Community collaboration was the prominent Osceola Chamber-Main Street theme for the last week in August. Although OCMS constantly encourages feedback, questions and suggestions about events, projects, grants, etc., last week brought opportunities for larger and more diverse groups to come together.
The first gathering was hosted by Rob and Christi Taylor, owners of Revelton Distilling Company and their staff who invited a host of city, county and state leaders: OCMS Director, Ashleigh Eckels and OCMS Board Members, Paula McLaflin and Jan Rychnovsky; City Manager Ty Wheeler, and Osceola City Council Members, Dan Hooper and Missy Cline; Bill Tricky, Director-Clarke Development Corporation; Police Chief, Marty Duffus; Fire Chief, Byron Jimmerson; and Clarke County Supervisor, Austin Taylor, were present to meet with Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Director/Iowa finance Authority Director, Debi Durham; Amy Zeigler, Manager, Iowa Tourism; Administrator, Steve Larson, and Stephanie Strauss, Executive Officer leading the Government Affairs Program for the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Commission and Iowa Representative Amy Sinclair.
The purpose of the meeting was to share information about expanding tourism, economic development and ambiance in Osceola and Clarke County. Discussion focused on city planning, housing additions, and how to tap into resources to bring people off the Interstate to Revelton, and into Osceola for a complete experience. Rob and Christi shared their vision to expand and further develop the area around Revelton.
Durham acknowledged Covid created havoc for all businesses, but the shutdowns gave the IEDA Team a chance to really evaluate what Iowa has to offer in terms of growth opportunities for business development, tourism, and housing. They compiled statistics on what was available and to better understand where the holes and opportunities exist.
After touring the facilities and hearing the Revelton story, she expressed enthusiasm for what the Taylors’ have built and began a dialogue about all the possibilities for economic growth through tourism for the area. She said it’s all about experiences: outdoor activities, shopping, and dining are especially important in drawing tourism. Wheeler summarized infrastructure plans, new housing, and his interest to build more bike/hiking trails.
Amy Zeigler agreed with Wheeler, citing the extensive bike trail system connecting the Des Moines area to surrounding towns and asked about possibilities of linking the distillery area to Osceola’s downtown and beyond, “Statistics show that for every one-hour people drive to an event/community, they will spend four hours experiencing/exploring amenities.”
Larson explained the positive impact of the recent changes in distilling rules (Senate File 2374) and how much distilleries could expand production. Rob emphasized this topic as Revelton will need more land to build rack houses. Larson also noted that Revelton is the only distillery on the Interstate, which offers infinite possibilities for expansion and tourism in the area.
Rob, Christi, and the Revelton Staff were encouraged with the discussion and ideas brought forth, “Overall, anytime we can get community leaders, state leaders and other stakeholders under one roof to discuss the possibilities, it’s a good day…I think moving forward, it’s important that our community and business leaders and state leaders meet regularly…there are many resources out there to tap.”- Rob Taylor
After the meeting, the Des Moines visitors drove through the downtown area to get a snapshot of the district to hopefully, offer more suggestions for future discussions.
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