March 29, 2024

In the know with Osceola Chamber Main Street

Throughout the year, the OCMS Board and other committee members review events. They consider a mix of outcomes which positively impact the community: Potential tourism- highlighting Osceola goods and services; providing family-friendly activities; offering other non-profits a fundraising avenue; and monetary output versus sponsorship dollars.

The Wine, Beer and Spirits walk

Another Wine, Beer and Spirits walk is in the books and according to business participants, servers, volunteers, and vendors, it was a successful, sold-out event. This project has evolved to reflect participant diversity and this year Revelton Spirits added another tasting experience. Rob Taylor, Hank Miler and Matt Schweiger educated participants about spirits as they doled samples.

Premier Sponsor, Paula McClaflin-Stoney Oak Properties, was pleased with the organization and number of participants. The cap number of 300 was a compromise among answers business owners chose from a related OCMS survey. To avoid overwhelming volunteers and shorten wait times, participants checked-in at one of three starting points noted on the tickets. Multiple starting points also spreads walkers around the square to help avoid crowding.

Along with logistical considerations, organizers encourage businesses outside the square to partner with a downtown establishment or setup in another building. Representatives from Altec, DES, Boyt Harness and Revelton offered tastings alongside five home businesses: Carolyn White- Pampered Chef; Nan Hamilton-31 and Posh; Jamie Porter and Erin Paschell- doterra Essential Oils; Stacey Feehan, Usborn Books and Crafter, Kayla Weeks-This Weeks Projects, all occupied the former Robinson Building. Although she could not attend, Janene Nelson left Acquisition business cards near her window display, and OCMS volunteers distributed Stephanie Whitten’s cake samples at their stop.

Three food trucks fed the sippers and walkers: Culinary Nomad, Pho Wheels and Sushi, and Off the Griddle.

Rob Taylor reported the After-Party at Revelton Distilling Company with music by local band, Kattywompas, was well-attended and he looks forward to the spring version of the walk. OCMS added the event for 2022 after receiving requests and recognizing the need for another spring promotion.

Thank you to sponsors: Stoney Oak Properties, Mosaic, Friday Insurance, HyVee, Osceola Vision and SalonRed.

Numerous Volunteers made the large event happen: Planning and organization: OCMS Board Members, Casey Spoelstra and Nicole Jacobson; Swag bag stuffers: Vicki Binning, Sara Rychnovsky, Linda Phipps and Dawn Kempen; Servers: John and Dawn Kempen and Dave Bemis; Distribution hosts: Kasi Shaw and Mosaic team, Dave and Lee Ann Opie; Beverage and supply delivery: Ryan Lundquist and Amy Lundquist, Jeff Deforest and Dave Bemis; Courthouse restroom hosts: Mary and Willard DeLong; and street barricades- Osceola City Street Crew.

Let the Holiday Fun Begin

November 27: Holiday Brilliance/Shop Small Saturday

Great Western Bank is temporarily switching from building table tents to constructing chicken-wire ornaments for the courtyard to help OCMS meet their goal of expanding the light displays. Promotions Team member, Angie Williams, said GWB employees look forward to the challenge and a different way to volunteer in the community.

At Lakeside Casino, business representatives have begun decorating Christmas Trees for the ‘Giving Tree’ Project. The trees, purchased by Lakeside, will be displayed for public viewing and then distributed to families in need.

In addition to great local shopping, several family activities are on the list for Holiday Brilliance-watch for the poster in an upcoming Advertiser.

OCMS and the Osceola Philanthropic Educational Organization Form Partnership

The Women of Osceola P.E.O. Chapter K are very visible in the community. It is in their nature, to find ways to give of their time and talents. With a mission statement of “Women Helping Women Reach for the Stars,” PEO educates women through scholarships, grants, awards, loans and stewardship of its own Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. Chapter K provides annual scholarships to selected Osceola high school graduating senior women as well as providing support to PEO International scholarship programs.

When P.E.O President, Alisha Kale, called the OCMS office to ask how the organization could volunteer their services, it did not take long to decide on an ideal task.

OCMS Personnel send hundreds of notes of gratitude to sponsors and volunteers each year. Thanking people for their time, talents and monetary donations is important, but depending on the event, it requires a lot of time. Some of the ladies of Chapter K will, now, be helping with these notes and OCMS is extremely grateful for the help.

Business Buzz

Revelton Distilling Company is now one of eight distilleries participating in the Iowa Tourism Office’s new Iowa Distillery Passport program. The passport, available at traveliowa.com/passport, provides a free digital mobile roadmap to distilleries statewide, complete with curated discounts and deals.

Laura Langholz at SalonRed received her new awning just in-time for the November 5th activities and her second year on the square. Laura took advantage of the OCMS Sign and Awning Grant to complete the project.

Now is the time to be part of the all the events, tourism, and other business supports OCMS offers. Renew your business or individual membership by contacting one of the Total Resource Campaign Team Members: Dave Bemis, Nicole Jacobson, James Rutherford, Casey Spoelstra or Jan Rychnovsky.

Around the Community

Nov. 18-19: Children’s Theater presents Calico Tiger @ Clarke HS, 7PM. Doors open at 6:30, no presales. Contact Kathy Kooiker.

Nov. 18: Clean Energy Forum @ Revelton Distilling, 11-noon lunch served. For more information www.iowacleanenergy.org.

Nov.21: Christmas Arts and Crafts Fair at the Eagles, please contact Bert Kistler on Facebook or dragons@windstream.net

Nov.27- 10:30 a.m. Reserve your spot for Holiday High Tea at Revelton Distilling Company then head to downtown Osceola for Holiday shopping!

Follow OCMS on Facebook or www.osceolachamber.com