A new business had it's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday in downtown Aliiance. Sweet Pickin's is a family business owned by Troy and Susan Unzicker, and Troy talked to Panhandle Post about what Sweet Pickin's is all about.

"Our business is a a mix of things, we not only have the nutritional lounge with the loaded teas but we also carry a wide variety of everything, Troy said. "We have comic books, sports cards and memorabilia, vintage items and much more."

Sweet Pickins' also specializes&nbsp; in different shakes and teas such as mega teas; Tabitha Unzicker is the daughter of Troy and Susan and says that there are a lot of health benefits to the teas, and that the most popular drink so far is&nbsp; 'The Southern Gentleman,' which is a strawberry and watermelon combination with extra protein and collagen&nbsp;

For more information check out Sweet  Pickins at 304 Box Butte  in Alliance.

A new business had it's grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday in downtown Aliiance. Sweet Pickin's is a family business owned by Troy and Susan Unzicker, and Troy talked to Panhandle Post about what Sweet Pickin's is all about."Our business is a a mix of things, we not only have the nutritional lounge with the loaded teas but we also carry a wide variety of everything, Troy said. "We have comic books, sports cards and memorabilia, vintage items and much more."Sweet Pickins' also specializes&nbsp; in different shakes and teas such as mega teas; Tabitha Unzicker is the daughter of Troy and Susan and says that there are a lot of health benefits to the teas, and that the most popular drink so far is&nbsp; 'The Southern Gentleman,' which is a strawberry and watermelon combination with extra protein and collagen&nbsp;For more information check out Sweet Pickins at 304 Box Butte in Alliance.

Sweet Pickin's a unique combination of health and variety

It started as an idea for a mobile boutique truck.&nbsp; From there the concept grew, and when a storefront in downtown Alliance went up for sale, Elizabeth Fritzler stepped in and found a home for Highway 2 Threads. Fritzler, who partners with her husband Lee on this new project as well as Red Beard Garage and Towing in Alliance, describes Highway 2 Threads to Panhandle Post as "a big melting pot" of unique merchandise.

"My husband and I," says Fritzler, "we have big dreams.&nbsp; We have big visions for what this community can bring, and what we can offer."

Highway 2 Threads will feature a variety of merchandise including apparel and gifts.&nbsp; The community will have a chance to see the new store for themselves during a special grand opening weekend with ticketed admission to benefit local charities.&nbsp; 

On Friday September 10th from 6:00 to 9:00pm, for a $50 ticket, guests will enjoy charcuterie board hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music.&nbsp; This event is limited to 25 guests. On Saturday September 11th, a "beat the rush" event, also limited to 25 guests but at a cost of $10 per ticket, will be held.

100% of proceeds from all ticket sales will be divided among Jane's Closet, Community Table, and PAWS.&nbsp; Fritzler tells Panhandle Post the ticketed grand opening is a way for the community to support local charities, and also solves the problem of controlling crowd size in a small storefront. To learn more about Highway 2 Threads, including Fritzler's thoughts on opening a second business after the successful Red Beard Garage, listen to the full podcast interview.

By Jason WentworthIt started as an idea for a mobile boutique truck.&nbsp; From there the concept grew, and when a storefront in downtown Alliance went up for sale, Elizabeth Fritzler stepped in and found a home for Highway 2 Threads. Fritzler, who partners with her husband Lee on this new project as well as Red Beard Garage and Towing in Alliance, describes Highway 2 Threads to Panhandle Post as "a big melting pot" of unique merchandise. "My husband and I," says Fritzler, "we have big dreams.&nbsp; We have big visions for what this community can bring, and what we can offer."Highway 2 Threads will feature a variety of merchandise including apparel and gifts.&nbsp; The community will have a chance to see the new store for themselves during a special grand opening weekend with ticketed admission to benefit local charities.&nbsp; On Friday September 10th from 6:00 to 9:00pm, for a $50 ticket, guests will enjoy charcuterie board hors d’oeuvres, drinks and live music.&nbsp; This event is limited to 25 guests. On Saturday September 11th, a "beat the rush" event, also limited to 25 guests but at a cost of $10 per ticket, will be held.100% of proceeds from all ticket sales will be divided among Jane's Closet, Community Table, and PAWS.&nbsp; Fritzler tells Panhandle Post the ticketed grand opening is a way for the community to support local charities, and also solves the problem of controlling crowd size in a small storefront. To learn more about Highway 2 Threads, including Fritzler's thoughts on opening a second business after the successful Red Beard Garage, listen to the full podcast interview.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Elizabeth Fritzler, Highway 2 Threads" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=dfnyu-10c4c6b-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
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SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Elizabeth Fritzler, Highway 2 Threads

The summer of 2021 was celebrated by our Eagle radio stations and Panhandle Post as the Summer Of Small Business.&nbsp; Throughout the summer months we've presented podcasts, videos and articles introducing our readers to the men and women who make up the panhandle business community.

