By Rae Kruger

The buttons and magnets for the Minnesota Sesquicentennial this year were made by the Tony Doom Supply Co. of Marshall.

The veteran maker of political signs, buttons and general advertising items said the 150th project is comparable to another statewide project he did last year.

“Remember the ‘Vote YES’ campaign, I also had that contract,” Doom said of the campaign to encourage voters pass a transportation amendment.

“I did all the signs and buttons used in the state on that. It was a highly visible campaign,” Doom said.

“This is comparable to that...but this is a little more historical,” Doom said. “I’m very thrilled I got the business.”

Doom was selected after he and others submitted quotes for the contract.

“It is always great to see a local business recognized as a provider for a statewide event,” said Tracy Veglahn, the CEO and president of the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce.

Doom designed a magnet and a one-inch-by-two-inch button with the 150th committee’s logo that includes the state of Minnesota, highlights of red and blue, and the words “150 YEARS of STATEHOOD.”

“It definitely stands out,” said Veglahn.

Doom said he created a button size to fit the 150th committee’s logo but also to provide a noticeable, attractive size as well as one that would fit the committee’s budget.

“As you notice, you don’t see too many buttons this size,” Doom said.

And, “I wanted to give them the most bang for their buck,” Doom said.

It was reported this week the committee has less money in its budget than was originally committed by the state Legislature.

“I was surprised by the budget cut,” Doom said. “Initially it sounded like a sure thing.”

Now the committee orders buttons and magnets as needed and based on a reduced budget, Doom said.

“They’ve reordered,” Doom said. “They usually order 3,000 to 5,000 at a time.”

“I see people wearing them. I have one,” Veglahn said.

Doom was working as a vendor at the December Association of Minnesota Counties convention and saw many public officials wearing the 150th buttons.

One wearer was particularly complimentary and made a definite impression on Doom.

Doom was in a hotel lobby in Roseville when he noticed a group meeting in a nearby room.

Secretary of State Mark Ritchie was in the meeting but left it to approach Doom at the lobby counter.

Ritchie was wearing one of Doom’s buttons. “He said ‘Tony, this is a wonderful job you’ve done,’” Doom said. “That made my day … to have Mark Ritchie step aside from his meeting and approach me.”