Kirkpatricks named Women’s Business Center Entrepreneurs of the Year

Small Towns
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Rhea Landholm, brand marketing and communications manager, rheal@cfra.org, 402.687.2100 ext 1025

Lyons, Nebraska - The Center for Rural Affairs has chosen Connie and Roger Kirkpatrick, of Alda, Nebraska, as the 2017 Women’s Business Center Entrepreneurs of the Year. They will be recognized at an award ceremony on March 9 in Red Cloud, Nebraska.

The Women’s Business Center Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have utilized the Center for Rural Affairs Women’s Business Center services and are 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.

The Kirkpatricks own RCK Creations & More, in Alda, a business that specializes in etching on glass and sandblasting. Top selling products include rocks, flower pots, coffee mugs, and wine glasses. The business owners also alter clothing, including wedding gowns and prom dresses, as well as create original clothing designs.

RCK Creations & More started in 2009, with the help of a Center loan to purchase equipment. During the next few years, a steady growth of customers led to the couple converting rooms in their house to storage, fitting rooms, and sewing space.

“Connie had already established herself as an expert seamstress. She had been sewing for years, doing alterations and special projects,” said Dena Beck, senior project leader and loan specialist for the Center for Rural Affairs. “In a good news/bad news scenario, the biggest challenge they faced was spatial.”

In 2014, the couple took the challenge on, and obtained a loan for land and a building. RCK Creations & More opened at 602 Saturn St., Alda, in June 2015, with an added service of RV storage.

The couple continues to take advantage of trainings and business counseling provided by Center staff and technical assistance partners. They continuously work on their website and explore new products and markets.

“Sales are up 24 percent from last year. They attribute that to increased online sales,” Beck said. “Diversification within their business helps manage revenue as well as make contacts with a variety of customers.”

For a full list of award winners, click here.

The Center for Rural Affairs is a private nonprofit specializing in strengthening small businesses, rural communities, and family farms and ranches.

Center for Rural Affairs receives funding from the Small Business Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Business and Innovation Act through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, United States Department of Treasury, Peter Kiewit Foundation, and other sources. Women’s Business Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All Small Business Administration funded programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency will be made if requested in advance. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.