Spring Grove Cinema Available for Sale Through Sealed Bid Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Spring Grove, MN October 9, 2024 — Spring Grove Cinema is being offered for sale through a sealed bid process, presenting unique opportunity for potential buyers to acquire a cherished community asset. The property, which has served for 15 years as a hub for entertainment and cultural gatherings, is now poised for a new future under new ownership.

“The tough decision to sell the Cinema was not taken lightly. We have been proud to serve this community by providing a space for entertainment, connection, and cultural experiences,” said Dave Morken, Board President of Spring Grove Communications. “Our hope is the Cinema remains active in the community, continuing its contribution to the vitality of downtown Spring Grove by providing this special community space.”

We are incredibly grateful for the support this community has shown us over the years. From attending blockbuster premieres to birthday parties and piano recitals, Spring Grove Cinema has been a gathering place for families, friends, and film lovers alike. While the curtain is coming down on this chapter, we remain fully committed to serving the community as its local service provider. Spring Grove Communications will concentrate our resources on what we believe is our greatest strength and essential for the community: making lives better by providing an exceptional broadband experience. Our top priority remains ensuring that Spring Grove and the surrounding rural areas have the high-speed connectivity needed to access entertainment, education, and essential services in the digital age, driving economic growth, creating opportunities and keeping us connected.

“We encourage everyone to join us over the next few months of movie magic,” Fordyce Brevig, Board Vice President added. “Although we are closing this chapter of Cinema ownership, we are more committed than ever to this community’s future with cutting-edge broadband solutions for our Smart Rural Community to keep us all connected and thriving.”

Spring Grove Communications is optimistic at the prospect for new ownership reimagining the space and maintaining it as a successful small-town asset. Whether it continues as a cinema or finds a new purpose, we believe it can still serve as a valuable part of our community’s future. We encourage all interested parties to consider placing a bid. All bids will be considered.

For more information on the bidding process or details of the prospective sale contact Greg Schieber at greg@ranlaw.net or 507-886-6131 or to request a tour of the property, please contact Jacqui VanMinsel at jacqui@sgc-coop.com or 507-498-3456.

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About Spring Grove Communications

Spring Grove Communications is dedicated to providing high-speed broadband, voice, video and device support to Spring Grove and the surrounding rural areas, ensuring our community stays connected in an increasingly digital world. For more information, visit www.yourlocal.coop.

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Grants for In-Home Child Care Providers

In the wake of the Little Gnome closure, there may be teachers or individuals interested in starting their own in-home child care business. There are several grants and resources available for this purpose:

  • Facility grants from Houston County to support providers with necessary expenses. Check out this flyer and contact WDI for more information.

  • Training grants from Houston County - contact Allison Wagner at the Houston County EDA for an application (EDA@co.houston.mn.us / Office: 507-725-5836)

  • Low-interest loans are available from the Spring Grove EDA and the Houston County EDA

  • Families First have regional & startup grants available.

    • Emergency Grants may also be available year-round to help cover costs associated with emergency situations based on the availability of funding.

    • Startup Grants are available year-round depending on funding to cover items required to open a child care license and to help cover startup costs.

    • Regional Grants are offered annually and are awarded on a competitive basis to qualified child care programs. Grant applications are available September 1 of each year and must be submitted by September 25 for consideration. 

  • First Children’s Finance provides technical assistance, resources, and grants to child care providers. An Access to Technology grant is available starting September 25.

  • Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) has a number of resources for child care providers, including free technical assistance, low-interest business loans, and grants for eligible expenses. Visit their website to learn more.

NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING

The Spring Grove City Council will hold a Workshop with members of the Spring Grove Community on Sunday, August 18th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Fest Building, 110 Division Avenue. The purpose of this meeting is to bring together community members, school representatives, and other stakeholders to discuss ideas related to daycare concerns. This meeting is intended for information gathering and discussion only; no decisions will be made. This is a public meeting.

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The Little Gnome Closure - Update August 12, 2024

The City of Spring Grove and the Spring Grove Economic Development Authority learned of the Little Gnome’s sudden closure after being notified of the Facebook post made on Saturday, August 10. The City was not informed of this decision in advance of the closure and city officials are actively trying to gather more information; we will provide further updates as they come in.

In the meantime, here are some resources to help address the immediate needs of the affected parents and employees:

Parents:

Employees:

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Nationally-known comedians coming to Spring Grove!

Join us for a pg-13 comedy show in the beautiful Spring Grove Cinema! Advanced tickets are only $20 and are available via Eventbrite.

