After four decades in the floral business, Nene Smestad is passing the bouquet. She’s sold her shop to Mountain Lake native Jessica (Herrig) Thompson and her husband, Kris, to continue the legacy of personal service and beautiful flowers at Mountain Lake Floral & Design. Thompsons purchased their business with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. Jessica is originally from Mountain Lake Lake and worked for the original Mountain Lake Lake Floral during her high school years. She and Kris made their home in the Twin Cities but have relocated back to the small town with their six children to run the flower shop.
Stories
Building a thriving regional economy, together
We recently wrapped up our Small Business Lending Forums—three events focused on supporting small business growth in southwest Minnesota. The forums took place in Worthington, Hutchinson and Appleton, highlighting information and education about non-traditional lending and technical assistance for entrepreneurs and small businesses owners.
Kids First Conference champions child care providers
Life for working families wouldn’t be the same without our amazing child care providers in southwest Minnesota. They take such good care of our kids. But the job can feel lonely sometimes, and it can be hard to find training or connect with other providers. That’s where the Kids First Conference comes in. The Kids First Conference is designed to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication of our child care professionals, expressing our sincere appreciation for the care they consistently offer to children and families. This yearly event also provides required training hours for providers.
Five ways to appreciate child care providers
Want to know how important child care providers are in southwest Minnesota? Ask a working family or a local employer, and they’ll tell you early childhood professionals are key in keeping life running smoothly during working hours. We asked providers in our region what meaningful things people can do to show their appreciation. Based on what they shared, here are five ways to show your appreciation for local child care providers.
Olivia Floral, Gift and Garden Center set to grow
Nicole Johnson is expanding her business, Olivia Floral, Gift and Garden Center, with help from Southwest Initiative Foundation’s Microenterprise Loan Program. Olivia Floral is a full-service floral and gift shop that creates custom flower, gift and garden arrangements and offers quality products for special occasions, seasonal projects and everyday events. Nikki’s parents and grandfather have been business owners in the town for more than 50 years, so entrepreneurship runs in the family.
Balaton Area Community Foundation grants pass $200,000 mark
The Balaton Area Community Foundation (BACF) made its first grant in 2010 for playground equipment at Legion Lion Park. Recent grants include upgrades to the park at the lake, the fire department and ambulance and a major renovation at the community center, featuring new flooring, new interior paint and new tables. With all those projects and many more, BACF has granted a total of $200,120.