Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Randy Hockom, retired Hy-Vee store manager who joins us as our newest Senior Ambassador.  Thank you Randy for your support of the Chamber.

We also welcome Steve Riesberg and Brian Reinart, owners of B & S's 529, a restaurant and bar specializing in burgers and pizza.

The Chamber welcomes this month's new members!

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Cody Irlbeck, owner of Irlbeck Precision Surfaces.  Irlbeck Precision Surfaces provide custom designing and installation of granite, marble, quartz and tile.  Contact Cody at 712-775-2775 or email him at codyirlbeck@yahoo.com.

Welcome Chris Baack!  Chris is the owner of Christopher Lee's Catering, based at the Arcadia Legion Hall.  Christopher Lee's books catering for all events at the Hall or at the location of your choice.  Chris offers an extensive menu and competitive prices.  Email them at christopherleescatering@yahoo.com or call them at 712-830-5695.

Welcome Beth Tiefenthaler, owner of Salontief.  Salontief is a full service salon and spa. Check Beth out at http://www.salontief.com/ or call her at 712-792-0760.

The Chamber welcomes all three new Chamber members!

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Carol Thompson, consultant for Private Quarters.  Private Quarters offers quality linens for your bed and bath, numberous spa items and a line of Comfortwear.  Carol is available for one-on-one consultations as well as home "Getaway" parties.  Contact Carol today and let her help bring quality and comfort to your home.  Check Carol out at www.privatequarters.net/quality or email csharpie78@yahoo.com.

Welcome Susan Rix, owner of Finishing Touch Gallery.  Finishing Touch Gallery provides professional custom matting and framing of photographs, artwork, canvasses and needle work of all kinds for homes and businesses.  They specialize in conservation practices and custom matting designs.  See all Susan has to offer at http://www.finishingtouchframing.com/ or email her at susan.rix@mchsi.com.

Welcome Dennis Bailey, Pastor of Carroll First Untied Methodist Church.  The Church specializes in connecting people with God through worship, witness, service and sharing.  The Church's website is http://www.carrollunitedmethodist.org/ or email Pastor Bailey at carrollumc@msn.com.

The Chamber welcomes this month's new members!

Computer Concepts of Iowa hosts a Chamber coffee

Congratulations to Adam Schweers and his staff on the expansion of Computer Concepts of Iowa.  The Chamber coffee allowed everyone to see the new office.  Thanks for hosting one, Adam!




Computer Concepts of Iowa - Coffee and Ribbon/Cutting



Carroll's Retail Sales strong in FY 2009

Retail sales in Carroll showed a slight increase (2.28%) for the year ending June 30, 2009. This is according to the latest figures available from Iowa State University Department of Economics. Read the full report here. Below are charts illustrating the strength of Carroll's retail economy. Sales are much greater than expected for a town this size. Growth in number of firms reporting and Carroll compares favorably to similar towns in a "peer group" designated by ISU.

For the full report on Retail Sales in Carroll, click HERE

Watch this space for the Carroll County Retail Analysis, which will include sales of merchandise by category

Two Energizing Workshops Sponsored by the Chamber

Two great speakers from Le Mars spent time in Carroll today presenting energizing workshops to Chamber members.

Angela Watson presents Hospitality Magic Tricks

Angela Watson presented Hospitality Magic Tricks in the morning to a group that enjoyed hearing how customer service ultimately effects the bottom line. She informed how important it is for employees to have fun at work and how that directly affects how they treat the customer.  Thank you Angela for sharing your expertise with the Chamber members.

Dave Smetter presents The Three Pillars of Business Success

Dave Smetter informed the afternoon group the three pillars of success are Leadership, Communication and Employee Engagement.  He shared many examples of these pillars in his presentation.  Thanks Dave. It was a great day of learning for many Chamber members.

