Chamber accomplishments

2007 CRESTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Promoted and sold a record $108,178 in Creston Bucks from October 1, 2006, through October 19, 2007, compared to $98,365 in Creston Bucks the previous time period, which were spent only at Creston Chamber businesses

Chamber memberships continued to grow and currently are at one of the highest levels ever. We welcomed 28 new businesses and individuals to the Chamber in 2007.

Recruited and assisted new businesses in locating to Creston

Continued to be responsive to suggestions of our membership

Maintained and updated the Chamber Website – www.crestoniowachamber.com.

Planned and promoted the Moonlite Madness Promotion, Citywide Garage Sale, Crazy Days & Sales Tax Holiday Promotion and Holiday 2006 GiveAway Promotion

Helped to organize and promote the various celebrations in Creston – 10,000 Crestonians 4th of July, 30th Annual Creston/ Southwest Iowa Hot Air Balloon Days & Lighted Christmas Parade and “No Place Like Creston for the Holidays”

Partnered with Union County Development Association to market and develop MyEntreNet in Creston and Union County

Partnered and collaborated with various groups and organizations – Creston/Union County Tourism, City of Creston, Union County Development Association, the Union County Visitors Center, Creston High School FFA, Union County Conservation, Creston Park & Recreation Board, McKinley Lake/Hurley Creek Watershed Group, Union County Historical Society, Small Business Development Center, Western Iowa Tourism Region, Southern Exposures Tourism and Iowa Tourism Department, Creston Volunteer Fire Fighters Easter Event, Uptown Creston Committee, Comfort & Joy Quilt Show, Santa at the Depot, Iowa State Extension Service, Crestland Betterment Foundation, Creston Diversity Coalition, Friends of the Library and CARE.

Continued the Buy Creston First Campaign

The Chamber Ambassadors held over 60 coffees, ribbon cuttings and open houses

Continued the monthly Women in Business Series

Created, updated and distributed brochures to market and promote Creston throughout the area, state and region

Mailed out over a 260 information packets on Creston and Union County

Served over 150 people at the Chamber sponsored Employee Appreciation Omelet Breakfast in May during Small Business Appreciation Month

Continued the Hi-Five Honor for great customer service

Continued the Gold Star Business Honor for businesses who maintain their property

Continued the Creston Yards of the Month Campaign

Partnered with the City of Creston to begin the “Paint Creston Program”

Continued to coordinate the ongoing beautification of the City and the Central Business District

Co-sponsored along with the City of Creston Clean Sweep Days

Maintained the Creston Commercial Property Loan Program

Sponsored 3 Legislative coffees with Senator Angelo, Representative Reasoner and
Representative Dolecheck