 million for the project and employ 20 employees. The EDC coordinated financing of the project, with funding provided by the First National Bank of Walker as the lead bank, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, Initiative Foundation, NCEDA, a $250,000 grant for the MN Department of Human Services and approval of a Tax Increment Financing plan by the City of Hackensack.

Heritage Custom Framing, is a custom framing shop purchased by Joel Mench. This business employs one. The EDC provided assistance in the development of different loan structures and completing a cash flow analysis. The Heritage Framing Shop, located in the Village Square in Walker, offers a full range of framing services.

Huntin’ Shack Bar & GrillI is a newly opened restaurant in Pillager. Business owner  LaVonne Lee employs 2 Full-time and 4 part-time employees. The EDC worked with LaVonne for a year and half helping her identify options to best suite her needs.

Hunt Utilities Group, LLC (HUG), is a for profit organization started by Paul and Lynn Hunt for the purpose of exploring and developing systems that support ecological living. Projects include: HUGnet, Straw bale construction, a research campus, buildings that heat themselves (even in Minnesota), sewage reprocessing and reuse, alternative energy, and related business incubation. The Cass County EDC helped them with obtaining JOBZ designation at their Pine River Research Campus.

Keefe Heating, AC & Appliance Repair Owner Kevin Keefe expanded his business by investing $30,000 and increasing the number of employees by two, for a total of six. The EDC assisted in the structuring of the financing through his lender and the SBA. The business is located in Backus.

Lake Front Electric
Lake Front Electric of Pine River provides general electric contracting to the lakes area. Project cost total $6,000 with one employee. Owner Trevis Vredenburg sought EDC assistance for product cost estimates and how to price his work.

The Lucky Moose Bar & Grill, a restaurant located on Hwy 371 in Walker is owned by Judy and Dawn Anderson. They employ about 20 full and part time staff. This business represents a $1million investment in the community. The EDC provided assistance in estimating cash flows, loan packaging and securing economic development funds to make the project possible. Financing was through the First National Bank of Walker and the Small Business Administration.

Master Care Automotive
Owners Chris Orth and Keith Ettle of Master Care Automotive offer complete automotive service and   repair to the Pine River area. Orth estimates total project costs to be $40,000. Financing was through Pine River State Bank. The EDC assisted with the organization of a business plan. Orth said that the EDC was “very friendly, very helpful, got us on the right track”. Master Care Automotive employs two.

Next Innovations, LTD, a wholesaler of laser cut wood products, eye catchers and other novelty items relocated operations to Walker City Industrial Park in 2004. Owner John Zacher invested $4 million to construct a 60,000 square foot facility creating 65 new jobs. The EDC assisted with this project by coordinating JOBZ designation to secure the business to their new location.

North Country Foods, Inc., a retail business that packages and sells wild rice products to retail customers throughout the Midwest, underwent a business expansion. Owners Pat McAnderws and Tom Kuhn invested $95,000 and now have over 1,000 retail outlets. The expansion created two new jobs in Cass County. The EDC coordinated the financing, which was provided by Northern National Bank and the Initiative Foundation. The company is located in Walker.

Northwood Marine and Powersports Marine Mark and Jennie Birkeland have completed construction of two 60’ x 104’ storage buildings located east of Walker on Hwy 200.  They service boats, motors and sport equipment and offer storage and shrink wrap for boats, pontoons, snowmobiles and other outdoor sport equipment.  Financing for this $140,000 project was provided by the First National Bank of Walker.  The EDC worked with Mark on completing his business plan and financial cash flows.  The Birkeland’s employ two.

Pine River Library Building Rehabilitation Christopher O‘Dell, owner of the former Pine River Library located on Barclay Avenue has rehabilitated the building that had been empty for a number of years. It now is home to a new Pine River business.  O’Dell sought EDC assistance before purchasing the building to determine if the rehab  would be cost effective.  “The EDC’s assistance was an integral part of this project – it gave me great ideas and the confidence to proceed,” stated Mr. O’Dell.  Pine River Mayor Jim Sabas stated, “The project was a plus for the city.  It took a dilapidated building that needed tender loving care and turned it into a building that is now bringing in new business.” 

Prososki All Care Service is located at 1079 State 84 NW in Pine River. Services include; Boat Storage, Boat Lift Relocations, Dock Installation & Removal, Fertilization, Installation, Repair, Sales, Tree Service, Weed Control, Cabin Maintenance, and Seasonal Cleanups.  After expanding, they now offer new and used ShoreMaster docks and lifts. The EDC worked with Prososki All Care Service on a cash flow analysis for the expansion.  Prososki employs 2 full-time employees.

Reliable Seamless Gutters Given the opportunity to purchase Reliable Seamless Gutters was just the career change Owners Josh Eastman and Vinny Hines had been waiting for.   The purchase was finalized in March 2008.  With business calls coming in fast Josh and Vinny soon made the decision to run the business full-time. Based out of Pillager, Reliable Seamless Gutters specialize in new and replacement gutters. 

Ridgeline Manufacturing, Inc., located at 1074 Dorado Drive in Pillager, manufactures docks, boat lifts, canopies and their specialty, custom built lighted stairways. Estimated project costs total $800,000 with financing coordinated by the Cass County EDC.  Bremer Bank was the lead bank on this project, with additional financing from Minnesota Business  Finance Corporation and gap loans from the Cass County EDC & NCEDA.

