Spring Valley Area Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to “Hometown Minnesota"
A large crowd turned out for the unveiling of Kalla Lily Floral Studio in downtown Spring Valley
on Friday, August 1, 2025, which featured a cookout and open house.
After the ribbon cutting, owner Kara Denner received a certificate from Chamber of Commerce members Alicia O’Connell, Angie Gensmer, Kerin Rath and Mark Marburger. She also received a certificate from the EDA given by economic development director Chris Hahn and board members Chris Danielson and Justin Mlinar.
A crowd gathered just off of Main Street at Good Earth Village in front of the new Main Street cabins in what is called Old Town during a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting Friday, July 18.
The new buildings hold 54 beds in four different cabins, which have bathrooms with showers, new bunks and decks as well as a community kitchen. The newly constructed cabins mark a significant step in the camp’s ongoing efforts to expand capacity, improve accessibility, and provide safe, welcoming lodging for year-round retreats and summer campers alike, according to Executive Director Dianna Parks.
“These cabins are more than just buildings—they are spaces where lives will be transformed,” said Parks. “It represents the generosity of our supporters and our commitment to providing sacred spaces for rest, reflection and community.”
One of the buildings will be called Atwood Station, in honor of Steve Atwood, who put in thousands of hours in the project and is nicknamed the unofficial sheriff of Good Earth Village. Another building will be called Astrup Corner Store in recognition of the Astrup Foundation, represented by President Susan Astrup Lundquist, who spoke during the ceremony about the first cabin on Main Street called the Sterling Drug Cabin in honor of her father who started Sterling Drug in 1952. Atwood and Lundquist were recognized prior to the ribbon-cutting with a special plaque in honor of their contributions.
Other speakers in addition to Parks and Lundquist included Pastor Marla Rotman, president of the Good Earth Village Board of Directors, who spoke about all the things, even acting like an idiot, that make camp special. “Even with the ticks and mosquitoes, the voles and the wild person, the land and the people will sing of God’s goodness here,” she said.
Another speaker was Pastor Nick Fisher-Broin, who met his wife at Good Earth Village and started there in 1985. He brought up the pioneering spirit inherent in Old Town, which is modeled after a pioneer village, where “kids get to know each other, where they learn to trust their friends, their neighbors, their counselors, and ultimately to trust and to know God.”
Tyler Anderson, Director of Retreat Services, closed out the ceremony with the ribbon-cutting and tours of the new buildings.
Spring Valley Area Chamber Business Spotlight
Thrivent Financial- Brandon Scheevel
When were you established?
2016
What services are offered?
Basic budgeting all the way to retirement planning, investments, and life insurance.
What do you want people to know about your business?
Our primary goal is to conduct our business with honesty and integrity. We choose to always do what is best for the client. We are so thankful for the opportunity God has given us to serve others in this way.
How many employees?
We are a husband-wife duo. Brandon does the advising, Carrie supports with office administrative help.
What do you like about having a business in Spring Valley? We love being right in the downtown area, and always look forward to the community events.
Fun fact about your business?
Members of Thrivent have access to Action Teams, which means they have $500 per year to use for events, fundraisers, or service projects. Members can make an impact in their communities by helping out the causes and organizations that mean the most to them.
Visit their office in downtown Spring Valley!
Spring Valley representatives welcome Kaylin’s Beauty Lounge to the downtown business community.
From left, are Tyler Anderson, Alicia O’Connell, Kaylin Thomson of Kaylin’s Beauty Lounge, Wendy Betts, Chris Danielson, Justin Mlinar and Angie Gensmer.
The business, which is undergoing renovation at this time, is located inside the 101 South Broadway Avenue building that also houses Serenity Salon.
Spring Valley representatives welcome Courtney Gilsdorf in front of her chair of Wild Roots Salon and Spa to the downtown business community.
From left, are Wendy Betts, Tyler Anderson, Gilsdorf, Justin Mlinar, Chris Danielson and Angie Gensmer.
The business is located inside the 101 South Broadway Avenue building adjacent to Serenity Salon.