A local woman has won a state award for her business. Val Katzer-Foltz with Monroe 816 was honored as the 2019 Kansas Women Owned Retail Firm of the Year during the 35th Minority Enterprise Development Week award luncheon in Topeka. Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary, David Toland, presented the award. Garnett City Manager Chris Weiner nominated Foltz for the award, set by the Department of Commerce to recognize outstanding women-owned enterprises during October’s observance as National Business Women’s month. Monroe 816 started out of Foltz’s home in Garnett as a “pop-up” store in 2016, setting up at various locations as a vendor. They transitioned to a brick-and-mortar retail store in 2018. What started as a home-based business has fast become one of Garnett’s Town Square anchor businesses, bringing both the retail shopper and those wanting to take lessons on do-it-yourself projects to Garnett. Weiner says that her social media savvy and use of videos is offering a fresh marketing approach and has put Monroe 816 and Garnett on the map as a destination experience. The retail boutique features restyled furniture, home decor and DIY workshops.
