Elaine Carlson, Executive Director of the Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association, and Board President Ryan Beeson joined the conversation Monday morning with updates on chamber activities, community projects, upcoming promotions, and a new member.
Building Trades House Closing Soon; Program Expands The chamber has accepted an offer on the Building Trades house on North 4th Street, with a closing date of September 1. The project brings a new family to Red Oak from out of town, adds a home to the tax rolls, and gave six students hands-on experience in the building trades.
The chamber is stepping aside from direct financial involvement going forward. Red Oak Area Partners will continue the program and has hired Roger Looker of Essex (who previously ran similar programs in Essex and Hamburg). Interest is strong: 20 students are signed up for the upcoming semester (4 in the morning session and 16 in the afternoon). A second house is planned at the former Bancroft building site, with a total of four homes expected in the area over time. Carlson and Beeson thanked partners including Southwestern Community College and the Red Oak Community School District for the successful collaboration.
Board and Facility Notes Recent board work included new bylaws and employee handbook updates. Red Oak Ambassadors continued their annual tradition of serving lunch to community school district staff. A chamber apartment has been rented, with the new tenant moving in September 1. The renovated boardroom remains available at no charge to members for meetings, interviews, or client sessions (subject to existing bookings). Siding damage under the front awning was recently noted and will be addressed as a future project (likely next year), potentially with a refreshed look.
Beeson is completing his six years of board service at the end of the year but will remain involved on the finance committee.
Fall and Holiday Business Promotions Business Promotions Group meetings ramp up in August–October to coordinate holiday events. Key dates include:
· September 18–19: Fall open houses featuring retailers such as Mark Jackson’s, Hardware Hank, the Ashley Furniture Store, Jay Mercantile, Agora Coffee House and event venue, Pudgy Pumpkin Gift Patch, White Sparrow, Neighborhood Bakehouse, and LJ Aesthetics (more may join). This coincides with the Southwest Iowa Art Tour weekend.
· September 22: National Small Business Day — a reminder to shop local and support the businesses that employ neighbors, sponsor community events, and help define Red Oak’s character.
· October 7: Ghouls Night Out.
· November 6–7: Holiday open houses (Cold Cash Sale aligns with this weekend).
· November 9: Holiday Extravaganza (sold out in under a week last year with 225 tickets; vendor space still available for chamber members).
· Schedule shift for the post-Thanksgiving period: Black Friday-style events move to Small Business Saturday, with previous Small Business Saturday activities shifting to the following Saturday (December 5). Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear during daytime hours on Saturday. Ladies Night Out is set for December 9.
Additional individual business events and collaborations will be promoted throughout the season.
Welcome Hayloft & Helium The chamber’s newest member is Hayloft & Helium, owned by Mary Beth Mullenix. The business specializes in balloon art and design (including gift balloons with baskets inside), event decorating, and related items such as T-shirts. Mullenix participated as a vendor at Junction Days and looks forward to future chamber events. Contact her at party1foryou@gmail.com or 620-200-9756; more details are available in the chamber’s online business directory.
Membership and Getting Involved Membership is about relationships and community investment—not just a listing. Benefits include networking, business promotion and visibility, sponsorship opportunities, use of the boardroom, a voice in local initiatives, and staying informed on events and issues. Individual memberships are available at a reduced rate for those who want to support the chamber without owning a business, and nonprofits and out-of-town businesses with local ties also participate.
There is no online application form. Carlson prefers personal conversations to understand a business or individual’s goals and identify the best ways to get involved. Reach out by calling 712-623-4821, emailing ecarlson@redoakiowa.com, messaging on social media, or stopping by the office at 307 East Reed Street. Learn more at chamber.redoakiowa.com.
Beeson closed with a reminder to support area youth in fall sports—football, volleyball, cross country, and girls’ tennis (now a fall sport)—as the school year gets underway.
The Red Oak Chamber and Industry Association continues its mission to promote the local economy, improve quality of life, and represent the business community.
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