Victoria Helling, Executive Director, Boone County Chamber of Commerce and Holly Stecker, Executive Director, Downtown Boone-Mainstreet, August 6, 2026

Today we're talking about our Boone County Chamber of Commerce and Victoria Hellings here the executive director. Thanks for coming in So glad to be here and also joining her from our downtown Boone Main Street. Holly Stucker executive director Thanks for coming in Holly. Thank you. Good morning. We have a lot of things going on. Okay, we finished up July Thank you very much July for everything you did Absolutely you brought smoke from fires and everything else But we also had a lot of other great things going on during the month I mean gee the fair so how did I know one of the things you guys did was? Facilitated the exhibition opportunity for people to get out there and help Yeah, for each or support there. I think did you have people showing up? We sure did the exhibitors showcase went went great. We had several businesses and there were over I would say 25 Kids who actually got to sat down sit down with these businesses and showcase what they've been working on talk about their animals It was really a great opportunity for the kids to you know get those public speaking skills and just get comfortable Kind of sharing what they've been working on at the at the fair I'm thinking a business owner or two might have had some familiarity with some of this stuff, but it's always Hearing the new things that are going on and the kids that are doing it. Absolutely, and this was an opportunity for The kids to raise money for their exhibitor funds So then the businesses you know after hearing their hearing all about their project had the opportunity to donate So it was a you know donation effort for sure so we had some great businesses who supported well That's and that's one of the things to again I go back to what we did last time was did away or we don't have the auction anymore afterwards So again, this is kind of taking the place of that so correct We still need to recover some of their cost of of doing the business Absolutely. Absolutely. Anyway part of being in 4-H. That's right. Which is good And by the way, they can start a business and join chamber too. That's right Always always that's right. We're welcome to have you Well, we have a lot of different things that are coming up here as we go forward obviously Things are not really slowing down one little bit. Holly you I mean we you had double Entertainment and farmers markets back in July. We did the third the third Thursday with the regular one, but then kind of the Kickoff for a crazy day, correct, which got really hot by the way. That was real crazy Yeah, it was kind of crazy especially after the nice weather that we'd be for But I made it work. Yes, the crazy days kickoff market felt like a great success we had over 20 vendors and introduced some new market material and increased some foot traffic and had Lovely music from Corey Highland. All right, and Everybody, but I mean I went by and I saw go out there for a lot of it But there was a lot of different people out there and it looked awfully busy down there Yes, it was busy and I'm sure the free sweet corn Contributed to some lovely traffic A little bit Well again coming up regular Thursday farmers markets going on and today will be one of them, correct every Thursday on Story Street from 9th to 8th the farmers market sets up We are Preparing and looking forward to August 20th will be our second birthday bash So come on down for some free cake. We'll also have live music from Rural route. Oh roll round here. Okay. That's again coming up That's gonna be all part of it August 20th and kind of had that in that area 8th Street 9th Street a long story So correct and Sometimes there's a lot more in there than the other time I went by there They were colored on the street with chalk. Oh, yes, that was a little warm. I thought that was a very very warm day But the Chakta walk was also a success. We flied We ended up having a very young she was a 12 year old artist from Nebraska Just happened to be in town and and drew a beautiful mural. It was gorgeous. I thought it was really beautiful I was like, oh my goodness. Yeah, so talented. How do we keep this? Yeah, well anyway, we keep working on all of those You are coming up Victoria You've got let's go with the teacher thing because it's a little there It's turned out to be a little bit different than what people have become accustomed to in the past Absolutely. So the new teacher breakfast is going to be on Friday August 14th from 8 to 9 30 So in the past it has been a ticketed event Where which is great businesses are able to send their employees and kind of you know, they bond with the new Yeah, bond with the new teachers. So this year we have a very large influx of new teachers We have 56 new teachers and administrators who are joining us for the breakfast Probably the largest group that we've ever which is exciting that we're attracting so many new teachers to boot I mean, that's exciting to Boone County, but as such we are limited in venue space So this is just going to be an event for the teachers and administrators So a private event as opposed to a ticketed event that's been in the past So we kind of change the sponsorship, you know levels and we just posted those to the Facebook Facebook page so you can go click on that application link So it is now a donation drive and supplies drive So you can Sponsor a school for 500 you can sponsor a classroom for 250 or sponsor a teacher for 100 and all that money does go directly into I say the pockets of the teachers but into providing You know school supplies different things that they need to help