6 Summer 2023 Hiawatha Mural is a Sign of Deep Pride After the owners of Pederson Seed & Services, Andy andWendy Pederson, purchased the old Maple Lanes Bowling Alley, they decided its south side could serve as a welcome sign for Hiawatha. Thanks to the work of five artists in 2022, the letter-perfect mural does that and more. The first “H” pays homage toTheodore Korthanke and his beloved maple trees, whose colorful leaves are the symbol of Hiawatha. The “I” displays the iconic Clock Tower building, and the first “A” shows part of an American flag. The “W” represents the Midwest with a buffalo, and the next “A” shows a soybean field. The “T” honors the town’s annual Halloween Frolic, and the second “H” is a tractor. The final “A” is a tribute to the National Guard 2nd Battalion, 130th Field Artillery, based in Hiawatha. Andy Pederson said, “This mural has generated an overwhelming flow of pride and appreciation from Hiawatha and surrounding communities. We love that.” Pederson Seed & Services continues to give back to the area by hosting “Cars & Coffee” events and food trucks during the spring season. When your business supports local programs, initiatives, and organizations, it’s a win for your community. You’re helping to improve the quality of life for residents as well as the economic development of the area.The winning doesn’t stop there, however. Giving back is also a win for your business, since donating and volunteering on an ongoing basis builds stronger connections with your customers and shows them you genuinely care about what’s important to them. Many of today’s consumers appreciate businesses that go beyond selling products and services and take action to address the needs of their communities. In fact, the term CorpSumer was coined to describe a brand activist who considers a company’s values, actions, and reputation to be just as important as the things they sell. In addition to the positive impact on current customer relationships, giving back can also help your business attract new customers by increasing the exposure of your business and its employees at community events such as youth sports, nonprofit fundraisers, festivals, and parades. With every sponsorship or other contribution, you make an investment not only in your community, but in the marketing of your business. There are many ways to give back, and if you’re looking for additional ideas, consider these: Volunteer together and/or help employees to volunteer. For example, your team could spend an afternoon working on a Habitat for Humanity house. Or allow employees to choose their own organizations, and give them time off to volunteer. Offer services. Providing your products for free or at a reduced rate is another great way to contribute locally. Serve as a “middleman.” You could make your business a drop-off location for drives to collect needed items, such as food or school supplies. Use social media. Use your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and other social media accounts to announce fundraising events, suggest donating to a particular organization, or simply tell a wider audience more about what they do. Giving Back to Your Community is a Win-Win
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