Provide your input for regional economic development planning

Region XII Council of Governments is preparing a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) which will serve as the region’s economic roadmap for the next five years. Public participation is essential to creating the most complete and effective plan possible, so we are conducting a public opinion survey of residents and businesses in the region to see what people perceive as the best and worst elements of the local economy. The results will be used to develop specific action plans that build on existing community strengths and to determine weaknesses that must be addressed. They will also help to identify emerging opportunities on which to base the future prosperity of our communities.

The survey will take about 5-10 minutes to complete, but the results will impact the direction of your community for the next several years. We ask that you take a few minutes to complete the residents survey and also forward this message on, encouraging your family and friends to participate by going to the following link: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NG8TJC3. We ask that that you please complete the survey by February 26 so we will be able to use the results as we meet with public leaders to develop the plan.

We appreciate your interest in helping to shape the future priorities of your community. Should you have any questions regarding this initiative please do not hesitate to contact Chad Schreck at cschreck@region12cog.org or 712-775-7812.

Invest In Yourself Day at Pella Corp

The Carroll Chamber of Commerce was excited to be one of 20 agencies and organizations to be invited to the first "Invest In Yourself Day" at Pella Corp in Carroll on Thursday. The overall objective for the day was to allow Pella's team members to learn about different businesses and activities that are available to them in the Carroll area.

Thank you Pella for giving the Chamber of Commerce the opportunity to share information about our members to your team members.

Are You Ready For Some Basketball?

It is February and that means that the 4th Annual Hoop It Up Basketball Tournament is only three weeks away. We have 42 teams signed up at this time, so if you have a team and are looking for some good competition - sign up today.

Legislative Forum at IKM Manning High School Auditorium

An audience of 30 attended the Carroll Chamber of Commerce legislative forum at IKM Manning High School auditorium, Saturday, January 30. Senator Steve Kettering and Representative Rod Roberts answered numerous questions on Gov. Culver's budget proposal and the state's "Race to the Top" grant application to the U.S. Dept. of Education. Several questions were raised in reference to federal aid and the recent winter storms in December and January.

Chamber Annual Banquet February 8

2009 Banquet Highlights

2008 President Howie Drees

2009 President Mike Franey

Nick Badding, 2007 Community Service Award winner, presents Jim Auen the 2008 Community Service Award and congratulates him for being honored as Citizen of the Year.

Don't miss the 2010 Annual Banquet - call the Chamber office 792-4383 to order your tickets.

Carroll Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum Saturday, January 30

Plan to attend the Carroll Chamber of Commerce Legislative Forum Saturday, January 30 from 10-11 AM at the Manning High School Auditorium, 209 10th St. Senator Steve Kettering and Representative Rod Roberts will give their response to Governor Culver's budget proposal as well as discussion on the state's "Race to the Top" grant application to the U.S. Department of Education. This forum along with all forums will prove to be interesting and thought provoking.

GRATITUDE FROM THE CO-PILOT

It is always nice to get a thank you note. It was especially welcome to received this note from the co-pilot of the DC-3 that safely landed in a cornfield in Carroll 50 years ago. Below is his letter.

Chamber of Commerce

I simply cannot find words to express my gratitude to you and the citizens of Carroll who turned out to help us celebrate a night that will be forever etched in my memory as will be the night of Jan 18 , 2010 .

Having traveled across the entire US many times and to many other far away places I have not encountered an outpouring of genuine kindness, attentiveness and generosity, which created a sort of down home feeling.

I am especially thankful for Mayor Jim Pedelty, John Steffes , Norm Hutcheson, Doug Burns of the Times Herald and Jeff Blankman of KCIM for all they willingly contributed to MAKE MY DAY as well as that of Carroll and my gang from MN.

If the Fly-in of autumn becomes a reality we will be eagerly anticipating another trip to Carroll.

At my age I feel that I am perceptive enough to realise that you have a truly great team going for you in Carroll from the Mayor, who really loves Carroll, the Chamber, John Steffes and above all the extreemly capable and talented media .

As a by product of the activity you all have generated I have some new discoveries to reveal to to Doug and Jeff about some,until recently unknown players in the gaggle of 50 years ago involving a retired air traffic control operator and the fellow who helped recover the aircraft and arranged for the construction of the Carroll Auxiliary airstrip. Please tell Doug Burns that I promise to make that flight up 71 when the weather CAVU .

Goodby for now and many thanks to all of you wonderful kindred spirits . I hope to see you again!

Harold Gifford