Annual Business Town Meeting recognizes expansion, environmental efforts

• PHOTO: Globe University

Stacy Severson, Globe University’s campus director, accepts an award for recent expansions and making Woodbury home to the school’s corporate offices. Staff photo by Riham Feshir

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Local business and community members gathered Thursday morning for the Annual Business Town Meeting at Eagle Valley Club House, where a number of new and expanded businesses were recognized for work they’ve completed this year — including the only Super Target built in the nation in 2011.

Mayor Mary Giuliani Stephens said economic development is a mission that is “dear to my heart” and it’s important to keep business retention a top priority in Woodbury.

“We do look ahead to the future, we do plan, and that has helped us in the short run as well,” she said.

There are more than 1,000 businesses in Woodbury and in 2007 a medical campus district was established with a total of 125 medical businesses, Stephens added.

By establishing relationships with all businesses and employers, large and small, Stephens said she makes sure all voices are heard.

The Annual Business Town Meeting was an opportunity for 100 new and existing businesses to be acknowledged for work they’ve done this year. There were 142 building permits issued resulting in an increase of over $19 million in property values.

Among those recognized were 33rd Company, America’s Best Contact and Eyeglasses, Data Doctors, Farmers Insurance, Ispiri Design, Maui Wowi, Minnesota School of Cosmetology, Peace of Mind Daycare, Woodbury Chamber of Commerce and Woodwinds Hospital CT Lab and Natural Care Clinic.

The growing business community combined with a growing population and housing markets rate Woodbury as one of the most desirable places to live in the country, Stephens said.

Also recognized with plaques for expansion or new construction in 2011 were Super Target, CorTrust Bank, Globe University’s corporate office building, Prelude Homes and Services — which will include Hospice Care and senior living — CityWalk, Service Ideas, the Urgency Room and Target.com.

All three Target facilities – which include Target Greatland and Target.com offices – combine to be one of Woodbury’s top five employers, Stephens said.

Environmental and alternative energy projects were also recognized at the event.

The fourth annual Environmental Excellence Awards were given to one residence, two businesses and a Woodbury church.

Stephens presented an award to Arlen and Barbara Marcus for installing a 5.5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system to provide heating and cooling in their home. The system is designed to provide up to one-third of their electrical consumption and is expected to produce 45 percent of their annual electrical needs.

Prelude Senior Living Camps is a green building developed with natural preservation in mind — tree clearing on the site was reduced by creating placement of buildings and site features saving about 471 of 543 trees. More than 36 additional trees were moved, stockpiled and reinstalled as mature landscape features.

Prelude also reused some of the materials from trees for lumber to build furniture inside the campus.

Robert Muir Company was also recognized for installing rooftop solar panels to generate 15 percent of the electrical needs in the shopping complex. The project is expected to save tenants a total of $20,000 per year.

Woodbury Lutheran Church was given an environmental excellence award for reducing consumption of natural gas and electricity. The church insulated windows and utilized programmable thermostats to reduce consumption by up to 50 percent.

In addition to praising major employers in the city, Stephens said Woodbury’s 400 volunteers also contribute to the high quality of life.

“Woodbury is what is because our citizens are who they are,” she said.

Tags: communities, business, woodbury