*Miller Tree Services* *carefully removes a large tree in Hastings, Minnesota during a particularly sultry and humid July day in 2025. This important work is captured in a detailed image by Ike Slapnicher.*

Stepping out in Hastings this summer feels a bit like stepping into a cast‑iron skillet—so let’s gather around the shade of our hometown internet and catch up. Grab your lemonade; our Professional Powerhouse round‑up brims with hot tips, cool inspiration and a few neighborly chuckles.

News & Events

St Philips baseball day: community fun in sweltering heat

An Instagram post from a Hastings insurance agent captures the simple joy of summer: the community gathered for a St Philips baseball game despite the July heat, complete with the self‑deprecating caption “We’re here until I melt”. The photo shows spectators fanning themselves under sun‑drenched skies, kids chasing foul balls and grandparents cheering between sips of cold drinks. It’s a reminder that, even when the humidity is off the charts, our town knows how to celebrate togetherness. Next time you see the ball field lights at dusk, bring a lawn chair—you never know who you’ll meet.

👉 Link: Katrin Lindberg Ins Agency Inc

Inspiration & Community

Ancient wisdom, modern comfort – Zephaniah 3:17

The Marketing Clerics shared a passage from the Book of Zephaniah to encourage followers who feel alone. The verse reminds us that “The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” biblehub.com. In other words, even on our quietest days, we are surrounded by something greater than ourselves that celebrates our victories and soothes our fears. If you’re feeling discouraged, take heart—there’s a cheer section you didn’t know you had. That community may include neighbors and friends as well as spiritual support.

👉 Link: The Marketing Clerics

Deals & Finance

Manage your policy with the MyAmFam app

American Family Insurance’s MyAmFam app isn’t just another download; it’s a full‑service hub for policyholders. According to the company, the app lets you track your claim status, set up AutoPay and schedule payments, view proof of insurance and even request emergency roadside assistance when you’re stuck on the side of the road amfam.com. The Facebook post circulating around Hastings emphasizes that the app empowers users to pay bills, manage accounts, file and track claims and control their insurance any time, anywhere. For busy families juggling baseball games, lake outings and work commutes, having your policy information in your pocket is peace of mind worth downloading.

👉 Link: Danielle Menge & Associates, LLC

Homeownership help for minority borrowers

Buying a home can feel out of reach for many Minnesotans, especially when savings are tight or credit histories are complicated. Bell Bank’s Moving Forward Advantage program aims to bridge that gap. In its mortgage education guide, Bell notes that this loan is available only to borrowers who identify as members of federally defined minority groups and offers a lower minimum credit score bell.bank. The program is subject to credit approval and geographic restrictions, but it is designed to make homeownership more accessible in markets such as Minnesota bell.bank. If you’re dreaming of a backyard barbecue in Hastings but worry you don’t qualify for a conventional loan, the Moving Forward Advantage might open the door.

👉 Link: Bell Bank Mortgage / The Hoeft Team

How‑To & Advice

Is your suspension shot? Check these signs

*Located directly across from city hall,* *Downtown Tire* *has become a well-established and trusted staple auto shop in the heart of Hastings, Minnesota. Image by Hank Slapnicher*

Downtown Tire and Auto reminded followers that a car’s suspension isn’t just about comfort; it’s about safety. Auto Smart, a Wichita repair shop, outlines telltale signs: uneven tire wear, excessive bouncing or dipping when driving over bumps, and drifting or pulling during turns. Knocking sounds, nose‑diving when braking and fluid leaks under the car are further red flags. If your commute to Minneapolis feels like riding a pogo stick, it might be time to have a mechanic inspect your shocks and struts. Maintaining a healthy suspension doesn’t just smooth out potholes—it keeps your tires firmly on the road.

👉 Link: Downtown Tire and Auto

Lower your energy bills by giving your AC some space

High utility bills got you sweating? Energy experts say your outdoor air‑conditioning condenser needs breathing room to perform efficiently. Comfort Systems recommends keeping at least two feet of clear space around the unit and trimming back shrubs or vegetation regularly. A simple rinse with a garden hose can remove dirt that clogs fins. Avoid crowding the unit with lawn furniture or covering it completely. By letting your AC breathe, you reduce stress on the compressor and help it cool your home more effectively—just in time for August’s sauna‑like days.

👉 Link: Majeski Plumbing & Heating Inc

What happens if you’re hit by an uninsured driver?

Several social posts prompted questions about accidents with uninsured motorists. Progressive explains that uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you if a driver without insurance injures you or damages your vehicle progressive.com. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage kicks in when the other driver’s policy limits aren’t high enough to cover your losses progressive.com. Nearly 13 percent of drivers nationwide lack auto insurance progressive.com, so without UM/UIM coverage, you might be left paying medical bills or repair costs out of pocket progressive.com. If you’re unsure whether your policy includes these protections, talk with your agent; a relatively inexpensive rider could save you thousands.

👉 Link: Katrin Lindberg Ins Agency Inc

Business & Technology

Digital tools for trucking and logistics

Spiral Bridge Solutions published a deep dive on how a powerful website can transform a trucking or logistics business in the Twin Cities. A well‑optimized site can automate booking and dispatching, integrating with local trucking software for real‑time load management and route optimization spiralbridge.solutions. It can also handle invoicing and payment processing to improve cash flow spiralbridge.solutions and manage compliance documents to meet Minnesota Department of Transportation regulations spiralbridge.solutions. Customer portals that offer real‑time tracking enhance transparency spiralbridge.solutions, while driver portals improve communication and morale spiralbridge.solutions. For Hastings‑based carriers facing rising fuel costs and labor shortages, investing in an automated website isn’t about vanity—it’s about survival and scalability.

👉 Link: Spiral Bridge Solutions

People & Careers

Hiring: account manager at Spader Group

Local marketing agency Spader Group is searching for its next account manager—a role that requires wearing many hats. Agency account managers keep both the client and the agency happy: they handle multiple accounts, serve as the primary point of contact, communicate results and make sure deliverables match agreements artisantalent.com. The job demands strong interpersonal and communication skills, an understanding of clients’ business models and marketplace trends, and the ability to guide creative, research and media outreach artisantalent.com. If you love juggling deadlines while charming clients and colleagues alike, this might be your calling. Check Spader Group’s careers page for details.

👉 Link: Spader Group

Business Leadership & Learning

Scaling smart, not scattered: The CEO Shift with Megan Braverman

In the latest episode of The CEO Shift, host Shawndel Spader interviews Megan Braverman, CEO of Berbay Marketing & PR. Braverman shares lessons from two decades in legal and professional services marketing: scaling an agency requires more than charisma—it needs documented processes, playbooks and adaptive leadership spadergroup.com. She talks about embracing discomfort as a leadership skill and shifting her mindset about artificial intelligence spadergroup.com. The discussion encourages business owners to build infrastructure that supports their teams instead of relying on heroic individual effort. It’s a must‑watch for anyone thinking about growth without burnout.