Rent-to-own News - Heartland Furniture and Appliance is Dexter "Business of the Year

Employees of Heartland Furniture accept the Dexter Chamber of Commerce "Business of the Year Award."

Heartland Furniture and Appliance of Dexter was named "Business of the Year" by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce Saturday, Feb. 5.

The company -- which consists of three stores in southeastern Missouri including Doniphan, Piedmont and Dexter -- has been part of the Dexter community for the past 14 years.

"I was totally shocked," said Heartland owner Cindy Boyers. "We had applied for the 'Small Business of the Year' award. Then when they announced it and we didn't win, I was a little disappointed. Then they named the main award for 'Business of the Year' and I just couldn't believe it. This is a great honor for the company and all our employees."

Heartland Furniture and Appliance Sales and Leasing has been in business 60 years and is proud to help families purchase items and make a weekly or monthly payment. 
 
Heartland Furniture and Appliance began in Dexter with a showroom space of 1500 square feet. During the past years remodeling added another 600 square feet, the parking lot was black topped, a well light sign was incorporate. Then two years ago an award winning flower garden was added on the corner to make the area more attractive.
 
In 2010, Heartland once again remodeled the store and doubled the showroom to over 5,500 square feet. The new attractive building added to the community of Dexter and increased the number of households that are able to have items that may have not been available without the business.

A rough estimate shows that between 20 to 25 percent of Dexter population and surrounding areas does business with the Heartland store.
 
The store has three full time employees and a general manager who travels between the other stores: Derek Ford, manager, Josh Reddick, account manager, Clint Shell, delivery driver and Monty Heise General Manger.

If a customer is in need of an item and the store does not have the exact item, the business will try to have it within the week. Heartland strives for same day delivery on all items.
 
Heartland believes in community involvement and works with the local chamber of commerce, local politicians, schools, and other community organizations.

The company contributes to the National Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited, National Rifle Association, the American Cancer Society, the Boys and Girls Club, the D.A.R.E. program and St. Jude's to name a few. The business is also a member of NFIB.
 
In addition, Heartland often donates the use of items to clubs or organizations.