Anew gets Vision 2017 grant for island

Anew Emporium, 103 S. Main St., Shawano, has received a $1,088 Vision 2017 Interior Grant.

The grant was used by former owners Cindy and Andre Van Belkom to construct an island with quality cabinetry and a granite top. The island seats 15 people and will facilitate interactive demonstrations and tastings.

The Van Belkoms opened their business in 2013 featuring loose leaf specialty teas, tea accessories, and gourmet food items. Soon after opening they added consignment “shabby chic” furniture, as well as home décor and bedding. The following year they expanded their product line with ultra-premium extra-virgin olive oils, fine aged balsamic vinegars, wines, spirits and liqueurs.

New owners took over Anew on March 3. Sisters Abigael Wallrich and Chelsea Gilling grew up in Shawano and are fulfilling a 15-year dream by purchasing the Main Street business.

“As little girls, we remember shopping downtown during the Holiday Stroll and thinking how fun it would be to have our own store one day. During college, we made it a goal that no matter what, one day we would make our dream a reality,” Gilling said.

Last fall while shopping at Anew, Cindy Van Belkom approached the sisters about the possibility of purchasing the store.

Since 2013, 53 grants totaling $176,000 have been awarded to small businesses through the Vision 2017 façade and interior grant programs. This has stimulated total capital investment of over $1.4 million. Grants have been awarded to businesses throughout Shawano County in the communities of Tigerton, Wittenberg, Gresham, Eland, Bonduel, and Shawano.

The façade and interior grant program within Vision 2017 is now closed, but other initiatives continue.