The Positive Approach by Randy Kehr

“Why would I want to live in Albert Lea?” Those were my words to Ellen during the early years of our marriage. I was working in the hotel business in large cities, and Albert Lea didn’t seem to have anything to offer us. Granted, her family resided here and mine was in the Twin Cities, but little else seemed appealing.

It’s funny how things work out. For a number of reasons, mostly health related, we decided to move to Albert Lea from Kansas City, our home for the previous 18 years. As it happened, our children were out of the home, and Ellen was able to move here to take a position in the family travel agency.

During our early years here, I was fortunate enough to spend time with Ellen’s grandfather, who had been born and raised in Albert Lea. He did a great job of filling me in on the history of the community. I learned of the first-ever community-owned industrial park in the country, as well as the first community owned nonprofit child care center. I also was fortunate enough to get involved with the Albert Lea Community Theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes, and was able to hear of the long and storied history of it.

Ellen thought that another good use of my time would be getting involved with the Downtown Association and the chamber. One thing led to another, and I became the chamber’s executive director in 2008. I have to say that what is probably the last job I will have is no doubt the best. Let me explain why.

Since the late ’90s, when I was simply on the chamber board, I have seen repeated evidence of the incredible giving nature of this community. Whether it’s for the United Way, the fireworks fundraiser, the Relay for Life or the holiday decorations that were purchased through the generosity of the residents, Albert Lea’s citizens step up in support of community projects just like they did when the community created Jobs Inc.

I have also been fortunate enough to see the amazing collaborative nature of the community. I have witnessed how our approach to challenges is to bring all the parties together to address it. We call it shared leadership. Very different organizations with very different missions are able to leave their own agendas at the door and work for the common good.

One might think that this is the way every community works. I can tell you that it is not. We stand out among communities and, in fact, have developed something of a national reputation for being able to get things done. That reputation is evident as we field call after call seeking information about ALEDA or the Blue Zones Project, receive public recognition of the community’s ALEAP program or field inquiries about our ability to make big changes, such as the ongoing efforts of Experience Albert Lea.

There are those who would say that this community is sliding backward. I can tell you that this is anything but true. We are an exceptional community, rich in history and tradition, full of caring and giving people and many partners willing to map the future. That’s why I want to live in Albert Lea.

 

Randy Kehr is the executive director of the Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce.