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Crookston, Minn. —
If the show of hands when keynote speaker Craig Hoiseth asked who among the crowd of about 80 people attending the Crookston Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Annual Dinner Monday in Bede Ballroom at the U of M, Crookston evening are native Crookstonites is any indication, the city has a great retention rate. Nearly half, covering a wide age range, were born and raised here.
"It's good to see so many who, like me, chose to make Crookston their home after being raised here," the executive director of Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority said. "And I feel privileged to have raised my sons in my hometown."
Hoiseth reminisced about the Crookston he grew up in and how it's changed since then. He also gave a brief history of the city, primarily from an economic development standpoint. While Crookston's population burgeoned from the time it was incorporated in 1879 until the 1900s when it leveled off, it has remained steady since then at around 8,000. Transportation systems were at the heart of its growth, he said, and still are crucial to economic development everywhere.
"The transportation corridors are fixed, so there's nothing more we can do, right?" he said while whipping out a smart phone and holding it up for all to see. "This is the new transportation corridor. More than $40 billion dollars worth of sales just in the last eight weeks. Are you going to get on board?"
He did stress that while technology is playing an increasingly larger part in business and his job, he is still trying to bring another large manufacturer, another hotel and other businesses to the city.
"Crookston is a small town, no doubt about it, but that's a strength," Chamber President/CEO Shannon Stassen commented. "We are able to do things on a more one-on-one basis than larger cities can."
Awards
Several awards were handed out, including:
• The Business Progress Award, which recognizes “a local business that exemplifies progress in building economic opportunities for the Crookston Community,” was given to Shear Sisters, co-owned and operated by T Durbin, Tiffany Fee, Kari Trudeau and Deb Altepeter. The salon, located on Second Street in the former Hallmark store, opened in October 2010 after significant renovations were done to the building.
• Titan Machinery received the Business Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes a “local business that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation in the marketplace and creation of new economic activity.” The business recently took over sales of Polaris line products. Crookston Store Manager Craig Morgan accepted the award.
• Outgoing Board Chair Jaclyn Brekken presented the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Service to Gary and Cindy Garcia. The award is presented to someone who "has demonstrated outstanding services to the Crookston Chamber and to the community. Their commitment to the community is evident through their service and dedication." Brekken said although the couple has lived in Crookston for only a few years, they've become very active in community organizations and events and have selflessly volunteered many hours.
• There were two recipients of this year's Partners in Education Award: Del Roelofs and Dan Svedarsky. The PIE award is given to “an individual who has made significant contributions to Crookston's primary, secondary or higher, public or private educational system.” The award recognizes efforts in service/volunteerism, leadership, community relations, commitment, innovativeness, loyalty, monetary contributions, promotion and interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Svedarsky is currently UMC Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Professor
and Center for Sustainability Director. He's been with the university since 1969 and has earned many awards for his outstanding works and teaching abilities. Jason Brantner of the Chamber Education Committee said he's been a great supporter of the educational goals of students at both the university and Crookston schools.
Roelofs, who was unable to attend as he's wintering in Arizona, was recognized for his years of service to the public schools, beginning with his career as superintendent for the Crookston School District in 1970 and then as a school board member and by serving on various committees. Ardell Knudsvig, who was hired as a science teacher by Roelofs, praised him for his genuine dedication to the students.
• Brekken passed the ceremonial gavel to Brian Frisk, the 2012 chair. Both expressed optimism for the year to come, with a few changes in store for the city with a new administrator soon to come and Hoiseth now on board. Brekken also welcomed Amanda Lien to the chamber staff, as the new administrative assistant/marketing specialist/event coordinator, noting what an asset her technical skills and positive attitude are.
If the show of hands when keynote speaker Craig Hoiseth asked who among the crowd of about 80 people attending the Crookston Chamber of Commerce’s 70th Annual Dinner Monday in Bede Ballroom at the U of M, Crookston evening are native Crookstonites is any indication, the city has a great retention rate. Nearly half, covering a wide age range, were born and raised here.
"It's good to see so many who, like me, chose to make Crookston their home after being raised here," the executive director of Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority said. "And I feel privileged to have raised my sons in my hometown."
Hoiseth reminisced about the Crookston he grew up in and how it's changed since then. He also gave a brief history of the city, primarily from an economic development standpoint. While Crookston's population burgeoned from the time it was incorporated in 1879 until the 1900s when it leveled off, it has remained steady since then at around 8,000. Transportation systems were at the heart of its growth, he said, and still are crucial to economic development everywhere.
"The transportation corridors are fixed, so there's nothing more we can do, right?" he said while whipping out a smart phone and holding it up for all to see. "This is the new transportation corridor. More than $40 billion dollars worth of sales just in the last eight weeks. Are you going to get on board?"
He did stress that while technology is playing an increasingly larger part in business and his job, he is still trying to bring another large manufacturer, another hotel and other businesses to the city.
"Crookston is a small town, no doubt about it, but that's a strength," Chamber President/CEO Shannon Stassen commented. "We are able to do things on a more one-on-one basis than larger cities can."
Awards
Several awards were handed out, including:
• The Business Progress Award, which recognizes “a local business that exemplifies progress in building economic opportunities for the Crookston Community,” was given to Shear Sisters, co-owned and operated by T Durbin, Tiffany Fee, Kari Trudeau and Deb Altepeter. The salon, located on Second Street in the former Hallmark store, opened in October 2010 after significant renovations were done to the building.
• Titan Machinery received the Business Entrepreneur Award, which recognizes a “local business that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, innovation in the marketplace and creation of new economic activity.” The business recently took over sales of Polaris line products. Crookston Store Manager Craig Morgan accepted the award.
• Outgoing Board Chair Jaclyn Brekken presented the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Service to Gary and Cindy Garcia. The award is presented to someone who "has demonstrated outstanding services to the Crookston Chamber and to the community. Their commitment to the community is evident through their service and dedication." Brekken said although the couple has lived in Crookston for only a few years, they've become very active in community organizations and events and have selflessly volunteered many hours.
• There were two recipients of this year's Partners in Education Award: Del Roelofs and Dan Svedarsky. The PIE award is given to “an individual who has made significant contributions to Crookston's primary, secondary or higher, public or private educational system.” The award recognizes efforts in service/volunteerism, leadership, community relations, commitment, innovativeness, loyalty, monetary contributions, promotion and interpersonal relationships.
Dr. Svedarsky is currently UMC Agriculture and Natural Resources Department Professor
and Center for Sustainability Director. He's been with the university since 1969 and has earned many awards for his outstanding works and teaching abilities. Jason Brantner of the Chamber Education Committee said he's been a great supporter of the educational goals of students at both the university and Crookston schools.
Roelofs, who was unable to attend as he's wintering in Arizona, was recognized for his years of service to the public schools, beginning with his career as superintendent for the Crookston School District in 1970 and then as a school board member and by serving on various committees. Ardell Knudsvig, who was hired as a science teacher by Roelofs, praised him for his genuine dedication to the students.
• Brekken passed the ceremonial gavel to Brian Frisk, the 2012 chair. Both expressed optimism for the year to come, with a few changes in store for the city with a new administrator soon to come and Hoiseth now on board. Brekken also welcomed Amanda Lien to the chamber staff, as the new administrative assistant/marketing specialist/event coordinator, noting what an asset her technical skills and positive attitude are.
