Valley Junction Souvenir and Gift Shop Wins State Recognition

The has earned targeted small business certification status from the State of Iowa, according to a news release, making the Valley Junction retailer eligible for expanded sales opportunities and potential financial backing.

Businesses that receive the Targeted Small Business certification from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals must:

• Be actively managed by women, minority group members or persons with disabilities;
• Have a gross income of less than $4 million computed as an average of the preceding three fiscal years.
• Be located in Iowa and
• Operate as a for-profit venture.

Certified targeted small businesses are eligible to apply for low-interest loans and equity grants through the Iowa Department of Economic Development. State purchasing officers also consider those designated businesses when seeking bids for state-purchased goods and services, the release said.

“The Heart of Iowa Market Place is known and loved as a Valley Junction retail shop, but a tremendous part of our business is with corporate clients who are eager to promote the state of Iowa. That’s why it was really a natural progression for us to achieve certification to do business with the State of Iowa, which works very hard to promote products made and sold by Iowa businesses,” Kelly Sharp, the store’s owner, said in the news release.

The Heart of Iowa Market Place, which opened in 1986, specializes in Iowa souvenirs and gifts. The store, located at 211 Fifth St. in , sells gift baskets of Iowa products plus John Deere, Hawkeye and Cyclone merchandise. Its most popular product, homemade fudge, is closely trailed by products that promote Iowans’ penchant for pigs, cows and corn.