make their classroom a very welcoming environment for our students And give them the resources that they need to be successful I think I saw your emails a link to here's the list of some of the supplies Yes, and I actually did create we did create an event on our Facebook page this time because I want people to easily Access that link to donate so even if you cannot donate monetarily We're gonna have a supplies drive in conjunction with that We have a list of the most needed supplies and you can drop those off at the chamber So that is also in the application. So either do you know monetary donation or donation of supplies? We greatly appreciate that support and I know the teachers really do as well and the big thing to remember folks is we are talking all the Teachers administrators in the county new ones in the county have been invited to participate Correct, correct. So there are six schools That you know have been yeah the public so hints. I mean like I said the large influx. So our goal is to raise 3000 Currently, you know, we're at around 1700. So we're well on our way Have to give a little thank you out to to Boone County Boone Bank and Trust and Elden Hutchison for their donations And like I said those donations go to the new teachers to assist with school supplies and create a welcoming and supportive Environment for the students. So you get all these teachers here. Do you have a program for them? Well, absolutely, so we're gonna absolutely so at the new teacher breakfast They will be provided a delicious breakfast from Saints Avenue And then we will have Chad Chad Houston Houston speaking He is so it's gonna be at the crux center and so he's gonna be our speaker. He's heavily involved with the Boone Edge program And just very passionate about that So I feel like he's gonna have some wonderful inspirational words for our teachers Yeah So we will have You know time for the speakers and then of course just kind of a mix and mingle for the teachers to get to know each other To get to know the administrators and just develop those relationships. So again 56 that's a lot. That is a lot Was definitely, you know Unexpected but exciting but very exciting for Boone County and for our students. Yeah, well I did not hear any of the superintendents saying we need to fill this position like now So we've been pretty lucky to get all of that. Take care of the other thing I know that you're doing is you put out the information about the lead program you want to bring that back again It was it takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of effort and it's not I mean There's a cost to it, but it is a great program to develop leadership within Current staff that businesses have correct So that program runs from September to May with the graduation in May. So and you do receive a certificate For completing that program the application has been posted to our Facebook page That application actually does close on August 15th because the program starts in September the first meeting will be on September 3rd Participants are going to meet one time per month from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m The dates are listed on the application so you can actually go look on On your calendar and make sure those work for you. It will be held at the chamber For each program there is always a speaker and then a tour of a Boone business or organization and lunch is included And then it is open to both chamber members and non-members. Okay, there is a nice discount for chamber members It's 500 for the program for chamber members and then for non-members. It's 650 Okay, so that's what's going on with lead just to go over a couple of the topics that we will discuss Handling conflict public speaking and confidence in the workplace critical thinking and logistics business and entrepreneurship day Financial management and professionalism government day health care day and then work life balance and mental health So this is really a comprehensive program And such a great I say good such a great offering for our community for something that I haven't seen In Boone before so last year was our first year bring it back. We had 10 participants this year We're pushing for 15 so please check that out and sign up you get signed up and again to be a part Or if you have somebody in your business you would like absolutely someone that you want to develop someone you want to cultivate You see them as an emerging leader. This is a great opportunity For you know for us to do that for you and again Facebook Facebook page. It's on the Facebook page has been posted Alrighty holly Back to you A number of different things to you guys have been doing and you got I know you did a presentation to the city council recently Yeah, you've had a lot of business re I guess reinvestment. Correct. Correct at the last council meeting I Had the opportunity to give our Bi-annual report here reporting on the reinvestment statistics of the first and second quarters Super proud to announce we've had five new business starts Lots of behind-the-scenes work happening there and really looking forward to the second half of the year here as well These five new businesses created 20 new jobs seven full-time and 13 part-time We completed four building projects and four buildings were sold These totals were nearly three hundred thousand dollars in private investment and that's not including the building sales That's actual investment in the properties 28,000 in public investment with the picnic tables and concrete at the green space and veterans park thanks to the city of Boone on that and nearly 600 hours of volunteer hours in the first half of the year here going on. Yeah. Yeah That's