Tag Archives: shop local

Opportunities in a Small Town

My name is Brea Baxter and I am currently 18 years old. My parents are Scott and Carla Baxter, and I have three brothers: Brady, Brett, and Briar. I was born and raised here in DeWitt. I just graduated Central DeWitt High School and will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall… go hawks!

Growing up in a small town has given me many opportunities in which I am very grateful for; such as being able to run around the neighborhood as a child and knowing many people around the community who have supported me for years. I’ve always felt safe in the community and I think that is something I have taken for granted.

When I was in third grade; I had just gotten off the bus from St. Joseph’s Catholic School to Ekstrand Elementary, joyfully hopping onto my bike to venture home. I was about halfway there when suddenly, I lost control and crashed. As I sat there crying, I realized I was unable to walk, later finding out that I had broken my ankle. Minutes passed by until finally, a lady in a van pulled up to me, quickly rolling down her window, anxiously questioning if I was okay. Unsure, I nervously respond to the stranger, announcing that I had hurt my ankle in the wreck and was unable to walk. She then responded, asking if I would like a ride home. At that specific point, I was a little hesitant because I had no idea who this lady was, but before I could respond, she stepped out of her car and loaded my bike into her van. After getting my bicycle situated, she walked over to me, swiftly picking me up into her passenger seat. She drove me right towards my house, without me even giving her directions… it turns out she was a friend of my parents! After that incident, I felt as safe as I could be, and that’s all because of growing up in a small town.

This past year I had the pleasure of working at Meant to Be with Flowers and Blondies Coffee Out Back. I started out working for Lisa Duffy and Beth Hughes in the summer of 2018, and I soon fell in love with the work. I had signed up for the Internship class which is offered through the high school for seniors and was unsure of where I wanted to do it. After a few weeks of working with Lisa and Beth, it was very clear that I wanted to do my internship with them and learn more about the small business world. Throughout my internship, I had the honor of learning more about the principles of home decor and flower arrangements, multitasking and time management, along with organizational skills. I have gotten more comfortable with customer service and have learned the basics of how a small business operates. I even had the opportunity to go to the DCDC Year in Review and Annual Meeting of 2019 where I learned about the success of all the local businesses. One of my favorite parts of working in a small community is knowing many customers by name and knowing their drink when they pull up to the drive-through and say, “I’ll take my usual.” It makes you feel like you have a sense of community, which is exactly what the smaller businesses in DeWitt offer for everyone. Having business owners and employees greet you, smiling, showing that they care about their customers makes any experience better, but especially when picking up flower arrangements from Meant to Be with Flowers, or getting a coffee from me in the mornings at Blondies Coffee Out Back.

Overall, I never could imagine not living in a small town, like DeWitt. Through different hardships, the community has endured like sports games won and lost, transitioning students from old school buildings to brand new ones, or new businesses coming to town, all the people of DeWitt have come together and gone through it as one. DeWitt is not only a place where you want to shop but also a place where you and your family can live safely, as me and mine have for 25+ years.

Supporting DeWitt, Growing A Business

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In the DeWitt community, Krieger’s has been a longstanding community leader helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars for various projects in DeWitt. Currently, the dealership has raised nearly $20,000 for the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library. We also do a yearly drawing on prom night, giving some lucky student their first vehicle. Other projects that we are proud to be part of are the yearly cake auction and the annual golf tournament sponsored by the Lions club. Krieger’s through the years has been a donor to many other silent auctions and private fundraisers. We do this because we love being part of DeWitt and know that a strong community supports its local businesses.

Krieger Auto started way back in the 1920’s when two young automobile mechanics worked together at the local Ford dealer in Muscatine, Horst and Strieter. Joseph Krieger and Charles Henderson were the mechanics. Charles opened his own garage in 1931, known as Henderson’s Garage in downtown Muscatine. Joe joined Charles in 1932 and they became equal partners in the garage. Soon after, Chevrolet stopped by the garage and asked them to take on Chevrolet, and as time went along during the 30’s, the two partners acquired numerous other franchises, including Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac. The original dealership operated out of a 3 story building, with service on the first floor, the second story was the showroom, and a body shop utilized the third floor.

In 1951, General Motors wanted to separate the Pontiac – Cadillac franchise from Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Marvin Krieger then designed a new building at the corner of Sycamore and Mississippi Drive that would house Henderson’s Chevrolet – Oldsmobile. After a few tough years running the two garages together, they decided to go their separate ways. Henderson’s Chevy Olds continued to run out of the new building and Krieger’s Pontiac Cadillac out of the three-story garage.

The beginnings of Krieger’s in 1956 were a tough going. A young Marvin Krieger struggled to operate the business. Marvin invested in hiring quality employees to help run the operation. Hiring great folks like Warren Tutt, Carson Schwandke, John Sprouse and Evie Lange, the business started to flourish. This started the principles of the “Krieger Way” of doing business.

Hiring Quality employees and treating them as such, providing exceptional Customer Service, and staying true to our small town values will add up to a bright future for everyone.

