Table of Contents

• Happy Fourth of July, West Union!

• Community Events

• Member Spotlight: Dillon Law PC

• Committee Updates

  • Promotion Committee

  • Design Committee

  • Economic Vitality Committee

  • Organization Committee

• Business Updates

• City Updates

• Funding Opportunities

• Featured Volunteer: Derek Heins

• Join the Promotion Committee and Create Memorable …

Happy Fourth of July, West Union!

The heart of summer is here, and our community is buzzing with patriotic spirit and exciting events. Your West Union Main Street Chamber is thrilled to present your July newsletter, packed with news and opportunities to celebrate, connect, and support our wonderful town.

Community Events

Want to know what's happening in West Union? Make the online Community Event Calendar your first stop! It's constantly updated with a wide variety of activities – from business promotions and workshops to community gatherings, live entertainment, and civic meetings. Regularly checking the calendar is the best way to stay informed about opportunities to engage, learn, shop, and connect right here in our community. Don't miss out on what West Union has to offer!

Member Spotlight: Dillon Law PC

For nearly two decades, Dillon Law PC has been a cornerstone of legal expertise for farmers, families, and businesses in West Union and across Northeast Iowa. Established in 2005 on the philosophy of finding practical solutions and preventing problems, the firm has built a reputation for providing trusted counsel with a team that understands our community because they are a part of it.

With an office right here in West Union, Dillon Law is deeply committed to serving its neighbors. Let's meet the dedicated professionals behind the firm.

Patrick B. Dillon Firm owner Patrick Dillon brings a wealth of experience and a personal understanding of our community's core industries. Having grown up on a diversified family farm in Sumner—an operation he still actively farms—Pat has a firsthand perspective on agricultural life. He is a frequent author and presenter on agricultural law, writing a regular column called "A Look at Agricultural Law" in the Sumner Gazette, which covers timely topics like fence law, farm leases, and succession planning. He also authored the book Field Manual: Iowa Farmer's Guide to Legal Issues.

Pat translates this deep expertise into his legal practice, focusing on agricultural law, estate planning, real estate, and bankruptcy relief. A high-honors graduate of Drake University Law School and a distinguished military graduate of Iowa State University, Pat served as a Captain in the U.S. Army before returning to practice law. His leadership in the legal community is extensive, having served as past President of the American Agricultural Law Association.

Jill Dillon Firm owner Jill Dillon also has deep ties to Iowa agriculture, hailing from a family farm in Delhi. A graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and Drake University Law School, Jill’s leadership has had a national impact; she is the former executive director of the American Agricultural Law Association, the premier association for legal professionals serving the agricultural community. Her work on various local economic development boards further showcases her commitment to the region's growth and prosperity.

Tori A. Sassmann A native of Fredericksburg, Tori Sassmann is another key member of the Dillon Law team. A graduate of the University of Iowa and North Dakota Law School, Tori's practice areas include estate planning, real estate, business formation, criminal defense, and more, providing a wide range of essential legal services to clients.

How Dillon Law Can Help From succession planning for the family farm to creating a will or navigating a real estate transaction, the team at Dillon Law provides expert guidance. Their primary services include:

• Agricultural Law

• Estate Planning (Wills, Trusts, Probate)

• Real Estate

• Tax Preparation

• Bankruptcy

• Criminal Defense

We are proud to have Dillon Law PC as a dedicated member of the West Union Main Street Chamber and a vital resource for our community.

Committee Updates

Promotion Committee

Celebrate Music & Community on the Plaza This July!

The downtown plaza is the place to be on Thursday nights! Our 2025 Playin' on the Plaza music series has been off to a fantastic start, drawing wonderful crowds and filling our summer evenings with music and community spirit. The positive energy has been a testament to our town's love for live music and local gatherings. While we were disappointed to cancel one of our June dates due to weather, we are ready for a full month of entertainment in July.

One of the most convenient features of the series is our food delivery service. You can have a delicious meal from participating local restaurants delivered directly to your seat on the plaza! Simply place your order and let them know you're at Playin' on the Plaza, and they'll bring it right to you. It's the perfect way to enjoy dinner and a show.

A Special Coronation to Kick Off the Month

Join us at 6:00 PM on Thursday, July 3rd, for the 2025-26 Miss West Union Coronation Ceremony! We are proud to celebrate these outstanding young leaders who will represent our community.

