Re-branding Northfield Hospital could come with name change
Northfield Hospital and Clinics President and CEO Steve Underdahl told the Northfield Council that they want to change their name. This isn’t a new thought but after discussions with some of the clinics and legal counsel, as well as a feasibility study with market analysis, they decided it “makes some sense” to do this. One of the challenges they have is the 13 different names and sub brands including Womens Medical Center, Family Health Medical, Northfield Hospital, Northfield Medical Center and then there’s the Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. Underdahl said often people send their checks to the wrong place. It’s hard to connect the dots with all the different names. They’re looking for ways to tie the brands together to give continuity. Underdahl says they want to be mindful of history and tradition but also want people to identify the brand. While some councilors wanted Northfield in the name, others were not attached to the name. They are continuing a study of branding and will come back to council. Mayor Pro Tem Dave DeLong said this is still in the early stages and it’s a good time for the public to contact their Councilor or Hospital Board with their feelings on the subject. DeLong’s full recap of the work session is on kymnradio.net.
Legislation done right for school facilities
The Northfield School Board discussed their 10 year facility maintenance plan. Superintendent Dr. Chris Richardson said new legislation combines levies and equalizes it, 1/3 of the dollars will come from State aid. Before it was nearly 100% from property taxes. But after legislation passed, the dollars will go for maintenance only such as new roofs, tuck pointing, sidewalk and parking lot repair.
Dundas will tweak budget
The Dundas Council held their first budget discussion this week. The Council saw the total results of individual departments and revenues together. City Administrator John McCarthy said they’ll go back to the drawing board to make adjustments that will work for everybody. His interview is online at kymnradio.net.
Syngenta breaks ground on huge expansion in Stanton
Syngenta is expanding in Stanton. Syngenta North America Seedcare Institute, one of the premier seed treatment research facilities in the world, is beginning a $20 million expansion. Syngenta leaders, along with Congressman John Kline and local officials and industry leaders, broke ground this week for construction of a 38,000-square-foot building that will be nearly five times the size of the present facility. The new structure will house high-tech laboratories for R&D, treating, plantability, dust-off and quality assurance, a scale-up treating area, a treating equipment performance area to simulate real-life experiences for customers, state-of-the-art training facility, seed warehouse as well as office and meeting space. “This expansion in Stanton further underscores Syngenta’s investment in innovation and commitment to our Seedcare customers,” said Tim Kroenke, head of Syngenta’s Seedcare business in North America. “This is an exciting time in the seed treatment industry, the Stanton community, and the state of Minnesota.” 
In addition to the construction and capabilities investment, about a half-dozen jobs will be added in Stanton initially and potentially more than a dozen. The expansion is expected to be completed by end of 2016.
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The post Today’s news update – Re-branding Northfield Hospital could come with name change; Legislation done right for school facilities; Dundas will tweak budget; Syngenta breaks ground on huge expansion in Stanton appeared first on KYMN Radio - Northfield, MN.