The Kalona Chamber of Commerce voted at their March 19 board meeting to start the ByWays Tours of the community and rural countryside the weekend of the 50th Annual Kalona Quilt Show and sale, April 23 and 24.
Tours were suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic. Drivers have been secured and proper sanitary measures will be taken. The 90-minute tours will again start at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday through Saturday, depending on having riders.
The board approved Kris Burns of Hills Bank as the new Chamber Board treasurer, replacing Casey Peck who has resigned from the board. She and Jeremy Hassman, manager of Kalona Brewing Company, were recently named to the board, replacing Peck and Katie Miller, who resigned when she accepted a position with Sharon Telephone Company.
The board also voted to work with Krista Hershberger of Kalona Chocolates in sponsoring the Downtown Kalona Farmers Market, but a starting date will be announced later, as will the charge for vendors. Jody Drozd of CBI Bank and Trust, Jeremy Hassman-Kalona Brewing Company and Olivia Kahler of Kalona Library will provide oversight for the market.
The chamber is also considering adopting the following Mission statement: “The Kalona Area Chamber of Commerce initiates programs and activities that will advance the general welfare and prosperity of Kalona area businesses resulting in an improved quality of life for the entire Kalona community.”
The board also decide to have the Chamber webpage updated once a new Chamber manager is hired.
