Letter of the Day: Schell Brewing Co. has a stake in the Grain Belt Beer sign

Last update: October 12, 2009 - 10:20 AM

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Here at the August Schell Brewing Co. in New Ulm, we are rapidly approaching our 150th anniversary, and nothing could be more timely than your Oct. 7 Letter of the Day about the large, 1940s Grain Belt Beer sign on Nicollet Island.

Seven years ago, after acquiring the Grain Belt brand, we began the challenging task of revitalizing Grain Belt in the face of national and international competitors.

Over those same seven years, we have met with and explored cooperative efforts with the sign's owner to relight the sign. We are an old, historic brewery, and with more than 149 years under our belt, we understand the importance of history and support the preservation of historic gems in our community. Bringing the Grain Belt sign back to life is something we would love to see. In our earlier discussions with the owners, the cost of renovation and maintenance has been a difficult hurdle to clear. We are not a large brewery, and over the past years, building a financially and physically sound brewery has been our top priority.

We will continue to meet with the owner as well as with other interested parties to help preserve this historic icon for all Minnesotans to enjoy.

TED MARTI, NEW ULM, MINN.; PRESIDENT, AUGUST SCHELL BREWING

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