Maryilyn Frasure of Columbia is the October Think Monroe County First "Super Consumer" drawing winner. Frasure has won a stained-glass, Bulova clock from Curtis Jewelers, 1550 N. Main Street, Ste. D in Columbia.
Her entry was drawn at Naumann Woodwork and Supplies, 112 W. Whiteside St., Columbia.
November's Super Consumer will win a $100 gift certificate to Shady Creek Nursery and Garden, 201 S. Carl Street in Columbia.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Clark’s Country Oaks Offers Ability to Customize Furniture
Waterloo-Tom Clark is definitely from home, as a matter of fact, he’s a third generation Waterloo business owner. When he purchased Country Oaks by J.C. 10 years ago and became Clark’s Country Oaks he was following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.
When he moved from the business’ original location in 2003 to the current location of 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, he took a step even closer to his family’s business legacy.
“My dad owned Clark’s TV for 32 years so I was brought up in the retail/service business. My grandfather was a partner in Clark and Weber American Motors and Ahne's Bakery (right up the street at 201 W. Mill St.) has been owned by my aunt and uncle for 34 years, and they’ve all essentially been on one block of Church Street. Someone told me that the street should be renamed to Clark Street, but I said ‘I’m not messing with the name Church Street’,” Clark laughed.
His family’s business history and because his family has lived in Monroe County for six generations, helps explain why he believes in the Think Monroe County First (TMCF)program.
“I believe in it (TMCF) because I was born and raised here. Other business have come and gone, but I’m the third generation of Clarks servicing Monroe County. Obviously we have some history here.”
The decision to leave the printing industry to become a business owner came after his wife worked several Christmas seasons for the former owner. Clark said he and his wife, Becky, were already considering opening their own business and that they loved the oak furniture so it was a good fit.
“What you do comes easy and more natural when you love it and it shows to the customer,” he added.
What also shows to the customer is great service, and Clark offers plenty of that. Customers will find Amish and American made furniture, the majority of which is oak, for every room of the house. They will also discover that Clark will work with them to customize a piece to fit their needs.
“We specialize in customizing furniture. We’ll take a piece of furniture and make it meet their needs; for example, adding glass or adding/removing a drawer. We custom order to their specs and have even gone from a drawing. We had an O’Fallon couple who wanted bookcases on the sides of their fireplace. They wanted them to look built in, but to be free standing so we customized from their drawing,” said Clark.
Clark’s Country Oaks also offers Amish-maintenance free outdoor furniture that is made of polyethylene, which is derived from post-consumer bottle waste such as milk containers.
Clark, who resides in Waterloo with his wife, 19-year-old son Greg, and is a new grandfather to his daughter Elisabeth’s eight-week old son, Quincy, is also a member of several other local organizations.
He is the outgoing president of the Waterloo Kiwanis’, a member of the Waterloo Merchants Group and the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and is on the board of Helping Hands.
You can find Clark’s Country Oaks at 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, alongside S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or online at www.clarkscountryoaks.com. Clark can be reached at 618-939-3659 or clarksco@htc.net.
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (depending on the time of year); Saturday-9 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m. (depending on the time of year).
When he moved from the business’ original location in 2003 to the current location of 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, he took a step even closer to his family’s business legacy.
“My dad owned Clark’s TV for 32 years so I was brought up in the retail/service business. My grandfather was a partner in Clark and Weber American Motors and Ahne's Bakery (right up the street at 201 W. Mill St.) has been owned by my aunt and uncle for 34 years, and they’ve all essentially been on one block of Church Street. Someone told me that the street should be renamed to Clark Street, but I said ‘I’m not messing with the name Church Street’,” Clark laughed.
His family’s business history and because his family has lived in Monroe County for six generations, helps explain why he believes in the Think Monroe County First (TMCF)program.
“I believe in it (TMCF) because I was born and raised here. Other business have come and gone, but I’m the third generation of Clarks servicing Monroe County. Obviously we have some history here.”
