City and county updates, the recent Business Expo, and upcoming meetings and events were discussed at the recent Clear Valley Business Connection (CVBC) meeting.

 

Representatives from the Sherburne and Wright Co. Sheriff’s offices attended the meeting to update the group on recent county events, including government buildings going on in both counties. 

 

The group was advised to remind their employees to remain vigilant in parking lots and keep their possessions out of sight in their vehicles, as theft and vandalism rises during the summer months.

 

The Wright Co. representative and Dan Meers from Clear Waters Outfitting both spoke about the new county park being built near Monticello. Meers will be providing the park with rentals.

 

Meers also informed the group the Governor’s Opener will be held in St. Cloud this year; it’s the first year kayak fishing is allowed. Clear Waters Outfitting will be taking a group from the governor’s entourage on the river at Clearwater.

 

Attendees were reminded people from the opener could potentially stop by local businesses, which could give the area a lot of good publicity.

 

Clear Lake City Clerk Kari Mechtel updated the group on things happening in the city, including the work being done with the railroad on a quiet zone and the upcoming expansion of McDonald’s Meats.

 

Clearwater Mayor Pete Edmonson updated the group on the progress of the new Mississippi River Bridge, and informed them Kwik Trip hadn’t given them a definitive date on when they’ll be building yet, however it will be some time in 2017.

 

The group discussed the Explore Clearwater/Clear Lake Business Expo held April 2. Feedback from all involved was positive, with businesses pleased with attendance and reception from the community. 

 

CVBC plans to host the event in April again next year. Volunteers are needed for the business expo planning committee. 

 

The organization’s first Good Morning Clear Valley get together will be taking place April 27 at Authority Fence & Deck, who is hosting the breakfast event. 

 

Good Morning Clear Valley is a new initiative to help local businesses get to know each other. Companies can sign up to host a breakfast and highlight what they do at their own business or at a quarterly CVBC meeting. Companies interested in being highlighted can contact President Lori Johnson from Johnson Materials or Secretary Jenny Massmann from American Heritage Bank.

 

The group was informed about Honoring Those Who Serve, a new event hosted by Rejoice Lutheran Church and St. Luke’s Catholic Church to thank and honor the people who serve our communities.

 

The event will take place at St. Luke’s on May 10 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a social. All past and present military, police, fire and emergency medical technicians are invited to attend in uniform.

 

Susan Nagorski from the Citizen-Tribune informed attendees about the upcoming Clearwater/Clear Lake Community Guide. Businesses that would like to advertise in the guide should contact her at 320-558-2037. 

 

CVBC will again be advertising and providing information about the organization in the guide; businesses that have paid their membership dues will have their name listed in the ad.

The next CVBC quarterly meeting will be July 13, a canoe outing is planned for prior to the meeting. More details will be available soon.