Grant funding available for your business!

The Chamber of Commerce was awarded 2023 Fix Up Fund dollars for their beautiful facade project on Main Street.

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) is proud to announce that funds have been committed in the amount of $10,000 towards the 2024 Fix Up Fund.  The purpose of the Fix Up Fund is to provide incentives to local businesses to improve the appearance of their building facades and stimulate private investment.  From 2013 to date, the EDA has granted $68,085 in Fix Up Fund dollars, which leveraged over $250,595 of private investment. 

Businesses can apply for up to 50% in matching funds, up to $2,500, to support eligible façade improvement projects.  The deadline for application is May 7th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by the EDA at the May 14th board meeting. All work must be completed by the end of the calendar year with invoices presented to the EDA for reimbursement.

Applications and additional information are available at www.springgrovemn.com/economicdevelopment or at City Hall. Questions and completed applications can be sent to Rebecca.Charles@cedausa.com.  

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

EDA seeking new board member

CITY OF SPRING GROVE EDA SEEKING BOARD MEMBER
The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) is seeking applications for a new board member to fill a vacant position. Terms are six years. Applications are encouraged by March 5, 2024 so they can be reviewed at the March EDA meeting but the position will be open until filled.

Applications are available for download (click here) or you can fill out a paper copy at City Hall. Applications can be sent to  courtney.bergey@cedausa.com or dropped off at City Hall. Thank you!

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

2023 EDA Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2023 EDA ANNUAL REPORT!

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) had a very busy 2023! The year began in recovery mode from the December 2022 fire, when EDA and City staff immediately began assembling economic development tools to support redevelopment. In addition to a $250k state recovery grant and a state sales tax exemption on building materials, EDA staff successfully authored a $313k DEED Redevelopment grant and began preparatory documentation for tax increment financing that will pave the way for a new, three-story, mixed-use building. Staff have also been working to identify a new hardware store owner and store location, meeting with three different franchise brands and a number of interested entrepreneurs.

Over the past few years, the EDA has been working hard to attract more dining establishments to the community, and in fall 2023, Fiesta Rosita opened in downtown Spring Grove! Marketing efforts and the creation of the Restaurant Challenge program brought in more than 25 interested parties, and of those 25, eight were given tours of vacant spaces, five requested and received support on business planning and financing, and we assisted two with negotiating a potential lease agreement. Ultimately Fiesta Rosita was able to occupy the former Doc’s and Norski’s spaces, and hungry Spring Grove residents rejoiced. Fat Pat’s Brewery, who received Restaurant Challenge grant funding, will open in a new downtown location in spring 2024.

In addition to business development, the Spring Grove EDA has also dedicated staff time to the Spring Grove 2030 subcommittee, administering an $80k grant from the Blandin Foundation. Grant funds are currently being used for community engagement, planning, and a feasibility study for community and cultural center amenities.

“How do you grow a small town? Spring Grove is finding out.” This was the title of an article published on the front page of the Star Tribune newspaper in late 2023. Despite the challenges in recovering from the fire and the layoffs at Northern Engraving, there remains a feeling of hope and progress in Spring Grove.

We have a lot to be proud of! Thank you for your continued support of the Spring Grove EDA and dedication to the City of Spring Grove.

With gratitude,

Courtney Bergey Swanson and Rebecca Charles

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

RFP for ENGINEERING SERVICES

ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK EXPANSION

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RFP HERE

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority and the City of Spring Grove are requesting proposals for engineering services as we look to expand our industrial park. DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at 4PM. To learn more, contact Courtney Bergey Swanson at 507-251-9272 or courtney.bergey@cedausa.com

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Update: Spring Grove SCDP Survey Closed

*SURVEY IS CLOSED. Spring Grove will not be moving forward with the grant application this year. Thank you to those who filled out the survey; your information has helped us determine the needs for property rehabilitation in our community. We will contact you if the City is able to try again next year.*

ATTENTION SPRING GROVE BUSINESS OWNERS and HOMEOWNERS!

The City of Spring Grove is working with Community and Economic Development Associates to apply for Small Cities Development Program funding. If we are awarded, eligible homeowners and business owners will be able to use grant funding on property rehabilitation projects including painting/siding, windows, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, etc. It might sound too good to be true, but it's not! 

Surveys were sent to all property owners in Spring Grove, but we have been getting word that some have not yet arrived. Due to this delay, we have extended the deadline to be turned in by Friday, October 6th. You can download and print the survey below that pertains to your property (commercial or residential; housing rental units are not eligible). You can mail the completed survey to CEDA (PO Box 483 Chatfield, MN 55923) or email it to cora.boelman@cedausa.com

DOWNLOAD THE SURVEYS HERE:

COMMERCIAL SURVEY

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Did you know your property may be eligible for energy rebates?

The City of Spring Grove and MiEnergy have a number of rebates available for energy efficiency projects. See the info and links below!

  • MiEnergy Co-op’s website has information on rebates for residential and business property owners.

  • The City of Spring Grove has an appliance rebate application form on the website for property owners.

  • The City of Spring Grove also has a specific program for commercial businesses in need of energy efficiency updates. Businesses can apply for up to 50% of the cost of the project with a maximum rebate per project of $5,000. Applicants must provide supporting documentation for energy savings, and the rebate will be based on the cost of the energy saving fixture/equipment and not the labor. Approval from the council is required. For more information on this, contact City Hall!

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Want to host an event? Spring Grove has space!

If you’re looking to host an event, social gathering, or meeting, there are plenty of spaces to rent in Spring Grove. Check out the list below or download it here!

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

What's Happening in Spring Grove?! Presentation available for download!

