Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025
LYONS, NEBRASKA - The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Linda Horner, of Ord, Neb., as the 2016 Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year. Center staff will recognize Horner at an award ceremony on March 10 in York, Neb.
The Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who has utilized Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center services and is successfully operating and growing their business. The award exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit so crucial to women-owned businesses and the rural Nebraska communities they call home.
“Linda is a true entrepreneur willing to take a chance starting a new business, expanding that business, making the change to a larger facility and overcoming many obstacles, all while maintaining a positive attitude,” said Monica Braun of the Center for Rural Affairs.
Horner owns Linda’s Preschool & Discovery Center, in Ord. In 2003, Linda and her husband Paul received an initial loan from a bank, and a Center loan provided gap financing to complete the purchase and conversion into a daycare.
Linda’s Preschool & Discovery Center has provided care to children for 14 years. Services include preschool education, child care services and after school programs.
“Linda has a long track record as a great client,” said Gene Rahn, of the Center for Rural Affairs, who works closely with Horner. “Because of that, she has been able to access emergency financing from us when unexpected plumbing or electrical problems have come up. We hope there are no future emergencies, but if one arises, we will not hesitate to assist where needed.”
Looking to the future, Horner hopes to hand down the business to her two daughters. She is also looking at expanding the business to provide services for infants.
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