THE TALES BEHIND THE SALES

1NKCNAOO


Behind
every amazing company is an
extraordinary story to tell.
WEEK OF MARCH 30, 2014 SUPPLEMENT TO THE SOUTH WEST REVIEW PUBLISHED BY LILLIE SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS, INC.

IGH Family Eye Clinic

IGH Family Eye Clinics wide selection of frames keeps customers coming back.

See options you didnt know you

had at IGH Family Eye Clinic
Every iris is unique, and the team at
Inver Grove Heights Family Eye Clinic
makes sure the care each client receives
reflects that individuality.
Whether its devising new approaches to a rare problems or simply finding
the style and shape of frames that fit
you perfectly, the clinic has for more
than 20 years built a reputation on
innovation and dedication you wont
see anywhere else.
Its all about finding the problem
and getting to the solution, explains
Chris Gregg, optician and owner of the
Family Eye Clinic.
For instance, Gregg says he often
encounters people who have resigned
themselves to wearing glasses because
they were unable to find contacts in
their prescription elsewhere.
The patient interprets that as
meaning it cant be done, Gregg says.
Those patients are delighted to
learn that Gregg can typically craft custom contacts that match their prescriptions and fit their eyes comfortably.
Gregg also tackles a number of more
challenging problems, including ocular
prosthetics and retrofitting frames. He
recently constructed a pair of attachments for the glasses of a customer with
severe dry eye problems. The attachments, known as a moisture chambers,
help to retain natural lubricants and
shield the eyes from irritating envi-

ronmental factors. And, in keeping

with Greggs characteristic attention to
detail, the moisture chambers are colormatched to the frames and affixed by
slender hinges so they can be lifted out
of sight when not in use.
I dont know of anybody whos
made one, Gregg said of the moisture
chambers. Thats something you wont
find anywhere else.

Selection perfection
Of course, for many customers the
clinics unparalleled selection of frames
is what keeps them coming back. The
clinic keeps around 3,000 frames in
stock at any given time to make sure
customers can always find the option
that suits them best. The array includes
all the most popular brands, such as
RayBan, Oakley, Gucci and many others. The clinic recently added a new
line of BMW frames, touted as sharing
the distinct aesthetic appeal and quality as the high-end vehicles for which
company is famous.
Customers can narrow down the
best choices for them with some help
from the clinics Magic Eye, a device
that perfects the experience by allowing customers to take pictures of
themselves trying on new frames. The
customer can then compare up to four
different photos side by side on a large

IGH Family Eye Clinic owner Chris Gregg enjoys helping customers with a variety
of eye issues even recently constructing special attachments for a pair of
glasses to address a customers problem with severe dry eyes.

screen, all while wearing their current

prescription to allow for clear viewing.

Seeing is believing
Thats by no means the end of the
options, however. If theres anything a
customer cant find in stock, it can be
special-ordered to the clinic. Similarly,
if a customer finds a pair of frames
that fits in terms of style but not head
shape, Gregg can alter the sizing to
ensure the new glasses are easy on the

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eyes and easy to wear.

Whether youre looking for help
with a particular vision problem or
need help with a new look, see for
yourself what makes Inver Grove
Heights Family Eye Clinic different,
schedule your next annual eye exam by
calling 651-455-1492.

www.kathhvac.com www.kathelectric.com

Kath

At Kath, service and quality

are second to none
Whether
youre
looking
for heating, cooling
or electrical
service for
your home
or business, the
staff at
Kath has
your best
interest at
heart.

We always look out for the customers, notes manager and master
electrician Keith Williams. Were
customer service-based.
In addition to offering stellar service, Kath carries the industrys most
trusted products and is a Carrier
factory-authorized dealer. Williams
notes that its important for customers to make sure theyre doing business with a reputable Carrier dealer,
and unlike many other heating,
cooling and electrical companies,
Kath will always back up its products.
Williams pointed to an example
of a woman who called Kath recently when her systems controller
screen started going blank. Because
the system had been purchased
elsewhere, it wasnt covered under
Kaths standard 10-year warranty,
and she had a $600 repair bill.
Williams adds sales representatives wont ever try to upsell unnecessary products to customers.
Were not going to sell something you dont need, he explains,
adding, however, that quality can
be key when it comes to protecting
value.
Williams notes that many newer
homes may have been built with
lower-priced HVAC systems, which
dont measure up to better-grade
products when it comes to efficiency
and comfort.
What technology has found over
the years is that half a degree makes
a huge difference in the comfort
of the house, explains sales representative Jim Manos, noting that
higher-quality systems will be able
to provide more even and efficient
heating and cooling.

