The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors welcomed the Strong As Steele Foundation as a new Chamber member during a visit on Thursday, July 30th, at the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce office. During the visit, Ambassadors learned about the foundation’s mission and the personal story that inspired it.

In October 2020, Steele McLaren suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling from a truck on his way home from a hunting trip. The months that followed were filled with challenges, but thanks to his determination, countless prayers, and the support of family, friends, and the community, Steele made an incredible recovery and now lives a full and independent life.

After seeing firsthand what that support meant, the McLaren family wanted to give something back. They established the Strong As Steele Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families facing traumatic brain injuries and other life-changing medical situations while supporting the communities that support them.

Foundation members shared that much of what they do happens behind the scenes. While many people know Steele and his family through the volunteer work they do throughout the community, they also spend time mentoring families facing similar circumstances, answering late-night phone calls, attending benefit fundraisers, and simply being there for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Having walked that road themselves, they understand the challenges in a way few others can.

The foundation currently raises money through its annual fundraising dinner and hopes to add additional events in the future. As a new Chamber member, the Strong As Steele Foundation looks forward to becoming more involved in the community while continuing its mission of serving families throughout southwest Iowa.

For more information about the Strong As Steele Foundation, to learn how you can support its mission, or to make a donation, visit the Strong As Steele Foundation on Facebook or call 712-254-0708.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited the Cass County Fair on Thursday, July 23rd, to hear about the activities, improvements, and new attractions planned for this year’s fair.

For generations, the Cass County Fair has brought together families, exhibitors, volunteers, and visitors from across southwest Iowa. During the visit, Cass County Fair Board Member Liz Denny highlighted what’s new for 2026 and recognized the volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who continue to make the fair possible. The Cass County Fair remains the only completely free county fair in Iowa, with food being the only cost to attend.

One of the biggest additions this year is a new food trailer, purchased through generous community donations and proceeds from the fair’s food stand. The trailer allows volunteers to serve food in multiple locations throughout the fairgrounds, making it easier for visitors to grab a meal without missing the action. On Friday evening, it will be located near the bull riding event before moving to the tractor pulls on Saturday, helping reduce lines at the main food stand and Chuckwagon during two of the fair’s busiest events.

Liz shared that volunteers and supporters come from every corner of Cass County to help make the fair a success. Because so many people donate their time in the food stand, proceeds can be reinvested into improvements like the new trailer instead of payroll. That same community support makes it possible to offer the variety of activities and entertainment visitors enjoy throughout fair week.

Also new this year is Fisherman Dan’s Comedy Stunt Show, with performances Saturday from 4:00 to 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 to 6:30 p.m., and Sunday from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. and 6:00 to 6:30 p.m. Visitors will also notice new entrance signs, updated signage, and QR codes that provide quick access to the daily schedule, food specials, and event information.

The Cass County Fair runs Thursday, July 23rd, through Tuesday, July 28th, at the Cass County Fairgrounds, 1000 Fair Ave. in Atlantic. For daily food specials, event schedules, and updates, visit www.casscofairia.com or follow Cass County Fair – Iowa on Facebook.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Rolling Hills Bank & Trust on Thursday, July 16th, to celebrate the bank’s 150th anniversary and recognize its long history of serving southwest Iowa communities.

Originally established as Anita State Bank in 1876, just one year after the City of Anita was incorporated, the bank has been serving the region for a century and a half. After a group of investors purchased the bank in 1986, the charter was moved to Atlantic in 1989, and the institution became Rolling Hills Bank & Trust. While the bank has expanded through new branches and acquisitions over the years, it has remained locally owned with a focus on community banking.

Rolling Hills Bank & Trust now operates 12 locations, including nine in Iowa, two in Minnesota, and one in Wyoming. The bank employs 76 team members, with 28 working from its Atlantic location. Since CEO Joyce Lundy joined the organization in 1995, assets have grown from approximately $12 million to nearly $493 million.

Joyce, who was named Chief Executive Officer on February 1, has spent 44 years in the banking industry and has worked in every department during her career, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer. The bank also recently announced leadership changes with Megan Burg serving as Operations and Processes Manager and Ashley Williams as Retail Operations Manager and Business Continuity Coordinator.

