Business Notes - May 1

CAREER

Riverwood welcomes new chief operating officer

AITKIN-Riverwood Healthcare Center, Aitkin, announced Cindi Sorensen Baker joined the senior management team as chief operating officer.

In her role as COO, Baker will primarily be responsible for the day-to-day leadership of Riverwood's clinics in Aitkin, Garrison and McGregor, along with overseeing several ancillary services departments, including lab, radiology and rehabilitation.

Baker has 29 years of progressive leadership experience with Essentia Health in Duluth. As a registered nurse, she worked four years at St. Mary's Medical Center before spending the next 14 years as both a manager and director of clinic operations. More recently, she served nine years as the vice president of Medical Specialties.

"Cindi brings extensive experience in supporting patient care operations across various independent and employed physician practices, spanning multiple physician and advanced practice provider specialties," said Chad Cooper, Riverwood chief executive officer, in a news release.

Baker earned a bachelor's degree in nursing from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and a mini-master of business administration in health care administration from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis.

Cindi

Baker

Kloss completes course

BAXTER-Edgewood Dental, Baxter, announced Samantha Kloss, licensed dental assistant, completed her course for restorative functions.

She completed and passed the course through the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota Dental Practice Act allows a licensed dental assistant to perform certain restorative procedures under indirect supervision upon completion of a board-approved course and issuance of a restorative functions credential.

Samantha

Kloss

BC Express Lawn Service opens in Baxter

BAXTER-BC Express Lawn Service, Baxter, incorporated this winter and is beginning its first spring season.

Owners are Brandon and Cassandra Sipe.

Brandon Sipe has eight years experience in lawn service and tree care, reports being fully licensed, insured and stocked with commercial equipment.

Brandon

Sipe

Cassandra

Sipe

Morrison joins Exit Lakes Realty Premier

BAXTER-Sarah Morrison, previously an educator of over 15 years, transitioned into the world of real estate with Exit Lakes Realty Premier in Baxter.

Sarah has a bachelor of science from Bemidji State University and a master's of education administration from Grand Canyon University.

Sarah

Morrison

MDA grants available for ag business feasibility studies

Grant funding is available for Minnesota residents or businesses interested in studying the feasibility of a new venture to add value to an agricultural commodity or product.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture Value-Added Feasibility Study Grant will reimburse eligible farmers and farm networks, agricultural cooperatives, agricultural businesses, and others up to 50 percent of the costs for a third party consultant to conduct the feasibility study, with a maximum award of $35,000.

"Feasibility studies are important to determine if a project can work on paper before even raising the capital to move it forward," said David Weinand, Project Consultant with the MDA, in a news release. Developing marketing plans and assessing risk, infrastructure needs, and financing options provided by these studies can offer valuable insights regarding new and expanding ventures.

The MDA is requesting that interested parties submit a "Letter of Interest" as the first step in this competitive grant process. Letters of Interest will be evaluated, and upon approval, applicants will be offered free consulting services from the Agricultural Utilization Research Institute.

"AURI will help to further define what the applicant wants from the feasibility study and develop the scope of work for the study," said Weinand.

Interested parties are invited to submit a Letter of Interest by visiting the Grants page on the MDA's website. Letters of interest must be submitted at the Online Grant Application website. Applicants must be Minnesota residents and the proposed value-added business must be located in Minnesota. The submission deadline is on a first come, first served basis through June 15.

Minnesota Cup applications close Friday

The Minnesota Cup, the nation's largest new venture competition, is in its 12 year, supporting Minnesota's emerging entrepreneurs-but applications close Friday.

Free to enter, the annual competition accepts entries in divisions, including energy/clean tech/water, food/agriculture/beverage, general, high tech, life science/health information technology, social, student and the newest division, youth, for students 18 years of age or younger.

This year's competition features $402,000 in total prize money-including a new award: $10,000 from Capella University for the most innovative education technology that promotes learning solutions or builds 21st century skills. Since 2014, the Women's Initiative has helped high-potential startups, and this year, the bar is raised with a $25,000 prize to the top competing woman-led startup. Inspired by the innovative ideas from college students in the Student Division, 2016 also marks the debut of the youth division. A partnership with Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest, the youth division offers Minnesota's entrepreneurs a space to excel never before granted. This year's Minnesota Cup contenders will join the more than 10,000 participants and finalists that, since 2005, have gone on to raise more than $200 million to spur innovation and job creation in the state.

EVENT

Business After Hours set at Soo Line Depot Museum

The Cuyuna Iron Range Heritage Network is hosting a Business After Hours 5-7 p.m. May 19 at the Soo Line Depot Museum, 101 First St. NE, directly North of Super One Grocery Store.

Learn the story of the Cuyuna Iron Range and its people,while you enjoy hors d'oeuvres, wine and beer, and a chance to win some great raffle prizes.

Participants are welcome to Invite a guest to join them. As a courtesy to the host, advanced registration is recommended.

The Dispatch welcomes business notes submissions via email to renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com , or fax to 218-829-0211, mail to Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401 or use the drop-off box in the alley next to the Dispatch building on James Street. Questions are welcome to Renee Richardson at 855-5852.

More business notes may be part of the Business Extra section in Monday's edition.

1/2: Samantha Kloss

2/2: Cindi Baker