About the Chamber
Our Mission
Strengthening our community and encouraging tourism through business collaboration and promotion.
The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is a leadership business organization serving Iola, Kansas and the surrounding rural communities. The Chamber is focused on supporting and advancing business growth by increasing our members' visibility and connectivity, as well as bringing area businesses, the community and new opportunities together by providing tools, resources and educational opportunities to increase tourism in the area. The Chamber is our members. Their combined knowledge and diverse business skills are a foundation of tried and tested ideas and perspectives just waiting to be tapped.
We work to help our members initiate and build relationships while promoting commerce and tourism in Allen County.
The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism - Staff
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Executive Director -
Kelly Sigg, Executive Director
Kelly Sigg is the Executive Director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Most recently, Kelly has been a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Agent for Iola Insurance Associates. She holds 13 years of retail experience as the business founder and operator of Audacious Boutique in both Iola and Pittsburg. Growing up in Iola and owning a local small business has given her an immense love for community, collaboration, and a dream to serve and support the success of her community. She earned her Associates of Applied Science from Cowley County Community College.
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Communications Coordinator -
Marie Barclay, Communications Coordinator
Marie works as the Communications Coordinator in the Chamber office. She has 25 years experience as an executive administrator and has worked for over 10 years with various 501C(3) organizations around the state of Kansas. Marie also has experience as a retail manager, trainer and corporate supervisor. She earned her Associates of Business Administration at Allen Community College.
The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism - Board of Directors
Our board represents a cross-section of our community and has a passion for our organization and those we serve. The members work hard to ensure long-term sustainability of the organization and oversee that the funds raised directly affect those in need.
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Miles Mentzer, VP of Board of Directors
Miles works as a Commercial Loan Officer at Landmark National Bank in Iola, Kansas. He brings over fifteen years of experience in professional sales and agriculture business which he uses to serve the farmers and ranchers of Southeast Kansas. He also works with his family to run the Mentzer Family Farm and pumpkin patch. Miles is active in the Allen County Farmers’ Market. He earned his Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Economics, at Kansas State University.
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Corey Schinstock
Corey works as Assistant City Administrator for the City of Iola. He holds over twenty-five years of experience in city administration and over fourteen years of experience in his current position. He is active in the Kansas Association of City/County Management and the Community Involvement Task Force/Pride Committee Iola. Corey also sits on the Trolley Board Advisory Team, the Allen County Economic Development Advisory Board, and the Bowlus Fine Arts Commission. He earned his Associates of Science from Allen County Community College.
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John Baker, Chamber Treasurer and Board Member
John works as a Certified Public Accountant and Office Manager at Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, PA in Iola, Kansas. He holds licensure to practice in the state of Kansas. He brings thirty-five years of experience in accounting, financials, and tax preparation which he uses to serve businesses and individuals to make informed financial decisions. John is also active on the St. John’s Catholic Church Finance Committee. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Pittsburg State University.
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April Kroenke, Board PresidentApril is the owner and photographer of April Kroenke Photography in Iola, KS. She is also an Active Duty Army wife who has traveled worldwide seeing and serving first hand in many Chambers of Commerce across the country. April brings over 20 years of leadership, marketing, and consumer relations experience with several non-profit organizations throughout her military spouse career. She is an active member of Harvest Baptist Church in Iola. April earned her Bachelor of Science from Pittsburg State University. She earned her Masters of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and her Certification as a Certified Professional Photographer from Professional Photographers of America.
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Jamie Jensen, Board MemberJamie works as a certified health coach & a stay at home mom. Formally, she was the Softball Coach and Assistant Athletic Director at Allen Community College. Jamie earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in Corporate Fitness and her Masters in Health and Human Performance from Fort Hays State University. She has lived in the Iola community since 2008 and is married to Zo Jensen, they have two daughters Quinn and Baylor.
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Misty owner operator of The Protien Place. A nutrition club that serves teas, shakes and mixes made with Herbalife Nutritional products.
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Misti Kendrick, Board Member
Misti works as the operator of The Protein Place in Iola, Kansas. Recently returned from living in Topeka for the past fifteen years, Misti holds twenty years of customer service and management experience. She brings experience in medical billing, cosmetology, convenience store management and being a casino table games dealer.
