On Tuesday, February 26 the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce held it's Annual Gathering at The Grand Theater to discuss progress made in 2018 and new things that will be happening in 2019. Sixty-eight people from different businesses around Marion County came together to celebrate. 

It was a great event that was made possible by sponsors Iowa State Savings Bank, Knoxville Hospital & Clinics, Christian Opportunity Center, Accura Healthcare of Knoxville, KNIA/KRLS Radio, and DeVore Homes. Hy-Vee provided appetizers and Peace Tree Brewing Company and Nearwood Winery supplied local libations. 

At the event, Hannah Vander Veer, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce Director, gave a 2018 Annual Report and previewed the 2019 Business Plan. 

President Megan McKay shared some words as well as Gene Meyer, President of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

If you have any questions, feedback on the event, or would like to get involved in the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, please email director@knoxvilleiachamber.com. 

Bring your Valentine, Galantine, or treat yourself to some self-love because there are plenty of options to indulge with Knoxville Chamber of Commerce members this Valentine’s Day.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7

Valentine Wine & Food Pairing ♥ 5:30-6:30 pm ♥ Elk Rock Grille

Just in time for the holiday, Nearwood Winery & Vineyards is teaming up with Elk Rock Grille to bring a delicious wine and food pairing. Treat your sweetie to a fun evening and learn something about how you can pair wine and food anytime. You will be served sumptuous small bites of Elk Rock Grille specialties together with pre-selected, paired Nearwood wines. Nearwood Winery will provide entertaining guidance on why certain foods and wines go together and how to achieve an optimal dining experience whether you eat out or cook at home.

This event is reservation only and will be presented at the Elk Rock Grille on Thursday, Feb. 7, at 5:30pm. Must be 21 years of age or older to attend. Call Elk Rock Grille at 641.226.1678 for reservations for the Wine & Food Pairing event.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9

Wine & Chocolate Pairing ♥ 10:00 am-6:00 pm ♥ Tassel Ridge Winery

Celebrate Valentine’s month with a Wine & Chocolate Pairing at Tassel Ridge Winery. Tassel Ridge Winery has paired four Tassel Ridge wines with four different chocolates from Chocolaterie Stam. Taste all four and find your favorite(s)! $10 per person, plus tax—Harvest Club Member & 1 Guest: $5 per person, plus tax.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14

Valentine's Day Wine & Dine ♥ 5-9 pm ♥ Elk Rock Grille

Treat your special someone to an incredible Valentine's Day Wine & Dine experience with live music by acoustic guitarist Tom Buckmiller from 6-8 pm. Menu options include: lobster tail and Filet de Bergo; shrimp scampi and bacon wrapped filet; salmon and Filet de Bergo; Prime New York Strip and shrimp; and chicken Alfredo. A full menu can be found at elkrockgrille.com/events.

Please make reservations by February 11 at elkrockgrille.com/events or by calling 641-226-1678.

Valentine's Day with Peace Tree & Cranberry Stone ♥ 4-6 pm ♥ Peace Tree Brewing Co.

From 4:00-6:00 pm, buy a half dozen of Cranberry Stone Bakery cupcakes and get $2 off your choice of 6 pack. Cupcakes available for purchase include: Dutch Letter, White Raspberry, Triple Chocolate, White Wedding Cake, Homemade Hostess, and Sweet Strawberry Cream. $10 for 6 cupcakes or $20 for 12 cupcakes.

There will also be taproom special from 4:00-10:00 pm (while supplies last). Imperial Blonde will be tapped that evening so pair a 5oz Imperial Blonde and a mini Cranberry Stone Bakery cupcake for only $6!

Valentine's Specials ♥ 5-9 pm ♥ One Eleven Public House

Indulge on specials of lobster lasagna or prime rib and enjoy red velvet layered cake or crème brûlée for dessert.

Morgan Wallace of MW Images will be on hand with a set up to take photos, candid or posed! You’ll be able to purchase the photos from her website. 

Reservations required for groups of 5 or more.

Valentine's Day Dinner ♥ 6-8:30 pm ♥ Atlantic & Pacific Pub

Treat yourself and your Valentine to a Valentine’s Dinner at Atlantic & Pacific Pub! Cocktail hour will begin at 6:00 pm. Appetizers will be set out to enjoy while you mingle.

At 7:00pm guests will be seated and served soup & a mixed green salad. Following is the main course consisting of steak topped with shrimp, twice baked potato, bacon green beans, and a dinner roll. Dessert will be served shortly after.

All guests must RSVP and pay ahead of time. Deadline for reservations and payments is 5:00 pm on Tuesday February 12th. You can RSVP through the Facebook page, call the Pub @ 641-828-8008, or in person at the Pub or Candi’s Flowers. Cost is $90 per couple or $50 for an individual.

Valentine's Day Dinner ♥ 5:30-8 pm ♥ Coffee Connection

A special dinner menu and live music will be available all night long. No reservations required.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Valentine's Wine Dinner ♥ 6 pm ♥ Tassel Ridge Winery

Treat your Valentine to a romantic evening at Tassel Ridge Winery. Begin with wine tasting in our Tasting Room and then enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner. A mixed greens salad with dried cranberries, feta, pistachios, and balsamic vinaigrette paired with Tassel Ridge Prelude will be followed by prime rib with roasted fingerling potatoes and bacon-wrapped grilled asparagus paired with Tassel Ridge 2014 Iowa Marquette, or if you prefer a sweeter wine, Iowa Candleglow® Red. For dessert, indulge in a chocolate molten lava cake paired with Tassel Ridge Oskyfizzante® Pink.

 Advance prepaid, non-refundable, reservations required by Thursday, February 14. Call the Winery at 641.672.WINE (9463) to make reservations. $55 per person, plus tax—Harvest Club Member & 1 Guest: $50 per person, plus tax (includes wine tasting, dinner, wine paired with each course, and gratuity).

#IChooseKnoxville

Do you want to have your Valentine’s event included in this blog? Email us at director@knoxvilleiachamber.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2018

KNOXVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOINS GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

Knoxville Chamber becomes the 24th Affiliate Chamber of The Partnership

GREATER DES MOINES, IOWA (Nov. 20, 2018) – The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce has joined the Greater Des Moines Partnership as an Affiliate Chamber. The Knoxville Chamber has 140 Business Members, all of which automatically become Regional Business Members of The Partnership. The Knoxville Chamber joins 23 fellow Affiliate Chamber Members from throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM) and extends the regional business community of The Partnership to more than 6,400 Businesses Members.

“We are excited to be joining the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s network of Affiliate Chambers,” said Hannah Vander Veer, Executive Director of the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce. “We are dedicated to growing a vibrant business community and our connections to fellow Affiliate Chambers and access to The Partnership’s resources will help our businesses continue to grow and prosper.”

Under The Partnership’s regional member model, business members of The Partnership have access to a wide range of tools to help their business and workforce grow. Some Member advantages include:

• Business resources, including a variety of small business programming, professional development and a regional “buy local” program.
• Talent recruitment assistance, including an online job and resume database.
• Regional advocacy at the federal, state and local levels to advance policies that contribute to a positive business climate.
• Regional networking opportunities which include regional events such as breakfasts, luncheons and after hours socials.
• Marketing tools, including exporting assistance and a listing in the online Regional Business Directory.

The Affiliate Chambers' programming elevates the voice of small business and creates connections for regional members to access other local businesses and the community at large.

“What an exciting day to welcome the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce to the Greater Des Moines Partnership,” said Jonathan Koester, President of Koester | Development and the 2018 Chair of The Partnership’s Affiliate Presidents’ Council. “We are stronger when we work together, and Knoxville’s addition to the network helps continue to ensure the region grows and prospers for current and future generations.”

