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Chamber Chat
We are a community development association comprised of businesses, individuals, and organizations dedicated to promoting Madison County as a great place to visit, or build a business, a career, and a future.
73 Jefferson Street, Winterset, Iowa 50273
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Upcoming Chamber Coffee Locations:
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March 6
- U.S. Cellular/Cellular Advantage, 59 E. Jefferson St., Winterset
March 13
- QHC Madison Square and QHC Winterset North, 209 W. Jefferson St., Winterset
March 20
- Small Business Growth Alliance, 1507 Roseman Bridge Rd., Winterset
March 27
- The Iowa Theater, 121 N. John Wayne Dr., Winterset
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Upcoming Business After Hours Locations:
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March 19 - Farm Bureau - Scot Clark, 1303 N. 6th Ave., Winterset; 5:00-6:30 pm
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Chamber Board of Directors:
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Sarah Pugh
(Chair) - 2/5 Studios
Brad Tadlock (Vice Chair) - Dream Dirt Farm Real Estate & Auction
Sarah Reed (Secretary) - 1st Avenue Collective
Jennifer Porter (Treasurer) - Integrity Financial Group
Sheila Stewart - Country Cutters
Bill Moody - Pine Creek, Ltd.
Roger Queck - Pro Team Insurance
Dan Noack - Fareway Grocery Stores
Julie Feirer - Winterset Websites
Sarah Cowman - Homefront Real Estate
Travis Daniels - Summit Technologies
Nicole Kems
- Angel Wings & CT
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Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Welcome Center Staff
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Heather Riley - Executive Director
Teddi Yaeger - Tourism/Marketing Coordinator
Dawn Evenson - Financial Office Director
Melody Reels - Welcome Center
Nancy Trask - Welcome Center
Heather Hatch - Welcome Center
Stephanie Gerleman - Welcome Center
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Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization serving Central Iowa, united to drive economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region.
Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce and over 6,000 business members, The Partnership grows opportunity, creates jobs and promotes the Greater Des Moines area.
When you joined our Chamber, you automatically became a part of this important work! Learn more
here.
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Explore the Small Business Resources Hub!
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The Greater Des Moines Partnership's Small Business Resources Hub provides a one stop shop for small businesses to find resources relating to legal, accounting, finance, marketing, networking, staffing and hiring and more.
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Online Business Resources
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Does your business need help with planning, branding, training, funding, or anything in between?
IASourceLink is the premier online resource connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses to more than 360 resource providers across Iowa. IASourceLink is brought to you by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) in collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Business Growth and Innovation.
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As you've no doubt heard by now, getting an accurate Census count for our region is critical in so many ways. It's more than a population count; it's an opportunity to shape the future of our community. Census results have an impact on planning and funding for health clinics and highways, fire departments and disaster response, education programs such as Head Start and college tuition assistance, and so much more.
There are many ways the 2020 Census data will be used in our Central Iowa region. From forecasting future transportation needs to planning for hospitals to the development of rural areas to attracting new businesses, Census information plays a critical role in the growth of the region. Community services may need to expand if the report shows growth in particular areas. By analyzing the Census data, community leaders will better understand the needs of the region. Additionally, here are 50 Ways Census Data Are Used.
Beginning in mid-March, homes across the country will begin receiving an invitation to participate in the 2020 Census. The more residents that simply fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire online, by phone, or by mail the better.
It is important to note that Census information obtained by the Census Bureau is completely confidential and only used to produce statistics. Information is bound by law. The Census Bureau will never ask you for money/donations, bank account numbers or your social security number. Much more information about the 2020 U.S. Census is available here.
If you have information or announcements that you'd like to be featured in "Chamber Chat", be sure to pass it my way! Send me an email and indicate the week you would like your announcement to be made!
Thank you for your support of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce!
Heather Riley
Executive Director
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This week's Friday Chamber Coffee will be held
Friday, March 6th at 8:15 am and will be hosted by U.S. Cellular/Cellular Advantage at 59 E. Jefferson St. in Winterset
U.S. Cellular offers practical business solutions as well as products for active lifestyles. From plans, phones, and tablets to unique accessories, the team at U.S. Cellular/Cellular Advantage is here to help your business and organization get ahead!
Join us for Friday morning coffee and networking with the membership!
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Chamber Ambassadors were excited to help the team at U.S. Cellular/Cellular Advantage celebrate a renovated store earlier this year!