The decision to leave the printing industry to become a business owner came after his wife worked several Christmas seasons for the former owner. Clark said he and his wife, Becky, were already considering opening their own business and that they loved the oak furniture so it was a good fit.
“What you do comes easy and more natural when you love it and it shows to the customer,” he added.
What also shows to the customer is great service, and Clark offers plenty of that. Customers will find Amish and American made furniture, the majority of which is oak, for every room of the house. They will also discover that Clark will work with them to customize a piece to fit their needs.
“We specialize in customizing furniture. We’ll take a piece of furniture and make it meet their needs; for example, adding glass or adding/removing a drawer. We custom order to their specs and have even gone from a drawing. We had an O’Fallon couple who wanted bookcases on the sides of their fireplace. They wanted them to look built in, but to be free standing so we customized from their drawing,” said Clark.
Clark’s Country Oaks also offers Amish-maintenance free outdoor furniture that is made of polyethylene, which is derived from post-consumer bottle waste such as milk containers.
Clark, who resides in Waterloo with his wife, 19-year-old son Greg, and is a new grandfather to his daughter Elisabeth’s eight-week old son, Quincy, is also a member of several other local organizations.
He is the outgoing president of the Waterloo Kiwanis’, a member of the Waterloo Merchants Group and the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and is on the board of Helping Hands.
You can find Clark’s Country Oaks at 110 S. Church Street in Waterloo, alongside S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church or online at www.clarkscountryoaks.com. Clark can be reached at 618-939-3659 or clarksco@htc.net.
Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m. (depending on the time of year); Saturday-9 a.m. to 3 or 5 p.m. (depending on the time of year).
Monday, September 27, 2010
Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances Keeps it in the Family
Columbia-Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a great example of one of Monroe County’s strengths: home-grown entrepreneurs.
They are also bucking a trend that many small towns in America are facing: the loss of youth to larger communities. Harres truly is a family business that started with owner Joel Harres’ father and continues with his son, Scott.
A fixture in Columbia for 25 years, before becoming Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, they served the community as Weilbacher’s, which was run by Joel’s father, Harold, for 30 years.
Joel bought the business in 1985 and in 2001 moved it from Main Street in Columbia to its current location at 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., along IL Route 3 in Columbia. They will celebrate their 25-year anniversary this fall, and in celebration, Harres Appliance will be upgrading their live kitchen to do cooking shows and classes with guest chefs from the metro-St. Louis region. Plus, customers can come into the store to register to win six prizes in six days the week of Sept. 20 - 25.
Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a full-service furniture, appliance and home accessories store. The have a factory-trained appliance service staff, and they install all appliances themselves. They carry most major appliance brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Samsung and Frigidaire. Beyond that they also offer in-home design consultations with Joel’s wife, Linda, and luncheons or dinners with a design class. A home-staging service is also available. You can find a wide variety of furniture brands at Harres like Flexsteel, Lane, Best Chairs, Winners Only, Hooker and Ashley.
For Joel, the decision to leave the agriculture lender industry and purchase the store was one based on the knowledge that his home county would support the business.
“I was born and raised here, and I love the area. I knew we would have a good, stable customer base,” said Joel.
For his part, Joel has also supported the community as many small businesses do through contributions to local non-profit organizations. He is also a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Think Monroe County First shop/spend local subcommittee of the Monroe County Economic Development Council.
“Monroe County is our lifeblood, and on a personal level we live it. It benefits everyone when we support each other,” he said.
As mentioned before, Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a family operation. Joel is the general manager, who does “all and anything from sweeping floors, servicing appliances, selling and ordering, etc…” Linda Harres is a certified in-home design consultant and handles the advertising, customer service issues and sales. Son Scott, “does a little bit of everything” including sales, service and handling the businesses’ social media.
“It’s been pretty exciting getting more involved in the family business,” said Scott. “When I took my first economics class at college, it was quite eye-opening and I realized just how hard Dad had worked to support our family. I’ve come to recognize that hands-on experience is the only way to go when it comes to retail sales and service, so I’ve just sort of jumped in. I’m trying to really become well-rounded and learn everything I can from Dad on how to run the business. The Facebook and newsletter stuff is just fun and a great way to keep people interested.”
