NEWS & EVENTS | CONTACT KANDIYOHI COUNTY | LINKS | AREA MAPS | SEARCH
 
 
 
NEWS & EVENTS

Latest News

They abound for local angel investors in the life sciences

West Central Tribune by Anne Polta

June 12, 2010

WILLMAR—A California company has developed a patented stem-cell technology for treating arthritis in dogs and horses, using stem cells derived from the animal’s own fat tissue. Now Vet-Stem Inc. is looking to open a new laboratory and start marketing itself directly to American pet owners. “We just need money and gas in the tank,” Dr. Robert Harman, the company’s chief executive, explained Friday to a local group at the MinnWest Technology Campus. Investing in biotechnology companies such as Vet-Stem, especially in the early stages, and helping them become successful and profitable is one of the roles an angel network could play in Kandiyohi County. The opportunities for so-called angel investors were explored during a morning-long meeting Friday at the technology campus, hosted by the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission. The EDC has been trying for several months to help form an angel network of local private investors. County economic development officials see an angel investors’ group as a critical source of seed money for new and emerging companies in the life sciences industry. The initial goal is to invest $500,000 to $1 million in angel funds to selected companies within the network’s first year. To sweeten the deal, the state of Minnesota also is now offering tax credits to angel investors for qualified technology businesses. About 40 people attended Friday’s meeting, which was held to gauge local interest in an angel network and to show potential investors the possibilities in biotechnology development. Vet-Stem, for instance, is poised to break into the lucrative multibillion-dollar market for companion animal care. The young company owns a portfolio of stem-cell patents and has amassed a track record of treating more than 6,000 dogs and horses with stem-cell therapy for arthritis. To venture capitalist Steve Burrill, it’s innovations in the life sciences that hold some of the greatest promise for future growth of the global economy. Burrill’s international company, with more than $900 million in venture capital funds under management, is one of the world’s largest. All of the greatest challenges facing the world — food production, energy security, health care, climate change — have biotechnology development as part of their solution, Burrill told the audience that was gathered Friday in the life sciences center at the technology campus. It’s a time of extraordinary change, he said. “There’s this whole world of new technology and new players coming in and transforming the world around us.” Those who adapt will be the most likely to survive and thrive, Burrill said. “Our job is to be responsive to those changes.” Because not every new piece of science can, or should, be translated into an enterprise, the challenge for angel investors is the ability to sort out the most worthwhile ideas, he said. At his own firm, which is in the process of building a $100 million Midwest capital fund, “99 times out of 100 we say no” to requests for venture capital, he said. Burrill said Minnesota’s capacity for early seed money and capital is under built, suggesting there’s room for expansion. Rural angel investors also need to step outside regional boundaries and think globally, he said. “The question is, are you networked? Geography becomes less important.”

EDC looks to attract angel investors for biotech plans for the county

West Central Tribune by Anne Polta

June 11, 2010

WILLMAR—Local economic development officials are hoping for a critical boost today to their efforts to launch an angel investors network in Kandiyohi County. The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission is hosting a meeting this morning at the MinnWest Technology Campus to explain the concept and present information on the emerging possibilities in the biotechnology industry. Among the guest speakers is Steve Burrill, president and chief executive of Burrill and Co. and a leading venture capitalist in the U.S. life sciences industry. About 45 people are expected to attend the invitation-only event, said Jean Spaulding, assistant director of the Economic Development Commission. “We really see our role as bringing people to the table,” she said. The EDC has been working for the past several months to develop a local network of private investors who could be tapped to help fund the early development of promising new businesses, especially in the biotech field. Steve Renquist, executive director of the EDC, said it would be one more tool that could be offered to support start-up businesses, as well as increase Kandiyohi County’s competitiveness in the market. “I think there will be an angel investment group happening out of Kandiyohi County,” he said. “We’ll try and keep it in front of people because it really needs to happen.” An angel investor tax credit, approved by the Minnesota Legislature during its recently concluded session, may help make the prospect of high-tech investing more appealing. Details about the tax credit will be presented by one of the speakers at today’s meeting at the technology campus. Burrill, the main speaker, will be discussing venture capital opportunities in biotechnology. His global company focuses on venture capital, merchant banking and a life sciences media group. Burrill is a writer and leading international spokesman for the life sciences and biotechnology industries. He serves on numerous boards, including the Foundation for the National Medals of Science and Technology, the California Healthcare Institute and the Genetics Policy Institute, and is an adviser on the MIT Center for Biomedical Innovation.

