For the first time since the pandemic, the annual dinner for Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC) and Osceola Chamber Main Street (OCMS) was held at Lakeside Casino Tuesday night. More than 150 community leaders, business owners and volunteer citizens gathered to highlight the past year’s achievements and recognize those in the community – businesses and volunteers alike – who make living and doing business in the area unique.
The night kicked off with a beautiful invocation from Pastor Chuck DeVos from LifePoint Assembly of God. “…in this room are people who give and love and serve and lead in remarkable ways, many of them, completely behind the scenes,” said Pastor DeVos. “…While our roles may vary, each of us has a critical part to play in this wonderful journey…”
With that, a long-overdue evening of celebration began.
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While attendees dined on a spectacular meal provided by the Lakeside staff, outgoing CCDC board president, Sue Wilder, discussed the vision of the Development Corporation and some notable accomplishments by local businesses in the past year. Much of the 2021-22 development strategies centered around much-needed workforce development and housing. Wilder cited two major developments to come from the CCDC’s efforts: a 120 unit housing development by Kading Properties called Vista Village and another 18-unit housing facility being developed behind Community First Credit Union. Both developments are expected to be completed in late fall.
“When we asked local businesses and manufacturers what was needed most to help them succeed in the future,” said Trickey. “The answer was overwhelmingly, ‘Workforce housing.’ With these efforts, we’re providing a foundation on which we can build stronger businesses and a thriving community.”
During the program, the Development Corporation recognized Clarke County Hospital with the CCDC Board of Directors’ Award. This award is granted each year, with a $1,500 donation to the nonprofit organization of the recipient’s choice, goes to a business showing uncompromising commitment to serving the community. Through their leadership and strategic planning, Clarke County Hospital helped the community stay aware of changes and threats during the COVID pandemic, keeping the community not only safe from an invisible threat, but also helping businesses keep their employees healthy and doors open.
“I’m proud of the dedication and commitment of the hospital team during a very challenging time,” said Brian Evans, Clarke County Hospital CEO. “We all should be proud of the strong collaboration within our community during the pandemic.”
Evans went on to say that the $1,500 donation for the Directors’ Award will go toward the Clarke County Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Fund to support Workforce Development for Clarke County individuals interested in working in the healthcare field.
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Osceola Chamber Main Street, Executive Director, Ashleigh Eckels and OCMS President Nicole Jacobson from First National Bank brought together some fun activities and recognized local businesses and volunteers for their successes in 2022. Two honorees who, for years, have been at the heart of exciting chamber events and business activities were recognized with awards.
For their dedication and support of the Osceola Chamber Main Street Latino Festival, Jorge and Maria Avalos were recognized with a commemorative plaque and a rousing round of applause from the entire ball room.
The Main Street Leadership Award, recognizing groups or individuals who has made a significant impact to the Main Street organization was awarded to Paula McClaflin from Stoney Oak Properties.
“The impact {Paula} has made with OCMS, supporting our vision, championing historic preservation, encouraging business development, and showcasing Osceola as a tourist destination has been an inspiration,” said Eckels.
This year, the Community Service Award was presented to Terry Jacobsen, undeniably one of the community’s biggest supporters and leaders. Letters of nomination had been collected by members of The Rotary Club, OCMS, as well as past award recipients. Candidates, then, were voted on and the clear winner for the 2023 award was Mr. Jacobsen.
Osceola Rotary Chapter member, Teresa Wood, presented Mr. Jacobsen with his award, listing more than 40 years of accomplishments and associations ranging from Clarke Community School board, Board of Health, Little League, Jaycees, Clarke County Hospital board member, library board, Osceola United Methodist Church, Masonic lodge, Osceola Community Garden, and more – all while working full time and raising a family in the community.
Jacobsen, clearly moved by the award said, “I’m following in some big footsteps. I want to thank everyone for this recognition,” he said. “After more than 50 years in this community, I’m just happy I could give a little bit of myself back.”
Every year Osceola Chamber Main Street and the Clarke County Development Corporation hold this dinner to honor the achievements and the people that make the community a better place to live and do business. If you have questions about the Annual Dinner or the programs and awards given during the event, or if you’d like to get involved for the next annual dinner, please contact Osceola Chamber Main Street or Clarke County Development Corporation at 115 E Washington St, Osceola, IA 50213, or call 641-342-2944
