Country Alterations Receives Loan Assistance from Southwest Initiative Foundation
Rural Glencoe business benefits from SWIF Microenterprise Loan Program
Joyce Mathews received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program to purchase specialized equipment for the start up of her sewing and alterations business in rural Glencoe.
Mathews has been sewing and making alterations for family and friends more than 40 years, including sewing and altering bridal gowns, tuxes, bridesmaids’ dresses and formals, and matching miniature brides dresses for flower girls. She has also done drapes, curtains, pillows and costumes.
When researching a business idea, many people suggested she use her skills and experience and go into business. By adding an embroidery machine, Mathews is able to serve the expanded needs of her area customers, including designs, logos and personalization. She can be reached at 320-864-6197 to discuss any sewing, alterations or embroidery needs.
“Joyce is a good example of an entrepreneur making use of their skills and talents to start their own business,” said SWIF Microenterprise Program Coordinator Berny Berger. “In addition, she has been making use of the Microenterprise Program’s technical assistance benefits to further grow her business.”
Proceeds from the loan will be used for equipment. SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
Matthew Wahl Expands Insulation Business with Loan Assistance from Southwest Initiative Foundation
Walnut Grove business benefits from Microenterprise Loan Program
Matthew Wahl, dba Wahl Spray Foam Insulation, recently received loan assistance from the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s (SWIF) Microenterprise Loan Program for the expansion of his spray-in insulation service business in Walnut Grove. Wahl started his business in 2009, offering spray foam insulation service to customers in a 120-mile radius.
Customers and contractors have been requesting the option of blow-in insulation as well. Wahl purchased additional equipment to meet this customer need. Free estimates for home, farm or business insulation needs are provided. Wahl can be reached at 507-828-7265.
“Matt is a good example of a young entrepreneur with determination, skills and a hard work ethic who strives to meet his customers’ demands,” said SWIF Program Officer Kurt Thompson. “SWIF is pleased to be able to assist Matt with expanding his business.”
Proceeds from the SWIF loan were used to purchase equipment for the expansion of the business. The State Bank of Lucan and the Walnut Grove EDA have also been involved in the financing package to help Wahl start and expand this business.
SWIF’s Microenterprise Loan Program offers loans of up to $35,000 for starting or expanding for-profit small businesses located within the 18 counties of southwest Minnesota that have a need for additional sources of funds. In addition, technical assistance is available from SWIF as needed for the length of the loan. The program receives funding assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Photo caption: Matthew Wahl, owner of Wahl Spray Foam Insulation, pictured with his family Stacey Engstom, Natasha and Natalie.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
Southwest Initiative Foundation Awards $25,000 Grant to Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota
Grant awarded from SWIF’s Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Fund in honor of 25th anniversary
During a presentation Friday, Aug. 6, at the Rock County Veterans Memorial in Luverne, Minn., the Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) announced its award of a $25,000 grant to support the Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota. Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota is a chapter of the national, nonprofit organization Honor Flight Network. Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota is dedicated to honoring America’s WWII veterans (men and women with active duty dates between Dec. 7, 1941, and Dec. 31, 1946) for all their sacrifices. Honor Flight flies veterans to Washington D.C. on an overnight trip to visit and reflect on their memorials at no cost to them.
SWIF’s grant is made through its Paul and Alma Schwan Aging Trust Fund, a designated endowment fund established in 1990-1991 with a generous gift from Marvin Schwan in honor of his parents. The Aging Trust Fund helps communities prepare for and respond to the opportunities and challenges of our aging rural region.
The Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota grant also marks the official start to SWIF’s 25th anniversary year. As one of six regional community foundations founded by The McKnight Foundation in response to the 1980s economic crisis, SWIF has been providing financial resources and creative leadership to southwest Minnesota for 25 years. Throughout its anniversary year, SWIF will be highlighting and celebrating the opportunities, impact and growth of southwest Minnesota through various activities and awards.
“We are so excited to support Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota,” said SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau. “We’re losing more than 800 WWII veterans every day across the country and that means we’re losing opportunities to do something very special for our veterans right here in southwest Minnesota, too. Not only is this a great way to honor people who have done so much, it’s a great way to honor our region and kick off the foundation’s milestone 25th anniversary year with a $25,000 grant.”
The first Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota trip took place in April 2010. Future trips are scheduled for Oct. 1-2, 2010, and spring 2011. Additional flights will be scheduled as money and interest provides. Veterans spend two days visiting the WWII Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, service memorials and attending ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery. All transportation, tours, food, lodging and assistance are provided through Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota. Each flight costs about $136,000 and serves 110 veterans.
Top priority is given to senior veterans. Those interested in participating must complete an application, which are currently accepted from World War II Veterans of Southwest Minnesota on a first-come, first-served basis. Guardians are also needed to make these flights possible, ensuring that every veteran has a safe and memorable experience. Guardians are responsible for their own expenses, approximately $800.
Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota is accepting additional donations to cover trip expenses, which for the two-day trip total about $800 for each veteran. Individuals, businesses and organizations may sponsor a veteran for upcoming flights through the Adopt-A-Vet project.