Controlling your
heating/cooling system
via the internet
The new Carrier Infinity
Control products also provide for
some high-tech perks, with touch
screen and WiFi-accessible thermostats. Customers who choose to
upgrade to the WiFi compatible
products can control their thermo-

stats from any Internet connection

when theyre away from home. The
thermostat system will even send an
email update to users in the event of
the malfunction or error.
While on their electronic device,
customers can check out Kaths
redesigned website, www.kathhvac.
com, which offers more inquiry
tools such as detailed product
information, educational videos,
service request forms and even a
pre-financing evaluation. Air filters
can even be purchased on the website from Kaths online filter store
or by scanning the attached QR
code. Customers can also call Kath
anytime during daytime hours, or
24-hours-day for emergency heating
calls.

A seamless process
Well go the extra mile to help
our customers, even if its not just a
quick fix, Williams says,
And with a more than qualified work force, customers can rest
assured the entire installation or
repair process will be seamless from
start to finish. Experienced technicians have been trained by Carrier
on exactly how all products should
be installed and serviced, and to add
the most value to each customers
purchase, Kath doesnt subcontract
anything on the job, Manos notes.
Most jobs are completed on the
same day theyre started, and in the
unlikely event of a two-day installation, Kath ensures that the customer
has necessary heating or cooling on
day one.
Everybody works together, and
its all very coordinated, adds
HVAC sales representative Brad
Hansen.
Williams notes that potential
and repeat customers are always
welcome to stop by the business to
discuss their heating, cooling and
electrical needs over a cup of coffee, and to see for themselves why
Kath is known locally and regionally
for top-notch customer service and
trusted products.
We go far beyond what we
have to do to make people happy,
Williams notes. And we have a
100 percent satisfaction guarantee
backed by Carrier.

All Kath products are installed by Kath employees, not subcontractors, Manos
notes, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

DONE. RIGHT. GUARANTEED.

Three powerful words that define what it means to be recognized
as a Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer and what you should
expect from your experience as one of their customers.

Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers have earned their distinction

its not given to them. And its not about what they are, but
what theyve done and continue to do: they go to work and get
the job Done. Right. Guaranteed

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(651) 484-3326
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Kath Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical

New Leaf Outdoor Services

For every season, New Leaf

Outdoor Services is your one-stop shop
Whether you need help with lawn care, snow
removal, or even asphalt sealcoating, New Leaf
Outdoor Services, LLC has got you covered.
The business provides year-round service for
all your lawn, snow removal and asphalt needs,
saving you the hassle of calling around to different companies for various services.
And with snow melting and spring just
around the corner, nows the time to start thinking about beautifying your yard.
New Leaf Outdoor Services is your No. 1
source for spring cleaning, starting with setting
the scene for a fabulous lawn. Theyll dethatch
it, removing dead grass and blowing away all
the debris left from fall and winter.
Through the spring and summer, New Leaf
Outdoor Services keeps the surroundings green
with weekly lawn care, sidewalk edging, shrub
trimming, fertilizing and weed control.
They even offer summer driveway services to
keep your asphalt drive in top shape and ensure
youve got the best looking lot on the block.
Thinking of selling your home in the spring
or summer? Getting New Leaf Outdoor Services
out to make sure your property has that allimportant curb appeal could make the difference in a recovering real-estate market.

Hometown appeal
My goal has been and will always be to provide professional, quality and reputable services
at affordable prices to local homeowners, says
owner Scott Nelson.
His family-owned business has served the
community for more than 20 years, formerly
operating under the name of Scotts Lawn
Care and Snowplowing, LLC. And with the
new name and rebranding, New Leaf Outdoor
Services hopes customers will continue to trust
them as their one-stop-shop for all their home
care needs.
Nelson extended his original business plan
installing and maintaining asphalt driveways and lots into snowplowing and lawn
care to meet his customers requests. With six
plows and a dedicated crew, New Leaf Outdoor

651.457.4104
newleafoutdoor.com

Heres what New Leafs happy

customers have to say:
Your team of workers did an
amazing job!
- Carol, Mendota Heights
Thanks Scott! Great to be doing
business with you again! Wish
everyone was as dependable and
efficient as you and your company!
- Jane, South St. Paul

New Leaf Outdoor Services will make your

lawn looks its best with a weekly cut and
trim service in addition to sidewalk edging and other services.
Services has great response time for plowing
customers out whenever more than two inches
of snow fall. And best of all, customers pay a
flat $349 rate (avg. driveway) for the entire season.
Even before the business got started, Nelson
had already began honing his craft. In junior
high school, the West St. Paul native began
working for his fathers sealcoating company,
and he worked as a parking lot striper in the
late 70s.
Im still serving the community that I was
born and raised in, Nelson proudly states. I
feel a great sense of loyalty to this community.
New Leaf Outdoor Services has extended its
clientele area now and offers home care to South
St. Paul, West St. Paul, Mendota Heights, Inver
Grove Heights, Woodbury, New Port, Cottage
Grove and the West Side of St. Paul.

