What's Up Wednesday News You Should Know Now
111 N. Buxton Street, Ste. 117

Thank You To Our Investor Circle Sponsors

Your Support Makes Things Happen!

Virtual Coffee with the Chamber

We want to hear from you

As we near the end of the year, it’s always good to reflect on the good, and maybe not so good, things that happened in 2020 and plan for 2021.  As we bring people with different talents, businesses and connections together, it’s a perfect opportunity for all of us to recount something positive, recognize those who have helped you this year, share something you are passionate about, or share a problem you need help solving.  It’s not always what or who you know, but perhaps connections to those who can help.  The Chamber is always available to help our businesses find success.

Plan to join us as we connect to celebrate and plan for 2021!

When: Wednesday, Dec. 16 • 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Join us!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82883388087?pwd=Zjd2eWpNeDh0cGN3dkJrZXZldzhHdz09

Meeting ID: 828 8338 8087 • Passcode: 152215

Rural Relief Small Business Grants

Deadline to submit: Dec. 6

A national program is offering grants to small businesses in communities of less than 50,000.
All potential applicants are encouraged to review the FAQ and grant information before applying.
Applications are being accepted in “rounds”. You must submit a new application for each round in order to be considered for funding in that round. Below are the dates of upcoming rounds:
  • Dec. 29, 2020 - Jan. 5, 2021
  • Jan. 26 - Feb. 2, 2021
We will support small businesses and enterprises affected by Covid-19 across the country, especially those in underserved communities, including entrepreneurs of color, women- and veteran-owned businesses that often lack access to flexible, affordable capital.

Applications must be submitted by Dec. 6 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

To apply, click here.

Your Clear Next Step

Give the gift of professional development this holiday season with Holiday Gifts from Your Clear Next Step. Give your loved ones the gift of becoming even better next year through...

  • On-Demand Webinar for individuals – only $15
  • Live Webinar for individuals – only $49
  • On-Demand Webinar for a team leader and their team – only $69
  • Full-Day Workshop – only $318

After purchase, you'll receive a PDF gift certificate that you can fill out and send, either electronically or by printing and gifting. The gift certificate will be valid for any 2021 public training (or on-demand webinar) starting Jan. 1, 2021.

For more information, click here.

It's Our Centennial!

Stay Safe Pledge

Catch Des Moines has worked with regional partners to launch the Stay Safe Pledge. The pledge is intended for area businesses and patrons to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety during the pandemic. The pledge includes tangible steps that both companies and patrons will take, such as wellness screenings, face coverings and social distancing.

Take the pledge.

Calendar of Events Import

Charlotte's Kitchen at West Hill Brewing Company
12/03/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Holiday After Hours - Shop Local Thursday Nights in Indianola
12/03/2020
Indianola, IA 50125

Flame at West Hill Brewing Company
12/04/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Tacos and Beer at West Hill Brewing Company
12/05/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Drive-Thru Santa - A socially distant experience
12/05/2020
McCoy True Value
210 N. Howard
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/05/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Search for Hidden Candy Canes Self-Guided Tour
12/05/2020
Annett Nature Center
15565 118th Ave
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/06/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Charlotte's Kitchen at West Hill Brewing Company
12/10/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Holiday After Hours - Shop Local Thursday Nights in Indianola
12/10/2020
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/12/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/13/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Charlotte's Kitchen at West Hill Brewing Company
12/17/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Holiday After Hours - Shop Local Thursday Nights in Indianola
12/17/2020
Indianola, IA 50125

Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Merry & Bright Holiday Concert Online
12/18/2020- 12/31/2020
Indianola Chamber of Commerce
111 N. Buxton, Suite 117
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/19/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Summerset Winery Craft Shows
12/20/2020
Summerset Winery
15101 Fairfax
Indianola, IA 50125

Charlotte's Kitchen at West Hill Brewing Company
12/24/2020
West Hill Brewing Company
219 West Salem
Indianola, IA 50125

Holiday After Hours - Shop Local Thursday Nights in Indianola
12/24/2020
Indianola, IA 50125

We Care Mask Required Sign

Print to Use

Submit your business news and events in the Chamber Newsletter

Newsletter Released 1st and 3rd Wednesdays



Submit news and images (.jpg format) by the Friday prior to publication to newsletter@indianolachamber.com. The publication of information is not guaranteed for late submissions.
                                 
Submission         Publication
Dec. 11                 Dec. 16
Jan. 1                   Jan. 6

Free Classifieds on indianolachamber.com

This is Part of Your Chamber Benefits!









Post job openings, services and products for FREE on www.indianolachamber.com. Contact Barb@indianolachamber.com to get started.

read more...

Holiday Gift Guide

Find gift ideas for even the hardest to shop for

Looking for a specific gift for someone special? Check out the Indianola Chamber Gift Guide! Local businesses have submitted gift ideas in 16 categories – including for the aspiring chef, outdoor enthusiast and kid must-haves. Take the pledge to purchase every holiday gift locally.

Click here to read the Gift Guide!

DRIVE-THRU to See Santa on Dec. 5

Des Moines Metro Opera to Present Virtual Holiday Concert

Features 14 DMMO audience-favorite artists performing a sele


Des Moines Metro Opera announced today its inaugural virtual holiday program, the Merry & Bright Holiday Concert, which premieres Friday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. The online program features performances by current and former DMMO artists

The concert will conclude with an interactive online post-show reception with the artists as well as a few special guests.