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Group Dynamic Honored With 2019 Ruby Award by Wiley
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Wiley announced today that local business Group Dynamic is a Ruby award-winning Partner for Everything DiSC® and The Five Behaviors®. This achievement is in recognition of Group Dynamic's commitment to improving organizational culture and teamwork.
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Alan Feirer of Group Dynamic
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"We are proud to partner with Group Dynamic in their mission to enrich people's lives by building better workplaces and high-functioning, cohesive teams," says Susie Kukkonen, Vice President of Channels at Wiley. "We are honored to have them as an Authorized Partner."
Alan Feirer is a leadership trainer, Authorized Wiley DiSC Partner, Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team Authorized Partner, and organizational development consultant. For the last 20 years, Feirer has done business as Group Dynamic, helping people solve problems and get more done by working with managers, directors, leadership teams, staffs, and team members to maximize the potential of their organization through leadership training, coaching, team-building and communications training.
Group Dynamic is proud to now be offering emotional intelligence training as part of the Everything DiSC suite. Consultations are free. Contact Alan today at 515-468-1968 to develop leaders who motivate and teams who love working together!
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"Our Faith in Film" Series at the Iowa Theater
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Winterset area churches, in partnership with the Iowa Theater, present "Our Faith in Film" series at the Iowa Theater in Winterset.
These film events are free to the public with goodwill offerings of canned goods, paper products, or personal care items. Cash donations will be accepted for MATURA Madison County and C.R.I.S.P.
All films begin at 5:30 pm. Films to be presented are:
"Overcomer" -
March 8
"Paul, Apostle of Christ" -
March 29
"Jesus Christ Superstar" -
April 5
These events are sponsored by the First Christian Church, First United Presbyterian Church, Foursquare Gospel Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Paul Lutheran Church, and Winterset Community Church.
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SBA Offers Disaster Preparedness Webinar
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Disasters. We all hope to avoid them, but they are bound to happen when least expected. Many businesses are not prepared, nor do they know where to turn for help when the worst strikes.
To provide a way to prepare, the U.S. Small Business Administration's Iowa District Office, along with the SBA's Office of Disaster Assistance, is offering a FREE webinar on Thursday, March 12 from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. The webinar is for small business owners, economic developers, and others who work in or with small businesses. This webinar will equip you with the tools small businesses need to recover from a disaster.
Included in the discussion:
- Preparedness Tips for Businesses - What should be included in your disaster plan?
- SBA's Disaster Loan Program for Businesses & Private Nonprofits
- SBA's Disaster Loan Program for Homeowners & Renters
- Economic Injury Disaster Loans
- Other federal resources for help following a disaster
The Webinar will be presented over Skype and will include a PowerPoint presentation. You can join audio through your phone by dialing (202) 765-1264 and using Conference ID 210108206.
Click here to join the Webinar on March 12. Participants are encouraged to log in at least give minutes prior to the start of the program.
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"Missing Link" at the Iowa Theater to Benefit C.R.I.S.P.
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C.R.I.S.P. invites you to join them for a special movie event at the Iowa Theater on Sunday, March 15. 
Thanks to the sponsorship of three area banks - American State Bank, Farmers & Merchants State Bank and Union State Bank - C.R.I.S.P. will be hosting the movie "Missing Link" at The Iowa Theater at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $5 per person, with ALL proceeds going to CRISP! "Missing Link" is an animated comedy adventure for the whole family, nominated for multiple awards this season.
What a great way to kick off spring break week!
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"Make Your Move" Day Camp at Madison County ISU Extension & Outreach
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Level up with this new day camp!
Need to keep your kids busy during Spring Break?Madison County ISU Extension and Outreach is test running an interactive day camp that will keep 6th through 8th graders engaged while utilizing the concepts of video games to teach leadership and civic engagement skills. This is a new program called "Make Your Move." The new program was brought to the Madison County staff by Iowa State Extension's 4-H and Youth Program Development Team. The program will take place Tuesday, March 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The goal of this new program is to engage youth in learning that is both fun and relative to what they enjoy doing in their spare time. "We know that given the opportunity, most youth would leap at the chance to play video games all spring break," Casey Wenstrand commented. "Obviously that is not an ideal situation for their health", added Madison County's Youth Coordinator.
"Make Your Move" day camp offers youth the ability to create their own video game character and complete a quest for a better world. They will learn leadership skills and ways to improve their community through games and challenges. "Madison County Extension is honored to pilot this fun and exciting program and we would love the opportunity to fill this course in order to demonstrate its invigorating opportunities to other counties looking to host this program!" said Extension Director, Nicole Navin.
