Tina Kruger, 20 Year Resident

Tina, a native Californian, moved with her family to the Monticello area in 1986. "I grew up in an urban environment and it was an adjustment when we first moved. It would take a lot to get me to return to that way of life now. I am able to walk into places and people know you. Friends are real friends here- they treat you like they have known you forever."

A first-time business owner, she has made a smooth transition into the local business community. Here's what she had to say about her experience:

"Opening the coffee shop in downtown Monticello has been great. It's really not like coming to work. It's like my living room only I drive to it. I have been so welcomed by the residents and other business owners. I hope to be a downtown business owner for a long time … It is easy for me to say, 'Make My City, Your City'."  Back