Event information:https://www.facebook.com/events/549848017480797/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

In this conversation, Abbey speaks with Justin Yurecko, a member of the Upsala EMS, about his journey into emergency services, the importance of mental health advocacy, and the community's efforts to raise funds for a new emergency rig. They discuss the challenges faced by first responders, the significance of community engagement, and the upcoming open house event aimed at recruiting new members and raising awareness. Justin shares his personal experiences with mental health and the impact of trauma, emphasizing the need for open conversations about mental wellness, especially in rural communities.

Takeaways

• Justin is a welder and EMS member in Upsala.
• The Upsala EMS is hosting an open house to recruit new members.
• Mental health advocacy is a key focus for Justin.
• Community support is crucial for first responders.
• Fundraising efforts are underway for a new emergency rig.
• Justin emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health.
• The open house will feature breakfast and a raffle.
• Justin shares a personal story about a young girl he helped.
• Community events help bring people together in Upsala.
• It's important to normalize conversations about mental health.

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

This week on The Small Town Tourist, I am my own podcast guest! Well, kinda, not really.

My cousin/friend/client Megan May interviewed me on her podcast and I just loved this episode so much and love what Megan is doing with her show I wanted to share it with my audience as well.

Find Megan Online:

https://meganlynnmay.com/

https://rss.com/podcasts/themeganmaypodcast/

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Mentioned Links:

Switchboard: https://www.switchboard.mn/

Apiary Coworking: https://www.apiarycoworking.com/

Cloud Coffee Fest: https://www.cloudcoffeefest.com/

Summary

Switchboard Advertising is a full-service marketing agency in St. Cloud, Minnesota. They offer video, photo, branding, and website services. They customize their plans to meet the specific needs of each client, whether it's creating a $20,000 brand video or improving online communication. Switchboard also has a podcast called Chit Chat, where they interview people who play vital roles in the St. Cloud community. They recently opened a co-working space called The Apiary, providing affordable office spaces and amenities for small businesses. Cloud Coffee Fest is an annual event organized by Switchboard and other local coffee roasters and shops to promote the growing coffee culture in St. Cloud.

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Josh Kaeter, the owner of Eminent Coffee Roasters, shares her journey of starting a coffee roastery and the intricacies of the roasting process. He discusses the challenges she faced in getting licensed and finding the right location for the business. Josh explains the importance of water in coffee production and the meticulous process of hand-sorting beans to ensure quality. He also highlights the significance of female producers in the coffee industry and his commitment to sourcing ethically and sustainably. Josh provides insights into the roasting process, including temperature control, drum speed, and the art of cupping. He emphasizes the importance of craftsmanship and the human touch in coffee roasting.

Takeaways

• Starting a coffee roastery involves overcoming challenges such as licensing and finding the right location.
• Water is an essential component in coffee production and roasting.
• Hand-sorting beans is crucial to ensure quality and remove defects.
• Female producers play a significant role in the coffee industry.
• Ethical sourcing and sustainability are important considerations in coffee roasting.
• The roasting process involves temperature control, drum speed, and the art of cupping.
• Craftsmanship and the human touch are essential in coffee roasting.

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Summary

Josh Kaeter, owner and roaster at Eminent Coffee Roasters in Sartell, Minnesota, shares his journey into the world of coffee. From his time in the Marine Corps to working at a coffee shop in South Carolina, Josh developed a passion for roasting coffee. He eventually started his own business and is now focused on providing high-quality, specialty coffee to the community. He plans to open a retail space and espresso bar in the future.

Takeaways

• Josh's love for coffee developed during his time in the Marine Corps, where he relied on caffeine to stay awake and alert.
• He started working at a coffee shop in South Carolina and learned the art of roasting coffee.
• After returning to Minnesota, Josh started his own coffee roasting business, Eminent Coffee Roasters.
• He is passionate about providing high-quality, specialty coffee to the community and plans to open a retail space and espresso bar in the future.

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

GET TICKETS TO TASTE OF OSAKIS HERE: https://tasteofosakis.regfox.com/too

The episode features an interview with Cory Abers, who is part of the group that organizes Taste of Osakis, an annual event in Osakis, Minnesota. The event includes professional bull riding, a craft and vendor show, activities for kids, a beanbag tournament, and a concert. The interview covers Cory's role in the event, the purpose of the Osakis Chamber of Commerce, the importance of tourism in a small town, and the process of booking artists for the concert. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.

Takeaways

• Taste of Osakis is an annual event in Osakis, Minnesota that includes professional bull riding, a craft and vendor show, activities for kids, a beanbag tournament, and a concert.
• The event is organized by the Osakis Chamber of Commerce, which represents and advocates for local businesses.
• Tourism is an important aspect of the chamber's work, as they aim to attract visitors to the town and promote local businesses.
• Booking artists for the concert is a complex process that involves contacting agencies, negotiating contracts, and considering budget constraints.
• Tickets for Taste of Osakis can be purchased online.

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

St. Cloud Shines is a group and organization that aims to promote positive conversations and change the perception of the St. Cloud area. They share stories of people, places, and events through their Shine Stories, highlighting the diverse and inspiring individuals in the community. St. Cloud Shines also provides resources and information about the different communities in the 30-mile radius of St. Cloud. Greenline Marketing, owned by Bridget Deutz, is a digital marketing collective that works closely with St. Cloud Shines and other clients. They specialize in inbound marketing and also offer leave coverage for businesses in need of temporary support.

Takeaways

• St. Cloud Shines aims to change the perception of the St. Cloud area by promoting positive conversations and highlighting inspiring individuals through their Shine Stories.
• They provide resources and information about the different communities in the 30-mile radius of St. Cloud.
• Greenline Marketing, owned by Bridget Dites, works closely with St. Cloud Shines and other clients, specializing in inbound marketing and offering leave coverage for businesses in need of temporary support.

St. Cloud Shines

Greenline Marketing

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/

Carol Zimmerman, owner of Boulder Creek Wine Bar in Santiago, Minnesota, shares the story of how the wine bar got started and her journey to becoming a sommelier. She talks about the challenges she faced in getting licensed and the experimentation she does with different flavors and ingredients in her wines. Carol also discusses the unique landscaping and atmosphere of the wine bar and the importance of creating a welcoming space for customers. She emphasizes the joy of sharing her wines with others and the connections she has made with people from all over.

Takeaways

• Starting a wine bar in a small town requires dedication and perseverance
• Becoming a sommelier involves studying and taking courses
• Experimentation with flavors and ingredients can lead to unique and delicious wines
• Creating a welcoming and beautiful atmosphere is important for a wine bar
• The joy of sharing wines and connecting with people is a rewarding part of owning a wine bar

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Experiencing and exploring everything that makes small towns great. Abbey (The Small Town Tourist) sits down with people to share stories about the towns they live in, the cool services they provide, and more. Visit online at https://thesmalltowntourist.com/ and follow on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thesmalltowntourist/