Appliance Plus will expand into a renovated downtown location, with the help of a $5,000 forgivable loan from the Algona Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC).
Appliance Plus is currently located on Highway 18 and is an authorized U.S. Cellular agent. The business owners, Gary and Brenda Fox, plan to relocate to State Street by August 1 on the site of the former Furniture Barn. The store will offer a large showroom with U.S. Cellular phones and accessories, GE appliances, Spring Air mattresses and Ashley Furniture.
“We are pleased to see a vacant downtown building come back to life with a retail business like Appliance Plus. The Algona Advantage forgivable loan provides a way for AAEDC to contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the community and encourage new and expanding business owners to discover what Algona has to offer,” said AAEDC president John Bilsten.
Appliance Plus is a third-generation family-owned business that serves as an authorized U.S. Cellular agent in Oelwein, Independence, West Union, New Hampton, Charles City, Webster City, Osage, Forest City, Dyersville, Waukon and Algona. Appliance Plus is a General Electric and Hotpoint Dealer in Oelwein, Independence, Charles City, Webster City, Osage, Dyersville and (soon) Algona. Spring Air Mattresses were added to their product lines in both Webster City and Oelwein. Ashley Furniture will soon be available in both Webster City and Algona.
“We’ve been happy with the community since we’ve come here,” said Gary Fox. “Algona is a very nice town. We’re excited to get into the new building and appreciate the support we have received.”
The State Street location is currently under renovation, to remodel and modernize the existing building with energy efficient windows, interior lighting, flooring, electrical, exterior paint, and updated signage.
The Algona Advantage Program was created by AAEDC in the fall of 2023 to attract new businesses to the area and promote the expansion of existing businesses that will diversify or enhance the local business economy.
The Algona Advantage Program offers a forgivable loan of up to $5,000 to qualifying businesses relocating to or expanding within the City of Algona. Funds may be utilized for a variety of expenses, including construction, land/building acquisition, building renovations or repairs, site development, materials, equipment, supplies, marketing, legal fees, website or e-commerce creation, business succession, inventory or other expenses as approved by AAEDC. Funding for the program is limited and applications will be considered on a first come, first serve basis.
To apply or learn more about the Algona Advantage Program and other AAEDC initiatives visit www.discoveralgona.com.