Linda, too, is somewhat of a new contributor to the family business. Once her youngest daughter, Stephanie, went away to school in 2006, she stepped into an important full-time role at Harres.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful since I’ve come on board full time,” said Linda. “I’ve really been able to use interior design as a creative outlet and it’s just a great way to always have something on my plate.”
You can find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances on Facebook where they do a weekly “Freebie Friday” giveaway. Giveaways include items from the store or gift cards to other local businesses.
You can also find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia, at www.Harres.com or contact them at jharres@htc.net, 618-281-4747 or on Twitter at Harres Home Furnishings.
Hours of operation: Monday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday-8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday-9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They are also bucking a trend that many small towns in America are facing: the loss of youth to larger communities. Harres truly is a family business that started with owner Joel Harres’ father and continues with his son, Scott.
A fixture in Columbia for 25 years, before becoming Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, they served the community as Weilbacher’s, which was run by Joel’s father, Harold, for 30 years.
Joel bought the business in 1985 and in 2001 moved it from Main Street in Columbia to its current location at 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., along IL Route 3 in Columbia. They will celebrate their 25-year anniversary this fall, and in celebration, Harres Appliance will be upgrading their live kitchen to do cooking shows and classes with guest chefs from the metro-St. Louis region. Plus, customers can come into the store to register to win six prizes in six days the week of Sept. 20 - 25.
Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a full-service furniture, appliance and home accessories store. The have a factory-trained appliance service staff, and they install all appliances themselves. They carry most major appliance brands including Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Samsung and Frigidaire. Beyond that they also offer in-home design consultations with Joel’s wife, Linda, and luncheons or dinners with a design class. A home-staging service is also available. You can find a wide variety of furniture brands at Harres like Flexsteel, Lane, Best Chairs, Winners Only, Hooker and Ashley.
For Joel, the decision to leave the agriculture lender industry and purchase the store was one based on the knowledge that his home county would support the business.
“I was born and raised here, and I love the area. I knew we would have a good, stable customer base,” said Joel.
For his part, Joel has also supported the community as many small businesses do through contributions to local non-profit organizations. He is also a member of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Think Monroe County First shop/spend local subcommittee of the Monroe County Economic Development Council.
“Monroe County is our lifeblood, and on a personal level we live it. It benefits everyone when we support each other,” he said.
As mentioned before, Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances is a family operation. Joel is the general manager, who does “all and anything from sweeping floors, servicing appliances, selling and ordering, etc…” Linda Harres is a certified in-home design consultant and handles the advertising, customer service issues and sales. Son Scott, “does a little bit of everything” including sales, service and handling the businesses’ social media.
“It’s been pretty exciting getting more involved in the family business,” said Scott. “When I took my first economics class at college, it was quite eye-opening and I realized just how hard Dad had worked to support our family. I’ve come to recognize that hands-on experience is the only way to go when it comes to retail sales and service, so I’ve just sort of jumped in. I’m trying to really become well-rounded and learn everything I can from Dad on how to run the business. The Facebook and newsletter stuff is just fun and a great way to keep people interested.”
Linda, too, is somewhat of a new contributor to the family business. Once her youngest daughter, Stephanie, went away to school in 2006, she stepped into an important full-time role at Harres.
“It’s been absolutely wonderful since I’ve come on board full time,” said Linda. “I’ve really been able to use interior design as a creative outlet and it’s just a great way to always have something on my plate.”
You can find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances on Facebook where they do a weekly “Freebie Friday” giveaway. Giveaways include items from the store or gift cards to other local businesses.
You can also find Harres Home Furnishings and Appliances, 900 Admiral Weinel Blvd., Columbia, at www.Harres.com or contact them at jharres@htc.net, 618-281-4747 or on Twitter at Harres Home Furnishings.
