Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (ESV) (Colossians 3:23)

The Hiland Bakery located at 3615 6th Avenue, first opened for business in 1946. It was the sweet spot for the Highland Park Neighborhood for 73 years. Then last summer, the previous owners decided to retire and the business was closed--doors locked--gone. This left a real (donut) hole in the community as it was a favorite place for many people to buy their sweet treat. The bakery closing left a dark cloud over the area--but, according to the old saying,  there is often a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. This happened last month when new owners, Tracy and Jeff Adamson, bought the building and reopened the neighborhood's beloved Hiland Bakery.

MY View for the Month: Now, I think this is the real story. The Hiland Bakery is a good example of an Iowa small business that is family owned and operated. A small business like this, is labor intense with long hours and a great deal of financial  investment and risk. However, there is pride in ownership, and for many , this far outweighs the uncertainties that are part of life in the retail world. For those who fit in this niche, a small business is an important part of the Iowa scene. I am very thankful for the folks who are willing to buck the big guys to provide a quality product at a fair price.

Above: The door opened on the new Hiland Bakery, January 27, 2020. I'm sure it won't surprise you to know I was there bright and early to pick out my my morning sweets. Below: The general manager, Katelyn Adamson, greeted me with a smile and packed up my six pack to go. I knew our coffee pot was on, so I'm out the door and on my way home to do donuts with my wife.