ALDEN — Creativity and the right group of people can go a long way in ensuring the success of a business.

Dave Rasmussen, manager of the American Legion in Alden, can testify to that statement. When he first took over four years ago, cash flow was such an issue that he had to limit the establishment’s orders to what they could afford, not necessarily what they needed.

Four years later, Rasmussen credits the Legion’s turnaround to its dedicated staff and a variety of special events and meals the organization hosts, such as bag and dart leagues, Tuesday night bingo and Friday burger basket nights. The Legion also sponsors pancake breakfasts on the first Sunday and third Saturday of each month and a steak fry on the second Saturday of every month.

In addition, Rasmussen found a way for the Legion to help others, while also helping the Legion. While many burger basket nights are manned by Legion staff, local groups can also come in to cook and serve the food. The groups keep the burger basket profits and often receive a donation from the Legion as well.

The events encourage both veterans and non-veterans to stop in.

“It’s fun any night you come in there,” Rasmussen said.

The Legion also sponsors a Sons of the American Legion group. Members of the organization are like Rasmussen — someone who hasn’t personally served in the military, but is a direct descendent of someone who has served.

This group hosts a softball tournament every year during Morin Lake Days, walks in parades and hangs flags downtown for the Fourth of July.

The changes that have been implemented all have one common goal.

“We’re always trying to think of new ways to get people in there,” Rasmussen said.

According to Rasmussen, the hope is that people can come in and enjoy themselves and meet new friends, but the ultimate goal is ensuring that the organization will always be able to provide a place for veterans to go and meet with other veterans.

To learn more about the Alden American Legion, including how to become a member of one of its groups, upcoming events or to reserve the back room for a private event, call Rasmussen at 507-320-8085.