business news

It's going to be the first of 26 Wahlburgers restaurants to open since the agreement between the grocery store chain and the famed brothers, Mark, Donnie and Paul Wahlberg. May 22nd at the Mall of America, it becomes reality.

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce says in their weekly e-newsletter that local chambers of commerce and government have submitted their support letters for Highway 14 expansion to the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Corridors of Commerce program.

Schweich's Bar and Hotel in Kenyon has closed their doors. The Kenyon Leader article said the doors were locked and that workers were removing perishable items from the building on Monday.

It's an almost certainty that Toys R Us will be history. The chain plans to honor gift cards for the next 30 days. But the recomendation is that you go use it as soon as possible.

Owner Jeff Westad says the restaurant will close because it cannot compete with the cheaper pizza chains. Basilleo's put's out a quality, fresh ingredient pizza. But you pay more for quality. Around $15 to $20 per pizza. And many people can't afford that. And there are just too many other cheaper pizza choices in Faribault.

Former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty will speak at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism's annual dinner on Friday, January 12 at the Owatonna Country Club. Social time begins at 5:30PM with dinner at 6:30PM and the program at 7PM.

Gandy Company of Owatonna announced recently their achievement of ISO 9001:2015 certification. Gandy, a manufacturer of agricultural and professional turf maintenance equipment, was founded in 1936 in Owatonna and remains a family-owned business.

Seven banks in Owatonna held a friendly competition that coincided with the Hometown Holiday Weekend to bring in food and money for the Steele County Food Shelf. Customers, employees and community members were invited to make donations to help fill the need that emerges at this time of year.

The Young Professionals of the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism are hosting an ugly Christmas sweater social event Thursday, December 7 at the Steele County History Center from 12-1PM. There will be a white elephant gift exchange as well.

Imagine all of the changes that have taken place in the area of highways 3 and 21 in Faribault in 79 years. Kuntze's trees has seen them from their spot. This year might be the last call.