As part of our Summer Of Small Business we created a virtual scavenger hunt--a series of questions with answers that could be found on local businesses' websites and Facebook pages.&nbsp; Twice this summer, all those who completed the online scavenger hunt successfully were put into a random drawing for a $1,000 shopping spree at our participating sponsors.

The second and final winner was Zach Payne who went out on his $1,000 shopping spree Friday, October 15th, accompanied by Eagle Radio Nebraska General Manager Olivia Hasenauer.

The spree began at Table Top Meats in Hemingford, where Payne loaded up on meats, cheeses and salami.&nbsp; The spree continued in Alliance as Payne picked out a deep freezer and other household items at Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance.&nbsp; The final stop: Alliance Grocery Kart, for groceries and some celebratory drinks from the Grocery Kart liquor store.

Hasenauer tells Panhandle Post, "It was just really fun watching Zach spend his $1,000.&nbsp; And it's been great this past summer to put the spotlight on the businesses that employ local citizens and support community projects.&nbsp; Even though summer is over, at Eagle Radio helping small businesses tell their story is a year-round project!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

The summer of 2021 was celebrated by our Eagle radio stations and Panhandle Post as the Summer Of Small Business.&nbsp; Throughout the summer months we've presented podcasts, videos and articles introducing our readers to the men and women who make up the panhandle business community.As part of our Summer Of Small Business we created a virtual scavenger hunt--a series of questions with answers that could be found on local businesses' websites and Facebook pages.&nbsp; Twice this summer, all those who completed the online scavenger hunt successfully were put into a random drawing for a $1,000 shopping spree at our participating sponsors.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635191675121.jpeg" alt="Zach Payne visits Table Top Meats in Hemingford." />
 <figcaption>Zach Payne visits Table Top Meats in Hemingford.</figcaption>
 </figure>The second and final winner was Zach Payne who went out on his $1,000 shopping spree Friday, October 15th, accompanied by Eagle Radio Nebraska General Manager Olivia Hasenauer.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635191739610.jpeg" alt="Visiting Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance." />
 <figcaption>Visiting Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance.</figcaption>
 </figure>The spree began at Table Top Meats in Hemingford, where Payne loaded up on meats, cheeses and salami.&nbsp; The spree continued in Alliance as Payne picked out a deep freezer and other household items at Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance.&nbsp; The final stop: Alliance Grocery Kart, for groceries and some celebratory drinks from the Grocery Kart liquor store.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1635191793076.jpeg" alt="Finishing the&nbsp; shopping spree at the Alliance Grocery Kart." />
 <figcaption>Finishing the&nbsp; shopping spree at the Alliance Grocery Kart.</figcaption>
 </figure>Hasenauer tells Panhandle Post, "It was just really fun watching Zach spend his $1,000.&nbsp; And it's been great this past summer to put the spotlight on the businesses that employ local citizens and support community projects.&nbsp; Even though summer is over, at Eagle Radio helping small businesses tell their story is a year-round project!"&nbsp;&nbsp;

Shopping Spree Winner Loads Up On Salami, Cocktails, And Freezer For Both

"It's almost like being at home," says Ron Hauck of his 28 years at Bruce Furniture in Alliance.&nbsp; Of course, most homes don't have 20 recliners and enough mattresses to sleep a small Army.&nbsp; "The parts I like the most are the interaction with people.

"I've seen second generations come in and buy...Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa bought from us.&nbsp; They're very surprised about the things we've got in our store."

Hauck tells Panhandle Post that service is an area at which the Bruce Furniture team excels.&nbsp; "We do offer free delivery...we'll haul off the old product for you...move it to another room, move it to another location.&nbsp; Whatever is easiest for you."

