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'Tis the Season to Shop Local |
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As you’re
wrapping up your holiday shopping, remember the importance of shopping local. There’s a chance items may cost slightly more at small businesses, but you’ll be directly supporting our local entrepreneurs and economy. Plus you’ll save on gas money and shipping costs! Here are just a few reasons why and how to support Emmetsburg businesses this holiday season.
Money stays in the community: A 2018 study by American Express found that 67% of dollars spent locally stays within the community, and 23% of that amount gets reinvested back into other local businesses.
Businesses invest in the community: You’re investing in businesses that donate time and money to support our community and local causes.
More tax revenue: The local government receives more tax revenue when people shop locally, meaning there’s more money for things like schools, roads, and emergency services.
Reduces environment impact: Purchasing products locally reduces traffic and air pollution caused by extra shipping and warehousing.
Unique products: Small businesses offer one-of-a-kind and personalized products that you can’t find elsewhere. Why not get custom family t-shirts made at one of our local shops instead of ordering matching PJs this year?
Spend time learning what the community has to offer: Follow local businesses on social media or hit the streets and explore our local stores.
Get your holiday cards in town: Print or purchase your cards from a local retailer or print shop.
Make meals from local ingredients: Support our local grocers and producers rather than shopping out of town at big box stores.
Shop local online: Check out businesses’ websites or shop from local businesses on ShopIowa.com.
Gretchen Reichter
Marketing & Retail Coordinator
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City Hall Closed
Due to the increased cases of COVID-19 in the area, City Hall and EMU reamain closed to the public and may be reached via telephone during regular business hours. EMU payments are accepted through the drop box next to the front entrance of City Hall, via telephone, or online by clicking “PAY UTILITIES” on the City website - www.emmetsburg.com.
Closed Christmas Eve & Day | Garbage Pick Up Change
City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 for the Christmas holiday. The Friday, December 25 solid waste collection will be picked up early on Thursday, December 24.
Closed New Year's Day | Garbage Pick Up Change
City Hall and Emmetsburg Municipal Utilities will be closed on Friday, January 1 in honor of New Year’s Day. The Friday, January 1 solid waste collection will be picked up early on Thursday, December 31.
ATV/UTV Registrations
2021 ATV/UTV registrations are available at the Emmetsburg Police Station (1907 11st Street). Stop in during regular business hours to get your new registration sticker. Licenses are $25 each (cash or check).
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Reflection, Gratitude, Renewals |
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Message from the Chamber of Commerce |
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December is the time for reflection, gratitude and renewals. It is amazing how quickly this extremely odd year has passed, and now it is membership renewal time already. After February, so much of what we had planned could not take place so we pivoted and did our best to keep businesses informed of grant opportunities and changes mode of operation. Then pivoting again, we have finished strong with some exciting promotions for our members and community such as “Eat Local Shop Local”, “Pay $20 for $30 Gift Card”, “Shop Small Saturday Drawing”, “Santa Home Visits” and “Christmas Cash Giveaway”.
We thank all out Chamber members for their support in 2020 and especially our Sponsors and Chamber Champion members who made these promotions possible.
Businesses, be watching for 2021 invoice and benefits information coming your way soon. Community members, won’t you consider becoming a Friend of the Chamber and showing your support with a $30 member?
Deb Hite
Director, Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce
712.852.2283
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Local Businesses Collecting Toys for Area Children
The “Emmetsburg Shop Local” group has taken on the task of organizing shop local events and support local fundraisers to benefit local causes. The group raised $400 for the Palo Alto County Hospital Mammography Department during the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of November and through Saturday, December 12, participating businesses are collecting donations of new, unwrapped toys for area children. The donated toys will be distributed through Upper Des Moines Opportunities to children in need in Palo Alto County. Donation boxes are also available for those who would prefer to make monetary donations. Cash donations will be used to purchase additional toys and wish lists items. Visit the Experience Emmetsburg Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/xEmmetsburg to view the list of donation drop off locations.
