Creston Chamber of Commerce for February

The Creston Chamber of Commerce wears many different hats.

I know many people view the Chamber as an organization working primarily to promote and grow our various businesses in the area and that is a primary objective, but we are also viewed as a source of information for people and businesses outside of Creston who want to know more about our community.

We are also a place where Creston residents can turn for answers. I hope all of you visit the Chamber’s website at www.crestoniowachamber.com. regularly. It is a great source of information about our community and the calendar of events found on our home page is updated regularly.

The chamber also works very hard to promote and showcase Creston, as well as being a leadership organization, which works to unify and map a course for Creston’s future development. With this in mind, I would like to detail some of the various committees and or 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 2025 Iowa Travel Guides and information and ads in various other print publication and on social media.

In addition to these efforts, the chamber office sends out information and brochures to welcome centers and attractions across the state and to other states and other media outlets in a continuing effort to make people aware of our great area and what we have to offer.

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. The chamber also assists other events and organizations in Creston with their promotion.

Another method used to reach individuals who might want to visit our area is through the internet. In the past few years more and more people are using social media to gather information and we have continued to grow our presence there. Besides the chamber website there is the Union County Tourism Website. This web address is www.uioncountyiowatourism.com. It is an excellent source of information about Creston and Union County.

In addition to the two websites we are also active on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and in the past few months we have joined Instagram, Creston Iowa Chamber, all of these provide a digital front door to the community and area which sees tens of thousands of visits per year. If you are not following the Chamber on one or all of these options please take a moment to become a follower.

2025 Legislative Coffees

During the 2025 Legislative Session, which opened 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 Saturdays, March 1 and April 12. Representative Devon Wood and Senator Tom Shipley are planning to attend. All coffees are open to the public at no charge.

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 200 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 by Feb. 7. A box of six cookies is $12 and a box of 12 is $16 and six gluten free cookies are $12. Deliveries in Creston only on Feb. 14 before noon. They can also be picked up at the library.

Creston Park & Rec will hold their comedy night on Febr. 8 at the Eagles in Creston.

Creston Lion’s Club will have their annual Spud Supper on Feb. 13 at the United Methodist Church, 400 N. Elm from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

SWCC will be holding their Vocal Jazz Fest from Feb. 27 through March 1. Please contact the college for details.

The Creston Animal Rescue Effort’s Spay-ghetti Supper will be Feb. 28 at the Eagles Club from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Creston High School will present the Jam the Gym on Feb. 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Gold Star Business Honored

The Chamber honored Medicap Pharmacy, 403 S. Sumner Ave. in Creston, 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. 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 Stephani Allison, Southern Hills Veterinary Services and Siddney Huddleson, Northwest Bank. 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.