Biz Buzz
Horse bred in Brainerd makes its mark
A Brainerd-bred Arabian gelding became a 2009 champion at the Youth National Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show in New Mexico.
The 11-year-old gelding, named El Shekinah Gold, was born and raised at Wulf Arabian Farm south of Brainerd on County Highway 45. The horse farm is owned by Henry and Loretta Wulf.
A Brainerd-bred Arabian gelding became the 2009 Arabian Western Pleasure Junior to Ride Champion in July in Albuquerque, N.M., at the Youth National Arabian and Half-Arabian Horse Show. The 11-year-old gelding, named El Shekinah Gold, was born and raised at Wulf Arabian Farm south of Brainerd. The horse farm is owned by Henry and Loretta Wulf. For the national championships, the gelding was riden by owner Marissa Jensen of Washington.
The gelding won the 2009 Arabian Western Pleasure Junior to Ride Champion in July in Albuquerque. More than 1,000 horses entered the show in about 130 classes. The Wulfs sold the horse in 2004. For the national championships, the gelding was ridden by owner Marissa Jensen of Washington.
El Shekinah Gold also won the 2002 and 2003 Amateur Owner to Handle breeding class regional award in St. Paul when his rider was Heather Larson, who teaches music at Garfield Elementary School in Brainerd.
El Shekinah Gold is by El Nahr hef out of Lady Alada Baskin.
Jobseekers may find at least temporary work coming from the U.S. 2010 Census.
The U.S. Census Bureau recently reported the Kansas City Region will be hiring thousands of people for work in six states, including Minnesota. In a news release, Dennis Johnson, regional director, said this is the largest civilian mobilization of workers in the nation's history. Jobs are expected to range from $11.50 to $20 per hour plus mileage for recruiting assistants, crew leaders, crew leader assistants and census takers. Census clerk jobs have a pay range from $7.50 to $12.75 per hour.
Census offices in Bemidji, Duluth, Edina, Minneapolis, St. Paul and Rochester are the listed locations for hiring workers.
The U. S. Census Bureau is encouraging those interested to apply for these jobs by calling the toll-free Jobs Line at (866) 861-2010.
Silent Power, Baxter, is getting the spotlight through a feature story in the November/December issue of Enterprise Minnesota magazine. The article titled "The Best of Manufacturing" highlights Silent Power's integrated inverter/charger system as a "Product for a Greener World."
"The Baxter company's integrated inverter/charger system is able to convert green energy from solar panels and wind turbines into electricity to power homes and offices," the article stated. "... On tap for Silent Power next year is a partnership with power companies across the nation to help create a 'smart grid.'"
Elliott's Tattoo Studio, 74 E. Broadway in Little Falls, moved into a former barber shop. A.J. Elliott Sr. and Anthony Elliott II are behind the operation.
Licensed mental health therapist Teri Heidgerken opened a private practice at 211 N.E. First St. in Little Falls. Heidgerken offers individual therapy for children, teenagers and young adults. She previously worked for Greater Minnesota Family Services and as a therapist in Morrison County for five years.
Nature First Wellness/Essential Oil Spa Experience opened at 75 E. Broadway in Little Falls. Shannon Gosiak has the Nature First Wellness business, which offers natural alternatives, organic herbs, vitamins, minerals, make-up, lotions, candy and products for children. Kate Adams has the Essential Oils business, offering neck and foot massages.
Fresh Hair Professionals, 1017 N.E. First Ave., Little Falls, was opened by Phil and Janet McCoy. The Little Falls Area Chamber of Commerce reported the McCoys wanted to offer "high quality natural and chemical free beauty products and services." Staff members include Elana Harakel and Jamie Zyvoloski. Salon coordinator is Shannon McCoy.
The Economic Policy Institute, an independent nonprofit nonpartisan research institute, recently reported there are six job seekers for each available job. At the beginning of the recession, there were nearly two job seekers per job opening. With the recession's start that number climbed steeply.
The recession officially started in December of 2007. Whether it is over appears to depend on the source. The EPI reported while the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported job loss moderated it still remains hard for the unemployed to find a job.
EPI reported "since the start of the recession in December 2007, job openings have dropped by 2.0 million, a decline of 45.4 percent.