While much has changed over the last 130 years, one Owatonna business has stayed the same, while also modifying with the times. Alexander Lumber is still in the same location where it was founded in 1883. Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism (OACCT) President Brad Meier writes in the Tuesday Talk e-newsletter, "Embracing technology, the business had one of the first delivery vehicles and one of Owatonna's first telephone lines. In fact, their first phone number was 61."

"The same mindset of sustainability and advancement that Alexander Lumber was founded on lives today with their new solar energy system. Their 136 roof panels generate over 50 megawatts of solar power annually. Since the system was installed in 2018, it has save over 140,000 pounds of CO2 emission which is the equivalent of planting over 1,000 trees!"

Take a virtual tour of Alexander Lumber, call at 507-451-7710 (the old number doesn't quite cut it any longer) of visit their store at 419 N Cedar Ave, downtown Owatonna. You'll find historical artifacts, photographs and memorabilia in the storefront. Read Meier's posting.

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A big announcement in this week's Tuesday Talk, deals with the beginning of applications for grant money from Steele County through the Economic Relief Grant Program.

In other news, the chamber will hold its annual meeting virtually on January 29 at 5:30 pm...Apogee Enterprises, Inc. announces Ty R. Silberhorn as the company's new Chief Executive Officer. Apogee is the parent company to Viracon....Community Bank Owatonna is administering the SBA PPP loan program for small businesses. Regardless of where you bank, they can assist. Visit their website or call 507-455-2265 and ask for Steve, Jeff, or Tim.

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