This course is being offered to youth at the reasonable price of $15.00. They will need to bring their own sack lunch. Snacks will be provided. Anyone interested in signing up their youth for this day camp should contact the Madison County Extension Office directly at 515-462-1001 or they can sign up online.
Madison County Extension is eager to include all youth. Staff will make accommodations and offer scholarships to those who qualify.
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Join Us for March Business After Hours!
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Join the Chamber of Commerce membership for networking at the March Business After Hours event on Thursday, March 19th from 5:00-6:30 pm hosted by Farm Bureau - Scot Clark, located at 1303 N. 6th Avenue in Winterset!
Bring along your business cards and stay for 20 minutes or for the full duration while enjoying food, drinks, and networking!
Farm Bureau Financial Services is here to help protect what matters most in life. From insurance for your autos, home, life, business and farm or ranch, to a comprehensive financial plan to help you achieve your goals for the future, Scot's team can help customize your coverage to fit your specific needs.
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Through the dual membership with the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Greater Des Moines Partnership, you have access to numerous educational and professional development offerings throughout the year. Offerings span a wide variety of topics, including marketing plans, implementing internships, human resource issues and inclusion. These educational opportunities are offered via live-stream, webinar and in person.
The goal is to provide you with just-in-time information on pertinent business operations and emerging trends, but also to encourage you to step outside of your business for an hour or a day to recharge or bring back new ideas to your business.
- Make Some Noise Regional lunch is on March 10. Ken Schmidt played an active role in one of the most celebrated turnarounds in corporate history. He is the former director of communications for Harley Davidson Motor Company and the author of Make Some Noise: The Unconventional Road to Dominance. Schmidt will share stories and insights on the road to building a fanatically vocal customer base, creating a passionately loyal corporate culture, and developing leaders who inspire and motivate. Register here.
- We host other regional events throughout the year. Pencil us in for:
- May 28
- July 21
- August 20
- September 24
- November 19
- The Top Five for Small Business Series features presentations to inform, educate and inspire business owners in DSM. Hosted the fourth Wednesday of each month, these events focus on a variety of timely topics that affect small business owners and managers including legal, human resources, information technology, marketing, accounting and other pressing issues.
- And the annual Small Business Success Summit is November 6, 2020. Save the date!
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| Understanding Your Grief Support Group |
The group will be using material from Dr. Alan Wolfelt and the Center for Loss and Life Transition. It will meet at the Chesnut Building at 901 S. 4th Ave. in Winterset, from 6:30 - 8 P.M. each Tuesday for eight weeks, ending May 12.
Participants will receive copies of Dr. Wolfelt's book "Understanding Your Grief." Groups will learn about Dr. Wolfelt's Ten Essential Touchstones for finding hope and healing through loss. These touchstones include Dispelling the Misconceptions about Grief, Embracing the Uniqueness of Your Grief and Understanding the Six Needs of Mourning.
The Understanding Your Grief support group is free and open to the public; however space is limited. Therefore, pre-registration is required. Contact EveryStep Hospice's local bereavement counselor, Mike Albert, at 641-216-3627 or malbert@everystep.org for more information or to register.
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| Join Us to Explore "Hidden Madison County" |
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The group visited Madison County Winery in 2018 to learn about Doug Bakker's apprenticeship program.
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We'll board a chartered motorcoach, enjoy on-board refreshments, and visit four sites around the county. Sites to be visited include the Fine Arts addition at I-35 School District, Macksburg Wind Park, site of new Madison County Conservation Center in Pammel Park, and Merchandising Frontiers, Inc. in Winterset.
The cost is $20 per person and includes motorcoach seat, plus all food & drinks. Thank you to our event partners, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, American State Bank, and Union State Bank.
For more information or to reserve your seat, call Tom Leners at 515-462-1891, or Heather Riley at 515-462-1185.
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| You're Invited to the Iowa Technology Roadshow! |
Members of the Madison County Chamber of Commerce are invited to join the Indianola Chamber of Commerce and the Technology Association of Iowa at the
Iowa Technology Roadshow
presented by U.S. Cellular on Thursday, April 30. Participants will hear from a diverse panel of technology experts and have an opportunity to get their biggest tech questions answered.
The event will be held at Simpson College, Kent Student Center, Hubbell Hall, 701 N. C Street, Indianola from 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Topics to be covered by speakers include:
- Digital Transformation & Payments
- Cybersecurity
- Ag Tech & Manufacturing Tech
- 5G & IoT
Attendance is FREE but registration is required
. For information about the agenda and speakers, click here. To register for the event, click here.
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