Kalona Home Show customers turn local as tariffs loom [Video]

KALONA, Iowa (KCRG) – As widespread 25 percent tariffs on Mexico and Canada could start as soon as April 2nd, some people say they’re trusting local businesses for their home projects.

“Anything from home security, landscaping, plumbing, real estate, design, we’ve got just a wide variety of businesses here,” said Tonia Poole, home show organizer.

Local businesses in Kalona say it’s their personal relationships with customers that sets them apart. They say there’s no better place than the Kalona Home Show to forge those connections.

“They can maybe put a face to the name, a lot of the times in a smaller community like this maybe they’ve heard of Kalona realty or some agents within our office, but it’s nice to get out here and meet the people face to face,” said Abbi Patterson, Kalona Realty real estate agent.

Others say the home show is a chance to put themselves …