The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors gathered at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling on Friday, December 19th, to celebrate recent milestones for the company and recognize years of growth, investment, and leadership at the Atlantic facility.

During the visit, Bill Garrett, Plant Manager, reflected on the many changes that have taken place over the past eight years, a period marked by expansion, modernization, and a strong focus on people and processes. Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling experienced significant transformation following Coca-Cola’s refranchising efforts in 2016, which expanded the company’s distribution territory and created new opportunities for growth. What began as a two-market operation has since grown to serve 10 markets across five states.

Since 2017, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling has made more than $14 million in investments locally, including major facility upgrades, the purchase of the Locust Street building, and extensive renovations to support long-term modernization. Production capacity has increased dramatically with expanded can and bottle lines, added automation, and the ability to produce up to 1 million canned products in a two-shift day, with an overall plant capacity of approximately 8.5 million cases annually.

Garrett emphasized that these achievements are rooted in a strong commitment to people, safety, and continuous improvement. The Atlantic facility has gone nearly 13 years without a Lost Time Safety Incident, an accomplishment that reflects a deeply ingrained culture of safety and teamwork. Over the same period, the workforce has grown from 14 employees to 50, supporting both operational excellence and economic impact in the community.

The visit also marked a moment of reflection as Bill Garrett prepares for retirement after 49 years in the production and packaging industry, including eight years at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling. As the transition approaches, leadership expressed confidence in the future of the Atlantic plant, with Andy Fewson set to assume leadership on January 1, continuing the focus on people, safety, and continuous improvement.

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling remains a vital part of the Atlantic community, demonstrating how dedicated employees, investment, and innovation can drive long-term success.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed Coyote Willow Wind, a wind energy project based in Cass and Audubon Counties, as a new Chamber member on Thursday, December 18th, 2025. The Ambassadors visited with representatives from Apex Clean Energy, the developer exploring the feasibility of the Coyote Willow Wind project, to learn more about the initiative and its potential benefits for the local community.

Coyote Willow Wind is a proposed wind energy project designed to generate clean, renewable electricity while supporting economic growth in southwest Iowa. The project is designed to work alongside existing agricultural operations, allowing landowners to continue farming while receiving stable, long-term lease payments that support family farms and rural businesses.

Jared Beckstrom, Senior Development Manager with Apex Clean Energy, shared that landowner partnerships are central to the project’s success. Participating landowners are compensated for turbines as well as access roads and infrastructure, creating additional income while preserving productive farmland. The project is expected to bring local investment during construction and provide long-term jobs to support ongoing operations and maintenance.

In addition to landowner benefits, Coyote Willow Wind is expected to generate increased tax revenue that can support local schools, infrastructure, and public services. The project emphasizes transparency and community engagement through open communication, informational meetings, and ongoing outreach to ensure the project reflects local values.

The Ambassadors appreciated learning how renewable energy development can strengthen rural economies while respecting landowners, the environment, and community priorities. As a new Chamber member, Coyote Willow Wind looks forward to building partnerships and being an active participant in Cass County.

The Coyote Willow Wind office is located at 405 Market Street in Audubon. For more information, visit https://www.coyotewillowwind.com/

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently visited TS Bank to celebrate the milestone anniversary of 10 years of serving the Atlantic community.

TS Bank moved into its current location, formerly the Cherry Corner Insurance building, in December of 2015. After a full renovation, the building was transformed into a modern, welcoming space that supports TS Bank’s client-centered approach while preserving the charm of the long-standing historical structure.

During the visit, Ambassadors learned about the bank’s history and its deep commitment to the communities it serves. The Guttau Family has owned TS Bank and its affiliates since the early 1970s and continues to lead by example when it comes to community investment. As part of its mission to “ignite prosperity,” TS Bank reinvests 10% of its pre-tax profits directly back into the communities where it operates.

In Atlantic, this investment has supported a wide range of local projects and organizations, including Shift ATL mural initiatives, neighborhood painting projects, improvements at Schildberg Recreation Area, the YMCA, Ann Wicksman Child Development Center, and financial literacy programs in local classrooms. The bank also encourages its employees to be actively involved by offering 50 hours of paid volunteer hours per employee each year, reinforcing its commitment to service and community leadership.

TS Bank team members shared their appreciation for the strong relationships built over the past decade and expressed excitement for the future. They emphasized that Atlantic’s support has played an important role in the bank’s growth and that they remain dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting local businesses, and strengthening the overall well-being of the community.

TS Bank is located at 15 E 3rd Street in Atlantic and provides personal banking, business banking, and financial planning services. For more information about TS Bank, visit https://www.tsbank.com/.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited The Elbow Room on Thursday, December 4th to welcome the business as new Chamber members and to learn more about the long-standing history of the establishment and its owners, Zach and Christine Blanchard.

Located at 19 E 3rd Street in Atlantic, The Elbow Room is a relaxed and welcoming bar with decades of history in the community. During the visit, Zach Blanchard shared the story of how the establishment began as Irv’s Elbow Room, named after its original owner, Irv Lehman. Zach’s mother, Marilyn Blanchard, began working at the bar in the 1950s and became a fundamental part of the day-to-day operations. In the late 1970s, Marilyn took over the business, and following Irv’s passing, she purchased the building in the early 1990s, solidifying the Elbow Room as fixture in Atlantic’s downtown.

In 2021, Zach and Christine fully purchased the business continuing the family legacy. Zach shared with the Ambassadors that the experience of owning the business has brought him immense personal growth and a renewed sense of purpose. With that purpose has come a strengthened commitment to creating an environment that is both relaxed and welcoming place where patrons feel at home.

The couple is known for their generosity, often cooking meals “for an army” and bringing them to the bar to share with patrons who may not have family to spend holidays with. Zach noted that the business is thriving, and he looks forward to giving back to the community that continues to support him and his family.

The Elbow Room is open from noon to 2:00 AM, seven days a week, and offers beer, wine, liquor, soft drinks, energy drinks, and more. The establishment also features live performers, a juke box, pool table, darts, and slot machines providing a fun and comfortable atmosphere for all who walk through its doors.

For more information or to visit, stop by 19 E 3rd Street, Atlantic, and see firsthand why The Elbow Room remains a fun local gathering spot