Hours of operation: Monday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Tuesday-Thursday-8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday-8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday-9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monday, September 20, 2010
September Super Consumer
Bonnie Marquardt of Waterloo is the September Think Monroe County First “Super Consumer” drawing winner.
Marquardt has won a $100 gift certificate to Agnes Ross, 113 West Gundlach St., Columbia. The gift certificate can be used at Agnes Ross’ online store or at the store in Columbia.
Her entry was drawn at First National Bank of Waterloo, 228 S. Main Street and 744 N. Market Street in Waterloo.
October’s Super Consumer will win a stained-glass, Bulova clock from Curtis Jewelers,1550 N. Main Street, Ste. D in Columbia.
For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.
Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.
Marquardt has won a $100 gift certificate to Agnes Ross, 113 West Gundlach St., Columbia. The gift certificate can be used at Agnes Ross’ online store or at the store in Columbia.
Her entry was drawn at First National Bank of Waterloo, 228 S. Main Street and 744 N. Market Street in Waterloo.
October’s Super Consumer will win a stained-glass, Bulova clock from Curtis Jewelers,1550 N. Main Street, Ste. D in Columbia.
For or more information or to donate a prize, please contact U of I Extension Community and Economic Development Educator Nora Feuquay at 618-939-8681 ext. 309/ nfeuquay@illinois.edu.
Watch your local newspapers--The Monroe County Independent, The Republic-Times, and the Monroe County Clarion --for coverage on winners as well as the next Business Spotlight Feature on our participating businesses.
Monday, August 30, 2010
J Fires’ Market Bistro pleases locals and not-so-locals alike
Waterloo-J Fires’ Market Bistro has been named to St. Louis Magazine’s A List as the “Best Reason to Cross the River”, and that’s a great thing, not just for owner Jennifer Pensoneau, but for all of Monroe County.
If you do a search online for J Fires’ you’ll find that this relatively new addition to Waterloo’s dining scene has already garnered quite a bit of positive attention from the metro-east media, turning the spotlight on Waterloo and Monroe County, which gives not only J Fires’ a chance to shine, but the whole community.
In the year and a half since Pensoneau, a Prairie du Rocher native, breathed life into a former winery by renovating the redbrick farmhouse into an upscale, yet comfy restaurant with a New Orleans flair, Monroe County natives as well as folks from around the metro-east have been steadily walking through the door or onto the fantastic- vine covered back patio that overlooks Pensoneau’s garden where she harvests fresh vegetables for her creations such as po’ boy sandwiches, fire-roasted pizzas, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo just to name a few.
It’s not surprising that Pensoneau, who studied the culinary arts in at the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University in Louisiana and at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy, and worked under Chef Gerard Maras in New Orleans; decided to open her own restaurant.
Pensoneau fell in love with feeding people at age 15 at her first job at Lisa’s Market Grille in Prairie du Rocher. Her philosophy of only serving what she can make without preservatives and additives is based in how she grew up in Prairie du Rocher where her family and neighbors prepared foods fresh from the garden. She said that the idea of opening J Fires’ began with discussions with her dad about opening a shrimp shack, and evolved into what it is today.
As of landing in Waterloo, Pensoneau said the property and building just couldn’t be found anywhere else. “The community is health-oriented and has a great knowledge of quality in food. It’s also centrally located to local farms and to St. Louis. Through my research I saw this area had a lot of money going to restaurants, but the market wasn’t saturated. It was a good business decision.”
That decision seems to have been good one with local clientele and those further afield filling the restaurant. Pensoneau said that during the week 60 percent of her customers are local with most of the out-of-towners coming in on the weekends.
“We have a big support system locally. People were ready for a fresh, little more eclectic, not as main stream, restaurant. I would like everyone to know that by supporting us, you’re not only keeping a business going, but you are keeping many wonderful people happy. The staff here all enjoys serving or cooking for you and work hard to make the experience a pleasant one.
“We pride ourselves on having the highest quality products at a reasonable price. Ninety percent of our menu items are made in house. We strive to give the exact same quality service and food each time, so please do not hesitate to let us know if anything is wrong or you would like to see something new on the menu. We would have nothing if it wasn’t for the community. Thank you for your support.”