New Board Orientation

The Chamber's new board members for 2011 attended a board
 orientation meeting on Thursday, October 7th

Welcome to the Chamber Board

Doug Gifford - State Farm Insurance

Jair Mayhall - Greteman & Associates

Ken Payer - Champion Ford

Terry Ruchti - Carroll Cycle Center

Gina Bauck - Enchanted Gardens

Ag Representative -  Aaron Juergens

 Juergens Produce & Feed

53rd Annual Carroll Band Day

People lined the streets of Carroll 's 53rd Annual Band Day Parade's new route through Graham Park on Saturday, October 2nd. It was a fun day had by all with beautiful weather and children waiting in anticipation for the next parade entry and their chance at another handful of candy. Winners this year: High School Class 3A: 1st Place - Jefferson-Scranton, 2nd Place-Carroll Community Class 2A: 1st Place - Roland-Story, 2nd Place -East Sac County, 3rd Place - Cherokee Washington Class 1A: 1st Place - Aurelia, 2nd Place -Guthrie Center, 3rd Place - Glidden Ralston.  Middle School Class 3A: 1st Place - Boone, 2nd Place - Jefferson-Scranton. Class 2A: 1st Place - East Sac County, 2nd Place - Ogden, 3rd Place - Cherokee. Best Overall Drum Major: Jefferson-Scranton HS-Brandon Tjepkes. Best Overall Baton Twirler: Kuemper-Catholic HS, Mallory Raemakers. Best Overall Color Guard: Roland-Story. The Best Overall Band Performance went to Roland-Story High School for the 2nd year in a row. Congratulations to all the winners!

Carroll Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum

At 7 PM Tuesday evening, October 5, the Carroll Chamber of Commerce hosted a Candidate Forum for candidates running in contested races for House District #51, Supervisor and Recorder. An audience of 130+ attended the forum held at the Carroll High School, Gene Vincent Auditorium and listened as candidates answered questions submitted by the public prior to the forum, by the audience in attendance and call-ins.

Chamber Sponsored Workshops

The Chamber has found 2 dynamic, experienced speakers to present at workshops scheduled for

Tuesday, October 19th at the Carrollton.  

Click Above and Print



Click Above, Print & Register Today

Angela Watson, Sales and Customer Communications, Well's Dairy will present

"Hospitality Magic Tricks".  It will give a few simple tools to incorporate immediately. 

Whether it's a simple "me check" or a full-organizational refresher course, this presentation will magically transform any business into a preferred place to work and to do business.

Dave Smetter, Senior Director, Corporate Marketing & Communications, Wells' Inc. will present

"The 3 Pillars of Business Success"

Leadership - Communication - Employee Engagement

This workshop will help you build the skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen your foundation in order to reach new heights as a top business performer.

Call the Chamber office with questions.

Choose one or both of these workshops, for you and your employees. 



Carroll County Employment and Jobs - August 2010

 



Carroll County's August Unemployment Rate the Fifth Lowest in Iowa





   As the state and nation continue to struggle with high unemployment figures, Carroll County continues to stay below the 5% mark that is named by economists as statistical full employment. This has been the case throughout a national recession. Carroll County's unemployment rate peaked in April, 2010 at 5.2%. However Iowa Workforce Development reports 350 fewer jobs in Carroll County than August 2009. There has been a slow and steady slide in job numbers throughout the state over the last 24-36 months.

Interestingly, the highest unemployment rate in August was in Lee County, the most Southeastern Iowa County at 10.8%, while  the lowest rate was in Lyon County the most Northwestern County at 3.9%.

The Western Iowa Advantage Region’s monthly unemployment rate increased to 5.5 percent in August from 4.7 percent in August 2009, according to figures released from Iowa Workforce Development. Iowa’s unemployment rate was 6.8 percent in August from a revised 6.3 percent in August 2009. The U.S. unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in August. Total employment in the region decreased slightly to 46,846 in August from 47,796 in August 2009.

Western Iowa Advantage tracks various economic indicators in Adair, Audubon, Carroll, Crawford, Greene, Guthrie, Ida and Sac Counties in Iowa, including employment trends.

County unemployment rates in the region for August:

Adair 5.7%
Audubon 5.9%
Carroll 4.7%
Crawford 4.9%
Greene 7.4%
Guthrie 6.4%
Ida 5.1%
Sac 5.4%
Western Iowa Advantage is a partnership of economic development organizations dedicated to promoting Western Iowa for business and job attraction and retention. 