Your plow drivers do a good job

every time it snows. I have also
referred you to three of our friends
and they agree your guys are the
best, as they are now your customers too! You guys are beyond good!
Thanks for the service.
- Sue, Mendota Heights

Last year we cut more grass than we have

ever cut, Nelson says, adding that his client
base continues to grow thanks to customer
loyalty and neighbor-to-neighbor recommendations.
For all your homecare needs, trust New Leaf
Outdoor Services. With their reliable service and
top-notch expertise, all you need to do is enjoy
the time they save you.

Full Service Lawn Care

Snow Plowing with Great Seasonal Specials
Asphalt Seal Coating
Summer Driveway Services
Free Estimates

Summer Lawn Services

Summer Driveway Services

Weekly Cut N Trim Service

Shrub Trimming
Fertilizing & Weed Control
Sidewalk Edging

Asphalt Seal coating & Crack Filling

Apron Cut-Outs
Parking Lot Striping & Design

Fully Insured

Formerly...
y
Same Owner & Great Service, With a New Name & a New Look!

Realife Cooperative of West St. Paul

Realife offers gorgeous, wooded views.

www.realifewsp.com

Realife residents Barb and Jim Aydt and Stephan Flister (standing) enjoy the onsite library.

Realife offers community

life in West St. Paul
As we grow older, the last
thing we want to have is
regrets. Residents of Realife
Cooperative of West St. Paul
believe youd never regret
moving out of your large
house to their hometown
community.
It seems youre really giving up so much when youre
moving out of your house,
but youre really not, says
resident Jim Aydt.
I havent given up a
thing, he adds.
Before he and his wife Barb
decided to move to Realife
years ago, they realized they
werent using their whole
house; they were only using
the kitchen, bedrooms and
living room. Yet they were
paying big bills in upkeep.
This place was perfect,
he explains. We had everything we needed, with less
space to vacuum.
Residents can choose
how much time they spend
socializing. For social butterflies, there are many onsite events to choose from
(Saturday morning pancakes,
anyone?) but apartments are
quiet and cozy for the times
when a resident just wants
some downtime.
Realife offers many advantages to residents, including
an on-site library, laundry
rooms (4 per floor), party

room, community areas,

guest rooms and even a
workshop for folks who like
to tinker.
I have access to more tools
now than I ever had in my
garage, Jim adds with a
chuckle.
Access is an important factor at Realife; Barb Aydt
calls Realife two blocks
from the world. The community is just two blocks
from Robert Streets shopping areas and offers easy
access to bus routes while
still maintaining its wooded
privacy.
Because Realife which
is available for residents 55
and older is a non-profit
cooperative, each member
owns a share of the property
based on the square footage
of the unit. Selling prices are
determined by the cooperative members, rather than a
market rate.
In addition, the monthly
carrying charge includes
most utilities and housing
costs.
It really makes your retirement dollars stretch, Jim
says.
Of course, you cant put a
price on the security of living at Realife. We leave
town in the summer, and we
have the ability to just lock
the door behind us and not

worry, says resident Stephan

Flister. It really works wonderfully.
Other residents spend their
winters in warmer climates,
knowing their home in
Minnesota is secure in their

absence.
You have nothing to lose
and so much to gain, Jim
says. Weve never regretted
moving to Realife.

Cooperative of West St. Paul

55+ Cooperative Living at its Best.

Spacious, Beautiful 1 & 2 Bedroom Homes

Many Amenities & Activities
Great Location

SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE AT REALIFE!

170 Emerson Ave. E, West St. Paul
651.455.1340
www.realifewsp.com

www.trumanrc.com

The Truman Company

This is a look at the variety of coins and pieces in The Truman Companys collection. With 37 years experience in the field, Roger Westerling can appraise and
handle a wide range of inventory.

Roger Westerling was introduced to coins at a young age by his Uncle Truman, a
numismatist for whom the company is named. Westerling is as passionate about
coin collection as his customers, making them feel right at home when they visit
The Truman Company.

The Truman Company: a valuable

source for coins and precious metals

cent and gold by 595 percent.

