U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visits SJE-Rhombus

DETROIT LAKES, MINN. — U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., was a welcomed guest at SJE-Rhombus, a manufacturer of water and wastewater control solutions, located here, on Monday, Jan. 10, 2011.

Klobuchar was conducting a multi-site “Innovation Tour” across Northern Minnesota and stopped at SJE-Rhombus to learn more about the company’s success with employee ownership, driving engagement, product innovation, continuous improvement and global sales growth.

While visiting SJE-Rhombus, Klobuchar spoke about her work on legislation aimed at strengthening America’s ability to innovate and compete for long-term economic growth and job creation.

Laurie Lewandowski, SJE-Rhombus’ CEO, gave the Senator an overview of the company, explaining that the primary reason for the company’s success is the dedicated employee owners.

Lewandowski said, “SJE-Rhombus is 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Trust (ESOT). The fact that the employees own the company stock means they have a vested interest in doing their part to make sure the company succeeds. This gives SJE-Rhombus a competitive advantage. Each employee-owner is a working partner, motivated to be acutely involved in the day-to-day operation of the business. This involvement and commitment has continued to be the catalyst for the company’s success. The employee-owners take great pride in doing their best to provide quality products and service, and each employee is rewarded by the steady increase in the value of SJE-Rhombus stock in their retirement account.”

Click here for additional information about SJE-Rhombus.