(SBA) - Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Aggies, Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony in collaboration with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. The event took place at Aggie’s The Venue on Sergeant Square Drive in Sergeant Bluff, where Cathy Bishop, the owner of Aggie’s, Inc., was surrounded by family, friends, community leaders, and patrons.
Dave Lintell of the Iowa Small Business Administration emphasized the importance of National Small Business Week, a presidentially designated week honoring America’s 33 million small businesses. The highlight of this tradition is the presentation of awards recognizing the contributions of small business owners at the state and national levels. He expressed his pleasure in recognizing Cathy as the 2024 Iowa Small Business Person of the Year.
Cathy, a 1983 graduate of Texas A&M (the Aggies), spent a decade in Colorado as a Bank Examiner before realizing her entrepreneurial dream. In 1994, she returned to Sergeant Bluff and established Aggie’s, Inc. Initially a restaurant offering catering services, Aggie’s pivoted in 2009 to focus on catering and transformed the restaurant into a thriving catering and event venue.
Chris McGowan, president of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, expressed his gratitude for the community’s participation in the June Siouxland Chamber of Commerce rush hour connect. He highlighted Aggie’s success over three decades and its impact on significant life events, including weddings, funerals, and family reunions. Cathy’s vision and execution have made her a community leader and an integral part of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and executive committee.
Cathy’s journey from dreaming of entrepreneurship to becoming a successful businesswoman is a testament to the American dream. Her business success and community contributions were celebrated by the US Small Business Administration, which presented her with an award from the Iowa district office. Cathy’s team, which she credits for much of her success, was also recognized. The team, though small, has made a significant contribution to the community.
Cathy’s journey over the past 30 years, from her nieces playing on the cash registers on opening day to her team’s current success, is a testament to her vision and hard work. She expressed her gratitude to her team, particularly Shannon, who manages the day-to-day operations. She also acknowledged the long-term employees who have contributed to Aggie’s success.
The event concluded with a few announcements, including the upcoming Siouxland Mental Health and Wellness Expo, the annual golf outing, and the Siouxland Chamber’s annual event featuring John Andrasik with Five for Fighting. The community was encouraged to support these events and celebrate the achievements of local businesses like Aggie’s, Inc.
