December 2002
In
this issue:
Peterson's
10 Key Points to Pleasing Customers
A Look Back: North Branch Grows with Mill and Other New Industries
Keeping Animals Warm and Healthy in Winter
Peterson's 10 Key Points to Customer Service
Friendly
service and expert advice add value to the products and services Peteron's
provides.
Customer
service is a common refrain that is easy to tout, but difficult to achieve.
True customer service comes from the heart—there is no scientific
formula or technological substitute for it. At Peterson’s Country
Mill, we measure the value of our service by the number of positive responses
we hear from happy customers who received something extra— perhaps
in the form of information, recommendation, help or advice—that
added value to the product or service they were seeking. Since we’ve
been practicing customer service around here for more than 40 years, it
may appear to be easy for us. In some ways that’s true—mostly
because so many of our customers have become our friends. However, we
believe that it’s important to provide superior customer service
on a consistent basis. Therefore, we have identified the following 10
points so that customers know what to expect when visiting our store:
1 Friendly
Atmosphere
Even if you’re visiting us for the first time, you won’t be
a stranger for very long. The smiles are contagious at Peterson’s
Country Mill.
2 Continuous
Reliability
Simple pleasure comes from finding what you‘re looking for and knowing
that we’ll have it here for you when you need it again.
3
Knowledgeable Staff
Having a large inventory with lots of items to choose from is good, but
having a staff that knows the differences between each of those items
is even better.
4 Expert Advice
Experience is the best teacher. Peterson’s staff has a wealth of
experience to offer in all areas of animal nutrition and wellness, lawn
care and gardening, agriculture and landscaping, as well as tips on sunroom
and patio furnishings.
Food
for all seasons—Peterson's stocks a
wide assortment of healthy nutrients for
wintering horses, livestock and pets.
5
Quality Products and Services
When you buy a product from Peterson’s, you’re buying a product
that’s been carefully selected and customer tested. We take pride
in what we offer because we’re not only supplying it to our customers,
we’re supplying it to our friends.
6 Helpful Attitude
Those friendly smiles you see at Peterson’s Country Mill are more
than skin deep. There’s no need to chase down the clerks for help
in our store; they’ll be running up to greet you.
7 Integrity
Integrity is in the very fiber of everything we do. When you’re
doing business with Peterson’s, you’re doing business with
people you can trust.
8 Proactive
Planning
One of the challenges of being around for as many years as we have, is
to continue improving with age. Although we may kick up a little dust
in our effort to build a better store, you won’t see any of it collecting
under our feet.
9 Attentive
Listening
Our willingness to serve is surpassed only by our ability to listen to
what our customers have to say. We encourage your thoughts, ideas and
opinions. After all, you are the reason why we’re here.
10
ExtraordinaryValue
It won’t take you long to discover the uncommon value that Peterson’s
offers customers in the form of quality, service and competitive pricing—not
just on special days, but every day throughout the year.
Satisfied
customers have been the hallmark of Peterson's Country Mill for more than
40 years.
A Look Back: North Branch Grows with Mill and Other New Industries
Following is one of a series of vignettes illustrating the history of Peterson’s Country Mill. Special thanks to North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce for help with this information.
The North Branch Milling Company was very important to early residents. After opening in 1899, the mill continued its wheat and rye flour operations, and then expanded with the addition of a feed mill in 1907.
Along with the North Branch Milling Company, other new enterprises were beginning to grow. Alvin Lumber Yard opened its doors in 1898. It continues operation today as Lamperts, since having been purchased in 1970.
During the 1880s and 1890s, a number of area farmers began cultivating potato crops. This attracted as many as 14 potato buyers to town, whose warehouses stood along the railroad siding. The Northern Pacific railroad company shipped more crops from North Branch than from any other station between St. Paul and Duluth.
In addition to potato crops, other related businesses sprang up in the North Branch area. In 1885, Ferdinand Splittstoser, a German immigrant, opened a plant that manufactured potato planters, diggers and cutters. The Farmer’s Starch Company opened in August 1892. Starch was made from potatoes that were too small to ship.
Tack
Swap, February 1
You won’t want to miss the fun at our tack swap, which is quickly
becoming an annual tradition at Peterson’s Mill. Sharpen up your
horse tradin’ skills and get back in the saddle with new and gently
used tack and tools. Get together with friends and fellow equine hobbyists
who take their horse-riding fun seriously.
