Calendar of Events
October 18 Space Reservation Deadline for the November Issue of Chamber Newsletter
October 15 - Dec 7 Medicare Part D Sign up
October 18, 19, 20 Simpson Opera
October 27 Children's Costume Party and Parade - downtown square
October 27 Hy-Vee Kid's Halloween Party
October 27 Scenic Trails Active Living Open House
October 27 Kiya Koda Humane Society Family Children and Pet Photos
October 27 2nd Annual Indianola Rotary Club Art Festival
October 28 Kiya Koda Humane Society Heart4Pets
October 30 Trunk or Treat at Indianola Public Library
October 30 BeggarsNightinIndanola
November 1 Deadline for Nominations for Chamber Awards
November 8, 9, 10 Garden Barn Open House
November 8, 9, 10 Mystery Dinner Theater at La Vida Loca
November 9 Small Business Success Summit
November 30 5 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Holiday Extravaganza
December 17 Drawing for Indianola Noon Lions 6-Night Stay
The Pride of Indianola Marching Band and Indianola Orchestra Uniform Drive
The Indianola High School Marching Band and Orchestra will be holding a uniform drive to raise $80,000 to help purchase new uniforms. The goal is to better represent the Indianola High School.
Your donation will help each band look and perform their best. Learn More
Traditions Restaurant at Indianola Golf and Country Club
Open to the Public, Booking 2019 Events
When: Lunch, Tuesday - Friday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
When: Dinner, Thursday and Friday, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Drop in or call for reservations: 515/961-3303
Where: 1610 Country Club Rd., Indianola
Traditions Restaurant is located at the Indianola Country Club and is open for casual fine public dining with a view.
The Indianola Golf and Country Club accommodates 200 guests. Book your 2019 Event Now.
read more...
Medicare Part D
October 15 - December 7, 2018
Put Your Best Foot Forward to Attract Prospects in the Digital World
Help Prospects Get to Know You
The Indianola Chamber gets thousands of visitors on its website each month, and we want to help you market your business and connect you to more customers!
The Chamber has added more value to your membership by providing you with the opportunity to advance your digital footprint and build relationships with customers, even when you aren't with them.
Attend one of the FREE one hour Maximizing Your Chamber Benefits workshops to learn how you can take advantage of this benefit, which is included in your membership!. The best news of all, a Chamber assistant is available to help you get it done. Why not greet people looking for you with a beautiful digital display that showcases your business?
Check out how Downing Construction and Downey Tire are telling their digital story!. Then register for a Maximizing Your Chamber Benefits workshop. Several dates and times are available, but seating is limited to 10 per workshop. Attendees can bring a laptop or tablet to test-drive some of the new resources during the workshop.
Register today - you won't regret it!
Greater Des Moines Partnership Annual Dinner
January 17, 2019
J.D. Vance Announced as Speaker for Jan. 17 Dinner
The Partnership has announced that its 2019 Annual Dinner will feature J.D. Vance as the headline speaker. Vance is a venture capitalist and the author of “Hillbilly Elegy.” The Partnership’s 130th Annual Dinner program will take place on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2019 at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center. The event will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Register Here
Indianola Concert Association Celebrates 30 Years
Tickets on Sale Members of the Indianola Concert Association can also take advantage of additional concerts presented by the Centerville Concert Association and the Jasper County Concert Association.
See the attached flyer for concert date and performers.
Tickets are available at McCoy True Value Hardware Store, 216 W Howard, Indianola. View Flier
Small Business Success Summit
November 9, 2018
Register Now!
When: Friday, November 9th from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: FFA Enrichment Center at DMACC - 1055 S.W. Prairie Trail Pkwy., Ankeny, IA
$79 - Regional Members
$99 - Non-Chamber Members
Simpson Student Discount Program
Our chamber interns are spreading the word about discounts in the Indianola community. If you haven't already set up an offer for these consumers, in town from now until May 24, do it today. Contact Barb Rasko at the Chamber for assistance. 515/ 961-6269.
Indianola Noon Lions offers a 6-Night Stay to Raise Money for Local Causes
The Indianola Noon Lions Club is sponsoring a raffle prize for a six-night stay, in two bedroom unit, at the location of your choice, subject to availability. Lodging provided through Royal Aloha.
Raffle Tickets are $10 per ticket. The drawing will be held on December 17th. To purchase a ticket, contact Greg Avitt, Avitt Automotive, 515/ 961-3310.
The winner of the last 6-Night Stay was Jim Polley.
For information on destinations and local causes, see the flyer below.
View Flyer
Thinking of Building a New House?
Heritage Hills Plat 9 is opening this fall
Heritage Hills Plat 9 is located near the Indianola Country Club. Seventeen lots are opening up this fall. See the plat map below.
Contact Karey Bishop, 515/ 453-6335
Visit KareyBishop.com Learn more
Chamber Billboard Advertisement Opportunity
Raise Your Visibility to Thousands
Expose your business to more customers! Consider advertising on the Chamber's billboard. Get over 50,000 exposures everyday. The following dates are available:
December 13 - January 10
Contact the Chamber for details at 515-961-6269.
Putting Our Communication to Work
By Sinikka Waugh
Putting Our Communication To Work
Last week we asked the question “How do I get them to do the thing?”
This week, we want to explore how to create urgency. Maybe you have finally convinced them to do what you want them to do, but you are still unsure when it might get done. Or maybe you have never had to question weather or not the job will get done, it just always seems to happen later than expected.
This week we are asking the question “How do I get them to demonstrate urgency”
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 utilizing this resource by contacting the Chamber at
515-961-6269.
Spread the Word on Your Upcoming Event
Don't forget to share your good news with us! You can post your upcoming events to the Chamber Community Calendar from the Chamber's homepage www.indianolachamber.com or send your submission to us via email at alerts@indianolachamber.com.
Posting to the Community Calendar is EASY! Follow these steps:
1. Click the blue "Submit an Event" button on the right hand side of the home page. Fill in the information. Upload your logo or photos and Hit save.
To have your event or news listed in the Indianola Chamber newsletter, which is sent out on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, send an email with the details of your news to newsletter@indianolachamber.com.
Questions? Call Barb Rasko at 515-961-6269.
Chamber Newsletter Production Schedule
Share Your Good News Chamber Newsletter production timeline: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Please submit your articles, updates, or news for the What's Up Newsletter by close of business the Friday before the newsletter you want your news to be published. Submissions are due by 4 p.m.
Please type "NEWSLETTER" in the Subject line.
Images submitted MUST BE in .jpg format.
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.
Chamber of Commerce Mobile App
Be in the Know! Like the Indianola Chamber on Facebook.
"Like" the Indianola Chamber of Commerce Facebook page every few weeks to make sure you receive all of our posts. Since Facebook has changed its algorithms again, so if you haven't clicked on a post from the Indianola Chamber for a while, you will no longer see our posts. We don't want you to miss out ... so go to Facebook right now, and "Like" the Indianola Chamber.
How Do You Like to Receive Your Local News?
Please take a quick two minutes to complete the survey below!
Click Here |
Think Indianola for the Holidays
Small Business Saturday - November 24
Mark your calendars and make it a priority to SHOP LOCAL November 24, 2018, as we celebrate SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Grab your shopping buddies and plan to shop Indianola and the Downtown Square 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Plan to enjoy:
Hometown Hospitality
In-store Specials
rustiqueIowa Homespun Holiday Market (located in Presbyterian Church)
AND Bring Your Kids to the
SANTA HOUSE GRAND OPENING (located on the SE corner of the square)
9 a.m. to Noon
To help promote this event, the Indianola Chamber has placed an ad in the Indianola Living Magazine. To attract out-of-town guests, we will be placing a Think Indianola First ad in the Des Moines Metro CITYVIEW paper, which is available in local grocery stores beginning mid-November. CITYVIEW has a readership of 80,000 people each month. Indianola Living Magazine Ad
HOW DO YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE YOUR LOCAL NEWS?
Take this 2 minute Survey Everyone likes to know what's going on, right? Please give us two minutes of your time.
Take this short survey and help us determine how you like to receive your local news!
Santa Visits Downtown Indianola
November 24, 30 and Dec 13 
DO YOUR KIDS WANT TO MEET SANTA CLAUS?
Bring your kids and a camera for pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus
NOVEMBER 24 - Shop Local Saturday, 9 a.m. - Noon
NOVEMBER 30 - Holiday Extravaganza, 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
DECEMBER 13 - 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Don't Miss the Biggest Holdiay Event of the Year
November 30; 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
With the Holiday Season approaching quickly, don't forget to mark your calendar and be apart of the Downtown Holiday Extravaganza!
- Santa House- Starting on November 24th at the Downtown Shop Local Indianola, 9 AM to Noon
- Lighting of the Christmas Tree, 6:30 PM on the Downtown Square
- Festival of Trees, throughout the Holiday Season
- Lighted Parade (Participants Welcomed!), 8 PM
- Costumed Movie Characters
- Live Nativity Scene
- Horse-Drawn Wagon and Train Rides
- Children's Store
- And More!
Do You Want to Participate In the Festival of Trees?
Last Day to Register October 31 
The Festival of Trees is a great opportunity to promote your business this Holiday season! You are invited to decorate and place your tree in a business located on the square.
The Holiday Extravaganza committee will judge the trees, and $50 cash prizes will be awarded for the Most Creative and Best Theme. Businesses will provide their own artificial tree and decorations. Participation is easy and fun!
Please give us a call at 515-961-6269 if you are interested in signing up!
Enter Your Nominee for the Indianola Chamber of Commerce 2018 Best of the Year Awards
Entries due November 1, 2018
Rock Around the Square in the Lighted Parade
Get Your Lighted Entry Ready 
Holiday Extravaganza Lighted Parade, November 30, 2018; 8 p.m.
Area groups and businesses are invited to participate in the lighted parade! Registration not required but lots and lots of lights are! Get your lighted entry ready and line up around 7:00 p.m. on West Salem starting at the Methodist Church.
Get Your Flu Shot with Medicap and Help the Local Food Bank
Help feed hungry Iowans.
When: Now - November 17
Where: Indianola Medicap Pharmacy,
208 East Euclid, Indianola
For every flu shot given at Medicap Pharmacy from September 24 - November 17, Indianola Medicap Pharmacy will donate 12 meals to the local food bank.
You can make an even bigger impact by donating non-perishable foods when you come in. Learn more
Simpson College Opera
October 19, 20 and 21, 2018
When: October 19, 20 and 21
Where: Blank Performing Arts Center, 513 N. D, Indianola
You are invited to attend "An Opera In Four Days and Other Get-Rich-Quick Schemes" hosted by Simpson College.
Get More Information
IMU Fiber Open House
October 23, 2018 When: October 23, 4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Where: IMU Fiber Office, 110 South B, Indianola
Equipment Displays, Technical Support, Products & Pricing, Refreshments & Swag.
View Flyer
Halloween in Indianola
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN IN INDIANOLA!
OCTOBER 27, 2018, 10 AM TO NOON
Children's Costume Party and Parade
Warren County Courthouse Lawn
Enjoy hayrack rides, photo ops with fun characters, trick or treating, costume contest, and costume parade! Register for the costume contest until 11:15 a.m., when costumes will be judged. Winners will be awarded trophies at 11:30 a.m.
OCTOBER 27, 2018, 1 PM TO 3 PM
Hy-Vee Children's Halloween Party
Hy-Vee Food Store, 910 N Jefferson Way, Indianola
After the children's parade, be sure to head to Hy-Vee for activities including...
Coloring Activity
Cookie Decorating
Pumpkin Decorating
OCTOBER 30, 2018, 5:30 PM TO 6:30 PM
Trunk or Treat with The City and IMU
Indianola Public Library, C Street and Boston
All ages. Children 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
OCTOBER 30, 2018, 6 PM TO 8 PM
Indianola Beggar's Night
Indianola Public Library
Come for a hot dog supper and treats and then help decide which department best decorated their vehicle!
Rotary Offers Study Abroad Options for Youth
District 6000 of Rotary International is now accepting applications for their study abroad program -- Rotary Youth Exchange -- for the academic year 2019-2020.
High school students ages 15-18 are eligible to participate in this year-long program. Opportunities to study abroad in Europe, Asia, and South America are available. Students interested in learning other cultures and languages are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is November 15th.
For questions and/or more information on the application process, please contact your local Rotary Club name and contact or Doug Peterson, District Chairman, at louanndoug@mchsi.com.
Scenic Trails Active Living Open House
October 27, 2018 Scenic Trails Active Living
What: Scenic Trails Active Living Open House
When: Saturday, October 27,2018 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 610 East Scenic Valley Ave, Indianola
Kiya Koda Humane Society Annual Holiday Photo Fundraiser
October 27, 2018 When: October 27, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: Warren County Administration Building, 301 N. Buxton, Indianola
Family, children and pet photos by Tim McConnell Photography
Walk-in. Appointments not required.
See flyer for more information. Learn more
2nd Annual Indianola Rotary Club Art Festival
Day of the Dead
When: October 27, 2018 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where: Annelise Winery, 15110 Highway 92, Indianola
Free Snacks
Cash Bar Available
Live Music
Learn more
Kiya Koda Humane Society Hearts4Paws
October 28, 2018
Hearts4Paws Celebration and Fundraiser
Meet Manager Julie Skellenger
Honor Past Managers, Employees and Volunteers
Join the new Friends of Kiya Koda Humane Society
When: October 28, 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: American Legion, 105 W. 1st
Visit Kiya Koda Humane Society to adopt a forever friend, give monthly auto donation, cash or supplies donations, estate gift, corporate match volunteer, or share pet profiles on Facebook.
Learn more
U.S. Cellular Hosts Internet of Things and Innovations in Business Solutions Event
October 30, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
U.S. Cellular will host an “Internet of Things (IoT) and Innovations in Business Solutions” event in Des Moines with a special guest – Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.
As part of U.S. Cellular’s Business Tech Tour on Oct. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Iowa Events Center, Wozniak will host an 11:30 a.m. fireside chat and audience Q&A about how IoT technology and wireless innovations can enhance operations for Iowa businesses.
Attendees will see demonstrations of technology in action and be able to hear from authorities in security, emerging technologies, business continuity and how to set realistic expectations for IoT implementation and ROI.
#ThinkIndianolaFirst
Cityview magazine carries Shop Indianola message
Thirty-thousand copies of the CITYVIEW magazine are available on more than 700 racks in Central Iowa with 85,000 readers each month.
The October issue features 2 pages showcasing Indianola businesses, and an invitation from the Indianola Chamber to #ThinkIndianolaFirst.
The November and December issues of CITYVIEW will also carry advertising from Indianola businesses and organizations.
To discuss participation, contact Cassie Johnson at 1-785/383-6685. November space deadline is October 17.
Warren County Izaak Walton League
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Christmas Open House at the Garden Barn
When: November 8, 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Where: Garden Barn, 4 miles north of Indianola on Hwy 65/69 and then 1 mile west on Hwy G24 Hwy
Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience in the historic barn.
Great selection of Christmas Decor, Wreaths, Candles, Decorations and Greenery! Shop for Antiques, Vintage and Unique Gifts!
515-962-0024
Website
Vivo Chamber Players Recital
November 7, 2018 
What: The Vivo Chamber Players
Where: Lekberg Hall, Amy Robertson Music Center, Simpson College
When: November 7, 2018 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The recital is free and open to the public.
All performances at Simpson College are free and open to the public, unless otherwise stated.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at La Vida Loca Winery
November 8, 9, 10 When: November 8, 9, 10, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Where La Vida Loca Winery, 7852 Jesup Street, Indianola
RSVP: La Vida Loca Winery 515/962-2236
Noir Suspicions performed by Carousel Theater of Indianola
See flyer for menus and details.
View Flier
Ellis Law Open House and Hat & Glove Drive
December 6, 2018, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE - TRUBANK HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
Celebrating 25 Successful Years 
WHEN: December 6, 2018, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Main Bank Location!
National Balloon Classic Annual Fundraising Gala
Save the Date February 2, 2019
What: National Balloon Classic Annual Fundraising Gala
When: February 2, 2019
Where: Hilton Des Moines Downtown - 435 Park Street, Des Moines
read more... |
