Memorial Day Parade Draws Large Crowd

Monday was a beautiful day for a parade and to remember those who fought for our freedom.  A large crowd gathered in the Carroll cemetary which was highlighted by a fly over from two Air Force Jets. Following the parade everyone in attendance gathered to listen to the names of those who have died serving this country and to hear several speakers. This year’s guest speaker was Master Sergeant Carey Promes who spoke of the history of Memorial Day.  Chamber of Commerce President Rob Cordes also addressed the crowd.

Master Sergeant Carey Promes

Rob Cordes, Chamber President

People entering cemetery to hear speeches

Rock & Ride 2010

The Carroll Cycle Center will host Rock & Ride 2010 on Saturday, June 5th. Bands will be playing from 1:00 - 10:00 pm ($5 cover charge). The store will be open from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm; there will be demos and other activities. The Carroll Chamber of Commerce will run the Beer Garden from 12:00 - 11:00 pm. The Chamber appreciates the opportunity to be involved with this fundraiser as proceeds will be used for projects. Thank you Terry.

The Chamber Office is Here for the Duration!

It has been official since August 2007,
but now it is written in stone and bronze.

And it feels good. 

This morning Steve Larsen from Steve's Signs Shop installed the bronze letters in the seat wall in front of the Chamber Office.  It looks great, thank you Steve.  Now visitors will be able to locate the Chamber office with ease.

2010 Carroll County Visitor Guides Available

Stop at the Carroll Chamber of Commerce office for your copy of th 2010 Carroll County Visitor Guide. The guide lists attractions and events; it informs our visitors of lodging, food, shopping and other fun reasons to come to Carroll.

Local residents us the guide to keep abreast of events in the area. This information will also appear on the Chamber's website and can be updated throughout the year with new events as they are scheduled.

If you would like a personal copy or if you want a supply for your business, stop at the Chamber today.

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.

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

Chamber Collecting Data for 2010 Carroll County Visitor Guide

If you have attractions or events in Carroll County that you would like to submit for inclusion in the 2010 Carroll County Visitor Guide email your information to s.schrad@carrolliowa.com. We may not be able to include all information in the printed guide, but we will try to include on the Chamber's Community Calendar. Deadline to submit information is Wednesday, December 16.

Check the 2009 Visitor Guide on the Chamber's web site www.carrolliowa.com to see how businesses are listed in the guide. There is a fee for businesses to be included. If you would like your business listed, call the Chamber office at 712-792-4383.

Local Photograhper Donates Giclee Print

Kim Hackett, Secreteary-Treasurer of the Carroll Chamber of Commerce accepts a giclee print (photograph on canvas) from local professional photographer Stan Buman. Chamber staff is thrilled with this beautiful piece and invite the public to stop by and view this unique photo. Thank you Stan.

Stan has been doing photography for several years and more of his work can be seen at www.fencelinephotos.com.

Freda Dammann Wins Individual Friend of Tourism Award

Freda Dammann, an ordinary person making extraordinary things happen in Iowa tourism was recognized at the 2009 Iowa Tourism Conference in Tama for her efforts. Freda has been a devoted volunteer for the Manning Hausbarn/Heritage Park since 1989 and named as the Director in 2008. In Manning she has helped coordinate the RAGBRAI visit, Kinderfest, Wiehnachtsfest and Maize Daze as well as leading the force in Manning to become a Main Street Community. Her volunteer efforts don't stop in Manning. She has been very active in Western Iowa Tourism Region since 1989, including holding every office the last five years, including president. She has donated thousands of hours over the years for local, region and state tourism and was vital in creating opportunity and enthusiasm for tourism in Iowa. Congratulations Freda! and thank you for all you do for Carroll County tourism.

Photo(from left): Kathy Dirks, past president of the Travel Federation of Iowa (TFI); Freda Dammann; Tim Waddell, Community Development Division Administrator from the Iowa Department of Economic Development; Kristie Wetjen, vice-president of TFI.

Tourism Benefits with the Lincoln Highway Heritage Byway

Three Lincoln Highway upcoming events on 9/24, 29, 30. In reality, these events are not history events as you might assume. All three are designed with business and local city leaders as the target audiences. Business people who would benefit from tourism promotion along the Lincoln Highway are invited to attend.

