Marengo businesses reboot Chamber of Commerce

MARENGO — Nearly 30 people agreed to form a Chamber of Commerce in Marengo during a meeting at Marengo Public Library Feb. 24.

Marengo Community Development, which had been organizing events and maintaining a membership structure, decided to concentrate on economic development, leaving an opening for a new organization to take over typical Chamber of Commerce projects.

To support a smooth transition, Marengo Community Development committed $25,000 to the new Chamber once it is legally established. That money will allow the new Chamber to host the annual July 3 celebration without interruption.

This is an opportunity to build something strong, sustainable and truly shaped by the businesses who call Marengo home, said Corienne Dally, owner of Bear Creek Deign Studio, in an email invitation to the meeting.

Dally first asked those in attendance if they wanted to form a Chamber of Commerce. They wouldn’t have come if they didn’t, one business owner said.

Dally explained the purpose of having a Chamber of Commerce. A Chamber supports local businesses and is an advocate for the business community, she said. It strengthens the local economy by encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting business retention and expansion and educating the public about how the local economy works.

A Chamber of Commerce creates connections throughout the community and promotes the community, Dally said, marketing the community, highlighting local businesses and celebrating milestones and successes. Marengo has seen a lot of milestones recently, she said.

A chamber provides education and resources. “It’s really important in a small town where resources are sometimes hard to find,” said Dally.

The list of tasks to complete to start the organization is long. “We need to get a bank account. We need to get an EIN number,” said Dally. The chamber will have to file articles of incorporation and bylaws and apply for tax exempt status.

The July Third festival is the first big event for the new organization.

Travis Schlabach of S & S Plumbing & Heating, said that Marengo Community Development donated has donated $25,000 to the new chamber, seed money to make sure annual events continue uninterrupted.

“So we’ve got money to get going on the Fourth of July,” said Schlabach. “We’ve got the money up front.”

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“July Third is in the works,” Dally confirmed. Following the meeting and approval by the new board, Dally confirmed the date with Robert Weber of H & H Fun Rides.

“Robert is amazing, and he’s holding a spot for us,” said Dally.

Fireworks for July 3 are lined up, and the City of Marengo donated $2,000 to help with the cost.

Natasha Hauschilt, president of the board of Marengo Community Development, said event expenses for 2025 was almost $29,000.

About $14,000 of that paid for the July Third. Revenue for that event comes from grants, wrist band sales, donations and a roundup at Big G.

The City of Marengo also pays half the cost of the porta potties, said Dally, and city workers help with set up and clean up. “And all those little things add up,” she said.

The Chamber has to partner with the City, obey all its ordinances, follow its policies and coordinate with law enforcement, but the City doesn’t help plan the event, Dally said.

“We want the Chamber to run it,” said Schlabach, who serves as Marengo mayor.

The Chamber will have a membership drive in May or June, said Schlabach. That money will set up the Chamber for 2027 events. The membership drives in subsequent years will be in January, Schlabach said.

“We just have to make sure the events are all sustainable,” said Dally. That’s not always possible, but it’s the goal.

The Chamber has to be open about expenses so everyone knows what everything costs, Dally said.

Dally admitted that it’s hard to find people to serve on boards and volunteer for nonprofit organization. “We all have businesses to run, and we’re all busy,” she said.

Following the organizational meeting, the new chamber board met. The board consists of Dally, Andrea Wood from Brewed & Bronzed, Stephanie Capper of Capper Auto Group, Shannon Slockett of Farm Bureau Financial Services, Kensey Gulick of Rose Haven Nursing Home, Tamara Patterson with Keystone Savings Bank, Kimbly Straka with DK’s Eatery, Katelyn Yoder from Powell Funeral Home and Jackie Jordan, director of Marengo Public Library.

Dally was elected president, Capper, vice president, Gulick, secretary and Yoder, treasurer.

Callie Peska of Kinzenbaw Earthmoving and Kelsey McCulley of Grinnell State Bank were added to the board Wednesday.

H & H Fun Rides confirmed that it will provide a rock wall, slide, obstacle course, dunk tank and workers for Marengo’s July Third celebration, according to meeting minutes.

Capper Auto Group volunteered to provide the seed money required to open a bank account at Keystone Savings Bank.

The board will create a logo, a website and marketing plan and will set chamber dues.