Community Calendar Project

The West Union Main Street Chamber is pleased to introduce a new resource for our community: the West Union Community Event Calendar. This online platform provides a centralized location for residents and visitors to discover local events and activities.

This initiative addresses a need for increased awareness and accessibility of community events. The calendar features a user-friendly interface and comprehensive listings, ensuring residents and visitors can easily stay informed about upcoming happenings.

Benefits for the Community:

• Centralized Information: Access details for a wide range of events, from community gatherings and festivals to business promotions and workshops. Find dates, times, locations, descriptions, contact information, and links to learn more.

• Enhanced Awareness: Stay informed about local happenings and opportunities for engagement.

• Increased Participation: Encourage greater community involvement and support for local organizations.

We encourage all businesses and organizations to promote their events through the West Union Community Event Calendar. Submit your event details via our online form, including an optional flyer for enhanced visibility.

Visit www.westunion.com to explore the calendar and stay connected with the vibrant activities in West Union.

Help Us Improve:

This is a new service, and we are committed to making it the best it can be. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for improvement. Please contact the West Union Main Street Chamber at [email protected] or (563) 422-3070 with any ideas you may have.

West Union Business Directory

The West Union Main Street Chamber is committed to supporting our local businesses and helping them thrive. One way we do this is by maintaining an up-to-date and informative Business Directory on the City of West Union's website. This directory is a valuable resource for residents and visitors alike, connecting them with the goods and services they need right here in our community.

To ensure your business is accurately represented, we encourage all business owners to take a few minutes to review and update their listing.

Here's how:

1. Visit the Business Directory: https://www.westunion.com/business

2. Find your listing.

3. Need to make changes or add your business? Complete our quick and easy Business Profile: https://form.jotform.com/221226536933051

You can use the link to:

• Update your contact information, hours of operation, products & services.

• Add a description of your business in your own words.

• Upload photos and logos to showcase your brand.

By keeping your listing current, you'll help ensure that potential customers can easily find and connect with your business.

Let's work together to make the West Union Business Directory a comprehensive and valuable resource for our community!

Business Pulse Survey

The West Union Main Street Chamber’s Economic Vitality Committee wants to hear from YOU! We're conducting a short Business Pulse Survey to better understand the needs and challenges of our local business owners. Your anonymous feedback will help us develop programs and resources that directly address your concerns and foster a thriving business environment in West Union.

Take the Survey: https://form.jotform.com/242684587881070

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and covers topics such as:

• Your biggest challenges: From workforce shortages to marketing strategies, we want to know what keeps you up at night.

• Educational opportunities: Tell us what kind of training and resources would help you grow your business.

• Preferred communication methods: Help us ensure you're receiving information in the way that works best for you.

This is your chance to share your insights and help guide our efforts!

Grants

Destination Iowa Fund Grant Program  Pre-applications are being accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2025. Applicants invited to submit the full application must do so by January 15, 2024, or July 15, 2025. For more information, click here.

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.

Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits and Cities Applications are now open for three “Training + Implementation Funding” programs to empower change through volunteer engagement, culminating in a 9/11 Day of Service. Ten organizations will be selected for each opportunity.

1. Service Enterprise Program: Funding of up to $4,000 and access to a national, research-based organizational accreditation program in volunteer engagement designed to empower nonprofits to extend their mission and budget through strategic volunteer engagement. Proposals are due November 15, 2024, at noon. A webinar (required) will be held on Wednesday, October 30, from 1-2 pm. 

2. City Volunteer Engagement Initiative: Specially tailored for cities and municipalities, this cohort-based program provides training and $4,000 to support city staff to develop, implement, and enhance volunteer engagement strategies that align with their unique needs and objectives. Proposals are due January 30, 2025. A webinar will be held on Tuesday November 5th from 11:00-11:45 am. 