 

Family farm to family practice, Dr. Wehseler named MAFP physician of year

Lakes Area Review by Dori Moudry

April 26, 2010

Family physician at ACMC-New London for 12 years, Dr. Richard Wehseler estimates he has delivered between 500 and 600 babies, about half while he was training to become a doctor.

"At the Academy meeting last week, there were doctors who had delivered between 3,000 and 4,000 babies," he said during an April 21 interview.

Wehseler received the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) 2010 Family Physician of the Year award at the MAFP All-Member Celebration April 15 at the Crowne Plaza Riverfront Hotel in downtown St. Paul.  Click here to read the full article.

 

EDC sees development opportunities with new angel investor tax

West Central Tribune by Anne Polta

April 13, 2010

WILLMAR—Not long ago, the chance to bring in a new business slipped through the fingers of the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission.

The reason?  The county didn't have any "angel" investors—private individuals with the wherewithal to bankroll a promising start-up business that doesn't qualify for more convenient financing.  Click here to read the full article.

 

Peterson optimistic about economic development

West Central Tribune by David Little

April 21, 2009

Bruce Peterson says he and his staff will in the city's Department of Planning and Development Services do not buy into a doom and gloom philosophy regarding the current economic downturn.  Peterson says many good things are happening.

"There's a lot of local employment that remains strong.  We're seeing a strong local economy.  Builders are building and we're seeing interest by contractors and developers in new projects," says Peterson, director of planning and development services.

"Willmar and Kandiyohi County have always survived.  We will survive and we'll emerge from this economic situation stronger than we were before," he said.

Peterson's remarks prefaced his recent report to the Willmar City Council on local economic and community development activities overseen by his department in 2008.

Total construction valuation last year exceeded $70 million—the largest figure in the city's history—due mainly to the construction permit for the new wastewater treatment plant project.

The department issued 780 building permits, the most during the past 10 years.  Commercial and industrial values at $60,879,956 were up over 2007 numbers and the highest during the 10-year period. 

However, residential construction at 24 units, of which 19 were single-family residences, was the lowest during the past 10 years and declined 20 percent in 2008 compared with 27 total units in 2007.  The decline mainly affected new construction.

"It's still not bad given the national averages that are compiled and reported to us from McGraw Hill Construction Surveys," Peterson said.  "Our additions and alterations permits remained high at 326 though even this was a decrease of 25 percent from 2007."

He said the housing market is feeling the effects of the economy, job losses and foreclosures.  A significant number of residential lots are available for construction, but many are platted for twin-home construction and are not suitable for single-family housing.  But demand is good for affordable and moderately priced homes, he said.

Westwind Estates Third Addition, a housing project for low and moderate income residents, was approved in 2008 and will consist of 28 units.  Construction is slated to begin this spring.

Peterson said maintenance issues continue to be addressed in the residential neighborhoods.  He said the city will need to take a harder line, which could include orders for removal or demolition.

Significant 2008 projects were the wastewater treatment project, Rice Memorial Hospital data center, Vinje Lutheran Church addition, new Walgreens and Slumberland buildings, Central MN Fabrication expansion, MinnWest Technology Campus projects, Kandi Mall remodeling, Pan-O-Gold distribution center and the Donnerite Trucking expansion. 

Peterson said updating continued on the comprehensive land use plan.  The Planning Commission invested significant time in reviewing the document.  He said preparation of a final draft is nearing completion.  The process has taken longer than anticipated because a deliberate process is required to ensure the needs of the community are met, Peterson explained.

Also, he said Mid-Minnesota Development Commission, which the city engaged to package the plan, has encountered some delays by their staff in providing assistance anticipated by the city.  He hopes the plan will be completed soon for required public review and adoption.

