Local physical therapist Dr. Audrey Finer, PT will open a new private practice clinic with the help of two local business incentive programs.
Evolve Physical Therapy received a $5,000 forgivable loan from the Algona Area Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) and a $20,000 revolving loan from the City of Algona. The clinic is anticipated to open in the spring of 2025 at 714 E. State Street.
The clinic will include three private exam rooms, a gym and wellness area and a pediatric specific room. The space is large enough to accommodate an additional physical therapist in the future.
Finer came to Algona in 2015 and currently provides physical therapy services through Walker Chiropractic & Wellness. She has also served patients in Buffalo Center at North Iowa Physical Therapy. Finer provides a broad range of physical therapy services for many conditions including orthopedic, neurological and sports specific conditions. She often will pair typical strengthening and mobility with functional dry needling or muscle trigger point intramuscular therapy.
She will continue to provide a full menu of physical therapy services at Evolve, plus specialties such as pediatric and pelvic health therapy. There will be options for fitness and wellness as well. The clinic will accept Medicare, Medicaid and major private health insurance providers in addition to cash pay.
“Evolve’s conception comes from going past the notion that physical therapy is just for an injury or just after a surgery. I would like you to think of me as your therapist throughout your life span and an integral part of your health care team,” said Finer. “My desire for Evolve is that we continue to push physical activity and exercise in the community. My goal is to entice movement from the youngest population to the senior population, because we know if you are more active, your mental health is better, your physical health is better, everything just gets better. It makes our community an attractive place to live and play.”
She appreciates the range of health care professionals in the Algona area and how the various providers work together to the serve the needs of patients.
“There are so many great health professionals in town. It’s unique for a small town to have that many entities. I love working together to better the community,” Finer said.
A native of the Kansas City area, Finer enjoys the opportunities for recreation and connection that the area provides, from the Tornado Alley run to the Women’s Networking event through the Algona Area Chamber of Commerce. She was initially introduced to the area through her husband, who grew up in Titonka.
“I’ve just really fallen in love with Algona. I think it’s a great small town to raise a family and now to start a new business venture,” she said.
The funding from AAEDC and the City of Algona have allowed Finer to set up her clinic for success from the start, by purchasing equipment needed for specialty services that are not available in many rural areas.
“At the clinic I am looking to really make it be a comfortable place where you can have your therapy, and again have a one-on-one approach that in a setting that feels like home. With some of the specialties, it’s nice to have equipment that can treat the things that will attract people from afar,” she said. “Technology continues to progress and allow for more specific treatment for many conditions I treat from a pediatric client to a pelvic health client. I am excited to be able to offer Algona superior care to achieve quality outcomes of health and function.”
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 are considered on a first come, first serve basis.
The City of Algona’s Small Business Revolving Loan Fund has loans available between $5,000 and $20,000 per applicant. The program guidelines limit the interest to half of the prime interest rate, with a maximum of 2.5 percent. The mission of the fund is to aid business start-ups and existing businesses with expansion, remodeling, or relocating to Algona or to facilitate business succession.
To apply or learn more about the Algona Advantage Program and other AAEDC initiatives visit www.discoveralgona.com. To learn more about business incentives available through the City of Algona, visit www.algonaiowa.gov or contact Barb Smith at 515-295-2411.