The 9/24 lecture is about how byways can have a positive impact on a community from an identity perspective as well as economically. As we become more successful in making the Lincoln Highway statewide a transportation magnet for out of state "see America" coast-to-coast retired baby boomer travelers, they will be stopping here for meals and lodging IF we can show them byway attractions as well. But the business community has to want to be part of that if they expect to see any benefit. Find out how you can be a part of this effort at a free lecture at Santa Maria on 9/24. Lecture starts at 7:00 pm, meal at 6:00 pm (if they have reservations).

The bus tours on 9/29 and 9/30 are also for leaders and business owners that want to actually see what the tourist will see between Grand Junction and Westside. Seen from the eyes of a New York traveler who knows nothing of Iowa, our history and land is new to them and not boring. With some interpretation sites to point out, we can attract tourists just as Route 66 does in the south. Route 66, by the way, has their biggest draw from European travelers (mostly German) who spend major bucks on their "See America" cross-continental trips. Carroll is on the Lincoln Highway route from NYC to Frisco.

Call Francie O'Leary (past Chamber Board Member)to learn more. 712.792.4415.

Whiterock Conservancy Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Khrushchev Visit

I was honored to attend a luncheon for more than 100 invited guests served at the Roswell and Elizabeth Garst Farmstead near Coon Rapids Saturday. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of Soviet Premier Nakita Khrushchev's visit to Iowa, whose cooperation reinvented Soviet agriculture and produced one of the few thaws in the Cold War.

Thirty Russian officials and businessmen, along with members of the Garst family and guests were treated to a menu that replicated a lunch served during Khrushchev's visit in September, 1959. The menu included barbeque ribs, fried chicken, ham, corn casserole and slaw. A delicisous apple pie dessert topped off the meal. Elizabeth Garst was emcee of a short program of speakers who commented on the lasting effects of the 1959 visit.

Honored guest Sergei Khrushchev, son of Nikita, was a popular figure at the luncheon, signing autographs for those in attendance. Many events took place in Coon Rapids for the anniversary, including a dedication of the Garst Farm to the Register of National Historic Places, a Farm Progress Show, parade and street dance. The event was extremely well organized by the Garst family and Whiterock Conservancy staff.

Sergei Khrushchev, son of Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, signs an autograph for 10-year old Hannah Sackett. "I love history and this is the best thing ever," said Hannah.

The delegation of Russian officials and businessmen sat for this photo with the Garst family. In assembling the subjects for the photo, I overheard one photographer say to the other, "It's like herding cats!", to which the another photographer, speaking in a thick Russian accent said, "It's like herding mulit-lingual cats."

Members of the Russian delegation at a luncheon that replicated a meal during Nakita Khrushchev's to the Garst Farmstead in 1959.

CADC Organizes Sen. Grassley's Ambassadors Tour

Carroll Area Development Corporation was proud to help Senator Charles Grassley and his staff organize bringing diplomats from 55 countries to experience Carroll County's hospitality as they learned about Carroll County's presence in the global market place.

Overnight housing was arranged in private homes for the diplomats. The hosts and diplomats met at Santa Maria Winery where they enjoyed a reception, short program and meal. Special thanks goes out to the sponsors: Gold Sponsors-Carroll County State Bank, Iowa Soybean Association and West Central Cooperative; Silver Sponsors-Dow AgroSciences/Renze Seeds, Star Destinations/Windstar Lines, POET Bio-refining and Devansoy; Bronze Sponsors-Commercial Savings Bank, Daily Times Herald, Future Health Software, Farner-Bocken Co, Lidderdale Country Store, Santa Maria Vineyard & Winery, St. Anthony Regional Hospital and Art & Naomi Neu.

The steering committee consisting of Art Neu, Trish Roberts and Neil Trobak did a great job.

Today the group toured Goodrich Engine Components and West Central Cooperative. They will spend the rest of the trip touring Iowa and conclude with a stop at the State Fair. Thank you Senator Grassley for giving Carroll County an opportunity to shine.

Carroll to Host IHSBCA All-Star Series

Carroll, Iowa will be the site of the 33rd Annual Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series, August 6-9, 2009. Sixty-four of Iowa’s best graduated high school senior baseball players will converge on Merchants Park in Carroll for the All-Star Series.

A local committee made up of association members and high school baseball boosters organized the local effort to make the 2009 All-Star Games a memorable experience for players, coaches and fans.

“The All-Star Series provides a great opportunity for these young men to develop new friendships with players they have often competed against throughout their high school careers. The overall experience of this event is something they will always remember,” said John Waddle, Head Coach at Coon Rapids-Bayard and President-Elect of Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association.

