Enactus secures location for new store

  Wednesday, October 9, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

What has been a vacant storefront in downtown Pittsburg will soon be the location for a new project for Pittsburg State University’s Enactus group.

Krimson Kultuur, the new Enactus store that will sell products from the 10,000 Villages organization, will be located at 111A W. 4th Street.

“It’s such a relief to finally have a set location in place,” said Shelby Brooks, Enactus member and project chairperson. “We’ve worked really hard to plan this new venture, and having a location set means we can truly start moving forward with those plans and see it all play out.”

Students and other volunteers are now working to clean and decorate the store in advance of its Nov. 14 grand opening.

“We have a lot of work to do before we’re ready to open to the public, but we’re definitely ready for that challenge,” Brooks said. “This project means a lot to us and could have a significant impact on our community, so the work it will take is absolutely worth it.”

In September, Enactus received a Pritchett Trust grant in the amount of $10,850 to help fund the store.

Jeff Wilbert, Pittsburg’s downtown development director, worked closely with Enactus to help the students find a location for their store.

“I really appreciate PSU’s Enactus students wanting to bring their store to the downtown district,” Wilbert said. “I see this as one more opportunity for the university and City of Pittsburg to work together for the betterment of not only the students but the entire community.  They are a very dedicated, hardworking group of students who set out on a mission and work until it is accomplished.”

Founded in 1946, 10,000 Villages sells handmade gifts, jewelry and other pieces of art that were produced by artisans in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Product sales help pay for food, education, health care and housing for artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed.

Sam Bogle, Enactus president, said the goal for the local store is ultimately to provide job opportunities and experience for the local unemployed.

“One of the things we very much want to achieve through Enactus is helping to employ the unemployed,” Bogle said. “The store will initially be run by students in our group, which will be great experience for them. Over time, though, we’d love to use the store to provide employment opportunities for people in town who need to gain valuable work experience.”

Brooks said store hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday beginning Nov. 14.