Victoria Helling, Executive Director, Boone County Chamber of Commerce and Holly Stecker, Executive Director, Downtown Boone-Mainstreet, July 9, 2026

It is time for our tuned-in program today. We're going to talk about, well, we're going to talk about the Chamber of Commerce and Victoria's back. Good to have you here. Great to be here. And joined by Holly. Holly? Good morning. Thank you. From downtown Boone, Main Street. Once again, separate entities, folks. Share the same building. Correct. Basically, a lot of things to help our downtown area businesses and help them be successful. Absolutely. So last time, Victoria, when you had said we're going to kick off our, what, a new membership level? Yes. You were going to do that during the farmers market? It didn't rain. It didn't rain. It worked out great. So we did launch our new startup membership level. So this membership level is for entrepreneurs and startup businesses that are in operation, have been in operations less than three years, and have revenue of $50,000 or less. So this is really for those businesses that are, you know, brand new, just starting out and really need that Chamber support to help grow their business, to help launch their business. So they have reduced membership dues if they participate in this program. So the first year, it's $100 membership dues. Second year, $150,000, and then it moves up to our $250,000 small business level in year three. Yeah. So you probably had a couple stop by and, you know, or just inquire a little bit about the big thing is they get a lot of services and opportunities that can help them be sustainable. Absolutely. So they're going to get opportunities for networking events. I feel like that's one of the biggest benefits of Chamber membership is getting tapped into that Chamber network because all Chamber members really want to support this community, have a, you know, love for small business, and we're going to help them grow. So we actually did team up with Creative Ghosts, Marketing and Branding Agency. They're providing a special program just for startup business members. They're going to get offering reduced fees on their logo and website creation packages that are really substantial discounts. Sure. So we teamed up with them. So if you sign up for the startup membership, you will have access to those reduced fees. And so you'll have someone help you create a logo, create a website, just kind of get started on your branding and what you want your, what you want your business to say about you. And be sustainable. And Additionally, with that startup membership, we teamed up with Creative Cousins Photography, who's going to offer reduced headshots package for startup members only. It's going to be a hundred dollar fee and you're going to get some amazing headshots to start posting on your social media, start posting on your website. Again, to just start planting those seeds so you can have a successful business. Just keep working. And Holly, from your point, I'm guessing successful businesses in the main street area. Really a good plus. A great plus. Working with Victoria has been such a pleasure. She's a, we really enjoy you. We really enjoy you. Thank you. Thank you. But speaking of the farmers market, today's Thursday, we've got another great market lined up. As a reminder to the listeners, the market runs three to six every Thursday. But mark your calendars next Thursday, July 16th is the third Thursday. So we've got live music with Kara Christiansen lined up. It's also the free sweet corn night. So come on out. Yeah. Sweet corn arrived last week. So it was a bit early. And within an hour, Wilbur's sold out of 70 dozen. So it did not take long. Nope. And such a great driver. And I can attest to the sweet corn was fantastic. But again, next week, July 16th free sweet corn. We will also be hosting an artist event called Chalk the Walk. So the public can come meet up with an artist and we will have space and supplies to Chalk the Walk. And again, this is always free. Again, that's during farmers market, regular farmers market. And again, the third one is always the one with the additional bigger, little bigger entertainment and more. So looking forward to that. But regular today, by the way, Story Street will be blocked off 8th to 9th. So plan your routes accordingly. Yep. People park up here and then they could walk down. So I think what the library is going to be there today to doing more things and stuff. So it's it's easy. But that's a great reminder, Jim, that there is plenty of parking on 9th Street. So just think about going a little further to the north. And the parking is great. All right. Good. Got that going. And golf tomorrow. Tomorrow. Tomorrow's the day. She's really keep her fingers crossed. That's right. Well, you did hit the big rain earlier. So I feel pretty confident that we're going to be able to be out at Cedar Point tomorrow. So we have our golf classic tomorrow. We have 119 golfers that are registered. I really wanted to highlight we have a really fun giveaway going on for those participating. We have a pebble beach giveaway for a hole in one on hole