By Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce
The Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce brought together more than 30 local businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, for its 16th Annual Chamber Roundtable in Iola, where community leaders shared updates, outlined 2026 plans, and emphasized collaboration as a driving force for local growth. The event is significant as it highlights the region’s ongoing economic development, expansion of community programs, and investment in long-term improvement projects.
The Chamber Roundtable serves as the area’s primary yearly forum for exchanging information, aligning community calendars, discussing upcoming needs, and strengthening partnerships across sectors. Attendees use the gathering to explore business expansions, nonprofit initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and strategies for coordinated event promotion — particularly valuable in a community where many are unaware of the full spectrum of local activity.
Roundtable Reports
Jeannine Harbridge, current Chamber Vice President, represented Premier Community Bank of Iola. She described CD specials available as well as financial offerings.
Ila Sanders, Community Member, helps to welcome new members, community members, and businesses. She shared a need for Christmas ornaments (noting businesses or organizations)
for the Chamber-sponsored Christmas tree to be displayed at the Willows.
Diana Jones, JP Media, has owned her business for eight years. The business offers six publications and employs twelve.
She also represented the Lions Organization. Projects include the River Walk Bridge, Peace Poster Contest, Easter Party, and involvement in the Christmas Parade and Santa visit.
Ali Johnson and Julie Seering represented the Iola Old Car Show. The 2025 Show was very successful, well attended. Additional music events have been added, resulting in increased attendance. The Show employs four full-time people, with seven to ten additional employees. The 2025 show included automotive personalities, with plans for celebrity/automotive personalities in the making for the 2026 show.
Mike Scheller is the owner of 10% Free Promos. He works with 4500 suppliers. His subscription to a large database allows him to offer numerous products that can be used for promotion.
Lori Elmhorst represented the Central WI Electric Cooperative, located in Rosholt, WI. The Cooperative offers products and services to central Wi members. Toys for Tots is sponsored by the cooperative in several locations in the immediate area.
Mary Schultz, owner of Iola Family Chiropractic, described the recent overhaul of her business building. During reconstruction, she was able to relocate locally and continue to offer exercise and chiropractic services as well as nutritional counseling, following her passion to promote wise individual physical care.
Adam Blohm and Mike Richberg represented the Scandinavia Booster Club. Adam reported on the success of the Annual Corn Roast. The annual scrap drive is held before Memorial Day.
Improvements on the Trade Show Building have included electrical upgrades. The organization is in the process of developing plans for a kayaking launch on Silver Lake and, in the distant future, a stage pavilion on the Memorial Park grounds.
Jim Rasmussen represented the Iola Village Board, the Norseman Snowmobile Club, and the Iola Conservation Club. All organizations are actively involved in community commitment.
Morgan Pease, director of the Iola Winter Sports Club, described numerous events sponsored by the club. During this past year, nine trail running events were held. Other events include a bike race, cross-country routes, Winter Carnival activities, dog races, and ski trail grooming. A $2 million Capital Campaign, supported in part through grant money, is ongoing. An open house is being hosted at the Club on Dec. 6.
Sherry Kielblock, representing Silver Lake Lanes, has been in business since 1978. Her business sponsors two competitive Iola-Scandinavia teams. Sherry is applauded for her dedicated work in helping students in the local school district.
Maggie Williams represented the students of the local DECA chapter at the Iola-Scandinavia High School. She detailed the goals of the group, including those of community service, developing emerging leaders, and involvement in competitive events. The organization has also worked with the National Honor Society to sponsor the Honors Flights for veterans.
Scott Tappa, advisor to the organization, applauded our group for helping to provide judges for an annual competitive event held in January of each year. He expressed appreciation for the financial support given to the group attending national conferences.
Greg Loescher finalized the evening with an update on Chamber involvement. Plans are underway for the 2026 fireworks celebration. The Chamber office space is open and available for use for committee meetings. Greg applauded the Revitalization Committee for its recent work. Copies of the updated and just-printed Iola-Scandinavia Chamber map brochure are available at the Chamber office. The Waupaca Area Guide contains an Iola-Scandinavia section.
Greg shared copies of the Iola-Scandinavia Improvement Projects, 2020-2025, detailing the many projects our community showcases. He also shared copies of “Progress is the Best PR,” a beneficial read for members of the Chamber and of the community.