OCMS Staff continues to promote local businesses and post the latest resources and changes as we get it. Clarke County citizens and organizations are truly stepping-up to the challenges of helping people in need and supporting the workers who work every day to serve the community. OCMS member, Fleetside Ford has generously donated the use of a vehicle for the “Groceries to Go” program in partnership with Hy-Vee, Public Health and the Emergency Management Team.
This program is only for HIGH RISK Clarke County residents. Minimum order of $30.00; orders must be placed on-line and they are delivered between 10am-2pm Tuesday and Thursday. www.hy-vee.com/grocery. Please call Public Health to learn more about the program.
If you would like to get up-to-date information in your in-box through the OCMS Monday Morning Update, send your email address to ocms@osceolaia.net to be added to the list.
Business Resources:
Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits from the U.S. Chamber Foundation. www.uschamberfoundation.org/reports/coronavirus
Iowa Work Force Development: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-workforce-development-outlines-cares-act-benefits-and-implementation?fbclid=IwAR2CPqrXLB8g-f0FKvulePjIsU6bGMH2LZgKx_8SlCstUIbRVlb2lNGXTq4
Support Osceola Every Day with Warrior Dollars
OCMS is very pleased with the community support of the #WarriorDollarGiveawayChallenge announced each week on the Osceola Chamber-Main Street Facebook page. These easy, family-friendly challenges offered ways to boost small businesses and boost morale in the community. Congratulations to our winners: Week 4-Stacey Manternach and Brittany Bethards; Week three-Susan Miller; Week two- Paula McClaflin and Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill; Week One- Erin Walrad.
Customers became part of the marketing team by sharing the ideas, offering positive comments, posting photos, buying gift certificates and ordering on-line from local stores. OCMS awarded Warrior Dollars to weekly winners. These dollars, manufactured and available for purchase in the Chamber-Main Street office, are the easiest way to support nearly every business that banks local. * Most businesses have a window cling to show participation.
Warrior Dollars are just like real money. If an object, dinner, etc. is $15.00, then, $15.00 Warrior Dollars will make the same purchase. It is advised, however, to ask the merchant or an employee if Warrior Dollars are accepted in that establishment, because not all businesses have arranged with their banks to accept them.
Normally, the purchasing process is uncomplicated and involves little effort for everyone, but during the Covid-19 closure time period, OCMS requests a call ahead or email ocms@osceolaia.net to arrange a Warrior Dollars purchase. An Osceola Business accepts the dollars and takes them to the bank with other deposits. The bank pays the business and a representative returns the used dollars to OCMS. OCMS reimburses the bank to complete the circle of local commerce: Every dollar spent in a local business.
*Business owner must arrange with a local bank to accept Warrior Dollars.
Osceola Chamber-Main Street Projects of Support
In addition to the promotions posted in the Monday Morning Update and on the OCMS Facebook page, OCMS continues other projects of support. Last week, in conjunction with the City of Osceola and Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), OCMS placed full-page ads to recognize all the people who are helping our community. In running the ads, we also supported our local newspaper-the source everyone has access to for little cost.
OCMS, with the help of CCDC, has purchased food from OCMS restaurant members to express gratitude to people who are dealing with the virus. Snacks from Timber Ridge Country Store were delivered to Clarke County Hospital and Clinics. The staff at Southern Hills Specialty Care received cookies from Mayberry’s Coffee Shop and Eateries and delivered by CCDC Executive Director, Bill Trickey. Wednesday, April 8th, Public Health workers enjoyed lunch from The Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill delivered by owner, Courtney White.
The Latest Business Information
In order to stay open for business and meet the needs of the public, some owners have changed how they operate during the Covid-19 shutdowns. #ShopOsceolaIowa #SupportLocal
Playa Margaritas: Reopened for take outs-641.342.4900, 10am to 8pm, closed Mondays.
The Grass Roots Home: Shop local online-offering free shipping, appointments for shopping and pick-up orders. 515-360-6143
Ivy Rose: Shop on-line: https://shop-ivy-rose-botique.shopify,com/
Flowers 'N More- open for curbside pick-up and delivery, check their facebook page for specials.
SalonRed and Boutique: On-line sales https://www.facebook.com/salonREDsalonboutiqueherbalshop/
Robin Linskens-Your Sweet Pickin's Venue: asks for donations to help her with expenses until she can schedule events: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-your-sweet-pickins-venue-survive-covid-19
Wal-mart: 7am-9:30 pm- now limiting number of shoppers in the store to adhere to social distancing rules.
Fareway: 8am-9am, open for seniors citizens only; 9am-7pm open to general public.
Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh 5am-10pm; Dollar Fresh- 7-8am senior citizens only; 8am-8pm open to general public.
U.S. Cellular: Mon-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm
Chat Mobility: Closed to Public but staffed and keeping regular store hours. Customers may drop off payments at store or call 800. 944.5526 for help.
Solutions! Closed to public but taking technical calls and orders via phone or email. 342-9500, solutions@iowatelecom.net.
Highway Lumber: Store closed to public, but staff will take call-in orders for curb-side pickup.
Fleetside Ford offers free pick-up and delivery service.
Farm and Home: Store closed for shopping- call ahead, order and pickup at the sidewalk.
Open as usual:
Gilbert’s True Value and Midwest Wholesale
Chipp’s Harley Davidson
General Information
If someone is in need of a babysitter, try this link: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/.../Public%20Provider.
From the Clarke County Recorder: Anyone needing turkey tags or a fishing license call 641-342-3313, tell us what you want and we will give you the cost. Place the following information in the drop box by the north door of the courthouse and we will mail the license or tags.
1. What you are requesting
2. Check for amount due
3. Name, birthdate, and last 4 of social security #.
For the latest in Covid-19 information: Visit theIDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirusand follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth. Clarke County residents may call 2-1-1 for more questions regarding COVID-19