Konnie E. Vreeman, 74, passed away on November 19, 2019, at his home in rural Fountain, Minn. Konnie was born August 2, 1945, in Fillmore County to Kenneth and Johannah (Hamersma) Vreeman. He attended country school until the eighth grade and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1963. Konnie was united in marriage to Paula A. Lockwood June 12, 1965, in Grand Meadow. … [Read more...]
Shop small businesses to improve the holiday experience
Specific events are geared to direct shopping traffic to local businesses during the holiday season. It’s the time of year when newspapers thicken with sales circulars and holiday advertisements. Consumers looking to beat the hustle and bustle and steer clear of the crowds this year may want to pay attention to local businesses in lieu of trekking to nearby shopping … [Read more...]
studio-N-gallery opens in Rushford
The Rushford Peterson Valley Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting on November 13 to welcome new business “studio-N-gallery” in Rushford. Owner Nan Lesser cut the ceremonial red ribbon surrounded by Chamber representatives. Pictured left to right, back, Kathy Riley, Angela Colbenson, Steven Halvorson, Jennifer Hengel, Jerad Brown. Front, Beth Tudahl, Lesser, and Sally … [Read more...]
How to sustain a small business
Opening a small business can be an exciting time in the life of an entrepreneur. Part of that excitement no doubt stems from the financial risks associated with opening a new business. Keeping that business growing and thriving takes effort, but the results can be rewarding. It is reasonable to feel nervous when starting a business. Information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor … [Read more...]
Shopping small matters
As we begin the holiday shopping season, the Preston Area Chamber of Commerce encourages everyone to think outside the box this year and find unique gifts at our small businesses. From gift cards to local honey to hand crafted home décor, there is something for everyone on your list! Small businesses give back BIG to the community and are the key to our success and future … [Read more...]
Lanesboro Holiday Dinner Dance December 7
The 39th Annual Holiday Dinner Dance will be Saturday, December 7, 2019, at the Lanesboro Community Center. The evening will begin with complimentary appetizers and wine served at 6 p.m. Catered dinner of beef burgundy and chicken cordon bleu will begin at 7 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Dewy. Door prizes as well! Tickets may be purchased at Granny’s Liquor by … [Read more...]
Special guest Dane Stauffer joins Dan Chouinard and local Lanesboro talent at the 13th Annual Holiday Sing-along
Twin Cities-based accompanist, writer and vocalist Dan Chouinard is leading the 13th annual Old-Fashioned Holiday Sing-along on Friday, December 20, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Mane Theatre in downtown Lanesboro. Dan will host the evening, an annual Lanesboro institution, with his fantastic piano and accordion playing, gentle spirit and genuine appreciation for sharing … [Read more...]
Love Lights a Tree in Harmony
The Love Lights a Tree ceremony will be held in Harmony on Sunday, December 8 at 5:30 p.m., at the Cancer Memorial Park on Harmony’s Main Street. Names will be read at that time. Please pick up forms for names at Kingsley Mercantile or First Southeast Bank. Names are due by December 2. See form for more information. The event is sponsored by Harmony Area Cancer Support … [Read more...]
Statistics show just how big small business is
Small businesses have such a big impact on their communities, and the world at large, that it might be time to reconsider refering to them as “small.” According to the World Bank, small businesses have a major impact on the world economy, especially in emerging countries. In such nations, small and medium enterprises contribute up to 60% of total employment and up to 40% of … [Read more...]
How local businesses give back to their communities
Small businesses are booming. Information from the Small Business Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs says that small businesses, or firms with fewer than 500 workers, accounted for 99.7% of businesses in 2016, the most recent year for data. Firms with fewer than 100 workers accounted for 98.2% of companies. Thanks to their influence … [Read more...]