Business notes

Scott Parsons, Brainerd, has been honored by Farmers Insurance Group for his outstanding sales achievements during 2000. He has been invited to attend the 2001 annual meeting of Farmers' top sales producers.

The four-day Topper Club convention at Vail, Colo., will give top district managers and agents an opportunity to discuss ideas for better serving their customers as well as trends affecting the insurance business in their communities.

Persons attend GNLD event in Mexico

GNLD "Sapphire Directors," Scott and Bozena Persons, Brainerd, recently attended a four-day lifestyle event in Cancun, Mexico. The Persons' qualified by showing growth in their global business during the first half of 2001. The Persons' received a bronze medal from GNLD in recognition of their achievements in the second quarter. The Persons' have been independent GNLD distributors since 1981.

Thompson joins Northern Orthopedics

Northern Orthopedics Ltd. announces the addition of Dr. Paul Thompson. Thompson grew up in Alexandria and recently completed his orthopedic residency training in Michigan.

Millam, Munson complete training

Chad Millam and Tom Munson of Anderson Brothers Construction Co. recently completed training in heavy highway equipment operations. Butch Holmvig, of Anderson Brothers, instructed the on-site spring practical component of the three-part integrated training program.

Initiative Foundation receives grant

The United States Department of Agriculture has announced a $96,520 grant to the Initiative Foundation of Little Falls to provide technical assistance to Bio Builder of Alexandria and Little Falls as well as Con Cor Construction in Brainerd.

Brainerd Rotary inducts officers

Brainerd Rotary outgoing president Kevin Thesing recently presented the president's gavel to Darrell Schneider. Other club officers inducted include Lisa Paxton, vice president; Terri Monroe, secretary; and Mike Sand, treasurer.

Johnson joins Tastefully Simple

Carol A. Johnson, Pine River, recently became a consultant for Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct sales company based in Alexandria.

Crosslake announces chamber events

The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is hosting the C.H.O.W. Time luncheon Wednesday in Crosslake at the Crosslake Law Offices in the Riverwood Professional Building. The cost to attend is $2 with advance reservations or $3 at the door. Call 829-2838 ext. 802 for reservations.

Celebrate Crosslake Days will be Aug. 4-12. Dozens of chamber member businesses will be hosting crafts, events and activities for children and adults. Specials will also be offered during Crosslake Crazy Days, beginning Aug. 8. The chamber's 15th annual chili cook-off contest will be Aug. 11.

Chamber member businesses may submit events and activities to be listed by calling Ruth Ann at 692-1828. Sponsorships for chili cook-off are also available.

Versa Vending becomes First Choice

Versa Vending recently announced it is changing its name to First Choice -- Food and Beverage Solutions. Viking Coca-Cola Bottling Co. and First Choice are locally owned and locally operated, with eight branches including one in Brainerd, and headquarters in St. Cloud.

Lindar breaks ground on facility

A groundbreaking ceremony was recently held for Lindar Corporation's new 54,000-square foot manufacturing facility in the Baxter Industrial Park, Phase 3.

The LINDAR building is designed by Brooke Silvernail, Nor-son architect, in accordance to the Baxter Industrial Park's Phase 3 ordinance that requires buildings to be in conformity and harmony with existing structures in the development.

Initiative Foundation names board members

The Initiative Foundation recently named its board of directors leadership for the 2002 fiscal year. New officers are John Schlagel, board chair, Schlagel, Inc.; Dave Gruenes, vice-chair/loan committee chair, Stearns Electric; and Steve Shelley, secretary/treasurer, Shelley Funeral Chapels.

Paul Bunyan Bowl employees attend training

Paul Bunyan Bowl sent two employees to AMY 82-70 pinsetter school.

Michael McFarland and James Current took the week-long course and dealt with trouble shooting and repairing all aspects of the 82-70 pinsetter.

Paul Bunyan Bowl recently overhauled all 12 lanes at the center. The overhaul consisted of repair and replacement of worn, broken or bent parts on the machines. In addition, a new air conditioning system was installed.

USLink honored at American Legion State Convention

DULUTH -- USLink of Pequot Lakes was honored for its employment of veterans at the 2001 Minnesota American Legion Convention held in Duluth.

Nine percent of USLink's new hires last year were veterans. Ben Krueger Post 49 of Pequot Lakes nominated USLink for the award based on the large percentage of veterans in its work force and its demonstrated show of patriotism within the community.

Rusty Smith, District Manager, accepted the award at the annual convention that drew over 800 Legionnaires and 600 Auxiliary members that began on July 19 and ended with the installation of new officers on July 21.

The American Legion is one of Minnesota's largest service organizations with over 116,000 members in over 600 posts.

Business news submissions are accepted by mail, e-mail or fax.

The deadline is noon Wednesday for the following Sunday business section. Photos may also be submitted and will be available for pick-up at The Dispatch following publication.

Contact Business News by mail at P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, 56401, by e-mail at rrichard@brainerddispatch.com, or by fax at 829-7735.