Marvin and Candy Blecha purchased the hardware store in Humboldt, Nebraska, in fall of 2006. Prior to their purchase, store hours were sporadic and supplies and inventory were limited. Marvin, a machinery mechanic, saw a way to keep Humboldt’s downtown square alive with business and to help his hometown economy grow. He and his wife Candy understand the importance of supporting their community and growing the business economy in Southeast Nebraska.

Connie Kirkpatrick saw an opportunity when she came across an existing personalization business. For several years, she has operated a sewing and alterations business. Since there is some overlap in the markets, combining the two made sense. Her business, RCK Creations & More, worked with REAP to help expand. Connie was also referred to GROW Nebraska for marketing help. Check out her products and imagine the possibilities at http://rckcreationsandmore.com.

As travelers traverse the soon to be open railroad overpass into Thedford, a bright red and yellow Burlington Northern Caboose on the north side of Highways 2 and 83 will be visible. The caboose houses Dawn E. Bryant Originals, a business offering custom jewelry design, original stone, silver and wire wrap jewelry, cleaning and repair and watch batteries. Dawn, a REAP client and owner of the business, is an accomplished photographer and artist. Her work is displayed at the Thedford Art Gallery and has been exhibited in shows across Nebraska. Learn more about Dawn here.

Technical assistance and loan activities in Western Nebraska resulted in a number of business transitions and start-ups. These included a start-up by Spencer McMurtry, Infinite Graphics, which provides various marketing designs, including automobile wraps. Spencer, a 2008 high school graduate of Bayard, is getting his feet wet as a young entrepreneur. Bobby Felton in Chadron purchased an existing fence building business providing services to ranchers in northwestern Nebraska. Bobby looks forward to expanding into commercial and residential fencing. Rick Camacho started a new mechanical business in Scottsbluff offering commercial and residential plumbing, heating and air conditioning.

These are only a few examples of businesses helped this past year by the Center’s Rural Enterprise Assistance Project (REAP). Click here for more information on REAP.