Get Into All Things Grinnell through this regular recap of community activities, events and opportunities!
Channing Fraker is no stranger to a challenge. After leaving the healthcare industry, she decided to start a small business in custom goods and creations by attending vendor shows and renting a space along Hwy 146. As she embarked on the next steps of her exciting entrepreneurial journey, she saw an opportunity — to establish her unique retail store on 4th Avenue! Today, she celebrates her one year anniversary in Grinnell and re-opening of her business, Channing’s Customs & Co., with a ribbon cutting!
The store is colorful and beautiful, with an array of sparkling earrings and greeting cards, tempting children’s toys, Iowa-pride clothing, and stunning home decor. Since 2022, Channing has been known for her custom work, like her signature handpaintings (which you may have spotted already on her store windows), custom wedding and baby gifts, and vinyl designs. And when you enter her store, you can spot her personal touches — from her interior design to her lovely mural next to her register.
As a maker and creator, she was all too familiar with selling her original works at craft shows and market spaces — in fact, she will host the Roots to River Market in October, held in Iowa County! Often, she would drag her stuff onto a truck and unload them wherever she would sell, a hard enough process in itself.
After Channing became pregnant, she decided to pivot into the lifestyle of a flexible business owner — where else but downtown Grinnell?
But when her doors opened back up in April, Channing realized she needed some help filling the space. So what better way to do that than to bring in other makers and creators she’s worked with? Currently, her store carries products from 10 Iowa-sourced, local business owners — and she’s always open to new opportunities and partnerships.
Channing, who is originally from Williamsburg, Iowa, carries cups, earrings, fragrances, and more from Williamsburg vendors; she also carries unique items, including a skincare line from Beth Hoopes, PharmD, from Lettes, Iowa. But she has made space for Grinnell vendors, too. The barrel tables that display her vendor products and custom works are done by Stephen Pierce, owner of Pierce Revival Co. Channing also carries greeting cards from Grinnellian Diane Carnine, and sells colorful children’s toys courtesy of Taylor Wilhelm, formerly with Sissy and Scooters.
“I love giving people the opportunity to display their things and support small businesses without them having to load and unload their stuff like I used to,” says Channing. Soon, she will also develop an online presence, and plans to release boutique clothing as another store product.
“The community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Channing of her time since opening. And she’s been a positive addition to the community, too! She has already launched a 3-month event series named “4th Fridays on 4th” to encourage shopping locally and support other small businesses around her. Like her grand opening a few months ago, she will have live music, refreshing lemonade drinks, and special products, like sourdough goodies!
“The J months — June and July — are always so hard for retailers,” says Channing, “so I wanted to host something to encourage bringing people downtown.” Her next 4th Friday on 4th is 5-7 PM on July 25, so don’t miss it! This month, she will have a charm bracelet decorating as a special in-store activity.
As Channing continues to make large strides within her business, she has nothing but cheerleaders in her corner. “She does an awesome job,” says her husband, Devon. “When people come in, they like Channing immediately.” Channing’s mother-in-law is also very proud of how Channing has been flourishing in her new role as a business owner. “To see how far she’s grown in the last two and a half years is remarkable,” she shared.
Support local and visit Channing’s Customs and Co. during your next trip to downtown — there is something for everyone! Oh — and don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by one of her children when you stop in!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Back in the day, Brandy Virchow was an up-and-coming hairstylist. Although she was relatively new to the industry, one of her clients, George Ortiz, had no fear of her touching his hair. He walked right into the salon where she worked and handed her a big razor. “You’re going to shave my head!” he declared. Though Virchow was startled by the request (as any of us would!), she went right ahead and bzzz!
Today, Oritz is one of her most loyal customers at Virchow’s new hair salon in Grinnell, B. Nicole Salon, which celebrated its membership in the Chamber with a ribbon cutting! He used to travel from Newton every other week to get his haircuts — but now he gets to stay in Grinnell to enjoy her services! For 16 years, Virchow has been providing haircuts, styling, waxing, and more in Grinnell and surrounding communities. Since then, she has built an extremely loyal clientele, with Ortiz and an additional 130 clients following her from her previous workplaces. Fun fact: the location of her new salon is where she started working all those years ago!
