Governor’s new mandates change holiday brilliance
The article published 11-19 outlined the activities for Holiday Brilliance. Although many of those events were cancelled, OCMS is determined to make the season as bright and cheery as possible and invite the community to participate in the true spirit of the season, "We wanted to keep something local for families to do this Holiday season; we decided on a reverse parade, "The Merry & Bright Spectacular," so families could cruise through Osceola all lighted Merry & Bright." -Executive Director, Ashleigh Eckels
OCMS thanks all the volunteers who helped light the courtyard. They made light orbs, Christmas trees, wrapped trees and connected electrical cords. A full list will be included in the next article.
Merry and Bright Spectacular
Decorating Contest entry deadline extended through December 2nd. The Reverse Parade begins December 4 and officially ends the 27th. Grab a map, enjoy a leisurely drive, or walk through town, and vote for your favorite holiday displays. Warrior Dollar prizes: $100-1st place, $50-2nd place, and $20-3rd place.
Now through Dec. 26
Save those receipts for the OCMS Shop Local Drawings! Submit the receipts to: ocms@osceolaia.net, Facebook Message - Osceola Chamber Main Street; drop them off at the office or mail to 115 E Washington Street by 12pm Sunday each week. One entry per $10.00 spent at a local business. Entries go into the weekly drawing for $50 Warrior Dollars! Eight drawings, eight chances to win!
Business Buzz: Osceola online holiday gift guide
OCMS Executive Director, Ashleigh Eckels, created an OCMS sponsored Osceola Holiday Gift Guide! Eckels snapped photos in locally owned businesses as she delivered free, American Express 'Shop Small' marketing pieces, including bags, signs, and sales guides. Eckels says, "Osceola has something for everyone – the gift guide will help you shop local for everyone on your Christmas list." The Holiday Gift Guide is jam-packed with great ideas for all ages and interests; it is a hometown treasure hunt for the holidays and beyond. https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/64953275/gift-guide. The Monday Morning Update and December table tent also have the QR code to snap and shop.
'Stronger Together' — support small businesses
Although supporting local businesses has countless benefits, here are a few great reasons to keep those dollars at home:
• Small businesses generate $68 of local economic return for every $100 spent with them.
• Over $9.3 billion would directly return to our economy if every US family spent just $10 a month at a local business.
• Businesses with fewer than 500 employees account for 99.7% of all US employers.
• Small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to community causes.
• Local business generates 70% more local economic activity per square foot than big box retail. www.fundera.com/resources/local-shopping-statistics.
Warrior Dollars
Do you have people who will not give you a Christmas list? Do you prefer one-stop shopping? Warrior Dollars fit every budget, and they work just as a gift certificate. Help keep those hard-earned dollars in Osceola where they will continue to circulate; Warrior Dollars are available as gifts at the OCMS office or any local bank.
OCMS membership drive continues
For those interested in supporting Osceola events, such as the Fourth of July, Wine Walk, Holiday Brilliance and more — or looking for a way to add some business marketing options — Chamber-Main Street is conducting the annual membership and sponsorship drive for businesses and individuals. For more information contact the office.
Smithsonian exhibition volunteers
A six-member team disassembled and packed the exhibit for travel to West Branch while Mary Ellen Kimball and Sarah Hettinger gathered the Clarke Area Arts Council pieces. Thanks to these volunteers for the help: Nicole Jacobson, Karon Keefe, Dave Opie, Casey Spoelstra and OCMS Staff.
For the latest events and business news at your fingertips send OCMS an email or call and request the free Monday Morning Update ocms@osceolaia.net 641-342-4200.