An Outsider’s View
Custom Millwork & Finishing (CMF) came to Vinton in 2006. Prior to that, Vinton was a drive through town for myself on my way to see friends or maybe looking for some farm equipment. Then the 4 lane came through and even that was reduced immensely. An opportunity to purchase an existing building in the Industrial Park brought us to the community. When we looked for help there was no assistance to encourage us to move into the facility we are currently in, but we did so anyway.
Eight years later I still drive back and forth, but now Vinton is considered my “other” home town. The character and charm of the community started to show itself very early on. A couple of other business owners stopped in to meet and offer assistance to see if we needed anything. The downtown area was an immediate attraction, which we patronized as much as possible. Our first company vehicles were supplied by a Vinton dealership. The local electrician was always johnny on the spot for us. And even though Vinton has its own hospital, we did not have to patronize that for anything major (thankfully). Our workforce is 75% from Vinton, or the nearby surrounding area.
Time went by and we grew to the point of needing to expand, and just by chance we had a visit by a member of Vinton Unlimited looking for scrap material. Soon after that we joined and became members ourselves. Nathan was there to help us in so many ways. Just having someone introduce you to local people is one way that makes becoming a part of the community so much easier. Nathan filled us in on programs now available to businesses like ours – Gap funding, TIF programs, and supportive groups like SCORE that offer business advice and more at no charge. He would work on anything we would ask him about, as well as other town support from the mayor, the council and city coordinator. But just like any other organizations I’ve been involved with, you get out what you put in. From an outsider’s point of view, Vinton was fulfilling the description of what you would expect from a small Iowa community. I think we take for granted the items we have at our disposal every day and Vinton Unlimited falls into that category, as easily as your hot water.
We now have a new director in Melissa Schwan. Why not take the opportunity to find out how she and VU can help you, your business & your community. Nothing happens without involvement of some kind. So this might be your time to join, or if you’re already a member find out what you can do to help. I look forward to doing whatever I can to help Vinton and Benton County continue to grow and prosper while keeping the small town description. Just remember change is inevitable, progress is optional.
Robert Koenigsfeld
Custom Millwork & Finishing
VU Board Member