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Albert Lea rolls out the green carpet for Pawlenty Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Agri News staff writer
ALBERT LEA, Minn. -- Albert Lea and Freeborn County rolled out the green carpet for Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
The garage-slash-warehouse at Freeborn-Mower Cooperative Services became a banquet room filled with 50 or-so tables, each sporting a green centerpiece with a tractor, some corn kernels, childrens' play animals and some standing grass.
A green carpet stretched from one end of the warehouse to the other and two shiny green John Deeres sat in opposite corners.
The stage where Gov. Tim Pawlenty spoke was decorated with a farm gate and hay bales. Pawlenty was the guest speaker at the second annual Freeborn County Agriculture Luncheon.
"I think it went flawlessly," said David Courey, chairman of Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee.
The buffet line flowed smoothly, the governor arrived just as the buffet line was winding down and there was sunshine and dry skies, allowing for plenty of parking at the cooperative.
Courey, who's been in Minnesota for 18 months, sees lots of potential for an agriculture-plus economy in Albert Lea and Freeborn County. Albert Lea is about 90 minutes from the Twin Cities and is served by both Interstate 90 and Interstate 35. The county is also home to several lakes.
Courey said the governor's visit provided a needed pep speech for the county. Freeborn County's population has been stagnant over the last decade or so and now there's excitement brewing.
Like the governor said, it takes enthusiasm and excitement to lure people and businesses, Courey said. The goal of Freeborn County leaders is to make their county an awesome place for people to live.
Now is the incubation stage for a number of positive opportunities for Albert Lea and Freeborn County, he said.
Pawlenty spent an hour at the warehouse, speaking and then greeting people afterwards.
Mary Ness, who farms one mile north of Glenville with her husband, was one of the folks who greeted Pawlenty.
It was the first time she talked to the governor and she admitted to being nervous about approaching him and shaking hands.
"He does seem like a very -- how do I call him -- not laid back, but interested person," Ness said.
He listened to her question and said he'd try to get her an answer.
Pawlenty seems to understand agriculture, Ness said, and tries to do his best.
She asked him a question about livestock and zoning as it relates to proximity to towns.
Also part of the luncheon was the announcement of the Freeborn County Farm Family of the Year. The honor went to Daryl and Sharon Mattson. The couple are active in the Spring Barrow Show, which is held each February in Albert Lea. |
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