Lake Benton's loss
By Robert Wolfington IIIArticle Photos
LAKE BENTON - Jack Burk opened John C. Fremont Emporium 10 years ago as part of an effort to attract more tourism into Lake Benton.
Burk will close JC Fremont Emporium at the end of the year because of a slowing economy and increased energy costs.
The gift shop sells popular collectables and other items. The Emporium also has a seasonal shop that opens during the holiday months.
The store is along U.S. Highway 75 in Lake Benton.
Burk said the business was strong during the first nine years, but an increase in heating costs has made keeping the business open difficult.
"We did well for many years," Burk said about the gift shop. "Heating costs this year really hurt us."
Burk also owns and operates Burk's Antiques and Lake Benton Mercantile, a store one block away from JC Fremont Emporium.
He will continue to run the antique store, which has been a part of his family's business for 50 years.
Burk's mission to increase tourism in the community began more then a decade ago while he served on the Lake Benton City Council.
"We wanted to develop Lake Benton as a destination," said Burk.
In addition to the Emporium, the mission included a revitalization of the downtown area and promoting different events.
Lake Benton hosts a number of events throughout the year, including Benton-Fremont Days, Te Tonka Ha Rendezvous and Hehdoka Knap-In, along with the Saddle Horse Holiday weekend.
Burk said business at the store has been strong until this year.
"Up until this year business has been wonderful," said Burk. "With the cost of gas, people aren't coming through like they used to."
Joan Hohenstein, owner of Hohenstein Stained Glass Studio in Lake Benton, said losing a business in the community is disappointing.
"Anytime a business closes it's going to have a negative impact," said Hohenstein. "It's a prime spot for someone to have a business."
Buzz Dass, owner Wooden Diamond Bed and Breakfast in Lake Benton, agreed it's sad to see a business in the community close.
"Anytime a small community loses is a big loss," said Dass. "I think it's going to be a vacancy, and I don't know what is going to take its place."
Wooden Diamond Bed and Breakfast opened about 15 years ago. Dass said tourism has risen the last decade.
"The tourism here has been phenomenal for us," said Dass. "We have had a very good year (this year)."
The Emporium offered customers 75 percent off items sold Saturday.
Burk said the goal is to have all items sold by the end of the year when the store will close.
At one point, Lake Benton was home to seven antique and gift shops.
Burk said two of those shops have already closed.
"I regret we have to close it," Burk said. "It's just not feasible to keep operating it right now."
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littleguy56289
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09-16-08 2:00 AM
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Another small town business taken down by Republican energy policy, drafted by the Energy companies behind closed doors with Dick Cheney in 2001.
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