BUSINESS NOTEBOOK: Flood run activities set

Red Wing businesses are gearing up for the April 17 Flood Run. Spearheaded by Downtown Main Street, businesses will offer several activities for the thousands of motorcyclists expected to tour Lake Pepin.

Activities are planned at Third and Bush streets. They will include a motorcycle contest, children's bike safety sessions and street entertainment.

Downtown Main Street continues to seek sponsors for events. For information, contact Shelley Diercks at bevscafe@gmail.com.

Downtown Main Street anticipates offering activities again for the Sept. 19 Flood Run.

The spring Flood Run again will raise money for Gillette Children's Hospital in St. Paul.

• Kathy Anderson of Cannon Realty in Cannon Falls has earned the certified distressed property expert designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance, with a particular emphasis on short sales. A short sale allows the distressed homeowner to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even if it is lower than what is owed on the property.

Today, more than 13 percent of homeowners are delinquent on their mortgage or in the foreclosure process, according to Cannon Realty. This is occurring across all price ranges, and the fastest-growing category of homes in foreclosure is the luxury home market.

"The CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with homeowners and lenders on complicated short sales," Anderson said. "It is so rewarding to be able to help families save their homes from foreclosure."

• The Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce will hold three legislative conference calls this month. Designed to keep the community apprised of business-related issues before the Legislature, the calls originate at the chamber office.

They start at 7:30 a.m., last 30 minutes and include 15 minutes for questions. The schedule is April 9 and 30 with host Cory Doden and April 16 with host Jerry Olson.

Tags: business notebook, business