Amanda Seim is the Director of the Runestone Museum Foundation which houses the world famous and controversial Kensington Rune Stone. It was the museum's only artifact when it opened its doors in 1958. Since then, the museum has grown to include additional artifacts found in Minnesota that relate to Middle-Age Nordic explorers. The museum includes a Native American exhibit, the Minnesota Wildlife display, a display of early pioneer life and a hands-on children's area. Outside you can enter Fort Alexandria and visit several authentic log buildings and more!

Business & Industrial Appreciation Day (BIAD) was created as an opportunity for the Greater Alexandria Community and local business leaders to recognize and honor a company and say “thank you for being a vital part of our community.”

For the past 36 years, each honoree has been spotlighted at a luncheon and through a special publication created in their honor. This year, due to COVID-19, the event will not be held and the spotlight will not shine on one particular business. Instead, a three-week marketing campaign including newspaper articles, advertisements, quizzes and social media posts, will spotlight the importance of all business and industry to our community. Starting October 5, week 1 will focus on Manufacturing, week 2 on Retail and week 3 on Service. 

Follow the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission and Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce on Facebook to stay connected and participate in the weekly quizzes taking place on October 8, 15 and 22.

ABOUT BIAD
 The annual BIAD honoree is selected based on the jobs it creates for the community or region and the overall impact it has on the Alexandria Lakes Area.

The program is a partnership of the Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission (AAEDC) and Alexandria Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (ALACC). Businesses are selected on a rotating basis between manufacturing, service and retail sectors based on the following criteria:
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• Growth in number of employees (impact on the job market)
• Increase in sales and/or unit volume (indication of continued growth)
• Capital investment; (indication of commitment to increase community capacity)
• Community contribution (evidence of investment of time, skills and resources to assist in community-oriented projects).

The program was started in 1984 by the Douglas County Developers to recognize local manufacturers and distributors with the AAEDC and ALACC serving as supporting partners. Those entities took over the program in 1999 after the Douglas County Developers dissolved. In 2003 the organizations changed the criteria to include service and retail sector recognition.

Tracy and Troy Heald are the owners of the 100 acre farm known as Country Blossom Farm. It grows a variety of apples, fruits and vegetables which are available for "U-Pick" and purchase when in-season. Country Blossom Farm also features a bakery and gift shop as well as many attractions for people of all ages including a jumping pillow, tire mountain, bouncing farm animals, swings and slides, corn maze and more!