Leg one of ‘BEST’ of Waseca tour

Leaders and influencers from all over Waseca County took part in the first leg of a “Business and Entrepreneurial Support Team (BEST) of Waseca” town tour, making the first stop of a three-city tour in New Richland on Wednesday, June 8. The second and third legs of this tour will be July 20, 2022 in Waseca and August 10 in Janesville. 

BEST of Waseca is a non-profit group with a roughly 16-person board. Its purpose is to assist and support businesses, organizations, and business owners throughout the county in projects which “promote primarily public economic development activities for public purposes,” past president of BEST Jim Boerboom said. 

“We’re a 5013C, so people need us for the financial side,” Bob Hoffman of BEST said, suggesting that the organization’s non-profit classification can be very helpful as new projects are launched. “On the other hand our role is to help, kind of like Jason Casey said; we just need to help support entrepreneurial spirits to be successful with our network, our expertise, and our 5013C.”

The tour began at 3 p.m. at city hall, with New Richland Mayor Gail Schmidt and city administrator Anthony Martens welcoming roughly a dozen visitors. 

Those in attendance included persons from every county community: DeAnn Britton, Waldorf City Clerk; Bob Hoffman, DeWayne Rathmann, Jim Boerboom, Ann Finch Waseca Chamber of Commerce President; New Richland Council Member Jason Casey, State Bank of New Richland Vice President Matt Harington, business owners Summer Schultz, Melissa and Keith Leonardo, as well as a representative from Janesville. 

The group traveled to the community library for a conversation with librarian Kathy Kronebusch, then to city businesses including the State Bank of New Richland, Panther Power Nutrition, and finally Panther Power House. 

“Where should people go for help when they want to start a new business?” Councilperson Casey asked. 

An important question that Waseca County residents have been pondering. How to get new businesses and people into the community? Jim Boerboom and Bob Hoffman both asked, “How do we get new businesses and young people to invest in Waseca County?” 

Hoffman explained that New Richland is a great example. In the past two years, four new businesses or business owners have gotten their start: Neighbors’ Meats, Star Eagle, Panther Power House, and Panther Power Nutrition. 

“Long story short, we’ve got some young leaders stepping up, taking a leadership role,” Hoffman answered. “Our job is to help them be successful, whatever it takes.”

Hoffman explained that BEST has been meeting monthly, but will be moving to quarterly meetings. He highlighted one particular upcoming session: “Our September meeting is asking the questions: Who are we and what are we?”

As the tour came to a close, Administrator Martens thanked everyone for coming and reminded those in attendance of upcoming tour dates. He also encouraged those in attendance to considering entering a City of New Richland contest to design a logo for the city, mentioning  that anyone from Waseca County could submit an idea before June 30. 

Waldorf City Clerk Britton reminded everyone not to forget about her community: “Don't be afraid to hang a poster in Waldorf,” she said. 

The second and third legs of this tour will take place on July 20, 2022 in Waseca and August 10 in Janesville.