Featuring Our Own:
(Chamber A -Z) Coborn's
Coborn’s passionately devoted to serving people Article written and sharer by DAIRYLAND PEACH
(Thank you for sharing.) 
In 1921, when Chester Coborn established Coborn’s, its first produce market in Sauk Rapids, he had a vision— to serve people.
As time went by and the employee-owned store prospered, he added dry goods and other store items to the selection. Since then, many more expansions have occurred and continues today, all with the same mindset as Coborn, to serve people better. One of the newest additions to the Coborn’s store in Melrose is in-store pickup. Guests (customers) order the groceries they want and pay for them online. Once the order is in, one of the store employees collects the items on the order and prepares it for pickup. Craig Zylka, store director at Coborn’s in Melrose, said that since the store started offering the service a few months ago, it has become increasingly popular. “The biggest thing customers have commented on is that it saves them quite a bit of time and how convenien it is, especially for families or people in a rush,”he said. “Some people have time to come in and shop, but if you have a couple of kids and you are running between work and school activities, it’s easier to just pull up and have someone load it for you.” 
Zylka said although some stores already offered the in-store pickup service, it has now been implemented in all the stores.
To Zylka, working at Coborn’s is more than just a job. It’s a family business. “My whole family works for Coborn’s. It’s something we’ve always done. I grew up in the store,” he said. Zylka said after he studied accounting at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, he realized he didn’t want to pursue anything but a career at Coborn’s. "The company treated everyone right, so I just followed in my family’s footsteps,” he said. Zylka has been with Coborn’s for 21 years. The best part of the job is the daily interaction with people in the community. To him, each encounter is an opportunity to make a difference. “You can tell the joy it gives an 80-year-old just by stopping to talk with her for five minutes. You can make such a difference in someone’s life by doing that,” he said. Zylka oversees 60 employees at the store in Melrose. As giving back to the community is at the forefront of the company, Coborn’s donates more than $2 million annually to non-profit agencies, such as the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and the YMCA. In addition, the Coborn’s stores support their communities by giving to health initiatives, youth, nonprofit organizations and the fight to end hunger. The stores also donate bakery products and other items to local food shelves. Coborn’s also offers several high school scholarships and higher education programs, supports the annual United Way campaigns and donates to Coborn Cancer Center in St. Cloud. 
In Long Prairie, besides holding various events to raise funds for non-profit organizations, Coborn’s has partnered with CentraCare to help address food insecurity in the area.
“We try to get involved in the community as much as we possibly can. We believe in helping our community and when you do, you are helped out as well,” said John Howard, store director at Coborn’s in Long Prairie. Since community well-being is at the heart of Coborn’s employees, Coborn’s continues to invest in health education, encourages health and wellness through nutritious food choices and by staying active. Howard, who has been with Coborn’s for 12 years, said at first he didn’t think he would turn working at Coborn’s into a career. He started out as a bagger, but now oversees 120 employees at the store in Long Prairie.
One thing that really sets Coborn’s apart from other grocery retail businesses is that the company strives to provide its guests with fresh products, especially produce.
“What really sets us apart is that we have sevenday- a-week produce delivery. People talk about it all the time, that they can buy produce and leave it in the fridge for a few days and it’s still fresh. For most of the competition, it’s you eat it that day or it goes bad,” said Jamie Shoutz, store director at Coborn’s in Sauk Centre. Shoutz oversees 90 employees at the store in Sauk Centre and even though he holds two degrees in electronics from Ridgewater College in Willmar, can’t see himself doing anything else. “You work in the store and you get to see so many people,” he said. A handy addition to the store in Sauk Centre is Ace Hardware, which is run by Store Director Dave Sobotka. One of the many fun aspects of working at Coborn’s is the continuous involvement with the community, Shoutz said. There are 60 grocery stores under the names of Coborn’s, Cash Wise, Marketplace and Hornbacher’s in addition to 70 convenience, liquor and other retail locations throughout the Midwest in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin. Coborn’s offers a variety of store designs, such as Coborn’s, Cashwise Liquor and Captain Jack’s. As serving their guests better is at the forefront of the company, Coborn’s offers several divisions of fuel and convenience stores, pharmacies, in-house grocery warehouses, distribution centers, in-house central bakery and Tops Cleaners. Several of the stores across the Midwest also feature other businesses, such as Ace Hardware, Caribou Coffee, Country Floral, Dunn Bros. Coffee and Subway. The history of the growth of Coborn’s as a company is eventful. In 1936, the market purchased a walk-in cooler, which allowed it to enter the meat market business. The store continued to expand through the years. Shopping carts and checkout lines were added in the 1940s and in 1952, the store implemented a “cash and carry” policy, which continues today. Previously, Coborn had allowed his customers to buy groceries on credit. In 1963, Coborn’s expanded and added its second store location in Foley. Later on, a liquor store was added near the store in Foley in 1970. As the additional liquor store proved itself successful, having a nearby or inhouse off-sale liquor store has become quite common. Today, most Coborn’s grocery stores have a liquor store either in or nearby the grocery stores. Continuously looking to improve its guests’ shopping experience, Coborn’s was the first grocery retailer that started using scanning at its checkouts. In 1979, Coborn’s expanded further by adding a Cashwise Foods Store in Willmar. Despite the fact that bagging is usually not provided at Cashwise Foods Stores across the upper Midwest, the warehouse-like discount store appeals to many guests with its low prices. In 1986, Coborn’s opened its first convenience store in St. Cloud. “The Little Duke’s” stores, located in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, offer guests fuel at competitive pricing. Even when the stores are closed, guests have the option to fill up their vehicle’s gas tank with the pay at the pump option. The convenience stores were named “Little Duke’s” in honor of Duke Coborn, who is the grandfather of Coborn’s current president and CEO, Chris Coborn. 
