Economic Vitality

Work continues on the Downtown Revitalization Grant. RFQs were received and reviewed – the architect should begin work this week. Due to the large amount of interest and limited funds through the grant the area was assessed by SICOG and split into three different target areas based on participant interest and need. The west side of the square, including Iowa Street between 1st and west 2nd will be the target area for this grant round.

New welcome packs will be developed for new residents and new businesses. Businesses and community groups will have the opportunity to promote who they are and what they do in these packs. 

We are working with Sunshine Day Care on a community survey, staff and building improvements, as well as grant funding sources. Please consider completing a survey online or pick up a paper copy. The link is available on our page on Facebook. 

Design

We are doing our second capital campaign for the summer flower fund (this is done about every three to five years). Please consider making a contribution toward the flower fund to help pay for the summer flowers and seasonal decorations placed in the planters each year. Any contribution is greatly appreciated! 

The Historic Preservation Commission is finalizing the second interstate sign promoting the Public Square Historic District. 

Promotions

We are partnering with Tourism to create a brand for Greenfield. We received a Technical Assistance grant through Main Street Iowa to rebrand the community. Thanks to everyone participating the branding charrettes. We really appreciate your input!! 

Spook the Loop and Trunk or Treat will be October 31 from 4:30-6:00 pm. Please let us know if you plan to set up so we can map out participants to ease the traffic flow. 

The Friends of the Sidey Collection are doing a M*A*S*H themed Game Show for all ages and a Kid’s Korean War Tribute the weekend following Veteran’s Day. Ad sponsorship of historic photos will run through Chamber/Main Street as we have done in the past. Sponsorship is $10 per photo and will include your name on the photo as its projected during the events as well as your name printed on the program. You can pick the photo you want to sponsor, or we will pick it for you. Call Linda Sidey at 221-0397 or the office if you have questions.

The theme for the holiday season is going to be “A Glam and Glitzy Christmas”. This includes the Festival of Lights – parade theme and the Auxiliary’s Holiday Tree Tour and Luncheon.

Organization

The Pancake Supper went well, and we thank all that volunteered their time to help with the event! 

Please remember that you can submit your events on our website and if approved it will post within a day or two. Business members and community groups are welcome to submit anything that is open to the general public or its members, including meetings, events, open houses, and public programs/speakers.

Retail 

Holiday plans will be starting soon including Small Business Saturday and other promotions that encourage you to shop local!

Tourism

The Hotel Motel Tax fund was just over $8,000. These funds are used to promote Greenfield and its attractions while support-ing/promoting heads in beds since that is what generates the fund. This is still down from our average amount but up $2,000 from the year before. Most of this is related to COVID travel and gathering restrictions in place during the allocated funding cycle. 

Chamber

Community Coffees are booked up for the year. They are the 3rd Thursday of each month at 10:00 am. The next coffee is October 20 at Adair County Health System. 

City Park Markets have ended for the season. Attendance was low again this year so things might be changed next year, specific changes may be the location and going back the Public Square. 

Community Development

An engineering firm has been selected to complete work on the housing development and how to utilize the land, we are current-ly waiting on cost estimates for the service before we proceed. 

Southern Iowa Council of Governments will conduct two Adair County wide meetings to discuss strategies, trends, and community priorities. One meeting will be at 5x80 Golf & Country Club on October 27 at 5:30 PM and the other will be at the Warren Cultural Center on October 31 at 12:00 PM. A meal will be provided free of charge for attendees, but reservation is required by October 21. COGs were created in order to develop consensus regarding community or regional needs and actions to be taken in solving area problems. COGs can assist with planning, coordinating, and overseeing the administration of state and federal programs.