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 Board & Staff
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, President of the Board of Directors
Miles works as an Ag Loan Officer at Community National Bank & Trust 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, Vice President of the Board of Directors
Corey works as Interim 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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Shilo Eggers - Board Member
Shilo works as Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer at Landmark National Bank in Iola, Kansas. She brings over fifteen years of experience in agricultural lending serving farmers and ranchers in Eastern Kansas. She also works with her husband and his family on their large Woodson County farming and cattle operation. Shilo serves on the Ag. Advisory Board for Allen County Community College and is heavily involved in 4-H. She shows Paint and Quarter horses with her daughter on national and international levels, and Shilo’s stallion holds six World Champion titles. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Economics and Business Management, from Kansas State University.
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Traci Plumlee, Board Member
Traci works as the Public Relations Specialist at Allen County Regional Hospital St. Luke’s Health System in Iola, Kansas. She brings over ten years of marketing and consumer relations experience. She is active in the Elks Club and Friends of the Bowlus. Traci also hosts her own booth at Clock Tower Mercantile in Iola where she sells antiques, crafted items, and more. She earned her Bachelor of Science, Economics and Business Administration, at Benedictine College.
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Morgan Dieker, Board Member
Morgan works as a pharmacist at Iola Pharmacy. She holds over ten years of experience in pharmaceuticals and small business operations. She also brings experience in marketing and advertising for small business. She previously served on the Master Planning Steering Committee to make decisions concerning a local school bond. She earned her Doctorate of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.
The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism - Staff
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Robin Schallie, Executive Director
Robin Schallie works as the Director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. She holds over thirty years of experience teaching Business and Marketing at the college level. Most recently, Robin served as the Director for the Allen County Farmers’ Market and also works as an adjunct professor at Neosho County Community College. She brings with her a drive for excellence and a passion for connecting the community with valuable resources that will help its businesses and individuals succeed. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree and Masters Business Administration Degree from California Coast University.
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Lindsay Myers, Administrative Assistant
Lindsay works as the Administrative Assistant for the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. She brings over five years of customer service experience and a passion for nonprofit involvement. Lindsay also brings experience in the health insurance and deposit banking industries. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in English, emphasis Creative Writing, at Kansas State University.
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.