Sean Jordan is a stand up comedian and podcaster who co-hosts the wildly popular podcast All Fantasy Everything. Sean was named Portland’s Funniest Person by Willamette Week Magazine, has written for Comedy Central, and he was named one of the “Comics to Watch” by Splitsider Magazine. Sean Jordan's set on The Late Late Show: https://youtu.be/SJ_oE2mZZ6Y?si=BydWDgl5YEmLH3tL

Zak Toscani is a stand-up comedian and writer living in Los Angeles. Zak has performed at The Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and High Plains Comedy Festival. With a focus on originality and vulnerability, Zak’s comedy has been highlighted by the AV Club, Buzzfeed, and The Portland Mercury. He is also the most reoccurring guest on the hit comedy podcast All Fantasy Everything. Zak’s work has been featured by the Washington Post, BBC, Newsweek, and Vice. Zak Toscani short clip: https://youtu.be/Nzpdun1OkyI?si=23K7WJZpVUfl2nFc

This event is presented by Spring Grove Forward, the Spring Grove Cinema, and the Department of Public Transformation using funds from the Activate Rural Project. Our mission is to host a wide variety of events for all audiences so that more people can enjoy our amazing, state of the art movie theater!

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Grant funding available for your business!

The Chamber of Commerce was awarded 2023 Fix Up Fund dollars for their beautiful facade project on Main Street.

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) is proud to announce that funds have been committed in the amount of $10,000 towards the 2024 Fix Up Fund.  The purpose of the Fix Up Fund is to provide incentives to local businesses to improve the appearance of their building facades and stimulate private investment.  From 2013 to date, the EDA has granted $68,085 in Fix Up Fund dollars, which leveraged over $250,595 of private investment. 

Businesses can apply for up to 50% in matching funds, up to $2,500, to support eligible façade improvement projects.  The deadline for application is May 7th, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by the EDA at the May 14th board meeting. All work must be completed by the end of the calendar year with invoices presented to the EDA for reimbursement.

Applications and additional information are available at www.springgrovemn.com/economicdevelopment or at City Hall. Questions and completed applications can be sent to Rebecca.Charles@cedausa.com.  

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EDA seeking new board member

CITY OF SPRING GROVE EDA SEEKING BOARD MEMBER
The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) is seeking applications for a new board member to fill a vacant position. Terms are six years. Applications are encouraged by March 5, 2024 so they can be reviewed at the March EDA meeting but the position will be open until filled.

Applications are available for download (click here) or you can fill out a paper copy at City Hall. Applications can be sent to  courtney.bergey@cedausa.com or dropped off at City Hall. Thank you!

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2023 EDA Annual Report

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE 2023 EDA ANNUAL REPORT!

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (EDA) had a very busy 2023! The year began in recovery mode from the December 2022 fire, when EDA and City staff immediately began assembling economic development tools to support redevelopment. In addition to a $250k state recovery grant and a state sales tax exemption on building materials, EDA staff successfully authored a $313k DEED Redevelopment grant and began preparatory documentation for tax increment financing that will pave the way for a new, three-story, mixed-use building. Staff have also been working to identify a new hardware store owner and store location, meeting with three different franchise brands and a number of interested entrepreneurs.

Over the past few years, the EDA has been working hard to attract more dining establishments to the community, and in fall 2023, Fiesta Rosita opened in downtown Spring Grove! Marketing efforts and the creation of the Restaurant Challenge program brought in more than 25 interested parties, and of those 25, eight were given tours of vacant spaces, five requested and received support on business planning and financing, and we assisted two with negotiating a potential lease agreement. Ultimately Fiesta Rosita was able to occupy the former Doc’s and Norski’s spaces, and hungry Spring Grove residents rejoiced. Fat Pat’s Brewery, who received Restaurant Challenge grant funding, will open in a new downtown location in spring 2024.

In addition to business development, the Spring Grove EDA has also dedicated staff time to the Spring Grove 2030 subcommittee, administering an $80k grant from the Blandin Foundation. Grant funds are currently being used for community engagement, planning, and a feasibility study for community and cultural center amenities.

“How do you grow a small town? Spring Grove is finding out.” This was the title of an article published on the front page of the Star Tribune newspaper in late 2023. Despite the challenges in recovering from the fire and the layoffs at Northern Engraving, there remains a feeling of hope and progress in Spring Grove.

We have a lot to be proud of! Thank you for your continued support of the Spring Grove EDA and dedication to the City of Spring Grove.

With gratitude,

Courtney Bergey Swanson and Rebecca Charles

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RFP for ENGINEERING SERVICES

ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR INDUSTRIAL PARK EXPANSION

DOWNLOAD THE FULL RFP HERE

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority and the City of Spring Grove are requesting proposals for engineering services as we look to expand our industrial park. DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 at 4PM. To learn more, contact Courtney Bergey Swanson at 507-251-9272 or courtney.bergey@cedausa.com

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Update: Spring Grove SCDP Survey Closed

*SURVEY IS CLOSED. Spring Grove will not be moving forward with the grant application this year. Thank you to those who filled out the survey; your information has helped us determine the needs for property rehabilitation in our community. We will contact you if the City is able to try again next year.*

ATTENTION SPRING GROVE BUSINESS OWNERS and HOMEOWNERS!

The City of Spring Grove is working with Community and Economic Development Associates to apply for Small Cities Development Program funding. If we are awarded, eligible homeowners and business owners will be able to use grant funding on property rehabilitation projects including painting/siding, windows, roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, etc. It might sound too good to be true, but it's not! 

