Great restaurants and lodging. New businesses and a full Main Street. Museums and theaters. Parks and trails.
“Luverne has got a lot to offer,” said Growing Home Circle member Gary Papik. He and fellow Growing Home Circle member Tim Connell, who also serves on our SWIF Board of Directors, took us on a fantastic tour of Luverne before our board business meeting this week. Tim’s passion and energy for his community was contagious!
With a population of about 4,700, Luverne does have a lot going on. We saw Blue Mounds State Park, renovated courthouse and Blue Mound Ice Area, Herried Military Museum, Brandenburg Gallery, Minnesota Veterans Home, Good Samaritan assistant living and nursing campus, historic Palace Theatre, Verne Drive In, Take 16 Brewing Company and so much more.
Businesses are expanding, including SWIF loan clients Midwest Fire, which manufactures custom fire trucks; Dragonfly, an interior design shop; and GrandStay Hotel, the city’s newest lodging. Many private investments and unique partnerships are keeping business moving forward.
Since 2010, much of the community improvements and business development have been led by a group of thoughtful local citizens who wanted to see the community set up for future success. Known as LIFT—Luverne Initiatives For Tomorrow—they focus on aesthetics, economic vitality, public-private partnerships, marketing and business cohesion. Early in the process, SWIF provided facilitation and planning assistance and we have stayed connected through our economic development work.
It’s exciting to see what this community is doing, especially because it represents what communities across our region have going for them. I encourage you to think about your area’s greatest assets. Are you lifting them up?
Share what you love most about your community in the comments!
