Blog

Due to recent developments with COVID-19, local hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities have taken precautionary steps to protect their patients and residents.

The following facilities are enforcing visitor restrictions for the time being:

- Knoxville Hospital & Clinics (https://knoxvillehospital.org/)

- Pella Regional Health Center (https://www.pellahealth.org/)

- Accura Healthcare (https://www.accura.healthcare/knoxville-location)

- West Ridge Specialty Care (https://www.careinitiatives.org/west-ridge-specialty-care)

- Homestead Assisted Living (https://www.midwest-health.com/knoxville/)

To learn more about visitor restrictions, please contact the organization.

School officials across Marion County are also monitoring the situation and communicating with public health officials to be proactive and preventative when it comes to the virus. A letter from Marion County Superintendents was shared with the public discussing the schools’ plans in regard to the virus. At this time, schools across the county are planning to stay open, per recommendation of the Marion County Health Department.

School officials across the county are staying in contact with the Marion County Health Department and the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor the situation. Should additional action be required, the districts will coordinate and communicate the information at that time.

The full letter from Marion County Superintendents can be read here.

Taking simple measures to ensure the safety of you and everyone in the community is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for being proactive and doing your part to keep Knoxville healthy.

#IChooseKnoxville

Leap Day only comes around once every four years. Adding an extra day to the year means you have more time to enjoy all that Knoxville and the surrounding area has to offer. With several events taking place and recreational options available, there is no shortage of opportunities to take advantage of your Leap Day. Here are some of our suggestions.

1. Attend The Well’s Imagine Gala

Support local thrift store and resource center The Well during its first-ever Imagine Gala. Enjoy a tapas style dinner menu, live music, keynote speaker Mike Lindell, experiential auction items to enjoy with people you love, and professional photographs to remember a wonderful evening of fellowship and supporting life-transformation in our communities.

The Imagine Gala begins at 6:00 p.m. at Tamory Hall in Pella. Tickets are available for purchase here: https://thewelliowa.org/event/imagine-gala/.

2. Go for a Walk

Enjoy the extra day outside. Grab a friend or your family and take a walk around town. Visit of the one of Knoxville’s parks, head downtown and shop at local businesses, or take a walk to one of your favorite restaurants. Wherever you choose to take your walk, you won’t regret getting outside and exploring Knoxville!

3. Visit the Knoxville Raceway Charitable Organization (KRCO) Fundraiser

KRCO is hosting its 9^th annual fundraiser. A silent auction is available beginning at 4 p.m., with the live auction following at 7 p.m. All funds raised during the evening will go to the promotion of safe racing by helping race drivers with insurance, safety equipment, and injuries.

A meal provided by Checkered Flag Concession will be available for purchase, as well as a cash bar. The fundraiser will be held in Dyer-Hudson Hall on the Marion County Fairgrounds. There is no admission charge to attend.

4. Climb Cordova Tower

It feels like spring has finally arrived in Knoxville, so why not take advantage of the nice weather? Visit Cordova Park at Lake Red Rock and make a trip to the top of the tower for an unbeatable view. For the ambitious, try hopping up the tower’s steps to embrace the spirit of Leap Day!

5. Watch a Free Screening of “FarmHer”

Mahaska-Marion Women, Land & Legacy are hosting a free screening of the documentary “FarmHer.” The film explores the important role women play in agriculture by shining the spotlight on female farmers and sharing their stories of running farm operations and living on the land.

FarmHer will be screened at the Knoxville Public Library beginning at 1:00 p.m., with an introduction and welcome starting at 12:30 p.m. Come early to network with other women. This event is free and open to the public. Popcorn and lemonade will be provided.

To RSVP, call Nichole Baxter at (641)792-4116 ext. 302 or email nichole.baxter@usda.gov.

Let us know how you decide to spend your Leap Day! Post pictures from your Leap Day on social media with #IChooseKnoxville.

Congratulations to all 2019 Best of Red Rock Area winners. We would like to highlight all of our Knoxville winners who are doing great things in the Red Rock Area.

Pictured below are just a few of the many! Thank you for continuing to choose Knoxville.

TOP 10 DINING 
• One Eleven Public House Kitchen + Drink
• Baggio's Italian Restaurant
• Kone Korner
• Deng's Garden

TOP 10 SHOPPING
• Candi's Flowers
• Elite Boutique Shop

TOP 10 AFTER 5
• The Grand Theater
• Peace Tree - Knoxville Taproom
• Atlantic & Pacific Pub
• Knoxville Raceway
• Kone Korner
• One Eleven Public House Kitchen + Drink

TOP 10 EVENTS
• Knoxville Raceway Nationals
• Living Windows - Knoxville, Iowa
• Pierce's Pumpkin Patch Pumpkin Festival

