Corey J. Skogrand Achieves Circle of Success Recognition at Ameriprise Financial
Marshall, MN – 4/15/2026 – Corey Skogrand, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, a private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC in Marshall, has qualified for the company’s Circle of Success annual recognition program and will be honored for this achievement in 2026. To earn this achievement, Skogrand established himself as one of the company’s top advisors. Only a select number of high-performing advisors earn this distinction. Corey has 30 years of experience with Ameriprise Financial. As a Private
What It Takes to Grow a Business in Marshall — and Keep It Growing
Minnesota has the highest small business first-year failure rate in the nation at 27.7% — a number that makes intentional business-building feel less optional. For entrepreneurs and small business owners in Marshall and across Lyon County, that statistic isn't discouraging; it's a prompt to be deliberate. The businesses that survive — and grow — tend to follow a recognizable set of practices. Here's what they look like in practice.Build a Brand Identity Worth Remembering Brand identity is more than a
Building a Brand That Sticks: Practical Essentials for New Small Business Owners
Every small business in the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce community begins with a spark — an idea, a person, and a promise. Strong branding turns that spark into something customers can recognize, trust, and return to. This article explores the fundamentals of building a clear identity, forming genuine customer connections, and keeping your message consistent as you grow. Learn below about: What a strong brand identity includes How to build emotional connection with customers Why consistency
Recession-Proofing Strategies for Marshall’s Small Businesses
Small business owners in the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce understand that economic cycles are inevitable. What’s optional is how prepared your business is when momentum slows. This article explores practical, adaptable strategies you can put in place now—before uncertainty arrives. In brief: Strengthen cash flow by tightening billing practices and building reserves Diversify revenue streams to reduce dependence on a single customer or product Improve operational efficiency, even in small
Affordable Restaurant Setup: Lean Models for Modern Food Entrepreneurs
Starting a restaurant is a dream for many, but the first reality check often comes with the budget. From permits and kitchen equipment to design, staffing, and supply chains, expenses can multiply quickly. The good news? With the right structure, you can dramatically cut startup costs without sacrificing quality or customer experience. ?? TL;DR To keep restaurant startup costs low: Choose the right business structure early (LLC or partnership). Use affordable formation services instead of
The Overlooked Expenses That Break New Businesses (And How to Prepare for Them)
Starting a business is more than a logo or an idea. It’s the sound of recurring payments you forgot you signed up for. It’s the third unexpected charge in a week. It’s a notice in the mail you didn’t understand and didn’t expect. It’s watching profit vanish without knowing where it went. Most new businesses don’t fail because the offer was wrong—they fail because the costs came out of nowhere and never stopped coming.The invisible bleed of operations The money comes in—and goes out again, usually faster.
