Bluenose: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Kyle: My name is Kyle Haugen. I am originally from just down the road in Clara City. My wife Melissa, daughter Grace, and I moved to Granite Falls from Clara City about 4 ½ years ago, although we have been involved in Bluenose and other Granite Falls activities since 2017. I have an Associates Degree from Ridgewater College and a Bachelor's degree in accounting from Bemidji State University. I worked at Citizens Alliance Bank for over 8 years in the Risk Management Department doing Internal Audit work, vendor management, insurance, and other various risk management functions. I then spent a little over 3 years with American National Bank doing much of the same work, but also utilizing my accounting degree as the Chief Financial Officer. I am currently the Executive Director of the Economic Development Authority for the City of Granite Falls. Outside of Bluenose I am involved as the Treasurer for the Granite Area Arts Council, a board member of the Granite Falls Area Community Foundation, staff of the Community Artist in Residence Program, and a board member of Western Minnesota Prairie Waters. I also serve on the Planning Commission and a new tourism group that the City is creating. Melissa and I also run an AirBnB here in Granite,Todd’s Cottage. When not doing all of these things, I enjoy tabletop gaming, hiking, camping, kayaking, disc golf, reading, and spending time with my family.
Bluenose: What got you interested in running for the Board of Directors for Bluenose Public House?
Kyle: When Melissa and I first moved to Clara City in late 2016 we started to look for local activities to be involved with. Melissa saw a meeting for Bluenose on Facebook and the concept intrigued us, so we went to a meeting. At the meeting, they stated that they were looking for Board members. Since I had experience reporting to, and being on, boards in the past I volunteered and the rest is history.
Bluenose: Can you talk about your role with the Board of Directors?
Kyle: I am the financial office for Bluenose. I handle all of the money items such as bookkeeping, accounts payable, payroll, etc. for the organization.
Bluenose: What makes Bluenose special to you?
Kyle: The thing that makes Bluenose so special to me, is really how welcoming it is. I have seen people from all walks of life, different political affiliations, and backgrounds come together to just enjoy community. I think Bluenose is truly one of the most unique and welcoming places I have been in. I think this echoes the town of Granite Falls, which is the most home I have felt in a place.
Bluenose: What do you see for the future of Bluenose?
Kyle: I have no idea what the future holds for Bluenose, but I am certainly along for the ride. The beautiful thing about Bluenose is that it is going to be constantly shaped and molded by the community it exists in. I think that Bluenose is and will continue to be different things to different people and in that I am excited to see all of the new ideas, activities, and people that will become part of this community.
Bluenose: Anything else you’d like to add?
Kyle: I am currently in my last term on the Board of Directors. I have been serving since 2017 and I just want to say a huge thank you to all of the amazing board members that I have had the privilege to work with. Each of you brought your strengths, determination, and creativity to the this organization in so many different ways that you have made Bluenose what it is today. I particularly want to thank Sarina Otaibi, Melissa Peterson, and Kris McCoy who have taken the helm, sometimes in particularly difficult situations, and been incredible leaders for our organization.