Success Stories
Rooftop beekeeping tops Big Idea Hastings
Dustin Schmidt’s business idea Up Top Apiaries — rooftop beekeeping in downtown Hastings — won the Big Idea Hastings pitch contest Tuesday at The Lark. “We couldn’t be more pleased with the turnout tonight,” said Maggie Vaughan, who organized Big Idea Hastings as HEDC Director of Talent Solutions. “People came together to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community, which was awesome. They were excited the entire night and everybody seemed really passionate and ready to give back and support these potential entrepreneurs in our community.”
Council OKs reuse funds for Pacha Soap to add 11 positions
Pacha Soap will soon be growing its workforce by more than 30 percent thanks to Community Development Block Grant reuse funds. Members of the Hastings City Council voted 6-0 during their regular meeting Monday on separate votes to approve different items pertaining to the $385,000 CDBG loan to Pacha. Council members Phil Odom and Sarah Hoops were absent.
HEDC project addresses many needs in Hastings
With the Hastings Economic Development Corp. having announced plans on April 6 to develop 93 acres on the north edge of Hastings, HEDC Executive Director Dave Rippe answered several questions from the Hastings Tribune about the project. Its location is just east of existing businesses along Osborne Drive East between 26th and 33rd streets, and north of the building that houses Dunham’s Sports and Tractor Supply.
Plans announced for $40 million development
More than 90 acres in north Hastings could soon be home to a residential, commercial and retail development as well as a hotel. Dave Rippe, executive director of the Hastings Economic Development Corp., announced plans to HEDC members Thursday afternoon at The Lark for a 93-acre mixed use property development project that HEDC estimates to be worth more than $40 million once completed.