Spring Valley EDA News

        Cold, snowy Minnesota winters may not be for everyone, but it doesn’t get much better for Snowmobilers! The Tri-County Trailblazers Snowmobile Club of Spring Valley, MN, will be hosting its 3rd Annual Snowmobile Fun Day on February 20th. The event is free to the public, and all ages are welcome. “We really want to show people what the sport is all about, how much fun it is, and showcase the great community of people that snowmobiling brings together,” says Tyler Himle, Tri-County Trailblazer Club member.

         Snowmobile Fun Day usually occurs on the third Saturday each February and starts at 11:00 AM in the east parking lot of Five Wynds Event Center on Highway 63 in northeast Spring Valley, just off the snowmobile trail. Five Wynds Event Center supports the event each year by donating their parking lot for the event. Racks Bar and Grill, another club supporter, is located right next door, and with miles of snow-covered trails, the location provides the perfect base of operations for the club’s event.

        The Tri-County Trailblazers annual event includes activities for riders and non-riders of all ages. The morning features an antique snowmobile show that attracts some very unique snowmobiles from all over southeast Minnesota. The exhibition provides an excellent way for attendees to explore snowmobiling history in person and learn more about how the modern snowmobiles have evolved from Joseph-Armand Bombardier’s “over-snow vehicle” in 1922 into the state of art “sleds” we have today.

        The afternoon is all about actively enjoying the sport of snowmobiling. There are various competitions, including a snow-cross course, where riders can show off their skills and earn bragging rights. A group ride to the neighboring community of Ostrander, just seven miles away, takes riders over the field and through the woods to The Wolf’s Den and Susie’s Roadhouse, two local establishments who also support the Tri-County Trailblazer’s Club. Here the riders can warm-up, grab a bite and swap stories. The event concludes with the presentation of awards and drawings for door prizes donated by local businesses.

        The event continues to draw more attendees each year, from veteran snowmobilers who have been riding their whole lives to beginners who may only be in their first year of riding. Even people who do not snowmobile make their way to the event to see the wide variety of snowmobiles, watch the competitions, and participate in this fun winter community activity.

        Founded in 1993, the Tri-County Trailblazers currently maintain over 90 miles of snowmobile trail near Spring Valley and in the surrounding area. Event attendees are encouraged to attend a Tri-County Trailblazer club meeting, learn more about what the club is all about, and consider joining. “One thing we always say is, snowmobile trails don’t just happen.” Says Troy Lange, Tri-County Trailblazer Club President, “Many people probably don’t understand all the work that goes into the snowmobile trails around us. There is a lot of time spent putting in trails sign, taking them out after the season, clearing trails or creating new routes, grooming the trails, and much more.”

        To learn more about the Tri-County Trailblazer’s Snowmobile Club and this year’s event, visit the Tri-County Trailblazers Facebook page, or check the events calendar on the Spring Valley EDA website. People interested in attending this year’s event may also contact the club via email at tri-countytrailblazers@hotmail.com or by phone at 507-696-0199 for more details.

 

        The year 2020 became one that tested everyone in ways never imagined.

        For business leaders, they contended with circumstances they had never encountered before.  There were issues with supply chain, facility capacity limitations, shutdowns, social distancing, mask mandates, COVID exposure protocol, staffing, sanitization, health, and safety – to name a few.

        Over the past few years, the staff at the Fillmore County Journal has considered initiating a “Business Person of the Year” nomination process that involves community participation.  Given the unprecedented times faced in 2020, this seemed like the right time to introduce this point of recognition.

        Read the complete Fillmore County Journal feature by Jason Sethre here:  2020 Business Person of the Year Jones receives award of excellence from Journal readers (fillmorecountyjournal.com)

         The Brave Community Theatre of Spring Valley, MN, will mark forty-nine years of theater in just a few weeks with its first production of 2021.  A Night at the Theater is a play about two couples who make it a point to attend some form of live entertainment together each week, and this week’s selection, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, much to the chagrin of several group members. “This is a truly unique production,” explains Jeffrey Thauwald, cast member and long-time theater member. “We performed this play 20 years ago, and believe it or not, we have three of the original cast members, Rob Johnson, Sarah Kohn, and me reprising our original roles.”

        Over 1000 participants have taken part in Brave Community Theatre (BCT) productions in various capacities in its nearly five-decade history. Founder and Spring Valley native Debi Neville first had the idea to start a theater group after getting married and returning to Spring Valley from Minneapolis. “I wanted to find something locally that I was passionate about,” says Neville, adding that she had studied theater in college. She was able to start BCT with a $250 donation, and the rest, she will tell you with a smile, is history.

