Dan’s News & Views Blog: August 2017

Over the past few months, I have visited a number of local businesses, both commercial and industrial.  I would like to highlight two local manufacturers, “A Tale of Two Companies”:

SCS Elevator Products, Inc. 

Located on Cannon River Avenue, this manufacturer was founded in 1976 by Robley G. Cook, a visually-impaired individual living in Minneapolis.  He identified the elevator industry as a primary market for Braille signs.  Mr. Cook died in 1983, and the business was acquired by Donna Anderst in 1986 (Donna had helped him with accounting services).  SCS focuses on designing and manufacturing finished products for elevators, using plastic injection molding, die casting, metal stamping, decorating and assembly.  In 2005, Shari Chorney, Port Authority Business Development Manager, helped Donna secure a nearly 40,000 square foot local building after looking statewide.  Shari worked on a JOBZ Agreement, and SCS has surpassed its original 38 jobs requirement with 73 current employees, as well investing considerable capital here.  In 2016, Donna was awarded one of 51 “Woman in Business” awards by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for women entrepreneurs, executives and leaders.

Nanohealth USA. 

Located on Tyler Road, this FDA medical device manufacturer makes Nanotherapeutics CTS, a futuristic, wearable nano-science that accelerates healing from joint replacement surgery and all sports or work related soft-tissue injuries.  These aftercare products are used in hospitals, out-patient surgical centers, all types of chiropractic, pain and physical therapy clinics across the U.S. and overseas.  Their nano-technology is unlike all forms of standard ice or gel cold therapy devices that can cause health risks like frostbite from improper overcooling.  Nanohealth USA is expanding into the JCPenny space in the Red Wing Mall this fall. The City Council approved an amendment to the Red Wing Mall PUD that allows for a non-commercial use.  They will showcase all their products available here in Red Wing to the general public.  The founders chose Red Wing after a nationwide search of several states in which to build their manufacturing facility, confiding to Shari Chorney and me that they chose Red Wing mainly due to the high quality work ethic and dedication among its workers.  Visit their website at nanohealthusa.com.

Downtown Red Wing has been an area of transition this summer, including the installation of 170 new decorative street lights, and the start of the bridge replacement project.  New lights replaced the old 3-globe poles with a single LED Victorian luminaire fixture on black aluminum poles.   New planters, benches and bike racks were also added along Main Street.  It’s obvious to me that property owners and businesses take pride in this city, including those on Old West Main Street and all other commercial areas of Red Wing.

On August 28, the City Council approved the final exterior building plans for the proposed Holiday Inn Express on Old West Main Street.  The 71-unit, 3-story building below, will soon break ground after two existing commercial buildings on the site are removed or demolished.

On August 17, Riedell Shoes, Inc. hosted the Moxi Skate Team from California; Moxi Roller Skates are made in the Red Wing factory.  City staff worked on a video of the team while they were here, shooting footage in the factory, at Levee Park, and in the skate board park.  Michelle Steilen is the Brand Manager for Moxi (third from right below), and Calli Owens is the City’s intern videographer (third from left).

Dan Rogness, Red Wing Community Development Director