Community News
Merchants Bank Announces Major Gift to PossAbilities Achievement Hub
The Achievement Hub will allow PossAbilities to broaden their reach and serve individuals of all ages and abilities, providing additional resources around healthcare, education, employment and career development. The goal is to bring together non-profits, for-profit businesses and all agencies that provide services for people with disabilities to deepen the resources, expertise and programming available in Rochester and beyond into southeastern Minnesota communities. “You cannot move forward on a major undertaking like this without having a strong back behind you,” said Susan Mackert, Executive Director of PossAbilities. “It enables you to bring the entire community together in a collaborative effort to promote healthy achievement for all.” This contribution is in alignment with Merchants Bank’s commitment to community leadership and volunteerism. Annually the Bank provides monetary donations to more than 400 organizations and employees volunteer over 11,000 hours in their communities.
Merchants Bank made a significant investment to the PossAbilities future Achievement Hub.
Merchants Bank has made a significant investment in the future of care and support of people with disabilities in southeastern Minnesota with a $50,000 gift to PossAbilities for their future Achievement Hub. “We are so proud of our partnership with PossAbilities and the opportunity to support their amazing work,” said Greg Evans, President & CEO for Merchants Bank. “With the significant gift we’ve made, we have uncompromised confidence in how that gift will be stewarded to make an impact on the lives of so many stakeholders served by this organization.”
To learn about the PossAbilities Achievement Hub, visit www.possabilities.org.
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson Announces Retirement
Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson has announced his retirement, sharing that he will not seek a fourth term in the 2026 election. His current term will conclude in January 2027, marking the end of a distinguished law enforcement career spanning more than four decades. Sheriff Torgerson began his law enforcement career in 1980 with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office in January 1986 and has since held numerous roles that shaped public safety in the region.
As a deputy, Torgerson served primarily in the Patrol Division and became Olmsted County’s first School Liaison Officer, teaching the DARE program to local students. He was also a member of the Emergency Response Unit. Over the years, he advanced through supervisory positions, including Sergeant and Captain, before overseeing Homeland Security and Emergency Management in 2009.
Sheriff Kevin Torgerson
34 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2026
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