incredible 600 volunteer hours. Goodness gracious. That's amazing. This this organization does not run without the volunteers and Just building a really great team. Well, that's all the mainstream programs are that way You have to have the volunteers. I mean you've got your You know, you got a kind of a public-private partnership working there, too But it is all based really on volunteers I mean, that's the whole statewide concept of it to get people involved in volunteering to be part of it Yep, so if you know these statistics or the pictures and events that you're seeing really Spark your fancy Go online and fill out a volunteer form and I'll get in touch and join our team or if you see her on the street Just say come snag me We're stopping at the office. Yeah, no three-story street I know one of the things for a chamber is labor related and we do have a well again Boone County economic growth. I think Regional I think Ames regional economic lines are working on it, but labor shed study and I know I heard Brenda dryer talking a little bit about this It's been a number of years since we've had the labor shed done and there is a There's a different look after so many years you get a little different look on what's happening So this is something the chambers participating in that's correct. So we have teamed up This is a collaboration with Boone economic growth the city of Boone and Ames Alliance This is a labor shed lunch and learn program It's going to be on Thursday August 13th at the Boone flex from 11 30 to 1 p.m So what we're going to do is explore key insights into the region's workforce We're going to learn about labor availability commuting patterns and Under-employment at this informational luncheon Registration is free. So definitely come come by and check it out. I was but say, you know for businesses I mean, this is incredibly helpful. These are you know, what is the labor force doing? What are they looking for? How can we attract people so? Yeah, if you're looking at any kind of growth or anything like that Yes, this is going to be a wonderful informational lunch and learn program registration is free like I said and there is a link on the Facebook We do ask that you register so we make sure we have enough food and goodies for everyone So and when's that coming up again? That's going to be a Thursday August 13th. Well, you're kind of piling them all I know me and Holly were just saying we thought someone was going to be a little slower Not a chance too many exciting things. Well, we are getting close to the start of school So those kind of push up push things along there pretty quick That but of course then Puffer Billy days puffer Billy days always something new and exciting for puffer So that pre-order for exclusive 50th anniversary Versary merch has been posted to the Facebook now. Remember guys the deadline for that is August 30 first So that's where you can get adult and youth t-shirts adult long-sleeve t-shirts adult and youth hooded sweatshirts Adult crewneck sweatshirts and they're available in both navy and cream, which are our colors this year With the logos and everything so if you you know if you want something in you know in particular There's gonna be a large offering, but that's gonna end on the 31st at puffer Billy We will only have the adult t-shirts. Okay, so that's we wanted to give everyone an opportunity To get some of this exclusive merch and you know I would say something that they'll remember for years and reflect on and love every time they wear it do the do the Order online for again by the end of August. Yes for anything they might want But again only t-shirts will be available during puffer Correct t-shirts, and then we also have additional merch We'll have koozies buttons and stickers as well, but as far as wearable merch, then yes if you're thinking What do you look at how hot it is? It doesn't stay hot I was about to say and well and you kind of we wanted to offer that because you kind of never know What's gonna be like in September? We usually end up with some sweatshirts and hoodies by the end of the night, so right exactly Yes, and you are able through that website to have them shipped to you or pick up at the chamber So either so if you're you know coming from a little ways, you know, you can always have it shipped to you as well So okay easy enough to do again go go to Facebook page Facebook page is where as Everything everything is on that puffer Billy days Facebook page and has been posted there So yeah, so that's very exciting. I know that People that were looking for different activities events or signing up for the parade or things like that Yes, you'd already started directing them there. Correct. Yes So we do have registrations been posted for the 5k 10k run for Mud volleyball has been confirmed and that registration has been posted the Facebook page as well Car show has been confirmed There is no, you know registration for that, but and then there's also registration been posted for mullet mustache and beard contest So we have a lot of different sign-ups there that you can find right on puffer Billy days Facebook page So there's some of these guys have been doing their mullet for I know I'm excited to see yes to see to see who shows up and who we um, I Was say how long the mullet

