Banquet raises funds for covered bleachers

CRESCO - For the past 10 years, the Cresco-Area Chamber of Commerce and Cresco Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) have used the annual banquet to raise funds for a local project. This year, the organizations undertook the East Park Covered Bleachers.

Park & Rec Director Bill Caffrey gave an update on the project at Cresco Country Club. “They said to make it quick. Thanks for coming,” he waved. 

He came back to the podium, thanking other groups who have helped with the bleachers, including City Council and park board. “We are happy for the support we’ve had through the years. Since I’ve been here, there has been new playground equipment, the Lodge House has been a success, traveling teams and shelters. Howard County Community Foundation has been very supportive.

“Now there is one more project . . .  my last hurrah. The bleachers are needed.” He explained they will be built into the hill with concrete steps and risers. “We got the aluminum bleachers from Crestwood High School.” 

In addition, landscaping will be done. A sidewalk will lead to the concession stand, and it will be handicap accessible. 

“I’m proud of this community. Thank you guys. It’s been fun,” he continued, getting a little emotional as he discussed his last project before retirement.

President of the Chamber, Mary Ann Neuzil introduced members of the board of directors. 

 

 

 

She noted the projects taken on by the Chamber over the past 10 years:

2010: Welcome Sign, $2,120

2011: Theatre/Yellow Brick Road, $2,705

2012: Kessel Lodge Sign/Statue, $3,910

2013: Kessel Kids Natural Playground, $5,485

2014: Cresco Theatre Marquee, $5,140

2015: 150th Celebration, $4,225

2016: Beadle Park Train, $7,835

2017: Howard-Winn Foundation, $4,550

2018: Chamber/City Marquee, $6,430

“And this year’s proceeds will be going to East Park Covered Bleachers. This is a total of $42,400 that has been given back to community projects from your generosity.” 

 

Cresco-Area Chamber

Neuzil introduced members of the board of directors. She then listed some of the events sponsored by the Chamber, including the Howard County Business & Tourism Banquet; Staff Appreciation Luncheon; New Horizon Scholarships (Jon Henry and Annie Mast); Host for WMT’s Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade; “Christmas in July” Ridiculous Day; New Marquee installed in Beadle Park; Chamber Golf Outing; Family Fun Nights; Fly-In Breakfast; Norman Borlaug Harvest Fest; Halloween “Trunk or Treat”; Jingle in Your Pocket; and Santa’s Holiday Parade.

Lastly, new Chamber businesses and those celebrating anniversary years were named.

CIDC

Jerome Waterbeck, president of CIDC, then introduced the Outstanding Organization. “I bet everyone here tonight has volunteered at one time or another. We find our passion and give of our time. Sometimes we feel a duty to volunteer in the community we live in. But many of us don’t understand the commitment, the investment and the skills it takes to be a part of an elite, volunteer organization.

“These people find time beyond their careers to give back to their community. They work hard, even at things they don’t like, and they strive to improve their skills every week.

“It has been a busy year for this organization. Training with a new inflatable rescue boat, obtaining a new storage and training facility, and raising awareness and funds for projects is just some of the accomplishments Cresco has benefited from.

“This important organization has been volunteering since 1866. It is my pleasure to introduce the Cresco Community Fire Department as Outstanding Organization.”

Fire Chief Neal Stapelkamp said, “Thank you for this honor. We have 30 members. Experience ranges from 3-4 months to 33 years.”

He went on to say the department goes on about 55-70 calls per year and train and meet the second and fourth weeks of the month. “It takes 160 hours of training to become FireFighter I certified, which is a huge accomplishment.”

He said the department has several fund-raisers per year and some annual donations. That allowed the FireFighter Fund to pay for 35% of the new storage building.

Waterbeck then introduced the Outstanding Business.  “To be nominated, you must meet some rigorous standards. You must have a passion for developing and growing an outstanding business. You must create innovative products, increase jobs, and be a leader in our community.

“Without a doubt, our next recipient exceeds our standards. Always passionate and growing, this business is creative and offers a product that delights our residents and draws people from all over into our community. As for jobs, I’ve heard that even customers would love to work here, and the owner is a true leader within the Chamber and the City of Cresco.

“It is my pleasure to introduce Quilter’s Garden and Katie Mast as Outstanding Business.”

Mast thanked God and her cohorts at the back table. “Sometimes they don’t eat supper unless they cook it themselves.” She also recognized Sandy Thorson. “Without her, I would never have made it. I don’t feel I deserve this honor, but thank you.”

After introducing board members, Waterbeck mentioned some of the projects taken on by the CIDC board in the past year, including updates to the Chamber building, participating in a Laborshed study and helping sponsor a regional development tour from Minneapolis.

During the meal, those who purchased a playing card were able to win some sort of liquor bottle. After the meal, the silent and live auction took place with proceeds topping ????????