Agriculture is synonymous with rural communities — one does not exist without the other. Landus is a proponent of the vitality of rural communities and keeping small communities a comfortable place to live and raise a family. The work that goes into a small business, let alone a small business in a rural community, deserves to be celebrated and supported.
These businesses will be featured at the spouses/guest event at the Innovation Connector summer series. Events will be on August 17 and 18, as well as September 7 and 8. There are only 200 seats available for each event, so reserve your spot to see each of these wonderful vendors!
See their responses when asked: What does being a rural business mean to you?
Goette Farms raises its own livestock and delivers frozen product direct to consumers across the entire U.S. All livestock products are USDA inspected cuts of beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. They also feature Wisconsin cheese and maple syrup on their website. Spanning the entire continental U.S., Goette Farms supplies products to restaurants, school districts, wholesalers, and direct customers.
“We’re a transparent company. So, when a customer has a question about our operation, we love having the personability and candid replies.”
https://goettefarms.grazecart.com/about-our-farm
Kaldenblooms offers fresh-cut flowers grown in Albia, Iowa. Featured in a different Main Street Series entry, Landus employee Ashley Kaldenberg gets her business exposure through the connections she makes while working as a grain merchandiser for Landus farmer-owners.
“I’ve always said, ‘If you want to have cool things in your community, you either need to do them yourself, or support the ones doing the cool things.’ Our workshops really engage the active community members and build lots of comradery and friendships.”
https://ashleykaldenberg.com/pages/kaldenblooms
Tribe Boutique offers tailored assistance from sisters-in-law who have been in business together since 2019, to help you find your style. Providing casual and comfortable women’s clothing, Sarah and Chelsea are providing unique and affordable apparel for the local community and beyond.
https://tribeclothingboutique.com/pages/about-us
Diamond K Custom Creations was founded by Kaitlyn Kokemiller. Her passion for woodworking started with her father and grew into a full business that offers laser engravings and cut projects. Products like wood cutting boards, slate coasters, wood coasters, tumblers, and can coolers can be found on her Facebook page.
“In rural, small business can be overlooked. We need to bring them into the light so communities can rally around their projects and recognize economic and social importance's of them.”
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069552173542
Smudged Soaps offers handmade candles, wax melts, body soap, and diffusers, all created in Audubon, Iowa. What started as a weekend activity in May 2020, founder Jen Nelson, and her mom and sister-in-law, have grown soap making into a thriving business.
“We get to put out products that represent us. When we get positive feedback, it’s not only a compliment to the company, but it’s a little compliment to us too.”
The Scottish Fox, located in Perry, Iowa, is a woman-owned home decor shop featuring stylish and seasonal accents to elevate your space. Owner Cherlyn Miner brings a personal touch to the store with hands-on assistance helping customers curate the best pieces and arrangements for their homes. Along with providing decorating direction and expertise, Cherlyn, a local resident, offers jewelry, lotions, candles, and other gifts perfect for treating someone special or yourself!
“People that come into town for my store almost always stop by another business in the area. Whether that’s a restaurant, hotel, or coffee shop, the whole community benefits from other businesses’ success.”
https://www.thescottishfox.com/
Rolling Revelry is a renovated trailer that serves beer, wine, craft cocktails, and more to guests at weddings, reunions, or any private gathering event. When inspiration strikes while scrolling Facebook Marketplace... listen to it! Landus employee, Andrea Schultz and husband Matt, started their business this spring and have been serving special occasions across central Iowa.
“We love seeing people’s interest around this unique offering. Typically, we’re the first mobile bar they’ve seen in person and are excited that this is something offered in central Iowa.”
Permanent Jewelry by Kelcie Steenhoek brings the upward trending “permanent jewelry” to rural Iowa. After a bachelorette trip in Florida, Kelcie found a real interest in permanent jewelry and noticed a void in her area that wasn’t moving on a new product.
“It’s cool to bring something from a big city and make it more accessible to my community. It’s even better knowing that I can provide the same products for a more affordable price.”
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550218593144&mibextid=LQQJ4d