You will find a breath of fresh air blowing through every Krieger’s location. It is a new spirit of service that starts with a good neighbor approach and a renewed dedication to listening. Krieger Auto Group has been serving customers since 1956. Selling and servicing new and pre-owned Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles. Hiring quality employees and treating them as such, providing excellent customer service, and staying true to our small town values will add up to a bright future for everyone.

We are excited to work with the DCDC in strengthening our ties to the community. This summer we plan to sponsor one of the outdoor movie nights and other events to give back to the community that has given so much to us.

Whether you are looking for a new or a high quality used car, truck or SUV Cross-Over, quality mechanical service or repair, an experienced detail department to clean and freshen up your vehicle, you can depend on the decades of experience at Krieger’s of DeWitt. Krieger’s Auto Group, a proud partner in the Muscatine and DeWitt communities. “Shop us once you are Family for life”.

~Mark Christenson, Sales Manager at Krieger’s DeWitt

It was Meant To Be!

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In January of 2014, my husband Kevin and I purchased the established business of Meant To Be in downtown DeWitt. At that time we added fresh flowers to the store, which was the reason for the name change to Meant To Be With Flowers. I completed Floral Design Schooling in West Palm Beach from South Florida Center for Floral studies in 2013. It had always been a passion for me to become a floral designer and I truly enjoy decorating and searching for new, unique ideas!

I grew up in a small town in Northeastern Iowa on a dairy farm, and I have always had a passion to work hard, play hard, be kind and pray! I feel very fortunate to own a small business in DeWitt and to be a part of this thriving community! I realize that owning a small business takes lots of hard work, commitment, and a dedication to make every customer that comes in the door feel like they are special. Our main focus at Meant To Be With Flowers is for people to feel welcome and regardless if they purchase anything or not, that they feel at home! I enjoy hearing our customers call this their “happy place”, or when they say they would like to “bottle our smell up and take home”! We have a special candle always burning, butter maple syrup is our signature scent. One of our hometown customer service details is every customer that comes in the door is greeted with a delicious chocolate mint.

DeWitt is becoming a “destination small town” and I am honored to be part of the retail businesses. I feel we do our best to direct people to other shops in town if they are looking for something that we do not offer. When customers realize that the retail businesses are working together it makes their shopping experience even more rewarding. As a businesses owners I really enjoy the DCDC’s Look Local First Campaign we have lots of customers, local and visitors to the community, talking about the program and the Chamber Bucks drawings. It is exciting to hear customers for miles away talking so highly of DeWitt!

My husband Kevin and I are blessed with four wonderful children, Jenna 25, Krista 23, Colin 20, and Kara 16. I enjoy golfing, exercising, spending time with family and the long hours of being a small business owner. I feel my reward for the long hours and commitment to the business is helping people find those unique gift items, decorating for hours for each holiday, which our entire store is now Christmas! And of course I love to visit with customer and listen to their likes in home décor! Have a Happy Holiday Season and stop by to view our decorated LIVE Window during the upcoming Hometown Christmas Window Walk, on December 2nd!

Lisa Duffy – Owner of Meant to Be With Flowers

With So Many Choices, Why Look Local First?

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No one business can be all things to all people. And the number of options available to shoppers is greater than ever. Online vendors, big box stores and franchise businesses offer many advantages. Small Businesses have distinct attributes and advantages as well, and hopefully, give you reasons to Look Local First.

Small Businesses represent community, an interdependence among its residents, neighbors and city leaders. They offer personalized service and unique finds, but more importantly – a slower pace, and an experience to be enjoyed with family and friends. They know, enjoy and appreciate their customers, and they cannot exist without local support.

THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe opened its doors on June 20, 2011 after a nine month renovation of the former Martha’s Café. The name recognizes in part, the historical crossroads of two transnational highways 30 & 61 at DeWitt’s downtown intersection of 6^th Avenue & 10^th Street. DeWitt’s many quality of life amenities along with its nice downtown and music along 6^th Avenue, its proximity to the Quad City area and surrounding communities, made it seem like a good location to open a new business.

This was truly a family endeavor and partnership. As such, it was not only an investment in DeWitt, but a time of making memories and rejuvenation following a period of ill health. Indeed, it was the beginning of a new and adventuresome journey that still continues to this day. Having celebrated our 5^th Anniversary this past June, we can say that “It is good to be here.” For truly, the best part of this journey so far has been sharing ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Experiences’ with so many people along the way.

That’s what Small Businesses are about: Personal Connections and integrating what we do into everyday life. Just one of many reasons to Look Local First. Do enjoy all that DeWitt has to offer. Experience Your Hometown…. And Meet Us at THE CROSSROADS. Be Inspired!

