Photo by Wanda Hanson
The annual meeting of the Rushford Peterson Chamber of Commerce featured several local speakers who highlighted different parts of the community. Executive Director Stephanie Eggert greeted the attendees and began the meeting. Eggert shared both the secretary’s and treasurer’s reports.
Eggert pointed out that expenses were up by around $2,000; she encouraged members to renew their memberships and reminded them that first year memberships are half price for new members. Thousands of dollars were spent replacing signage in the area. The Chamber’s savings were tapped to purchase a needed laptop this past year.
The Chamber once again received a tourism grant; this time the Chamber must spend $2,000 to receive the $2,000 grant. Eggert informed the members that she was looking at using an online platform called CitySpark and Facebook to advertise upcoming events.
A handout detailed the year’s events and activities. An Underground Railroad presentation brought in 50 to 60 attendees. The open gym at the school spearheaded by Kerry and Susan Connaughty has more than 50 people coming; many people travel from La Crosse and Winona to attend.
Student Career Day was once again a success; the organizers are toying with the idea of inviting students from younger grade levels. The September 13 Open Doors Tour featured eight properties in Rushford and two in Peterson.
City of Rushford Update
Rushford Mayor Leigh Volkman addressed the group and shared that the city has hired Hayden Stensgard as its new administrator. Volkman commented that the EDA was working hard to create small programs focused on small businesses. A Business Jump Start Loan which provides up to $50,000 to renovate or move into a commercial space and covers up to 40% of project costs is available.
Other loans include a Business Subsidy Loan which provides up to $500,000 with 50% private funding needed, a Housing Rehab Loan for residential property with a maximum of $25,000, a Business Lease Subsidy Program which provides a $2,500 Valley Doe grant for up to four years and Micro Grants which match funds up to $2,500 for small businesses. A Business Growth Support Program provides business planning, research and marketing help for new businesses through a partnership of the EDA and CEDA.
Volkman told the group about an upcoming presentation on April 22 from 6-8 p.m. at MiEnergy. Ben Winchester, a rural sociologist, will present a program to help developers and share ways to entice people to move to small towns.
250th Celebration
Larry Bartelson, representing a committee of Dale Evalvold, Nancy Benson, and John Petersen and himself, detailed the July 3 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Bartelson told the Chamber that this would be a birthday party for the city with fireworks representing the candles on the cake.The committee has arranged for a fireworks display valued at $14,000 for a reduced price of $9,500.
Flags are being sold for $25 to fund the party. Two hundred fifty flags will be displayed at Creekside and the football field. The Rushford Community Foundation is handing the funds. The flags will be used in the future for Memorial Day. Proceeds from the taco supper for the Chamber’s meeting will go into the fund. A “family friendly event” is planned with games and vendors.
Depot Update
Sally Ryman spoke next to share an update on the depot renovation. Plans are to open the visitor center at the Rushford Depot in mid-April. Since the depot was being renovated, the layout was changed. Bathrooms were moved to the front of the building on grade level. The former bathroom area will be used for museum storage. Troy Servais donated tile and labor for the bathrooms.
The collections will be worked on in March; with storage available, the museum will be able to rotate displays. The exterior of the museum remains to be painted. A canopy roof on the front was taken off and replaced. RAHS has received a new grant for architectural drawings from MNHS. The goal is to restore the depot to what it looked like in 1910, complete with canopy roofs over both the front and back of the depot.
A grand opening is planned for June 9 from 4-9 p.m. There will be food trucks, the Darr Family band will play and door prizes will be given. Businesses were asked to supply door prizes and any tchotchkes that they may have left from promotions to be used for grab bags.
Displays will document past Rushford celebrations. The museum is looking for smaller adults to wear old uniforms and tell stories about the original wearers.
Peterson Update
Gail Boyum spoke about Batch, the new restaurant coming to Peterson. She encouraged everyone to support Batch once it opens. Boyum also mentioned that Peterson is working with CEDA to help uncover resources to help the business community in Peterson.
New Businesses
Tisa Barta, owner of Bodywork Station, told about her new business located at 212 Mill Street. The massage and spa allows patrons to design their own massage; Barta encourages her clients to tell her how to adjust pressure to suit them. She offers infrared/ red light and Himalayan salt therapy. Booking is available online or by calling.
Amy Engelhart shared several new businesses. Her husband is in the process of opening Route 16, an antique shop. Amy is opening a second boutique in Caledonia and is adding a consignment shop at her Peterson location.
Members of Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce left the annual meeting knowing a lot more about what’s happening in their local communities.
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