- Places to stay
- Places to eat -Specialty shops - Things to do 
|
Chamber Director: Luan Thomas-Brunkhorst Chamber Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9am - 3pm Please contact me at (320) 732-2514. chamber@longprairie.org I am in and out of the office a lot, so please call before coming or take your chances. Location: @ the LP Library 42 3rd Street North (click on red for google map) Thought of the day
"Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go." Unknown Education, Schools and Community Ed WebsitesSenior Center ActivitiesUpcoming Chamber & Community Events
Long Prairie Senior Center - 320 732-2282
Manager: Jodi Dixon Email: lpseniorcenter@gmail.com 50-3RD ST NE They are open Monday-Friday 10am - 3pm. They have many daily activities. See calendar below. 
NOVEMBER
Tree Decorating @ the Todd County Museum
JOIN THE TODD COUNTY MUSEUM IN CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH A TREE DECORATING CONTEST!! THERE WILL ALSO BE A CHRISTMAS BAKE SALE. REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED. COME TO THE MUSEUM ON NOVEMBER 13, 14,& 15, AND 20, 21, & 22 ALONG WITH YOUR DECORATIONS TO DECORATE YOUR TREE REPRESENTING A COUNTRY, A NATIONALITLY, A CHRISTMAS CHARACTER, OR CHRISTMAS IN GENERAL. WE HAVE SOME TREES AVAILABLE FOR YOU TO DECORATE. TREES WILL BE JUDGED AT OUR OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH. ALL ARE WELCOME IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST, THE LADIES OF THE MUSEUM ARE HAVING A BAKE SALE FROM 1-4 PM. LET THEM HELP YOU GET YOUR EARLY CHRISTMAS BAKING DONE! JOIN US FOR A JOLLY GOOD TIME! FOR FURTHER INFO-CALL 320-732-4426 Christmas Fair @ St. Mary’s of Mount Carmel Saturday, November 16, 2019 9am-2pm Luncheon Homemade rolls, bake sale, kid’s korner, bling sale, raffle, Kortuem crafts Theme Baskets, Wine grab and Christmas Dollar Tree Sprout: Growers & Makers Marketplace Market Dates: 2019 November 16 December 14 Time: 10am-3pm Location: 609 13th Ave NE Door 8, Little Falls, MN Indoor market with local food, art and entertainment SPROUT FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/SproutMN8/%E2%80%8B SPROUT WEBSITE https://www.sproutmn.com/ LUNCH AND LEARN- Electronic Cigarettes & Vaping When: November 20, 2019 - NOON- 1/1:15pm Where: Minnesota National Bank Conference room - organized by the Long Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce - sponsored by the Todd County CAD: Creating A Difference Information will be presented by David Determan from Todd County Health and Human Services Lunch will be provided by Todd County HHS and the Todd County Citizens Against Drugs Coalition RSVP at the Chamber by November 13, 2019 chamber@longprairie.org or 320 732 2514 Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Thursday, November 28, 2019 at NOON @ Prairie Manor community room 601 Central Ave RSVP the number of people attending - call Fran Thomas (218) 851 2377
Bright Friday Night Activities
Hats Off Coffee – 416 Central Avenue • Open house and drawing for prizes – ALL DAY • LPGE Chamber Choir will be singing 4-4:30 pm Enjoy dinner downtown at a local restaurant Food Wagon – Santa’s Lane 3rd Street N • Brats and hamburgers, 4:30 pm till after the parade • Sold by Fryer Roe, a percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Chamber of Commerce Santa’s Lane – 3rd Street N • Open 4:30 pm and after the parade • LPGE Chamber Choir will be singing 5-5:30 pm • Santa available at Senior Center 5-5:45 pm and after the parade (Please bring own camera to take pictures) Parade 6 pm – Downtown on Central Avenue • Sponsored by the Senior Center Open Skate – Expo arena at Todd County Fairgrounds • After parade. Sponsored by the Long Prairie Hockey Assoc. REGISTER FOR THE PARADE by November 25 at http://bit.ly/32lAGtl
Arts/Crafts Fair
