Business notes

Kristi Schiller joined The Cut Above in Brainerd.

She attended Josef's School of Hair Design in Fargo, N.D., and worked at JJ Progressive Salon in Detroit Lakes. She specializes in hair coloring and cutting.

Close joins Close-Converse

Chris Close recently joined Close-Converse Commercial & Preferred Properties in Brainerd as a commercial sales associate.

Close has expertise in the area of financial analysis, business valuations, mergers and acquisitions and marketing. He received his bachelor's degree in business from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. He majored in finance, entrepreneurial management and marketing.

He was previously employed as a Wells Fargo Mezzanine Capital analyst, assisting loan officers in the assessment and valuation of potential loan opportunities from $1 to $10 million. Before that, Close was a financial analyst at Capital Solutions, a mergers and acquisitions firm.

CHOW Time South luncheon Thursday

The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is hosting the October CHOW Time South luncheon event from noon - 1 p.m. Thursday at Ruttger's Bay Lake Lodge.

Attendees are welcome to arrive in costume to help celebrate Halloween.

CHOW Time is a networking lunch activity highlighting what's new at the chamber. It also allows new members to be introduced and offers an opportunity to promote businesses. Cost to attend is $3 with advance reservations or $5 at the door.

For more reservations, leave a message at 829-2838, ext. 801.

CHOW Time North luncheon set Nov. 6

PEQUOT LAKES -- The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce is hosting the November CHOW Time North luncheon event from noon - 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at the Pequot Lakes School, hosted by the Pequot Lakes Public School District.

Lunch at the school while hearing more about area learning. Tours of the school will be available.

Cost to attend is $3 with advance reservations or $5 at the door. Parking is in the north lot and enter the school center doors by the flag pole.

For more information, call 829-2838, ext. 802.

Christmas Cash loan program set

The Brainerd Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce, in conjunction with area financial institutions, is continuing a special low interest holiday loan program called Christmas Cash.

Loans of up to $1,000 per individual, or $1,500 jointly, are available at 4.9 percent interest.

Participating financial institutions for this loan application are: Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union, Brainerd Savings and Loan, Bremer Bank, American National Bank, Deerwood Bank, Lakes State Banks, Lakewood Bank, Liberty Savings Bank, Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union, Northern National Bank, People's National Bank, US Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.

Once approved, these Christmas Cash dollars may be spent at area participating retail businesses. During the 2001 holiday season, almost $400,000 was loaned to area consumers helping to facilitate local spending.

For more information about this program, call Mary Gottsch at the chamber at 829-2838, ext. 117.

M. Lacs Motorsports gains award

ONAMIA -- Mille Lacs Motorsports, Onamia, Polaris dealer, was awarded the President's Award, which honors Polaris dealerships that "excel in all facets of a world-class dealership."

The business was cited for customer satisfaction, customer service, sales and growth for Polaris. Mille Lacs Motorsports was chosen from more than 2000 Polaris dealers in North America. Just 16 dealerships gained the award, including a national winner, five regional winners and 10 honorable mentions.

Kletscher gains certification

Dan Kletscher, Better Living Concepts in Brainerd, was recognized recently as a certified window InstallationMaster.

To qualify, Kletscher attended a two-day training course coordinated by Lindsay Windows and Doors and conducted by accredited instructors. Installers had to demonstrate competency by passing a written exam, designed to test the knowledge they gained during the training course. Certification was granted upon passing the exam.

The InstallationMaster training and certification program was developed by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, the professional association of about 300 residential and commercial window, door and skylight manufacturers and suppliers. The program is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Institute of Building Sciences. The program was launched nationally last year.

Peterson gains presidential position

CROSSLAKE -- Howard D. Peterson, Crosslake, was selected to serve on the Presidential Business Commission.

The commission is an elite group of leading business and professional people and political strategists who will be advising the Republican leadership on how to protect the president's majority in the House in the coming elections.

Peterson was selected based on outstanding contributions as the party's Business Advisory Council honorary chairman. He is expected to play a key role in helping the party craft a strategy.

Mason joins Brainerd Country Power

Hal Mason was recently hired as Brainerd Country Power Equipment's chief mechanic.

Mason has more than 18 years as a small engine repairman in the Brainerd area.

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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.