Surveys were sent to all property owners in Spring Grove, but we have been getting word that some have not yet arrived. Due to this delay, we have extended the deadline to be turned in by Friday, October 6th. You can download and print the survey below that pertains to your property (commercial or residential; housing rental units are not eligible). You can mail the completed survey to CEDA (PO Box 483 Chatfield, MN 55923) or email it to cora.boelman@cedausa.com

DOWNLOAD THE SURVEYS HERE:

COMMERCIAL SURVEY

RESIDENTIAL SURVEY

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Did you know your property may be eligible for energy rebates?

The City of Spring Grove and MiEnergy have a number of rebates available for energy efficiency projects. See the info and links below!

  • MiEnergy Co-op’s website has information on rebates for residential and business property owners.

  • The City of Spring Grove has an appliance rebate application form on the website for property owners.

  • The City of Spring Grove also has a specific program for commercial businesses in need of energy efficiency updates. Businesses can apply for up to 50% of the cost of the project with a maximum rebate per project of $5,000. Applicants must provide supporting documentation for energy savings, and the rebate will be based on the cost of the energy saving fixture/equipment and not the labor. Approval from the council is required. For more information on this, contact City Hall!

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Want to host an event? Spring Grove has space!

If you’re looking to host an event, social gathering, or meeting, there are plenty of spaces to rent in Spring Grove. Check out the list below or download it here!

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What's Happening in Spring Grove?! Presentation available for download!

On July 19, 2023, about 200 community members attended the “What’s Happening in Spring Grove?!” event at the Spring Grove Cinema. What a wonderful event full of ideas and community support! Presentations were given by the City/EDA, School, Chamber, and Spring Grove 2030. Thank you for a great evening!

If you missed the event or would like to revisit the information shared, click the button here to download the presentation and Q&A from the evening!

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Giants of the Earth Heritage Center -- Passport to Other Cultures: Hmong Diaspora--RESCHEDULED

** Please note that this special event has been rescheduled to THURSDAY, MARCH 30! Date and times in the article have been updated. **

This March, Giants of the Earth Heritage Center is honored to temporarily display much of the collection of a locally-curated Hmong cultural exhibit that grew out of a partnership between the La Crosse Public Library and Hmoob Cultural and Community Agency (HCCA).

On Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m., local experts Yia Vue and Tria Meier are instrumental in bringing this experience to life right here in Spring Grove and will take us through the history of Story Cloths, textiles, and artifacts as they pertain to the migration of the Hmong. Rev. Mike McElwee, Ann Delwiche, and Sibbie will share the history of La Crosse Christ Episcopal Church and their “Friendship Program” that sponsored so many refugees and helped with integration into the La Crosse area. The Hmong textiles and artifacts pop-up exhibit will remain on display for the entire month of March.

This program is open to all ages at Giants of the Earth Heritage Center, 163 W. Main Street, Spring Grove. The building is handicap accessible.

Schedule:
6:30 p.m. – Viewing of Hmong Diaspora exhibit in the Welcome Center
7:00 p.m. – Presentation in Immigrant Hall with our special guests
7:45 p.m. – Question and Answer Time
8:00 p.m. – Samples of Hmong cuisine and beverages, chatting with special guests

Thank you to the following for helping Giants of the Earth celebrate the Hmong culture and heritage this month:
Tricia Babinski family
Heart Rock Coffee
Lane & Mary Zaffke
Charles & Nora Beckjord
Doug & Laurel Rusert
Jean & Sean Young
Abrian & Lara Mendez
Bob & Roxanne Finnesgaard
David & Rachel Storlie

For more information on this: www.giantsoftheearth.org

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The "Lion's Roar" from Spring Grove Public Schools

Each week Spring Grove Public Schools creates a newsletter to celebrate, inform, and connect with our parents and community. Now, we want to share this newsletter with you. We will be posting a weekly link that will help you to dive into school happenings. You can find this week’s Lions Roar here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tdC5Jyx4fEfyApmNJi5J1L89gqpDf6IM/view?usp=sharing

Hope you enjoy!

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EDA Changes Meeting Time

SPRING GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PUBLIC NOTICE FOR CHANGE OF REGULAR MEETING TIME

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (the “EDA”) will change their regular meeting time from 5:30pm to 6:30pm commencing with the March 2023 meeting. Meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Room 100 of Spring Grove Communications, 166 W Main St, Spring Grove, MN 55974. The next regular meeting will be at 6:30pm on Tuesday, March 14, 2023.

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EDA Fix Up Fund applications now available!

The Spring Grove Economic Development Authority is proud to announce that funds have been committed in the amount of $5,000 towards the 2023 Fix Up Fund.  The purpose of the Fix Up Fund is to provide incentives to local businesses to improve the appearance of their building facades and stimulate private investment.  From 2013 to date, the EDA granted $68,085 in Fix Up Fund dollars, which leveraged over $250,595 of private investment. 

Businesses can apply for up to 50% in matching funds, up to $2,500 to support eligible façade improvement projects.  The deadline for application is April 4th, 2023. Applications will be reviewed by the EDA at the April 11th board meeting. Reviews will only occur once annually.  All work must be completed by the end of the year with invoices presented to the EDA for reimbursement.

E-mail Rebecca.Charles@cedausa.com with any questions or concerns.

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