BEST CUP OF COFFEE
• The Coffee Connection

BEST ETHNIC FOOD 
• Deng's Garden

BEST TENDERLOIN
• Hometown Meats & Deli

BEST OUTDOOR EATING LOCATION
• Kone Korner

BEST HOSPITALITY 
• Knoxville Hospital & Clinics

BEST BANKING, FINANCE OR LEGAL SERVICES
• Marion County Bank

BEST AUTO OR AUTO REPAIR SERVICES
• Raceway Tire & Exhaust

BEST NEWS & LOCAL COMMUNITY INFORMATION
• KNIA KRLS

BEST DATE NIGHT RESTAURANT
• One Eleven Public House Kitchen + Drink

BEST HOTEL
• Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - Knoxville

BEST LIVE ENTERTAINMENT 
• Knoxville Performing Arts Center

BEST INDOOR RECREATION 
• City of Knoxville Iowa Parks and Recreation

BEST HIDDEN TREASURE 
• Pierce's Pumpkin Patch

BEST PLACE TO WORK, < 50 EMPLOYEES
• Marion County Bank

BEST PLACE TO WORK, 50-250 EMPLOYEES 
• Knoxville Hospital & Clinics

BEST SUPPORTER OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS < 50 EMPLOYEES
• Marion County Bank

BEST SUPPORTER OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS 50-250 EMPLOYEES 
• Hy-Vee

BEST GIFT SHOP 
• Candi's Flowers

BEST PHOTOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC DESIGN, PRINTING, OR VIDEO SHOP 
• Ramaeker Screen Printing

TOP 10 UNDER 40
• Josie McKay, Summit Realty & Treasured Portraits, Inc
• Tyler Pearson, Northstar Elementary
• Tyler Christian, Marion County Road Department
• Cathy Struecker, Cairn Yoga & Wellness Studio
• Hannah Vander Veer, Knoxville, IA Chamber of Commerce

For a full list of winners: https://www.kniakrls.com/2020/01/31/2019-best-of-the-red-rock-awards-announced-2/

Job Title: Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Commitment: 40 hours / week
Pay type: Hourly
Benefits: Paid Vacation, Simple IRA
Location: Knoxville Chamber of Commerce - Knoxville, Iowa

Summary: The Communications & Marketing Coordinator will be a full-time position for the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and will develop materials and interact with the public to better deliver the organization’s message. The Communication & Marketing Coordinator will be responsible for upholding the brand of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce.  The position may provide contracted work for other Chamber affiliated organizations.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Adobe software
• Wordpress 
• Microsoft
• Facebook, Twitter & Instagram for Business
• Technical & creative writing
• Public speaking
• Create and implement systems
• Organized, able to work & coordinate with multiple organizations
• General understanding of marketing
• Demonstrate professional demeanor 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Basic graphic design for promotional material
• Social media management for Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
• Update website information on a regular basis
• Create content for public sharing
• Compose newsletters
• Assist with basic event promotion
• Help with coordination of Knoxville Nationals activities
• Draft press releases
• Support Chamber office by answer phones and assisting walk in visitor
• Responsible for maintaining and carrying out marketing plan and calendars

Qualifications

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience with social media management, marketing, and branding

This application is now closed.

Small Business Saturday is only 53 days away!

Collaborate with the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and fellow businesses to encourage local shopping on Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30.

Deadline has now passed. For questions, email info@knoxvilleiachamber.com.

Hello, welcome back!

We’re glad to have you back in Knoxville, we missed you! If this is your first time here, we're excited to see you. Our local Chamber members have been busy and a lot has been going with on since last August and we have some new things we want you to know about.

#ICHOOSEKNOXVILLE

The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce introduced a new hashtag to capture all of the good that is happening around here. If you’re posting while here visiting, be sure to use it! We’d love to see what you’ve been up to.

217 S 2nd St • Knoxville, Iowa
knoxvilleiachamber.com
Facebook •  Twitter •  Instagram

YOUNG'S PARK

The City of Knoxville’s newest park was under construction last August. This  August, we’re happy that phase one is completed for you to enjoy. Boarders, bikers, and skaters can utilize the 8,000 square foot skate park which includes a wide variety of terrain for all levels and riding styles. The park also is home to a climbing structure, handicap-accessible Kiwanis Miracle Playground, and new shelter with public restaurants and picnic area. 

Highway 14 next to VA Campus • Knoxville, Iowa
knoxvilleia.gov
Facebook

PANTHER PARK

This quaint seating area is next door to our Knoxville Community Schools Administration Building and is only a block from Kone Korner. Enjoy an outdoor meal or bring your own supplies to have a fire in the outdoor fire ring.

309 W Main St • Knoxville, Iowa
Facebook

KNOXVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Opening just after Nationals, our public library has undergone an extensive  renovation and is now double the size. The facility has free internet as well as expanded children’s section, increased book and magazine collection, new area for teens, audio and video materials, study rooms, and community meeting rooms.