Bruce Furniture carries a vast array of name brand furniture including La-Z-Boy seating options, Serta and BeautyRest bedding, Winners Only dining and bedroom groups and more.

In addition to Hauck, the Bruce Furniture team consists of one office assistant/salesperson and two delivery drivers."We're a small organization but our features are large," notes Hauck.

You can hear our complete interview with Ron Hauck, including the story of how a tornado led to his joining the Bruce Furniture team, at the link below.

By Jason Wentworth"It's almost like being at home," says Ron Hauck of his 28 years at Bruce Furniture in Alliance.&nbsp; Of course, most homes don't have 20 recliners and enough mattresses to sleep a small Army.&nbsp; "The parts I like the most are the interaction with people. "I've seen second generations come in and buy...Mom and Dad or Grandma and Grandpa bought from us.&nbsp; They're very surprised about the things we've got in our store."Hauck tells Panhandle Post that service is an area at which the Bruce Furniture team excels.&nbsp; "We do offer free delivery...we'll haul off the old product for you...move it to another room, move it to another location.&nbsp; Whatever is easiest for you."Bruce Furniture carries a vast array of name brand furniture including La-Z-Boy seating options, Serta and BeautyRest bedding, Winners Only dining and bedroom groups and more.In addition to Hauck, the Bruce Furniture team consists of one office assistant/salesperson and two delivery drivers."We're a small organization but our features are large," notes Hauck.You can hear our complete interview with Ron Hauck, including the story of how a tornado led to his joining the Bruce Furniture team, at the link below.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Ron Hauck, Bruce Furniture" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=2jkg7-10928d0-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div>

SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Ron Hauck, Bruce Furniture

"A drawerful of embroidery thread was all she had."

Those, recalls Sonya Buskirk,&nbsp; were the humble beginnings of Pat's Creative in 1975.&nbsp; Sonya, whose mother-in-law Pat started the business, is the current owner with daughter Shelley Blow.

Pat's Creative has been in its current store location since 1986, and the store is a wealth of products, information and cheer to stitchers throughout the panhandle.&nbsp; Just a small by-the-numbers sample: Pat's Creative has over 5,000 bolts of quilting cotton; 500 boutique fabrics; plus books, patterns, notions and more.

Sonya and Shelley also keep their business stocked with the machines today's stitchers need to help them create.&nbsp; Pat's Creative is a Bernina and Janome sewing machine dealer.

From its earliest days, classes and workshops were an essential element of Pat's Creative, and that remains true to this day.&nbsp; Sonya and Shelley tell Panhandle Post that in addition to a variety of classes, the store's workshops--held on the first and third Monday of each month-are a "sharing and gathering time".

The sharing and gathering of ideas, creativity and support are traditions lasting over four decades at Hemingford's "one-stop sewing shop".

Click the video for a tour of Pat's Creative and conversation with its proprietors.

By Jason Wentworth"A drawerful of embroidery thread was all she had."Those, recalls Sonya Buskirk,&nbsp; were the humble beginnings of Pat's Creative in 1975.&nbsp; Sonya, whose mother-in-law Pat started the business, is the current owner with daughter Shelley Blow.Pat's Creative has been in its current store location since 1986, and the store is a wealth of products, information and cheer to stitchers throughout the panhandle.&nbsp; Just a small by-the-numbers sample: Pat's Creative has over 5,000 bolts of quilting cotton; 500 boutique fabrics; plus books, patterns, notions and more.Sonya and Shelley also keep their business stocked with the machines today's stitchers need to help them create.&nbsp; Pat's Creative is a Bernina and Janome sewing machine dealer.From its earliest days, classes and workshops were an essential element of Pat's Creative, and that remains true to this day.&nbsp; Sonya and Shelley tell Panhandle Post that in addition to a variety of classes, the store's workshops--held on the first and third Monday of each month-are a "sharing and gathering time".The sharing and gathering of ideas, creativity and support are traditions lasting over four decades at Hemingford's "one-stop sewing shop".Click the video for a tour of Pat's Creative and conversation with its proprietors.<figure>
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SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Pat's Creative

As owner and friendly face of Brenda's Cottage in Alliance, Schrum naturally pays a great deal of attention to the quality of the beverages, snacks and other merchandise sold in the cozy little coffee shop.&nbsp; But she pays just as much attention to the experience of being in Brenda's Cottage.