Schedule:

Thursday, August 9:

6:00 p.m. Large Schools East vs. Small Schools West

8:00 p.m. Small Schools East vs. Large Schools West

Friday, August 10:

6:00 p.m. Small Schools East vs. Small Schools West

8:00 p.m. Large Schools East vs. Large Schools West

Saturday, August 11:

11:00 a.m. Small Schools East vs. Large Schools East

1:00 p.m. Small Schools West vs. Large Schools West

Sunday, August 9:

10:00 a.m. Consolation Game

12:00 p.m. Championship Game (two teams with best over-all record)

Admission for all games is $5.00. Come join the fun!!

Chamber Hosts Lt. Governor Patty Judge's Visit to Carroll

The Chamber hosted Lt. Governor Judge, Iowa Tourism Director Nancy Landess and Iowa Lottery CEO Terry Rich in Carroll at Santa Maria Vineyard and Winery today. They were welcomed by Chamber President Mike Franey and informed of tourism opportunities in Carroll County. They had a sample of Santa Maria's wines and were given a tour of the winery by owners John & Rose Guinan. Lt. Governor Patty Judge is on tour of Iowa and is calling on Iowans to stay around Iowa this summer; and in the process invest their money in Iowa's communities to support local businesses and jobs. To see a map of her tour locations, visit http://www.traveliowa.blogspot.com/. Here you can learn more about the places and events on the Lt. Governor’s visit along with find resources for planning your own vacation. Check the Carroll Chamber of Commerce website for the Carroll County Visitor Guide and Community Calendar to find out what there is to see and do in Carroll County.

Lt. Governor Patty Judge to Visit Carroll

At a time when many Iowans are looking for an affordable way to get away this summer, Lt. Governor Patty Judge has the solution - travel Iowa. Along with Carroll she will visit 66 other cities in Iowa. She is calling on Iowans to stay around Iowa this summer, and in the process invest their money in Iowa's communities to support local businesses and jobs. Lt. Governor Judge will be in Carroll at Santa Maria Vineyard and Winery on Thursday July 23th. To see a map of tour locations she will be stopping at, visit Travel Iowa 2009 Blog. Here you can learn more about the places and events the Lt. Governor will visit, find resources for planning your own vacation and follow along as the Lt. Governor travels the state.

Check the Carroll Chamber of Commerce website for our Carroll County Visitor Guide and Community Calendar to find out what there is to see and do in Carroll County.

Chamber Welcomes Transcontinental Motor Convoy

The Carroll Chamber of Commerce was pleasantly surprised today when we received a phone call at 8:00 A.M. from organizers of MVPA 2009 Transcontinental Motor Convoy looking for a rest stop. The convoy was scheduled to pass through Carroll about 10:00 A.M. but due to the hot weather they decided to make short stop. In no time, plans were underway to welcome the convoy. Badding Construction offered their parking lot, Culligan donated bottled water, Hy-Vee donated ice, the media was notified of the change in plans and we made our restrooms available.
Previously the Boy & Cub Scouts lined the streets with American flags and our visitors from across the US were duly welcomed to Carroll. The hot and tired drivers had only driven from their overnight stay in Jefferson, but were ready for a break. They were having a great time in spite of the heat and dust. We took a lot of great photos, you can view them at www. http://www.carrolliowa.com/Convoy%20Pictures.htm

This group is retracing the route of the first US Army Transcontinental Motor Convoy across the United States along the Lincoln Highway. It is 3,250 miles and 62 days long.

Special thanks to Francie O'Leary, program manager at M & M Divide/RC&D and the City Police and County Sheriff's Department for their extra efforts on this project.

1919 Military Convoy to Pass through Carroll

A bit of history will be visiting the area on Tuesday, June 23 as a 1919 Commemorative Military Convoy traveling across the country on the Lincoln Highway will be passing through Carroll and Crawford Counties and making a lunch stop in Denison. It is estimated that the military convoy will involve approximately 75 military vehicles and over 80 people. The military vehicles involved will cover all eras from World War I to current-issue military vehicles.

The convoy is noting the 90th anniversary of the 1919 Transcontinental Convoy and is being taken in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission's celebration of the 200th birthday of our 16th president this summer.

The estimated time they will pass through Carroll is 10:00 a.m. and they are expected to pass through Westside and Vail before noon on June 23. For more information, visit their website http://www.mvpa.org/