The Cash for Clunkers program in Red Wing is thriving. The Red Wing Republican Eagle reported at the end of July that Red Wing Chrysler had sold 34 cars through the program in one week.

"I’ve been in the auto industry 31 years and I’ve never seen anything like this," said [Red Wing Chrysler sales manager] Kevin Dietz.

Chrysler isn’t the only car company in Red Wing benefiting from the program, either. Red Wing Chevrolet has sold 30 new vehicles thanks to the C.A.R.S. program. Cash for Clunkers might be one sign that Minnesota can get back to being the “above average” state it once was—a thriving state rather than one struggling to stay alive after Governor Pawlenty leaves office.Red Wing is our second-to-last stop on the Thrive Drive. It’s been a long week, but we’ve heard some incredible stories and seen some pretty cool landmarks. Check out where we’ve been on the Thrive Drive website.