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,400 Regional Business Members and more than 340 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

About the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce

The Knoxville Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant business community through effective communication and stakeholder engagement. We promote business, encourage others to shop local, and shop local ourselves. The Chamber is located at 217 S. 2nd Street in the historic Dixie Gebhardt house. Learn more at knoxvilleiachamber.com.

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The most wonderful time of the year also comes with the hardest task of the year. What in the world do you get friends and family as gifts? Thankfully, we’ve put together a list for all of the different people you have in your life! And the best part? Everything is LOCAL to the Knoxville area provided by Knoxville Chamber of Commerce members.

The Knoxville area has no shortage of places to grab a good drink. How about gifting something someone can sit down and enjoy over good conversation that was made right in the area?

Peace Tree Brewing Company – Grab a growler to go or a mix & match 6-pack.
Nearwood Winery – Buy a bottle or two of favorites like Speedway Sweet or Raceway Red.
Tassel Ridge Winery – Treat the hosts to some award winning La Crescent, Candleglow Red or White,  or Red White & Blue.
Bertrand Monument – A drink is only as good as the glass it’s served in. Custom etched beer or wine glasses are sure to be a hit.

We know them, we love them, we want to be them. For the friends or family who have no trouble keeping things alive, celebrate them and their talent with gifts that will amplify those green thumbs.

Metal Pushers- Gift them with colorful yard and garden art perfect for accessorizing their already beautiful spaces.
Candi’s Flowers – How about houseplants, home gifts, or take the work out of it with one arrangement a month for a year?


A closet is never too full, especially when it’s filled with pieces that a person loves.

Ramaekers Screen Printing – Choose from an array of Knoxville Panther gear. Or get creative and make something custom.
National Sprint Car Hall of Fame – Take your pick from tanks, tees, sweatshirts, jackets… you could basically buy an entirely new wardrobe for any sprint car lover in your life.
Elite Dance By Nicole - For any dancer, new attire is always appreciated. Find dance wear along with handmade gifts like signs and jewelry. 
Furniture Boutique - Not only do they have gorgeous, re-purposed furniture, Furniture Boutique offers an assortment of women's clothing and shoes. 

The holidays amplify reasons to exercise and be healthy, and the New Year is a perfect time for a person to start a new routine.

KNX Fitness – Maximize their health with a membership to Knoxville’s most comprehensive and inclusive, health, wellness, and fitness center specializing in Crossfit.
Cairn Yoga & Wellness Studio – Send your aspiring yogi to a yoga immersion workshop to learn the basics of Adamantine Yoga, and the importance of health, harmony, and happiness.
Knoxville Rec Center – For the ones who like all types of exercise, a pass at the Knoxville Rec Center will give them access to the pool, gym, workout room, and a number of classes.
Anytime Fitness – Purchase a membership for those with an a-typical schedule who can just go workout anytime day or night.

A ‘treat yourself’ or ‘self care’ mentality is never a bad thing. Treat your gift receivers with some self care.

Teeth whitening treatment:
Dental Designs
Knoxville Dental Center

A good hair day:
Exsalonce Image Design 
Grand Headlines
Salon 114

Just like there is no shortage of places to grab a good drink, there is no shortage of places to grab some good eats.

Give the gift of a delicious night out with a gift card to:
One Eleven Public House - Let them peruse a neighborhood public house serving craft cocktails, regional craft beer, bold wines & sexy comfort food!
Elk Rock Grille - Feast at a family-owned steakhouse located north of Knoxville and home of the best steak on the lake!
Atlantic & Pacific Pub - An upscale drinking establishment with appetizers and delicious days like Taco Tuesday; Blood Mary, Mimosa & Breakfast Burrito Bar the first Sunday of the month; and happy hour with soup on Thursday. 

