On Thursday, May 16, the Nisswa Chamber of Commerce Welcome Team members conducted a Red Carpet event with Gene Hagen, owner of LakeShore Insurance Partners, to welcome Hagen as new member of the Nisswa Chamber. LakeShore Insurance Partners is an independent insurance agency representing a variety of insurance companies. Hagen’s expertise of 35 years is in both personal and commercial property lines of insurance. Hagen has been a summer resident in the Nisswa area for 35 years and recently sold his insurance agency in Northwood, Iowa, to become a permanent resident in Lake Shore.

All Pequot Lakes and Breezy Point business leaders are invited to attend the next meeting of the Pequot Lakes-Breezy Point Business Connect Committee at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the Cole Memorial Building in Pequot Lakes.

The Pequot Lakes-Breezy Point Business Connect Committee is a networking group that focuses on education and happenings in the two business communities. During its next meeting, the committee will discuss the ever-changing world of customer service. Professionals will share insight, techniques and ideas to help grow business.

Heritage House expanding in Pequot

Heritage House in Pequot Lakes broke ground Friday, May 17, on a new building with 20 suites, adding to its current 54-room facility.

Jane Pantzke, manager, said the senior living facility has a full-time chef, 24-hour nursing staff, a full-time RN on site and an activities coordinator.

The new building will have an up-north feel similar to the current buildings, and each suite will have its own refrigerator and bathroom.

A registered nurse at Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center has received the highest academic honor to come from the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees. Darci Goeden, who is also a nursing instructor at Central Lakes College in Brainerd, was recently honored with the Excellence in Teaching Educator of the Year Award.