It was a packed house Wednesday morning as customers, residents, city officials and staff members gathered at the new Kwik Trip store in Clearwater for its official ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

A number of personnel talked about the Kwik Trip “family” type atmosphere where employees share in the profits. That has led to the success of numerous stores across the country.

 

Clearwater City Councilman Rollie Lange, who has been a big proponent of growth and development, talked about how the council has been working towards that goal.

 

He said when he moved to Clearwater, the city was always known as a drive-through community for people on their way to Brainerd. He ran for the city council on the platform of changing that.

 

“You look down the freeway and you see Maple Grove, Albertville had the mall,  Monticello grew and then it skipped over Clearwater and went to St. Cloud,” he said. “I thought, it’s Clearwater’s turn.”

 

He said the council has been working to improve the parks by investing sales tax money, hoping to attract more families and businesses. There are more new homes being built not far away in the Cedar South development, he said. And the city is in the process of installing a new water main under the Interstate for future growth.

 

“We’re trying to build a community, and when Kwik Trip said they’re coming here, I said what great news, not only for the development for the city,” he said, “but for the people who work here in this great family store.”

 

Clearwater Mayor Pete Edmonson said the city is looking forward to building a relationship with Kwik Trip and continuing to work for a business-friendly atmosphere.

 

“It’s important to know that we as a council are working to keep our budget in line, which is fiscally responsible for residents and keep it tight to help our businesses,” he said. 

 

 “That’s one of our commitments as a council - to continue to promote a positive relationship.”

 

Store leader Mitch Schneider said it was their commitment to become a part of the community.

 

“We want to give our guests the cleanest store, the best service and always the freshest food in the industry,” he said. “When  guests come into the store we want to “wow” them. We want them to feel special. We want them to want to come to the store every day. 

 

“We also want to make a difference in their lives, even if it’s just a small gesture. It’s truly amazing to see the small gesture that we make have a large impact on people’s lives.”

 

Kwik Trip also made a bigger gesture as the newest member of the community by donating $1,000 to the Clearwater Fire Dept. and another $1,000 to the Kayleen Larson Legacy Foundation.