Community Builders
County Seat Laundry
“Laundromats have a bad reputation, and frankly, many deserve it,” says Laura Patten, co-owner of County Seat Laundry in Viroqua, Wisconsin. “They’re dirty, machines are…
Community Builders
A community is defined as a unified body of individuals. You can build community in a neighborhood, city, region, state, nation… world, at any level. It doesn’t have to be big to have a big impact. Building community is one of the most important things we can do on this planet. Connecting with others helps us connect with our humanity, and realize we’re all in this together. We interview different Community Builders around the region to share their stories, and to inspire you to build community as well!
Community Builders
Caitlyn Konze
Caitlyn Konze had a vision for a new kind of space in the downtown business-scape of La Crosse, Wisconsin. A one-of-a-kind, welcoming place for people…
Community Builders
Wendy Lickteig
The Cresco Theatre and Opera House is so much more than a hometown theater. The historic community landmark has been an anchor for entertainment and…
Community Builders
Julia Borgen
Julia Borgen of Lanesboro, Minnesota, loves community. It’s not a word she uses often or talks about very much. She won’t tell you that you…
Community Builders
Laura Gentry
From her big smile and zealous laugh, to her colorful outfits and statement glasses, anyone who comes across Rev. Laura Gentry can feel her warm…
Community Builders
Jeff Abbas
It was mid-2015, and the contentious race for President of the United States had stirred up the emotions (and proverbial pens) of people of all…
Community Builders
Colleen Foehrenbacher
Six miles outside the town of Lanesboro, nestled snugly into the beautiful woods and river valleys of Southeast Minnesota, you find a unique community at…
Community Builders
Norb Kelly
Community builders use many tools. Creative ideas. Cheery optimism. Contagious enthusiasm. Norb Kelly of Lanesboro, Minnesota, uses tools that are more traditional, though: A saw,…
Community Builders
John Sutton
Westby, Wisconsin is a small town big on Norwegian culture and heritage. Syttende Mai is celebrated every May, the annual Snowflake Ski Jumping Tournament attracts…
Community Builders
Jane Kemp
Decorah’s Jane Kemp smiles easily and often. Yet beneath that kind smile and unassuming demeanor lies a fierce advocate for community causes, and a strong…
Community Builders
Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley & Let’s Shine Coffee
“I believe that each of us as humans shine in our own way,” says Marnie Hofmeister-Pooley, owner of Let’s Shine Coffee in Hillsboro, Wisconsin. “We…
Community Builders
Shaundel Spivey & BLACK
Like many others, Shaundel Spivey landed in La Crosse to go to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He set forth to earn a Bachelor’s degree…
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