Community and Business News
OCMS, the City of Osceola and the State of Iowa encourage households to complete the census form, which takes just a few minutes. The Census data is critical for the state and every community. It helps determine state representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and determines funding for government programs such as school lunches, support for fire fighters, families in need, highway planning and so much more.
According to the 7-26 edition of the Des Moines Sunday Register, Iowans have a 68.4% response rate to the 2020 Census, so far-slightly behind 71% in 2010. The Census Bureau issued a sixth postcard reminder last Wednesday to unresponsive households.
Census takers, wearing masks, and carrying ID badges and cellphones with the bureau's logo on them, will begin knocking on doors August 11th to obtain the needed information. Residents have until October 31 to fill out the form on their own, turn it in by mail, phone or online. https://2020census.gov
Iowa Economic Development Authority announces Small Business and nonprofits Utility Disruption Prevention Program designed to help small businesses cover utility costs because of covid-19. Applications now available https://www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/Business/energy-recovery or 855.300.2342 or 515.348.8914
A shout out to Clarke County Hospital employees who paid a $1.00 to wear jeans to work and donated proceeds to OCMS to use toward Fourth of July expenses! Each month the 'Celebration Committee' chooses an organization/group to give back to. Past recipients include the animal shelter, and Clarke and Murray lunch programs.
Ivy Rose officially reopened Saturday, July 25th in the new store at 127 West Jefferson, Th/F/Sat.
OCMS Business Partners Spotlight
2nd in series
OCMC Business Partners power all the events and day-to-day operations. Their support is appreciated and necessary. OCMS always encourages shopping local for goods and services.
Andy Jacobson, owner, and operator of Air Solutions Iowa Inc. initiated his Osceola business in May of 2013, although he has sold, installed, and repaired heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units for over 20 years. "I grew up in a family that did HVAC work, and I knew it was a need in Clarke County and surrounding counties."
Andy holds an Iowa Department of Public Health License and Iowa Contractors License. Jacobson’s six or seven-day week usually means about 60 hours of work, depending on the season. He strives for great service and a cost-friendly business.
Andy and his wife, Nicole (Graff), lead a busy life. Nicole is Vice President and Loan Officer at 1st National Bank and is Secretary of the Chamber-Main Street Board of Directors. Andy, Nicole and their two children are highly involved in 4-H, FFA, and raising and showing swine and cattle.
Blakely Tree Service LLC opened for services 16 years ago when Owner, Shane Blakely, was looking for something unique to do in his spare time that not everyone could do. The business quickly grew to a full-time career. Shane and his two to three helpers accumulate 60-75 hours a week.
In addition to trimming, topping, and removing trees and stump grinding, Shane holds a pesticide licenses for treating trees. A CDL is required for driving the bucket trucks. Blakely says one of the things he enjoys most is working outside, “I like working somewhere different every day and making people happy-I enjoy making people’s properties look good.”
Shane believes his strengths are a hard work ethic and striving for perfection at every job. He says he and his crew try and leave a jobsite as clean or cleaner than it was. Of course, extreme heat and cold cause challenges in the job.
Shane and his wife Erin (Campbell) owner of Sola Salon Studios and their two daughters enjoy the country life gardening, fishing, and hiking. They volunteer, donate services, and raise funds for several different organizations, “This community is our home and we are proud of it!” -Shane Blakely.
One More Thing
The Osceola Sentinel Tribune Managing Editor, Sarah Scull, has informed OCMS the In The Know columns will be cut to every other week. OCMS will try to stay ahead of resource information and keep it timely.
Would you like reliable information at your fingertips? The Monday Morning Update is free! Send an email to Ashleigh Eckels ocms@osceolaia.net, follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/OCMS06 and osceolachamber.com