What's Up? News You Should Know Now!
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Indianola Featured in Midwest Living

Enter to Win by February 29, 2016

Indianola is currently being featured as an iconic American destination as part of a Dream Trip Giveaway. To find out more about this great trip and register to win, visit traveliowa.com. Entry deadline is February 29, 2016.
 
The Iowa Tourism Office partnered with powerhouse publisher Meredith’s Midwest Living magazine to grant a dream trip to Iowa. The five-day, four-night getaway will wind the winner through communities that exemplify Americana – like Indianola. The winning traveler will stay at a variety of boutique hotels; dine in restaurants that range from gourmet to local comfort; and adventure across Iowa via land, water and air. Winners will also receive a $2,000 VISA gift card.
 
Communities featured in the Dream Trip Giveaway include Urbandale, Winterset, Orient, Greenfield, Indianola, Pella, Eldon and Moravia. Featured attractions include the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum, National Balloon Museum, American Gothic House and many more. Read the full itinerary at traveliowa.com
 
For more information, visit traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA, or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center.

Internships 101 Webinar

Provided by the Greater Des Moines Partnership

Internship Toolkit

Are you thinking about implementing an internship program at your organization, but aren’t sure where to start? Or perhaps you have had interns in the past and are looking for ways to make your program more formalized and effective. Check out the new internship toolkit: Internships 101, launched by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. The free, online guide provides employers with tools to successfully implement and maintain an internship program within their organizations.

The online guide walks through key areas of implementation, beginning with establishing a plan, recruiting and hiring, and management tips. Also included are resources such as a sample job description, local college and university contacts, sample interview questions and legal considerations.

For more information, join the Internships 101 Webinar on Monday, March 7 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Visit www.desmoinesmetro.com/events to register for this free webinar.

Calendar of Events

March 24 - Ribbon Cutting at Impact Community Action Program;  210 W. Second Avenue, Ste. B, 10 a.m. New
July 15 -  Indianola Chamber of Commerce Golf Open

Warren County, ISU Extension News!

Think Spring! Garden Seminar

Register for the Think Spring! Garden Seminar on Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Kent Campus Center at Simpson College, Indianola.

This event is a partnership between the ISU Extension Master Gardeners in Warren County and Indianola Parks and Recreation. Learn about: Success with Houseplants, Inspirational Garden Art & Pinterest Gardening, Gymnoclaudus dioicus (the Kentucky Coffeetree) and Birds, Butterflies and Pollinators.  Register for the Think Spring! Garden Seminar now! 

Dr. Seuss is Having a Birthday!

Saturday, February 27, 2016


We're having a party!  
It's truer than true.
We want to celebrate and party with you!
You would not, could not, SHOULD NOT MISS
A BIRTHDAY PARTY SUCH AS THIS!!! 

Saturday, February 27, 2016
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
First United Methodist Church
Cost:  FREE

Please join us for breakfast, games, fun and meet the Cat in the Hat!  Please pre-register by calling the Library at 515-961-9418.  Sponsored by Friends of the Indianola Public Library Foundation and Darren Beverage, State Farm Insurance Agency.

Des Moines Metro Opera - Opera Iowa

Cinderella - Sunday, February 28, 2016, 3:00 p.m.


The Gardner and Florence Call Cowles Foundation presents ... Des Moines Metro Opera, Opera Iowa ~ Cinderella!  This magical production is scheduled for February 28, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Performance sponsored by Judy and Phil Watson.  

For more information, contact DMMO at 515-961-6221.

 

Chamber Night with the Iowa Energy

Thursday, March 24, 2016

7:00 p.m.
Wells Fargo Arena
233 Center Street Des Moines, Iowa
 
Come join the Regional members of the Greater Des Moines Partnership at the Iowa Energy game against the Ft. Wayne Mad Ants!
  • $6 Tickets
  • First 50 tickets purchased eligible for pre-game Locker Room Tour led by General Manager of Iowa Energy
  • Happy Hour: 2-for-1 Drink Specials
  • Buffalo Wild Wings wing party giveaway
Register online at DesMoinesMetro.com/Events

Please find attached a copy of the flier for Chamber Night with the Iowa Energy.  This is scheduled for March 24.  
 
Chamber Night with the Iowa Energy

Chamber of Commerce Mobile App

Stay Connected in Real Time!


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Promote your Business in the Classifieds Area of the Chamber's Website

I-Clips Coupon and Classified Ads

Posting your ad is easy!  Learn more about utilzing this resource by contacting the Chamber at
515-961-6269.

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Discounted Movie Tickets for Indianola Fridley Theatre

Member2Member Program


 






Stop by the Chamber to pick up your discounted movie tickets! As a member, you can enjoy this benefit any time! Each ticket is $6.

Scam Alert

Night Clerks Be Alert

 
The Indianola Police Department has become aware of a scam that is targeting retail clerks, especially those working late night shifts.  The con artist phones the clerk and pretends to be representing the corporate office.  The clerk is told that due to a previous employee theft, an emergency audit is being conducted.  The con artist phones using an app or spoofed phone number that is non-traceable.
 
The clerk is instructed to place a sign on the door announcing the store is closed, and then empty the cash register and safe.  The money is to be wired through a Western Union location to the con artist.  The con artist pretends to be monitoring the clerk through the store’s video system which helps convince the clerk that the phone call is legitimate.
 
Indianola Police investigated this type of scam, which was unsuccessful, on February 24, 2016.  A similar scam reportedly happened in the West Des Moines area within the last few days.  Convenience stores in Indianola have been notified of the scam.  Business owners are encouraged to inform their employees of the scam and review appropriate protocols. 
 
Anyone who thinks they may have been or are being targeted by the scam should call the Indianola Police Department at 961-9400.

 
 

Local Option Sales Tax - Vote March 1

Vote Early with Absentee Ballot If Needed

On Tuesday, March 1, 2016, Indianola residents have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to fund building a new wastewater treatment plant with a 1% local option sales tax.  With 92 out of 99 counties already implementing a local option sales tax with positive results, you are strongly encouraged to vote yes on March 1.

Everyone's vote counts!  If you can't get to your polling place on March 1, vote early with an absentee ballot.  You can vote early or get a ballot sent to you from the Warren County County Auditor's Office, Administration Building, 301 N. Buxton, Suite 101.  Learn more about voting early at:  http://www.warrencountyia.org/auditor.shtml.

Vote YES if you want a 1% Local Option Sales Tax.  Vote NO if you do not want a 1% Local Option Sales Tax.  Regardless, please VOTE!

View More

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Congratulations and Welcome to our New Members!

Ribbon Cutting Photos


Funaro's Deli & Bakery
New owners Bryant and Rose Houston

 
Indianola Preschool, Inc.
Now offering after-care.  Call now 961-3798!


Bank of the West

The Egg Drop, Saturday, March 26, 2016

Indianola First Assembly of God

The Indianola First Assembly of God is once again bringing a unique Easter experience to the Indianola Community - The Egg Drop - on Saturday, March 26th at the National Balloon Classic Balloon Field.
 
This year, volunteers will drop 50,000 eggs from hot air balloons (weather permitting) for children from toddler up to fifth-grade to gather. Other entertainment will include live music, bounce houses and games, a petting zoo, face painting and local food vendors.
 
Last year the event drew thousands of people and with the excitement it created, the event is expected to draw thousands of people again this year. It's a great opportunity for your business to get its name in front of young families in the community. First Assembly of God is offering partnership opportunities for local businesses (see the flyer for sponsorship levels). All monetary donations and partnerships with The Egg Drop are tax-deductible. For more information or to secure your partnership involvement, contact the church at (515) 961-8488.

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IMPACT Community Action Partnership

Accepting Bids for Chore Service Program

ACCEPTING BIDS NOW!
Winning Bid Decided by March 23, 2016
 
IMPACT Community Action Partnership is accepting bids for the Chore Service Program, lawn care service. Service is provided April 15, 2016 through October 15, 2016.

Bid should reflect service for 35 elderly and disabled clients in Warren County.  Bids must include price, 3 references, and proof of insurance.

Contact Joanna at 515-961-2543.  Bids will be accepted until 9 a.m. on March 15th, 2016. Winning bid will be decided by March 23rd, 2016.

Indianola Schools Jazz it Up at the Fourth Annual BIG BAND DANCE!

Friday, February 26, 2016

 
The Fourth Annual Big Band Dance will be held on Friday, February 26, 2016, featuring Jazz One, Jazz Two, Middle School Jazz Bands, and the Indianola Community Jazz Ensemble. 

Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. - Showtime:  7:00 p.m.
Blake Fieldhouse,
Indianola Middle School
Refreshments Provided

Advanced Sale Tickets - $12.00 / Single, $20.00 / Couple
Tickets at the Door - $15.00 / Single, $25.00 / Couple

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT
INDIANOLA HY-VEE, McCOY HARDWARE,
DOWNEY TIRE, AND
FROM ALL INDIANOLA BAND DIRECTORS

Better Business Bureau Scam Alert

Con Targets Small Businesses Posing as Chamber of Commerce

BBB Scam Alert: Posing as Chamber of Commerce, Con Targets Businesses
Many of our Accredited Businesses may be the target of a scam involving owners or employees of small businesses. Watch out for this con that's victimizing businesses by posing as the "American Chamber of Commerce."

How the Scam Works

Your business gets a call from someone claiming to represent the American Chamber of Commerce. The caller asks for an employee (current or former) by name and claims to be updating your company's listing in its directory. They ask to verify basic business information, such as address, business name, main contacts, and phone numbers.

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MEMBER ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES

TWO WAYS TO GAIN MORE EXPOSURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS!

THINK INDIANOLA FIRST ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN
Investment levels if purchased separately: $250, $500, $750

Consider joining forces with the Chamber Network to promote your business through a variety of advertising opportunities. Nobody has an unlimited marketing budget and the opportunity to collaboratively promote and market the Indianola economy is a win, win for everyone. Leverage your marketing dollars with other members and get more for your dollar! Be part of the Think Indianola First Advisory Group and be part of the team that develops and deploys a marketing strategy to drive more commerce into our community. This campaign will focus on the benefits of a unified, intentional plan that utilizes print, radio, and perhaps television advertising for the good of our local businesses and community.

Investors will receive recognition on the Chamber website, newsletter, and on various advertisements throughout the year. Investors will be identified using, “This ad is powered by YOUR BUSINESS NAME”. At the $250 investment level, you will receive recognition two times, $500 investment level 4 times; $750 investment level 6 times.

TOURISM BROCHURE

Consider advertising in the Indianola Chamber tourism brochure. This brochure will be handed out at local events throughout the year and provided to every visiting family at Simpson College, visitors and guests, and to individuals relocating to Indianola.
  • Front Cover Ad: $600 – 1 available Ad size 3.5917 x 1.75
  • Back Cover Ad: $500 – 1 available Ad size 3.5917 x 1.75
  • Inside Brochure Map Area: $450 – 1 available Ad size 3.2694 x 1.93
  • Inside Brochure Attractions Area: $450 – 1 available Ad size 3.5917 x 1.75
  • Inside Brochure Attractions Area: $250 – 1 available Ad size 1.68 x 2.21 Sold
  • Inside Brochure Restaurant Area: $225 – 1 available Ad size 1.68 x 2.1978
To find out more about these opportunities, please contact our office at 515-961-6269.  To purchase either advertising opportunity, go to the Chamber online store at:
http://www.indianolachamber.com/sponsorship-online-store.htm

 

GROW YOUR BUSINESS!

Member Electronic Advertising Benefits Can Help!


The Indianola Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping our businesses grow.  The electronic marketing opportunities available only to members is a small investment that can increase your bottom line!

WHAT’S UP WEDNESDAY WEEKLY NEWSLETTER BANNER ADS
$100 per month (4 issues per month)
WEBSITE BANNER ADS
Small - $50 per quarter
Medium - $75 per quarter
Large - $125 per quarter  
ACTION ALERT ELECTRONIC MONTHLY EMAIL MARKETING*
$25 each – 4 per month
*We know many of our members have lots going in their businesses. Various events and seminars, holiday specials, good news to share and more are always happening in our community. Here is a great opportunity to drop an exclusive email regarding your business to our membership.

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Chamber Newsletter Production Deadline

Yours News is Good News!

Share your good news, articles and updates with fellow Chamber members.  Utilize a powerful network to get your news out! 

Please submit your articles, updates, or news by close of business the Friday before the What's Up Wednesday newsletter you want your news to be distributed.  The upcoming production schedule looks like this:
 
Submissions Due 4 p.m.                  Newsletter Publish Date
                              
February 26, 2016                          March 2, 2016
March 4, 2016                                March 9, 2016

March 11, 2016                              March 16, 2016
March 18, 2016                              March 23, 2016
March 25, 2016                              March 30, 2016

Email your newsletter item to:
whatsup@indianolachamber.com.  Please type "NEWSLETTER" in the Subject line.  Images submitted should be in jpg format. 

Share your news with a network of businesses and individuals who care!
What's Up Wednesday - What's Up? News You Should Know Now!