Local business benefits from Southwest Initiative Foundation loan programs
HECTOR, Minn.— Kevin Fluhrer of Hector has retired after 40 years of owning and operating Hector Meats and Poultry. With loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Business Finance Program and Microenterprise Loan Program, Brian and Angie Ziegenhagen have taken ownership of the business as of August 31st. The Ziegenhagens will keep the operating name and existing staff of Hector Meats and Poultry to allow for a seamless transition.
A long time employee of 3M, Ziegenhagen grew up on a nearby farm with the lifelong dream of owning a business such as this. In order to learn the trade, Brian worked with Fluhrer on weekends in the spring, and in June moved to fulltime at Hector Meats. Angie will be involved in the business, but will keep her full-time job as a scheduler at The Orthopaedic & Rehab Clinic in Hutchinson.
Hector Meats and Poultry specializes in chicken and meat processing, retail meat sales and custom slaughtering for local farmers. As one of the few chicken processors in the state, the processing calendar is typically scheduled far out in advance during their processing months of May through September. Ziegenhagen plans to expand the business by increasing the plant’s capacity for processing chickens and adding season game processing this fall.
Hector Meats and Poultry will continue its current operating hours – Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m. to Noon. Call Hector Meats and Poultry at (320) 848-2622 to inquire about services. Their main office is located at 801 Hwy 212 East in Hector.
Primary financing for the project was provided by Citizen’s Bank & Trust Company of Hutchinson, who financed the real estate. SWIF’s financing, from its Business Finance Program and the Microloan Program, was used to purchase business assets.
“SWIF is pleased to assist Brian and Angie with the purchase of Hector Meats and Poultry, which provides a valued service to farmers and consumers in the Hector area,” said SWIF Program Coordinator, Berny Berger.
Loan programs have been a key function of SWIF since its inception as a way to support communities and businesses throughout southwest Minnesota. In 2001, microlending was added to existing programs as a tool to support small businesses and people looking for self-employment opportunities by providing market-rate loans.
Microloan clients receive free technical assistance from SWIF staff to improve their business management skills.
This microloan program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact SWIF at 800-594-9480, 320-587-4848 or [email protected].
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a single connection offering unlimited possibilities to grow and promote kids, families, businesses, entrepreneurs and communities in rural southwest Minnesota. As a regional community foundation, SWIF has contributed more than $72 million through its grant and loan programs. SWIF has helped more than 690 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 8,500 jobs. SWIF also established 25 community affiliates and more than 100 school, donor-advised and other funds. SWIF has also established 16 Early Childhood Initiative coalitions to support young children. SWIF has received 1,650 acres of farmland through our Keep It Growing℠ farmland giving program. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
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