April 18, 2024

Chamber of Commerce happenings

I would like to begin this month’s article by again thanking everyone who worked so hard to make our 10,000 Crestonians 4th of July Celebration one of the best. I had several people come up to me on the 4th and thank us for keeping the family atmosphere and all of the fun things that are available.

Thank yous go out to Roger Nurnberg, President of the 10,000 Crestonians, the Creston Kiwanis Club, Brian Pellman, the city of Creston, the businesses, individuals and groups that either sponsored an event or assisted with an event. I also thank the various corporate sponsors and individuals who have donated funds to the event. Your generosity makes the event possible every year.

I thank our Shooters also for another wonderful show. We are so lucky to have them here in Creston.

Finally, a big thank you to the Citizens of Creston and the surrounding area who participate or come to enjoy the parade and all of the other activities going on during the 10,000 Crestonians 4th of July Celebration.

The Chamber Annual Golf Outing will be held on July 8 at Crestmoor. The 4 Person Best Shot Tournament is 18 holes of golf. Your entry fee includes cart and green fees along with lunch, prizes awarded at every hole, door prizes and more.

If you are interested in a fun day of golf please contact the Chamber for more details by July 7.

The Union County Fair will take place at the Fairgrounds in Afton from July 21 to July 27. Please visit their website for a schedule of events and more information www.unioncountyfairgrounds.com.

McKinley Park Festival Coming in July

Please mark your calendars for the McKinley Park Festival to be held on July 30 at McKinley Park. This is a great, fun family event complete with food, kids fishing contest and much more.

Highlighting some other activities and events in July include the Creston Farmers’ Market held every Monday from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at McKinley Park and the Union County Historical Village open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Also remember Fridays After 5 at the Elks. Please visit the Chamber Website Home Page, www.crestoniowachamber.com for more information on activities and events.

Iowa Sales Tax Holiday August 5th and 6th

Another event that is coming up on Aug. 5 and 6, is the Iowa Sales Tax Holiday. This is an excellent opportunity to find “treasurers” at very reasonable prices and in some cases tax-free (articles priced under $100 on certain clothing and footwear). Shoppers of all ages could not ask for more.

Hi-Five Honor

Congratulations to the following business and individuals for being honored with the

Hi-Five for great customer service for July they were Trisha Mitchell, Subway; Monica Scarpello, Creston Super Walmart; The Staff at ISSB Consumer Bank; Jadon Bohn, US Cellular; Cheyenne Roche, Creston News Advertiser; Creston Utilities Office Staff and Willets & Baird Company.

The Hi-Five allows us to recognize those who make doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Just contact the Chamber to honor a business or individual with a Hi-Five.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored First National Bank, 101 West Adams St. in Creston as the July Gold Star Businesses in Creston. They were nominated by their fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building. Congratulations.

Please contact the Chamber to acknowledge a business property and tell us why you think this business should be a Gold Star Business.

June Yards of the Month

The following yards were selected as the June Yards of the Month.

Congratulations to 408 South Cherry, 1301 North Mulberry and 1100 Westview Drive

Thank you to Creston Super Walmart and Green Valley Pest Control & Lawn Care for co-sponsoring the Yards of the Month along with the Chamber. If you would like to nominate a yard please contact the Chamber.

Flowers around Creston

There are various groups of people the Chamber thanks for agreeing to plant flowers, maintain and care for the flowerpots around town and the hanging baskets in Uptown Creston. A big thank you goes out to Jill Hoakinson and her volunteers for planting many of the flower pots in the Uptown area and around the town as a Master Gardiner.

A big thank you also goes out to the businesses and individuals who tend the flower pots now and throughout the year. They are the Creston News Advertiser, EveryStep, Adams Street Espresso, ISSB Bank, Coen’s Furniture, Thorne Ralston Properties, First National Bank, Our Town Realty, Rustic Graphic Creations, American Home Design Center, Create Creston, Tyler Insurance, Union County Court House, NAPA of Creston, Boyd Appliance Center, SIRHA, Shear Magic Styling Salon, The Paisley Rose Boutique, Union County Development Association, Southern Iowa Council of Governments, Union County ISU Extension, Wishing Well, Creston/Union County Tourism, Connections Agency on Aging, City of Creston, MATURA/Headstart, Hot Air Brewing, Connie Purdum, Iowa Focus, Innovative Industries, Vernie’s Drapery Shop, Stalker Chevrolet Buick GMC, Great Western Bank, State Farm Insurance, Jane Brown Physical Therapist, Hi-Crest Auto & United Super Wash, Quality Glass Company, Precision Optical Group and Green Accounting & Tax. Your help and assistance are greatly appreciated.

A big thank you also to Creston Area Little Stuff, Lisa Miller and other volunteers who have been watering the hanging baskets in Uptown Creston.

This is truly a community effort and shows what we can do when we work together. The Chamber certainly appreciate all of you who are so willing to help. Creston is better for it.

Have a great month and remember, Creston - A great place to Visit, Work and call Home.

Ellen  Gerharz

Ellen Gerharz, executive director, Creston Chamber of Commerce

Ellen Gerharz is the executive director of the Creston Chamber of Commerce. She has held the role of the ED at Creston's Chamber of Commerce since July of 1999. The Creston Chamber of Commerce is located at 208 W. Taylor St., Creston, IA 50801. To reach the chamber, call 641-782-7021 or email chamber@crestoniowachamber.com.