Brownton
Brownton, MN · Events
Sun Patriot
Immigrant-founded start-up latest venture from local couple
Juan Llerena emigrated to Waconia from Peru more than 25 years ago knowing very little about the culture or the business opportunities in this country. But he latched on at Mackenthun’s Fine Foods stocking shelves, and over the next several years advanced through the local grocery store organization eventually becoming its marketing director. He left there in 2021 to start his own business with his wife Guisela Pinto. It’s called JLLB Media, a consulting agency focused on marketing and business development. Primarily small businesses and nonprofits with a special focus on Latino and diverse businesses — persons like himself when he was navigating unfamiliar territory The couple also helped launch a fair-trade gift shop, offering sustainable fashion, home decor, and global accessories from small-scale artisans in developing countries to help them gain new markets and fair prices for their goods. And they founded a home daycare business “Bienvenidos Home Daycare” which operated in Waconia from 2019-2025. Now Llerena has started Vamos Impact, a Carver County–based 501©(3) nonprofit launched in late 2025. Vamos means “let’s go,” an encouraging phrase reflective of its two-pronged mission. The first, bilingual business coaching, delivering free, hands-on business workshops, digital marketing strategy, AI technology training and
Wright County Journal Press
dasselcokato.com
Cokato seeks developer for new multifamily housing project
The City of Cokato is seeking a developer to build a new multifamily rental housing project, with $280,000 in city funding available to help make the development possible. The city released a request for proposals Nov. 10, inviting qualified developers and builders to submit plans for a rental housing project in Cokato. Proposals are due by Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.
dasselcokato.com
Dassel-Cokato students, community honor veterans at Veterans Day program
Dassel-Cokato High School hosted a Veterans Day program Wednesday afternoon in the East Gym, with student performances, a guest speaker and military honors. The program began at 2 p.m. Middle school Principal Kip Lynk welcomed attendees. Members of Dassel American Legion Post 364 presented the colors, and Nealie Berg and Gwen Aho performed the national anthem.