In the Know: Continuing to Promote Businesses During the Covid-19 Shutdowns

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Before the official Covid-19 shutdown order by Mayor Kedley and Governor Reynolds, OCMS staff began thinking about small businesses and the possible ramifications. Last week’s article addressed multiple resources gathered by OCMS Executive Director, Ashleigh Eckels, available by the newspaper deadline.

Here are the latest resources:  Coronavirus Emergency Loans Guide and Checklist for Small Businesses and Nonprofits from the U.S. Chamber Foundation. www.uschamberfoundation.org/reports/coronavirus-emergency-loans-guide-and-checklist-small-businesses-and-nonprofits.

Iowa Work Force Development: https://www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/iowa-workforce-development-outlines-cares-act-benefits-and-implementation?fbclid=IwAR2CPqrXLB8g-f0FKvulePjIsU6bGMH2LZgKx_8SlCstUIbRVlb2lNGXTq4

To get up-to-date information concerning resources and local business in the Monday Morning Update, send your email address to [email protected] to be added to the list.

Support Osceola Every Day with Warrior Dollars

Along with news articles, the community has been very supportive of the #WarriorDollarGiveawayChallenge announced each week on the Osceola Chamber-Main Street facebook page. These easy, family-friendly challenges offer ways to boost small businesses.

Customers become part of the marketing team by sharing the ideas, offering positive comments, posting photos, buying gift certificates and ordering on-line from local stores. OCMS awards Warrior Dollars to weekly winners, these dollars, manufactured and available for purchase in the Chamber-Main Street office, are the easiest way to support nearly every business that banks local.*  Most businesses have a window cling to show participation.

Warrior Dollars are just like real money. If an object, dinner, etc. is $15.00, then, $15.00 Warrior Dollars will make the same purchase. It is advised, however, to ask the merchant or an employee if Warrior Dollars are accepted in that establishment, because not all businesses have arranged with their banks to accept them.

Normally, the process is uncomplicated and involves little effort for everyone, but during these few weeks, OCMS requests a call ahead or email [email protected]. The business accepts the dollars and takes them to the bank with other deposits. The bank pays the business and a representative returns the used dollars to OCMS. OCMS reimburses the bank to complete the circle of local commerce: Every dollar spent in a local business.

*Business owner must arrange with a local bank to receive Warrior Dollars.

Osceola Chamber-Main Street Projects of Support

In addition to the promotions posted in the Monday Morning Update and on the OCMS Facebook page, OCMS continues other projects of support. Last week, in conjunction with the City of Osceola and Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), OCMS created two full page ads to recognize all the people who are helping our community. In running the ads, we also supported our local newspaper-the source everyone has access to for little cost.

With the help of Clarke County Development Corporation, snacks from Timber Ridge Country Store were delivered to Clarke County Hospital and Clinics. The staff at Southern Hills Specialty Care received cookies from Mayberry’s Coffee Shop and Eateries and delivered by CCDC Executive Director, Bill Trickey. Wednesday, April 8th, Public Health workers will have lunch from The Iron Horse Neighborhood Grill. OCMS appreciates the support of the community in all of these efforts.

Week 4 of #WarriorDollarChallengeGiveaway: Chalk the Walks!

OCMS will give two lucky winners 20 Warrior Dollars-the challenge ends Sunday.

We encourage Clarke County Residents to show their support for their community by decorating their walks/driveways with chalk messages and artwork:

• Take a photo of the art
• Send photo to [email protected] or send via message to our facebook page:
• Osceola Chamber Main Street
• ‘Like’ the facebook page and watch for your artwork to be featured on our page

First Drawing: Tag your friends each tag gets your name entered into the drawing.
Second Drawing: Share your artwork each piece of artwork gets you entered into the drawing
#StrongerTogether #ShopOsceolaIA #SupportLocal

The Latest In Business Information

To stay open for business, some owners have changed how they operate during the Covid-19 shutdowns, while others reach-out to help the community.

Chelsea Edgington Photography: The “Front Porch Project”: “I’m sure you’ve seen pictures on Facebook, Instagram or on the news, but I’m taking it one step further to help make a way of support in our community! With so many families stuck at home my hope is to break the barrier and bring a community together in a time of need with a smile or a message!

So dress up or dress down, grab your families (pets and all) and meet me outside of your home on your front steps where I will take a few fun portraits of your family! THERE IS NO FEE for this service, but in exchange I am asking you shop small!”-Chelsea

Here’s how it’s going to work:

1. #ShopSmall - Purchase a gift card/certificate from your local boutique, hair/nail salon, photographer (cough, cough 😉) or restaurant OR order take out from a local restaurant. Value must be $25.00 or more.
2. Post a picture of your receipt on Facebook and tag my business page. Type @chelseaedgingtonphotography
3. I will then message you to schedule your session. Please contact me if I have not reached out to you within 48 hours.

These sessions will be scheduled next week on April 7th, 8th and 9th. Sessions will be 15 minutes, and you’ll receive 4-5 high resolution digital images via email. I will call or text you when I arrive at your house. Please note, you must be a resident in the Osceola area. If you reside in the countryside within 15 minutes of Osceola please contact me directly so we can set up a time for you as distance time will vary.

The Grass Roots Home: Shop local online-offering free shipping, appointments for shopping and pick-up orders. 515-360-6143

Ivy Rose: Shop on-line: https://shop-ivy-rose-botique.shopify,com/

Flowers N More- open for curbside pick-up and delivery, check their facebook page for specials.

SalonRed and Boutique: Spring sales this week! https://www.facebook.com/salonREDsalonboutiqueherbalshop/

Robin Linskens-Your Sweet Pickin’s Venue: asks for donations to help her with expenses until she can schedule events: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-your-sweet-pickins-venue-survive-covid-19

Wal-mart: 7am-9:30 pm

Fareway: 8am-9am, open for seniors citizens only; 9am-7pm open to general public.

Hy-Vee Fast and Fresh 5am-10pm; Dollar Fresh- 7-8am senior citizens only; 8am-8pm open to general public.

U.S. Cellular: Mon-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-5pm

Chat Mobility: Closed to Public but staffed and keeping regular store hours. Customers may drop off payments at store or call 800. 944.5526 for help.

Solutions! Closed to public but taking technical calls via phone or email. 342-9500, [email protected].

Open as usual

Highway Lumber, Gilbert’s True Value and Midwest Wholesale; Chipp’s Harley Davidson, Fleetside Ford offers free pick-up and delivery service.

For the latest in Covid-19 information: Visit theIDPH webpage at https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirusand follow the department on Facebook at @IowaDepartmentOfPublicHealth and on Twitter at @IAPublicHealth. Clarke County residents may call 2-1-1 for more questions regarding COVID-19