Editor’s Letter

When writing this issue, a theme quickly popped out at me: all of our featured characters know the value of good, old fashioned hard work. They all came to learn that at a very young age. Our cover story, Wu Lin, epitomizes what it means to have a dream and do what it takes to make it come true.

For 24 years, Connect Business Magazine has brought to life the stories of business and community leaders in a nine-county region of southern Minnesota. We’ve discovered, though, the characters and stories that shape our business community don’t recognize county or city borders.

This issue of Connect Business Magazine features three very different people, in three very different industries. However, there are two things they all have in common: they have great instincts and they have a great love for southern Minnesota.

The thing I admire most about the business leaders featured in this issue is that they are good at their jobs. Really, they are just good at life. They are moms who love their children as well as community advocates who embrace the region. They kick ass in their careers. They also just happen to be women.

I often consider myself lucky that I have the chance to pursue my passions. The awesomeness of that is not lost on me. As I put together this issue of Connect, it hit me how all of our profiles this issue also have the good fortune of living out their passions every day.

Well, if you’ve reached this page in the magazine you’ve no doubt seen that this year’s Business Person of the Year is Dennis Terrell, owner of Re/Max Dynamic Agents. This is only my second year involved with this promotion, but I can tell you entries doubled from last year! All the nominees certainly could have fit the bill. I’m sure glad I didn’t have to choose.

As we at Connect Business Magazine continue on our mission to be a resource for YOU, we value your feedback! Our next issue in January will start another year and we welcome your ideas on what you’d like to see in a magazine in 2018!

For as far back as I can remember, I have always loved having a book in my hand. I never cease to marvel at how black and white words on a page can bring me to tears or make my heart race with anticipation or put a smile on my face. Words are truly powerful.

It’s no secret that we live, work and play in a very generous community. Whether it is giving of time, talent or treasure, this region is hard to beat. We help celebrate that philanthropic nature with our cover story this issue, Nancy Zallek of the Mankato Area Foundation (MAF).