Join us in congratulating Alex Kent, who will be crowned our 2025-26 Miss West Union by the outgoing Laci Lauer, and Levi Johansen, who will be our new Little Mr. West Union! At the ceremony, we will also find out who will be crowned our new Little Miss West Union. The candidates are Bria Nelson and Tenley Meyer. Join us to support these outstanding young leaders and see who takes the title!

Your Free July Music Lineup

Following the coronation, the music continues all month long. Grab a chair, order a meal, and enjoy these fantastic free performances.

• July 3rd: Angela Meyer Following the coronation, Quad Cities' own Angela Meyer will take the stage. A true rising star in the country music world, her dynamic and personal performances have taken her from local Iowa stages to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Her style will appeal to fans of everyone from Kacey Musgraves to The Eagles.
  Listen on YouTube: Angela Meyer Music

• July 10th: The Buck Hollow Band Put on your dancing shoes for the husband-and-wife duo of John and Teresa Condon! This Hall of Fame duo knows how to create a fun, dance-filled party with a high-energy mix of country and rock classics from legends like Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, and The Beatles.
  Learn More: www.buckhollowband.com

• July 17th: Denny & Bernie Enjoy a happy, relaxed evening with one of Northeast Iowa's most beloved acoustic duos. With just two guys and two guitars, Denny & Bernie deliver a delightful performance of timeless tunes from iconic artists like America and Simon & Garfunkel.
  Connect on Facebook: 319GuitarGuys

• July 31st: Bruce Bearinger We're closing out the month with a seasoned local performer. With a career spanning over 35 years, Bruce Bearinger will treat the audience to an evening of crowd-pleasing hits from the 60s all the way through the 2000s!
  Connect on Facebook: Bruce Bearinger Music

Design Committee

The Design Committee is thrilled to share some major progress on projects that enhance West Union's beauty and community engagement.

"Gateway to Recreation" Trail Signage is Fully Funded!

Great news! We have officially reached our $4,000 funding goal for the "Gateway to Recreation" trailhead kiosk project. This was made possible by a generous $2,000 grant from the Black Hills Energy Community Giving Program. We are incredibly grateful for their support!

The committee has already met with our partners at Northeast Iowa Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) to begin designing the kiosk and setting a project timeline. This new trailhead, located at 103 Walnut St., will serve as a beautiful and informative welcome point for residents and visitors using our trail system.

Explore West Union with the Summer Scavenger Hunt!

Get ready for a new challenge! The 2025 Summer Scavenger Hunt is officially underway. This photo-based hunt will take you all around West Union to identify the locations of specific pictures. It's a fantastic way to explore our community's hidden treasures.

All fully correct submissions will be entered into a drawing to win $20 in Chamber Bucks. The deadline for entries is August 31st, and we will announce the answers and the lucky winner on September 1st. Happy hunting!

Economic Vitality Committee

The Economic Vitality Committee is currently focused on a major opportunity to bring significant investment into our downtown district. The committee is now in the process of reviewing pre-applications for the 2025 Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant.

As a designated Main Street Iowa community, the West Union Main Street Chamber is eligible to select ONE local "brick-and-mortar" rehabilitation project to nominate for this competitive state-level grant. The pre-application period for local projects closed on June 30th.

The committee is now carefully evaluating the submissions to identify the project with the greatest potential positive impact on our community. A final decision will be made in the coming weeks, and the selected applicant will be notified by Wednesday, July 16th. Our chamber staff will then work closely with the nominee to submit a full, robust application to the state. We look forward to putting a strong West Union project forward!

Organization Committee

The Organization Committee is excited to report on the success of its recent fundraising efforts and ongoing work to strengthen our downtown data capabilities.

15th Annual Golf Tournament Raises Over $5,000!

Thank you to everyone who participated in, sponsored, and volunteered at the 15th Annual Golf Tournament on June 14th. The event was a tremendous success, with a fantastic turnout at the Pleasant Valley Sports Club. Thanks to your incredible support, we raised over $5,000 for the West Union Main Street Chamber! These funds are vital and will help us continue our mission of supporting local businesses and enhancing our community.

A special congratulations to the winners! The team sponsored by Mark’s Jewelry of St. Lucas, consisting of Derek Heins and his children Hilton, Preston, and Lynston, took first place in the championship flight with an impressive score of 55.

We are so grateful for our community's generosity and look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

Business Updates

City Updates

Holiday Hours & Service Reminders City Hall and other non-essential city offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Regular hours will resume on Monday, July 7th. Please note that trash and recycling schedules may be adjusted due to the holiday; please place your bins out as usual, but anticipate potential one-day delays.

