Monmouth Chamber reflects on the year, looks to future

Monmouth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Executive Director reflected back on some high points in Monmouth business and Chamber activity on Wednesday.

Amy Patterson gave her annual State of the Chamber Address at the monthly Monmouth on the Move luncheon.

She ran down a list of businesses that either opens their doors or expanded last year.

Fareway Grocery opened its doors, Smithfield completed renovations and reopened rendering operations, the bakery Flourpot went into a storefront on Market Alley and Perkins Diesel finished their building on 67.

WGIL reported on the city’s yearlong contract with 353 Court LLC who has been working with the city on strategies to attract businesses.

They’re also making recommendations to improve quality of life.
Patterson said these are important goals, particularly when it comes to attracting Monmouth College students.

“A lot of our kids are used to several other different, exciting things,” Patterson told the luncheon crowd. “And so, if we can bring some more quality of life and more opportunities and let them know what other opportunities we already have then that will help make them happy and Monmouth College happy as well.”

The Maple City also has three new eateries on the way in Arby’s, Patten Block Grill and Pub, and The Trax Northside Grill.

2019 was also the first year the Chamber organized Market Alley Music Days and BaconFest.

Patterson says Market Alley Music Days will be moved back to run from July to September to take advantage of some cooler days in the late summer.

Baconfest was moved September so Monmouth College students could attend.

The move also spaces out some of the town’s hallmark events.

Pottery on the Square will find a new home on the Lane, as Patterson announced it’s moving to a grassy area in front of the Pottery Museum on Sunny Lane.

Christmas on the Square also seemed to be a success as attendance was said to have doubled.

“Mobile and online presence has also improved. Our website traffic has continued to grow. Last year, I reported a 150 percent increase in 2018. We had a 250 percent increase in 2019 and that is how many visitors to our website.”

Patterson also reports the number of follows and interactions for the Chamber’s social media presence has increased.

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