We recently held our annual meeting at the fantastic 10 Pin Alley and Vintage Arcade, and what a night it was! Over 30 community members joined us for an evening of fun, food, and important organizational updates.
A Retro Blast from the Past!
The vintage arcade was a huge hit! Everyone enjoyed free play on over 20 classic pinball machines and video games, bringing back nostalgic memories and creating new ones. To top it off, we served delicious, complimentary pizzas from Malibu Pizza and Grille. It was the perfect combination for a relaxed and engaging evening.
Official Business and Community Commitment
Our Board of Directors President, Kenn Outzen, welcomed everyone to the official meeting at 6:00 p.m. He then shared his journey with JADE, reflecting on how his first annual meeting 24 years ago inspired him to get involved. His dedication to our community is truly inspiring!
Vice President Jackie Reiter then took the stage to thank Kenn for his unwavering commitment. She presented him with a beautiful piece of metal art created by the same artist who crafted the Vendor Village archway, a project in which Kenn played a crucial role. We also expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Staci Olthoff for her three terms of service on the board, gifting her a bottle of sparkling wine.
Clarifying Our Roles: JADE, Foundation, and Main Street
Executive Director Allyson Walter addressed some common community questions regarding the relationship between JADE, the JADE Foundation, and the Jewell Main Street Program. She clarified that:
JADE (Jewell Area Development Enterprises, Ltd.): Founded in 1973, JADE is a 501(c)(6) organization focused on promoting community development and enhancing the quality of life in Jewell.
JADE Foundation: Established in 1985, this 501(c)(3) organization accepts charitable donations and applies for grants to support our community initiatives.
Jewell Main Street Program: Managed by JADE through an agreement with the City of Jewell and the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), this program follows the Main Street America 4-Point approach (organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality).
Allyson also presented the 2025 JADE budget and the financial results of 2024, emphasizing our commitment to transparency. This information was also shared with the city council. We have requested $30,000 in support from the City Council, maintaining a consistent level of support that has been crucial for over twenty years.
Welcoming New Board Members
Staci Olthoff presented the slate of board members for the 2025-27 term: April Barden of Foraged Farmed Found, Kelly Feaker of Availa Bank, and Laura Larson of Shomo-Madsen Insurance. With no nominations from the floor, all three candidates were unanimously elected. Welcome aboard!
Looking Ahead: Sponsorship Opportunities and Exciting Events
Allyson shared information about sponsorship opportunities for our 2025 events, including Main Street events like Easter, Halloween, Small Business Saturday, and Hometown Holiday. Jackie Reiter gave everyone a sneak peek at the 2025 JADE Spring Gala, “Murder on the Little Wall Lake Casino,” scheduled for April 5th. Rick Knoll was introduced as the chair of Jewell Jubilee, which will take place on June 13th and 14th.
We are actively seeking sponsors for these exciting events! If you or your business want to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch with Allyson Walter at director@jewellmainstreet.com or 515.231.7349.
Thank you to everyone who attended our annual meeting. Your support and engagement make our community thrive, and we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events.
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