Frazee storefront to close in mid-February

By Karen Pifher and Megan Jenson

Co-Owners, Creating 

Community Consulting

Each year, Creating Community Consulting (CCC) serves communities across approximately 20 counties in the Midwest, and in 2025 we expanded our impact by launching nonprofit capacity-building and fundraising training and tools. This work has allowed us to support childcare access, improve public health and social services, and strengthen communities in meaningful ways while diversifying clients.

No one could have predicted the wave of change in 2026 that happened instantly.

Approximately 50 percent of our budget comes from government contracting, and the threat of federal budget cuts to Minnesota has directly impacted several of our clients. As a result of those funding cuts, several contracts planned for 2026 have been delayed or stopped without information on if and when they may be reinstated. Because of this direct impact to our organization, we made the heartbreaking decision to lay off two of our staff, specifically within our administrative and project specialist roles.

I want to be very clear: the staff members impacted by these layoffs are dedicated, passionate, and hardworking people. This decision in no way reflects their talent, professionalism, or commitment. Losing them has been incredibly painful, and our hearts are broken for them and the loss to the community.

These changes also mean that our team will be working remotely, and we will be closing our Frazee building. The storefront will officially close on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Creating Community Junction has meant so much to CCC and to the community. While leading the Economic Development Authority, we have been proud to subsidize space for Frazee Floral, provide community resources for locals and tourists, sell gifts for Troll Hunters and sport Evergreen Creations gifts, while also uplifting other local makers through Frazee-branded items. The building has represented collaboration, creativity, and community, and letting it go is not easy.

Even with these changes, we want to reassure our partners and communities that we still have a strong core team at Creating Community Consulting. We will continue to effectively execute all current contracts, and those commitments will not be impacted.

Our commitment to Frazee remains strong. We will continue working to support development of the new Pickleball Courts, the CornerStone Youth, Community and Family Resource Center, and Wannigan Regional Park as planned in 2026. Questions regarding any contracts can be directed to info@creatingcommunityconsulting.com.

Our hearts ache for the staff who have been impacted by these cuts, and at the same time, we remain hopeful for the future. We believe deeply in the work we do, the communities we serve, and the power of people showing up for one another.

In difficult times like these, we ask that our community members act with compassion and kindness, remain hopeful, and support one another like only our small rural communities can. We are strong, courageous, and we need each other. Let’s be a beacon of hope in difficult times.