State honors Rural Minnesota CEP office here

The Rural Minnesota CEP (concentrated employment program) in the Brainerd WorkForce Cener, was recognized for excellence after a review of 20 performance standards established by the state.

Daniel Wenner, the agency's executive director, said the office in Brainerd, which works with job seekers and businesses, stood out for performance in exceeding 16 standards and meeting one standard in work force development efforts at a recent annual conference.

"In addition, the Brainerd staff achieved the best performance results throughout the agency in eight of the performance standards," Wenner reported. " ... Included in these standards are the percentages of clients attaining employment, retaining employment, receiving a credential and special employment or diploma rates for youth."

Wenner congratulated the staff in Brainerd, including Craig Nathan, manager, and Susan Hilgart, team leader, for their performance in employment training and work force development.

Agency programs include Workforce Investment Act, Dislocated Worker Programs, WIA adult program, WIA youth program and Minnesota Youth Program.

American Business Solutions expanded to Brainerd. John Bennett, American Business Solutions, said the business is a consulting firm for medical practices and offers electronic medical billing, automated payment systems and patient well care programs.

The business started here in May. Bennett said the Brainerd area was attractive for the company's expansion here because of its living area and its growing medical offerings. The company started as a consulting firm to help medical practices with billing and patient plans, Bennett said, adding the company offered to save physician's time and staff hours on billing.

American Business Solutions works with dental practices and chiropractors and doctors.

RENEE RICHARDSON, senior reporter, may be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.