Many of Westerlings customers are currently transferring
individual retirement account
funds from banks to a precious metal IRA.
I honestly think the prices
for gold and silver will continue to rise throughout our
lifetime, while the U.S. dollar declines, Westerling
explains. Transferring to a
precious metal IRA can be an
excellent investment.
Customers will feel
at home in The Truman
Company office, where they
might even meet Westerlings
pooch, Sonny, and his wife,
Donna, an award winning
Twin Cities artist whose work
is featured throughout the
office.
Curious about the worth of
a personal collection? Roger
Westerling and his staff at
The Truman Company are
ready to help.

rust and confidence are key in

the coin industry,
and customers from all over
Minnesota and the U.S.
have found an extraordinary
guide in Roger Westerling of
The Truman Company.
Devoting himself to the
rare coin and precious metal
trade for well over three
decades, Westerlings commitment to the customer is
second to none. From their
Roseville office, he and his
associates offer purchases
and appraisals for estates,
banks, insurance companies
and individuals.
My staff and I are dedicated to helping people preserve and grow their wealth,
Westerling explains. Thats
why The Truman Company
offers personalized service
tailored to each individual.
Introduced to the business by his Uncle Truman, a
young Roger became enamored with coins. This nearlylifelong passion encouraged
Westerling to open his own
business under the Truman
name.
Every time he visited my
family, he gave me a coin that
had an interesting history.
His hope was that I would
develop a real interest in
rare and unusual coins, and
it worked, Westerling says
with a smile.
Westerling visited
Minnesota to appraise a collection in 1998, and was so
touched by the welcome he
received he decided to move
both his home and business

Roger Westerling and his rescue dog Sonny, a fixture at The Truman Company
office in Roseville.

to St. Paul. He currently

works with about 3,000 clients around the country.
Westerling is a life member
of the American Numismatic
Association and holds an
A+ rating with the Better
Business Bureau.
His knowledge can reassure people that theyre
insuring or pricing such
items correctly. Im more
than happy to visit a home or
bank to review a collection,
Westerling notes. Theres a
market for everything!
Though old coins appreciate gradually, precious metals have undergone dramatic
spikes over the past decade

in value, Westerling adds.

From 2002 to 2013, the value
of silver went up by 668 per-

WE BUY,
SELL &
TRADE
Rare coins and Precious Metals
2585 Hamline Ave N Suite E
Roseville, MN 55113
Toll Free: 1-877-334-4990 Fax: 1-877-334-4991
www.trumanrc.com

A+
BBB

ACCREDITED
BUSINESS

www.callapollo.com

Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning

Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning:

Part of the local community for over 30 years

When they first opened their

doors in 1980, Apollo Heating
and Air Conditioning set the
bar for excellent service in the
metro area.
For the past
34 years, the
S
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AD ICE
family-owned
E
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company has
a
been installing
and repairing topof-the-line units
from brands like
Lennox, Carrier,
Amana, Apollo Select Series,
Venmar, Honeywell, Aprilaire
The knowledgeable, friendly technicians at Apollo Heating and Air Conditioning will service all your heating and cooling
needs.
and Weil-McLain.
The knowledgeable and
heat pumps from Lennox can
could contaminate your home,
minded. Partnering with Twin
friendly staff will help you
reduce home utility costs by
a technician can whip your
Cities Live, Apollo has given
determine whats best for your
49 percent for the majority of
ducts back into shape in a mataway a number of furnaces,
home, no matter what service
winter,
Halverson
says.
This
ter
of
hours.
valued at $5,000 each, to famiyou may need. Apollo is prereduces the reliance on gas and
Apollo is also convenient
lies in need this winter.
pared to tackle any issue
propane,
which
are
expensive.
for
those
on
the
go.
As
always,
Its great to be able to
whether your furnace is on the
Apollo has also been
Apollos staff is only a phone
give back to the community,
fritz, air conditioner is acting
expanding its air duct cleancall away, but customers can
Operations Manager Aaron
up or just want to make your
ing
service,
and
is
prepared
also
book
appointments
on
Cave says. Weve been getting
home more energy efficient,
to take on even the dustiest of
Apollos newly redesigned
a lot of positive feedback from
Apollos technicians are ready
ducts.
Blending
state-of-the-art
website,
www.callapollo.com.
customers about our Twin
to lend their expertise.
technology with classic good
An array of outstanding deals
Cities Live giveaways.
Comfort specialist Ryan
service, an Apollo technician
and special offers are also
Review readers recently
Halverson says Apollo has
will
come
to
your
home
and
available
on
the
site.
voted
Apollo the Best
seen a recent uptick in busitake a video of whats in your
Were constantly updating
Heating and Air Conditioning
ness since housing construcair
ducts.
If
theres
excessive
and
redesigning
our
website
Company in the area
tion and remodeling is on the
dust and debris, chances are
to make it more convenient for
schedule an appointment today
rise. Many clients are choosing
good your air ducts need to
folks to use, Halverson says.
and find out why!
to install new, more energybe
cleaned
out.
Using
a
rotoIn
addition
to
providing
efficient electric heat pumps,
brush to reduce the amount of
quality services at affordable
he says.
airborne
dust
and
dander
that
prices, Apollo is communityThese new variable-speed
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with Purchase of
New Central Air Unit
Save an Extra 10% When You
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651.770.0603 www.CallApollo.com
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0% Financing Available

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Call for details 651.770.0603

Apollo Gives Back

Not valid on prior purchases or orders.

