Celebrating Community at the Greater Osceola Partnership Annual Dinner

On Friday, March 6, the Greater Osceola Partnership Annual Dinner was held, in partnership with Osceola Chamber Main Street and Clarke County Development Corporation, an evening dedicated to celebrating the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our community thrive. This year’s event was especially meaningful as we also celebrated Osceola’s 175th birthday, making it a night filled with reflection, recognition, and community pride.

Held at Lakeside Hotel Casino, the evening brought together community leaders, partners, and residents to celebrate the impact of those who continue to invest their time, talent, and resources into strengthening Osceola and Clarke County.

OCMS Business of the Year

One of the evening’s highlights was recognizing the strength and impact of our local business community through the Business of the Year Award. This year’s award was presented to La Corona Mexican Restaurant, a business that has become a favorite gathering place in Osceola thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, friendly service, and commitment to creating a positive experience for everyone who walks through the door.

The award was selected from four outstanding finalists: Fleetside Ford, Flowers N More, La Corona Mexican Restaurant, and Nutrition Hub Osceola. Each of these businesses plays an important role in serving the community and helping make Osceola a vibrant place to live and visit.

During the presentation, OCMS President-Elect, Becca Kedley shared how much local businesses mean to the community.

“Our local businesses are more than just places to shop or eat, they’re where relationships are built, where neighbors support neighbors, and where the heart of our community truly lives.”

Nominations for the award included heartfelt comments from community members about the winning business, highlighting the impact La Corona has made.

“The best service and the friendliest people,” one nomination read. Another shared, “They make me feel welcomed all the time.” Others praised the restaurant’s “warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere” and noted that they serve “the best tacos around.”

OCMS Leadership Award

Another special moment of the evening was the presentation of the OCMS Leadership Award to David Opie.

Each year at the Annual Dinner, Osceola Chamber Main Street presents the Main Street Iowa Leadership Award to recognize a volunteer who has made a significant impact on our program and our downtown. This recognition is especially meaningful because the recipient is also honored at the state level through the Iowa Downtown Resource Center during the Main Street Iowa Development Awards in Des Moines.

Dave has been a tremendous asset to the organization and the community. Known for his genuine nature and willingness to step in and help wherever needed, he has a unique ability to connect people and encourage collaboration that strengthens the entire community.

As Ashleigh Eckels, OCMS Executive Director, shared during the presentation:

“Dave has a way of bringing people together and building connections between organizations. His leadership and collaborative spirit have helped strengthen our downtown and move our community forward in meaningful ways.”

CCDC Director’s Award

The Clarke County Development Corporation Director’s Award was presented to Clarke Community Schools in recognition of their ongoing commitment to the future of Clarke County.

Through their dedication to education, workforce development, and student success, Clarke Community Schools play a critical role in shaping the next generation of leaders in our community.

As Andrew Clark, CCDC Executive Director, shared during the presentation:

“Strong schools help build strong communities. Clarke Community Schools continue to make meaningful investments in our students and our future, and we are proud to recognize their impact.”

This award highlights the essential role that education plays in the growth and strength of our community, and Clarke Community Schools’ efforts exemplify that commitment.

Community Service Award

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 77th Annual Community Service Award, a long-standing tradition that celebrates individuals who make Osceola a better place through their generosity, leadership, and dedication to serving others. The award is co-sponsored by the Osceola Rotary and Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS), reflecting the shared commitment of both organizations to recognizing those who give so much back to the community.

Each year, this award honors someone whose acts of service, leadership, and community spirit have made a lasting difference in Osceola.

This year, the community proudly recognized Teresa Woods as the 77th Annual Community Service Award recipient. Teresa was honored for her incredible commitment to the community and the many ways she has stepped up to support local initiatives, organizations, and residents over the years.

As Paula McClaflin, OCMS Past President, shared during the presentation:

“Teresa’s dedication to serving others truly reflects the spirit of this award. Her generosity, leadership, and passion for helping our community continues to make Osceola a stronger and more connected place.”

Her impact and willingness to give back embody the values that the Community Service Award has celebrated for more than seven decades, and the community was proud to recognize her outstanding contributions

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Events like this would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Thank you to our Premier Sponsor, American State Bank, for their continued leadership and investment in our community.

We also extend our appreciation to our Gold Sponsor, Altec, and our Silver Sponsors: Fareway, First National Bank, Fleetside Ford, Clarke County Hospital, and Osceola Foods.

Finally, a special thank you to Lakeside Hotel Casino for being a wonderful host for the evening and helping create such a welcoming atmosphere for the celebration.

As we reflect on 175 years of Osceola’s history, the evening served as a reminder that the true strength of our community comes from the people and organizations who continue to invest in its future. We are grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate the individuals and businesses that help make Osceola such a great place to live, work, and grow.