213 E Montgomery St • Knoxville, Iowa
knoxville.lib.ia.us
Facebook

THE WELL

The Well Thrift Store is a new addition to the Knoxville retail scene.  This multi-department and donation based store adds hundreds of items daily, you’ll want to stop by more than once so you won’t miss out on your next bargain or treasure. Friendly staff will help you find anything from furniture,housewares, clothing, toys baby gear, to linens, outdoor items, sporting goods, books, home décor, and more.

404 W Pleasant St • Knoxville, Iowa
thewelliowa.org
Facebook  • Twitter • Instagram

BAGGIO'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Baggio's is an authentic, Northern Italian inspired restaurant serving pasta, pizza, veal, seafood, and other homemade specialties. Gluten free menu options are available upon request. Stop in for lunch or dinner and drinks.

124 S 2nd St • Knoxville, Iowa
Facebook

NEARWOOD WINERY AND VINEYARDS

A Knoxville staple for many years is now in a new location. Nearwood Winery and Vineyards is now located on their vineyard. Venture south of Knoxville for picturesque views, wine samples, and a relaxing afternoon enjoying outdoor seating or their brand new indoor event space.

1699 Hwy 14 • Knoxville, Iowa
nearwoodwinery.com
Facebook • Twitter • Instagram

JOEL TONDA TENNIS COURTS

The Joel Tonda Tennis Courts are in a brand new location across from the Knoxville High School and next to the Knoxville Recreation Center. Eight courts have replaced our previous skate park along with a new, outdoor basketball court. 

1811 W Madison St • Knoxville, Iowa
knoxvilleia.gov
Facebook

FURNITURE BOUTIQUE 

Same location, double the space. The Furniture Boutique has grown its inventory of high quality furniture, home decor, collectibles, and gifts.

207 E Main St • Knoxville, Iowa
Facebook

LOCAL
Shop • Eat • Drink •Race T-shirts

“Unity is strength - where there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” – Mattie J.T. Stephane

Join the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce and fellow local businesses in promoting unity, supporting local, and welcoming race fans to Knoxville.

Order shirts for your staff to wear on Friday, August 9, 2019 during the Knoxville Nationals.

• $15 / shirt

• Orders due on Friday, July 12

Participants will be featured on the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce social media on Friday, August 9.

Pre-Orders are now closed. There will be a limited quantity available at the Chamber office during Nationals.

APPLICATION NOW CLOSED

The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is seeking seasonal, part-time help in administrative services for June – August of 2019.  Applicants must have a love for Knoxville and desire to serve others. New hire will join our office of 1 full-time Director and 1 part-time Admin. Applicants will be required to work 2 days during the work week from 8:30-5:00 pm. 

Duties Include:

Administrative
Communication and Customer Visits
Answers inquires and comments via phone and email. Greet customers and visitors who come to the Chamber office.
Financial
Take checks and make deposits to the bank as directed. Take direction from Treasurer and external account.
Organizing
Keep the office tidy and organized
Collateral
Assist in ordering and maintaining advertising materials as directed by Executive Director.
Membership
Tracking
Enter and update membership information in database
Manage/Collaborate Events
Assist Board and Executive Director on executing events
Knoxville Nationals
Housing
Field calls and assist visitors to request housing match
Parade
Field calls and assist participants in filling out entry form
Parking
Field calls and assist visitors in request for parking
Other Office Projects as Assigned

Applicants Must:
Have a vast knowledge of Knoxville
Be proficient in Microsoft programs as well as Gmail
Have experience in customer service
Be willing to work in a team setting
Show up to work with a positive attitude

Please apply by emailing a cover letter and resume to Hannah Vander Veer at director@knoxvilleiachamber.com by Wednesday, May 1.

City of Knoxville staff will present to Knoxville City Council on the possibility of moving forward with a Rental Inspection Program at the Monday, April 1 Council Meeting at 6:15 pm at City Hall. 

The goal of the program would be to provide safe living environments, improve and increase housing stock, and increase the quality of life and aesthetic of the community. 

The program could look similarly to current Rental Housing Inspection Program in Oskaloosa. 

Monday's presentation will be high level information to simply introduce the program to City Council. If a decision is made to move forward, work will begin to create the plan structure. 

If you are interested in listening to learn more, we recommend you attend the meeting. If you are unable to attend, you can look at the presentation slides. 

Have you heard? People are CHOOSING Knoxville! If you haven't yet, check out #IChooseKnoxville's Instagram feed and look at all of the over 850 vibrant photos being captured around town.

Help us to continue to promote this hashtag and our community. We are offering to paint the stencil on the sidewalk at your business. 

The goal is to draw attention to the hashtag when people are out and about enjoying our community so it stays at the top of their mind when they are getting ready to post their photos on social media. 

All you need to do? Fill out this form to request your stencil. If you are leasing your property, please check with your landlord first.