four. And that includes airfare, hotel and a round of golf for two. So be chamber members, be practicing your swing for tomorrow and see if you can snag that pebble beach giveaway. Additionally, we have a one carrot natural diamond giveaway for a hole in one on hole seven. And that's provided by bacon jewelers. Yeah. So like I said, go out to the driving range today and get ready for tomorrow's event. Yeah. And no hiding the golf ball in the hole before you get there. Correct. Correct. Anyway, that's it going. Right. Right. No cheating. Yeah, that's right. A thing coming up associated with the fair. I know you're pushing is the exhibitor. Exhibitor showcase. Yeah. This is and this is something new, but an opportunity. And I know the fair likes it and forage likes it because this is things have changed over the years with how they market their animals afterwards and things like this. But this is a great way for people to come and learn a little bit more about about the work they have to put in. Absolutely. So the exhibitor showcase is going to be Friday, July 17th from three to 4pm. And yes, this is a collaboration we're doing with the Boone County fair. So we're teaming up business professionals from local businesses with hardworking 4-H youth for the youth to showcase their market projects. So this is an opportunity for local businesses to contribute to the youth market annual animal exhibitor fund that will happen at the end of the event. So the youth get an opportunity to kind of showcase what they've been working on. Also, how great is that to help develop their public speaking skills, their, you know, outside just outside general, you know, public speaking skills. So yeah, that will be next Friday from three to four. Again, for those that remember, maybe they remember, I don't know, the olden days when we would do the auction at the end, you know, it was a Monday morning event and and you'd have all kinds of business people out there. So well, over the years, it's kind of morphed into it did not, you know, it's just kind of gone away. Most fairs don't do that anymore. And so again, they come up with other ways to help supplement and support the 4-Hers and what they're doing. So absolutely. And there will be some light refreshments provided as well. It'll be it'll be it'll be a learning experience for some if they haven't, if it's been a while since you've been in the show ring or around the show ring, go out there and find out what it's about firsthand because they can sure tell you. Looking forward to that. Other things, what do you got coming up down the road besides farmers marks? Yeah, farmers market happens every week, as we just mentioned. But mark your calendars for July 23rd. Boone is all familiar with crazy days. And that is a community wide county wide event. But downtown Boone will have a crazy days market kickoff. So we're gonna kick off the weekend on Thursday night. We'll have another night of live music with Corey Foltz. And we will have additional vendors coming in and showcasing their goods. We'll have homemade tallow, some mocktails. And then of course, our anchor farmers, the Wilbur's, Reinhardt's and red granite. Sure. Okay. So they'll be here on the 23rd. So kind of a precursor. Yes. And in the sidewalk sales, we'll start that night. And then individual businesses will decide their, their open dates over the weekend. All right. She just going, Okay, see, now we got more to work with. That's right. Absolutely. Starting those businesses for young members, chamber members. There you go. I love that. We'll get them there. Yes. Yes. Other things that are happening. Absolutely. So let's see. We have Raghbri coming up, right? And we're gonna have a Raghbri Rider Welcome Center right in the chamber parking lot on Tuesday the 21st from 12 to five. And we're gonna welcome riders and provide them with some free popsicles, keep them cool, and then also provide information on Puffer Billy. So we're gonna be, you know, just kind of supporting, you know, those riders and also just giving them a warm, boom, welcome. So we have that coming up. Let know. And don't forget to come back for Puffer Billy. Right. Exactly. 100%. I was about to say, I might as well kind of talk a little bit about Puffer. So we did announce our logo, which we got a lot of positive feedback from that. It was made by a local boon resident who's kind of a emerging marketing, marketing person. And that was really exciting for her to have something, you know what I mean that was displayed. And I feel like it has all the nostalgia with the train on it and everything. Things that we were looking for. Things that we were looking for. Exactly. We will have a pre-order for merch coming soon. It should be launching next week. And that's gonna have some exclusive 50th anniversary merch. So be on the lookout for that on the Puffer Billy days Facebook page. I feel like you're gonna, you're gonna want to keep this, you know, for this is a sense of nostalgia and something that you'll always have in your wardrobe. Just remember that special occasion. We will also have volunteer applications coming soon for, and that'll