"Even though the process has been lengthy, the plan should prove to be a functional guide for future city growth and development for years to come," he said.

Peterson said the MinnWest Technology Campus continues to be a bright spot in the local economy.  At the end of 2008, the campus had at least 17 companies with over 280 employees.  He said the city, the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission and MinnWest continue to market the campus. 

In 2008, the city received a $1 million state grant to create the MidCentral Bio-Sciences Center at the campus. 

"We're excited about the bio-sciences center.  It's a great opportunity for University of Minnesota staff and graduate students to partner with local businesses to bring bio-technology and bio-science to the marketplace," said Peterson.  "It has the potential to establish Willmar as a major bio-technology hub in the upper Midwest."

Peterson said employment in Willmar and Kandiyohi County remained positive in 2008 and major layoffs have been avoided.  Many businesses are weathering the economic slowdown by maintaining— and in some cases—adding employees.

In Willmar's role as a regional center, it's expected to pick up the employment and economic "slack" for a large geographic area, he said.

 

United Way of Kandiyohi County expands, changes name

The Raymond-Prinsburg News

February 4, 2009

In order to better reflect the area served by United Way of Kandiyohi County, the Board of Directors has changed the group's name to United Way of West Central Minnesota.

In addition to the name change, United Way of West Central Minnesota will continue to service Kandiyohi County and expand its territory to include Belgrade, Benson, Bird Island, Brooten, Clara City, Cosmos, Danube, DeGraff, Elrosa, Gluek, Grove City, Lake Henry, Litchfield, Maynard, Olivia, Renville, Rosendale, Swift Falls and Terrace.  All of these new communities are not currently affiliated with a United Way.

United Way began to research and study information about its geographical service area two years ago.  This information indicated that partner agencies are serving an area greater than Kandiyohi County.

In addition, many United Way volunteers and donors drive across county lines for employment.  "The name change to United Way of West Central Minnesota better reflects the reality of the area that is positively affected by this organization," said Nathan Streed, president of the Board of Directors.

Stacey Roberts, executive director of the United Way of West Central Minnesota commented that, "We look forward to partnering with an extended area to help all of our communities create positive lasting change.  United Way of West Central Minnesota invites our current and new communities to give, advocate and volunteer where we live and work.  United Way's mission is to mobilize the caring power of our area.  We understand that when we reach out a hand to one we influence the condition of all."

United Way of West Central Minnesota works to provide funding for nonprofit organizations and agencies, operates United Way programs, and brings together community leaders to tackle key issues.

Beginning this spring, United Way of West Central Minnesota will be offering the following programs to Kandiyohi County and our expanded areas:

      Imagination Library:  free monthly book program for children ages birth to five.

      2-1-1:  easy to u se free phone number for information on health and human service needs.

      Gift in Kind:  warehouse that distributes donated home merchandise to individuals and families in need.

      Volunteer Center:  matches volunteers with opportunities that fit their schedule and interests.

For more information about United Way of West Central Minnesota or the programs listed, contact Gina Lieser, Resource Development Director at 320-235-1050 or email gina@liveunitedwcm.org or visit the United Way's website.

 

2008 Bioenergy Days Conference held in area

The EDC and MinnWest Technology Campus successfully host day tours for The International 2008 Bioenergy Days conference and its Swedish attendees.  Read the Star Tribune article.

 

U to operate new center in Willmar, Minn.
mndaily.com
By James Anderson
Published 10/20/2008


The University of Minnesota will operate a new $2.5 million biotechnology research and business development center at the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar, Minn.

Plans for the Mid-Central Biosciences Center were announced Monday by the University and its partners on the project, MinnWest Technology Campus, the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and the city of Willmar.

The $2.5 million will cover the development and renovation of the center as well as laboratory and research equipment.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development provided a $1.25 million grant which was matched by funds from MinnWest.

The renovation is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by next fall.

St. Cloud State University will be the lead for the MNSCU, but other schools like Ridgewater College , which is located in Willmar, will also be involved.

Bruce Jacobson , the director for bioscience outreach at St. Cloud State University, has been in contact with MinnWest Technology Campus for two years.

