Chamber Ambassador Network of Muscatine

05/28/2026

The Chamber Ambassadors did a “bank run” today! 💰🏦

We decided we needed to find out which local bank was handing out money and who had the best CD rates! While nobody was exactly giving money away, we had an amazing morning visiting some incredible financial institutions right here in Muscatine.

Our first stop was MidwestOne, now becoming Nicolet National Bank, where we were welcomed by our very own Ty Grunder, AVP Commercial Lending. Ty shared the history behind Nicolet and what they’re bringing to Muscatine. It’s an exciting time as this Wisconsin-based bank brings its strong farming and industrial banking roots to commercial lending and wealth management here locally. We discussed how the heart of First National Bank still remains in Muscatine and is stronger than ever with the new Nicolet ownership. There’s a lot of exciting branding and growth ahead while still keeping those local roots alive.

Next, we visited CBI Bank & Trust and received a grand tour from Branch Manager Sherill Funke. We had the opportunity to meet several department leaders and hear about upcoming expansion plans and hiring opportunities. One of the most impressive things about CBI is that their marketing department is based right here in Muscatine, serving the Quad Cities and surrounding areas while bringing jobs to our community. They continue to provide that hometown Midwest charm and exceptional banking service. CBI has always been such a generous supporter of the Chamber, and we’re incredibly thankful for their ongoing membership and partnership.

We then headed over to Members Community Credit Union’s Lending Hub location, where we met newly promoted President Samantha Eaton and her team. What a beautiful facility! MCCU is also a major sponsor of next week’s Women’s Leadership Summit. A huge congratulations to Samantha on her promotion, and thank you for always supporting local initiatives and giving back to the community. We love seeing local leaders grow and succeed!

We also heard Community Bank & Trust President Wayne Johannsen was on vacation, so naturally we thought it was the perfect time to check on the team! Sure enough, they were having a party… probably because of all the amazing CD and loan rates they’re offering! 😄 Our very own Jill Waring, Branch Manager & Retail Banking Officer, gave us a fantastic tour. It’s hard to believe that branch used to be a Blockbuster! The team there brings over 100 years of combined banking experience, and their knowledge and hospitality truly shine. Thank you, Jill and team!

Next, we made our way to Ascentra Credit Union, where we met Muscatine Branch Manager and local community supporter Juan Izaguirre. Juan is bringing so much energy and fun into banking, and we enjoyed hearing about the many upcoming events Ascentra has planned both locally and in surrounding communities.

We wrapped up our morning at U.S. Bank, where we met new Branch Manager Becky and learned more about their small business banking promotions. Having a bank with global resources and local connections right here in Muscatine is truly exciting.

While none of the banks were technically handing out free money, we still had an absolute blast learning about the incredible services, rates, opportunities, and community involvement each institution has to offer. Muscatine is fortunate to have such a strong banking community that continues to support local businesses, organizations, and the Chamber.

It was a great morning filled with laughs, networking, and community pride! ❤️

05/22/2026

What a great Business After Hours last night!!

04/23/2026

The Chamber Ambassadors kicked off their morning bright and early with a series of business visits—and it was the perfect reminder of how special downtown Muscatine truly is. We highly recommend starting your day with a stroll through downtown and stopping in to support these amazing local establishments! 🍉

We began our morning at The Coffee Belt, where we were warmly welcomed with much-needed caffeine. With two locations and a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, it’s a go-to spot not just for great coffee, but for even better conversation. Thank you to The Coffee Belt for being our first stop! ☕️

Next, we headed to Muscatine Travel, where hospitality starts long before your trip begins. With no booking fees and expert guidance, they make planning your next adventure—whether it’s Cancun or Europe—easy and exciting. ✈️

Our next stop was Great River Tire & Service, where Dozer felt right at home! This local shop offers much more than tires—they provide friendly, reliable service and recently added a state-of-the-art alignment machine to better serve the community. The future is looking bright for this growing business! 🛞

Just across the way, we visited Musser Public Library. We had the chance to connect with the amazing staff and learn about their upcoming summer reading program. One highlight: the “Dino at the Dome” event in June, featuring life-size dinosaurs and fun activities for all ages. We’re so fortunate to have such a high-quality library in our community! 📚

We also stopped by Neil’s Vacuum & Sewing Center to celebrate an incredible milestone-75 years in business! Their dedication to the community is inspiring, and they continue to offer beautiful fabrics, expert repairs, and even host events like quilt retreats that bring visitors into Muscatine. What an amazing legacy! 🪡

We wrapped up our morning at Allison & Kreitner, P.C.. With over 50 years of experience in probate and real estate law, their knowledge and commitment to serving local families and businesses truly stood out. Plus, we shared plenty of laughs along the way! ⚖️

What a fantastic morning in downtown Muscatine. Our community is thriving, and the growth is exciting to see. Take some time to explore downtown, support local businesses, introduce yourself, and maybe even make a new friend or two. We’re lucky to have such a strong small business community—let’s continue to support it! 💜💛

04/17/2026

💐 Moms deserve more than just a meal 💐

Give her a moment to slow down, be celebrated, and enjoy an unforgettable Mother’s Day Brunch at The Merrill Hotel by Chef Tessa.

✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere
🍽️ Endless brunch favorites
🥂 The perfect way to gather as a family

Featuring a menu thoughtfully prepared by our culinary team, including a prime rib carving station, fresh seafood, brunch classics, and decadent desserts.