Mullet mustache and beard mustache and beard. All right. Yeah, so that'll be again Facebook way to get More information or make just communicate back and forth about it, too. Correct. Absolutely We can always be reached on that so you can always message us on our puffer Billy days Facebook And that is checked regularly and you'll be responded to so if you have specific questions about any of those registrations Please just reach out via the Facebook page and we'll get back to you. So Holly from Puffer Billy. I know one of the things that downtown boon does is the Trunk and treat and I'm guessing you've already gotten people asking about just because they like to plan ahead Correct, or they really are like in Halloween. So there's some that do that, too. So we we did just meet We're calling it spooky story street It's essentially the entire month of October. We start with the window competition that runs all month. We've got shops on story Murder mysteries. We've got the trunk or treat that you just mentioned Also planning a couple new fun events within trunk or treat. So stay tuned for those and Really learning how to get last year. We had 1200 kids Come through it. And so how do we move that many people through downtown on a quick Thursday night? We don't we don't do it It is just Crowd and once they get them in the rotation, you got to just keep moving keep them keep them moving then we've got of course Boone's beggars night and the second year of The Halloween parade, okay? Well, we'll host another parade After after trick-or-treating. Yeah, it was so fun Last year, of course at that time community theater was already doing Jekyll and Hyde Correct. Yeah, they were they were eating that up. I love that. Yeah, so October is shaping up Big thing last year you did and again kind of a fundraiser opportunity for you But haunted buildings the haunted building tour. Yes, so this would be a time for people that would like to participate To start to make contact start to plan because you just don't do this overnight Correct, correct. So we'll have a couple planning sessions, but if you're listening and you're within the district We'd love to have your building on the haunted building tour and that can be You know actual realistic history that you share through the building or just set it up as us. Yeah, as a Walkthrough. Yeah. Yep. Yep Last year the the chamber hosted Train conductor ghost. Oh my and a lovely story there Oh So we're looking forward to another haunted building tour and again as Jim mentioned those funds raised there went towards curating other special events and grants downtown so Again, the dollars you get go back into different activities and things now you do do you have a business that's going for the challenge grant this year? We do fromage cocktail lounge 705 Story Street will be our applicant the challenge grant is $100,000 very competitive Grant within the state on the facade work. Yeah, not everybody gets I mean But you know they have an entry and somebody that's you have to be a main street community in order to apply And they're doing a lot of things and trying to do the historic preservation and everything on that building Yep, they're very focused on the historic preservation. That's good. You like that too Also speaking of grants the open for business grant is a pitch contest and The Dutch oven bakery and their van Hemmer terrace expansion Has moved on to the top 12. All right Still going forward You like it when they do all this stuff downtown. Absolutely. I was about to say it's always very I Love being at the chamber right in downtown because I look at my window and I just see all the all the growth that's happening Absolutely Speaking of which I know the board Well, you have a new your board is already in place but coming up the end of the calendar year That's when you start to go through the process But Holly you just have had some adjustments now within your board because yes Rotating terms and you have a couple that decided that they wanted to step off. Yep, they're their first term was up They're retiring and taking on other new activities. So we did Initiate two new board members that will come on in August Eli Steins and Matt Parsons from paradox. All right. So they'll have a they enjoy being downtown both our longtime volunteers very community oriented and Good all hands on deck It's on the ground That too. Yes, we do a lot of different things are going on Holly to follow along on Main Street downtown stuff again Go to your website Facebook page. Correct our Website has a calendar. You can check out all of our new upcoming business Visits as well. We've got a couple Grand openings happening in August also Kang art studio downtown Boone's first art studio We'll open and we've got Photographers and salons opening as well. So check out the the website in the calendar, Victoria. Once again All puffer all face puffer bill is about to say all puffer all Facebook And I just want to do a last plug here on that volunteer sign up that's been posted to the Facebook page the first 50 volunteers Do you get a free puffer billy t-shirt? So I was about to say definitely run over there to the puffer billy days page and get signed up we'll have it organized by Dates and you know time slots you can find what works for your schedule We would love to have you part of this 50th anniversary celebration and before we go too far remember If you're interested in finding out about the lead program if you say I don't know if I want to sign up or have somebody signed up Make contact absolutely because you can answer the questions you can talk to them about what it's all about Absolutely, you can always call me at the chamber or email me a Victoria at Boone County chamber calm and also new teachers Johnny that's who again a little different this year than what we've had in the past But with 56 new teachers in administer a little unexpected but exciting so it is so again a whole new setup for that too So support that go to the Facebook page. I think that's the easiest way to do it. Absolutely. All right. Thanks so much for joining us Thank you. Thank you