One Coupon Per Visit Per House. Certain
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Valid 7:30am to 7:00pm, Mon-Fri
Must show coupon at time of service.
Not valid on boilers.

APOLLO
Heating & Air Conditioning

www.CallApollo.com
Call for details 651.770.0603
One Coupon Per Visit Per House. Certain
Restrictions Apply. Not Valid With Any Other Offers.

www.vandrakejewlers.com

Van Drake Jewelers

For all of lifes special occasions,

visit Van Drake Jewelers
Jewelry styles change over time. For
years, elegant yellow gold is all the rage,
and then it gives way to the cool sophistication of white gold and platinum.
Van Drake Jewelers has witnessed
many jewelry trends during the 57 years
the store has been in the community.
In the 1990s, popular engagement
rings had large, raised diamond solitaires,
but now brides-to-be are more apt to
choose classic designs reminiscent of the
1920s and 30s with smaller, high-quality
diamonds and white gold or platinum
settings.
What hasnt changed through the
decades, though, is the expertise, wide
selection and top-notch customer service
offered at Van Drake.
The veteran staff have all studied
academics in the area of jewelry, says
Craig Ishii, whose family has owned the
business since 1981. Were all dedicated
to our profession and are accredited gemologists.
That distinction is important to customers selecting, appraising or repairing
costly jewelry, he notes.
That sets us apart from someone who
was selling shoes last week and behind a
department stores jewelry counter this
week.
Were the people you can trust. We
are not salespeople pushing items on
customers; we are consultants helping our
clients meet their needs.
Van Drake is an accredited member
of the American Gem Society, an elite,
restricted group that requires high levels of education, business practices and
annual recertification.
Gemologist Institute of Americatrained goldsmith Jim Aubol has a
workshop in the back of the store where
he does meticulous jewelry repairs, ring
sizing and stone settings.
People have peace of mind knowing that their jewelry is never sent away
for repairs, Aubol says. It all stays right
here.

Making the right choices

Craig suggests browsing the many
showcases in the store, or going online
to Van Drakes website to find a wide
array of selections for many occasions,
from designer-styled engagement rings to
classic anniversary rings and fashionable
gemstone jewelry for all lifes special
occasions.
The store continuously updates merchandise to help customers find what
theyre looking for. Recently, they updat-

Left to right, Jim Aubol - gemologist; Donna Ishii - president; Craig Ishii - vice president and registered jeweler; Cathy Ishii secretary and sales associate; and Kyle Ishii - bench jeweler.

Above, Certified gemologist appraiser David Buchosky examines an

heirloom gold ring. He provides appraisal reports based on market
prices so customers can have adequate insurance protection.
Right, Goldsmith Jim Aubol does meticulous jewelry repairs, ring
sizing and stone settings at the store. Customers have peace of
mind knowing their jewelry is never sent away for repairs

ed their bridal selection of engagement

and wedding rings and took on a new
line of solar-powered wristwatches.
The store has a Facebook page where
customers can stay up-to-date on merchandise, promotions and contests, or follow them on Twitter @ VanDrakeJeweler.
One trend in this economy is customers selling gold, sterling silver and
platinum pieces they no longer wear or
that cant be repaired. Craig says customers frequently tell him Van Drake offers
them the most money for their old jewelry.

Van Drake Jewelers also offers watch

repair and watch battery replacement,
and David Buchosky does jewelry
appraisals every Friday. He is one of
only 20 certified gemologist appraisers
trained by the American Gem Society in
Minnesota.
Craigs mother, Donna Ishii, has been
helping customers find just the right
jewelry for over three decades. She says,
We show customers different pieces to
help them make their decisions, and the
different color, quality and cut of stones if
they are unsure.

I like customers to make the right

choice, Donna adds. We have gold
and sterling silver pieces in many price
ranges, and I ask them what they like
so the piece will be something they will
want to wear.
Sales associate Cathy Ishii smiles as
she adds, When you wear a good piece
of jewelry, it makes you feel on top of the
world!

We Buy Gold, Platinum & Silver

VAN DRAKE JEWELERS IS PAYING CASH FOR GOLD, PLATINUM & SILVER IN ANY CONDITION.

1901 S. ROBERT ST. WEST ST. PAUL, MN

651-457-4407
WWW.VANDRAKEJEWELERS.COM

YOUR OLD
JEWELRY

IS WORTH
CASH

OR NEW
JEWELRY

GET CASH! REDESIGN YOUR GOLD, PLATINUM OR SILVER INTO A NEW PIECE OF CUSTOM JEWELRY!

Town Square Television

www.townsquare.tv

Town Square Television Looks to the Future

photos courtesy of Mark Bitner

Town Square Televisions state-of-the-art renovated studio is showcased at its
25th Anniversary event.

