Posted: 4/4/07
Final Draft - by Cliff Buchan
Progress Edition shows changing face of FL area
Many of our longtime readers look forward to our annual Progress Edition special section. In this issue readers will find 40 extra pages of stories, photos and advertisements that tell the story of the changes and growth in our area during the past year.
For our reporters, sales representatives and graphic artists, the special section is an edition that takes several months to plan, produce, print and deliver to your homes. Sometimes those closest to the paper take this special section for granted.
But perhaps this year more than ever we can see the dramatic impact the business community has on this area.
Today’s outside front cover is a perfect example.
In one corner of the paper, readers will see a report on a major expansion for the Wal-Mart store in Forest Lake which will be transformed to a SuperCenter in 2008.
In some circles around the country, Wal-Mart is seen in negative light, but in Forest Lake the Duane Nelson-led store has been a solid community citizen that fills a retail function while giving back in many avenues.
In another corner of the front page is a story outlining the history of Waldoch Farm, a Lino Lakes business that has now spanned four generations and shows no signs of changing its mission of providing fresh flowers, produce and garden-related merchandise any time soon.
In a sense, Waldoch Farm shows a contrast to the Wal-Mart’s of the world — from corporate giant big box retailer to a family run business that takes pride in the ground.
Look elsewhere on the front page and readers will find more information on business changes that are in the works for restaurants, banks and the community center parcel.
The “new” information that is provided by the Progress Edition is one thing. But the special section is also a reminder of where Forest Lake has been and where it is going.
The special pages will present a variety of stories that we hope entertain and inform.
The section will tell the story of Corbett Johnson who today heads a family-founded real estate business that is in its 60th year.
The section will tell the dynamic story of the start of the Lakes International Language Academy public charter school and its amazing growth and expansion of the former hospital site in Forest Lake.
The section will outline the plans for the school expansion at Maranatha Church in Wyoming as the movement for more educational opportunities in the area continues to expand.
The section also outlines the stories of new and just launched businesses that are investing and believing that the Forest Lake area is a good place to do business. Count the Stars and Strikes Entertainment Center in Wyoming. Max Stephen’s Max’s Groove House in Forest Lake, and Ziegler in Columbus as three of those that are new to the area this year.
Readers will learn why long-standing business institutions such as Security State Bank of Marine and Scandia would choose to open an office in Forest Lake.
We hope our readers will spend some extra time when the April 5th copy of the Forest Lake Times arrives at their door.
The process of putting this section together is long and time consuming but one we find interesting and worthwhile.
We hope readers will see it in the same light and recognize that the Progress Edition is a way for them to learn more about the area where they live.
Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605