Business

Construction crews are putting their final touches on the project as the Vinton Alco becomes the Vinton Shopko Hometown. Store officials plan to open on Sunday, March 13, in what they call a "soft opening," which means the store will be open for business but not actively advertising. A grand opening celebration is set for Friday, March 25.

It is with great excitement that Wilson-Hite Insurance announces that Tressa Walton has been accepted into the West Bend-Polestar Program.  She is one of 25 in the Midwest accepted into this year’s five month program.  This is the first step in the career change of becoming an agent at Wilson-Hite Insurance.  Tressa will specialize in Health and Long-Term Care Insurance as well as Personal lines-focusing specifically on home, auto, and Identity Theft insurance.

The automotive racing world recognized one of its most accomplished members. Kathy Root, retired owner and president of IMCA and now chair of the sanctioning body’s executive committee received an achievement award, citing her dedication to short track auto racing, during the Racing Promotion Monthly workshops in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Area hay and forage producers are invited to attend the 33rd Annual Eastern Iowa Hay Producers Association (EIHPA) Annual Meeting and Conference on Friday, March 11, 2016 at Buzzy’s in Welton. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the program scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. This year’s conference will focus on hay fertility, risk management, and cover crops.

Tuesday, March 22 from 4-7pm at the Vinton Skate & Activity Center This event offers an excellent opportunity for businesses to enhance their reputation among the Vinton-area residents. This event also offers the opportunity for employers to share information and to discuss career opportunities within the organization. We encourage businesses to come to promote all opportunities: Internships, Seasonal, Part-time and Full-time.

As part of his ongoing commitment to providing valued service to Farm Bureau Financial Services customers, Farm Bureau agent Randy Stein, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF has recently been recognized as a Qualifying and Life Member of the Million Dollar Round Table. Stein has met the top producing level of requirements for 11 years. The Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) was founded in 1927.

The Shopko Countdown is officialy under way; a sign in the building that once housed the Vinton Alco store announed today that the store with a new name and Shopko's green color theme will open in 30 days. Other signs that the business will soon open include new cart bays, with Shopko's name on them, in the parking lot. The Iowa Workforce Development web site lists job openings for the new store, including listings for Salesfloor Teamate, Customer Service Teammate, Merchandise Supervisor, Receiving Specialist, Apparel Salesfloor Supervisor and Cashier.

The Vinton City Council will vote tonight on approving a Class C liquor license with Sunday sales for Shopko, as the opening of the store in the former Alco building nears. There is still no official opening date set, but the liquor license request filed with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division lists March 13 as the effective date.  Meanwhile, the Iowa Workforce Development web site lists job openings for the new store, including listings for Salesfloor Teamate, Customer Service Teammate, Merchandise Supervisor, Receiving Specialist, Apparel Salesfloor Supervisor and Cashier.

When starting or growing your business, one thing is for sure: capital is a necessity to make your dreams come true.  The Dream Big, Grow Here program is sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Innovation and Growth in an effort to help emerging entrepreneurs in Eastern Iowa.  Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to be awarded a $5000 grant, but a great deal of work needs to happen secure that funding.

Benton Development Group is constantly looking for new ways to serve as a resource to our local businesses and communities.  With the recent release of the Benton County Laborshed Analysis and the ever tightening labor pool, we have decided to make a change to our website. The results of the study show that over 70% of our Laborshed area is turning to the internet to search for job openings.