DOLLAR GENERAL OPENS IN WAUKON INDUSTRIAL PARK

Since 1938, Dollar General, of Goodlettsville, TN, has been offering bottom line prices on basic household necessities. Its new Waukon store is among 40 Dollar General units commencing operation throughout Iowa this year alone.
Located in the Waukon Industrial Park near Pamida, Dollar General opened July 14. The official grand opening July 20 saw a few treats for customers and a new staff already familiar with the store and able to run all the registers effectively.
"Our opening was more like a sneak preview," says Kelly Cook, store manager and Waukon native. "I wanted my employees to get used to the registers the week before the grand opening," she added.
Preparations for the store, Cook stated, involved a flurry of building, stocking and hiring, as well as some long work days.
Initial facility construction was completed prior to the first week in July. Berry Construction of Chatanooga, TN, contractors for all Dollar Generals, traveled north to construct the Waukon store. Telephone and register work was carried out by Brad's Electric of Waukon.
"They are miracle workers," said Cook of the local company. With an opening date set firmly by the company for July 14, Cook found herself without phone service or cash registers the day before. She credits Brad's Electric for prompt attention to the situation. "They did a wonderful job," she said.
By July 6, the first shipment of store fixtures arrived, and Cook's temporary "set-up" crew began work. The employees, working until July 13, placed shelving units, gondolas and merchandise. "We went," said Cook, "from having nothing in the store to having everything in the store in a week."
Formerly a group manager at ALCO, Cook came to Dollar General equipped for a management position. Cook cites her current responsibilities as larger than in her previous position, a challenge she enjoys.
On a weekly basis, Cook keeps a receiving log tracking what goes in and out of the store and a credit book concerning the condition of goods received during shipments. "I order what we need on an everyday basis," said Cook. She reports to Dollar General District Manager Rick Guy in Marion.
Cook also records daily balances and handles all personnel matters. Currently, the store employs 10, including Assistant Manager Shawny Jones of Waukon, who Cook credits as being "a huge help around the store."
Dollar General, with stores in 24 states throughout the midwest to the east coast, offers full medical insurance to all employees, even those working part-time, reports Cook, who terms the company "employee-conscientious." Employees receive vacation and sick leave, as well as holiday compensation. Entry-level workers also begin their employment above minimum wage.
With the nearest Dollar General stores located in the communities of Cresco, Oelwein and New Hampton, the company viewed Waukon as a solid location for a store. "With the right population, the right location and land available, Dollar General decided to expand into Waukon," Cook stated.
Despite its corporate nature, the store, said Cook, does not intend to operate separate from other local businesses. Current plans include potential chamber involvement and shared business accounts to distribute commerce locally.
Cook is quick to recognize the unique attributes of small town business. "In a smaller town, you know almost everyone," Cook said. "That is a help, both with customers and employees." She credits Stoney Creek Inn for use of copy and fax machines prior to opening. "They were extremely helpful, acting like I wasn't in the way at all," she said.
Dollar General opens its doors Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 3,600 items that truly are one dollar or less. Store hours on Sunday are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
"We try to make the store a pleasant, welcoming environment," said Cook. "But we're never going to have a sale," she adds. "We're always at the everday lowest prices."