Business briefs: Work set to begin on new McDonald's in Oakdale

Look for a new set of "Golden Arches" at the Oakdale Marketplace.

McDonald's has closed on the property and construction of a new McDonald's restaurant could begin this spring, said city planner Whitney Ridlon.

The Oakdale City Council approved plans for the fast-food restaurant last June. All that stands in the way now is a building permit, which should be granted in the next few weeks. That would allow construction to begin in April, Ridlon said.

According to the site plan, McDonald's will build a 4,100-square-foot restaurant at 7830 N. 32nd St., immediately west of M&I Bank and a Target store. The restaurant will have 40 tables and 43 parking spaces.

Head of chamber leaves for bank jobThe White Bear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce is looking for a new executive director after Jay Geisbauer resigned from the organization's top position to take a job at North Star Bank.

"I had an opportunity to get back into the banking industry, which I have a passion for," said Geisbauer, who will become an assistant vice president and branch manager at North Star on March 1.

Since becoming the chamber's executive director last April, 69 new businesses were added to the chamber membership, according to a statement from the chamber.

This is the third time in three years the chamber has had to look for a new executive director. Amanda Schultz held the position from July 2009 to 2010. She succeeded Billy Dinkel, who left in 2009.

The chamber serves Birchwood, Dellwood, Gem Lake, Hugo, Mahtomedi, North Maplewood, North Oaks, North St. Paul, Vadnais Heights, White Bear Lake, White Bear Township and Willernie.

Small-business loan seminar setThe Lake Elmo Bank will host a seminar for small-business owners who want to learn how the bank works with the U.S. Small Business Association to offer loan programs to meet small-business needs.

The topics to be discussed include land and building, expansion, equipment and fixtures, working capital, inventory and debt consolidation.

The seminar will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. March 10 at the bank, 11465 N. 39th St., Lake Elmo. Reservations should be made no later than Friday. Call Julie at 651-773-4730 to register.