Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Spring Spruce Up at the Chamber

Spring has sprung and you can tell if you have driven past the Chamber yesterday or today.  Trash recepticals have been installed near the Harold Bierl Community Room.  Good work Brian, they look great!

You will also notice the seatwall in front of the office has more bricks.  A new sign identifying the Chamber of Commerce should be completed by next week. 

Everyone driving by the Depot Plaza will see bronze letters and know that the Carroll Chamber of Commerce is located here.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Why the Census is Critical to Community & Economic Development

Census 2010 is under way. Forms were mailed to 120 million households about two weeks ago.  Thursday, April 1 is Census Day. This is the day that, ideally, all forms should be returned.

An accurate census count is critical to economic development for multiple reasons. Pass along to your employees and friends the importance of full participation to your community’s future well being.

Most people are aware that results are used to determine seats in the U.S. Representatives – critical to a community’s representation in the federal government. But did you know that accurate data are critical in deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects and services such as roads, schools, hospitals and job training centers? That’s more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period. Just 100 uncounted people can mean the loss of millions of dollars for a community between 2010 and 2020.

Particularly important in this economic climate, accurate data are key to attracting new businesses and the development of existing businesses. Businesses and consultants use census data to research markets, plan investments, analyze trends, understand consumer needs, locate pools of skilled workers, plan marketing strategies, and more. Used to identify where to locate shopping centers, offices, factories and more, accurate data directly impact the creation of new jobs!

It only takes 10 minutes to fill out the form, and completed forms are confidential. Remind your employees and acquaintances to mail their completed forms as soon as possible.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Phase V Corridor of Commerce Project

 The City expects construction for Phase V of the Corridor of  Commerce Project to begin in June. Phase V of the project will covers the areas from the West edge of Carroll Street to the East edge of Main Street along Highway 30.  Proposed improvements include replacement of some or all of the curb, sidewalk, lighting, storm sewer and roadway.  The Corridor of Commerce Project has been successful in transforming the appearance of the community and has helped to bring more business to Carroll.  Click on the photo below to see the proposed design developed by Confluence the city's designer and landscape architecture firm.

DMACC honors workers for winter storm clean up

The Chamber Coffee on Friday, March 26 - was hosted by DMACC's Student Activities Council to honor those who worked so hard during the winter storms to clear roads and restore electricity to the area.


Thursday, March 25, 2010

Chamber Friendly Award

Have you nominated someone for a Chamber Friendly Award lately?  There are many deserving employees working for Chamber members who extend extra effort and friendliness to customers.  How about honoring them with this award? They deserve it.

Chamber Staff Celebrates Their Heritage

Chamber staff took a little break on St. Patrick's Day to celebrate their heritage.  Katie is 100% Irish and Sue is only 1/8th Irish. That is why Katie has the hat.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Welcome New Chamber Members!

Welcome to John and Kay Gradoville, owners of Graddy's Salsa & Tomatoes.  John and Kay grow pesticide free hydroponic tomatoes and make a fresh, Graddy's All Natural Fresh Salsa.

Welcome to Jean Ludwig, associate member.  Jean is a certified retirement counselor at BancWest Investment Services.

Welcome to Larry Olberding, president of J & L Storage, Inc.  He provides storage rental in two locations with several sizes to better serve your needs.

Welcome to Julee Grell and Tom Duncan of Carroll County ISU Extension.  The Extension builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa.