COLUMN: Creston Chamber of Commerce for August

The Creston Chamber of Commerce and Union County Development Association (UCDA) are excited to announce a new Small Business Start-Up Grant that will be offered to any new business that will be occupying a brick-and-mortar location in Creston or Union County. The Small Business Start-Up Grant is designed to support and encourage small businesses to invest in their communities through business ventures. The program provides up to $1,000 in operating grant funds.

For more information or questions on how to begin the application process, call the Creston Chamber of Commerce at (641) 782-7021 email at chamber@crestoniowachamber.com or Union County Development Association at (641) 782-2003 or email at director@unioncountyiowa.com.

Iowa Tax Free Weekend Aug. 4-5

Great bargains can be found throughout Creston on both days along with tax-free items which make for some great shopping.

The annual Iowa Tax Free Weekend is when no tax is collected on sales of select clothing, footwear and other related items during this time on articles priced less than $100.

Please shop Creston and enjoy the savings for the entire family.

Creston Wine Walk Aug. 4

The Library Legacy Committee Wine Walk & More will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Aug 4 in Uptown Creston. There are only 250 tickets available for the event and can be purchased at the Library. This is a fun event and a great way to visit various businesses in the Uptown and do some shopping – during the Sales Tax Holiday.

Creston’s Crush Cancer in Every Color on Aug. 5

The Creston’s Crush Cancer in Every Color will take place at McKinley Park on Saturday, Aug. 5 starting at 8 a.m. with a 5K Run/Walk followed by a Vendor Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Car Show from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. Cruise for a Cure followed by Survivor Registration & Events from 6 to 8 p.m. and the Survivor Recognition from 8 to 8:30 p.m. and Luminary Ceremony from 9 to 9:30 p.m. Visit their Facebook Page at Creston’s Crush Cancer in Every Color. Food Trucks will be available starting at lunch. All proceeds benefit Greater Regional Infusion and Oncology Center.

45th Annual Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days

Mark Sept. 15-17 for the 2023, 45th Annual Creston/Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days. There will once again be the Friday Night Fun Flight on the 15th weather permitting. In addition to the 30 plus balloons that will be participating in the event, there will be the annual parade of bands, as well as the craft show and flea market along with tethered balloon rides, night glow, again, weather permitting and more. Information on these and other activities are available at the Chamber or on the Chamber website at www.crestoniowachamber.com. or Chamber Facebook Page.

The 2023 Hot Air Balloon T-shirts, sweatshirts and pins will soon be ready for purchase at the Creston Chamber of Commerce Office – 208 West Taylor Street/Hwy 34 West.

Hi-Five Honor

The following individuals received the Hi-Five Honor in August – Nicole Shawler, Walmart Super Center and Russell Clayton, Akin Building Center. Congratulations to both of you.

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 to honor a business or individual with a Hi-Five.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored Edward Jones Investments, Brad Johnston, 811 N. Sumner Avenue in Creston, this month as the August Gold Star Business 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.

July Honor Yards of the Month

The Image Enhancement Committee acknowledges and congratulates the following yards honored as the July Yards of the Month:

1205 Clayton Road – 912 North Sycamore - 405 South Division

These yards join the June Honorees at

1100 Hillcrest Drive; 404 West Fremont and 410 North Mulberry

Thank you and keep up the good work everyone.

Thank you to Creston Walmart Vision Center and Green Valley Pest & Lawn Care for co-sponsoring with the Chamber.

Become A Fan/follower of the Creston Chamber of Commerce on Facebook and/or Twitter

If you use Facebook or Twitter, please become a fan and follow the Creston Chamber of Commerce if you haven’t already. It is a great way to keep updated on what is happening in Creston and the Area.

Remember SCHOOL STARTS ON AUG. 23.

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