The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutItem 05.bJune 20, 2011 Item No. Overview Spotlight on Business Schmitty and Sons The Spotlight on Business program is designed to recognize new and existing commercial and industrial businesses in the Lakeville community. Upcoming Spotlights this year will be featuring a variety of businesses located in Downtown Lakeville. The program is also designed to emphasize, for residents, the important tax and employment benefits that business and industry provide to the community. Schmitty & Sons will be featured at the June 20 City Council meeting. Economic Development Commissioner, Tom Smith will present the information on Schmitty & Sons, and owner Dan Schmitt will be present to accept this recognition. Schmitty & Sons is a full service transportation company that has roots back to 1941 when Wilfred Schmitt (Schmitty) began driving for the Orchard Lake Co -op, the local transportation company at the time. The company was officially started in 1969 when Wilfred with son -in -law Paul Leidner and John Schweich purchased another bus company, purchased additional buses and expanded their fleet from one bus to 33 buses. Today Schmitty & Sons has over 100 school buses, handicapped accessible buses, Gray Line Tour buses, and transit buses. While they are primarily known for the buses they operate for the Lakeville School District, Schmitty & Sons also does everything from charter services, Gray Line Tours, airport shuttles, to repair and maintenance. The Schmitty & Sons transit division includes: Minnesota Valley Transit Authority (MVTA), Shakopee / Prior Lake BlueXpress and the University of St. Thomas campus shuttle buses. A true community partner, Schmitty & Sons works with non - profits, does charter work for churches, and participates in the Summer Stretch Program. They also work with many local businesses including Scruples, Menasha, and Despatch Industries. As a leader in the transportation industry they are involved in Project Green Fleet where they are retro- fitting existing exhaust systems on buses for cleaner emissions. Schmitty & Sons also provides a job and tax benefit to the community. They employ approximately 200 people including drivers and management staff and have focused on maintaining local hiring practices. Adam Kienber Economic •,:F%elopment Specialist Financial Impact: $ 0 Budgeted: Y/N Source: Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.): Notes: