Author: BDH

Check out this video as we take a look back at some major events, gatherings and other fun had in Marshalltown, Iowa in 2021. It features Oktemberfest, the Holiday Stroll, the huge Fourth of July fireworks show and more!

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According to the population numbers recently reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, Marshalltown kept pace with similar-sized communities in Iowa. Between 2010 and 2020 Marshalltown showed a slight growth from 27,552 to 27,591 or an increase in population of 0.1%.

“Given what has transpired in this community over the last several years with two significant natural disasters, you would expect to see a sharp decline in population as a result,” said John Hall, President & CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. “The results we received of effectively holding steady came as a welcome surprise and means we are incredibly well positioned to bounce back from those disasters and grow from there.”

In comparison to other cities of similar size in the state, Marshalltown, Muscatine and Ottumwa saw growth while Fort Dodge, Mason City, Burlington and Clinton saw a population decline.

Marshall County as a whole did see a decline of 1.3 percent in population.

“We will continue to work with our partners in other area towns to help with the growth of the county,” Hall said. “It’s no secret that the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce has ambitious growth plans for Marshalltown and Marshall County and it’s going to take growth in all corners of the county in order to make that happen.” 

By Andrew Potter, Tourism Director

One of the best parts of my job is giving city tours to prospective employees or new hires for Marshalltown businesses and other entities. 

I get to talk about something I love – Marshalltown- and I essentially get to give a 45-minute commercial for the town.

I get to meet people from various backgrounds who are willing and interested in learning more. A few years ago, I also had the pleasure of helping a candidate push his airplane across the runway at the Marshalltown Airport so he could gas it up before his flight home – that always makes for a good story.

The route I take and each tour’s focus is usually dictated by the interests of the person I’m with. 

Several months ago, a young man on our tour said he loved playing tennis and biking on trails. As you can guess I had a field day with him pointing out the brand new Marshalltown Court Complex, the Linn Creek Recreational Trail and River’s Edge Trail. That was a slam dunk in my book.

I’ve also been fortunate to give tours to small buses of international visitors. I’ll never forget driving by the Alliant Energy plant east of town, which then started a discussion of power plants on the bus. One international visitor brought up a slice of Americana that he knew – Homer Simpson. I assured him that this was not a nuclear power plant and Homer Simpson, in fact, did not work at that plant in Marshalltown. It was good for a laugh, though.

I’m looking forward to one of my biggest tours yet this September. I get to lead a tour of a bus full of Marshalltown High School graduates from the classes of 1950-1959 as part of the Fabulous 50s reunion. They will visit as part of Oktemberfest weekend and are sure to have a lot of fun in town.

As we look to continue to get positive messages out about Marshalltown, I encourage all of you to be my assistant tour guides. When you have new people in town, point out the Linn Creek Recreational Trail as it winds through town. Hop out and do a quick tour inside the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA, which has impressed more visitors than I can count. Swing by Main Street which is seeing improvements by the day and then let them soak in the uniqueness of the 13th Street District. A few chocolates from Lillie Mae’s there can help sweeten any deal, by the way.

Many of the people that I’ve taken on tours are surprised and often say “I didn’t know Marshalltown had this much to offer.”

It is all of our jobs to make sure we get the word out on the great things we have to offer here in Marshalltown. Since we reside here, we already know what a great place Marshalltown is to live, work and play. Let’s be more adamant in not keeping that a secret.

Andrew Potter is Tourism Director with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce.

John Hall has been named the next President and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s Board of Directors made the announcement this week. Hall comes to Marshalltown from his post as Vice President of the Ames Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Commission. His work at the Ames Chamber of Commerce focused on business and community development. 

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce,” said Hall. “The community is tremendously well positioned for growth and opportunities for new business, new housing, new residents, and increased tourism.”

An Iowa State University graduate, Hall also holds a certification in economic development from the International Economic Development Council. 

His experience in Ames had him serving as Executive Director for the Nevada Economic Development Council and Ames Main Street, in addition to leading the Ames Seed Capital organization. 

“We had an extensive search for our leader of the Chamber and we couldn’t be more excited about the choice of John Hall,” said Joe Carter, Chair of the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “John brings a ton of experience to the position, but more importantly he brings a skill set and enthusiasm to lead this organization and help our local communities and businesses grow and thrive. We are excited to welcome John and Brianna and their new daughter to Marshalltown. They will be a huge asset to the community and I’m proud to have them join us!” 

Hall will begin leading the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce on August 2^nd. 
Contact John Hall, President & CEO at jhall@marshalltown.org.