I would like to start this month’s article with a welcome to the three new businesses that are open or opening in Uptown Creston in the month of April – The Old Market, Small Spaces LLC and Changing Pockets. I would also highlight the expansions at Prairie View Assisted Living and Memory Care and Creston Nursing and Rehab Center. The chamber feels the fact that three new businesses in a span of three plus weeks open their doors and two current facilities expand their offerings here highlights what we believe, that Creston is truly a vibrant community and the center for an eight-county region of southwest Iowa. We are very fortunate to have so many people with the entrepreneurial spirit. This positive attitude about Creston is what makes Creston a great place to work and call home.
Paint Creston Program
As a reminder, Creston Chamber of Commerce is again offering the Paint Creston Program to a minimum of five Creston homeowners in 2014. This is an opportunity to possibly receive free paint to paint the outside of your home. Applications for the program are available at the Chamber office, 208 West Taylor/Hwy 34 West, now through May 9. Nineteen homes have been painted in the four years that the program has been in place.
Chamber Annual Report
The Creston Chamber of Commerce Annual Report is coming. Please look for it in the April 23 Creston News Advertiser. This report gives the chamber the opportunity to highlight our activities, accomplishments and membership. The chamber truly appreciates the commitment to Creston of our members and looks forward to this yearly opportunity to acknowledge each and everyone. The chamber understands their importance to our great community. Our chamber membership helps us to promote and showcase Creston. We are truly fortunate.
2014 Upcoming Citywide Events and Activities
Over the course of the year, the chamber receives many calls about the dates of various activities and events that take place here in Creston. Please see below a partial list of some of the event and activity dates taking place in 2014. For more and expanded listings, please check out the calendar of events on the chamber home page at www.crestoniowachamber.com.
Hurley Creek/McKinley Park Clean-up – April 26
Creston High School Prom – April 26
Creston’s Taste of the Town Promotion – May 9 and 10
CHS Graduation – May 25
KSIB Tractor Ride – June 7
Creston Citywide Garage Sale – June 14
Friends of the Library Garden Walk – June 14
Relay for Life – June 20 and 21
Festival/Party in the Park – June 21
Elm’s Club 6th Annual Bike Night 2014 – June 27
Southwest Iowa Home Builders Tour of Homes – June 28
10,000 Crestonians Fourth of July Celebration – July 1 to July 5
Creston Half Marathon and 5K – July 3
Union County Fair – July 19 to July 24
McKinley Park Festival – July 26
Citywide Crazy Summer Sales Days – Aug. 1 and 2
Iowa Sales Tax Holiday - Aug. 1 and 2
Hot Air Balloon Days – Sept. 19, 20 and 21
Creston High School Homecoming – Oct. 3
YMCA Scholarship Fundraiser – Oct. 11
Bright Eyes in the Park – Oct. 25
Holiday to Holiday Extravaganza – Oct. 27
Lighted Christmas Parade – Dec. 4
No Place Like Creston for the Holidays – Dec. 4 to 7
Volunteers Needed to Staff the Visitor Center:
The Creston/Union County Visitor Center (the old Phillips 66 Station on Hwy 34) is in need of volunteers to work at the center this year. The visitor center will open the week of May 12 and remain open through Oct. 11. It is a great way to meet people and promote Creston at the same time. The current volunteers usually take a morning or afternoon one day a week. If you think you might be interested in volunteering this year or have questions, please call and talk with Ellen at the chamber at 641-782-7021.
Hi-Five Honoree:
The following individuals and business were honored with the Hi-Five Honor in April. Congratulations to Leanne Cox, Creston Walmart Super Center, Devon Leith, Tyler Insurance Services, Hi-Crest Auto and Chelsey Kile, Pizza Ranch.
The Hi-Five for Service allows us to recognize those people who make shopping and doing business in Creston a rewarding and positive experience. Please call the chamber at 641-782-7021 to give us the name and reason you would like to honor someone.
Gold Star Business Honored:
The chamber honored The Windrow Restaurant and Sports Bar, 102 West Taylor/Hwy 34 West this month as the April 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. Congratulations.
Please call the chamber to acknowledge a business property.
Have a great month and remember Creston Bucks are a great way to support our local chamber businesses.