When Saturday, Nov 30, 2019 from 9am-4pm Where Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Secondary School, 510 9th St NE, Long Prairie, MN 56347, USA (map) Description Arts/Crafts A great place to find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, this 1 day event brings in over 150 exhibitors, and happens yearly the Saturday after Thanksgiving. For questions or to reserve your space, call Diane at (320) 491-8689 or email dianebrandes@gmail.com
Horse Drawn Sleigh / Wagon Rides
Take a horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride through groomed trails of majestic oaks, ponds, deer trails and other wildlife. Saturday, November 30 11am-5pm Private Party rides available all year long upon request Rides provided by Horse Power Acres Cornerstone Pines - 19180 281st Ave, Grey Eagle, MN 56336 320.732.3299 - info@cornerstonepineschristmastrees.com 2019 Santa Visits Visit Santa in his workshop or write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox. Santa will be here 12:30–4:30 on:
DECEMBER Horse Drawn Sleigh / Wagon Rides @ Cornerstone pines Take a horse-drawn sleigh/wagon ride through groomed trails of majestic oaks, ponds, deer trails and other wildlife. Sunday, December 1 Noon-5pm Saturday, December 7 11am-5pm Sunday, December 8 Noon-5pm Saturday, December 14 11am-5pmPrivate Party rides available all year long upon request Rides provided by Horse Power Acres Cornerstone Pines - 19180 281st Ave, Grey Eagle, MN 56336 320.732.3299 - info@cornerstonepineschristmastrees.com 2019 Santa Visits Visit Santa in his workshop or write a letter to Santa and drop it in his mailbox. Santa will be here 12:30–4:30 on:
Holiday Crafts! The library will have everything you need to make lots of great holiday crafts! Check back often for new and fun ideas! Monday Dec 2 to Saturday Dec.14 During library open hours. Tree Judging @ the Todd County Museum TREES WILL BE JUDGED AT OUR OPEN HOUSE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4TH. ALL ARE WELCOME IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CHRISTMAS TREE CONTEST, THE LADIES OF THE MUSEUM ARE HAVING A BAKE SALE FROM 1-4 PM. LET THEM HELP YOU GET YOUR EARLY CHRISTMAS BAKING DONE! JOIN US FOR A JOLLY GOOD TIME! FOR FURTHER INFO-CALL 320-732-4426 Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner @ Lake Beauty Bible Camp 25766 Hummingbird Trail, Long Prairie, MN 56347 December 7, 2019 from 3:30-6pm See flyer for more details, cost etc.
Holiday Cards!
Make a card for everyone on your holiday list! We will have everything you need to make one of a kind cards for friends and family. Monday, Dec. 16 to Monday, Dec. 23 During library open hours. MORE CALENDAR EVENTS: Click - Events Calendar
Welcome New 2019 Chamber Members !
Benning Printing& Publishing Inc. (September) Todd County Chaplaincy (June) Peas in a Pod (June) Lake Country Lawn Care LLC (May) Jeff Berg Financial (April) Countryside Restaurant (March) East West Realty (March) Lake Osakis Resort (March) Prairie Pharmacy (February) Todd Wadena Electric Cooperative (January) Reynolds Baptist Church (January) Long Prairie Midwives NEW Ownership (January) Thank you, also, to all of you who have renewed your membership! We appreciate you and could not do this without you! NEW- Small Business Consultants Listing! Peas in a Pod (June) Lydia Smith-Lenardson- Passion 4 Living Counseling (May) Nancy Leasman- artist (March) 
Electronic Sign Use and Fees Schedule
Please click the link above to download our Sign Use Policy and Fee Schedule. If you would like to use the sign (either as a Chamber Member or as a non-member) please fill out the last page of the form and enclose any payment (non-member) for use of the sign and return to the Chamber office. Thank you. History of Long Prairie
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| LP_Attractions |
Community GardenWant More Information on Community Gardens? Call City Hall 320 732-2167 Follow this link for photos and more information about the Community Gardens.
|
Click on the Made in Minnesota photo to learn more about products and suppliers who are right here in Minnesota!
|
