Bus Spot

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS

MILLTOWN AUTO & RADIATOR REPAIR, INC.
Milltown, Polk County

Milltown Auto & Radiator Repair, Inc. is located on State Road 35 in Milltown and is owned by Alan and Kathy Hochstetler. The company offers complete automotive repair services, including radiator and air-conditioning repair, alignments, and tune-ups. They also have welding and machining services available.

GLASS INSULATORS, INC.
Bloomer, Chippewa County

Glass Insulators, Inc. of Bloomer is owned by Stacy and Mandi Marik. The company is a manufacturer of insulating glass units. Glass Insulators primarily manufactures thermal panes for commercial doors and windows, but they have also started to focus on the residential custom vinyl window market as well.

BACK TO BLISS, LLC
Colby, Clark County

ST. CROIX VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY, INC.
New Richmond, St. Croix County

St. Croix Valley Habitat for Humanity, Inc. received a $25,000 Micro Loan from the RBF, Inc. in February of 2010. The funds were used for start-up operating capital for the new ReStore in New Richmond, WI and the ReStore is expected to create two full time jobs in the next two years.

The company received a $30,000 Facade Loan from the RBF, Inc., in February of 2010. The funds were used to repair holes, cracks and voids in the exterior stucco and the entire building was painted. New doors, driveway and parking lot were installed on the side of the building facing Bering Street. Plus, all of the signs on the exterior were replaced.

In March of 2010, Stacy and Mandi purchased the former Catalytic Combustion building on Main Street in Bloomer. They moved Glass Insulators from a 7,500 square foot facility into the newly renovated 19,200 square foot facility. The RBF, Inc. awarded the company a $45,000 Revolving Loan Fund loan to assist with the renovation and moving costs. The project helped leverage $350,000 in private funds and Glass Insulators is expected to create three jobs in the next two years.

Back to Bliss, LLC is a wellness center located in Colby. The compay offers services such as massage, yga classes, lifestyle consulations, and alternative health education. They also have a small boutique that sells yoga accessories, healthy snack foods and teas, books, homeopathies, and other natural health aids.

The company is owned by Josiah and Monica Groth. Josiah has a BS in Biology Education from UW Green Bay and is a licensed massage therapist. Monica holds her Instructors and Cosmetology License and owns her own business, designing and selling a full line of meditation seats, mats, mala bags and rectangular seats.

The ReStore is a not-for-profit building materials recycling center. They take donated new, gently used and salvaged home improvement materials and sell them to the public at discounted prices. Donations are received from area businesses, contractors and installers, and individuals. Revenue generated from the store, along with some of the materials, is used to build affordable homes for families in need in Pierce and St. Croix Counties. (www.scvhabitat.org)

Back to Bliss received a $10,000 Micro Loan from the RBF, Inc. in April. The funds were used for purchasing inventory and to assist with the expansion into a larger facility. The expansion is expected to create four jobs. (www.backtoblisswellness.com)