OSCEOLA CHAMBER

The merger of two organizations into one provides a new vehicle for the promotion of Osceola. It had been given consideration for several years but was given impetus by the death of Becky Persels, whose position with the Chamber of Commerce might have had the title of "manager," or "executive secretary," but in the minds of many, Becky was the Chamber. Mission Statement: "The purpose of the Osceola Chamber of Commerce is to promote and enhance the business community in the Osceola area and to instill community pride." It had evolved to becoming an organization which recognized all the facets which affect the community and programed its activities accordingly:

Weekly coffees held in various places of business, originally intended as an opportunity for business people to meet in other places of business to become acquainted with their fellow merchants, as well as showcase the hosting business. The coffees became a time for informal sociability for all who could take the time. For new businesses this also provided time for the Ribbon Cutting and awarding of the "first dollar of profit" by Chamber Manager Becky Persels.

Weekly during summer "Thursday Night in the Park," when people brought folding chairs to the courtyard, giving opportunity for businesses, agencies, churches, or individuals to host the event, arrange for entertainment from the band stand, and usually providing food for sale or otherwise.

Occasionally: Sidewalk Days when merchants displayed their wares in front of their businesses.

Annually: A Flea Market in the square, bringing Venders from throughout the state and other states, who brought a wide variety of saleable items.

Easter Egg Hunt, lasting, according to Becky, from 9:00 to 9:03 a.m. on Saturday before Easter.

Appreciation Day, when temporary tables were set up in the Fire Hall and pancakes with sausage or bacon were served by merchants to express appreciation to the community for their patronage.

At Christmas, a Lighting Contest, with prizes; a Tour of Lights, and Lighted Parade. Warrior  Dollars, which are similar to gift certificates but honored only by local merchants. They continue as a popular promotion for shopping in Osceola. Shine On, in which the committee raised $12,500 to purchase strings of Christmas lights to outline the depot, Santa Claus and sleigh, decorate the courthouse. They were also strung across the downtown streets. During the season, music was played over loud speakers placed throughout the business community.

Awarding Scholarships to recognize and encourage youth.

Newcomer Welcome: Bags of items provided by various businesses, agencies, and churches were presented to newcomers to Osceola by a person appointed to call on them.

Annual Service Award co-sponsored by Chamber, first with Lions Club and later Rotary.

Through the years there had been the Heartland Celebrity Pheasant Hunt, displays such as The Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Show, Annual School Employee Reception, participation in RAGBRAI  (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) and more, some of which were dropped through the years, replaced by others.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD PAST RECIPIENTS

At the beginning in 1950, Lions International and Rotary International Clubs sponsored the selection of an individual or individuals who have given services above and beyond their profession. In 2007 the sponsorship became Chamber/Main Street and Rotary. Following are names with their primary activity; (d) indicates deceased.

MAIN STREET

The Main Sreet program for downtown revitalization was developed in 1977, by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C., and tested in pilot locations throughout the United States. In 1985, the Iowa Legislature adopted the National Main Street Center's approach to downtown revitalization by approving the establishment of Main Street Iowa within the Iowa Department of Economic Development. In 1985, Governor Terry E. Branstad established Iowa Main Street and the newsletter for the winter of 1997, "The Main Street Messenger," announced the establishment of an Osceola Committee.

The first Main Street Board of Directors were: President Ginny Caligirui, Vice President Todd Thompson, Secretary Sally Morlan, Treasurer Duayne Fletcher, Shirley Hart, Jeanie Short, Kevin Klemesrud, Brad Wright, Mike Boldon, Dan White, Lorie Kent, Jim Lundquist, Derrek Kelso, and Angie Lewis. The manager was Becky Houseberg.

Although various businesses showed interest in and were beginning to plan improvements, Shirley Hart of Hart's Fashion and Bridal Shop at 201 South Main was the first to do so, shortly followed by the Clarke Vet Clinic, 125 North Main, the Osceola City Hall, 115 North Fillmore, and White's Woodworking Gallery at 117 South Main. The incentive program offered by Main Street was a low interest loan program, and sign and awning grants.

Through the years there have been seminars sharing new and innovative ideas for businesses, the installation of courtyard benches and trash receptacles, representation at the State Fair.

Various downtown events were coordinated by Main Street, such as Holiday Brilliance —the lighting of courtyard trees. There have been emphases on appearance promotions, with the introduction of "BYOB (Bring your own Broom)," "Sweep it up! Keep it up! Litter prevention campaign."

Since 1998, there has been a net gain of 20 business starts in downtown Osceola, 64 buildings have been renovated or improved in the downtown area. Over $3,868,314 has been invested in downtown Osceola and over 18,397 volunteer hours have been recorded.

NEW OSCEOLA CHAMBER-MAINSTREET (OCMS)

Since Becky's passing in January 2006 countless meetings were held with the two organizations Osceola Chamber of Commerce and Osceola MainStreet for the purpose of merging. This was accomplished after much hard work and endless hours of volunteer time late in that same year forming the new organization now known as OSCEOLA CHAMBER-MAINSTREET (OCMS). The new mission statement reads: "To provide support for investors, promote business, historic preservation, economic growth and community betterment."

The first and present director of the newly foiiiied OCMS is Kristy Erwin. Under the direction of the new by-laws, the first OCMS Board of Directors was formed with the members being the following people: Jami Byerly Knight (Chiropractor), Dave Walkup (CHS Principal), Kim White (co-owner Whites Gallery & Woodworking), Tom Anderson (Clarke County Engineer), Ann Diehl (Nurse Practioner), Todd Thompson, (owner of Subway), Dennis Foote (co-owner of Robinsons), Dr. David Hoadley (Optometrist), Diane Ogbourne (Clarke County State Bank), Robert Lewin (HyVee Manager), Jeff Edwards (co-owner Osceola Farm & Home), Dianne Oswald (American State Bank), Steve Weers (Osceola Foods General Manager), & Mary Ellen Kimball (Kimball & Associates).

The first board has accomplished many of their original goals.under the leadership of Kim White, President. Committees have been established to promote the area through retail membership, provide proper promotions, increase signage, provide leadership with seminars and trainings and to introduce the community to fun ways to promote the area to those that live here and away. Specifically, there has been: "Trunk or Treat," which encouraged households to bring their Trick or Treat goodies and disperse them from the trunk of their cars; "Explore Osceola," which is a cooperation between businesses in Osceola and Terribles' Casino in which, at no charge, the businesses can display their brochures and encourage people to shop in town; and an exciting feature assisting WHO in promoting the tractor ride.

The OCMS has partnered with various organizations on different occasions, with the biggest and best partnership being the move to the new office at 115 East Washington, sharing space with the Clarke County Development Corporation.

Return to main page for Recipes for Living 2007 by Fern Underwood

Last Revised March 22, 2014