        Brave Community Theatre’s first production, A Roaring 20’s Scrapbook, was held on the vaudeville-style stage of the old theater in downtown Spring Valley. Neville mentions that many of the roles for men had to be played by women.  “There were few men interested in being a part of the production, and in fact, one female cast member played three different roles in that first production.” Despite the challenges of casting its first production, Brave Community Theatre sold out its Friday and Saturday shows at $.50 per ticket and even performed a Sunday matinee. Since then, Brave Community Theatre has continued to surprise people, having performed dinner theater, traveled to other communities for performances, done theater in the round and even performed outside in the rain.

        Throughout the years, classics such as Paint Your Wagon, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot and others have been performed in downtown Spring Valley. When asked if she has a favorite, Neville leans back and smiles, fondly remembering countless productions over the years. “The Night of January 16th, by Ayn Rand, was unique,” she recalls. The play takes place in a courtroom during a murder trial. The members of the audience are chosen to play the jury. The ending of the play depends on the verdict of the audience member. As a result, the play actually has two endings. “Several cast members played roles that they lived in real life; the police officer was played by a local police officer, and a local judge played the judge. The third night we had a hung jury and had to perform both endings.

        When asked if she ever thought that Brave Community Theatre would be successful for this long, Neville admits that there is no way she could have imagined it. She adds that it has been a major part of her life and that of her family. “It is very rewarding to learn that many past cast and crew are involved in theater and performance in some way in their present lives.”

        Brave Community Theatre is proud to be the oldest self-supporting community theater in Minnesota. As a non-profit, 501c (3), its mission is to promote theatre and the arts and is organized exclusively for charitable purposes.  Brave Community Theatre is always looking for adults and young people to be a part of the theater in any capacity that they would like to participate. “We have been fortunate to be able to involve our Kingsland School District students in many of our productions,” says Thauwald. “Not only do we need them to cast many of these productions, but they allow us to remain a true community theatre.”

        Brave Community Theatre’s presentation of A Night at the Theater will be playing February 10-13 at the Spring Valley Community Center. Performances begin at 7:00 PM each night. Social Distancing and COVID-19 protocols will be in place. For more information, please visit the Brave Community Theatre website at  BCT (google.com) or email bctsvmn@gmail.com.

 

 

The Spring Valley community has a new website to help promote life in Spring Valley and offer connections, tools, & resources for local businesses and organizations. The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA) announced the launch of its new EDA website, springvalleyeda.org, Monday, January 11, 2021. The new website offers a variety of tools and resources for both local businesses and residents.

            “The EDA’s mission is to establish a strong foundation for multi-sector economic growth by ensuring that community businesses have access to the connections, tools, and resources needed to develop, grow, and thrive in our community,” said Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Spring Valley.  “Our hope is this website is embraced by the community, as it’s intended to be a resource for both businesses and residents,” added Hahn.

Spring Valley and area businesses will find a local business directory with the ability to add/update their business information to the site for free. There is also a listing for available commercial property. Businesses and property owners who currently have space for sale, lease or rent, are encouraged to list it on the site for free. The site also offers businesses information and resources for development and available financing programs.

Other features showcase the community by providing information to residents and non-residents about life in Spring Valley, including Facebook posts from Discover Spring Valley, the City of Spring Valley official pages, a community events calendar, and local news stories. Additionally, users can find information about relocating to Spring Valley, including available homes for sale, residential development projects and incentives, and other demographic data.

Spring Valley City Council and EDA Board Member Chris Danielson shared her support of the new website.  “This past year, we lost our local newspaper, and with it a community link to many of the things happening in town. We hope that this will offer another way for our community, both businesses and residents, to stay connected and share our story with the surrounding area. 

Questions regarding the new EDA Website should be directed to Spring Valley EDA Director Chris Hahn via email at chris.hahn@cedausa.com or call 612-327-9729.

 

          Fillmore County businesses affected by COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for Business Relief Grants of up to $10,000 beginning January 6th. The Fillmore County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday, January 5th, to approve $415,000 in relief funding to Fillmore County businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds were made available to Fillmore County by the State of Minnesota in a continuing effort to provide financial relief to county businesses.

          “As we start the new year, many of our Fillmore County businesses continue to struggle with the lingering effects of the pandemic,” said Chris Hahn, EDA Director for Fillmore County, “but unlike previous relief programs, these grant funds can be used for any business activity or need.”

Businesses and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply if they are located in Fillmore County, have no current tax liens on record with the Secretary of State at the time of their grant application and were impacted by a state executive order related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Daycare and home-based businesses are also eligible for this program. Farming activities, including animal and crop production and businesses deriving most of their income from passive investments, rental income, gambling, and adult-oriented activity, are not eligible for these funds.

