The aftermath of Vise Grip Tools closure has extended into the prospects of new business for the village of De Witt.

With the economy continuing the slow, and the main business in the village gone, a local couple says they can't get financial help, to bring new business into the area.

If you've been to the quaint home of the former Vise Grip plant, you know you can take your pick of any fruit named streets in the village, but you won't find a grocery store where you can buy fruit.

The one and only closed it's doors last year. The closest is seven miles away in Wilber.

Since then, Jim and Kim Chlupacek have tried to open a new store. They bought a building on the main street in town almost a year ago.

But they say they're feeling the pinch of bank's tightened borrowing.
The closure of the village's main employer, Vise Grip Tools, doesn't help either.

Mr. Chlupacek says the lenders they've talked to voiced concerns over the plant being closed, and fewer people working in De Witt, to buy their groceries.

"They were concerned with the people getting jobs out of town in Beatrice or Lincoln. They (the lenders) figured then they'll get their groceries there too," said Chlupacek.

His wife echos the sentiment, saying banks have told them the store is a high risk.

So, the duo, both of whom are already employed, are working to prove to possible lenders that their small business would be successful and that there's interest for it in the village.

Mrs. Chlupacek placed petitions around town to wage interest from residents. She says more than half the town signed the petition, in favor of the store.

Still, banks aren't biting on the opportunity to lend the cash needed to get business started.

The couple says fear of the uncertain economy is driving away the possibility of a new business for the struggling village.

"They're saying the small mom and pop grocery stores aren't alive anymore," said Kim Chlupacek.

Leon Milobar, Nebraska District Director for the Small Business Association, says he hasn't seen any trends of small town grocery stores going under or not getting financing, but he says it is likely banks would be weary of funding a start-up business in a small town where the main employer has already shut it's doors.

But Randy Badman, chairman of the De Witt village board, says a grocery store is just what community needs.

"To have a grocery store back in town would be great. We have senior citizens who would just love to have a grocery store," said Badman.

While it's taking longer than expected, the idea of convenience for De Witt residents is one the Chlupacek's don't plan on letting fade into the night.

Hoping the venture would offer possible job opportunities, and bring money spent on groceries, back into the village instead of surrounding towns.