Tickets for the Merry & Bright concert and reception are $50 per screen. The Holiday Cheer Package is $50 (includes enough goodies for up to 2 individuals). Tickets can be ordered online at desmoinesmetroopera,org/holiday or by calling the DMMO Box Office at (515) 961-6221.

Lula Belle Named Top 3 Boutique in Metro

'Tis the Season to Shop Local

Lula Belle Designs has had a lot going on! After celebrating its 8th anniversary in November, they were voted among the Top 3 Best Clothing Boutiques in the Metro area by the Des Moines Register's Metro's Best awards. Congratulations!!

Economic survey vital to Indianola community

Deadline: Dec. 18

We're asking all members to take part in our 2021 Economic Outlook Survey. This is vital for us to understand a snapshot of what is happening in our local community.

Cick here to take the quick 15-question survey.

Hat & Glove Drive

Hats and gloves can be delivered to the law office from Nov. 16-Dec. 15. They will also accept cash donations, which they will use to purchase additional hats and gloves.

Simpson College computer science programs ranked No. 1 in Iowa



Simpson College is home to the best computer science and computer information systems bachelor’s degrees in the state of Iowa, according to the 2021 Computer Science Degree Search rankings.

Simpson was recognized as the No. 1 Best Computer Science School in Iowa, the No. 1 Best Computer Science Bachelor’s Degree School in Iowa and the No. 1 Best Computer Information Systems Bachelor’s Degree School in Iowa. The overall ranking of Best Computer Science School in Iowa puts Simpson ahead of the likes of Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa.

The programs scored high nationally as well, ranking No. 55 among the Best Computer Information System’s Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the country. That puts Simpson in the top 15 percent for students seeking quality education in computer science.

read more...

5 Things Not to Miss at the YMCA

 

Check out the Holiday Hub

Please continue to check the Hub on Indianola Chamber Facebook for the latest on shopping news from Indianola businesses. Have a business, community or social event you want people to know about? Share it there!

Small Business Saturday was a success!

THANK YOU for continuing to Shop Local


We are so thankful that you #ThinkIndianolaFirst when making your purchasing decisions. Shop Local Saturday was a HUGE success and is sure to kick off a great holiday shopping season.

Businesses team up for 'gifted'


If you love shopping at adorn and Feed & Foster you are going to LOVE ‘gifted’ - an online collection of curated gift boxes. Just because you may not be able to get together with friends and family does not mean you can’t send them an incredible gift!

Meet ‘gifted’ – your go-to source for giving great gifts. Sending thoughtful gifts without leaving home has never been so perfect, or so easy.

From your warm and comfy couch you can send gifts anywhere (US delivery only). Just complete your purchase online and we'll take it from there. All gifted boxes are sent with a smile and a whole-lotta love. We add personal touches of hand-written notes and perfectly tied bows with front door delivery.

Check it out! www.shopgiftedbyadorn.com

Legislative Unveiling of 2021 Policy Agenda

 

Date: December 10, 2020

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Register Now


Partnership Members and Investors are invited to join us virtually for the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Annual Legislative Unveiling. A panel of legislative leaders will preview the 2021 legislative session of the 89th General Assembly and The Partnership will unveil the 2021 State Legislative Priorities.


Panelists will include Sen. Dan Dawson; Sen. Zach Wahls, Minority Leader; Rep. Pat Grassley, Speaker of the House; and Rep. Jennifer Konfrst, Minority Whip.

 

Annual Chamber Invoices Mailed

As always, the Indianola Chamber relies on the expertise and participation of our valuable affiliates. The 2021 Chamber Invoices were recently mailed.You can pay this invoice online by clicking here. If you do not remember your user ID or password, follow the directions to reset.

You may also send a check made payable to the Indianola Chamber of Commerce, 111 N. Buxton, Ste. 117, Indianola, IA 50125. We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in 2021. If you have questions, please contact us at 515-961-6269. Thank you.

Enjoy 10% off at Prep Kings

Neighborhoods spread cheer with lit lanes

Voting begins Dec. 13


 
Indianola's Holiday Lanes, sponsored by Indianola Hometown Pride, has 13 lanes that have decked the exteriors of their homes and businesses.

Award for best lanes will be announced closer to the holiday and fan favorite voting will begin on Dec. 13!

Make sure to follow Indianola Hometown Pride on Facebook for updates.
 

Governor Announces Arts & Cultural Recovery Program

Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs to grant $7 million for

Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs today announced the launch of an Iowa Arts & Cultural Recovery Program. The statewide grant program will provide short-term relief to arts venues, cultural organizations and creative workers who have lost significant business or income due to the pandemic.

The state has allocated $7 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for the Iowa Arts & Cultural Recovery Program. The statewide program, an extension of the Iowa Arts & Culture Emergency Relief Fund, is offered through the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and will be administered by two of its divisions, the Iowa Arts Council and the State Historical Society of Iowa.

Grant applications and a full list of eligibility requirements can be found online at iowaculture.gov.


read more...
What's Up Wednesday 2019 - What's Up Wednesday News You Should Know Now