It was a great turnout for the grand opening and ribbon cutting at the new Kwik Trip location in Redwood Falls, Minnesota! Community members, local and state officials, and “coworkers,” as Kwik Trip fondly names their employees, gathered on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 for a ribbon cutting on a beautiful fall day.
About Kwik Trip
Kwik Trip is a fourth generation, family-owned company based in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They are a chain of convenience stores… you know what, if you are not sure what a Kwik Trip is, you’re probably not from around the midwest. They have store locations throughout Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
From the start, they’ve focused on doing right by their customers and the communities in which they serve. They stock fresh foods and keep prices low by making things themselves and keeping a close eye on costs.
The Ribbon Cutting
The ribbon cutting ceremony was a well put together event that celebrated the happy occasion of a new business in the Redwood Falls community. District Manager, Ryan, opened the ceremony. He, along with many of his coworkers, recited their mission.
“To serve our customers and community more effectively than anyone else by treating our customers, co-workers, and suppliers as we, personally, would like to be treated and to make a difference in someone’s life.”
The Kwik Trip podium also welcomed owner Scott Zietlow. Mr. Zietlow shared more about their organization’s integrated supply system and how they are excited to share their own bakery items, take home meals, pizza, and more with the community. He also shared that employees are integral to making a great work environment and mentioned that they share 40% of their pre-tax profits with their employees.
The remainder of the ceremony featured a number of other great speakers including but not limited to:
- Amanda, Store Leader for Redwood Falls
- Many Kwik Trip coworkers including Corey Brockoff, Kathy Lee, Kyle Chelsis (Assistant Manager), Todd Childs (Assistant Manager), Tracy Mann (Food Service Leader) and Brandy Biffel
- Gary Dahmes, MN State Senator
- Paul Torkelson, MN State Representative
- Tom Quackenbush, City of Redwood Falls Mayor
- Anne Johnson, Redwood Area Chamber & Tourism Executive Director
Giving Back
Kwik Trip is dedicated to giving back to the communities they are in. To celebrate their grand opening, two $1,000 donations were given.
- Redwood Falls Police Department
Police Chief Jason Cotner accepted the award on behalf of the Redwood Falls Police Department. In addition to the $1,000 donation, Kwik Trip is also giving free coffee for all officers on duty. - Redwood Area Community Center
Ross Nochriener accepted the award on behalf of the Community Center and noted that the funds would be used for scholarships for youth.
Welcome to the Community
The overall feel from speakers and attendees alike was a generous, “Welcome to the Redwood Falls community.” The ceremony was closed with a, “We’ll see you next time.” How appropriate.