Pensoneau grows her own vegetables and is constantly trying to network with local producers to keep everything local and fresh. She is also in the process of expanding the J Fires’ campus by renovating the barn on the property. Her goal is that by spring 2012, the barn will house a banquet center, market, bar and open kitchen where cooking classes will be conducted.
Pensoneau is also involved with the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Think Monroe County First program’s Youth Outreach Committee. Working with youth, supporting the local business community and promoting the benefits of eating fresh, quality foods are some of her passions and are reflected in her involvement with local groups.
“I support the Think Monroe County First program because it’s a great program that brings awareness to the businesses in town. It makes sense to buy what is available in your own town as it keeps the money circulating between the residents in the county.”
She has also donated her time to the Youth Culinary Association and has a standing invitation to local youth to come check out J Fires’ kitchen and talk to the staff.
J Fires’ Market Bistro is located at 725 N. Market St., Waterloo. You can reach Pensoneau at 618-939-7233 or Jennifer@jfires.com.
For more information on upcoming live music, drink and food specials and other events you can also visit their website at www.jfires.com for a calendar of events and the blog. J Fires’ can also be found on Facebook under Jennifer Pensoneau or J Fires’ Market Bistro, and you can even follow them on Twitter.
If you do a search online for J Fires’ you’ll find that this relatively new addition to Waterloo’s dining scene has already garnered quite a bit of positive attention from the metro-east media, turning the spotlight on Waterloo and Monroe County, which gives not only J Fires’ a chance to shine, but the whole community.
In the year and a half since Pensoneau, a Prairie du Rocher native, breathed life into a former winery by renovating the redbrick farmhouse into an upscale, yet comfy restaurant with a New Orleans flair, Monroe County natives as well as folks from around the metro-east have been steadily walking through the door or onto the fantastic- vine covered back patio that overlooks Pensoneau’s garden where she harvests fresh vegetables for her creations such as po’ boy sandwiches, fire-roasted pizzas, crawfish étouffée, and gumbo just to name a few.
It’s not surprising that Pensoneau, who studied the culinary arts in at the John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University in Louisiana and at the Italian Culinary Institute for Foreigners in Italy, and worked under Chef Gerard Maras in New Orleans; decided to open her own restaurant.
Pensoneau fell in love with feeding people at age 15 at her first job at Lisa’s Market Grille in Prairie du Rocher. Her philosophy of only serving what she can make without preservatives and additives is based in how she grew up in Prairie du Rocher where her family and neighbors prepared foods fresh from the garden. She said that the idea of opening J Fires’ began with discussions with her dad about opening a shrimp shack, and evolved into what it is today.
As of landing in Waterloo, Pensoneau said the property and building just couldn’t be found anywhere else. “The community is health-oriented and has a great knowledge of quality in food. It’s also centrally located to local farms and to St. Louis. Through my research I saw this area had a lot of money going to restaurants, but the market wasn’t saturated. It was a good business decision.”
That decision seems to have been good one with local clientele and those further afield filling the restaurant. Pensoneau said that during the week 60 percent of her customers are local with most of the out-of-towners coming in on the weekends.
“We have a big support system locally. People were ready for a fresh, little more eclectic, not as main stream, restaurant. I would like everyone to know that by supporting us, you’re not only keeping a business going, but you are keeping many wonderful people happy. The staff here all enjoys serving or cooking for you and work hard to make the experience a pleasant one.
“We pride ourselves on having the highest quality products at a reasonable price. Ninety percent of our menu items are made in house. We strive to give the exact same quality service and food each time, so please do not hesitate to let us know if anything is wrong or you would like to see something new on the menu. We would have nothing if it wasn’t for the community. Thank you for your support.”
Pensoneau grows her own vegetables and is constantly trying to network with local producers to keep everything local and fresh. She is also in the process of expanding the J Fires’ campus by renovating the barn on the property. Her goal is that by spring 2012, the barn will house a banquet center, market, bar and open kitchen where cooking classes will be conducted.