When Virchow opened the salon, her promise to the Grinnell community was to provide quality and affordable services. “I also saw a need for a local salon with family-friendly hours and flexible scheduling,” shared Virchow. Ever since her salon opened 13 weeks ago, she has been grabbing people’s attention through her crafty cartoon signage outside her door and her unique salon hours — especially those after 5 PM and over the weekend. “Sometimes people have to book appointments so far out in advance, but because my hours are so flexible, they can schedule an appointment with me online or walk in after work,” she says, which is especially beneficial for people popping into Grinnell for the day. And if you need to bring your kids to the salon, she also has a comfortable couch, Netflix, Hulu, and coloring books to keep them occupied!
Virchow’s salon is aesthetically pleasing, with vintage photos of her salon back when it used to be the Cunningham Drug pharmacy — and she has an array of hair products from Denmark and Canada that are colorful and vegan (no preservatives or chemicals to be found!).
Virchow also gives back to the community, teaming up with a nursing home in Newton to provide regular haircuts to 56 community members with dementia and Alzheimer's. As a single mother, she pursued her Master’s degree in business management to complement her years of experience in the salon industry. Working alongside her with an entrepreneurial spirit and dream are social media marketer and bookkeeper Chris and Morgan Zimbleman, who are supporting Virchow and helping to grow her business.
Staying true to her promise, Virchow offers an array of discounts and deals. For Grinnell College students, she offers $5 off any service if they show their P-Card/student identification card. Community members who want to also save money but keep up their looks in the long term can sign up for her monthly club services. Men can clean or trim up their beards with Virchow, or enjoy a hot towel service with a complimentary neck and face massage. She can even wax your face for that shiny, glowing look. “The wives love it,” she says, laughing. Women can also join her weekly wash club services, and get their hair washed and styled every week! Kids also love to come in and have Virchow do any of the latest hair trends — which are mohawks at the moment!
P.S. Chris shared with the Chamber Ambassadors that one of his challenges before he retired from the military was looking for a place that could give him a haircut! So if you’re looking for a quick booking, give B. Nicole Salon a call at 641-657-1396, or visit their website bnicolesalon50112.glossgenius.com. For those wanting to rent a chair at Virchow’s salon, she is still looking for a colorist and hair specialist to join her!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
In the 90s, Kyle Gonyea built and updated websites the old-school way, back when you had to paste images and type simple HTML text into Excel-like tables. “That’s just how you did it back then,” recalls Gonyea. Jump to today, and he helps his clients craft engaging web designs for their businesses and equips them with terrific search engine optimization, a.k.a making sure his clients’ websites and social media pages can be found through Google. His company, Poweshiek Digital Marketing, commemorated their inauguration to the Chamber with a ribbon cutting alongside his wife and son, and described how his company can serve all of your marketing needs!
For the record, Gonyea’s skills in marketing aren't limited to just website design — he can craft social media posts, track analytics, design logos, and provide market data analysis. He even has a 3-D printer in his office to print client logos and QR codes to promote their websites and social media pages! He also has experience within graphic design, having arranged and printed newspaper layouts and articles.
At any given time, Gonyea usually works with 12 to 20 clients, but is always looking to build his clientele. He has a wealth of marketing knowledge, having worked in website design for a decade in San Diego and in more general marketing with local businesses, restaurants, and the University of Iowa in Iowa City.
Gonyea doesn’t mind revealing marketing secrets, either. His number one marketing tip? Get on social media as soon as possible. “Anyone not on social media is missing out,” he shares. “Facebook, for example, has a great search engine presence and helps with search engine marketing.” When his clients come to him, they can be involved as much or as little as they want in their marketing plan. “Whatever the client needs, I can lead them to a tool they can use. I am always happy to introduce them.”
To stay up to date in the marketing field, Gonyea follows different educational pages on social media and says he is (jokingly) forced into learning new things all the time, from new versions of social media platforms to new website updates. He is also ahead of the social media wave, utilizing a Bluesky account for his business and keeping up with TikTok and Reddit. At the same time, he keeps up with new technologies within website development, too, and can help with IT issues, JavaScript software, and more.
