MN Congressman Tom Emmer paid a visit to Ralphie’s Minnoco in Clear Lake Thursday, July 10. Emmer visited with store owner Brian Brehmer and local residents. 

Emmer talked about ethanol, as well as the impact of credit card fees on small, local businesses. Emmer also fielded questions from people in attendance. 

Ralphie’s Minnoco owner Brian Brehmer shared these sentiments about Emmer’s visit to his store: 

“It was nice to get a chance to talk to our local representative about the issues we face in the fuel and convenience store business,” Brehmer said. “For instance, customers don’t realize how much credit card processing fees cost business owners; with the fees being in the thousands of dollars per month.” 

Brehmer has operated Ralphie’s Minnoco in Clear Lake since February of 2021 and purchased the store in April of 2023.