Wayne Swart State Farm Receives Annual Beautification Award for Interior and Exterior Improvements

Wayne Swart, a State Farm insurance agent, received the annual Beautification Award during a ceremony on December 16, 2024. He made several improvements to his office space and the exterior of the building to make it more inviting to customers and elevate the look of Elk River storefronts. 

“I needed to make our new spot stand out both inside and outside,” says Swart. “We wanted to look new and inviting to current and future customers, as well as the general public.”
If you haven’t visited Swart’s office at 817 Main Street, it’s worth dropping by. Learn more about his improvements and why the City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) named Wayne Swart State Farm this year’s Beautification Award recipient. 

Swart Made His State Farm Office Look Brand New

Swart and his staff left no stone unturned in their renovation efforts. They focused on both aesthetic elements that make the office more comfortable and practical improvements to prevent future issues. For example, Swart added a new sewer line that strengthens the health of the plumbing in the building.

For the interior, Swart added a new drop ceiling and replaced the trim, interior doors, flooring, paint, furniture, and light fixtures. On the outside of the building, Swart removed dead trees and added new landscaping while also installing a sprinkler system. He also upgraded the front of the building, including adding shutters, new light fixtures, and canned lights. He finished the project with a fresh coat of paint and a bright new monument sign.  

These efforts were done without the City Beautification Award in mind. Swart knew that his office needed to be welcoming to customers and contribute positively to the neighborhood where he operates.  
Wayne Swart State Farm Was One of Many Nominations for the City Beautification Award

The Beautification and Public Art Committee receives nominations annually for the beautification award, which are then judged and a winner is recommended to the EDA. Six businesses were nominated this year, but Wayne Swart State Farm was the only business with two independent nominations.

“At first I was unaware there was even such an award,” says Swart. “I was just trying to make our new spot shine a little brighter, and make it look more inviting. Our office was proud to be even nominated. It was nice to know that others saw the work we put in to make our new spot more appealing.”  

The Elk River EDA would like to recognize the five other businesses that were nominated:

• Professional Karate Studios
• Cinema Professional Building
• Well Read Books
• Allison’s Addicts Boutique
• Eclectic Boutique

“All six of these businesses in Downtown Elk River worked hard to improve their façades and in-store experiences,” says Josh Mollan, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Elk River. “They benefit from increased foot traffic and sales, while residents can enjoy nice shopping experiences and a better-looking main street.” 

These Improvements Highlight Swart’s Commitment to Elk River

Swart and his wife Kelli have lived in Elk River for nearly 20 years. It's where they raised their kids, Gavin and Kaila, who are now in college. The beautification improvements Swart made highlight his commitment to being a leader in insurance, but also reflect his love of the city.

“I think the people who reside here and are a part of the community have been awesome,” says Swart. “We have met so many people within Elk River, either through our kids' activities, neighbors, other businesses, or our great customers. These relationships are what really make Elk River such an awesome place to live.”

Learn About Other Quality of Life Efforts in Elk River

The City Beautification Award is just one effort to make Elk River a desirable place to live while supporting local businesses. The EDA continues to invest in public art and recently debuted a new mural through a grant from the Central Minnesota Arts Board. Elk River has a high quality of life, which is why more people are making it home. It is an ideal place to raise a family or grow a business.