📅 May 10th | ⏰ 10AM–1:30PM

📞 Call to reserve: 563-770-7005

03/31/2026

Save the date! 💜

03/20/2026

Yesterday was a great afternoon connecting with our local business community during Chamber Ambassador visits on March 19! We had the opportunity to stop in, check in, and support several valued members across town.

A big thank you to the following businesses for welcoming us:

• Addington Place
• Palms Theater
• Pearl City Salon & Barber
• Todd Hackett Construction
• YMCA
• CBI Bank & Trust

We appreciate the time each business took to share updates, highlight their services, and continue building strong relationships within our community. It’s always inspiring to see the growth, dedication, and impact our Chamber members bring to Muscatine!

02/27/2026

The Chamber Ambassadors monthly visits kicked off on the north side of Muscatine yesterday afternoon, and what an incredible day it was celebrating the businesses that make our community thrive!

Our Ambassadors started at Raymond Corporation, newly rebranded as TMH Toyota Material Handling. We had the opportunity to see the recent facelift of the facility and hear about the exciting future plans for their Muscatine location. This site holds such rich history, built on decades of dedication, innovation, and culture. Who remembers when it was called Prime Mover? It’s amazing to see how this facility continues to evolve while remaining deeply rooted in our community.

Next, the group visited AFC Industries, hosted by Chamber Ambassador Chelsea Harms. Formerly known as White Distribution & Supply, AFC is so much more than what many see when they drive by each day. As a high-level industrial supplier, they serve countless businesses throughout Muscatine and the surrounding areas. But their focus goes far beyond simply supplying a product, they provide service, inventory management, and customized solutions that help keep our local industries running strong. Their behind-the-scenes impact on our community is truly impressive.

We then stopped at Toyota of Muscatine, where we heard about the hot upcoming deals on both new and used vehicles. It’s exciting to hear how the auto industry is continuing to thrive heading into 2026. We appreciate their continued support of the Chamber and their investment in serving local families and businesses.

Our next visit was with Ed Morse Muscatine, where we were warmly welcomed by Executive Manager Joey Kreiger. Joey proudly carries on the legacy started by his grandfather and father, keeping strong family roots at the heart of the dealership. Ed Morse continues to grow nationally while maintaining a deep commitment to Muscatine and the surrounding communities. And yes, we couldn’t miss that beautiful St. Patrick’s green Corvette!

We wrapped up the afternoon at Carver Pump Company, where we learned about their exciting expansion and continued growth. Business leader Andy Carver shared stories of the company’s beginnings with his grandfather and father, highlighting the strong family foundation behind the business. HR Manager, Megan Randoll, spoke passionately about local employment opportunities and the importance of encouraging students to explore careers in the trades. While Carver has a global footprint, their commitment to providing quality jobs right here in Muscatine is something we can all be proud of.

It was a fun, rewarding afternoon filled with meaningful conversations and inspiring stories. These businesses are not only growing, but they are investing in people, supporting local families, and strengthening the Muscatine community every single day. 💜💛

02/26/2026

Some of our Ambassadors enjoyed an incredible Lunch & Learn with Rich Dwyer, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Enterprise Risk Management at KENT® Corporation.

Rich brings more than 40 years of experience with KENT®, growing from a sales trainee to President of KENT Feeds and later President of Kent Nutrition Group. Today, he leads corporate affairs, community and government relations, and enterprise risk management. A native of Atkinson, Illinois, Rich earned his degree in Animal Industries from Southern Illinois University and continues to be inspired by the innovation and growth of the family-owned company.

During the discussion, our Ambassadors heard firsthand about the importance of community involvement, the growing impact of AI in the workplace, and why compassion is essential in effective leadership. His insights were both inspiring and practical.

The Muscatine community is truly fortunate to have Rich and his family here locally, making a lasting impact and inspiring so many.

Thank you to everyone who joined us & a special thank you to Boonie's On the Avenue for hosting— and stay tuned for our next leadership event!

01/30/2026

✨ The Chamber Ambassadors kicked off the year strong with a full afternoon of business visits—and a lot of fun along the way! ✨

📍 First stop: Pierce Furniture
We checked out all the beautiful new furniture displays this local shop has to offer… and yes, we may have tested a few of them! 😉

👞 Next up: Quality Cobbler
This iconic gem at Muscatine Mall is your go-to for industrial boots and expert repairs. They even take care of heel repairs for hardworking women on the go! 👠 Be sure to check out everything this shop brings to our community.

🕶 Vision Center PC
Their eyewear selection is strong—from prescription needs to stylish shades that’ll have you ready for all the sunny days ahead!

🐾 Muscatine Veterinary Hospital
The number of furry friends that come through their doors is amazing—and the love they have for our pets is something you feel the moment you walk in.

👡 Shoe Sensation
With spring break right around the corner, we had to stop in and check out the hot deals on stylish sandals and more. They’ve got you covered!

💰 LPI Loans
They make the loan inquiry process easy, simple, and welcoming—helping community members work toward their financial dreams.

🏗 Affordable Metals Manufacturing
Wow! This growing business has a bright future. We’re lucky to have them locally supporting metal building construction needs right here in our community.

It was a great afternoon visiting our amazing Chamber members. As you can see, the Ambassadors had a blast! If you haven’t visited these businesses yet, we highly recommend stopping in and seeing firsthand how incredible our local community truly is. 💜💛

11/04/2025