Linda Snyder – Owner of THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe

Your Assignment: Shop Local!! Due Date: December 25th

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Let’s talk shopping. Ladies smile and get that hint of excitement when they hear that word. Guys: probably not so much, but there could be a way to change that…

I personally hate shopping, I really do. I know, I’m a woman and I’m supposed to be giddy at the idea. Dropping me at the mall with three hours to kill is like torture. You would most likely find me in a corner at Barnes and Noble with a stack of books waiting for everyone else in my group to be done with their shopping excursions. But, I dare to say there are certain shopping scenarios I can enjoy. You know that day when you weren’t planning on buying anything but you find the absolute most perfect gift for someone? That unique gift that you bought the day you had half hour to kill so you walked through that little store in town.

You knew right where I was going with this, didn’t you? But think about it, shopping local is almost always one of the most rewarding and fun kind of shopping there is. Right here in DeWitt, we are so very lucky to have numerous unique stores and shops. I know women from all over who plan day trips to come to DeWitt. They have some lunch at Whisk Away Cafe & Bakery, and then walk 6^th Avenue all afternoon. I often hear from out of town family and friends just how friendly people are here; and I know that firsthand. My mom, who often comes from Dubuque to buy her home décor here, is always greeted with a smile and helpful advice when she walks into Meant To Be, her favorite store. My daughter is always treated as a “mini shopper” there as well and loves being the little jellybean sampler! Keeping these unique businesses running and thriving adds to the charming character of our community. And I’m not just talking the antique and craft stores; I’m talking all of our businesses. We’re lucky to have Barnes Foodland in DeWitt. They are continually upgrading and adding more selection. For someone like me with Celiac Disease I especially appreciate that I can now buy some gluten free foods right here in DeWitt and do not have to drive to outside areas.

So let’s do some Christmas shopping this month or next! If we all bought just one or two Christmas gifts in DeWitt, think of the money that would be staying right here in our community instead of going to a big chain store. Get your child’s birthday cake from Whisk Away Cafe & Bakery, grab those groceries at Barnes Foodland, expand your wardrobe at The Family Tree, enjoy a coffee at Blondie’s Coffee Out Back drive-thru instead of Starbucks, or take the family to a weekend matinee at the DeWitt Operahouse. And guys here’s the easy part – drive those few minutes it takes to get downtown and buy your lady something nice from Necker’s Jewelers, or that antique table at Emma Rae’s Antiques & Uniques that she said would look striking in the dining room.

Yes, I have learned that shopping does not have to be torture; it can actually be very enjoyable. It’s a proven scientific fact (in my mind anyway) that local businesses hire the best people. The business owners and their staff are our friends and neighbors and their customer service makes shopping locally so very worth it!

Lisa LeConte, DeWitt Resident and Mother

5 BIG Reasons to Keep Shopping and Dining Dollar$ in DeWitt!

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1. Personalized service, where everybody knows your name. Store-owners who place individual orders for customers, for items not in the store – at no extra cost. Restaurant waiters who know your “usual” order. A welcoming smile and conversation, every time you come in the store. People are looking for an experience – DeWitt Delivers a high level of customer service.

2. Awareness in Savings A regular shopping trip to a larger city is at minimum 50-miles roundtrip from DeWitt. Based on the 2015 government business mileage rate at 57.5 cents per mile – which includes depreciation and maintenance of the vehicle, gas and oil costs – the trip alone will cost $28.75. By changing course and being aware of how DeWitt’s stores and restaurants cater to most daily needs, dollars can be redirected to preserving our progressive and thriving community.

3. Meeting Your Daily Needs The vibrant Downtown District (6th Ave) and the stress-free Old Lincoln Highway District (11th St) present two different ways to shop and dine in DeWitt. The Downtown District, with its sweet tunes, invites you to park your car and take a walk as you enjoy multitasking errands with grabbing a bite to eat. The Old Lincoln Highway District allows people little effort to accomplish Saturday morning shopping tasks with ample parking and easy in-and-out access to a variety of stores and restaurants.

4. Chamber Bucks Makes It Easy Not sure how to show your gratitude for the neighbor who always mows your lawn or watches your house when you are out of town? How about the office manager who keeps things running smoothly in your company? Or that certain friend who is driving the car pool? Chamber Bucks makes it easy for the times you want to say thanks. Plus, it keeps dollars in DeWitt and boost the local economy! It works like a check at over 200 locations in town and can be purchased at DeWitt Bank & Trust Company, DeWitt Chamber & Development Company (DCDC), Dot’s Hallmark, First Central State Bank, and Whisk Away Café and Bakery.

5. Delicious Dining Options You can travel from Mexican to Chinese and back to good old North American cooking any day of the week! DeWitt not only offers a variety of ethnic choices, but also an assortment of restaurants who cater to cozy atmospheres, take-out, delivery or drivethru services. Whether you are on the go and need something quick and easy, or have time to enjoy the ambiance and stay for desert, there is always something for everyone’s taste buds in DeWitt.

By keeping your shopping and dining dollar$ in DeWitt, you give your Local Economy a Boost! Buying from local retail stores and restaurants improves a community by helping a local store owner put food on the table and pay a mortgage versus helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. Studies show independent retailers return more than 3 times as much money per dollar of sales to the local economy than big box competitors.

Change your course, walk into a new store, try a new entrée, simple things that will make a big impact on the DeWitt community!