Bloomers - Congratulations on 20 years!

Congratulations goes out to Strauto (Jim Strautman) and Tank (Tom Wieland) for celebrating 20 years in business here in Carroll.  Bloomers hosted a Chamber Coffee and Ribbon-Cutting on Friday, October 1st to celebrate this milestone.  We are fortunate to have Bloomers as part of our community.



Congratulations Strauto and Tank, owners of Bloomers!



Carroll Chamber of Commerce Band Day Parade

On Saturday, October 2 spectators will be choosing viewing spots in anticipation of the 53rd  Annual Carroll Band Day Parade. At 10:30 AM the parade will take off at 12th & Adams and proceed  to Graham Park where the judging of bands takes place. Immediately following the parade, the Carroll  and Jefferson-Scranton High Schools will perform field presentations at the Carroll Stadium. Presentation of the trophies will follow. The public is invited and encouraged to attend. This year Band Day is sponsored by Lou Walsh Motors and the Carroll Chamber is partnered with Carroll Community Schools and Kuemper Catholic School. See you all there!

New Maps Have Arrived

Thanks to 42 sponsors who purchased advertising, the Carroll Chamber of Commerce has updated the City and County maps.  If you would like to have them available at your business or for your personal use, stop by the Chamber and pick up a supply.  The map was last updated in 2008, a new copy may come in handy.

The Chamber has local and state visitor information, the Carroll magazines and maps of the 50 states. 

Carroll County Leadership Institute Began Last Night

Members of CCLI during orientation.

The first session of 2010-2011 Carroll County Leadership Institute was kicked-off with John Brockelsby, DMACC sharing leadership theory and discussing motivation.  John explained the differences between leadership and management.  Thank you John for a great beginning to the session.


John Brockelsby, Professor at DMACC instructing Carroll County Leadership Institute

There are 18 members of 2010/2011 CCLI. They will meet at different locations for the next seven months with topics including: Tourism & Volunteerism, Small Business Development &Value-Added Ag, Government & Citizenship, Education, Healthcare, Economic Development and then Graduation.  The Chamber's goal in facilitating  CCLI is to help participants learn more about Carroll County and effectively assume leadership roles in the future.

Carroll Chamber of Commerce hosts the 53rd Annual Carroll Band Day Parade, October 2

17 bands will be performing at the 53rd Annual Carroll Band Day Parade on Saturday, October 2, hosted by the Carroll Chamber of Commerce. Beginning at 10:30 AM., bands from around the State will be filling the City of Carroll with music performed by talented and enthusiastic high school and middle school band students. Lou Walsh Motors will be sponsoring this year's parade. Carroll Public High School and Kuemper Catholic Schools will be partnering with the Chamber. Due to construction of the Carroll Downtown Business District, an alternate route will be used. Check the Chamber's website http://www.carrolliowa.com/ to view the parade route. Immediately following the parade there will be band field presentations and the awarding of trophies at the football stadium. Anyone still wanting to participate in the parade should contact the Chamber office at 712-792-4383 or email chamber@carrolliowa.com.

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Dave Wiges, marketing consultant for the Denison Bulletin/Review.  The Denison Bulletin/Review offers several newspaper and online options to market your business and bring customers in your door.  Check Dave out at http://www.dbrnews.com/ or adswithdave@hotmail.com.

Welcome to Matt Hodges, owner of Irrigation Specialties.  Irrigation Specialties in many cases can improve a system by making it 30% more efficient while maintaining the beauty of your lawn.  With 10 years of experience, Irrigation Specialties can do repairs, upgrades, start-ups and shut-downs as well as complete installations.  Email Matt at irrigationspecialties@gmail.com with any questions.

Welcome Doug Leiting, owner of Leiting Construction.  Leiting Construction does light construction consisting of decks, roofing, windows, three and four season rooms and other outdoor creations.  Contact Doug at 712-792-2044 with questions.

We welcome these new members to the Chamber!

Chamber Golf Outing

It was a Great day of Golf
 even with the rain delay !