To obtain a veteran or guardian application, to make a donation or for more information about Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota, visit www.honorflightsouthwestminnesota.com or call 888-283-4061.
Photo caption: SWIF President/CEO Sherry Ristau (left) presented $25,000 to Honor Flight Southwest Minnesota at the Aug. 6 fundraiser in Luverne, Minn. Also pictured (seated from left) Tim Tangemann, Warren Herreid Sr., Casey VanEngelenhoven, Helmer Haakenson, Bob Anderson, ”Poppie” and (standing from left) Honor Flight Executive Committee members Larry Lanphere, Terrie Gulden and Gene Spicer.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
Local Organizations Win National Bronze Telly Award For “Ben & Bella Read Along”
WRAC Channel 8, Willmar Early Childhood Family Programs and Early Childhood Initiative partner for success
Willmar organizations working with Encyclopaedia Britannica’s “Ben & Bella Read Along” program recently received national recognition through the 31st Annual Telly Awards. Willmar Regional Access Channel (WRAC 8), Willmar Early Childhood Family Programs and Willmar Early Childhood Initiative were one of nearly 11,000 entries from all 50 states and numerous countries competing for the prestigious awards. Less than 10 percent of entries are chosen as winners of a Silver Telly, the award’s highest honor. Other outstanding entries, including the “Ben & Bella Read Along,” are eligible for a Bronze Telly.
Founded in 1979, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators and corporate video departments in the world. In addition to WRAC 8, this year’s winners include CBS Television Distribution, Discovery Channel, ESPN, Harpo Studios, Microsoft, The Weather Channel and others. To view a complete list, visit www.tellyawards.com.
The local partnership began in February 2009 when the Willmar Early Childhood Initiative, Willmar Early Childhood Family Programs and WRAC 8 started the Read Along program where community volunteers read children’s stories and give a parenting tip. The intent is to provide an educational alternative to cartoons that would encourage literacy development and kindergarten readiness for Willmar’s youngest children.
The local program expanded to include Encyclopaedia Britannica’s interactive, online educational English immersion program “Ben & Bella” after Rudy Vigil of WRAC 8 made a connection to an Encyclopaedia Britannica representative at a technology conference.
“We were given total and complete access to the program to produce a show that would meet the needs of our community,” Vigil said. “To combat the issue of children entering school unprepared, we developed a show using ‘Ben & Bella’ that would target our English Language Learners and children who are not able to access preschool.”
Jodi Wambeke, who coordinates both Willmar Early Childhood Family Programs and Early Childhood Initiative, notes that five episodes are completed and a sixth underway this summer. “What we have done is taken the show and broken it down to the story, music and activities,” Wambeke said.
Encyclopaedia Britannica is currently using the local shows as promotional sales tools around the country.
The Willmar Early Childhood Initiative is one of the Southwest Initiative Foundation’s 14 regional coalitions working to ensure all of our youngest children thrive and have a healthy life of learning, achieving and succeeding. For more information, visit www.swifoundation.org/earlychildhood.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
“A Brisk Walk Through the Basics” Planned Giving Seminar Coming to Southwest Minnesota
Planned giving course coming to southwest Minnesota for first time
JULY 8, 2010—“A Brisk Walk Through the Basics,” a Minnesota Planned Giving Council seminar introducing the fundamentals of planned giving, is coming to southwest Minnesota for the first time Aug. 12, 2010, at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. The seminar is sponsored by Fundraising Professionals of Southwest Minnesota, as well as other organizations, including the Southwest Initiative Foundation, Association of Fundraising Professionals and SMSU.
This all-day course, in session from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is intended to give attendees an overview of gift planning and the tools needed to maximize the impact of resource development efforts. Nonprofit and fundraising professionals from all areas of work and experience levels are encouraged to attend.
Liz Maiers, Development Officer at the Southwest Initiative Foundation, attended the seminar in 2007 and thought it was a great experience. “Not only did I learn about planned giving instruments, but the course also offered basic tax implications for gifts other than cash. I found it incredibly worthwhile and would highly recommend it to others in the field of fundraising,” Maiers said.
Instructing the course will be Craig Wruck, Vice President of University Advancement for the St. Cloud State University Foundation. Wruck teaches the Minnesota Planned Giving Council’s seminar several times each year and has a wealth of planned giving experience, including as past president of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning and as a member of its board of directors.
Cost of registration is $50 and includes lunch. To register or for more information, contact Sefanie Ryan at 320-564-4911 or sryan@projectturnabout.org.
The Southwest Initiative Foundation is a regional community foundation dedicated to advancing southwest Minnesota through leadership, relationship building, program development and philanthropy. The Foundation has contributed more than $50 million through its grant and loan programs in southwest Minnesota. It has also helped more than 480 businesses start or expand through its business finance programs, which have created or retained more than 7,600 jobs. The Southwest Initiative Foundation is an equal opportunity provider. To learn more, visit www.swifoundation.org.
