BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
The past year or so has seen exciting developments in the Hawarden business community. Several new businesses opened while new owners and new company names popped up as well. More additions and enhancements are forecast for the coming year. “Even with the global pandemic and uncertain agricultural markets, the Hawarden business community remained vibrant in 2020. We were glad to welcome some businesses to town, see new owners take over established enterprises and, just as importantly, see Hawarden’s long-time businesses demonstrate continued resilience and success,” said Larry Cope, community and economic development director for the City of Hawarden. Here’s a look at some of the new businesses and significant business upgrades recently welcomed to the Hawarden.
905 ARRANGEMENTS Kaylee Strong is making sure Hawarden area residents can continue to commemorate life’s important passages with fresh flowers. She replaced Jan McMillian’s long-time Flowers by Jan downtown with 905 Kaylee Strong Arrangements. “Knowing how long Jan was successful here and having a strong staff, I was confident it would work,” Strong said. In addition to a complete remodel of the space, she has added some home décor plus hopes to resume flower arranging classes after prom is done.
ALPHA MOTORSPORTS Nick Strong started his business by purchasing two used golf carts which he refurbished and sold. Then he bought four carts which he again refurbished and sold. His success multiplied and now he sells more than 200 a year. In 2019, he opened Alpha Motorsports in Sioux Falls and, in 2020, purchased Northside Body Shop and Big Sioux Marine from his grandfather, Sonny 14 | HAWARDEN TODAY
Strong. “This is our family shop and I wanted it to stay in the family,” Nick said. The company is a dealer for new EZ Go golf carts; refurbishes and customizes golf carts; does marine mechanics such as servicing boats; and is an auto body shop. He’s excited to serve a broader customer base from his hometown of Hawarden at 1609 Ave E.
BIG SIOUX EMBROIDERY Big Sioux Embroidery will be moving from its current location at the corner of 10th Street and Highway 12 to make room for the new building of People’s Bank. Owner Carol Hoogestraat’s long-time Hawarden business will take up residence at 1001 Central Avenue, about a block east. Big Sioux Embroidery is a promotional product distributor, specializing in customized team and workplace apparel.
CARR’S AUTO / JEFF’S RADIATOR It was a shocking day in 2019 when the landmark auto service center at 10th and Central in Hawarden burned down. However, rising from the ashes only a few yards away just south Jeff Carr of 10th Street on Avenue H, owner Jeff Carr built a new, 6,500-square-foot automotive service and tire center. Carr has been in the auto service, repair, sales and salvage business in the city since 1984. “If you want Hawarden to grow, some businesses need to expand. My son is going to mechanic school this fall and I’m hoping he’ll come back to work here,” Carr said.
GRANITE CHURCH Granite Church, affiliated with First Reformed Church in Sioux Center, is growing quickly. The contemporary worship at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sunday has regularly packed its temporary home at the Hawarden Community Center. The church anticipates moving to a new location in spring 2021 at 400 Tenth Street. Like the Community Center, the new location will also be a non-traditional setting.