Pensoneau is also involved with the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce and the Think Monroe County First program’s Youth Outreach Committee. Working with youth, supporting the local business community and promoting the benefits of eating fresh, quality foods are some of her passions and are reflected in her involvement with local groups.
“I support the Think Monroe County First program because it’s a great program that brings awareness to the businesses in town. It makes sense to buy what is available in your own town as it keeps the money circulating between the residents in the county.”
She has also donated her time to the Youth Culinary Association and has a standing invitation to local youth to come check out J Fires’ kitchen and talk to the staff.
J Fires’ Market Bistro is located at 725 N. Market St., Waterloo. You can reach Pensoneau at 618-939-7233 or Jennifer@jfires.com.
For more information on upcoming live music, drink and food specials and other events you can also visit their website at www.jfires.com for a calendar of events and the blog. J Fires’ can also be found on Facebook under Jennifer Pensoneau or J Fires’ Market Bistro, and you can even follow them on Twitter.
Local Sears Store Offers Customers Value and Convenience
Monroe County- Sometimes everything just falls into place.
For Korey and Jamie Barksdale that time was in 2007 when Korey, at the time a K-Mart manager, received a letter from Sears (owned by K-Mart) asking if he’d ever thought of owning his own business. He had, but the prospect of moving from Monroe County wasn’t attractive to the couple who had already moved several times for his job.
“Korey was a K-Mart manager and Sears sent out letters asking if they had ever thought of owning their own business. Then around the same time, this one (the Sears store in Waterloo) came up for sale, and everything fell into place,” said Jamie.
The Barksdales moved to Waterloo in 2001 because of its proximity to St. Louis. By being closer to the St. Louis area, Korey didn’t have to travel as much to reach the different K-Mart stores with which he worked.
“We’ve lived in Waterloo for nine years. We like Waterloo because it’s a small town like where we come from, but it is also close to the city. We love being here,” she said.
The Barksdales purchased the Sears Waterloo store in September of 2007, but the store had been open for more than 10 years. It is located at 1349 Jamie Lane, which is behind the Super 8 motel in Waterloo. Both Korey and Jamie bring the skills needed to successfully run a retail business with Korey having 15 years experience in retail and Jamie being an accountant.
As with other Sears locations, Sears of Waterloo, offers customers all the same name brand appliances, electronics, mattresses, lawn and garden and fitness products they expect. They also offer the Sears Price Match, which means they will match and give customers 10 percent off the same products found elsewhere.
“We will even shop around for them so they are getting the best price,” said Jamie. “Now we can order anything Sears has to offer and most of the time shipping will be free to your home. It’s really awesome that we do that now. We can get you anything you see on Sears.com. If you come into the store, they won’t charge shipping or if you go through the register we have trucks that deliver products on Tuesday and Thursday (appliances) and on Wednesdays (tools) so you may get your product quicker.”
Sears offers the following brands: Appliances-Kenmore, GE, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Bosch, Whirlpool; Tools and Lawn and Garden-Craftsman; Electronics-Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, Vizio, Sylvania, Sharp; Fitness-Nordic Trac, Proforma; Mattresses-Serta.
The Barksdales donated the December Think Monroe County Super Consumer prize, and have been strong supporters of the Think Monroe County First program (TMCF) from the beginning.
“We live locally and own a local business so we understand the importance of shopping locally,” Jamie said.
The TMCF Super Consumer is a monthly drawing in which local consumers can enter to win a prize valued at $100 or more when they make a purchase at a participating TMCF business.
In addition to being a supporter of TMCF, Jamie is also a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Kiwanis, chair of the Zahnow PTO and treasurer of the Friends of the Morrison Talbolt Library.
The Barksdales live in Waterloo with their six-year-old son, Garrett.
Sears of Waterloo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 1349 Jamie Lane, Waterloo.
You can reach Sears of Waterloo at 618-939-5552 or through the “locate a store” option at www.sears.com.