3. Youth Service Board Development: Each awarded organization will receive $3,000 to develop a youth service board at their organization. This youth board will collaborate and plan a September 11th Day of Service that inspires other youth in the community to volunteer and launch others into service beyond that day. Proposals are due December 13th by 3:00 PM.

Keep Iowa Beautiful 15th Annual Photo Contest Keep Iowa Beautiful aims to raise awareness of Iowa’s rural and urban beauty with their Annual Photography Contest. Applications are due by Friday, December 13, 2024. For more information, click here.

Loans

City of West Union Revolving Loan Fund

The City of West Union Revolving Loan Fund provides gap financing to new and expanding businesses for which credit is not otherwise available.

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 not eligible applicants.

beYou Nutrition

It's time to give a warm welcome to beYou Nutrition, a fantastic addition to our community that's been serving up delicious and nutritious treats for the past few months! This vibrant spot is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals with their amazing selection of meal replacement shakes, energizing teas, and protein-packed coffee.

Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy breakfast, a post-workout boost, or a guilt-free indulgence, beYou Nutrition has something to satisfy every craving. Their friendly staff is passionate about promoting a healthy lifestyle and can help you customize your order to meet your individual needs.

Contact Information

Address: 100 E Elm St, West Union
Phone: (319) 238-9772
Email: [email protected]

Brynn’s Bargains

Brynn's Bargains, a new corner shop located at 136 S. Vine Street in downtown West Union, is now open and offers a wide selection of new, used, and consignment items. Owner Brynn Vorwald, a self-described bargain hunter, has curated an inventory of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, along with home goods. The shop also features consignment items from over 45 local sellers, with prices that fit any budget, ranging from as low as a quarter to name-brand items like Michael Kors and Nike.

Contact Information

Phone: (563) 379-6024
Address: 136 S Vine St, West Union

Ellbie Boutique

We're delighted to welcome Ellbie Boutique to our vibrant downtown community! Though they've already been making waves for the past few months, we want to officially celebrate this charming shop and its contribution to our town. Ellbie Boutique offers a carefully curated selection of women's clothing and accessories, with a focus on unique styles, quality fabrics, and prices that won't break the bank.

Whether you're searching for a standout piece to refresh your wardrobe or comfortable everyday essentials, you're sure to find something special at Ellbie Boutique. Explore their collection of trendy dresses, stylish tops, comfortable jeans, and eye-catching jewelry. The friendly staff is always ready to help you discover the perfect outfit for any occasion.

Contact Information

Address: 120 E Elm St, West Union

Franny’s Nook & Cranny

Contact methods

Address: 129 N Vine St, West Union
Phone: (563) 380-7419
Email: [email protected]

Stay tuned for updates and more information on Facebook as Chris Bemiss prepares to open Franny’s Nook & Cranny on November 09!

Jensen Complete Wealth

By looking at your complete picture—taxes, retirement income, insurance, estate planning, and more—we can help you redefine the purpose of your wealth as you live your golden years.

Contact Information

Address: 116 S Vine St, West Union
Phone: (563) 412-6305
Email: [email protected]

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM- 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Miller Insurance

What we offer:

Contact Information

Address: 109 S Vine St, West Union, IA 52175
Phone: (563) 422-5810

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Signs by Design

Since 1996 Signs By Design has seen many changes in the sign industry. One thing that has stayed constant is the one on one service that is given with every sign purchase. Many customers like the pre-production virtual samples that help to give a vision of what the end result will look like. Sometimes it can be hard to know which material or product is best for your application or promotion.

Don't hesitate to call, get pricing and visit about your signage or product needs. Getting to know you and your goals helps us help you.

We also offer an extensive line of promotional products helping provide you the customer with a one stop shopping experience to market your logo.

Contact Information

Phone: (563) 380-2772
Email: [email protected]
Address: 703 Hwy 150 S, West Union

Steffens Farms

Thank you to Ray Steffens and Steffens Farms for support our continued efforts to improve the quality of life for small businesses, residents, and our local community!