Events Everlasting owner describes growth, local hiring and a summer farmers market for New London

At the New London Economic Development Committee’s business highlight, Kim Jonas, owner of Events Everlasting, outlined how the business grew from an in-home startup to a retail and events operation in downtown New London and announced plans to host a three-day farmers market this summer.

Jonas said she started Events Everlasting after leaving a full-time catering role and that the business quickly expanded from weddings into retail, floral services and classes. ‘‘My name is Kim Jonas, Events Everlasting. Newer to New London, but I already feel established,’’ she told the committee.

Jonas said the business keeps staff local and uses local vendors; she described collaborating with the chamber and school district, offering free room use for some instructors, and providing internships and volunteer support for community groups. She identified a recent city façade grant that will fund a new sign and some exterior refinishing to preserve the building’s historic look.

She outlined community-facing activities and near-term plans: hiring a full-time coordinator (Raven starts next week), bringing on an intern from Madison in 2025, and launching a farmers market behind Events Everlasting on the second Sunday of each month (June 9, July 14 and August 11) with roughly 10 vendors per day. ‘‘This year, it will be 3 days. So the second Sunday of each month, June 9, July 14, and August 11,’’ she said.

Why it matters: the business spotlight illustrated how a small downtown business can drive local foot traffic, host community classes and help recruit other businesses into vacant storefronts.

What comes next: committee members thanked Jonas and encouraged community members to attend the farmers market; staff noted facade grants remain available for qualifying businesses.