The Creston Chamber of Commerce wears many different hats. I know many people view the Chamber as an organization working primarily for and promoting and growing our businesses and industries, and that is one of our primary objectives, but we are also viewed as a source of information for people and businesses outside of Creston who desire to know more about our community. We are also a place where Creston residents can turn for answers. I hope all of you visit the Chamber's website at www.crestoniowachamber.com regularly. It is a great source of information about our community and the calendar of events found on our home page is updated regularly.
The chamber also works very hard to promote and showcase Creston, as well as being a leadership organization, which works to unify and map a course for Creston’s future development. With this in mind, I would like to detail some of the various committees and groups within the Creston Chamber of Commerce or that we will partner with over the next few months.
One area of focus for the Chamber is retail promotion. Retail plans for this year include, but are not limited to, the Winter Crazy Days Sales on Feb. 9, 10 and 11, Creston Citywide Garage Sale on June 10, our Citywide Crazy Summer Sale Days on Aug. 4 and 5 along with the State of Iowa Tax Free weekend during the same time and our holiday promotion.
The chamber takes the lead in the promotion of tourism for our area. Creston and Union County tourism continues to increase the visibility of our area, our various tourism attractions and events. Highlighting a few of the things that we are doing include our ad in the 2017 Iowa Travel Guide and information, ads in various other publications both printed and on the internet, as well as appearing on a digital billboard in the Omaha area during the months of May and June.
In addition to these efforts, the chamber office sends out information and brochures to Iowa Welcome Centers and attractions across the state and to other states and other media outlets in a continuing effort to make people aware of our great area and what we have to offer.
Another method used to reach individuals who might want to visit our area is through the internet. In the past few years, more and more people are using the Internet to gather information and we have continued to grow our presence there. Besides the Chamber website, there is the tourism website. This web address is www.unioncountyiowatourism.com. It is an excellent source of information about Creston and Union County. In addition to the two websites, we can also be found on Facebook and Twitter, all of these providing a digital front door to the community which sees tens of thousands of visits per year.
I would also like to pass along that the 2017 edition of Southern Iowa Tourism tabloid is now available at the chamber office and various other locations in our area. If you are looking for things to do in our corner of the world, this is a great place to get ideas. The tabloid includes information not only on Creston and Union County, but also Decatur, Lucas, Ringgold, Taylor and Wayne counties.
Creston’s Winter Crazy Days
Creston’s Winter Crazy Days Sales will take place Feb. 9, 10 and 11 during regular business hours. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of some terrific bargains around town while supporting our local merchants.
Upcoming legislative coffees
During the 2017 legislative session, the chamber will once again provide you an opportunity to ask our legislators questions during Legislative Coffees. The coffees have been scheduled at 8 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15, in the mealsite at the restored Creston Depot. They last for an hour. Currently Rep. Tom Moore and Sen. Tom Shipley are planning to attend. Information has been sent to Rep. David Young. Please mark your calendars now and plan on attending one or all of the sessions. All coffees are open to the public at no charge.
Hi-Five Honorees
The following individual, business and facility were honored with the Hi-Five Honor in February: congratulations to Alicia of Subway on Highway 34, Creston/Union County Law Enforcement Center and J&J Plumbing and Heating.
The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Please call the Chamber with your honoree.
Gold Star Business honored
The chamber honored Taco John’s this month as the February Gold Star Business in Creston. They were nominated by their fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations.
Please call the Chamber if you would like to acknowledge a business property.
Have a great month and remember, Creston - a great place to visit, work and call home.