          Applications will be available beginning on January 6th, 2021 and must be returned no later than noon on February 1st, 2021, for consideration. Applications are available for download on the Fillmore County website and available for pick up at the Fillmore County Administrators office located at 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. Completed applications should be emailed to bhillery@co.fillmore.mn.us or dropped off at the Fillmore County Administrator’s Office.

Questions should be directed to Fillmore County EDA Director Chris Hahn via email at chris.hahn@cedausa.com or Bobbie Hillery via email bhillery@co.fillmore.mn.us or by calling 507-765-4566.

Businesses in Fillmore County interested in applying can learn more about the State of Minnesota Program guidelines at County Relief Funding Program / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (mn.gov)

From the Spring Valley EDA Director

Dear Spring Valley Community:

2020 has indeed been a year like no other, filled with challenges, obstacles, and challenges. Our community continues to navigate COVID-19. The Spring Valley EDA continues to work with our businesses and organizations, to adapt and invest in our community to ensure a successful future. The Spring Valley Economic Development Authority (EDA) has collaborated with our local partners, businesses, and organizations to identify needs and develop solutions for the Spring Valley Community.

The EDA started 2020 by approving a $60,000 EDA loan to establish the new Stellar 181 Taphouse, now scheduled to open in 2021. This project is a unique collaboration. The Stellar 181 Taphouse plans to offer a limited hot food menu from a new kitchen installed in the adjacent “Some Like It Hot” catering business. Together, these businesses will offer a unique dining and gathering experience, either as a combined space or individually in historic downtown Spring Valley.

During the initial Governor ordered the shutdown, the EDA offered three-month loan deferrals on existing EDA loans to help local businesses cope with the lack of revenue. Upon the release of the Federal CARES Act funding to Minnesota Communities, and with the support of the Spring Valley City Council, the EDA allocated $20,000 of City CARES Act funding and created a Small Business Relief Grant program. This program awarded nine grants totaling $18,000 to Spring Valley businesses affected by COVID-19.

Child care providers were also adversely affected by COVID-19 this year. Ensuring that Spring Valley has quality sustainable child care remains a priority for the Spring Valley EDA. The EDA assisted one daycare provider who received a $2,500 Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) grant to expand her curriculum. Additionally, the EDA built upon a $3,000 grant from the Spring Valley Area Community Foundation to develop a Child Care Micro-Grant program that awarded $12,000 to local, in-home daycare providers. These funds were used to develop and update both facilities and curriculum.

Spring Valley was also showcased during the 2020 Regional Development Tour, developed by Community and Economic Development Associates (CEDA). A video showcasing the Spring Valley Community, its businesses, assets, quality of life and opportunities was produced and premiered at the Regional Development Tour Annual Event, held virtually this year. This video will be available on a new EDA website scheduled to go live in January of 2021.

One ongoing opportunity is “co-working” (or multiple people working remotely at one location). This concept is increasingly popular as more workers are allowed to work remotely, and not necessarily from home. The EDA developed a Co-working Survey to assess this concept’s interest in Spring Valley and is currently working with local property owners to build a pilot program.

Moving Forward!

2021 will offer some unique and exciting opportunities for Spring Valley, several of which are well underway.

Currently, the EDA is developing a brand-new Spring Valley EDA Website. The website will offer information, tools, resources, and links to assist Spring Valley businesses, local organizations, current residents, and people looking to relocate to Spring Valley. The site will offer our local businesses an updated business registry, free listings for local business space available for sale, lease or rent, and EDA loan and financial incentive information for companies looking to establish or relocate to Spring Valley.

Current Spring Valley residents will find news articles and press releases regarding local actives, programs and events, a Facebook tracker for both the Discover Spring Valley and City of Spring Valley Facebook pages, and a calendar of events happening in the community. For people looking to relocate to Spring Valley, the website will offer a residential real estate search function, housing incentive information, developer information for our affordable housing initiative, and a searchable business listing, and contact information for the EDA, utilities and other city resources.

Improving broadband service and accessibility continues to be an opportunity for Spring Valley. The EDA is currently contacting Broadband and Digital Communications service providers to address the growing demand for current and reliable broadband in our community and develop a plan for improvement.

Spring Valley will also welcome several new businesses in 2021. A new bakery is planned for the old funeral home property on Highway 63. The Valley Butchery is planning to expand. Stellar 181 Taphouse intends to open this summer once the COVID restrictions are eased. Kwik Trip will be building on the old BP station at the corner of Highway 63 & 16. Additionally, the EDA currently is working with several businesses to relocate to Spring Valley.

Lastly, the Spring Valley EDA believes that small businesses are an essential part of our growing community. Investment in these businesses represents a long-term investment in the Spring Valley community.

Wishing everyone a safe, joyful and successful 2021,
Chris Hahn,
EDA Director, City of Spring Valley, MN