Osceola Chamber-Main Street is a member of Main Street America. For over 35 years, the National Main Street Center, Inc. has helped revitalize and preserve small towns, mid-sized communities, and urban areas, collectively known as Main Street America. In many instances, it is the only organization standing in the way of the destruction and/or complete decay of main streets in America. It has literally breathed new life into places people call home. Every local and state group contributes to the success of the national organization.
An important job of the Executive Director is to carefully maintain records and submit monthly reports to Main Street Iowa. Examples of information include number of downtown businesses added or lost; OCMS major accomplishments and activities, accumulated volunteer hours and much more. The National Main Street Center compiles the statistics for its yearly report.
Based on input from 1,161 programs, January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019, here are the numbers: $6.45 billion reinvested in physical improvements; 10,412 buildings rehabilitated; a net gain of 6,466 businesses with 32,316 net jobs created.
As the core of every community, main streets are not just businesses. These gathering spots reveal the historic significance and culture of each town and city. The Main Street America approach is time-tested, it celebrates community character, preserves local history, and generates impressive economic returns through holistic, core principles: Economic vitality, Quality Design, Effective Promotion and Sustainable Organization.
Volunteers Make Everything Happen
Although all the principles have equal importance, with few exceptions every aspect of the approach depends on volunteers. Community accomplishments cannot happen without strong partnerships and broad community engagement. Each board member and committee member advocates for Osceola and Osceola Businesses. Reaching out to other volunteers through events keeps the lines of communication going throughout the community and helps people get good information and facts.
In short, OCMS values volunteers and appreciates each person’s contribution. As outlined in the last article, OCMS staff (Ashleigh and Jan) are simultaneously planning several events. There is something to do for anyone who has some time to contribute.
Seventy-Two Volunteer Spots for Smithsonian Exhibit
The Traveling Smithsonian Museum requires Osceola ambassadors to ensure success and put Osceola in a positive spotlight. To efficiently disseminate the information, OCMS would appreciate contacts from organizations officers who could pass along the details. Please contact the office to receive a copy of the informational letter. According to the schedule, there are spots for 72 volunteers- two people per two-hour shift, Thursday through Saturday.
September OCMS Events:
September 12th: Osceola Cruise-In
September 18th: Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament
Business Buzz:
Several local organizations received grants from The South Central Iowa Community Foundation (SCICF) this past year: Cross Ministries-$500 for utilities and rent; Food bank of Iowa, food for Clarke County Residents-$1,500; Murray Volunteer Fire Department-$1,113.87 for Personal Protective Equipment.
The SCICF mission ” … to contribute to a better life for people of South Central Iowa by helping donors carry out their charitable intent and by providing responsible stewardship of gifts for community purposes.” To learn more https://scicf.org
The Doctors, nurses and staff of Clarke County Hospital and Clinicwant residents to know the Walk-In Clinic is open seven days a week. Monday-Friday 7am-7pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm.
September 10th, 17th: Better Choices, Better Health Virtual Workshop, by Clarke County Hospital and Clarke County Public Health, 1-3pm– call Leah to register 641.342.5293
September 8: DES Employment Group– Online Job Fair, 9am-2pm.https://desemploymentgroup.com/job-fair/online-job-fair-osceola-ia/.Aplique y entreviste de la comodidad de su hogar. Permitamos ayudarle a encontrar su proxima carrera!
Osceola Eagles: Bingo every Monday – 1st 40 people @ 6:30pm; dinner specials every Th/F/Sat 5-9pm
Your Sweet Pickins Venue Events:
September 12: Welcome Porch Sign with Planter Box and Welcome to Our Home Front Porch Sign Workshop
Osceola Public Library -Resumed normal hours: M&W 9-7pm; T, TH, F 12-5, Sat. 9-12:30. All Covid-related precautions in-place.
Through October-Clarke County Farmer’s Market: Tues. 3-6, Sat. 8-12. See Covid-19 rules. facebook.com/ClarkeCountyFarmersMarket/
Do you want to get the latest information about business and community events? Email: ocms@osceolaia.net; call 641-342-4200; or check the website: osceolachamber.com