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A Project of the Palo Alto Arts Council
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Downtown is looking a bit brighter with the vibrant new mural commissioned by the Palo Alto Arts Council. Marta Biittner, an Emmetsburg native, painted the mural illustrating elements of both history and modern-day Five Island Lake. Biittner is the same artist who painted the masterpiece on the Veterans Memorial Wall. The Five Island Lake mural is located on property owned by Iowa Trust & Savings Bank on Highway 18, between Palo Alto County Gaming Development Corporation offices and the building housing Seasons Center for Behavioral Health and E-Pride Office Products. The Iowa Trust & Savings Bank Board of Directors gracious agreed to donate funds for the construction and installation for the new mural and fence on the property.
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What's new at The Shores? |
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NEW STAFF
There are some faces at The Shores at Five Island Community Center. The City of Emmetsburg welcomed Sarah Vonnahme as the new Community Center Director in June and Alissa Kliegl as the new Golf & Dockside Manager in October. Together the duo has been streamlining operations, maintaining a safe environment in the midst of COVID-19, updating food and drink menus, and planning for the 2021 golf season.
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NEW MENU ITEMS & SPECIALS
Dockside Lounge has been introducing specialty items from week to week like a Mushroom Swiss Burger and the “Turkey Dinner Sammie” which had turkey piece, stuffing and gravy, all in one delicious sandwich. Specialty items will come and go from week to week and season to season, but new menu items are coming soon! You can look forward to sliders, a new Cranberry Chicken sandwich on cranberry wild rice bread, and new daily specials. Dockside also offers a daily soup special. Creamy potato soup, tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese sandwich, and chili with a cinnamon roll are on the regular rotation. Follow “Five Island Golf & Dockside Lounge” on Facebook to see daily specials and featured items.
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NOW STREAMING GAMES
The Shores/Dockside Lounge are streaming E-Hawk basketball games and wrestling matches for the convenience of community members. All home games will be live streamed as well as any away games that will be streamed online.
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Toy Drive for Upper Des Moines
Through December 12 - Drop off toys/donations at participating local businesses |
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PACHS Auxiliary E-Fundraiser
November 1 - December 31 - www.heartlandefundraising.com |
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TOPS® Meeting
Wednesdays @ 4:15 PM
ISU Extension |
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Socially Distanced Santa Visits
Dec 7, 8, 10 from 5:00-7:30 PM
*Pre-registration required*
Sponsored by Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce and POET Biorefining |
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Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification
Dec 11 & Feb 2 at 9:30 AM @ VFW
Hosted by Palo Alto County Extension
Register by calling 712-852-2865 to reserve your spot. (Seating is limited.) Face coverings are required to be worn for the duration for the 2-hour DVD presentation. Please bring either exact change or a check for $20 payable to Palo Alto County Extension and Outreach. |
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Meat & Dairy Giveaway
Dec 12 @ 11:00 AM
Multipurpose Senior Center
Hosted by The Palo Alto County Council on Aging and Bethany Lutheran Church
Cars should line up single file on East 12th Street facing west starting at Union Street. Masks are mandatory. One box per household. Maximum of 2 boxes per vehicle. Open to all Palo Alto County residents. Call 712-298-1415 for more information.
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Facebook Live Christmas Concert
Dec 16 @ 6:30 PM
Bethany Lutheran will host Glenn Henriksen Christmas concert live-streamed on their Facebook page: Bethany/Lost Island Parish
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Christmas Cash Giveaway Drawing
Dec 18
The Emmetsburg Chamber of Commerce will draw for the Christmas Cash Giveaway. |
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COVID-19 Information & Resources |
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Business Assistance
If you have questions about available resources for business affected by COVID-19, contact Gretchen Reichter, the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Retail Coordinator at 712-415-1142, or visit the COVID-19 page on the City of Emmetsburg website.
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The Emmetsburg newsletter is produced by the City of Emmetsburg Marketing & Retail Coordinator. |
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