3 Sisters hosts first After Hours event

Darla Niebur, owner of 3 Sisters in Malta, hosted the first Business After Hours event on Thursday in conjunction with the Malta Chamber of Commerce, kicking off the program which allows customers and other business owners the opportunity to make new contacts, renew acquaintances and exchange business information in an informal setting after work hours. ·

Niebur had a new line of agriculture and farming oriented toys on dis-play, offered customers 20-percent off storewide as well as a 20- per-cent discount on all Melissa and Doug merchandise, 25-percent off large plush animals in the store (the latter two sales runs through July 3.)

"These new toys are very regional and you can't find toys like this anywhere else in the county," said Niebur of the new toy line. Niebur also provided coffee and cookies at the event and gave away a $20 gift certificate at the conclusion of the evening.

Niebur purchased 3 Sisters from Candy Soennichsen in 2012 after owning the Mint Bar in Malta for 16 years.

"I just couldn't stay home anymore," Niebur said of her foray back into business. "Candy approached me and said 'why don't you buy my store'. She told me she wanted someone who takes pride in their business and knows how to run one. So here I am."

The Business After Hours Event came to Malta via Brandon Nissen of Chinook where they have been holding the events in his town for the past 15 months.

"We do one business per month and we have anything from traditional businesses to non-profit groups to churches, bars and everything in­ between," Nissen said. "We held one last night for the Bear Paw Round that had about 30 people in attendance, but some events have had as many as 80 people show up."

Nissen said that at the beginning of Chinook events attendance was low as people were not exactly sure what to expect at the after hours events. He said that each event gains more momentum and popularity. Niebur said she had no problem with being the first Malta business to partake in the event (the Guinea pig, if you will) and Malta

Chamber Secretary Dina Sainato-Meneely thanked 3 Sisters for stepping up and going first.

"Darla does a great job in filling a niche in Malta with the various products she sells, from toys to yarn to kitchen gadgets" said . Sainato-Meneely. "We are so thankful to have her as a member of our Chamber."

The next Business After Hours events will be held at Family Matter Thursday , July 16. Stay tuned to the Phillips County News for more information about the event and for more information about the Malta Chamber of Commerce call 654-1776 or E-mail at

malta@itstriangle .com.