Articles featured in this issue of the Development Association bulletin include:

• MEMBER PROFILE: J.R. Jensen Construction
• MEMBER PROFILE: Northwest Beverages
• Diamond and Platinum Level Members

MEMBER PROFILE: J.R. Jensen Construction

J.R. Jensen Construction Company is a locally owned general contractor providing a wide range of services to business and industry throughout the region. In addition to commercial building projects and structures, J.R. Jensen Construction provides industrial construction and plant maintenance services with skilled manpower and modern construction equipment. 

"In 2003, the company had about 25 employees and was slated for liquidation due to the deaths of third generation president Jeffrey Jensen and his father Keith Jensen," said President Todd Rothe. "Since 2004, Douglas Montavon and I have had the unique opportunity to operate the company in honor of the Jensen family, and it continues to be remarkably successful. We attribute our success to the quality and integrity of the people we employ and our ability to be extremely efficient, which is especially important to our clients in these tough economic conditions."

Today, J.R. Jensen has grown to 85 employees, has earned an excellent safety record and is continually expanding and modernizing its substantial fleet of equipment. At company headquarters in Superior's east end, they have purchased land and expanded operations to accommodate further growth. 

Rothe and Montavon say they appreciate the Development Association for supporting local businesses and providing assistance to new companies in their efforts to locate, finance and build in Superior. 

MEMBER PROFILE: Northwest Beverages

Northwest Beverages is a second-generation, family-owned company that distributes beer and other beverages throughout all of Douglas County and portions of Bayfield and Burnett counties. The company was founded in 1971 by Richard F. Reder, and is currently run by his sons Rich Reder II and Paul Reder.
 

The company is a distributor of Miller products and offer beers from other companies including Leinenkugel's, Corona, Summit, Sam Adams and Lake Superior Brewing Company. It currently employs 26 full-time staff members.

There has been steady growth for Northwest Beverages in spite of a challenging economy. "No business is completely recession proof," says President Rich Reder, "but beer is pretty close."
 

Reder also adds that the Development Association has been very helpful in the growth of the company, with money from the loan fund helping the company move into its new 34,000 square-foot facility. Northwest Beverages is grateful for all they do to help the businesses in Superior and Douglas County.

Diamond and Platinum Level Members

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