The Jasper County Economic Development Inc. toured Secondhand Dan’s at their new location in the old Ardnt’s building. They now have over 6,000 square feet to house their wide variety of new and used furniture. Secondhand Dans also sells new and used mattresses.
JEDI Notes:
JEDI toured the new 6,000 square feet location of Secondhand Dan’s located on the square at
100 W Washington St, Newton, IL 62448. Danny Matson spoke about his business and how he
already sees an increase in customers due to his new location.
Opened at their new location this past June.
Secondhand Dan’s offers used AND new furniture. They are able to order new furniture
and mattresses which many people are not aware of.
The product that sells the fastest is currently freezers due to the wait time for a new
freezer.
Their inventory comes from auctions, real-estate sales, and individuals.
Their Facebook page is increasing in traffic and all inventory is updated on a regular
bases: https://www.facebook.com/secondhand.dans/
Their hours are Tuesday – Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Closed Monday &
Sunday.
Meeting Notes:
Attending: Doug Weddell, Larry Brooks, Amber Volk, Jack Thompson, Jason Warfel, Ron Heltsley, Ben
Bollman, Mindy Hartke, Mark Bolander, Marlene Harris, Louis Ochs, Scott Bierman, Brett Lessley,
Beth Probst, Kameron Vinsel, Andy Johnson, Amber Wakefield.
1. Call to order, Chairman Scott Bierman
2. Motion to approve previous July 2020 meeting minutes made by Brett Lessley, second by
Jack Thompson, motion passed.
3. Monthly Updates
a. Amber Volk, Executive Director
i. Vistra Energy donated pandemic relief funds to JEDI for grants to Jasper County,
Illinois businesses. “Limited $1,500 grants will be available. Must be a business
located in Jasper County, Illinois. Must currently be in business. Only one entry
per business. Any grant awarded must be used towards the business. Deadline for
application entries is August 31 st , 2020 by 5pm. Completed applications can be
mailed to: Box 165, Newton, IL. 62448, emailed to: jaspercountyjedi@gmail.com ,
dropped off at the City Hall’s drop box located at 108 N. Van Buren St. #A,
Newton, IL. 62448, or the drive up at the Jasper County Government building
located 204 W. Washington St. Newton, IL. 62448”
1. Hard copies of the grant can be picked up at City Hall in Newton,
Dieterich Bank drive-up, Peoples State Bank drive-up, Jasper County
Government Building drive-up.
ii. Next Marketing meeting will be August 18 th at 10am at the Chamber
building.
iii. Adrian Guzman has created a simple short virtual reality video to show how
it can be used: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6DYj6GnDfU
1. Currently working on receiving a sample of a cardboard vr google that
would be sent to potential businesses.
b. Mark Bolander, Mayor of Newton
i. The Marketing Committee has hired Amber Wakefield as our Marketing Director.
ii. Community Banks, Chamber, & JEDI worked hard to help our businesses
during this pandemic. Thank you.
c. Ron Heltsley, Jasper County Board Chairman
i. Currently working on the budget.
ii. Next County Board meeting is August 13 th @ 7pm.
d. Andy Johnson, Superintendent of Jasper County Unit #1.
i. School starts Tuesday the 11 th with staff and Wednesday the 12 th with students.
Will have 90% of students attending in person. The District is offering remote
learning. We are following mandates from the State.
ii. Working on purchasing 20 hotspots for students.
iii. Will be playing sports.
iv. Looking for 3 custodians and 1 part time secretary.
4. Comments from those attending the meeting.
a. Jason Warfel: Due to the early dismissal of school, should we consider changing the
time for the monthly JEDI meetings?
i. All were in agreeance.
5. Motion to change the monthly JEDI meetings from the first Tuesday of the month at
1:15pm to the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30am made by Jason Warfel, second by
Doug Weddell, and motion passed.
6. Motion to close meeting made by Jason Warfel, second by Louis Ochs, and motion
passed.
7. Tour of Secondhand Dans.