"When [customers] walk in, they get the sense that it's a home.&nbsp; And when they leave, they have the sense that it's a home--and that's what I love," Schrum tells Panhandle Post.&nbsp; "I can't explain enough within my heart how that makes me feel."

The business, located next door to Total Reflections in Alliance, started with the challenges of the COVID lockdown; supplies were delayed or unavailable.&nbsp; However, as the months on the calendar turned Brenda's Cottage turned the corner, and has become a popular morning coffee spot. Schrum notes, "I love to visit!&nbsp; I try to get to know my customers...I'm getting quite a coffee family in that regard...&nbsp; we laugh, we cry, we yell, we have fun, we get serious...it's an everyday life when they come through the door." Check out our complete podcast interview with Brenda Schrum below, which includes further discussion on the store' merchandise, the availability to rent the space for gatherings, and more.&nbsp; We've also got a video tour of Brenda's Cottage.

By Jason WentworthBrenda Schrum is a people person.As owner and friendly face of Brenda's Cottage in Alliance, Schrum naturally pays a great deal of attention to the quality of the beverages, snacks and other merchandise sold in the cozy little coffee shop.&nbsp; But she pays just as much attention to the experience of being in Brenda's Cottage."When [customers] walk in, they get the sense that it's a home.&nbsp; And when they leave, they have the sense that it's a home--and that's what I love," Schrum tells Panhandle Post.&nbsp; "I can't explain enough within my heart how that makes me feel."The business, located next door to Total Reflections in Alliance, started with the challenges of the COVID lockdown; supplies were delayed or unavailable.&nbsp; However, as the months on the calendar turned Brenda's Cottage turned the corner, and has become a popular morning coffee spot. Schrum notes, "I love to visit!&nbsp; I try to get to know my customers...I'm getting quite a coffee family in that regard...&nbsp; we laugh, we cry, we yell, we have fun, we get serious...it's an everyday life when they come through the door." Check out our complete podcast interview with Brenda Schrum below, which includes further discussion on the store' merchandise, the availability to rent the space for gatherings, and more.&nbsp; We've also got a video tour of Brenda's Cottage.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Brenda Schrum, Brenda's Cottage" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=8z6ek-1080b21-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
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SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Brenda Schrum, Brenda's Cottage

"I refuse to drive anywhere to buy lumber.&nbsp; I go out to Bloedorn and buy my lumber."

That statement comes from Greg Carter, co-owner with his wife Lisa of Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance--a competitor of Bloedorn Lumber.&nbsp; Greg made the statement during our Summer of Small Business podcast interview while discussing the importance of shopping local.&nbsp; "What I really want to do is convey the benefits to buying locally...I love our town!"

The Carters began their small business journey by purchasing Roller Hardware.&nbsp; Then-owner Harold Roller was retiring and the Carters took over the store downtown.&nbsp; After several years of growth and success, the Carters decided to expand their business by purchasing the Shopko building on Flack Avenue following that store's closure.&nbsp; Greg tells Panhandle Post: "If people hadn't supported us downtown, we would have never grown into the Shopko building."

Today, Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance has a staff of 13 (plus Greg and Lisa), and continues to add new departments and merchandise.&nbsp; A greenhouse has been a big success as have a variety of gift and home items.

To learn more about Greg and Lisa Carter's small business story, including the day Greg came home and told his wife he wanted to buy a hardware store, listen to our full interview podcast.

"I refuse to drive anywhere to buy lumber.&nbsp; I go out to Bloedorn and buy my lumber."That statement comes from Greg Carter, co-owner with his wife Lisa of Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance--a competitor of Bloedorn Lumber.&nbsp; Greg made the statement during our Summer of Small Business podcast interview while discussing the importance of shopping local.&nbsp; "What I really want to do is convey the benefits to buying locally...I love our town!"The Carters began their small business journey by purchasing Roller Hardware.&nbsp; Then-owner Harold Roller was retiring and the Carters took over the store downtown.&nbsp; After several years of growth and success, the Carters decided to expand their business by purchasing the Shopko building on Flack Avenue following that store's closure.&nbsp; Greg tells Panhandle Post: "If people hadn't supported us downtown, we would have never grown into the Shopko building."Today, Carter's Home Hardware and Appliance has a staff of 13 (plus Greg and Lisa), and continues to add new departments and merchandise.&nbsp; A greenhouse has been a big success as have a variety of gift and home items.To learn more about Greg and Lisa Carter's small business story, including the day Greg came home and told his wife he wanted to buy a hardware store, listen to our full interview podcast.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Greg and Lisa Carter, Carter's Home Hardware & App." allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=mt5km-106db06-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
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SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Greg and Lisa Carter, Carter's Home Hardware & Appliance

