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MCED holds Spring Fling Dinner

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Iowa native and Saturday Night Live actor Gary Kroeger was the guest speaker at Monona Chamber and Economic Development’s Spring Fling Dinner. Kroeger encouraged attendees to share the merits of living in Iowa in order to keep younger generations in the state. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

MCED Executive Director Ardie Kuhse (left), who took over the position in April 2022, recognized outgoing board president Linda Knockel.

MCED Board President Justin Birdnow (left) poses with this year’s recipient of the Community Service Award, Preston Landt, as well as Landt’s wife Sophie.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

 

Monona Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. (MCED) held a “Spring Fling Dinner” at Center Street Bar n’ Grill on March 23. The event highlighted MCED’s accomplishments as well as business milestones and community service efforts. 

 

MCED Board President Justin Birdnow welcomed attendees and shared MCED’s mission statement, which is “To lead economic growth and vitality of the community of Monona and to support the civic, social and natural resources of the surrounding area.”

 

Further objectives include revitalizing downtown, enriching business growth and population growth, attracting new businesses and industries to the Monona area, promoting travel and tourism and increasing membership and participation to help keep existing businesses as strong as possible.

 

Birdnow also thanked city officials and Clayton County Development Group for supporting MCED’s mission, and recognized the MCED board. In addition to Birdnow, who represents Birdnow Chevrolet, that includes vice president Isaac Brehmer (FreedomBank), co-secretary/treasurers Mandy Halverson (Epic Wear) and Brandi Folsom (MFL MarMac School) and members Linda Knockel (QCSS), Linda Landt (M’s Machine & Mfg.), Jerica Miller (Garden View Place), Ryan Johnson (Allen Real Estate Co.) and Mark Fohey (Family Dentistry Associates of Monona).

 

Executive director Ardie Kuhse spoke next, thanking the board and chamber members for welcoming her into the position a year ago.

 

“I’ve enjoyed getting out and meeting the businesses. I know there are more I could still target, and I will,” she said.

 

For Kuhse, economic development remains a passion and priority. That includes growing housing and enticing new businesses and industry—and making sure current businesses remain viable.

 

She’s also passionate about tourism.

 

“This next year, I’m hoping to work a little harder on tourism for our community,” Kuhse said. “All our businesses benefit from tourism. I hope we can take a good look at that and try to think of ways we can entice people to come to our community.”

 

Kuhse followed that up by thanking outgoing chamber president Knockel, who Kuhse called her go-to person over the past year. She then welcomed up Hay Days committee chair Teresa Graham to share an update on this year’s event.

 

Iowa native and Saturday Night Live actor Gary Kroeger was the guest speaker, and encouraged attendees to share the merits of living in Iowa in order to keep younger generations in the state.

 

After Kroeger’s entertaining remarks, Birdnow and Kuhse wrapped up the program.

 

Chamber businesses Schultz Sign Company, Brenen’s Painting, Nathan Welch Excavating and Signature Styles Salon were recognized for their 10-year anniversaries, and Birdnow Chevrolet of Monona was honored for 20 years.

 

Lastly, Preston Landt was given the annual Community Service Award. Landt is on the Monona Fire Department and an EMT and chief on the MFL Ambulance Service. He also serves on the ambulance and cemetery boards and is an alternate to the county E911 board, in addition to being a Monona city council member.

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