August 2020:
Many of us have eaten at one time or another at McDonalds. They seemingly are in most towns, cities, and countries. It’s easy to think that with McDonalds being all over the world that they are a larger entity that does not benefit smaller counties like Mills County. However, you would be mistaken. Aaron Smith, owner of our local Mcdonald’s, shared with me recently that when you look at his business specifically you would find that staying local is incredibly important to him. That means that decisions he makes are all centered around staying local, from where he lives, to where he banks, and where he donates time and money to.
Aaron started with McDonald’s in 2000 and built the Glenwood location in 2003. McDonald’s was looking to expand into Glenwood in the early 2000’s and at the time he and his wife owned 4 stores in rural areas. About 3 years ago, Aaron and his wife decided to move to Glenwood and to raise their kids in Glenwood. During this time they have built strong relationships in the community and really enjoy the area. Aaron goes on to say, “It is a great community and the recent events over the years that the community has endured really exemplify that quality”.
When asked what his proudest moment has been as a business owner Aaron shared that with his business he sees many people that have either worked for him or have been a customer of his for years. With his employees he says, “you really get invested in their lives and their personal growth. Many of those employees I will see in our community, hopefully we have made a positive impact on their life. With our customers, we are a place for them to meet up and enjoy a meal and conversation. Our customers are the lifeblood of our business. We also are invested into the details of their lives. They stop in our drive through for a Coke and quick hello, or they come inside and catch up on local gossip and meet up with their local friends. We are a restaurant but we are in the people business. I’m proud of the impact that we make daily in the lives of the people in our community.”
Aaron is an example of a local business owner that gives back to the community, and works to advocate for pro business practices. Aaron is also an example that local businesses look different on every level. So take some time and get to know the local businesses in our community. You might be surprised what you find.
https://www.facebook.com/McDonalds1200SLocustSt
July 2020:
Located throughout western Iowa and Nebraska, the hospitals and clinics of Methodist Health System bring the full resources of our regional network of health care providers, educators and support services to ensure you always have the care you need when – and where – you need it. Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Methodist Physicians Clinic are committed to supporting Mills County.Located throughout western Iowa and Nebraska, the hospitals and clinics of Methodist Health System bring the full resources of our regional network of health care providers, educators and support services to ensure you always have the care you need when – and where – you need it. Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital and Methodist Physicians Clinic are committed to supporting Mills County.
In Glenwood, Methodist Physicians Clinic provides comprehensive primary care to adults and children of all ages. Our experienced team of doctors and medical professionals is committed to treating illness and disease and advising on preventive health and wellness through every stage of life. In addition to general primary care services, we offer cardiology, imaging, physical/occupational/speech therapy and OB/GYN services. In Malvern, our practice offers general primary care services, as well as OB/GYN services.
At Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, our dedication to your care experience is our number one goal. We tailor your care to your unique situation; your specific symptoms; your personal background; and your needs. The hospital has served the health and medical needs of southwestern Iowa since 1886.
With Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, you will find people, the expertise, the services and support that delivers the continuum of care you need – every day – and at every stage of your care. We have the only accredited cancer program in southwest Iowa. Our hospital is recognized for excellence in key quality measures for heart attack, heart failure, pneumonia and surgical care.
Whether it’s the excitement of starting a new family and choosing your doctors or knowing that your care team is doing everything in our power to provide the best in cancer care – you’ll experience The Meaning of Care – beginning with you!
https://www.bestcare.org/jennie-edmundson/
https://www.jehfoundation.org/
June 2020:
At the Chamber we love it when we see new businesses start up! We have seen many open up recently and are excited to highlight a few that are also new members.
Akiva Interior Design: Is a home decor business, which includes party planning and interior design book us on Facebook or schedule an in-home consultation. Nichole is incredibly talented with a passion to make sure your event or home represent you.
https://www.facebook.com/Akivadecor
Portside Travel: Is a full-service travel agency. Their mission is to build the best trip ever with personalized service and attention to detail. Their focus is to exceed your expectations on this trip and the one after that. So if you are looking to get away be sure to reach out Jim and book your next relaxing getaway!
https://www.facebook.com/PortSide-Travel-107522807542910
Sovereign Martial Arts: They offer unparalleled Martial Arts instruction to children, teens, and adults looking to get in shape, build character, make new friends, and learn more about themselves! They also offer a wide range of equipment and apparel to help their students look, feel, and perform at their very best! Their mission is to provide outstanding Martial Arts instruction to Glenwood and the surrounding communities! Be Strong…Be Relentless…BE SOVEREIGN!
https://www.facebook.com/sovereignma
May 2020:
For this month’s business spotlight, I asked Tina Bakehouse, Chief Creative Officer at Malvern Bank to share a bit about how Malvern Bank has adapted and continues to adapt. Since March 2020, our community has been experiencing hardships: students studying at home rather than school; businesses furloughing workers; and graduations and other special events cancelling. Malvern Bank has delivered inventive approaches to communicate, innovate, and collaborate to help our rural community survive and thrive.
Malvern Bank has been communicating even more by posting additional financial information and resources on social media and our website; conducting financial literacy lessons on Zoom; and connecting with customers by appointment, while social distancing. Though our communication has changed, we value our employees by embracing flexibility and purchasing “Always Essential” Malvern Bank t-shirts to communicate, “We’re a team.” Malvern Bank listens and offers a sense of security by keeping open-ended communication to its team members and customers.
Malvern Bank has been forced to step out of our comfort zone. We’ve developed strategic ways to conduct business. We work around the clock for small businesses by issuing the Payroll Protection Program, updating our online banking and mobile deposit features as well as using the shift model to ensure the safety of our employees. Arthur Clarke stated, “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” Malvern Bank continues to attempt the impossible and explore new, innovative business practices.
Malvern Bank believes one of the operating principles of strengthening community is through collaboration. We think in terms of interdependence. By progressing from the “I” to “We,” our team depends on one another to succeed and move forward to be better than before. Malvern Bank supports local by ordering lunches daily from area restaurants, giving away three May Day Mulholland Grocery $100 gift cards, and posting graduating seniors’ photos on our electronic sign. Helen Keller stated, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Malvern Bank believes in Mills County working together to flourish.
Even with the difficulties we’re facing, we can still communicate. We can still innovate. We can still collaborate. Think and support local, for that’s community.
Malvern Bank is a community bank whose mission is “to build community by supporting education, innovation, and growth while delivering a banking experience that is both authentic and individualized.” For more information and financial literacy information check our Facebook page and website: Malvern.bank.
