The Willkommen Committee welcomed new Chamber member, New Ulm’s Own! New Ulm’s Own is a nonprofit store that promotes fair trade. What does fair trade mean? It means that fair prices were paid to the producers of the products and that there was no child labor involved. The store sells crafts, jewelry, chocolates, and much more! These fair trade products come from all over the world and are handcrafted by artisans in developing countries. The store even features work from 8 local artists. Many of the artists are sensitive to the environment, meaning many products are made from recycled materials.

The idea for the store came to Jeanie Hinsman after she visited several fair trade markets around Minnesota. She became very interested with the fair trade movement and thought New Ulm should have something like this. In March of 2016, she got a committee together and they were able to make the store happen! All of the staff are volunteers. The profits of the store go to local charities like the NUMAS Haus here in New Ulm. Welcome New Ulm’s Own!

The store is located at 212 N. Minnesota Street and is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-5. For more information check out their website or like them on Facebook.

In the photo are Brittney Schmeising, Chuck Spaeth Ford, Bernice Schmitz, Jeanie Hinsman, and Mary Kluge, New Ulm’s Own; Andrea Boettger, Design Home Center, and Randy Schroeder, Frandsen Bank & Trust.