On July 19, 2023, about 200 community members attended the “What’s Happening in Spring Grove?!” event at the Spring Grove Cinema. What a wonderful event full of ideas and community support! Presentations were given by the City/EDA, School, Chamber, and Spring Grove 2030. Thank you for a great evening!

If you missed the event or would like to revisit the information shared, click the button here to download the presentation and Q&A from the evening!

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Giants of the Earth Heritage Center -- Passport to Other Cultures: Hmong Diaspora--RESCHEDULED

** Please note that this special event has been rescheduled to THURSDAY, MARCH 30! Date and times in the article have been updated. **

This March, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center is honored to temporarily display much of the collection of a locally-curated Hmong cultural exhibit that grew out of a partnership between the La Crosse Public Library and Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency (HCCA).

On Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m., local experts Yia Vue and Tria Meier are instrumental in bringing this experience to life right here in Spring Grove and will take us through the history of Story Cloths, textiles, and artifacts as they pertain to the migration of the Hmong. Rev. Mike McElwee, Ann Delwiche, and Sibbie will share the history of La Crosse Christ Episcopal Church and their “Friendship Program” that sponsored so many refugees and helped with integration into the La Crosse area. The Hmong textiles and artifacts pop-up exhibit will remain on display for the entire month of March.

This program is open to all ages at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W. Main Street, Spring Grove. The building is handicap accessible.

Schedule:
6:30 p.m. – Viewing of Hmong Diaspora exhibit in the Welcome Center
7:00 p.m. – Presentation in Immigrant Hall with our special guests
7:45 p.m. – Question and Answer Time
8:00 p.m. – Samples of Hmong cuisine and beverages, chatting with special guests

Thank you to the following for helping Giants of the Earth celebrate the Hmong culture and heritage this month:
Tricia Babinski family
Heart Rock Coffee
Lane & Mary Zaffke
Charles & Nora Beckjord
Doug & Laurel Rusert
Jean & Sean Young
Abrian & Lara Mendez
Bob & Roxanne Finnesgaard
David & Rachel Storlie

For more information on this: www.giantsoftheearth.org

Info
Written by Spring Grove Chamber On

The "Lion's Roar" from Spring Grove Public Schools

Each week Spring Grove Public Schools creates a newsletter to celebrate, inform, and connect with our parents and community. Now, we want to share this newsletter with you. We will be posting a weekly link that will help you to dive into school happenings. You can find this week’s Lions Roar here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tdC5Jyx4fEfyApmNJi5J1L89gqpDf6IM/view?usp=sharing

Hope you enjoy!

Info
Written by Spring Grove Chamber On

EDA Changes Meeting Time

SPRING GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR CHANGE OF REGULAR MEETING TIME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) will change their regular meeting time from 5:30pm to 6:30pm commencing with the March 2023 meeting. Meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Room 100 of Spring Grove Communications, 166 W Main St, Spring Grove, MN 55974. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

EDA Fix Up Fund applications now available!

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority is proud to announce that funds have been committed in the amount of $5,000 towards the 2023 Fix Up Fund.  The purpose of the Fix Up Fund is to provide incentives to local businesses to improve the appearance of their building facades and stimulate private investment.  From 2013 to date, the EDA granted $68,085 in Fix Up Fund dollars, which leveraged over $250,595 of private investment. 

Businesses can apply for up to 50% in matching funds, up to $2,500 to support eligible façade improvement projects.  The deadline for application is April 4th, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the EDA at the April 11th board meeting. Reviews will only occur once annually.  All work must be completed by the end of the year with invoices presented to the EDA for reimbursement.

E-mail Rebecca.Charles@cedausa.com with any questions or concerns.

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Seeking Businesses for Houston County Career Fair

Are you interested in raising awareness of career opportunities at your business or organization? Are you currently looking for full, part time, or seasonal workers? Represent your company at the Bluff Country Collaborative Career Fair on Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 at the La Crescent Area Event Center.

It is free to participate but businesses must RSVP by contacting Allison Wagner, Houston County EDA Director at EDA@co.houston.mn.us or 507-725-5836. Deadline to register is February 17th. Businesses can set up a booth/table between 8:00-9:00 am. A table and chairs will be provided for each participating business to use. The job fair will be advertised all over the region including in La Crosse and Winona for job seekers to come to the career fair. Students will also be attending.

This is a Bluff Country Collaborative (BCC) event. For more information about the BCC visit our website here: http://bluffcountrycollaborative.com/. For more information about the career/job fair or to reserve a free spot for your business, contact Allison Wagner, Houston County EDA Director at EDA@co.houston.mn.us or 507-725-5836.

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On

Save the Date to Celebrate Local Heroes!

On December 22nd, tragedy struck Spring Grove's Main Street resulting in displaced residents and a town without it's beloved hardware store. Firefighters, medical personnel, and volunteers from Spring Grove and the surrounding communities joined forces to contain the fire and provide assistance on the coldest night of the year. Join us as we recognize and celebrate the courage of these individuals and the generosity of those supporting the recovery efforts. For more information, visit https://fb.me/e/3SreZ2Plx

Thank you to the following event sponsors:

  • American Family Insurance

  • Bell Bank

  • Edina Realty

  • Good Times Restaurant & Bar

  • Guiding Light Touch

  • Heart Rock Coffee

  • Joe Deschler DJ

  • Kwik Trip

  • LA Communications

  • Merchants Bank

  • Nettle Valley Farm

  • Spring Grove Cinema

  • Spring Grove Communications

  • Spring Grove Fitness

  • Spring Grove Insurance

  • Spring Grove Lions Club

  • Spring Grove Soda Pop, Inc.

  • Thrivent

  • Top Dog Custom Apparel & Screenprinting

  • Trinity Lutheran Church

  • Wilmington Mutual Insurance

Info
Written by Courtney Bergey Swanson On