For Korey and Jamie Barksdale that time was in 2007 when Korey, at the time a K-Mart manager, received a letter from Sears (owned by K-Mart) asking if he’d ever thought of owning his own business. He had, but the prospect of moving from Monroe County wasn’t attractive to the couple who had already moved several times for his job.
“Korey was a K-Mart manager and Sears sent out letters asking if they had ever thought of owning their own business. Then around the same time, this one (the Sears store in Waterloo) came up for sale, and everything fell into place,” said Jamie.
The Barksdales moved to Waterloo in 2001 because of its proximity to St. Louis. By being closer to the St. Louis area, Korey didn’t have to travel as much to reach the different K-Mart stores with which he worked.
“We’ve lived in Waterloo for nine years. We like Waterloo because it’s a small town like where we come from, but it is also close to the city. We love being here,” she said.
The Barksdales purchased the Sears Waterloo store in September of 2007, but the store had been open for more than 10 years. It is located at 1349 Jamie Lane, which is behind the Super 8 motel in Waterloo. Both Korey and Jamie bring the skills needed to successfully run a retail business with Korey having 15 years experience in retail and Jamie being an accountant.
As with other Sears locations, Sears of Waterloo, offers customers all the same name brand appliances, electronics, mattresses, lawn and garden and fitness products they expect. They also offer the Sears Price Match, which means they will match and give customers 10 percent off the same products found elsewhere.
“We will even shop around for them so they are getting the best price,” said Jamie. “Now we can order anything Sears has to offer and most of the time shipping will be free to your home. It’s really awesome that we do that now. We can get you anything you see on Sears.com. If you come into the store, they won’t charge shipping or if you go through the register we have trucks that deliver products on Tuesday and Thursday (appliances) and on Wednesdays (tools) so you may get your product quicker.”
Sears offers the following brands: Appliances-Kenmore, GE, Samsung, LG, Maytag, Bosch, Whirlpool; Tools and Lawn and Garden-Craftsman; Electronics-Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, LG, Vizio, Sylvania, Sharp; Fitness-Nordic Trac, Proforma; Mattresses-Serta.
The Barksdales donated the December Think Monroe County Super Consumer prize, and have been strong supporters of the Think Monroe County First program (TMCF) from the beginning.
“We live locally and own a local business so we understand the importance of shopping locally,” Jamie said.
The TMCF Super Consumer is a monthly drawing in which local consumers can enter to win a prize valued at $100 or more when they make a purchase at a participating TMCF business.
In addition to being a supporter of TMCF, Jamie is also a member of the Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, secretary of the Kiwanis, chair of the Zahnow PTO and treasurer of the Friends of the Morrison Talbolt Library.
The Barksdales live in Waterloo with their six-year-old son, Garrett.
Sears of Waterloo is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are located at 1349 Jamie Lane, Waterloo.
You can reach Sears of Waterloo at 618-939-5552 or through the “locate a store” option at www.sears.com.
The Rosedale House Provides Seniors with Independence and Security
Waterloo-In January, Ardis Henerfauth, owner of The Rosedale House Senior Living in Waterloo, celebrated 10 years in business, and she wasn’t alone in celebrating. Celebrating with her were members of her family who helped make The Rosedale House Senior Living a reality.
“The construction of The Rosedale House was family oriented,” said Henerfauth. Her father, a retired building contractor oversaw the project, her mother helped with the interior decorating, her husband installed the doors and trim and her two brothers did the painting, wallpapering and floor installation. She and her husband Robert own The Rosedale House.
Just as the building was constructed by family, the atmosphere of The Rosedale House is one of family. On a recent visit, senior residents joked with the staff and enjoyed relaxing in a comfortable seating area overlooking the back patio.
“It’s like a family,” said Henerfauth. As a matter of fact, among the current residents are her third grade teacher, her 4-H Leader and her Brownie Leader.
“I’m a lifelong resident of Monroe County and I saw a need for such a facility,” adds Henerfauth, whose experience working in homes for the developmentally disabled and taking care of her grandmother led her to the idea of The Rosedale House.
