Friday, September 09, 2011

The next big thing: Here comes Koch & Company

Photo by Mark Lynch for The Valley Report
This is a story about how to build an empire.

Deborah Koch sits back in a chair and bristles at the thought of being incorrectly identified as a 52 year old by the local newspaper as we begin our informal interview. We share a moment of laughter over the gaffe as I assure her that age isn't a priority for this story.

It is her talent I'm after.

Her shop, Koch & Company, has been open in the Valley Station Shopping Center a mere three months, but already Koch is looking like a veteran of the industry. After putting together a solid business plan, she obtained a low-interest METCO loan from city government to open her gallery - a full service framing shop featuring graphic design work and consignment of fine art that also sells jewelry and unique gifts along with decorative furniture.

Deborah runs the shop, but it is definitely a team effort. "I love the people I work with. I couldn't do this without them", she says.

The space is comfortably arranged and welcoming. If it seems eerily familiar, it is. Although remodeled and modern, you are standing in what used to be the produce section of the old Winn Dixie store that once occupied the location.

A showcase of original, one-of-a-kind artwork, Koch sells pieces from 49 of Louisville's finest artists - some from right here in Southwest Louisville. "When people think of our part of town, they don't necessarily think of a group of talented artists, but we are loaded with them. We are truly blessed out here."

Our interview is punctuated by cigarette breaks, and as the talk eventually veers off subject to political matters and public perceptions, I browse the gallery. Here's the thing: You really must spend some time in this place to see everything. Not just looking, but seeing. But be warned- you could spend the entire day here.

The shop also feels like a gathering place for the neighborhood as a cast of local characters rotate in and out. Customers shop the selection and leave with heavy praise. Said one excited patron, "We really needed something like this out here. Thank you so much!"

This could be the next big thing for Southwest Louisville. As a woman exits, Koch says, "I am blessed to be here every day. And I wouldn't live anywhere else."

As business progresses, Koch plans a rapid expansion and an additional service - art classes given by the very artists who created the work on the walls. The shop has an option to expand an additional 5000 square feet, and it is doubtlessly going to be successful.

In addition to the impressive selection, the shop also has a wide variety of prices to suit all budgets. Here, there really is something for everyone. Koch & Company accepts cash and all major credit cards, so grab that family heirloom or photograph you've been wanting to have framed and take it to Deborah and her talented and entertaining staff. You will not be disappointed in this Southwest treasure.

Koch & Company is located at 10978 Dixie Highway.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-6pm
Friday, 10am-8pm
Saturday, 10am-6pm
Sunday, 12-5pm
Closed on Monday

If readers would like to know more or have questions about METCO loans, you can start by asking someone who has been through the process and has been successful at obtaining help. Deborah Koch invites anyone seeking information on the program to contact her. Her experience could be useful to you.

A photo album of our visit is now live on our Facebook page. Special thanks to Mark Lynch of Valley Station for taking the photos.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

2011 Taste of South Louisville begins Saturday

Click to enlarge
Be sure to bring the family out to this year’s Taste of South Louisville, Saturday, September 10 at St. Thomas More, 6105 South Third Street. Sponsored by the South Louisville Community Ministries, this community event is a delicious opportunity to get out and meet your neighbors.

Councilwoman Vicki Welch says, "Because the Ministries help so many during the year, I think it’s wonderful to see the community coming together to raise the funds they need."

The event will feature tasty food from numerous South End restaurants, as well as door prizes and over 30 silent auction items. The event will take place from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and is $12 per person or $20 per couple.

Music provided by Waters Edge, Louisville’s own “go to” acappella vocal group.

Participating restaurants include; Vietnam Kitchen, Jimbo’s Bar-B-Q, Rubbies Southside Grill, Tuscany Italian Restaurant, Shack in the Back Barbecue, El Nopal, Mojito’s / Havana Rumba, Chick Fil-A and Flavor Catering.

Event sponsors include council members Welch, Dan Johnson, Marianne Butler, David Yates and Rick Blackwell – and local businesses Girard’s Hardware, Bright Pest Control, Republic Bank and L&N Federal Credit Union.

For additional information, please call the South Louisville Ministries at 367-6445.

Wednesday, September 07, 2011

"Movies Under the Stars" ends another year this Sunday at Iroquois Amphitheater

Another successful season of the "Movies Under the Stars" summer series ends this coming Sunday, September 11th at the Iroquois Amphitheater with the showing of "Little Fockers" at 8pm.

Also, the Monarchs will perform a special show at the amphitheater Sunday before the movie. The music begins at 5pm and will be a tribute to those lost on 9-11.

Concessions will be available and will be open during the Monarchs and the movie.

For more information, contact the Iroquois Amphitheater at 368-5865.

Monday, September 05, 2011

Valley Farms restarts construction; CM Johnson hunting for volunteers

- After the original owners lost the Valley Farms development to foreclosure in 2010, the new owners have obviously restarted the construction process. Photos are now posted on our Facebook page. Read the story of Renaissance Development's problems in 2010 at Insider Louisville. Valley Farms was supposed to be a mix of single-family homes, patio homes and apartments on several acres near the Valley Station Road /Deering Road intersection.

- Councilman Dan Johnson is looking for District 21 Volunteers for South Louisville Community Ministries. Are you free from 8:30am-12:30pm on Fridays? Do you like helping people, answering questions & speaking on the phone? Join SLCM’s crew of dedicated volunteer receptionists!

Or maybe you are interested in some weight-bearing exercises and have a heart for volunteering. South Louisville Community Ministries could use you either Monday mornings to restock shelves from 10am-11am or on the second Thursday of each month to unload the Dare to Care truck from 9:30am-11am.

If you are interested, call Kate at 361-7763.

New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor Design Workshop set for Sept. 10

The New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor Design Workshop will be a fun and collaborative neighborhood event. The workshop will be held Saturday, September 10th at 9 a.m. Lynnhurst United Church of Christ at 4401 Taylor Boulevard. Refreshments will be provided by Metro Council members.

From the Auburndale Neighborhood Group:
The Design Workshop welcomes and encourages every citizen to participate in this visual depiction of your ideas. We want you to help choose community priorities and then work together to make grassroots change that creates the future we all want.

We invite you to join us.

Together, we can build a brighter future for the residents and businesses along the New Cut Road/Taylor Boulevard Corridor. Council members Welch (D-13), Butler (D-15), Johnson D-21, and Yates (D-25) represent the area along the Corridor. They firmly believe that people who get involved in civic work and strive to be good neighbors can move mountains. That’s why we made the commitment to help sponsor a Community Design Workshop — a public meeting that invites everybody to be a part of making our neighborhood a better place to live.

Sunday, September 04, 2011