For Alliance Grocery Kart manager Becky Maser her journey at the store began as so many other employees have started out there.&nbsp; "Upon graduating from high school I applied to Grocery Kart for a summer job before I headed off to college." Some years later, Becky was working at the store full-time when the manager position opened up.&nbsp; "When [former manager] Shawn Black left I took the position on and went forward."

Maser tells Panhandle Post that among the many changes at the store over the years--including the building expansion, new deli, and more--the creation of the liquor store presented the most challenges.&nbsp; "With the liquor license..and the IDs, and how we have to follow all the procedures back there...the liquor department has done very well."

Maser has a team made up of young employees (many of whom on their first job) combined with long-term staff. "It's always nice to keep an employee a long time and get them part of the family."

You can hear our complete interview with Alliance Grocery Kart manager Becky Maser below, including her discussion of things people might not know about the store.

For Alliance Grocery Kart manager Becky Maser her journey at the store began as so many other employees have started out there.&nbsp; "Upon graduating from high school I applied to Grocery Kart for a summer job before I headed off to college." Some years later, Becky was working at the store full-time when the manager position opened up.&nbsp; "When [former manager] Shawn Black left I took the position on and went forward."Maser tells Panhandle Post that among the many changes at the store over the years--including the building expansion, new deli, and more--the creation of the liquor store presented the most challenges.&nbsp; "With the liquor license..and the IDs, and how we have to follow all the procedures back there...the liquor department has done very well."Maser has a team made up of young employees (many of whom on their first job) combined with long-term staff. "It's always nice to keep an employee a long time and get them part of the family."You can hear our complete interview with Alliance Grocery Kart manager Becky Maser below, including her discussion of things people might not know about the store.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Becky Maser, Alliance Grocery Kart" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ggkv9-1063f0c-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
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SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Grocery Kart Manager Becky Maser 

"You don't chase a dollar, you chase a customer.&nbsp; If you take care of the customer, everything else will fall into place."

This was the lesson pharmacist Dave Randolph learned from his grandfather, a Scottsbluff mechanic and gas station owner.&nbsp; It's the kind of sensible advice any business owner, or person hoping to start a business, can take to heart.

Dave, who purchased the former Shaver's Pharmacy in Hemingford, eventually expanded to a second Dave's Pharmacy in Alliance.&nbsp; Dave had considered owning and operating his own business during his years working for others.

Dave Randolph tells Panhandle Post that the store's credo of "advanced care meets personal service" signifies attention to each customer's individual health profile.&nbsp; "You're actually a patient...we want to take care of you, the person."&nbsp; Dave notes that seeing the whole picture of each customer--whether a person smokes, whether they get proper physical exercise, etc.--is key to their approach.

As the owner of a small business, Dave Randolph notes that all of his employees come from small towns.&nbsp; "Everybody likes to shop local to support each other, because...when we shop local, the whole economy booms."

You can hear our complete interview with Dave Randolph, including his thoughts on the core of Dave's Pharmacy as a business, below.

By Jason Wentworth"You don't chase a dollar, you chase a customer.&nbsp; If you take care of the customer, everything else will fall into place."This was the lesson pharmacist Dave Randolph learned from his grandfather, a Scottsbluff mechanic and gas station owner.&nbsp; It's the kind of sensible advice any business owner, or person hoping to start a business, can take to heart.Dave, who purchased the former Shaver's Pharmacy in Hemingford, eventually expanded to a second Dave's Pharmacy in Alliance.&nbsp; Dave had considered owning and operating his own business during his years working for others.Dave Randolph tells Panhandle Post that the store's credo of "advanced care meets personal service" signifies attention to each customer's individual health profile.&nbsp; "You're actually a patient...we want to take care of you, the person."&nbsp; Dave notes that seeing the whole picture of each customer--whether a person smokes, whether they get proper physical exercise, etc.--is key to their approach.As the owner of a small business, Dave Randolph notes that all of his employees come from small towns.&nbsp; "Everybody likes to shop local to support each other, because...when we shop local, the whole economy booms."You can hear our complete interview with Dave Randolph, including his thoughts on the core of Dave's Pharmacy as a business, below.<div><iframe title="SUMMER OF SMALL BUSINESS: Dave Randolph, Dave's Pharmacy" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=a76cj-10599bd-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&btn-skin=5"></iframe></div><figure>
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Owner Dave Randolph shares story of Dave's Pharmacy

We’re celebrating our small businesses all summer long with our Eagle Radio Summer of Small business campaign.

