have the downtown flower beautification efforts, the banners that are on the signs downtown, and events where we have a mobile turf that fills an entire block to create a temporary green space. We also bring in 1,600 tons of sand for our ‘Spiking in the Street’ event, converting two downtown blocks into sand volleyball space. It’s about making downtown a place where the community can come in, feel connected, and visit with their neighbors.” Warmka explains that beautification and culture go hand in hand.“Last year, we did a community collage where people could get their pictures taken, and now it’s compiled on the side of a building downtown. A few years ago, we added a mural. It’s all about celebrating community identity.” That identity has been good for business.“People see the downtown as a place they want to be,” Warmka adds. “It’s vibrant and happening.” A SURGE OF SMALL BUSINESSES “Looking at the businesses that opened last year, we had an accounting office, a coffee shop, a Mexican restaurant, a small event center, a youth sports training center, a chiropractor, a smoke shop, a bookstore with coffee shop and event space, a barbershop, a skincare salon, a mental health/ substance abuse facility and a massage & holistic health center. We are very fortunate to have so many diverse businesses opening in our community,” says Heather Bregel, Economic Development Director.“To date in 2025, we’ve already had eight new businesses open.” Bregel emphasizes that incentives play a key role in helping entrepreneurs succeed.“We have a small business incentive grant program that’s been very popular. In 2025, we funded five new businesses with $10,000 startup grants. We also offer small business loans at a low interest rate and a commercial property rehab loan program for those needing to update their buildings. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to open a business here.” That support extends beyond funding. “We provide free business consulting,” Bregel explains.“We have a consultant under contract so business owners can meet with her and get support at no cost, whether it’s developing a business plan, preparing a financial pro forma, or improving marketing. Normally, they would have to pay for those services, but here, they’re free.” UTILITIES BUILT FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS “A lot of our projects are due to aging infrastructure,” says Kris Manderfeld, Utility Director.“We completed condition assessments for wastewater, electric, and water systems.These assessments provide a pathway for the next 5, 10, and 20 years, ensuring continuity 205 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 NEW ULM, MN
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