It was REALLY a great day for Steve Schulz who got a Hole-in-One on #15. 
Steve won a Harley Davidson Golf Package worth over $700.
Steve is pictured here (center) with Terry Ruchti and Bob Brown from
Carroll Cycle Center the hole sponsor  

 


First Flight Winners - Team Score 53
Troy Auen, Rob Cordes, Craig Mertz, Mike Franey



The Boss !



The New Hope Village Ladies




Carroll Broadcasting Team

 



 

Dedication of Laker Court, Carroll Iowa

Who is this man and what is he doing??

Minneapolis Laker Tommy Hawkins gave the most moving speech about what Carroll Iowa means to him, a surviver of the Miracle Cornfield Landing of 1960 in Carroll. Learn more by following the links to photos, video and news stories below.

The Chamber Blog has the most content on the web of the dedication of Laker Court in Carroll, Iowa. If you have photos, video or links from these events, comment on this post or email to chamber@carrolliowa.com.

Follow this blog post and the links to those who were at the ceremony on Sunday:

Video

Chamber Blog Exclusive Video - 

Gifford and Passenger Hawkins aboard DC-3 Discuss Landing.

Video - Minneapolis Laker Tommy Hawkins thanking Carroll
Video - Minneapolis Laker Tommy Hawkins recounts Miracle Cornfield Landing
Video - Laker VP Jeanie Buss thanks Carroll, Iowa
Video - Ribbon cutting and flyover
Video - Laker Jeanie Buss (Daily Times Herald)
Video - Tommy Hawkins Minneapolis Lakers Miracle Landing (Daily Times Herald)



Photos
Slide Show - Laker Court Dedication and Carroll Airport Fly-in
Slide Show - taken by Chamber President Rob's Cordes
Slide Show - from Flight Day at Carroll Airport - KKRL Radio - Carroll

News
News Link - Buss, Hawkins Say Carroll Saved Lakers and NBA
News Link - Carroll Airport Holds Successful Flight Day, KKRL Radio, Carroll
News Link - Interviews with Tommy Hawkins, Jeannie Buss and John Steffes - KKRL Radio, Carroll
News Link New Laker Court dedicated in Carroll Sunday - KKRL Radio, Carroll
News Link  - Pictures of Laker Court dedication along with audio from ceremony - KCIM, Carroll
News Link  - Basketball Court Built On Lakers Plane Crash Site - KCAU-TV, Sioux City
News - Los Angeles Examiner

Links
Miracle Cornfield Landing
Los Angeles Lakers
Minneapolis Lakers
Carroll Chamber of Commerce
Carroll Area Development Corp.

Lakers VP Jeanie Buss will dedicate Laker Court this Sunday

John Steffes sits on the new Laker Court!

Los Angeles Lakers Vice President Jeanie Buss

It all began on a snowy night in January 1960. A Minneapolis Lakers team flight home from St. Louis was in trouble and had to land. The pilot found the Carroll water tower and set down safely in what is now Veteran's Memorial Park. Players were taken to the Burke Hotel and left the next day. The plane was repaired and flown out of the cornfield. Not too long after, the team moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles.

Last January, a 50th Anniversary celebration was held honoring the crew. Organizers asked the Los Angeles Lakers to send someone to Carroll to help recognize the anniversary. But in the middle of the season, folks here understand why that would not work out. Lakers Vice President Jeanie Buss sent a very nice letter to be read at the ceremony. A plaque commemorating the landing was installed in the park.

Soon Norm Hutcheson, the long time member of the Carroll Airport Commission arranged for a DC3 to join the Fly-In Breakfast at the Carroll Airport on September 12, 2010. John Steffes, who organized the events in January, was pleased with the plaque in the Park, but had bigger plans. "What about a basketball court there? We could make it purple and gold like the Lakers...maybe they would help fund it in recognition of the anniversary." 

The Lakers are not only providing $25,000 to fund the construction of the court, but Jeanie Buss will be here to cut the ribbon. Also scheduled to appear is Minneapolis Laker Tommy Hawkins, who was a passenger on the plane.