Jacobson said he realized there was an overlap in missions between St. Cloud State and the campus. He said MinnWest’s goal is to provide high-tech jobs to people in Willmar, and St. Cloud State’s goal was to educate and prepare people for these high-tech jobs.

Jacobson said the University will handle the discovery aspect of the research, while St. Cloud State will focus on the applied aspect.

Tim Miller, the project coordinator contracted by MinnWest, said this is the first time the campus has worked with a university on a project.

He said the focus of the collaboration is to take products and ideas from concepts to commercialization. He said in the current biotechnology landscape it has been difficult to keep jobs in state.

“One of the problems that’s happening right now in the bio-business, especially in the state of Minnesota, is there just aren’t the facilities or the capabilities to keep the business in-state,” Miller said.

He said one of the goals of this research center is to be able to keep biotechnology jobs in state and to attract new or existing companies to MinnWest.

Miller said the research center will provide internship opportunities for students, which could lead to full-time jobs.

Kathy Yaeger , a University spokeswoman, said the University’s expertise in areas relating to the poultry industry is the reason the University was chosen to operate the center.

“The University is one of the very few universities in the country that does research in veterinary medicine, agriculture, biology, biotechnology, bio-business, all of which are combined in this area,” Yaeger said.

The University will be charged with operating the facility once it opens, but when companies come to the campus to use the resources, they will compensate the University. Compensation details are not yet known.

CNN to air piece about MACCRAY four day week

The Raymond-Prinsburg News

Published Wednesday, September 24, 2008

"Sometime later this week" is the date for the airing of the CNN piece on MACCRAY's four day school week.

Reporter and producer of the piece Poppy Harlow notified Supt. Greg Schmidt Monday that CNN would be running her story, but she did not have a solid date or time.

Harlow and her crew filmed at the high school last Monday, where they interviewed Schmidt.  They also visited the Matt Rosen home and talked with him and his daughter, Natalie.  The Rick and Katy Mersbergen family was also featured in the two minutes, 18 second piece.

If you miss it on television, you can see and hear the piece on the internet at CNNMoney.com and click on "Cutting class:  A school story."

No date has been given for the ABC piece that was filmed earlier.

 

'It's just almost unheard of'

Willmar equipment dealer celebrates 90 years in business
By David Little, West Central Tribune
Published Tuesday, August 19, 2008

WILLMAR—Butch Haug never had a doubt about the longevity of the farm equipment dealership started in 1918 by his grandfather, Gunder Haug.

"I always have felt that this was what I have always wanted to do," says Haug, CEO of Haug Implement Co. of Willmar.  "Those are the kind of things that you've got to like what you do.  And if you don't like what you do, you better find a different job."  Click here to read the entire story.

National quality award goes to GlenOaks

Lakes Area Review

Published Monday, August 11, 2008

NEW LONDON—GlenOaks in New London is one of 312 long-term care facilities across the nation that has earned the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living's (AHCA/NCAL) Quality Award for demonstrating a strong commitment to continuous quality improvement.

"The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award—comprised of three levels, a Step I Award; a more rigorous Step II Award; and a comprehensive Step III Award—is the most prestigious recognition of quality within the long term care profession," Bruce Yarwood, AHCA/NCAL president and CEO, said.  "GlenOaks' Step I award shows their dedicated front-line caregivers, administrators, nurses and physicians are demonstrating their commitment to quality of care and meeting the needs of our most vulnerable population."

GlenOaks Senior Living Campus Administrator Paul Gaebe said, "Credit for this award goes to everyone at GlenOaks, Lake Region Home Health and our medical professionals who truly put their hearts into providing and excellent quality of life to everyone we serve.  The genuine warmth and compassion present on this campus is a quality of which everyone can be proud."

As a Step I recipient, GlenOaks demonstrated its organization-wide commitment to a customer-focused facility mission, defined its principal customers and their expectations, and indicated ways that it is striving to meet their needs.

"The Quality Award program is an independently judged, criteria-based award program relying extensively on approximately 100 trained volunteer examiners," Bernie Dana, chair of the Quality Award Board of Overseers, said.  "This quality award program continues to be a valuable framework and tool for facilities that are developing a systems-based perspective to achieve performance excellence."