For lunch lovers:
Coffee Connection - Enjoy fresh coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner six days a week.
Subway - Select from endless options of subs, soups, and salads.
Pizza Hut - Purchase pizza for carry out or stay in for their lunch buffet.
McDonalds - Who doesn’t love an American stable for a quick lunch?

For those who like to cook themselves:
Hy-Vee - Grab items from the grocery, bakery, and meat counter.
Fareway - Find a selection of items from the grocery and meat counter.

Book an appointment for a photography session from:

Treasured Portraits
MW Images
Advertising by Jackson
Adalily Photography

Give them a night they won't soon forget:
Grand Theater - Any movie lover would appreciate a gift certificate so they can watch that movie they have been dying to see. Complete with that nostalgic movie theater feel and delicious buttered popcorn, it's a small town movie theater experience anyone will love.

Experiences make life’s best memories. Give them a weekend or day they won’t soon to forget.

Horn’s Ferry Hideaway – Enjoy a relaxing getaway in a cabin by the Des Moines River. Take some fishing poles, hiking shoes, and bicycles.
Knoxville Raceway – season tickets, Nationals tickets, or just a single day; Whatever you choose, between the dirt in your beer, the smell of ethanol in the air, and the thrill of being at the best sprint car track in the world, it’s sure to be a rush.
Slideways Karting Center – Treat someone you love to a party all for themselves or just a night out in the go-kart version of a sprint car.

Sometimes giving gifts isn’t so easy. For those hard to please, we’ve picked out a few good - maybe a little bit over-the-top ideas.

There are plenty of reasons to wear your costumes this year. Knoxville is celebrating Halloween with events for all ages.

Freakin’ Friday: Halloween Edition
Friday, October 26 from 2-11 pm – Peace Tree Brewing Company
Get your costumes ready and head Peace Tree’s way for beer, pizza specials, pumpkin paining, and live music with The Surf Zombies!

• 2PM-7PM: Pumpkin Painting - Bring the kids! Receive a pumpkin to paint with the purchase of Peace Tree Root Beer or beer.
  
• 2PM-11PM: $1 Off Special - Beer TBA
• 5PM-9PM: $10 Fast Freddy's Pizza Special - Order and enjoy in the taproom
• 8PM-10PM: Live Music with The Surf Zombies- Wear your costumes and dancing shoes. The Surf Zombies are back and ready to groove!

Treats in the Trunk
Saturday, October 27 from 1-3 pm – Knoxville City’s Parking Lot on South 3^rd Street
Knoxville Optimist Club in conjunction with many other organizations in town will gather beside the Knoxville Fire Department for an afternoon of activities and treats. Bring your little ghosts and goblins in costume to celebrate.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Saturday, October 27 from 10-11:40 pm – The Grand Theater
This audience participation, cult classic plays at the Grand Theater this fall for one show only! Dress up, practice your "Time Warp" steps, get your props together (or purchase a $3 bag of props at the theater). Specifics on what props allowed are posted at www.grandtheaterknoxville.org. 

$5 tickets sold only at the door on day of show beginning at 9:00 pm. More details.

Begger’s Night
Tuesday, October 30 from 6-8 pm - Knoxville
The town will be buzzing with kiddos in costume going door to door. Be sure to have your porch lights on if you welcome treat-or-treaters. Drive with extra caution and keep an out for pedestrians crossing streets.

Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 31 from  6-9 pm – New Journey Church
Another excuse to get your kids in costume and celebrate on Halloween with giant inflatables, loads of candy, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and tons of games! And the best part? This event and everything it entails are free and open to the public! More details.

One Eleven's Halloween Party
Wednesday, October 31 from  5-10 pm – One Eleven Public House Kitchen + Drink
111 is hosting their first ever All Hallows Eve Party and there is loads of fun to be had. Costumes encourage (there will be prizes), Nintendo play off (more prizes), bobbing (yep, prizes for that too!) and of course – drinking, eating, shenanigans, and music. There may even be a special guest behind the bar. Seats are limited, so they recommend coming early. More details.

