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2020 November Follow @lemarschamber Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 50 Central Ave SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712.546.8821 Business of the Year Nominations The Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for "Business of the Year". All Chamber Member businesses are eligible regardless of size or type. Recognition will be awarded based on one or more of the following criteria: community involvement, job creation, innovative practices, employee benefits, major expansion or overcoming an adversity. Businesses can self-nominate or can be nominated. Nomination forms may be picked up at the Chamber office, or call 546-8821 to receive one via email. They must be filled out and returned no later than November 20th at 5:00 P.M. The award presentation will take place in January 2021. Citizen of the Year Nominations Do you know someone who exemplifies dedication and service through personal involvement in the community? If so, nominate him/her for the Citizen of the Year. Nominations are being sought and accepted at the Le Mars Area Chamber of Commerce office. Letters of nomination must be submitted to the Chamber by 5:00 P.M., November 20th. Any information that would acquaint the committee with the nominee’s qualifications is confidential. The Citizen of the Year will be selected by a committee from the Chamber and will be based on the individual’s record of dedication and service to the community. The award presentation will take place in January 2021. Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 50 Central Ave SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712.546.8821 We’re In: Larry Petersen / Steve Albert / Who’s next? 3 month old Finley Jelken “Lobster in a Pot” • 1st Place Story Kian Matgen “Chucky” • 2nd Place 6 month old Barrett Vaske “Toy” 6 year Old Hazel Matgen “Mrs. Claus” • 1st Place 4-6 6 year old Avigail Harris • 3rd Place 5 year old Levi Langel “Pirate” • 2nd Place Our Halloween Costume Contest had 71 wonderful entries. As you can see, the choices were hard! Best Overall goes to Gabrielle Nielsen-Carol Baskin age 7 and brother 7 year old Liam Nielsen “Tiger” 3 year old Cullen Justice and the Justice Family “Arachniphobia” • Most Creative 8 year old Hailey Landingham “Flamingo” • Most original homemade 8 year old Paige Bickford “Frappuccino” • 1st Place 7 year old Copeland Rasmussen “Zelda Slaying Spiders” • 2nd Place We would like to thank the Sponsors once again for their contribution with the prizes for the Chamber Bone Chillin’ Costume Contest. We hope you are all enjoying the photos. 7 1/2 year old Tate Langel “ Local Tractor” • 3rd Place 11 year old Mia Matgen “Zombie” • 1st Place 13 year old Addison Lane “50’s Rock and Roll Zombie” • 2nd Place Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 50 Central Ave SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712.546.8821 Visit the newest online market place to shop! Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 50 Central Ave SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712.546.8821Business Information Center Covid-19 Information to help you For Customers and Clients Updated Business and Organization Information on days open, hours and special protocols US Small Business Administration Covid Information. This is a good place to start if you have a small business. Iowa Economic Development Covid Resources Submit your Business and Organization Information Le Mars area businesses, organizations and nonprofits may submit their information here. If your information changes submit a new form. We will remove your previous information. SBDC counselors are your first stop for navigating through the COVID-19 crisis. SBDC offers one-on-one counseling that can be done through zoom (skype or hangout) meetings or phone conference calls. We can help you through loan application process or other business issues that this crisis is causing including distribution, sales, buying, marketing, HR Issues and more. OSHA Guidance on preparing your workplace for COVIDPriority and Action Items Resources . . . A Twitter List by lemarschamber Small Business? Here are your options. (click above or links below) • Paycheck Protection Program This loan program provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. • EIDL Loan Advance This loan advance will provide up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties. • SBA Express Bridge Loans Enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. • SBA Debt Relief The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Save Small Business Fund is a $5,000 grantmaking initiative offering short-term relief for mall employers in the United States and its territories.CENSUSIt is critical for our community and area to have full participation in the 2020 census. You and your employees can do it right here. Le Mars Chamber of Commerce 50 Central Ave SE Le Mars, IA 51031 712.546.8821 Randy Olson – Employee of the Month On behalf of Gus Pech Mfg. Co., Inc. we would like to honor Randy Olson as the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce October 2020 Employee of the Month. Randy started at Gus Pech in 1975 through the Trades and Industry Program (T&I) as a welder and assembler at LeMars Community Schools. He worked for Gus Pech until leaving for the Navy in October 1976. After 4 years in the Navy, he came back to LeMars and started working at Gus Pech again on October 28th, 1980. Today marks Randy’s 40th year as a Gus Pech employee, making him one of the longest tenured employees they have had. Randy is a very valuable employee and has worn many hats within the company. He started as a welder/assembler then moved up to department head and eventually shop supervisor/production foreman. Randy also helps in engineering and design of rigs and walk-in projects. He is the go-to man for special projects and shines in completing these projects for local and worldwide customers. Randy always maintains a positive and professional attitude no matter if the situation is good or bad. He gets along great with his co-workers and our customers. Randy was nominated for this award by Cris and Gregg Collins, co-owners of Gus Pech Mfg. For these reasons we choose to salute Randy Olson with the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce October Employee of the Month award. Congratulations! Chris Carey – Boss of the Quarter Nominated by Holiday Inn Express Staff On behalf of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in LeMars, we would like to honor Chris Carey as the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce 2020 3rd Quarter Boss of the Quarter. Chris is the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites. He has accomplished this position with more than 20 years of experience working almost every area in a hotel. This gives him insight and valuable skills, allowing him to step in to help wherever he is needed. He does this often and willingly, to give guests the best possible stay. Under his management the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in LeMars has earned the Torchbearer Award in 2019. This award is the most elite award presented by International Hotels Group and has the most intense criteria to qualify. Only 20 Holiday Inn Hotels earned this designation out of nearly 900 hotels in America. Chris has weathered some difficult times in his years in the hospitality business. He has worked through the 9-11 terrorist attack and now the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he has remained positive and has provided strong leadership. He is valued and appreciated for always being upbeat and encouraging. He always looks for good in everyone he works with, which makes his employees greatly appreciate and respect him. For these reasons we choose to salute Chris Carey with the LeMars Area Chamber of Commerce 3rd Quarter Boss of the Quarter award. Congratulations! Le Mars Chamber of...