Area Businesses Seeing Upswing

Everywhere I go around Mille Lacs, it seems that business is on the upswing.  On Wednesday evening, I saw four Eddys launches filled with people on the water.  While this might not sound surprising, it's a nice contrast to the last couple years.  More than 20 launches around the lake were out that night alone.  Brandon Niesen from Morningstar Market said his business in Wahkon has experienced a couple record days this season. That's good news for area resorts and business owners who have been stung by the recent recession.

Jason and Sherry Tollette at Izatys say that all business facets are up from last season.  They wish they had more housing to put people up.   One big boost at Izatys has been the addition of Chef Kevin Aho, who has drawn many positive comments for his cousine.  Izatys is scheduled to transition from Commerce Bank ownership to Roy Winjum, a Faribault businessman, on July 24th.  Winjum said this spring that he plans to start work on a 250-unit RV park as soon as his deal is closed.

All in all, it seems that Mille Lacs Lake and its close proximity to the Twin Cities could be a big winner this year as vacationers pull out the wallets and start spending again.