Details are subject to change. We always suggest that you check with the business or organization for questions on final details.

Need to increase business? Looking for new ideas? Don’t want to reinvent the wheel? Interested in being in the same room as people who may be experiencing the same things as you?  One of the best ways to build a successful business, or grow a current one, is to network and attend local networking sessions. An hour of time could be the ROI you are looking for.

5 REASONS TO NETWORK (AND ATTEND BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!) 

1) Connect ​with other business owners in the community. Would you normally meet these people in your daily routine? Probably not. Connecting can lead to new business leads. Some contacts can refer you to other contacts. It also gives you the chance to be in the same room as others in similar industries that might be experiencing the same difficulties as you. It is good to be reminded that you are not alone.

2) Word-of-Mouth Recommendations. ​This is an essential reason for networking! The more people you know what you do, the more recommendations you will get. Successful businesses are built on referrals and good public relations. 

3) Gain new ideas. ​Obtain excellent advice from people. Your dialog may inspire your new contact to come up with a solution that you haven’t thought of. Best of all it didn’t cost you a thing! Win-win right? 

4) Promote your business. ​ Not only can you learn from others, but your attendance in networking events such as Business After Hours is a great way to get your business in front of others. Again, all it costs you is your time at the meeting. And you may end up gaining additional business in the process!

5) Make great business relationships. ​ Sharing ideas with each other and your enthusiasm with others like you creates strong business relationships. They, in turn, are very powerful forces in building your network! If you could learn one new strategy, gain a new business client, just by attending Business After Hours, is there any reason you wouldn’t attend? Of course networking is one piece of the business pie, but not networking sells yourself short and possibly not gain new insight, or new customers/clients. It's too valuable of a business strategy to not do so.

You know what the great news is? Here at the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce, we host a Business After Hour once per quarter providing you opportunity for all of these things! Check out details on our upcoming Business After Hours. 

Get your flannels, pumpkin decor, and festive selves ready because fall is (almost) here! Knoxville is always beautiful and full of things to do, especially when the weather turns crisp and leaves change colors.  Here are 9 events you need to put on your calendar this fall in Knoxville!

1. Late Model Nationals Knoxville Raceway • September 13-15
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series makes their way to Knoxville for the 15^th Annual Late Model Nationals presented by Casey’s General Store.  One of Knoxville Raceway’s biggest events of the year, the Late Model Nationals is one last hurrah to the racing season.

2. A & P Pub End of Summer Party • September 21, 7:00 pm
Atlantic & Pacific Pub’s last outdoor event of the season will feature Rocky Raccoon, a Beetle’s Tribute Band. Be sure to try a special fall drink while you’re there. May we suggest a Pumpkin Mule? Must be 21 or older to attend.

3. Knoxville Community Schools Homecoming Week • September 24-29
This annual tradition of Knoxville Homecoming to welcome home past Panther graduates is a week full of activity.
∙ Monday, September 24 – Joel Tonda Tennis Court Dedication, 5pm; Students and staff compete in the always entertaining to watch Dodgeball Tournament, 6pm @ High School
∙ Tuesday, September 25 – Panther Invitational Cross Country, 4:15 @ Pine  Knolls Golf Club; Volleyball vs Eddyville Blakeburg Fremont, starting with Freshman at 5:30 at the Knoxville High School
∙ Thursday, September 27 – Jersey Auction, 5:30 pm; Pep Assembly, 7:00 pm; Iron Man, 8:00 pm @ High School; Powder Puff, 9:00 pm @ Randy Wilson Track
∙ Friday,  September 28 – Alumni Association Lunch, 11:30 am @ Dyer Hudson Hall;  Parade, 3pm in downtown Knoxville; Football Game, starting @ 4:45 with the Freshman game vs. Grinnell
∙ Saturday, September 29 – Alumni Dance, 7:00 pm @ Dyer Hudson Hall