Chamber News

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 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.

Spring Valley representatives welcome Juan -a Have It to the downtown business community.
From left, are Angie Gensmer, Wendy Betts, Justin Mlinar, business owner Juanita Gilbert, Chris Danielson and Tyler Anderson.
The business is located inside the 101 South Broadway Avenue building in a room adjacent to Serenity Salon.