COLUMN: January Creston Chamber of Commerce

Happy New Year !!!

For the chamber, 2023 means new activities and ideas, new members as well as new board members. It also means we are fortunate enough to be able to continue to work with a great group of chamber businesses, organizations and individuals.

The Creston Chamber is proud of what our community has to offer and will continue working to build upon these areas as we explore opportunities. Creston continues to be the regional hub of Southwest Iowa for shopping, education, health care, recreation and tourism as well as many other services. The chamber will continue to promote and showcase our community and at the same time be a leadership organization that unifies the community.

The Chamber again thanks the businesses in Creston who took the time and financial commitment in 2022 to update and improve their properties. We also thank WMZ Ventures – 107 N. Maple, Harvey Office Building LLC – 111 W. Montgomery, Maple Street Apartments LLC – 124 N. Maple; Thorne Ralston Properties LLC - 209 W. Montgomery and 213 W. Adams; Mary M & Clarke McGrath – 109 N. Maple; JL Rentals LLC – 114 N. Maple and Taylormade Real Estate Services LLC – 609 W. Adams; all local individuals who purchased property in Uptown Creston in 2022.

In addition to the property owners we cannot forget the new business that opened in 2022. When listed together, it shows how many positive things are really taking place. Your continuing support of Creston is greatly appreciated and shows how much we have to offer for business and the people who work and live here.

We realize the Chamber and its membership cannot do this alone. We believe the more people we can involve, the stronger our community can become. Our image as a people and a city are extremely important to the well-being of Creston, now and in the future. We can all benefit by working together and sharing knowledge and experience to make Creston the best it can be in 2023. Our door is always open, along with our email and social media accounts to be reached.

The Chamber would like to welcome eight new Chamber Board Members. They are Lesa Downing, Creston Community Schools; Jessica Duncan, Greater Regional Health; Brian Davis, Hy-Vee; John Gravlin, R.E. Lewis Refrigeration; Sandy Harris, Adams Street Country Lodge B&B; Drey Lybarger, Gavilon Grain; Kyle Shaffer, Dairy Queen; Gabriela Tercero, Our Town Realty. Thank you all for your commitment to the chamber and Creston.

Please remember to follow the Chamber on our Facebook and Twitter – Creston Iowa Chamber. Here you will find the latest events happening in Creston and the Creston Area along with information about the many chamber businesses. It is a quick and easy way for you to stay informed. You may also find the community calendar on our Home Page at www.crestoniowachamber.com helpful for learning about community events taking place.

Legislative Coffees

During the 2023 legislative session, which opens on Jan. 9, the chamber will provide you an opportunity to ask our legislators written questions during the coffees. They have been scheduled from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturdays, Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15 in the Mealsite at the Restored Depot. Representative Devon Wood and Senator Tom Shipley are planning to attend. All coffees are open to the public at no charge.

Hi-Five Honoree for January

The following individuals and business were honored with the Hi-Five Honor in January. Congratulation to Mindy Bailey, Family Shoe Store; Daniel Scarpello, Walmart Super Center; Carla Millard, Casey’s on Highwy 34; Kieysha Chapa, First National Consumer Bank; Brandon Utterback, US Cellular and Quality Glass. Job well done.

The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Please contact the Chamber with your honoree.

Gold Star Business Honoree

The Chamber honored Union 25 Co, 913 N. Sumner Avenue, this month as the January Gold Star Business. They were nominated by their fellow Crestonians because of the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations. Please contact the chamber to acknowledge a business property for the Gold Star.

Have a great month and as always, Creston - A great place to visit, work and call home.

P.S. Please remember to check your tickets from the Holiday GiveAway – there are several left to be claimed. New number will be drawn on Jan. 5 for all unclaimed original numbers – please, don’t miss out.