Editorial: Thumbs

To organizers of The Big Freeze.

Thanks to all of those who helped organize The Big Freeze on Saturday. In its seventh year, the event had activities for all ages, including a polar plunge, chili cook off, disc golf tournament and a children’s carnival, to name a few.

It is great to see and attend such a fun community event, and we hope it will continue to grow in the future.

 

To the residents recognized this week by Albert Lea’s mayor.

Albert Lea Mayor Vern Rasmussen Jr. this week awarded five city residents for their service to the community.

Recognized were the following:

• Jeff Strom, Volunteer of the Year

• Lanny Pratt, Good Neighbor

• Kyle Olson, Human Services

• Al Kaderabek, Mayor’s Choice

• Lois Ahern, Service by Senior Citizens

Thanks to these five for stepping up to make our community better and for the mayor for highlighting them.

We hope everyone can learn from their willingness to give back.

 

To the Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program.

The Economic Development Association of Minnesota awarded the Albert Lea Entrepreneur Advancement Program the Partnership Award last month at its winter conference.

The program promotes entrepreneurship in Albert Lea and Freeborn County through monthly training and networking. Entrepreneurs also have a co-working space to utilize.

Congratulations to the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency, a local Blandin Community Leadership cohort, Riverland Community College and the Riverland Foundation, and The Marketing Plant. Collaboration is a major part of Albert Lea’s success, and it is exciting to see it happen.

This program is helping grow the business community in Albert Lea, assisting in the creation already of three new businesses and 12 new jobs.