To Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr.

Kehr this week spoke to the Tribune staff in our building-wide Progress kickoff. For the next few months, the newspaper staff will be writing stories and selling ads for our largest special section of the year. This year’s theme, Community Passion, will highlight people in Albert Lea and Freeborn County who are excited to live in our communities and who are striving to make a difference.

Kehr shared the story of how he ended up in Albert Lea and what he has done with his life since he moved here, and needless to say, we were all inspired to hear his story.

If you know anyone who is passionate about the community who would be good to include in this section, please let us know. Contact Managing Editor Sarah Stultz with story ideas at sarah.stultz@albertleatribune.com or 379-3435.

 

To the unseasonably warm weather this week. 

For several days this week, Albert Lea saw highs
in the mid- to upper-60s, which is about 20 degrees above the norm for this time of year.

With the warm weather, children can still play outside and people can get caught up on their lawn work.

Let’s enjoy it while it lasts. Temperatures dipped on Friday, and highs next week are expected to be in the 50s with lows in the 30s.

 

To Albert Lea’s rising entrepreneurs.

Some of Albert Lea’s rising entrepreneurs put their business ideas to the test this week in a program called BizPitch, which is modeled after the television show “Shark Tank.”

The entrepreneurs had been part of a four-week training course that provided tips on things such as marketing, goals and financial statements.

After presenting their ideas, each person received 10 to 15 minutes of feedback from a panel of community business leaders.

It’s not easy to get up in front of people and have your ideas critiqued.

We applaud those who are making an effort to begin or grow a business and help our community grow. It was wise to be a part of the program and get feedback on areas that could be strengthened.