Anita is a small town (1,100 residents) in Iowa that was down to one last grocery store – the Main Street Market which originally opened in 1900.

Last year, 12 miles away, a new Wal-Mart opened up and not surprisingly, it was having a negative impact on the Main Street Market and the owners feared they would have to close their doors.

However, local residents decided they wanted the market to stay, formed a cooperative, sold shares for $200 each and raised $40,000 (which along with a bank loan) allowed the town to keep the market open.

Main Street market’s general manager, Linda Harms, said, “This is a community store now. It’s heartwarming to see how people really pull together.”

It’s great that the market stays open, Wal-Mart continues to operate, the community is closer together and the government did not have to get involved. Again, the power of community is amazing and to be applauded. Their community, their values – their market☺

BTW – I am frequently asked where I learn about some of the stories that I write about in this blog. The magazine The Week has a variety of little blurbs every week that I find interesting and look forward to passing on to you.