“I use to take care of my grandmother and I always thought there should be a place where she could go that would provide her some of the essentials such as food and transportation while letting her remain independent. My father was a partner in the development of Westview Acres, and I felt this was a good place to build, “she said of her location at 228 Mueller Lane in Waterloo, which is across the street from the Monroe County Annex Building and Ambulance Service.
The Rosedale House offers its residents independent living, but with the security of knowing the 24-hour staff is there to help if need be. Residents receive three meals a day, local transportation, medication reminders, stand by assistance with showers, weekly housekeeping, and can participate in a variety of activities.
For example, residents make crafts, sew, play games, garden, go out to eat, attend local events such as band concerts, the movies, the library or simply relax on the patio. Residents are also active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which helps staff places such as the Monroe County Courthouse information station and supports other entities like the History Museum of Monroe County.
The Rosedale House has 16 private suites, each with its own private bath, individual heating and cooling, walk-in closet, kitchen nook and telephone and cable hookup. The average age range of The Rosedale House residents is 67 to 94, and according to Henerfauth even though they do offer temporary stays, most residents are long-term.
Henerfauth, a Think Monroe County First participating business who donated the February Super Consumer prize, is involved in several local organizations including: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, HCE, and Sister Cities of Portaloo, Monroe County History Museum, Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Unit President of the Waterloo Homemakers.
She adds that she joined Think Monroe County First, the shop/spend local program of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, because Monroe County is her home and she wants to see it thrive despite the tough economic times.
To make an appointment to tour The Rosedale House contact Henerfauth at 618-939-4973.
“The construction of The Rosedale House was family oriented,” said Henerfauth. Her father, a retired building contractor oversaw the project, her mother helped with the interior decorating, her husband installed the doors and trim and her two brothers did the painting, wallpapering and floor installation. She and her husband Robert own The Rosedale House.
Just as the building was constructed by family, the atmosphere of The Rosedale House is one of family. On a recent visit, senior residents joked with the staff and enjoyed relaxing in a comfortable seating area overlooking the back patio.
“It’s like a family,” said Henerfauth. As a matter of fact, among the current residents are her third grade teacher, her 4-H Leader and her Brownie Leader.
“I’m a lifelong resident of Monroe County and I saw a need for such a facility,” adds Henerfauth, whose experience working in homes for the developmentally disabled and taking care of her grandmother led her to the idea of The Rosedale House.
“I use to take care of my grandmother and I always thought there should be a place where she could go that would provide her some of the essentials such as food and transportation while letting her remain independent. My father was a partner in the development of Westview Acres, and I felt this was a good place to build, “she said of her location at 228 Mueller Lane in Waterloo, which is across the street from the Monroe County Annex Building and Ambulance Service.
The Rosedale House offers its residents independent living, but with the security of knowing the 24-hour staff is there to help if need be. Residents receive three meals a day, local transportation, medication reminders, stand by assistance with showers, weekly housekeeping, and can participate in a variety of activities.
For example, residents make crafts, sew, play games, garden, go out to eat, attend local events such as band concerts, the movies, the library or simply relax on the patio. Residents are also active in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, which helps staff places such as the Monroe County Courthouse information station and supports other entities like the History Museum of Monroe County.
The Rosedale House has 16 private suites, each with its own private bath, individual heating and cooling, walk-in closet, kitchen nook and telephone and cable hookup. The average age range of The Rosedale House residents is 67 to 94, and according to Henerfauth even though they do offer temporary stays, most residents are long-term.
Henerfauth, a Think Monroe County First participating business who donated the February Super Consumer prize, is involved in several local organizations including: Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, HCE, and Sister Cities of Portaloo, Monroe County History Museum, Advisory Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Unit President of the Waterloo Homemakers.
She adds that she joined Think Monroe County First, the shop/spend local program of the Monroe County Economic Development Council, because Monroe County is her home and she wants to see it thrive despite the tough economic times.
To make an appointment to tour The Rosedale House contact Henerfauth at 618-939-4973.
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