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News
News
By Allison Joy
CRYSTAL FALLS/IRON RIVER — Two additional local businesses have received grants from the Iron River Economic Chamber Alliance as part of the agency’s Fast-Track Grant Program
Herbert Enterprises of Iron River and Xperience Physical Therapy of Crystal Falls each received a $2,500 grant. This brings the total number of grant recipients under the program to three. It was announced in April that Puppers Pet Salon of Crystal Falls was the first grant recipient.
“The past two quarters we’ve been able to offer, through the chamber, the Fast-Track Grant Program, where we’re taking businesses that are looking to start up and we were helping them with their business plan and their marketing, and actually giving them some money, up to $2,500, to help them get started,” ICECA Managing Director Mark Bromley told the Reporter in April.
Puppers Pet Salon, a certified pet-grooming business owned by Michell and James Tremethick, opened on Feb. 1 on Superior Avenue in Crystal Falls. It offers nail-trimming, bathing and full grooming.
Xperience Physical Therapy was founded by Crystal Falls-native Nicki Price. Price earned her masters degree in physical therapy from Grand Valley State University in 2005. Her business opened on May 10.
Hebert Enterprises is owned by Janet and Patrick Hebert, who also own Hebert Construction Company. The two long-time Iron County residents have purchased and renovated the Armory and are now renting spaces for banquets, receptions and sporting events. The space recently hosted Wildlife Unlimited and the West Iron Junior Prom.
“This is a great example of a local couple investing in our community to repurpose an abandoned landmark,” Bromley added, “and building it into a thriving business that the whole county can take advantage of.”
Bromley said the ICECA is looking to support a range of businesses for a more well-rounded local economy.
“We need those businesses that come in and they complement each other,” he said. “We’re looking for businesses that are kind of unique, that aren’t just a copycat of what’s already here.”
The ICECA intends to give out an additional grant and its New Business Committee is still vetting a potential fourth recipient.
“We want to make sure that it gets communicated that Iron County is open for business,” Bromley said. “We’re a business-friendly community.”