Town Square Television guests explore green screen technology.

Local community television station Town Square

Television is the communitys connection to the future.
As Executive Director Jodie
Miller is quick to point out,
the facilities are equipped
with state-of-the-art technology, an expanded studio,
edit suites, and a production
truck.
Town Square Television
has many of the amenities of
a commercial TV station, but
with one distinct advantage
its for the public.
The organization cablecasts over 1,500 unique
shows a year, representing
its surrounding communities, including Inver Grove
Heights, Lilydale, Mendota,
Mendota Heights, South St.
Paul, Sunfish Lake and West
St. Paul.
Much of the content is
produced by dedicated volunteers, who logged over
1,500 hours of time last year
on studio and mobile truck
productions.
Town Square Television
covers local programming
including arts features, local
music, high school sports,
faith-related shows, local
government and news, history programs, and more.
Their channels are available on cable in over 21,000
homes in Northern Dakota
County:

ing to renew its contract

with the cable provider.
The community was invited to attend focus groups
and complete surveys in
order to learn more about
what they need from Town
Square Television in the
future.
Keeping in stride with
technology, Town Square
Televisions programming and information are
available on Facebook,

Community (Channel 14)

Public Access (Channel 15)
Multifaith Access
(Channel 16)
Government
(Channels 18 and 19)
Education (Channel 20)
Community Bulletin Board
(Channel 21)

Programming is easily
accessed on cable channels, and is also available at
www.townsquare.tv.
Major improvements
made to studio lighting and
equipment reflect Town
Square Televisions focus on
the importance of keeping
up with changing technology.
The community can get
involved by taking classes,
volunteering, or producing
and submitting their own
programs. A comprehensive
line of classes are offered
for video enthusiasts and
novices alike and include
HD Camera Production,
Studio Production,
Video Editing, and Truck
Production. The organization also recently added
four HD cameras for public
use.

Going Live
In 2012, Town Square
Television started providing live coverage of events,
both online and on its channels. We saw really high
viewership for live sports,
says Miller.
This service can be especially great for family and
friends of local athletes,
who can watch from anywhere in the world. A local
resident was able to watch
his sister s soccer playoff
game, while stationed on an
aircraft carrier overseas.

Preparing for the Future

Town Square Television,

funded largely through

franchise fees from
Comcast, will soon be work-

Produce local programs

Train & support volunteers
Teach affordable video classes
Provide hands-on training
& employment skills
Purchase & maintain state-of
the art studio & equipment
Keep up with technology
Promote freedom of speech
Help non-profits tell their stories
Maintain a LOCAL media presence
Cover local events
Support local business economy
Employ local residents
Preserve & document local history

Twitter, Vimeo, Comcast

On-Demand, and at
www.townsquare.tv
We are preparing for the
future, Miller adds. And
indeed, the organization is
poised to stay in touch with
the ever-changing ways we
connect.

Inver Grove Toyota

www.invergrovetoyota.com

Getting your car serviced is quicker and easier than ever with Inver Grove
Toyotas quarter-time express maintenance and online appointment
scheduling.

A big-screen TV, Wi-Fi and individual work stations make Inver Grove
Toyotas lounge a comfortable place to wait while professional technicians service your vehicle.

Inver Grove Toyota offers care

and convenience for customers
Whether providing assistance to a car owner in
desperate need of a service
appointment or cheerfully
responding to questions from
an inquisitive customer perusing their award-winning
lineup of automobiles, Inver
Grove Toyota employees are
here to help.
Their goal is simple staff
members work diligently
to ensure every customer is
happy with their experience
so theyre happy to return.
Both new and pre-owned
vehicles are available for purchase at Inver Grove Toyota,
and quick diagnoses and easily
scheduled service appointments help keep your vehicle
running and in tip-top shape.

A full lineup of options

Interested in a roomy ride
capable of comfortably fitting
your growing family?
How about that sport car of
your dreams?
Maybe youd like to test out
a new economical hybrid.
Whatever your preference,
Inver Grove Toyota has a car
that will fit your needs, and
a knowledgeable staff to help
you find it.
If youre looking for a brand
new car, Inver Grove Toyota
offers completely revamped
versions of the Corolla,
Camry, Highlander and more.
For even more options, the
car center is also a full Scion
servicing dealer.
If a pre-owned car is your
goal, check out Inver Grove

Toyotas large inventory.

Descriptions, as well as prices,
can be found at wwww.invergrovetoyota.com.

