The “Growing Stronger Together” webinar series will continue with two more free events in June, providing farmers in southeast Minnesota and beyond with helpful business information. “Direct Marketing for Farmers” will be held on June 23 at 5 p.m. and “Grant Money for Farmers: How to Maximize Funding to Grow Your Business” on June 30 at 10 a.m. Attendees will hear directly … [Read more...]
MiEnergy Cooperative awards $30,000 in scholarships
MiEnergy Cooperative awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 60 local high school students who exemplify commitment to their local community. MiEnergy’s scholarship program reflects the core cooperative principle of commitment to community by recognizing high school seniors who demonstrate cooperative spirit through service to others. The scholarships are funded through unclaimed … [Read more...]
Red Cross now testing all blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies
Beginning June 15 and for a limited time, the American Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies, providing donors insight into whether they have been exposed to this coronavirus. At the same time, there continues to be an urgent need for blood donations as hospitals resume surgeries and treatments that require blood … [Read more...]
Child Care Micro-Grant for in-home providers
Spring Valley Area Foundation and the Spring Valley Economic Development Authority announce Child Care Micro-Grant for in-home providers. Spring Valley area child care providers now have a new resource to help them grow! The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA), with support from the Spring Valley Area Foundation (SVAF), and the Southern Minnesota Initiative … [Read more...]
Local businesses struggle with increasing meat prices
Why the increase in meat prices? U.S. consumers have not seen such a rapid increase in the price of food purchased to consume at home since February 1974. According to the Consumer Price Index report released on May 12, 2020, in one month, the food at home category raised 2.6% in April. Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs increased the most, rising 4.3%. Conversations with Cody and … [Read more...]
Wykoff approves softball for kids
On June 8, the Wykoff City Council met in regular session. All council members were in attendance (Lyle Morey, Richard Gleason, Mayor Al Williams, Mary Tjepkes and Mary Sackett. City Clerk Becky Schmidt and Deputy Clerk Luann Hare were also in attendance. The council discussed whether or not to open up youth softball for the summer. Rich Gleason stated his opinion, saying, “My … [Read more...]
Not all Fourth of July activities canceled in Harmony
At the June 9 Harmony City Council meeting, Jimmy Strozyk from Harmony Spirits informed the council that they are still planning to hold the car show on the Fourth of July and asked permission to use the city parking lot as overflow. He noted that social distancing and safety protocols will be in place during the event. The council agreed to his request. The city is still … [Read more...]
Mabel OK’s summer rec and clean-up day
During the regular council meeting on June 10, the Mabel City Council voted to allow the city’s summer recreation program to open, with some stipulations to lessen the risks of infection. Council member Kirsten Wyffels stated, “I think we need to offer kids something. So whether it’s kickball, teeball, some sort of activity.” The council agreed to not offer the “swim bus” … [Read more...]
Running a family business during a pandemic
Sitting down with Gjere Construction founder, Don Gjere, and sons, Mike, Mark, and Brian, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on a family-run business proved to be a lesson in entrepreneurship. According to Dun & Bradstreet, dnb.com, Gjere Construction incorporated in 1961. Though listening to Gjere, it immediately becomes clear that the company’s beginnings can be traced … [Read more...]
Preston EDA revises Local Emergeny Revolving Loan Program
On April 7, 2020, the Preston Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced their COVID-19 Emergency Economic Development Loan Program. According to Cathy Enerson, the EDA Director, “The loans will be used to provide assistance to small local businesses directly during the COVID-19 pandemic event. The loan is intended to be interim financial aid to help keep businesses … [Read more...]