Winter
Fest , February 8-9
Join us as we support the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce during
its annual Winter Fest weekend. There will be fun, food, sleigh rides,
ice sculptures, treasure hunts, and prizes. So come on out and enjoy the
fun.
Equine
Education Day,
February 22
February is horse health-care month at Peterson’s Country Mill,
which will culminate with our Equine Education Day. Experts will be on
hand to answer questions on proper horse nutrition, worming, foaling and
much more. A variety of Behlin stalls and Sioux brand equipment will be
on display. Enjoy event discounts on popular Purina horse feeds.
Focus
on Footwear
Peterson's will help you stay warm this winter with a wide assortment
of quality boots and footwear.
Red Wing Shoes
We carry a premium line of Red Wing shoes and boots. Manufactured in Minnesota,
Red Wing boots will keep you prepared for the worst of what winter dishes
out.
Tingley
Tingley’s famous Pac Boots offer comfort, warmth and durability—
even when the windchill dips to 50 below. Outside, Pac Boots are made
of 100% waterproof Permaseal® material. Inside, Pac Boots are lined
with Thinsulate® for maximum insulation.
Colossal
Clearance Savings
We’re making room in our store for great new items, which
means that others will have to go! Look for 40% off selected styles of
Georgia boots and 50% off from selected tools, automotive and electrical
items.
Keeping Animals Warm and Healthy in Winter
Peterson's Winterized Livestock Feed is a hearty mixture of corn, oats, wheat, soy beans, molasses, vitamins and mineral. High in protein, this feed provides the extra energy your horses, cattle and grazing livestock need.
For nearly a century, Peterson’s has specialized in the grains and
nutrients that keep animals in healthy condition and performing at peak
levels. Winter can be especially challenging for animals to endure. The
colder it gets, the more important it is to keep your pets and livestock
comfortable and strong.
Talk to the folks at Peterson’s for in-depth information on nutrients critical to your animals’ good health. You’ll also discover our wide array of nutritional supplements and additives that provide an added boost during severe winter months. These products include:
Crystalyx®
Brand Supplements
Crystalyx® is a high-energy supplement designed for cattle, horses,
buffalo, sheep and goats. It is ideal for pastures where various species
commingle. Livestock receive a combination of energy, protein, minerals
and vitamins each time they lick the block.
Heads
Up
Heads Up is a concentrated pelleted vitamin, mineral and trace mineral
supplement for horses of all types and ages. Add Heads Up to daily grain
rations to supplement the diet with essential nutrients important to horses
under stressful conditions.
Peterson’s
Winterized Livestock Feed
Peterson’s winterized blend can be used as a sole grain ration or
combined with other grain/protein feeds. It contains a minimum of 12 percent
protein, 3 percent fat and 10 percent fiber.
Hubbard
High Performance Dog Food
High Performance is a nutrient dense, soy-free diet that is formulated
for active dogs whose lifestyles require increased amounts of protein
and energy.
Peterson’s Country Mill is looking for a few neighborly friends to help us plan and promote upcoming exhibits, displays and events. The primary objective of this group is to gain insight into the wants, needs and interests of our community and clientele. We ask that our focus-group volunteers come prepared to share ideas, memories and opinions while having a good time at our monthly meetings. We’re looking for a variety of people to join us; people who are new to the community as well as long-time residents. This is a great way to get in touch with your creative side while you collaborate with colleagues and friends. We promise to keep topics light, cups filled and meetings brief. If you would like to know more about joining Peterson’s focus group, please complete the information and check the appropriate box on the subscription form below. Bring the form with you on your next visit to the Mill, or e-mail us at info@pnbmill.com
Lecture:
Shaping a Hoof
with Pat Schroeder,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Saturday, December 14
Lecture:
Equine Nutrition
with Sue Kelly, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, January 9
Peterson’s
Tack Swap
8 am - 6 pm, Saturday,
February 1
Lecture:
Mares in Foal—
Their Special Needs
by Sunrise Vet Services,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, February 6
Winter
Fest
Weekend of February 8 - 9
Equine Education Day
8 am - 6 pm,
Saturday February 22
Lecture:
Vaccines—Cheap Insurance
by Sunrise Vet Services,
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, March 13
Chemical
Trade Show
Saturday, March 29
Peterson’s
Open House
Thursday, April 3 -
Sunday April 6