January 03, 2025

2024 in review: Business

By Erin Henze and Nick Pauly
Staff of Champion Fitness and members of the Creston Chamber of Commerce join together for the ribbon-cutting of the new business.

Staff of Champion Fitness and members of the Creston Chamber of Commerce join together in April for the ribbon-cutting of the new business. (CNA photo by NICK PAULY)

Editor’s note: This is the second in a five-part year in review.

New businesses seemed to focus on health and wellness this year, as Union County welcomed new gyms, medical facilities and healthy food alternatives.

Vitality Aesthetics & Wellness/CM Esthetics

Josie Burgmaier (left) and Cassie Martin have opened the newest business in Creston: A medical spa featuring Vitality Aesthetics & Wellness and CM Esthetics.

Josie Burgmaier (left) and Cassie Martin have opened the newest business in Creston: A medical spa featuring Vitality Aesthetics & Wellness and CM Esthetics. (Erin Henze)

In February, Creston welcomed a new medical spa, featuring Josie Burgmaier’s Vitality Aesthetics & Wellness and Cassie Martin’s CM Esthetics. While they both previously provided their services in Des Moines, the goal was to come closer to home.

Located at 1720 Commerce Rd., the health spa offers a variety of services, from diamond facials and fillers to IV infusions and weight loss help.

Feel Better Fitness

Members of the Creston Chamber of Commerce join Chris Doster for the ribbon cutting of his new personal training business Feel Better Training, found at 124 N. Maple St.

Members of the Creston Chamber of Commerce join Chris Doster for the ribbon cutting of his new personal training business Feel Better Training, found at 124 N. Maple St. (Erin Henze)

“Freedom, without compromise” was Chris Doster’s goal for clients in opening Feel Better Fitness. Located at 124 N. Maple St., the gym focuses on personal training.

Doster and trainer Bre Elliot work with the company Active Life through a four-stage process: assess, develop, ascend and freedom. The final objective is for clients to no longer need a trainer to continue their healthy lifestyle.

Champion Fitness

Jamie Travis added a new business to his repertoire in April with the opening of Champion Fitness. Located at 1407 US Highway 34, Champion Fitness is attached to Champion Steaks, owned by Travis’ friend Chad Rieck.

With the slogan “Fitness for Yourself,” Champion Fitness offers daily workout classes with a variety of coaches. Class schedules can be found on their Facebook page.

Precision Crop Flight

Members of the Chamber of Commerce pose outside the new Precision Crop Flight sign during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The company's drone sits on the grass in front of the ribbon, which is bing cut by Gavin Gillam.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce pose outside the new Precision Crop Flight sign during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The company's drone sits on the grass in front of the ribbon, which is bing cut by Gavin Gillam. (CNA photo by NICK PAULY)

Headed by Gavin Gillam, Precision Crop Flight allows farmers to utilize a drone for precision farming, applying spray to crops using a precise piloted instrument. The business will have a different name next year under the name Gillam Ag Solutions.

The business uses a T50 drone and is available by phone number. A billboard on Highway 34 holds the business’ name and their phone number, 641-202-3816.

Big Acai

Big Acai will be located at 201 W. Adams St. and will open later this month.

Big Acai will be located at 201 W. Adams St. and will open later this month. (Contributed photo)

Brian and Megan Kinkade brought a healthy, sweet treat to uptown Creston in August with the opening of Big Acai. An Iowa-based franchise started by Union County native Lanette Byers, the health restaurant offers a variety of fruit-based sorbet bowls topped with healthy ingredients.

Located at 201 W. Adams St., Big Acai has changing hours based on the season. Starting in November, the restaurant began offering weekly deliveries for businesses, with a minimum of 10 orders.

Discover Medical Thermography

Discover Medical Thermography held their ribbon cutting Thursday. Angie Utterback holds the Creston Chamber of Commerce's first dollar of profit while Alesha Hadley cuts the ribbon.

Discover Medical Thermography held their ribbon cutting Thursday. Angie Utterback holds the Creston Chamber of Commerce's first dollar of profit while Alesha Hadley cuts the ribbon. (CNA photo by NICK PAULY)

Thermography arrived in Creston with certified clinical thermographers Angie Utterback and Alesha Hadley providing their services beginning in October to those looking for more detailed information on their bodies.

Discover Medical Thermography houses itself in the Carroll Family Chiropractic office on 203 W. Adams St. Their services uses a FLIR A700 infrared camera to capture a thermal image of the body. These measurements can show thermal signs before a health challenge develops.

The Laundromat

Jesse and Emily Harris opened The Laundromat at 316 W. Montgomery St. in November.

Jesse and Emily Harris opened The Laundromat at 316 W. Montgomery St. in November. (Erin Henze)

Jesse and Emily Harris opened The Laundromat in November. Located at 316 W. Montgomery St., the goal was to provide laundry services to those living in uptown Creston. The Laundromat is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Farmhouse Flavor

Kelly Walsh's new food delivery business Farmhouse Flavor held a ribbon cutting Thursday, Dec. 5 with the Creston Chamber of Commerce.

Kelly Walsh's new food delivery business Farmhouse Flavor held a ribbon cutting Thursday, Dec. 5 with the Creston Chamber of Commerce. (Erin Henze)

Hearty, homemade meals are now available for busy families and homebound community members to have at home thanks to the opening of Farmhouse Flavor. Owner Kelly Walsh opened this meal delivery service in late November.

Located at 615 S. Chestnut St., customers can either pick up or request delivery from a weekly-changing menu of items. For more information or to set up a delivery time, Walsh can be contacted at 515-493-6005 or farmhouseflavor34@gmail.com.

1776 Firehouse and Lounge

The storefront of the 1776 Firehouse & Lounge, located at 301 West Adams Street.

The storefront of the 1776 Firehouse & Lounge, located at 301 West Adams Street. (CNA photo by NICK PAULY)

Mayor Waylon Clayton and wife Kylie opened their destination restaurant for Creston in December following a series of test runs and soft openings. The 1776 Firehouse and Lounge has a top-of-the-line bar and serves a range of food from pasta to barbecue.

Taking over a spot in the historic Berning Motor Inn building at 301 West Adams Street, the duo created a restaurant which hopes to bring those traveling to Creston.

Creston

Erin Henze

Originally from Wisconsin, Erin is a recent graduate from UW-Stevens Point. Outside of writing, she loves to read and travel.

Nick Pauly

News Reporter for Creston News Advertiser. Raised and matured in the state of Iowa, Nick Pauly developed a love for all forms of media, from books and movies to emerging forms of media such as video games and livestreaming.