be posted on our Facebook page as well. The first 50 volunteers will get a free Puffer Billy t-shirt. So be on the lookout for that. And then we did already post the application for the photo contest, which is a free contest that we hold every year. And then the parade application has been posted as well. That's a $25 entry fee. I was gonna say make sure that you get that $25 in before the 31st of August or otherwise it'll increase to $40. The train show and swap meet registration is full. So we are full on that. So that's already, already took care of. And I also wanted to mention that we will have a really amazing food court this year downtown. It's just gonna include eight food truck vendors. So a little bit of, you know, different offerings, but also showcasing our local businesses in downtown. So we will have, you know, a dull whip offering for as far as cold treats go because I want people to go to Stone Path and get their ice cream. So make sure we have complimentary offerings that are showcasing our local businesses as well. I think that one of the things you'd said, the way people had seen it set up previously, you were going to make some adjustments still in the process of going through that. So those maps will be announced next, no, in two weeks here when we go to council next. And yes, so I want to kind of wait till everything is finalized, right? Let's wait till after Raghbri. I feel like everyone should be excited for that and beginning ready for that. So after Raghbri, those will be announced on the new map. More of that going on, too. Other things that downtown Boone's working on? We did just finish the Boone and Bloom project, the Eighth Street story and Eighth Street four corners. Again, that was a private public partnership. Salamas donated the flowers. The city comes in as a partner with the watering and downtown Boone paid for the labor and lined up the volunteers to get the beds ready. So that we've got a little bloom happening down there. It looks so beautiful, Holly. It really looks, it just makes my heart so cheerful. Well, and Mike, you know, it's no plant the flowers on the top. No, he comes and helps. He does. Oh, he's fantastic. Yes. Yeah. So again, that was a great partnership and just another way to showcase beautification downtown. This weekend also happening in the district is scoop the loop. So come down shop with 90s inspired sales. So you get yourself a 90 cent hot dog. I saw that 99 cent hot talk at Jimmy's. I was like, okay, some vintage movie posters, that kind of thing. Scoop the loop. Of course, there will be a scoop route and then stop by bottled bliss for the street dance at the end of the night. Yeah. Oh, and don't forget to vote for the window contest. Come down, take a look at the windows. There'll be a lot of these just the shops and the chamber. We did decorate a window this year. Definitely come by and check out our window. There's a little Q R code to vote. So okay, we got that. I'm guessing on the scoop in the loop part and maybe John's involved better. John better. Oh, yes, he sure is. He sure is. I figured he was. Of course. Yeah, he's gonna have a I was about to say his own car show going down. So I was about to say bring the kids out. That'll be such a fun event. My kids are really looking forward to it. So yeah, and the weather looks great. And it does. Yes, it does. So we'll go for that. Again, that's on Saturday. Mm hmm. A lot of things happening. It's a busy time of year. But also looking ahead to the listeners tonight or excuse me this morning. We are starting to organize our spooky story calendar for October and we are building out the second year of the haunted building tour. So if you are interested in joining the tour, we've got a bit of a different platform this year and we can handle a few more buildings. Okay, so reach out and let me know if you'd like your building on the haunted building tour. The thing was kind of a again, when you first put it together and said we really don't know what we're gonna hand up with here. But yeah, very popular. Yes, last year our tickets sold out. Yeah, so be the same. Go for it again. Okay, so but you have to start now getting everything together and organized and building owners need to be ready to. Yep. Yeah. So we get that. See, there's always something. Yeah, and we have coming up. So I was about to say this is July. So next time I see you'll be in August. So I want to make sure and mention this. We have our new teacher breakfast coming on. It's gonna be Friday, August 14th from eight to nine thirty. We did settle on a location. Crux Center. Okay, will be hosting us and Chad Houston will actually be the speaker. And I feel like that just works perfectly because Crux is so, you know, so involved with the Boone Edge program and offers, you know, a mentoring program through their business. So we will be looking for table sponsors and these donations will go to new teachers to assist with school supplies and just creating a welcoming support of environment for students. Do you need people that would like to volunteer to be a part of hosting a teacher? Absolutely, we do. And please email