If you’re interested in delving into the world of marketing or hope to recruit some services from an expert like Gonyea, visit his website at poweshiekdigital.com or email at info@poweshiekdigital.com. Your website transformation or social media revitalization awaits!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
If you’ve been downtown on 4th Avenue recently, it is possible you have noticed a few new businesses. Chamber Ambassadors were excited to officially welcome one of them as a new member, Richards’ Relics & Radiant Rays -nail salon, with a ribbon cutting ceremony! This family-owned business, run by Rayann Richards, Madi Tomlinson, Nikole Toubekis, and Jim Richards, now located in Grinnell, offers a unique combination of retail goods and nail care.
Originally founded in Des Moines in 2024, Richards' Relics and Radiant Rays recently moved to Grinnell to be closer to their home in Gilman. The store specializes in a mix of new and unique items, typically sourced from pallet liquidations. Exactly what is in the liquidation pallets is unknown when they purchase it, but they often include seasonal overstock from major retailers, which means you can find great deals on items you wouldn't normally expect, like holiday-inspired merchandise or flannel shirts in the middle of summer!
Top sellers include personal care products, essentials like razors and body wash, at lower prices than traditional retail. Shoppers will also find an assortment of household goods such as plates, cups, cookware, and home decor. For the young or young at heart, Hot Wheels have been a big hit, along with action figures and plush toys. Jewelry lovers will be delighted by the wide variety of costume jewelry, which has been another top seller. They also sell items from local makers, like hand painted vinyl discs from Grinnell Farmers Market vendor, Rose Mary Pirkle!
In addition to the retail offerings, Radiant Rays nail salon provides a range of nail care services, from manicures and pedicures to gel, hard gel, and acrylic nail sets. For those looking to add some personal flair, Rayann specializes in nail art with designs starting at just $1.
Jim also sources antiques and vintage items from estate sales and cleanouts, bringing an eclectic blend of old and new to the store. In addition to the brick-and-mortar store, Richards' Relics also maintains a presence on online platforms like Poshmark and eBay.
On Saturdays, you'll likely see young helpers outside the storefront running a lemonade stand. The proceeds from the stand benefit a charity of their choice, a sweet way to give back to causes near to their heart.
They are open every day of the week, except Mondays. Appointments are encouraged for nail services. Both Richards’ Relics and Radiant Rays offer periodic specials, so be sure to stop by or check their Facebook pages for the latest deals!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Chamber Ambassadors gathered this morning to learn about Protech, a new suite of cutting-edge solutions from MCG - Mahaska Communication Group. Known for its responsiveness to customer needs, MCG launched Protech to meet growing demand for a "one-stop tech shop" offering a wide range of technology solutions including security cameras, card building access, overhead paging, audio visual systems and network infrastructure.
Protech grew out of MCG’s merger with Southern Iowa Technologies, founded by Larry Shepard, a business owner and tech professional with 26 years of experience serving school districts, hospitals, large corporations and small businesses across Southern Iowa. This recent partnership has allowed MCG to expand its reach and better serve their customers. Notably, customers do not need MCG internet to use Protech’s services, though they are happy to accommodate both! According to Sales Manager Kevin Stensrud, this growth into new areas of technology marks a major milestone for the company.
One year after the acquisition, MCG is now actively rolling out the Protech division across their service territory, though they are not limited to markets and areas already serviced by MCG.
When asked about the most common service clients inquire about - Stensurd and Shepard both agree - security cameras. “In the past five years, my business grew substantially as customers wanted the security cameras provide,” says Shepard. “We have had many livestock farmers who invest in this technology, too - they’re great for calving or lambing seasons - farmers are able to keep an eye on their livestock from wherever they may be.”
Founded in 2002 by Musco Lighting to meet its own connectivity needs, MCG has since expanded its fiber internet network across South Central Iowa. True to its slogan, “Not Your Ordinary Communication Provider,” Business Account Specialist Trent Arment, commented that MCG is known for exceptional customer service, often offering same-day support.
Arment also emphasized MCG's dedication to the communities it serves through event participation and support, sharing “We don’t just work here, we live here, too. We work hard to support the communities in which we reside, from sponsoring community events and lending a hand wherever we can - we want our communities to know we care.”
All of Protech’s services are available to both residential and commercial customers, with no required subscriptions and local data storage offered for enhanced security and privacy. Learn more about these MCG’s new service offerings and how they could benefit your home or business by visiting mcgprotech.com.
Chamber Ambassadors (from left to right):
The Grinnell Historical Museum is re-opening in 18 days — and it’s bigger, educational, and more wheelchair accessible than ever! Board member Ann Igoe is one of many at the center of its grand re-opening, committed to sharing the unique stories of Grinnell and its residents.
Back in November 2022, the Grinnell Historical Museum was a shell of itself. But as Igoe and her team cleaned and re-painted the space, the museum revealed itself to be the perfect treasure trove for Grinnell’s stories.
One of the first stories that the museum will display is the beginnings of Grinnell, detailing the contributions of the Meskwaki nation and the town’s abolitionist namesake, J.B Grinnell. “I was so excited that the Meskwaki nation agreed to contribute to the exhibit,” shared Igoe. “The history behind [Grinnell’s beginnings] is just fascinating.”
Along with the beginnings of Grinnell, you can expect an exhibition showcasing the aftermath of Grinnell’s 1882 cyclone disaster, too. “After the cyclone hit, J.B Grinnell went everywhere to gather money and build the town back to what it was," Igoe told Chamber Ambassadors.
Although J.B Grinnell was significant in shaping the town’s history, Igoe emphasized that the museum will share more than one person’s story, such as those of his daughter, who was instrumental in beginning the local high school’s first Parent Teacher Association (PTA).
And when it comes to Grinnell’s participation in the Underground Railroad, the system that helped escape enslaved folks before the Civil War was not purely the work of J.B Grinnell. “There were other participants, too, but that story rarely gets told,” Igoe remarked. “So we want to tell the full story.”
Other notable highlights coming to the museum are exhibits about the Jewel Box Bank, pianist Isabella Beaton, and aviator Billy Robinson, who set distance records and died trying to achieve an altitude record. One piece from his airplane was hauled into the museum by 8 people and drilled to the wall, ready for visitors to take a look! Beaton’s piano will also be on display — Beaton, who grew up in Grinnell, was a composer who played internationally. Her first concert was at Grinnell College…at the age of 12! Though the museum is still collecting antique furnishing and storage materials, they have been receiving contributions from many groups, including a 1996 quilt from the newly formed Middle School History club.
The museum will also have a gift shop and rotating exhibits every six months. Igoe noted the board’s commitment to making the museum an affordable experience, too, capping tickets at $10 for visitors — to be used to preserve Grinnell’s history.
“Once you know the story behind the exhibits,” commented Igoe, “you can start connecting one story to another. You can find a story almost out of anything, and that’s the fun part.”
The stories of Grinnell’s history are waiting for you, so celebrate the Grinnell Historical Museum with a visit! On June 28, there will also be an open house from 3-5 PM with a ribbon cutting held at 3:30 PM to commemorate the new space. That evening, a concert fundraiser (tickets at $75) featuring the Mojos (yes, from the 60s!) and Whiplash will be held at Hotel Grinnell! The Mojos were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame so don’t miss your chance to see them and support the Historical Museum at the same time!
Chamber Ambassadors (from left to right):
When Charlie Isaacs was 14-years-old, he earned his name “Wild Horse Charlie” from bareback riding — that’s right, horseback riding without a saddle!
Since Isaacs was a boy, riding broncs with only a hand gripping the reins never fazed him, even after serious ear and bone injuries. His cousins, who hosted local rodeos in Iowa City, encouraged Isaacs’ wild hobby, which would eventually become a full-fledged production company: Wildhorse Productions LLC. Today, we celebrated their recent inauguration into the Chamber of Commerce and delved right into the world of rodeo!
Isaacs and his wife, Ashley, co-founded Wildhorse Productions in 2018, bringing rodeos and fun to fairgrounds and communities across Iowa. In 2024, they brought a show to Grinnell — and the response was electric!
Over 2,000 people — curious newcomers, families, and adventurous spirits — turned out for the inaugural event. The event boasted clothing vendors, beer stands, and various food trucks — including Chamber member Paparoni’s! But at the heart of the event was the arena, decorated with lights and stadium seating for the signature Wildhorse Production show.
“Rodeos are a great way to stay connected with the community,” says Isaacs, who is also committed to keeping a strong family component to the rodeo life. Although adults can participate in a variety of activities — whether bareback bronc riding to barrel racing to bull riding — kids can join in the fun, too! When families come to the rodeo together, their kids can jump right into a free pony ride, or get into mutton busting and junior bull riding.
“We want our rodeos to feel like a family event,” says Isaacs. “All ages are welcome, so come and soak the rodeo in.”
Traditionally, the rodeo brings a hilariously chaotic boot race to the kids — they toss their boots into a muddy pit, scramble to find their match, and leave with an adrenaline rush (and probably a little mud)!
But the rodeo magic doesn’t happen so easily. The Isaacs handle nearly every piece of event production, securing locations, permits, EMTs, security, sponsors, and more. Isaacs’ wife is his behind-the-scenes partner, editing photos for social media, running beer stands, and merch booths. Sandburr Productions, a Wildhorse Productions LLC partner, works to get the cowboys and cowgirls there, as well!
With hopes to return to Grinnell in 2026, Wildhorse Productions LLC are currently searching for a 5-acre site, which would include space for an arena approximately 80–150 square feet, and a space to house trailers, food trucks, horses, and their crowds.
In the meantime, they are encouraging you to join their “Battle for the Valley Rodeo” show on June 21 in Marengo, Iowa, and “The Friday Night Main Event Rodeo” featuring singer Austin Williams on August 8, in Tiffin, Iowa. Don’t miss out on what could be an exciting time at the rodeo — bring your cousins, kids, and friends!
To buy tickets and learn about the next rodeo near you, visit wildhorseproductionsllc.com, and follow the rodeo lifestyle on their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Not pictured: Monica St Angelo and Noelle Buehrer — Grinnell Area Arts Council
If you have recently caught a savory whiff of garlic bread or heard someone rave about Italian meatballs, chances are it led you straight to Paparoni’s!
This morning, the family-owned business stopped into the Chamber to explain the evolution of their food business into their bright yellow food truck, featuring a whimsical Italian-inspired mural painted by local artist Jordan Brennan. When Paparoni’s opened last year, the business began as a small stand at the Farmers Market, which didn’t allow them to cater or sell food for long periods of time.
But their family, made up of founder Mike and Ashley Beasley and in-laws Jim and Amber Moreno, was committed to expanding their Italian food throughout Grinnell. Now, Paparoni’s holds five licenses and has completed all code and inspection requirements, which allows them to cook for all sorts of town events in Grinnell.
Mike, a contractor by trade, outfitted the entire truck himself, with his father-in-law Jim Moreno in mind. They moved to Grinnell from Las Vegas, where Jim was already building his reputation for being a great cook to his friends and family.
“My mom would bring [Jim’s] leftovers to her friends and they’d always say, ‘oh my gosh, you could totally run a food truck!” laughs Ashley.
Inside the yellow food truck, you won’t find a microwave or a freezer — everything is made fresh daily, from the pasta to the peach cobbler. “For every dish, we try to incorporate a piece of Italy or Sicily,” says Jim. “Whether it’s the spices, the herbs, or the tomatoes, we try to make sure it has been sunkissed or touched by Italy.”
Paparoni’s menus are tailored for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On Saturday mornings at the Grinnell Farmers Market, they prepare delicious Italian-sausage pizza, creamy bread pudding, and Mike’s personal favorite: peach cobbler. Jim, whose family lineage traces back to Italy, can “cook anything Italian,” says Mike. The truck itself is a fully self-sustaining kitchen, meaning it can operate for up to 10 hours straight without needing outside energy sources.
Around town, they have catered for lunch business meetings, as well as town events, whether for Walmart’s Grand Re-Opening, Mom’s Wheels, Grinnell College’s Alumni Reunion, or Wes Finch’s Grand Opening.