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Andi Garrett Board MemberAndi Garrett works as a Business Manager for local company Newwave Broadband and as a farmer’s wife while also running her own custom designs, apparel and marketing materials business called Lou’s. She started the business in 2013 as a hobby and without formal training in marketing and design, but since then, the business has grown enough to turn full-time, if she chose. Andi has an Associate of Applied Science and additional experience in veterinary care, business management, IT and Federal TeleCommunications. She is active as a board member with the local Veterans’ Day Committee and the Allen County Fair Board and is also involved in Rotary. Her greatest achievement, however, is raising two kids to become college-educated while overcoming the obstacles of being a single teen mom and rising out of the welfare system to become first-generation educated.
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Crystal TaylorCrystal works as a Universal Banker at Emprise Bank in Iola, Kansas, where she handles consumer and micro business lending, account openings, and overall customer service. Prior to joining her team at Emprise Bank, she was the store manager at the Iola Russell Stover Chocolates retail store. In addition to management roles, Crystal holds over 10 years of experience in customer service in a retail setting. She was born and raised in Iola and is an Army wife to Steven Taylor; together they have 3 daughters Brandi, Kylea and Gracelyne.
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Megan HagemanA prevention and promotion specialist at Southeast Kansas Mental Health.
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Daniel Gile-Store Manager G & W Foods
Daniel Gile-Store Manager G & W Foods
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Jordan Ellis-Landmark National Bank
Jordan is the Assistant Bank Manager of Landmark National Bank
The Chamber Board & Staff keep these broad objectives in mind as it works to improve a community’s economy and quality of life:
· Help businesses prosper and grow.
· Increase job opportunities.
· Encourage an orderly expansion and development of all segments of the community.
· Contribute to the overall economic stability of the community.
· Promote the nation’s private enterprise system of competitive marketing.
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Allen County Regional Hospital| St. Luke's Health System -
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The New Klein Lumber -
CASA -
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Thrive Allen County -
Peerless CAG -
Russell Stovers Chocolates -
TLC Garden Center -
Names and Numbers -
Audacious Boutique -
April Kroenke Photography -
Alpha Dog Supply -
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T Mobile -
SEK Mental Health -
Diversified Inc. -
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United Tire Recyclers -
Farm Bureau-Jason Dreher Agent -
Quality Automotive -
Rural Asset Group -
Dr. Robert N Smith O.D, -
Johnson Schowengerdt PA -
Shaughnesssy ConstructionConstruction Company specializing in building homes.
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Wild Bloom Coffee -
Since opening in 1985, 37 years here in Iola, our only purpose has been to provide freshly cooked Asian Cuisine and the warmest service to our customers and community. The owner is the Chef with 43 years experience since he learned how to cook in his family friend's European fine Chinese restaurant. Chef believes good food keeps the body in balance and works holistically to serve the health and wellness of each customer by consistently seeking to improve the dishes while serving home-made fresh and healthy authentic Asian foods. Visit China Palace soon!
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C & J MowingLocally owned and operated residential and commercial lawn care service. Call today to schedule your home or business. (620)228-4622
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Iola Public Library -
Allen County Commissioners -
Allen County Country Club -
Allen County Fair Association -
Allen County Farm Bureau Association -
ACMAT -
Capper Jewelry -
Dale's Sheet Metal -
In Step Dance Academy -
Infinity Real Estate -
CDL Electric -
Jock's Nitch -
Jo's Men's Grooming -
Max Grundy Designs -
SKL Tax Service LLC DBA H&R Block -
Iola RV Park & Storage -
Wavelengths US Cellular -
Westco -
Yates Center Health & Rehab -
The mission of the Pregnancy Resource Center is to offer life-affirming support through education and services to the communities of Southeast Kansas.
We offer:
HELP to those involved in a planned or unplanned pregnancy;HOPE with education on subjects that affect teens and young adults;
HEALING to those who have made negative choices by sharing the positive things they can do to change their future.
PRCSEK is committed to assisting pregnant women to carry their babies to term by providing emotional support and practical assistance.
PRCSEK reaches out to the families who need a helping hand with special needs children, the rebellious child, and teens growing up thru life changes.
Single and married parents will receive emotional support and instruction for the everyday living of their families and the community. Therefore, they can face the future with hope and plan constructively for themselves and their children.
PRCSEK's goal is to touch lives with family building blocks.
Location Directions
LOCATION
1 South Jefferson Ave
Iola, KS 66749Hours of Operation
HOURS
M-W-F: 9 AM - 12 PM
Tues: 3 PM - 7PM -
As a part of K-State Research and Extension, Southwind District programs present educational information and programming related to agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, 4-H youth development, and community vitality.
We serve the people of Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties and have offices in each of those counties.
Our philosophy is to help people help themselves by taking university knowledge to where people live, work, and play. We work at being resonsive to the needs of the people by focusing our resources on providing quality information, education, and problem-solving for real concern. The information we provide is research-based and unbiased.
Our Mission...
"We are dedicated to a safe, sustainable, competitive food and fiber system and to strong, healthy communities, families and youth through integrated research, analysis and education."
Our Vision...
K-State Research and Extension is committed to expanding human capacity by delivering educational programs and technical information that result in improved leadership skills in the areas of communication, group dynamics, conflict resolution, issue analysis, and strategic planning that can enhance the economic viability and quality of life in communities.
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O'Shaughnessy Liquor, LLC -
KJ Electrical Contracting LLC -
SEK-CAP -
Native Healing -
Clock Tower Mercantile -
Fellowship Christian ChurchFRC is a nondenominational, Bible believing church. We want to impact our community with the truth of the Gospel by loving those who are in need, speaking the truth of God's word, and honoring Jesus Christ as the King of heaven and earth.
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Heartland Area Land OwnersHeartland Area Land Owners (HALO) seeks to organize, educate, and engage member landowners to better advocate for their own land use priorities. Our landowner members are passionate about their land, our world, and stewarding the resources that feed America and power its economy.
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The MatAn old School full service Laundry mat. Open 24/7.
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Ad Astra RadioKIKS/KIOL
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Bank of CommerceThe Piqua State Bank was organized in 1910 by L. C. Neimann. During that same year the Farmers State Bank was opened in Piqua by George Wille. In 1914, the Wille family purchased the Piqua State Bank and merged the two banks under the name of the Piqua State Bank. John Wille, George Willis's son, owned and managed the bank for the next 50 years.
The Bank was eventually purchased by Galen L. (Jack) Curry following his retirement from the Army. The Curry family has owned and operated the bank to this day. The bank is now the only locally owned locally operated bank in Woodson and Allen counties. Several Curry family members are employed by the bank and the bank continues to grow and prosper.
It is the mission of the Piqua State Bank to maintain the safety of the depositor's money, maximize profits for the stockholders, and have a positive impact on the community.
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Housing Authority City of Iola -
Iola Rotary ClubRotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders, and take action to create lasting change.
We are 1.2 million passionate individuals in 35,000+ clubs worldwide. We are both an international organization and a local community leader. Together we lead change in our own backyards and across the world.
Mission
As signified by the motto Service Above Self, RotaryÆs main objective is service ù in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians put Service Above Self worldwide.The Foundation's main program is to eradicate polio. -
Farm Bureau Financial Services-Agent Jason DreherThanks for visiting we look forward to getting to know you and understanding your goals. At Farm Bureau Financial Services, we are here to help you plan for what is to come, protect what matters most, and invest in your future. We offer a wide range of insurance and financial products including auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, business insurance, farm and ranch insurance, financial planning services, investment planning, annuities, estate planning, college funding options and retirement planning. We are proud of our reputation for helping you in ways that smartphone apps and computer programs simply cannot.
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Saki Sushi and HibachiSaki Sushi and Hibachi Food Truck is ready to serve you authentic delicious Hibachi and Sushi dishes. Fresh food, authentic flavors served daily.
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday 11am-8:30p
Sunday CLOSED -
United Country Deere Creek Realty -
The United Methodist Church -
Pour Choices -
The Humanity House is dedicated to bridging the disconnect in our community through acts of kindness and volunteerism.
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Cozy's Grindhouse -
Red Beard BBQ -
Engage to Empower
