Storm Lake United launches foundation to boost downtown, small businesses

Storm Lake United used its annual awards night at King’s Pointe Resort to launch a new foundation aimed at giving downtown and small-business projects a more permanent source of support. The Storm Lake United Foundation opened with a $25,000 commitment from ISG, spread over five years, a signal that local business leaders want a steadier way to back commercial growth in Storm Lake and Buena Vista County.

The foundation is intended to support small businesses, strengthen commercial districts and help bring underused spaces back into productive use. That puts the new organization in position to help with the kind of projects that shape daily life in Storm Lake, from storefront renewal to downtown reinvestment, rather than relying only on one-time promotions and annual celebrations.

Storm Lake United board president Ryan Mohr told the room the ISG gift represented belief in small businesses, downtown Storm Lake and Buena Vista County. ISG leaders said the firm started small in Storm Lake and has grown to 18 locations, a detail that underscored how local roots can scale into a broader regional presence. The announcement came before business leaders, supporters and representatives of local organizations, keeping the focus on a community-wide effort rather than a single neighborhood or industry.

The evening also doubled as a showcase for the local business base. Storm Lake United recognized eight businesses that opened over the past year: Be-YOUty Suites, Flourish, Empower Salon, 505 Western, Scooters on Main, Noggin Water, Sushi Cado and Top Soil. Scooters on Main received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, while Austin Buchholz of Edwards was honored with the Innovative Marketing Award for his social media work.

Community service remained part of the night’s message. Former mayor Mike Porsch received the Community Impact Award. Sue Lingaas was named Volunteer of the Year for her work with Caring Paws Rescue and other civic efforts, and Dr. Dianne Johnson was recognized as she retired from Lake Animal Hospital. The event also included a Legacy Award for Becki Drahota of Mills Marketing, who delivered the keynote and spoke about challenges facing community banks and the shift toward digital marketing.

Tom Grau was recognized as he prepared to leave Storm Lake United on May 1. The night drew about 95 people, giving the new foundation a public launch inside an event that has become one of the clearest windows into Storm Lake’s small-business momentum. In 2025, Storm Lake United’s annual meeting drew more than 100 community members and highlighted five new businesses. This year’s larger field of eight openings suggested the local storefront pipeline is still moving, and the foundation now gives Storm Lake United a formal vehicle to try to keep that momentum going.