St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center was awarded the Blue Earth EDA’s November Business Spotlight, as pictured above. Left to right are EDA specialist Amy Schaefer, St. Luke’s representatives Sheryl Eckhardt and Margaret Brandt and Blue Earth EDA president Lissia Laehn.

The Blue Earth Economic Development Authority (EDA) discussed a longstanding community issue at a meeting held on Thursday morning, Nov. 10.

During an update at the meeting, EDA specialist Amy Schaefer informed the EDA she and city administrator Mary Kennedy have discovered another reason why it is imperative that Blue Earth engage a veterinarian to take Dr. Bob Bogan’s place at Makotah Veterinary Center when Dr. Bogan eventually retires.

Schaefer explained that following a meeting with the owner of a cattle operation in Martin County, she has come to realize the extent of the value local food producers bring to the community, and the great need for a large animal veterinarian to care for area producers’ animals.

“Losing a large animal veterinarian will trickle down to Main Street,” Schaefer said. “It is going to no doubt affect Blue Earth’s local economy if we lose those local producers.” 

Kennedy agreed, adding, “Local food is a huge part of our economy, but if we don’t have healthcare for where we’re getting that food…the implications of not getting a vet are so much scarier than we initially thought.” 

Schaefer suggested Blue Earth could host clinics with local food producers and veterinarians so producers can learn simple strategies to keep their animals healthy if a large animal veterinarian is not immediately engaged following Dr. Bogan’s retirement.

Schaefer also intends to get in touch with the 58 local producers who may be affected by Dr. Bogan’s retirement, and inquire where they would seek veterinary services in the future if Blue Earth struggles to install a large animal veterinarian at Makotah Veterinary Center.

She added, “I will just say, we are moving along with Dr. Bogan still. The focus is still on Dr. Bogan, but we do need to follow any and all leads in this endeavor.” 

Schaefer shared, for example, that she and Dr. Bogan are exploring the possibility of offering externships or preceptorships as an option for prospective veterinary candidates.

“It seems that mostly third year students are looking for this option, and it seems that many third years find long-term employment where they do their externships and internships,” Schaefer said.

She is currently collaborating with Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota to learn what it would entail to offer externships and preceptorships at Makotah Veterinary Center.

“We truly are following any lead and connecting with any person we can,” Kennedy concluded.

In other business, the Blue Earth EDA:

• Awarded November’s Business Spotlight to St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center. St. Luke’s representatives Sheryl Eckhardt and Margaret Brandt attended the meeting to accept the award and provide an update about the care center.

Brandt shared that the center has housed slightly fewer residents since the arrival of COVID, although resident numbers are starting to rise again.

“People are just staying home,” she summarized. “People – as they’re aging a little more – their kids are moving them a little closer.” 

Eckhardt also emphasized that St. Luke’s prides itself on being flexible when scheduling new employees, offering a wide array of options for when employees can schedule their shifts, and for how long.

“We’re very non-traditional, but we try really hard to get staff, and do what works for them and their families,” Eckhardt said.

• Awarded a Commercial Improvement Forgivable Loan in the amount of $5,000 to NAPA Auto & Farm Parts.

Applicant Perry Olson intends to use the funds to offset the estimated $23,958 cost of an upcoming project to re-side the building.

EDA board member Peggy Olson abstained from voting due to conflict of interest.

• Discussed restructuring the EDA’s monthly Business Spotlight Program. Schaefer suggested the EDA spotlight specific groups of local business owners every other month, rather than spotlighting one business per month.

“It’s getting harder to get people to do it, and I’d just like to switch it up a little bit,” Schaefer explained.

For example, Schaefer envisions spotlighting women-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, or student entrepreneurs.

The EDA was receptive to Schaefer’s idea, and directed her to move forward with the planning process.

• Entered into closed session to discuss a real estate transaction. The EDA took no action after re-opening the meeting.