April Employment Statistics

The Western Iowa Advantage Region’s monthly unemployment rate increased to 6.0 percent in April from 4.1 percent in April 2009, according to figures released from Iowa Workforce Development. Iowa’s unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in April from a revised 5.5 percent in April 2009. The U.S. unemployment rate was 9.9 percent in April. Total employment in the region decreased to 46,658 in April from 47,982 in April 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 April:

Adair 6.7%
Audubon 6.4%
Carroll 5.2%
Crawford 5.0%
Greene 7.2%
Guthrie 7.7%
Ida 5.7%
Sac 5.6%

Western Iowa Advantage is a partnership of economic development organizations dedicated to promoting Western Iowa for business and job attraction and retention.

Iowa Economic Outlook from Creighton University Business

Creighton University Business : Economic Outlook For the month of May 2010, reported June 1, 2010.

For the fifth straight month, Iowa’s Business Conditions Index climbed above growth neutral. The index, a leading economic indicator from a survey of supply managers, slipped to a to regional high 70.3 from 70.5 in April. Components of the overall index for May were new orders at 81.1, production or sales at 81.0, delivery lead time at 68.3, employment at 67.4, and inventories at 53.6. “Iowa’s economy has begun adding jobs. Since the beginning of the recession, Iowa has lost more than 51,000 jobs. Based on the latest state job data and Iowa’s recovery from the 2001 recession, I do not expect Iowa to fully restore these lost jobs until September 2012,” said Goss.

Click here to go to the May report from Creighton economist Ernie Goss -

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

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Kim Daniel, manager of Carroll 5 Theatre. Carroll 5 Theatre is a five screen movie theatre showing the newest releases, including 3-D.



Welcome to Don Nepple, administrator of Moose Lodge #273. Moose Lodge #273 is an international organization dedicated to caring for young and old, bringing communities together and celebrating life. The Carroll Moose Lodge has food, full bar and Wednesday night bingo available to members. They also have a meeting room available to rent.



We welcome these new members to the Chamber!

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to Senior Ambassador Don Bernholtz. Don is a native Carroll resident retired from the Navy and IDOT.

Welcome to Margaret & Larry Saddoris, owners of CAMDEN Apartments. CAMDEN Apartments offer clean and cozy apartments and corporate housing needs. Short term leasing is also available.

We welcome these new members to the Chamber!

Mark Nepple is named Manager of the Year

Congratulations to Mark Nepple for being named Manager of the Year for Bomgaars, a Sioux City-based chain of 59 stores.  Mark received this award  "in recognition of both the financial growth of the store and his personal growth as a manager."

Mark served on the Chamber Board of Directors from January 2007 thru December 2009.  Having worked with Mark, none of us are surprised at his receiving this award.

Nice job, Mark!

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.