A comfortable welcome
Visiting the car center is a
fun outing for everyone, even
the kids.
An entertaining, clean
and secure play area engages
children and keeps them busy
so customers can explore the
dealers wide selection of
vehicles. And customers can
relax or get some work done
in Inver Grove Toyotas newly
remodeled lounge while a car
is being serviced. The lounge
features a big-screen TV,
Wi-Fi and individual work
spaces with personal televisions and desk space.
Creating an environment
in which your time and experience is paramount, Inver
Grove Toyota also offers a
complimentary shuttle service
to get you to and from nearby
locations while you wait for
your car to be serviced.
Whether providing safe
and reliable transportation
to its neighbors or contributing to nonprofit events and
area athletic teams, Inver
Grove Toyota works is committed to the community.
They regularly participate in
events including Bridge to
a Cure and the Chamber of
Commerce Gold Classic, and
a conference room is available
for community groups to use
at no charge.
Inver Grove Toyota also

invites all customers who

have purchased vehicles from
them to refresh their knowledge of car care at how-to
clinics on the second Tuesday
of every month.
A stop at Inver Grove
Toyota is absolutely necessary
if youre in the market for a
new vehicle or maintenance
for your current car. Trusted

employees will greet you with

smiles, and a new quartertime express maintenance
and an online scheduling
option makes servicing your
car quicker and easier than
ever.

INVER GROVE TOYOTA

LV3URXGWR6SRQVRUWKH$WKOHWH
RIWKH:HHN&ROXPQHYHU\RWKHUZHHN
LQWKH6RXWK:HVW5HYLHZ

Inver Grove Toyotas

ATHLETE of the WEEK

Billy Brandecker
Saddled with a threegame
losing
streak
entering its Feb. 9 Classic
Suburban
Conference
game against Richeld,
the South St. Paul High
School boys hockey team
was in need of a jump
start. The Packers got it
from junior forward Billy
Brandecker.
Brandecker, the teams
leading scorer, helped
South St. Paul to an 8-0
victory over the Spartans
with a four-point effort.
Brandecker notched
his third hat trick of
the season and added
an assist to record his
highest-scoring game
of the season.
The Richeld game
boosted
Brandeckers

season numbers to 15 goals

and 8 assists for 23 total
points. The goal total in No. 1
on the team and he is fourth
on the squad in assists.

1037 Highway 110

651-455-6000

www.invergrovetoyota.com

Inver Grove Toyota

+LJKZD\
ZZZLQYHUJURYHWR\RWDFRP

www.progressplus.org

Progress Plus

Are you an entrepreneur or small business owner?

Progress Plus has got you covered!
Whether youre looking to start
a business or expand your existing
business, Progress Plus and their
partners can provide the boost you
need.
Progress Plus, an economic
development initiative of the
River Heights Chamber of
Commerce, City of South St. Paul
and City of Inver Grove Heights,
brings local businesses together to
promote the interests of the South
St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights,
business communities.
Progress Plus works with government officials, loan providers,
real estate professionals and small
business owners to facilitate development by supporting the start-up
or expansion of businesses.
One of the most important services they provide is information.
We serve as the conduit of
information, says Progress Plus
President, Jennifer Gale. We
point clients in the right direction based on their needs.
Progress Plus connects clients
with local resources they can
utilize for economic growth and
success, including programs like
Open to Business, South St. Paul
Future and the South St. Paul
Housing and Redevelopment
Authority.
Open to Business provides
entrepreneurs and small business
owners in South St. Paul and
Inver Grove Heights with business counseling and access to
capital. The program helps clients
develop a business plan, learn
proper tax procedure, prepare
loan applications and make other
plans to secure funding.
Anybody who is either a resident or does business in our community can get assistance for free
from the program, Gale explains.
And when small businesses
need small loans to expand or
develop, Progress Plus connects
them with South St. Paul Future.
South St. Paul Future is a private
development corporation that
provides low interest loans to
businesses looking to develop in
South St. Paul.
We provide low interest gap
financing to businesses that are
trying to relocate to South St.
Paul or expand in South St.
Paul, explains Chris Lehmann,
President of South St. Paul
Future.
Businesses can use the loan
for any kind of expansion or
improvement, Lehmann notes,
whether thats relocating, pur-

Progress Plus has got your business covered! Progress Plus Economic Development Foundation staff work to attract and
retain business in the community. From left to right: Maggie Doody (Membership Manager), Jennifer Gale (President) and
Nicole Bengtson (Communications Manager) of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus Economic
Development Foundation.

chasing new equipment or giving

the business a facelift.
A third agency, the South St.
Paul Housing and Redevelopment
Authority, works closely with
Progress Plus to find locations for
businesses in South St. Paul.
Progress Plus keeps an inventory of the properties and businesses that are available in South
St. Paul, says Branna Lindell,
Executive Director of the Housing
and Redevelopment Authority.
We contract with Progress Plus to
provide us with services to attract
businesses to South St. Paul.
The Housing and
Redevelopment Authority works
with clients on an as-needed
basis, assisting them with everything from obtaining government
resources to learning about environmental regulations.
Progress Plus offers a wealth of
resources for entrepreneurs and
small business owners in South St.
Paul and Inver Grove Heights. So
whether youve been in business
for 20 years or have a new business idea in mind, Progress Plus

