To think the first month of 2026 has come to a close is almost unbelievable. While the holiday festivities and end of year celebrations have come to a close, I have been thinking about the Chamber of Commerce and the role it plays in our community.
I have come to discover that the Creston Chamber of Commerce wears many different hats. While a primary objective is to promote and grow our various businesses in the area, the chamber also stands as a source of information for the people and businesses in and out of our community. We are an organization that Creston residents can turn to for answers.
The chamber works very hard to promote and showcase Creston, as well as be a leadership organization which works to unify and map a course for Creston’s future development. With this in mind, I would like to highlight some of the various committees and groups within the Creston Chamber of Commerce that we will partner with over the next few months.
The chamber takes the lead in the promotion of tourism for our area. Creston/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 2026 Iowa Travel Guides and information and ads in various other print publication as well as on social media. We work with many of you to provide information to tourists, ensuring that Creston remain a wonderful place to visit throughout the year.
The chamber’s very own Image Enhancement Committee will soon be working on our Paint Creston program, Yards of the Month, Clean Sweep Days and other beautification projects. We are also very involved in the 10,000 Crestonians 4th of July Celebration, as well as Creston/SW Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days and No Place Like Creston for the Holidays, working with many of you to ensure that our events remain well attended and desired.
It is no question that our businesses, groups and individuals play a major part in Creston’s growth. Without you all, we would not have businesses to support, events to promote or places to go when we need to get out of the house. The Creston Chamber of Commerce thanks you all for continuing your efforts to make Creston a great place to work, visit and live, and asks the community of Creston one question:
“Will you be our Valentine?”
I hope all of you visit the Chamber’s Website at www.crestoniowachamber.com. It is a great source of information about our Community and the Calendar of Events found on our Home Page is updated regularly. You may also stay updated on our Facebook page as well as other social media sources. For tourism information regarding Creston and Union County, please visit www.unioncountyiowatourism.com.
2026 Legislative Coffees
During the 2026 Legislative Session, the chamber will once again provide you an opportunity to ask our legislators written questions during our Legislative Coffees at the Mealsite at the Restored Depot. The coffees have been scheduled to run from 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 and March 28. Currently, Representative Devon Wood and Senator Tom Shipley are planning to attend. 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. Please come listen and learn.
Creston Bucks
Please remember that Creston Chamber Bucks are a great gift idea year around. The program allows recipients to redeem their Creston Chamber Bucks at more than 150 Chamber Businesses in the area. They are a great way to keep money local while supporting our local businesses.
February Events
Please see below a few of the events and activities taking place in Creston during the month.
Friends of the Library Cookie Bouquets are available to order at the Library or online by Feb. 5. A box of six cookies is $12 and a box of 12 is $18 and six gluten-free cookies are $12. Deliveries in Creston only on Feb. 13. They can also be picked up at the Library.
Creston Lion’s Club will have their annual Spud Supper on Feb. 13 at the Methodist Church, 400 N. Elm from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Creston Park & Rec will hold their Comedy Night on Feb. 14 at the Eagles in Creston.
Creston High School will present Jam the Gym on Feb. 27 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The Creston Animal Rescue Effort’s Spay-ghetti Supper will be Feb. 28 at the Eagles Club from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.
Gold Star Business Honored
The Chamber honored Shear Magic Beauty Salon, 226 N. Pine St, 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 as well as the service they provide to their clients. Congratulations.
Please contact the Chamber if you would like to acknowledge a business property.
Hi-Five Honoree for February
The following individuals were honored with the Hi-Five Honor in February. Congratulation to Kierra Clymer, US Cellular, Rodney Deal, USPS, Creston City Workers and the Creston Fire Department. Job well done.
The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those who do shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Please contact the Chamber with your honoree.
Have a great month. Stay safe and well and remember, Creston - a great place to visit, work and to call home.