The sold-out 2023 Kids First Conference offered professional development for rural child care providers close to home, but it was also a chance to show them some love.
Economic Development
New Dog Grooming Business Open in Lester Prairie
LESTER PRAIRIE, Minn.— Kelly Brinkman has made it her job to pamper pooches of all sizes by opening Back Forty Grooming with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan
New Formalwear Business Gives Hutchinson ‘Elegant Edge’
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Jodi Swaja is the person behind the new prom, pageant and special occasion dress shop The Elegant Edge now open in the Hutchinson Mall. Swaja opened the business
Community Space in Madison Receives $75,000 in Grants
The Madison Art and Innovation Center, also known as The Madison Mercantile, has received $60,000 from the Blandin Foundation in Minnesota and $15,000 from the national Christopher & Dana Reeve
Local dollars at work in Pipestone
Watch a short video tour of the Pipestone Development Company’s work. Two eggs and toast is a simple breakfast, so you might be surprised how many people it took to
K&A Sheetmetal Fabrication sets up shop in Hutchinson
HUTCHINSON, Minn.— Keith and Ashley Fredrickson have opened K&A Sheetmetal Fabrication L.L.C. in Hutchinson with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program. The new business produces HVAC duct,