 A part of that promotion was a $1,000 shopping spree giveaway to be spent in one day at our locally owned sponsoring small businesses.

 Kelly Steinman of Alliance was our first lucky winner.

Steinman shopped strategically and without care this past week at local businesses in Box Butte County.

“It’s nice to shop without worrying about a budget”, Steinman said. 

She and her family went shopping with Nebraska Regional Manager Olivia Hasenauer. 

Steinman had ten local businesses she could shop at. She had a game plan and her first stop was Bloedorn Lumber where she picked out a Blackstone Lodge Grill; just in time for Father’s day.

 The next stop was Table Top Meats in Hemingford because she needed something to throw on the new grill. Steinman and her family stocked up on meats, cheeses, burgers, steaks and other goodies from the locally owned meat store in Box Butte County. 

The last stop was to get her family groceries at Grocery Kart in Alliance.

 Steinman spent the $1,000 on much needed items to enjoy the summer season.

"Our locally owned small businesses have struggled this past year. We felt it was important to provide a campaign and promotion solely focused on what drives our local economy and communities...and that is small businesses," Hasenuaer said. "They’re our friends, neighbors, they support our local kids and events. Now more than ever they need our help and our business. So celebrate this summer with Eagle Radio. Remember to shop local at our sponsoring businesses as well as all local businesses in our area."

We’ll have another $1,000 giveaway in September as we close out our summer of small business campaign. 

You can register beginning August 20 for your chance to win a $1,000 local shopping spree from our small business participants:

-Dave’s Pharmacy in Alliance and Hemingford

-Highway 2 threads- opening soon in Alliance

-Panhandle Trails Intercity Public Transit

-Carter’s Home Hardware and Appliance in Alliance

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623698459394.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>We’re celebrating our small businesses all summer long with our Eagle Radio Summer of Small business campaign. A part of that promotion was a $1,000 shopping spree giveaway to be spent in one day at our locally owned sponsoring small businesses. Kelly Steinman of Alliance was our first lucky winner.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623698422898.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Steinman shopped strategically and without care this past week at local businesses in Box Butte County.“It’s nice to shop without worrying about a budget”, Steinman said. She and her family went shopping with Nebraska Regional Manager Olivia Hasenauer. Steinman had ten local businesses she could shop at. She had a game plan and her first stop was Bloedorn Lumber where she picked out a Blackstone Lodge Grill; just in time for Father’s day.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/6/1623698578406.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> The next stop was Table Top Meats in Hemingford because she needed something to throw on the new grill. Steinman and her family stocked up on meats, cheeses, burgers, steaks and other goodies from the locally owned meat store in Box Butte County. The last stop was to get her family groceries at Grocery Kart in Alliance.<figure>
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 </figure> Steinman spent the $1,000 on much needed items to enjoy the summer season."Our locally owned small businesses have struggled this past year. We felt it was important to provide a campaign and promotion solely focused on what drives our local economy and communities...and that is small businesses," Hasenuaer said. "They’re our friends, neighbors, they support our local kids and events. Now more than ever they need our help and our business. So celebrate this summer with Eagle Radio. Remember to shop local at our sponsoring businesses as well as all local businesses in our area."We’ll have another $1,000 giveaway in September as we close out our summer of small business campaign. You can register beginning August 20 for your chance to win a $1,000 local shopping spree from our small business participants:-Dave’s Pharmacy in Alliance and Hemingford-Table Top Meats in Hemingford-Bloedorn Lumber in Alliance-Alliance Grocery Kart-Brenda’s Cottage in Alliance-Pat’s Creative in Hemingford-Highway 2 threads- opening soon in Alliance-Panhandle Trails Intercity Public Transit-Carter’s Home Hardware and Appliance in Alliance-Bruce Furniture in Alliance<figure>
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Small Business Stories