Loan client celebrates 25 years and growing
Submitted by Stephen Klein, Marshall
In 2001, our honey business expanded to a new facility with the help of financing from SWIF. At the time we were manufacturing gourmet foods, but we also added a retail store that revolved around a theme of the Little House on the Prairie story. We offered specialty foods as well as a nostalgic feel selling items related to Little House on the Prairie. We also began manufacturing fresh fudge. After several years we began a fundraising program with our fudge for non-profit organizations including schools, churches, civic groups, etc. Over time we also developed a number of new gourmet food products.
This year we celebrate our 25th anniversary at Walnut Grove Mercantile. We now provide tons of fudge and caramels to nonprofit organizations in 41 states, helping each organization fund their many special activities. Our growth helped us pay back SWIF’s investment in us, and our company continues to grow substantially. Our motto has become “Making a Delicious Difference”, and we are pleased to know our fundraising program has provided nonprofit organizations with millions of dollars, which have benefited many community programs.