“Let’s call it like it is: 2020 was mostly a MESS! Business disruptions, changes, regulations, and cancellations plagued us all. But, in the face of all the difficulties, you persevered. WE, as a Chamber and its members, persevered. The Chamber couldn’t do fun things as much as we wanted in 2020, but we still accomplished a lot—arguably more than ever before,” said Sara Middleton, Eagle Grove Area Chamber of Commerce executive director.
When COVID struck in March, Middleton knew things would not be “business as usual,” so she began looking for other ways the Chamber could make a difference. She began focusing on ways to help fill the needs of businesses and the community. She found new ways to do old things, like the Red Apple Luncheon, for instance. For years, the luncheon was held as a way for business leaders to meet and welcome the new teachers to Eagle Grove. This year, since that couldn’t happen, they used the money that would have normally been spent on the meal, along with donations from individuals, businesses, and the James R. Johnson Trust Fund, to purchase close to $2,500 to the schools for supplies to soften the financial burdens they face, as well as giving the new teachers $50 in Chamber Bucks.
In 2020, the Chamber also helped make sure people had the food they needed if income changed due to COVID layoffs. They worked with Daybreak Foods to distribute almost an entire semi-trailer full of eggs to help feed the community. They also helped feed the hungry by keeping the Food Pantry open so high-risk volunteers who usually run the program could stay home and stay safe from COVID. They even worked with area churches and volunteers to purchase and distribute hundreds of boxes of food to people who needed them. When Thanksgiving rolled around, they did not disappoint there either, taking over the Community Thanksgiving Feast – COVID style. Working with area churches and volunteers, they were able to feed approximately 300 people via carry out and delivery.
Together as a Chamber, they helped local businesses stay afloat during hard times. They distributed donations from organizations like AGP and the James R. Johnson Fund to help businesses and individuals during the initial shutdowns. They collaborated with Fareway to distribute $2,000 in Fareway gift cards to laid off staff of local businesses. They raised an extra $32,500 for our business community through the gift card “Cash Mob” (buy $10 and get a $15 gift card to Chamber participant of your choice) and “Keep the Cheer Here” Christmas incentive, which offered the same deal but only for Chamber Bucks. Speaking of keeping money local, Middleton is ecstatic to say that in 2020 the Chamber sold $110,000 in Chamber Bucks alone, which stays in Eagle Grove and can only be spent at member businesses and organizations
Of course, there were things that COVID just did not allow the Chamber to do, like Summerfest and First Friday gatherings, but where there was a will, Middleton and the Chamber Board found a way to do what they could for entertainment in Eagle Grove. The Annual Downtown Halloween Walk was one of those events they were able to keep in a modified version. Instead of starting inside the library, they started outside the library, wore appropriate COVID-safe mask coverings, and social distanced as they walked up and down Broadway collecting candy from the businesses.
“We worked with the library to produce one of our biggest Halloween Walks to date, making some fun for approximately 500 kids and their families,” said Middleton.
They were also able to organize and celebrate Festival of Trees in business windows, outdoor Santa visit and distanced pictures, and a Twinkle Tour competition to showcase area homes decked out for the holidays – which Middleton said was such a success that they plan to sponsor the contest again next year, COVID or not.
Then of course, there are general projects that the Chamber played a role in – some easily noticeable like the new mural on the west side of the Ben Franklin building (painted by EGHS grad and local artist Ray Smith) of which they were able to secure grant money for; helping the City coordinate the facade grant, and played an important role of downtown revitalization projects.
“When you’re part of the Chamber, your part of something so much bigger,” said Middleton, emphasizing that none of these things would have been possible without both the financial and volunteer support of its members. “Every cent that come in (in dues and donations) goes back into doing good in the community.”
Middleton and the Chamber have now set their sights on 2021 and have some big plans.
“Honestly, a lot is up in the air because of COVID, but we fully anticipate being able to offer any event that can take place outdoors,” said Middleton.
For now, that includes the rescheduling of the Pork Tornadoes for the Summerfest street dance, rescheduled after it had to be cancelled next year. If necessary, masks will be required, but the events that can take place, will take place. Middleton, of course, is hoping that COVID will be under control by then.
One of the big projects in the works will be happening this year thanks to a Wright County Charitable Foundation grants worked on by the Chamber, the City of Eagle Grove, and the CDC. It will focus on marketing business attractions – in other words, filling the empty downtown store fronts.
“It will help us build a pipeline of unique businesses in Eagle Grove,” said Middleton.
Again, Middleton stresses that the Chamber wouldn’t be able to do any of this without the support of the memberships, saying that joining the Chamber isn’t just something people do, it’s something they do to help support the community.
“My hope for 2021 is that people continue to support local and remember how good it feels to do so. Don’t loose sight of all the support we gave each other in 2020…let’s continue that in 2021, COVID or no COVID,” said Middleton.
If you would like to volunteer to help in any way with or at the Chamber, Middleton welcomes your call. There is always a great need for volunteers. Also, she encourages you to share your photos and stories about Eagle Grove online at #myeaglegrove or #supportyour localeverything 50533
