In the Know: #ShopOsceolaIA #ClarkeCountyStrong #StrongerTogether

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OCMS encourages Clarke County Citizens to support the Clarke County Small Business Week activities in any way they can. The Sunday activity, blue ribbons of support, began Friday for some enthusiastic participants. Stephanie Snell, an OCMS Design Team member, and her daughter, Whittney, had fun tying ribbons around the courtyard to show support. “We are going to need more ribbon,” Stephanie quipped. Snell frequently brings ‘’Whitt” with her to help with Design Team projects. 

Please send photos of what you are doing to support this effort to [email protected] or post them with hashtags on Facebook as you join in the fun throughout the week, and if you miss a day or are a day late, no worries!  Here is a reminder of the week:

“Make it Monday”- Create a sign of support and share it on Facebook- get the kids involved!

“#GivingTuesday”- Day of Global Action for Giving and Unity in Response to COVID-19. #GivingTuesdayNow brings together individuals, nonprofits, communities, small businesses, brands and more. Learn More here: https://www.givingtuesday.org/blog/2020/

“Let’s Write Wednesday”- send a note of support to your favorite businesses. Parents, this could be a  great writing/art project for the school children!

“Take Out Thursday”- You know what to do!

“Gift Card Friday”- buy a gift card from a local business. 

“Try Something New Saturday”- explore the great options in Clarke County from the safety of home or using social distancing rules. Check out Facebook pages and websites of local businesses-post your finds on Facebook.

OCMS will post the ‘3,2,1’ business owner interviews and results from the student, “Osceola Dream Business,” contest on our Facebook and website pages.

Updates in Business Activities

While each business owner must determine whether to open or not, those who opt-in find creative solutions for the new normal as they provide protections for workers and customers.

Play Margaritas: Dining room is open with limited seating, but they are continuing curbside delivery. Call 641-342-4900 for more information.

Your Sweet Pickins Venue: According to the business Facebook page, Owner Robin Linskens has rescheduled some of the events which had to be postponed. She is following the guidelines of social distancing, etc. and adding extra time slots to allow more people to come without breaking the rules. Although the May 9th Mother’s Day Brunch and Succulent Workshop is sold out, there are openings for the Burlap Wreath Workshop, May 17. If you do not have access to Facebook, call 641.414.2329 for details.

Clarke County Youth Rodeo Meat Raffle: Through the month of May this group is selling tickets for a quarter of processed beef at $20 per ticket or six for $100, and there will be two drawings for processed half a hog for $10 per ticket. The Youth Rodeo Facebook page lists the event for June 28th 9am-3pm.  

Junkin’ on Jefferson: ‘100 miles of junkin’ from Osceola to King City, Mo.’ Is still on the calendar for June 5-7, with cautions of following the Covid-19 rules. Osceola participants will be listed closer to the date.

Southern Hills Specialty is hosting a safe way for children and the residents to interact May 11, 11am-3pm. Activities include sidewalk art, window games, parachute fun and bubbles. For more information contact Keri or Sara 342-6061. A family parade is scheduled for May 13.

Covid-19 and Other Business Resources

In their update posted May 2nd, Clarke County Public Health reminds everyone to continue to follow social distancing and staying home as much as possible, even though some businesses may open.

If you are feeling stressed and need a professional to talk to, Care Initiatives Counselors are available. Confidential, on-call support 24 hours a day. 641-743-2264 or 877-577-8555.

May 6th at 3pm, Robin Bostrom from Main Street Iowa will lead another business webinar, “How to Sell Online.” View Webinar here.

 Do you feel left behind in the on-line world of business? Main Street Iowa wants to understand your business needs. If you are not on the Monday Morning Update email list to participate in their survey, please email or call OCMS. 

 No other local website has more business resources, up to date Covid-19 business news, and local information than Chamber-Main Street. https://www.osceolachamber.com/resources. Do you want a no-rumors, no-nonsense, social media space for local information? https://www.facebook.com/OCMS06. Do you have information about your business or an activity you want to blast-out to several hundred people?  Contact us and be In the Know, “Our email newsletter with over 300 subscribers goes out every Monday. It is a great way to get your information out in the community. ”- Ashleigh.