me at victoria at Boone County Chamber.com. Yes, we do need, like I said, sponsors to help, you know, make this a memorable year, first year for the teachers. Again, we're pointing out these are teachers from all over the county. Yes, they're all invited for this. Just basically an introduction. Correct. Welcoming them to Boone County, welcoming them to the school system here. And it's very exciting. All right. Looking forward to that. That's on the 14th. Can you believe it? It's hard. I know. Here we are already talking about Paul Sports stuff like that. You have more coming? I would just put a plug for volunteer recruitment. If you are downtown, you like what you're seeing, you've got questions, come visit a committee meeting with us. Our committee meetings are all on the website and just take a look at the calendar and or send me an email anytime. It's holly s at downtown Boone I a dot com and downtown Boone is still working. Again, you have your again, you got to be a little excited about the effort at 70. Was it 705? Oh, yes, yes, because they are trying for the challenge. Correct. Correct. The Main Street, Iowa Challenge Grant is a grant up to $100,000 for facade and interior work. And that is underway. Thank you, Jim, for mentioning these are sort of the behind the scenes things that you don't hear about it. But yeah, this is part of you can access this, but it is highly competitive. Very, very, very competitive. And we've received the design services from Main Street, Iowa. So we're just checking the boxes here and getting ready on the grant front. We do also have the open for business grant. And Dutch oven was our participant for that. Sure. And we should be able to make an announcement sometime in August for that as well. Oh, that's so exciting. Yeah. And I cannot wait because there's another business. Absolutely. Absolutely. Why like, you know, seeing just our community grow and thrive. So yeah, absolutely. And I feel like Dutch oven is just such a, you know, such a stronghold in this community. So I would love to see a patio come out so we can all just enjoy ourselves next summer on the patio. Keep working. I think if we're plugging things here, I think the council, the 20th, July 20th council meeting is setting up to be a long but fun meeting. Victoria and I will both be there giving our reports. I believe we'll show the open for business video applicant. Excuse me, the video for the application. And that's really exciting. That'll be the first public view. Okay. Good. Yeah. And we'll be giving our quarterly report and also just making sure or presenting, I guess, to the council all of our plans for Pufferbilly. So I feel like it's just going to be a great informational meeting for the public as well. If they're, you know, want to be involved or interested in what's happening with Puffer. Well, they're all sitting there waiting for Raghra. I know. Like I said, one step at a time, right? Let's just throw this more at you. Here's one. Right before Raghra. The night before Raghra. So me and Holly, it'll be a little tired, but you know what we're going to rally because we're ready to go celebrate. Well, everybody will be here again after making it through the fair and everything else. That's right. That's right. So Farmer's Market again, big thing today. Remember, coming down the third Thursday is the one with the entertainment. But this year, basically this month, you're going to have third and fourth. You're going to have a lot of things happening there. Correct. So hydrate yourself on Wednesday the 22nd after Raghbrae and then come on down to the Crazy Days kickoff on Thursday. Yes. Yes. And Victoria, final things? Yeah, I just wanted to put a little plug here for the lead program. All that planning is underway. That program runs September through May and it's the first Thursday of each month at the chamber from 10 to 3. Applications are coming the end of July. And this is really a program for leadership development. So for those businesses out there who want to invest in their employees, really becoming strong community leaders and growing professionally, this is a great program for that. So it is very successful. Last year, we have about spots for 15 applicants. Okay. If they have any questions, really make contact, ask about it because this is not something we can cover for you very quickly in the 30 to 60 seconds. No, there's a lot of a lot of things that go into it. And you have again, businesses that have supported this too. Absolutely. Yes. AgCertain was our presenting sponsor last year. So yes, we're working on sponsorship right now for this year. All that together. So if you have a business would like to be a part too. Please contact me, Victoria, at boomcountychamber.com. Alrighty. Thanks so much for joining us, getting us up to date on what's going on for our Boone County Chamber of Commerce. And I mean, we just hit a lot of things that are county wide. You've got things going on all over always and Holly for the downtown Boone Main Street. Plenty of things still happening still in the works, right? Thank you, Jim. Alrighty. Thanks for joining us. Thank you.