2014 Progress Plus Chair, Bruce Bairaktaris of Quality Auto Care and 2014 River
Heights Chamber Chair, Dody Sobaszkiewicz of Bearence Management Group

can help steer you in the direction

of success.
Contact their office at 651451-2266 or visit them online at
www.progressplus.org.

www.usedcarsandtrucksforless.com

Used Cars & Trucks for Less

Used Cars and Trucks for Less:

Proven in service, trusted in sales
If the phrase used car salesman sends
shivers up your spine, Chad Henkels a
used car sales manager can sympathize.
Ive seen the places with the high-pressure, manipulative approach, and its not for
me, Henkels says frankly.

Sales without pressure

Henkels, who has worked in a dealership environment for two decades, says the
no-pressure sales philosophy revolutionized auto sales.
Thats the approach he brings to Used
Cars & Trucks for Less in Inver Grove
Heights, where car shoppers find it a
refreshing change.
We see ourselves in more of a consultant role here, Henkels explains. It only
makes sense people have the information on cars, features and prices at their fingertips these days, so that high-pressure stuff
just turns them off.
Henkels knows autos from the inside
out. He started working on cars as a
mechanic, worked for a while in parts and
service and designed a dealerships online
programs before moving into sales. I like
to say Ive gone from the back shop to the
front, he says.

Sales Manager Chad Henkels and Service Manager John Frantz talk with a customer about the car hes considering while another employee confers with a customer about financing. Used Cars & Trucks for Less enjoys a large sales lot and
floor fronting on Robert along with a full-service maintenance and repair shop.

Savings and loans

Used Cars & Trucks for Less also offers
financing through a number of providers to
fit customers needs and make the purchasing process seamless. Good credit, bad
credit, no credit we help everybody,
Henkels says.

Stop in and see

for yourself

Service with
you in charge
John Frantz, service manager, also has
extensive experience 20 years in his
field, and he, too, has seen the effects of
high-pressure tactics.
We just had a young woman in here
the other day after a chain service place had
given her a huge list of things she had to
fix right away on her car, Frantz says. She
was panicked.
With a second look at the car, Frantz
put together a prioritized list so the owner
could address the fixes her car needed now
and plan for those she could pursue later.
Were glad to offer people a secondopinion estimate, Frantz explains.
Knowing were being frank with them
about what they really need takes a lot of
stress out of repairs.
The business service center sells tires,
does oil changes with complimentary

regularly have from 110 to 140.

Those cars, he adds, dont come from
the auctions where everything from salvaged to hurricane-flooded vehicles trade
hands.
Our inventory comes from the Honda
dealership next door and the Inver Grove
and Maplewood Toyota dealerships, he
explains. We do not deal in salvaged or
frame-damaged vehicles.
Of the vehicles on the lot, Henkels currently had 60 for under $10,000 and 20 for
under $5,000.
Its reliable quality for the lowest possible prices, he notes. This is the time of
year college students and high-school students start looking for summer jobs, and this
is a great place to find a reliable, low-priced
car.

The spacious lounge offers customers a quiet place to relax, with coffee and
snacks at hand and a play area for the kids.

fluid top-off and interior vacuuming and

repairs and services all makes and models.

Safety-checked on site
Part of General Manager Dan Petersons
mission is to have both sales and service
working hand-in-hand for customers. And
nowhere is that such a perfect fit as in
checking out the vehicles Used Cars &
Trucks for Less sells.
We inspect every car that goes to our
lot right here, to make sure theyre safe and
meet our standards, Frantz says. We dont
send them out and you dont have to get
information secondhand from some service

center off site.

You have to build trust in this industry,
and so I want you to know everything I
know about the car youre buying, he continues.

Selection no lemons
on the lot
You could drive from one end of the
suburbs to the other before finding a dealership that offers the number and quality of
used cars as Used Cars & Trucks for Less
does.
A typical dealership has maybe 10, 15,
25 used cars on the lot, Henkels says. We

The business is enjoying its new frontage

along Robert Trail after starting out about
a block further west. Its spacious building
offers a comfortable waiting room with
snacks and pop available, toys for the kids
and a cozy fireplace and not a sound of
air hammers.
Most of all, Used Cars & Trucks for Less
is committed to serving the area for the
long haul.
Were focused on building relationships where customers return to us again
and again, Frantz says. Im happy to sell
you one set of tires, but we want to be your
choice into the future.
Henkels agrees, noting that customers
who stop in for car service or to look at the
inventory often comment on how helpful
they found the staff. Its a change, I think,
for the better.