 6:30 a.m - 1:00 p.m. - Fly-In Breakfast - Arthur N. Neu Municipal Airport, 21177 Quail Ave., Carroll.

A brief program to honor the historic DC3/C47 will begin at 10:00 a.m.

1:30 p.m.  -  Carroll Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Laker Court at Veteran's Memorial Park, 2100 Grant Rd., Carroll.

The culdesac at the south end of Ashwood Drive
 has been renamed Laker Court

Chamber Golf Outing

Monday's weather forecast sounds great,

so why not get in one more game of golf at:
Chamber's 48th Annual Golf Outing
Monday September 13, 2010
Carroll Country Club
12:30 Shotgun Start
It promises to be a fun day of
golf with your Chamber friends.
Call the Chamber 792-4383
to sign up your team.

Carroll County Leadership Institute

There is still time to sign-up, but you must hurry because only a few spots in the class remain, so send in your application today!

Carroll County Leadership Institute will begin its 12th year with a series of eight sessions begin on Wednesday, September 22.  The Institute's ultimate goals are to motivate participants to a higher level of community awareness and involvement as well as ensure that Carroll County has a strong flow of leadership well into the future.  Encourage your employees to take part in CCLI and take an active role in Carroll Counties future.

Earn $50 in Chamber Bucks and a Chance to Win $200 off 2011 Dues

DMACC earned $50 in Chamber Bucks and you can too.  But hurry, offer expires the end of September.

Our newest Chamber member, Carol Thompson of Private Quarters was referred by DMACC.  Both will be entered into a drawing for $200 off their Chamber membership dues in 2011.

This program is a financial opportunity for you, but more importantly it is an opportunity to expend and strengthen the Chamber of Commerce membership.

Please take a moment to review your business relationships and if they are not a member give us a call at the Chamber.  Together we can share the benefits of membership with the potential new member.

Progress Celebration '10

The 7th Annual Progress Celebration was a big success! A good time was had by ALL
Thanks to everyone that attended. A BIG thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers. We appreciate your support. See you next year.

Good Conversation

Good Music !

Good Times

Good Friends !

Good Advise - Never coach your wife, just watch & smile

Good Games

Good Golly!

Auen Distributing Celebrates 60th Anniversary with Chamber Coffee

Auen Distributing celebrates 60 years of business

 

Jim Auen addressed a large crowd this morning and shared details of how his parents got their start in Carroll.  Ike and Dorothy started as a two person business and continued to grow over the years.

Congratulations Auen Distributing

Jim's brother Dave Auen started in the business in 1970 and Jim returned after college.

Progress

Celebration '10

Saturday,

August 28th

5:30-11:30 pm

Depot Plaza

Join us for a fun-filled night of food, drinks, games and live bands.

Welcome New Chamber Member!

Welcome to Jim Bagley, CEO of Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative.  Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Glidden, Iowa, is a member-owned, non-profit electric cooperative.  It provides reliable, competitively priced electric energy to businesses and industries, farms and homes throughout West Central Iowa. Check Jim out at http://www.rvec.coop/ or email jimb@rvec.coop. 

We welcome Raccoon Valley Electric Cooperative to the Chamber!

Beautiful Weather for Golf!

Friday, August 20th turned out to be a beautiful day for 156 people to enjoy golf at the Carroll Chamber of Commerce Annual Agri-Business Golf Outing & Barbecue.  Thank you to the 40 sponsors who helped to make the event possible.  Chamption Ford, a new sponsor this year, awarded prizes to those who could chip a wiffle ball into the bed of a new Ford pick-up. (Good thing those weren't real golf balls).

Not only was there a great day of golf and prizes, but the Muni served a fantastic steak and pork loin meal to nearly 200 guests. The day was topped off with over 130 door prizes.  Thank you again sponsors for your generosity.  This was a great way for businesses to show their appreciation and to network with the Ag community.

Chamber Golf Outing September 13

Sign up now for the Chamber 48th Annual Golf Outing - Don't miss this fun event!

Monday, September 13th at the Carroll Country Club.
12:30 Shot Gun Start
Call the Chamber Office today712-792-4383