AHCA/NCAL's Quality Award is modeled after the criteria of the Malcom Baldrige National Quality Award.  AHCA/NCAL's award is designed to support continuous quality improvement efforts in long term care by promoting quality awareness and education.

GlenOaks will be honored for its achievement and presented with its award during the AHCA/NCAL's 59th annual convention and exposition, Oct. 5-8, 2008 in Nashville.

Rice Hospice presented with Circle of Life Citation of Honor

Sunfish Gazette

Published Wednesday, August 6, 2008

WILLMAR—Rice Hospice, part of Rice Memorial Hospital, iso ne of nine organizations honored this year by the Circle of Life Award Program.  Rice Hospice was named a 2008 Circle of Life Award® honoree July 21 in recognition of its innovative program which improves the care of patients near the end of life or with life threatening conditions.

The Circle of Life Award celebrates programs across the nation that have made great strides in palliative and end-of-life care.

Rice Hospice brings care to the patient's home using a successful outreach program based on partnerships with area communities and their critical access hospitals.  They've been providing hospice services throughout the region—which encompasses 14 counties—for more than 25 years.  They've brought comfort to more than 6,000 patients through a dedicated staff and network of more than 600 volunteers.

In addition, Rice Hospice offers bereavement services to patients' families.  They have satellite offices in Appleton, Benson, Dawson, Granite Falls, Montevideo, Ortonville/Graceville and Paynesville.

Mary Beth Potter, Director of Hospice, accepted the award on behalf of Rice Hospice along with Lawrence Massa, Rice Hospital CEO, Les Erickson, retired Director of Hospice, Evy Hatjistilianos, Volunteer Coordinator, and Brenda Wiese, Grief Center Coordinator.

"This honor confirms for the patients we serve that they are receiving the highest level of hospice care available in their own community," said Potter.  "Care provided by Rice Hospice allows patients to retain their personal physicians and be hospitalized in their home community if needed.  Comprehensive bereavement support is available as well in each community through the services of Rice Grief Center."

A selection committee made up of leaders from medicine, nursing, social work and health administration chose Rice Hospice for the Citation of Honor.  The committee focused on innovative programs that respect patient goals and preferences, provide comprehensive care, acknowledge and address the family or caregivers' concerns and needs and build systems and mechanisms of support to continue the program for future patients and caregivers.

This is the ninth year for the Circle of Life Award.  For more information on the Circle of Life Award visit www.aha.org/circleoflife.

 

Ski team takes first at regions
Lakes Area Review
Published Monday, August 4, 2008


NEW LONDON—The Little Crow Water Ski Team from New London returned from the 2008 Midwest Regional Show Ski Tournament in Waterloo, Iowa with the championship trophy.

Little Crow scored 1,636 points to capture first place.  The second place award went to the Midwest Ski Otters from White Bear Lake with 1,508 points, and third place went to Five Seasons from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with 1,446 points.

A total of ten teams competed in the tournament.  Little Crow has won first place 15 out of the 16 Midwest/MN Tournaments.

The Little Crow Ski Team performed the tournament show to the theme of "LCST State Fair" and started the performance with four barefoot pyramids, which earned two awards.

The show also included ballet, pyramids, doubles, trios, swivel, many barefoot and jump acts and two around-the-boat acts.  Announcers for the 2008 show are Lee Gauer and Dean Hanson as "Mick and Mike."  Greg Hedman is this year's show director.

In addition to the championship team trophy, the Little Crow Ski Team earned several top awards, including best barefoot act and the highest individual act with the opening barefoot pyramids.  Little Crow also took the best dock and equipment award.

Little Crow also had individual members competing in swivel, doubles and jump competition.  In swivel competition, Joquel Molenaar earned first place.  In doubles competition, Greg Hedman and Stacy Boesch also placed first.  In team jump, Little Crow captured first place. 

The Little Crow Ski Team placed fifth at this year's nationals.


 

 
 
     
 


Copyright Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission

Visit Kandiyohi | Stay for a Lifetime | Build a Business | Contact Information | Home