Riverside Assisted Living
Congratulations to Paula Rocheleau of Riverside Assisted Living in Pillager. Her twenty unit assisted living facility will be located on the north side of Highway #210 offering residents convenient access to clinics, a dental office, bank and coffee shop. Daily meals and assistance with living activities are offered resulting in the hiring of 25 employees.  Financing for this project was through Unity Bank, NCEDA, MBFC, and Initiative Foundation and a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) plan with the city of Pillager. The EDC aided by coordinating the TIF plan with the city and the financing between the partners.

Rustic Waters Salon & Spa
Alecia Meyers owns and operates this full service salon and spa in Pine River. The EDC first worked with Alecia in May of 2008 assisting by estimating start-up costs, preparing price and organizational structure and comparing booth rental vs. hiring an employee. Rustic Waters represents a $25,000 capital investment in the community. Alecia employs two and says the assistance she received from the EDC “was great, thank you”.

Sawyer Timber
Cass County logging company Sawyer Timber, LLP recently sought EDC assistance for an expansion into chipping. The EDC aided Backus business owner William Sawyer with his business plan and cash flow projections. Of the assistance provided Sawyer Timber said “We appreciate the time effort and dedication that was put into our business plan” Financing was through the First National Bank of Walker. Sawyer projects the hiring of 4 employees.

The Shante, this coffee/gift shop opened in the spring in 2007.  It is owned by Anna Hunstad and Suzy Tholen. Their busy Highway #210 location in Pillager offers great visibility for their building.  The EDC assisted the owners in developing the business plan and coordinating the financing for the $300,000 project.  The Cass County EDC was “very helpful, prompt and efficient with any questions we had regarding the business plan,” stated Hunstad

Soaring Eagle Transportation is a medical transportation business providing the Cass Lake area with transportation to medical appointments statewide.  The three owners worked with the EDC over a six month period to create a business plan and secure financing.  They purchased four vehicles and employ three drivers and a coordinator for their business.  Financing was by Western Bank of Cass Lake and NCEDA.

Stille Havn Hus, Inc., is a long-term care facility located in Walker. The business, owned by Jim Rogen, built a new facility in early 2004. The business created 25 new jobs. The building required a capital investment of $1.7 million. The EDC provided assistance by coordinating the JOBZ designation, making it one of the first JOBZ businesses in Minnesota.

St. Joseph’s Medical Center, we look forward to seeing an increase in medical care for the central Cass County area, as SJMC has opened a clinic in Hackensack. The clinic is located at the Hackensack Sr. Class building and is open to the public five days per week. The Cass County EDC led the recruitment effort of the medical provider and provided start up assistance for the Pines Area Medical Development Association. This local group will help support the clinic.

Sweet’s Café Owner Scott Ciha operates Sweets Café in Hackensack offering a variety of menu items that includes their famous ½ pound cinnamon and caramel rolls. This business provided 3 new jobs with a $75,000 capital investment in the community.

 371 Café
Congratulations to Milton Budreau owner of the 371 Café for the expansion to his restaurant in Cass Lake. This project included the addition of a drive through window, soft serve ice cream and a coffee shop. The EDC assisted Burdeau with cash flow projections and organizing a bank request.  The project cost total $70,000 with the addition of three new employees. Budreau said the EDC was “very helpful – answered all questions...”

Top Priority Insulation
Top Priority Insulation (TPI) offers spray foam Insulation to the Pike Bay Township area. Owner Patrick Finn estimated project costs to total $67,000 and the hiring of 3-5 employees. Financing was through Western Bank of Cass Lake. Finn said the assistance he received from the EDC “was a tremendous asset in helping put our business plan together”.

Trail’s RV Park, Dave Kaufman is the owner of Trails RV Park in Walker. The park offers 90 full hook-up sites and amenities that include a lodge, swimming pool and playground. The project was estimated to cost $700,000, employing 3 people. The EDC provided this business with counseling and loan coordination for a year and a half. The project was financed by First National Bank of Walker as the lead bank, MN Business Finance Corp., NCEDA and the Walker Area Loan Pool (American National Bank of MN, ACS, Bank Forward, the City of Walker, and First National Bank of Walker).

Trussworthy Components, Inc., is a manufacturer of wholesale building trusses and is another new business located in Pine River’s Industrial Park. Owner Craig Anderson invested $943,000 to construct a new facility for his business. The EDC coordinated the financing, which included Pine River State Bank, Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Investment Fund and the City of Pine River. The EDC also coordinated the JOBZ designation and a $167,000 grant for the industrial park infrastructure. Since opening in 2005, this business has increased its number of employees from 16 to 25.

White Pine’s Sales, Service & Rental
Congratulations to Larry Liesener of White Pine’s Contracting in Cass Lake for his $135,000 business expansion into White Pine’s Sales, Service and Rental. Larry now offers small engine sales, service and repair along with tool and equipment rental to the Cass Lake area. He projects a total of 6-10 employees. Larry sought EDC assistance for loan packaging and aid with his business plan and total project cost estimates.  He says the Cass County EDC “kept us on track and encouraged us along the way. Couldn’t of done this without them”.