To mark the anniversary, Rolling Hills Bank & Trust is hosting customer appreciation celebrations at each of its 12 locations throughout the year. The events will feature meals, giveaways, and opportunities to thank the valued customers and communities that have supported the bank for 150 years.

Rolling Hills Bank & Trust is located at 1307 E 7th Street in Atlantic. For more information about personal and business banking services, call 712-243-2424, visit www.rollinghillsbank.com, or follow Rolling Hills Bank & Trust on Facebook.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated with Vision Atlantic on Thursday with a ribbon cutting for the completion of its new tiny home short-term rental development. Chamber Ambassadors, community members, project partners, and Vision Atlantic representatives gathered to celebrate a milestone that continues to move the community’s housing initiative forward.

Following a housing readiness study completed with Iowa State University Extension, community leaders identified a significant need for additional housing in Atlantic, leading to the creation of Vision Atlantic. As plans for new residential development took shape, the organization also recognized a need for quality short-term lodging for visitors, traveling professionals, and families spending time in the community.

The development includes 10 fully furnished tiny homes available for stays of up to 13 weeks. The rentals are designed to accommodate a variety of guests, including traveling nurses, business professionals, families visiting loved ones, wedding guests, and those attending community events. The mirrored floor plans include both one-bedroom and two-bedroom options, with each home also featuring a roll-out cot to provide additional sleeping space.

Vision Atlantic President Christina Bateman recognized Board Member Jessie Shiels for leading the project from concept to completion. Shiels oversaw the design, color selections, and overall character of the development, with each tiny home receiving the name of a different city to inspire its interior décor, including Durango, Aspen, Austin, Sedona, Jackson, Bozeman, Charleston, Savannah, Fargo, and Madison.

Bateman also expressed appreciation to the many local businesses and partners whose contributions helped make the project a reality. Financing was provided by First Whitney Bank & Trust and Rolling Hills Bank & Trust. Brymons Interiors helped furnish each home, Atlantic Municipal Utilities completed the electrical installation, and NISHNANET installed the custom locking systems, internet infrastructure, and internet service. Matt Leighton and Eric Steinhoff served as project contractors, while Logan Weirich of Weirich Welding donated the custom metal name signs displayed at each home.

The rentals will be listed on Airbnb once the property’s address is officially recognized. Until then, reservations may be made by emailing visionatlanticrentals@gmail.com. Nightly rates range from $175 to $260, with discounted weekly and monthly rates available. Rental rates also include cleaning services.

The tiny homes represent another important step in Vision Atlantic’s long-term vision for Camblin Hills. Once completed, the 49-acre development will feature approximately 140 homes, a 300-child childcare center, a neighborhood park, and two miles of walking trails, helping address Atlantic’s housing needs while creating a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited the Nishna Valley Family YMCA on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026, to celebrate Dan Haynes’ 35th anniversary as Executive Director.

Dan began his career with the Nishna Valley Family YMCA in July 1991. At that time, the organization employed just 10 staff members, including only one full-time employee, and served approximately 350 members. Over the past 35 years, the YMCA has experienced tremendous growth under Dan’s leadership and now employs nearly 140 staff members while serving more than 1,500 members throughout the Atlantic area.

Throughout his time, Dan has remained committed to the YMCA’s mission of strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. His leadership has helped expand programs, services, and community partnerships while creating a welcoming place where people of all ages can learn, grow, and connect.

During the visit, Dan and his wife, Leslie, shared stories of raising their young family while growing the YMCA and adapting its programs and facilities to meet the changing needs of the community. YMCA Board President Ruth Sears reflected on Dan’s impact, sharing that he has played a key role in many of the organization’s most significant accomplishments over the past three decades. Whether leading the YMCA or volunteering his time throughout the community, she said Dan has consistently led by example. She also credited him with creating a welcoming environment for thousands of youth and adults while never seeking recognition for his efforts.

The Ambassadors congratulated Dan on this remarkable milestone and thanked him for his 35 years of leadership, dedication, and service to both the Nishna Valley Family YMCA and the Atlantic community.

The Nishna Valley Family YMCA is located at 1100 Maple Street in Atlantic. For more information about membership, programs, or upcoming events, call 712-243-3934, visit www.nishnavalleyymca.com, or follow the Nishna Valley Family YMCA on Facebook.