New State Law on Hand-Held Devices While Driving As of July 1, 2025, a new state law prohibits the use of hand-held electronic devices like cell phones while driving. Devices may still be used in a voice-activated or hands-free mode. Officers will issue warnings through the end of the year, with fines beginning in January 2026.

Funding Opportunities

Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) Grant Program Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis and will be awarded as funds are available. For more information, click here.

City of West Union Revolving Loan Fund

Purpose: The purpose of the City of West Union’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) is to provide “gap” financing to new and expanding businesses for which credit is not otherwise available on terms and conditions, which permit completion and/or the successful operation of proposed business activities.

Eligible Projects: Any business improvement or start-up project in the City of West Union is an eligible project. Project activities which can be funded with RLF funds include, but are not limited to: land acquisition, site preparation, building acquisition, building construction, building remodeling, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, and working capital for business start-up and expansion activities.

West Union Main Street Chamber Revolving Loan Fund

Purpose: The West Union Main Street Chamber Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) funds are available to provide financial assistance to start-ups or expansions to small businesses in West Union.

Eligible Projects: The creation of jobs is a fundamental consideration. Applicants eligible for RLF funds include, but are not limited to, individuals, partnerships, businesses, corporations, and non-profit organizations. Municipalities and county governments are ineligible applicants.

Featured Volunteer: Derek Heins

This month, we are thrilled to shine a spotlight on Derek Heins, a dedicated community member whose local roots and commitment to service make West Union a better place.

A lifelong resident of West Union, Derek is a familiar and trusted face in our community. He resides here with his wife, Jill, and their three children, Hilton, Preston, and Lynston. Professionally, Derek serves as a Senior Commercial/Ag Officer at Bank 1st, where he plays a key role in supporting local businesses and agricultural producers.

Beyond his professional life, Derek generously gives his time to shape our community's youth and support local organizations. He is the Head Coach for the North Fayette Valley Varsity Boys Golf team, sharing his passion for the sport with the next generation. He is also an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Derek extends his service to our organization as a valued member of the West Union Main Street Chamber's Organization Committee. His perspective and dedication are instrumental as the committee works on fundraising and strengthening our membership. This was on full display at our recent golf tournament, where Derek’s team took home first place!

When asked why he dedicates his time to the Chamber, Derek shared this powerful sentiment:

Derek, your commitment to your hometown is truly inspiring. Thank you for your continued service to the Chamber and to all of West Union!

Join the Promotion Committee and Create Memorable Experiences in West Union!

Do you want to be part of the excitement that brings our community together? The West Union Main Street Chamber is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join our Promotion Committee, led by chair Zach Smith!

The Promotion Committee plays a key role in re-establishing West Union as a vibrant place for everyone. This involves:

• Sparking community excitement and involvement.

• Organizing and executing popular events.

• Promoting local businesses.

• Creating a positive image of West Union.

Key Events:

The Promotion Committee coordinates a variety of beloved community events, including:

• Trunk or Treat: A safe and fun Halloween event for families, bringing together businesses and community members for trick-or-treating and games.

• Miracle on Vine Street: A magical holiday shopping experience featuring unique gifts, Santa Claus, cookie decorating, a toy drive, hayrides, live music, and community spirit.

• Playin' on the Plaza Music Series: (As previously mentioned)

• West Union Block Party: A lively downtown celebration that brings the community out to support local shops while enjoying live music, food trucks, unique games, and contests for all ages.

• Miss West Union Program: A program that selects a community ambassador and awards a college scholarship.

Volunteer Opportunities:

We need help with various tasks related to these events, such as:

• Event planning and organization.

• Event setup and execution.

• Marketing and promotion (social media, flyers, etc.).

• Securing sponsorships.

• Logistics and coordination.

• Working directly with the community during events.

Benefits of Volunteering:

• Make a direct impact on West Union's vibrancy and community spirit.

• Meet new people and connect with residents and business owners.

• Gain valuable experience in event planning, marketing, and community engagement.

• Contribute your skills and talents to a fun and rewarding cause.

• Be a part of creating cherished memories for families and individuals.

• Work alongside dedicated community members like Zach Smith to make a difference.

Get Involved!

If you're passionate about West Union and want to help make our community even better, please contact the West Union Main Street Chamber office to learn more about volunteering with the Promotion Committee. We'd love to have you on board!