“We’ve noticed that catering with our food truck at [business] events usually brings extra business for them,” shared Mike with the Chamber Ambassadors. Paparoni’s has seven upcoming events this week alone, with nearly 80 on the books for this summer already — but they’re still available to cater for weddings, park events, church gatherings, and even backyard celebrations. They’ll bring the truck — and the taste of Italy!
“Our loyalty is to Grinnell,” says Jim, “And we are trying to do as many Grinnell events as possible. We are staying in Grinnell.”
If you’re craving some deliciously fresh Italian meatballs, Paparonis’ will be open today at 7 PM at Central Park for Music at the Pavilion.
They will also be open during Music in the Park on Thursdays at 7 PM, beginning this week, but if you can’t attend those events, they are also open during Grinnell Farmers Market hours on Thursdays and Saturdays! To stay updated on where their truck will be, follow their Facebook page, Paparoni's - Grinnell, Iowa!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Dear New Residents,
Ready to jump into the Grinnell lifestyle? Join us for our New Resident Welcome this Thursday, May 22 (register link here: https://lnkd.in/grXvfPBR)! But here are some quick places to start:
To spend time and meet new people:
*️Drake Community Library
*️McNallys Foods
*️Ahrens Park outdoor fields and sports courts
*️American Brawn to play some board games, do crafts, and more!
*️Solera Wine Bar
To enjoy nature:
*️Central Park
*️Ahrens Park
*️Arbor Lake
To Enjoy Art:
*️Grinnell College Museum of Art
*️Grinnell Area Arts Council
To enjoy free community meals:
*️Grinnell Community Meal at Grinnell United Methodist Church
*️The Iowa Kitchen
To enjoy a quick snack:
*️Grin City Bakery
*️Dari Barn LLC
*️Grinnell Farmers Market
Love, the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce & our sponsors, REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell, GreenState Credit Union, UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, and Hy-Vee.
P.S. Current residents: add your favorite places below!
Lisa Griffith recently arranged an unforgettable trip for a 90-year-old to Alaska — another check off their bucket list! Griffith is a cruise, land, and tour specialist, helping people of all demographics book their next trip through her travel agency, Unravel Ur Travel.
Her travel agency began after she discovered her passion for travel. When Griffith was little, vacationing meant purely local trips to state and county fairs. At the time, the farthest she traveled was to South Dakota, but as she helped family members plan their more ambitious trips, she decided she wanted to travel, too.
So, Griffith began her own series of trips — so far, she has visited many places domestically, as well as places like Peru, Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba, Ireland, Egypt, and many more. But amidst her trips, she realized she wanted other people to experience the art of travel, too. With the support of her husband, Unravel Ur Travel was born.
“I love helping people, and I want people to have grand experiences,” Griffith says. Her travel agency sends people everywhere in the world, whether for cruises, independent travel, escorted or guided trips, and even rail. She also sets people up with car rentals, hotels, and itineraries, and works to limit fees as best as possible recognizing how those can sometimes hinder travel.
At any given time, Griffith is planning several itineraries, and has been hiring folks to help support the growing business. Recently, she hired a team member to provide group tours around the world, including for cruises, rail, land, and more.
As you travel, Griffith is by your side every step of the way, from before your trip to during and after. Griffith herself is there for you, along with her team. But if you are uneasy about traveling by yourself, she can arrange for someone to accompany you during bus and airplane transfers, and lead the way as you move from one itinerary spot to another.
When you reach out to Griffith, she will ask you a few questions to get your dream trip started — she’ll ask about budget, specific places on your bucket list, and whether you are looking for a more solo or group-oriented kind of trip.
“I’ll send proposals for clients to look at, but usually I like to get a feel for what they want and the fun experiences they wish to have,” shares Griffith. So, if you’re looking to travel this year or next, book with Unravel Ur Travel! It is never too expensive or too late to travel, or as Griffith puts it, “it is the memories and experiences you will have that last a lifetime.” Griffith’s mascot, Maxx, for example, travels everywhere with her, too!
Chamber Ambassadors, listed from left to right:
