In It Together

I am a member of a 150 year old Protestant denomination called “Covenant.” I have been learning more about our denomination’s history the last year or so, and some of its founding principles. One of its main principles is that we are all Christian brothers and sisters working together for the common cause of Christ. Our particular church location adopted the theme “in it together” this year, to emphasize the relevance and applicability of our denomination’s founding beliefs in today’s society.

I have recently realized that this motto is not just applicable for those in our denomination or for Christians in general, but for all people. It emphasizes a team spirit in accomplishing common goals such as our construction projects, and gives a positive way of looking at solving problems, when all team members realize that, when one of us has a problem, we all have a problem.

The above philosophy leads toward an all-for-one and one-for-all “three musketeers” attitude among team members, and can make a person realize that most any problem can be put into proper perspective and solved expeditiously, if one realizes how much potential support exists within the team in the form of the other team members.

I’ve expressed “in it together” to our customers and co-laborers on projects recently, and have been pleasantly surprised with how in agreement people are with the philosophy. Just talking about it builds team attitude. When problems later arise and we all work together to solve the problem, or when people abandon their own work efforts for a minute or two to help someone else who is struggling and needs a bit of help to keep their work going, it reinforces the team building in an even more demonstrative physical way.

“In it together” has become my theme verse this year in everything I do. It has comforted me, inspired and bonded together others, advanced our company’s goodwill with those we deal with in business, and will likely result in higher profits and more business. Why? When everyone works together to solve problems, problems are minimized, resulting in less cost to those who ultimately have to pay for the fix. And who wouldn’t rather work with someone more interested in the common good of solving each other’s problems than someone who points fingers and stands back to allow others to fail when they have difficulties? Not many people I know. And our customers generally have these same beliefs. They wouldn’t be very good business people if they didn’t recognize such common sense principles and their value.

In it together: Good for you, good for me, good for others. Give it a try! I guarantee you’ll like it!

Pat Simpkins,

PE, LEED AP, PMP

Project Manager, APPRO Development

Sustainable Commercial Development

Last night, I was watching an interesting program on Minnesota Public Television (TPT) called “Shaping the Urban Environment.” During the show they talked about the challenges and decisions communities are faced with when developing land in an area that has scarce and delicate natural resources. They began by explaining how commercial construction and even residential development of the past generations did not focus on their impact on the local environment, particularly. This piece just reinforced how important it is for development companies to make sure they are integrating green construction options for a sustainable future. This the best way for the commercial construction industry to make sure they are a focus on environmental sustainability. APPRO Development is committed to sustainable construction services and has been for 25 years.

Below is the link if you want to watch the whole program:

http://www.tpt.org/?a=programs&id=19807

Think Green – Benefits of going paperless

I know we’re all somewhat de-sensitized to the words “environmentally friendly” and “go-green” as companies abuse the terms as marketing approaches, such as labeling something “low fat” when it’s so high in sugar the full fat version would probably be healthier! ANYHOW… We, at APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties, feel that we live on a pretty cool planet and would like to do our part where we can to take care of our neighborhood. In doing so, we are also finding ways for us all to save a bit of “green”, dollars that is!

We’ve made the switch over the past few months to create our subcontract agreements, change and purchase orders, and other documents using Adobe software so that we are able to send them via e-mail. The benefits in doing so are:

Quicker turn around time = more efficiency on the job site and increased workflow, this benefits the Owner of our projects tremendously by getting the projects started on time and keeping them on time!

Better communication = less chance for confusion and increased accuracy. Whether the job is here in Minnesota or on the plains of North Dakota or Montana, if there’s wireless coverage the subcontractor can view contracts or change orders in their e-mail inbox vs. needing to “check back at the office”. Any changes to the contract can be easily communicated with the Project Owner for review as well.

More $ in everyone’s pockets!!! By opting for electronic contracts, we are able to reduce the amount of supplies used, including: printer ink, paper, envelopes and stamps, the savings passed on to the Project Owner as well! Once the signature pages are printed and signed, they can be faxed or e-mailed back to us, therefore saving the subcontractor the cost of stamps and envelopes, along with providing a peace of mind that their documents will arrive quickly and safely to us.

Easy filing – We are saving our documents in PDF files so that they can be stored electronically to access for years to come. Once we scan all supporting documents and signature pages with the contract, change or purchase order, we e-mail a copy to the appropriate person(s) for their records, helping everyone to “be green”.

Call APPRO Development to discuss sustainable construction services for designing, constructing or remodeling energy efficient buildings.

APPRO Development was awarded the Design Build General Contractor for another warehouse addition in Lakeville, Minnesota!

APPRO Development is proud to announce that the construction of a new warehouse addition has begun at ConAgra Foods in Lakeville, MN. The 27,700 SF addition has expanded their current shipping abilities with the addition of 16 dock doors and a very large staging area for trailers. Construction is anticipated to be complete June 2012.

Reasons To Do Business in Dakota County

Sometimes we fail to acknowledge the value we have in the Twin Cities. Here is some information from a presentation made by Dakota County commissioners this fall.

What Businesses Want:

*Smart productive workers

*Innovation

*Growing Labor Force

*Easy access to markets

*Available, affordable facilities

*Robust, diverse economy

*Reliable, affordable services

*Pro-business leadership

*Great quality of life

Dakota County has a well-educated, productive workforce. 37% have a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to 32% State and 28% US. As of June 2011, unemployment was 6.7% with 76.8 % employed and 77.5% two-income families. Higher education is valued and we have access to dozens of world class universities and colleges. We have a history of innovation including Rollerblade, Northern Tools, Goodrich Sensor Systems, Image Trend and more. Dakota County saw a 12% increase in population from 2000 – 2010 and also an increased labor force. Accessibility comes in several forms, including MSP International Airport plus several smaller airports, Mississippi River barge transport, rail lines and 440 miles of well-maintained, well-connected system of highways—interstate, state and county. There is 5.6 million square feet of commercial/retail buildings, 14.4 million square feet of office space and 980 industrial buildings with 40 million square feet. If you need commercial, retail, office or industrial space, we have choices for you!

Dakota County believes in pro-business leadership and has the lowest county tax rate in the state! Plans for an extensive fiber network and Intelligent Community designation by 2012 are underway. There are six engaged Chambers of Commerce advocating for business.

Several Fortune 500 and 1000 companies from a variety of sectors create a diverse and robust economy. Businesses in Dakota County include Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CHS, Thomson Reuters, Flint Hills Resources, Fairview Ridges Hospital, Patterson Dental, and several growing small businesses such as Outdoor GreatRoom, Space Trailers, Bio Thera and Image Trend. There are 9,452 private sector firms with 148,130 employees. Manufacturing and health care sectors account for around 24% of total employment.

Dakota County has a high quality of life as rated by Money Magazine. Median household income is $69,545 with 77% ownership rate and lowest percentage of cost burdened homeowners in the metro area. Public schools average some of the highest ACT test scores in the nation with over 80% participation rate. There are several opportunities to access the arts, leisure and entertainment.

As you can see, Dakota County is a great place to live and work. Ask us if you have any real estate needs to grow your business. Our specialty is real estate in the south metro area of the Twin Cities and our motto is creating property solutions for you, with you.

On time Construction Services Pay off in Helping the Community

APPRO Development is providing construction management services for the Souris Valley Suites Hotel in Minot. Due to the recent flooding in Minot emergency workers have come to the city to aid in the cleanup. With rooms in short supply due to the flooding any available accomodations are welcome. Read press release below:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Terry Alexander

Souris Valley Suites – Minot ND

800 37th Ave SW

talexander@dorahg.com

701-858-7300

www.sourisvalleysuites.com

Souris Valley Suites – Minot Opens Its Doors for Emergency Personnel

(Minot, ND)(Tuesday, June 28th, 2011) – Joel Feist with Real Builders, Inc. in Minot, North Dakota announced today that the Souris Valley Suites Hotel is nearing completion. The Souris Valley Suites is a Brand New Extended Stay Hotel.

With the cooperation of the City of Minot, the Minot Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), and the Ward County Sheriff’s department the Souris Valley Suites was able to open its doors earlier than scheduled to house emergency personnel to help fight the flood. “We were very excited to help the city of Minot in its time of need,” says owner Joel Feist. “The hotel is still a construction site, but we saw an opportunity to help the community and the City of Minot officials agreed with us, granting a temporary Certificate of Occupancy for the next 2 weeks,” Joel continued.

Amazingly, the owners and operators of the Souris Valley Suites Hotel have agreed not to charge for any of the rooms being used. “We can worry about the business later. Right now we would like to concentrate on helping the community in this time of need,” says Joel. “This is a great opportunity for the Souris Valley Suites to become an immediate fixture in the community,” says Vincent Dora, Vice President of Dora Hospitality, a partner and the management company of the new hotel. “We are working very hard with Mr. Feist to make sure that the volunteer’s that have come to help the City of Minot has every conceivable amenity and are as comfortable as possible while staying in the hotel, while it continues to be built.”

“The Minot CVB would like to thank the people at the Souris Valley Suites for all they have done to help the city during this time. With high occupancy in Minot, locating hotel rooms can be a challenge and Souris Valley Suites stepped up to the plate in a big way,” says Minot CVB Executive Director Wendy Howe.

About the Souris Valley Suites

Comfort and convenience are always important in a hotel, especially when you’re planning to stay a while. The all-suites extended stay Souris Valley Suites in Minot, North Dakota, was designed with the needs of extended stay guests in mind. The rustic lodge décor creates a warm and inviting environment and a residential atmosphere that is enhanced by the friendly North Dakota personalities of our helpful staff.

Each of our 89 studio and one-bedroom guest suites are equipped to ensure a comfortable and rewarding extended stay. Each suite includes a full kitchen, quality bath amenities, and wired and wireless high speed internet at our hotel in Minot, ND. Start your day on the right foot with a complimentary hot breakfast buffet. Utilize our 24 hour business center to put the final touches on any project. Other onsite amenities at our Minot hotel include our Grilling Pavillion, Evening Managers Reception, Bakkan Lounge, Fitness Center, and Valley Market where you can purchase an array of items that you may need during your stay.

Additional Information may be found at www.sourisvalleysuites.com as well as http://dorahospitalitygroup.com.

Killebrew Miracle Field to open soon !!

It is with GREAT pleasure – that we announce the opening of the new Miracle Field in Lakeville, and the initial season of play for the Miracle League teams! APPRO Development has been directly involved, and has donated the time and effort to design and coordinate the construction of the field. Nate Denny, project manager for APPRO- has facilitated the process to get the field built. Heidi Winsor – was architect / designer for the project. Grand Opening events will be June 26th. www.miraclefieldmn.comlakevillefield.html

Grant Jacobson with Jacobson Engineers and Surveying provided the Civil Engineering ad Surveying for the project.

The City of Lakeville donated the great site for the field. www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/parks

Subcontractors from Lakeville and the entire Metro Area donated time and products to get this project done.

Kudos to Brian Roseen, and the entire Miracle League Organization for getting this project done ! Thank you for allowing APPRO Development, Inc to be involved ! www.startribune.com/local/south/122399479.html

Please consider allowing APPRO and CERRON to “hit a home run” with your firm, by providing Design / Build and Real Estate services the next time you consider expansion or relocation !

Farmers’ Market in Downtown Lakeville

The popular Farmers’ Market in Downtown Lakeville will be returning this summer, offering weekly Saturday morning hours at the Lakeville Arts Center and Wednesday afternoon hours at the Lakeville Market Plaza, 208th and Holyoke.

Operated by the St. Paul Farmers’ Market, the event will continue to offer fresh produce and other items weekly, beginning in June.

Wednesdays at Market Plaza, 208th Street and Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. Noon to 5 p.m. – beginning June 15th.

Saturdays at the Arts Center, 20965 Holyoke Avenue, Lakeville, Minnesota. 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – beginning June 25th.

We have found over the years that Lakeville is a great place to live and to own a business, build a building or lease or buy a great new space – which, by the way, is exactly what we have been doing and helping others to do for more that 24 years! At APPRO Development and CERRON Commercial Properties, we love where we work and what we do! Give us a call – we would love to share more about what makes the Southern Twin Cities, Minnesota a great place to work and play!

Minnestota Tourist Attractions

Minnesota attractions visited by thousands of visitors to Minnesota every year are certain to be the Minnesota tourist attractions you will want to explore as well.

The one “all encompassing” attraction in Minnesota is the beautiful setting in which all other Minnesota attractions are located.

The lovely, and plentiful, lakes, winding rivers, dense forests, prarieland, bluff country and rolling farmland offer a most diverse experience for travelers in Minnesota.

Find Minnesota At

Attractions By City

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is located in the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota. It is nearly 1.3 million acres in size and extends for nearly 150 miles along the boundary with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park with Voyageurs National Park on the west. You will find more than 1200 miles of canoe routes, 15 hiking trails and approximately 2000 campsites. There is no more attractive spot in Minnesota to experience solitude, challenge and up-close interaction with with nature. A crown jewel of Minnesota attractions.

Minnesota’s “inland sea” is a prime vacation destination. Duluth is the gateway to the North Shore and a wonderful attraction on its own. Walk along the lakewalk on the shore of Lake Superior. Watch the aerial lift bridge and the ships as they come and go. Take a harbor cruise, enjoy the IMAX Theater and visit the Aquarium. Stay in a Duluth hotel right in Canal Park and explore the many shops and restuarants. Continue on up the Lake Superior North Shore or take the Lake Superior Circle Tour to further explore this wonderful Minnesota attraction.

There are 66 beautiful Minnesota State Parks located in all areas of the state. Here are some peeks at just a few:

  • Banning State Park is located near Sandstone and Askov about 2 hours north of the Twin Cities area. The park is alongside the Kettle River and connects to the Willard Munger State Trail. The park is a haven for birds and wildlife. It is a wonderful spot for camping, biking, hiking, and cross country skiing.
  • Blue Mounds State Park is located in southwwestern Minnesota and offers excellent rock climbing opportunities. Mound Lake offers swimming and a picnic area located on shore. There are three campground loops located near a wildlife viewing pond. Campsites also available in the winter. Thirteen miles of winter hiking trails and twenty miles of snowmobile trail are available within 10 miles of the park.
  • Itasca State Park is located amid huge stands of red…or Norway…pines and is the birthplace of the Mississippi River

Check out our Minnesota State Parks Reviews page where you can share stories and photos of your state parks adventures.