COLUMN: Creston Chamber of Commerce for January

Happy New Year !!!

For the chamber, 2025 means new activities and ideas, new members as well as new board members. It also means we are fortunate enough to be able to continue to work with a great group of chamber businesses, organizations and the community of Creston.

The Creston Chamber is proud of what our community has to offer and will continue working to build upon these areas as we explore opportunities. Creston continues to be the regional hub of southwest Iowa for shopping, education, health care, recreation and tourism as well as many other services. The chamber will continue to promote and showcase our community and at the same time be a leadership organization that unifies the community.

The chamber thanks the businesses in Creston who took the time and made the financial commitment in 2024 to update and improve their properties. In addition to the property owners we cannot forget the new business that have opened in 2024. When listed together, it shows how many positive things are really taking place. Your continuing support of Creston is greatly appreciated and shows how much we have to offer for business and the people who work and live here.

We realize that the chamber and its membership cannot do this alone. We believe the more people we can involve, the stronger our community can become. Our image as a people and a city are extremely important to the well-being of Creston, now and in the future. We can all benefit by working together and sharing knowledge and experience to make Creston the best it can be in 2025. Our door is always open, along with our email and social media accounts to be reached.

Please remember to follow the Chamber on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter ) and Instagram– Creston Iowa Chamber. Here you will find the latest events happening in Creston and the Creston Area along with information about the many chamber businesses. It is a quick and easy way for you to stay informed. You may also find the community calendar on our Home Page at www.crestoniowachamber.com helpful for learning about community events taking place.

Upcoming Legislative Coffees

During the 2025 legislative session, which opens on Jan. 13, the chamber will once again provide 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 a.m. to 9 a.m. on Saturday March 1 and April 12. 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.

Hi-Five Honors for January

The following individuals and businesses were honored with the Hi-Five Honor in January. Congratulation to Nancy Wantland, Creston Elementary and Middle School, Mike Hobbs, Orr Heating & Air Conditioning, F&M Body Shop and Parker Brothers Tree Service. Job well done.

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 with your honoree.

Gold Star Business Honoree

The Chamber honored Greens N’ Things – 107 N. Maple, this month as the January Gold Star Business. They were nominated by their fellow Crestonians because of their employees and the appearance both inside and out of their building and property. Congratulations. Please contact the chamber to acknowledge a business property for the Gold Star.

Please remember to check your tickets from the Holiday GiveAway – there are some left to be claimed. New tickets will be drawn Jan. 9 for all unclaimed original numbers – please, don’t miss out.

Have a great month and as always, Creston - A great place to visit, work and call home.