Downtown & Community Progress 2025
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“The Webster City Area Chamber is committed to serving as a model for Main Street."
The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce
is helping along the way
“The Webster City Area Chamber is committed to serving as a model for Main Street."
is helping along the way
By KOLLEEN TAYLOR
Working together.
That is the role of the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce.
Afterall, it’s what all Chambers of Commerce are supposed to do: bring the varied talents and resources of local business people and those who support them together to build a better community.
They often find themselves working together when things get tough.
Like in 1939, in the local Chamber’s beginning, when the Great Depression had taken its toll on the businesses of Webster City. Those businesses bonded together and formed the Commercial Club to try to break out of the doom and gloom that had stifled nearly everyone.
They planned an event. It was a pancake feed and corn contest that drew thousands into the heart of Webster City.
So they planned another event. And yet another.
By 1940, the bonding and sharing of resources made life a bit easier for not only the business community, but the entire city.
At that point, the Commercial Club evolved into the Webster City Chamber of Commerce.
Fast forward to today.
Today’s Chamber Director Anna Woodward was hired in 2022. It’s a job that takes energy, a positive attitude and patience. She came on at a time when many people were weary. Covid was not far in the rear window and it seemed there was no end to bad news.
It wasn’t the Great Depression this time, but it probably felt like it.
Woodward brought forward a “can do” attitude, embracing the future. She found a community needing her quiet strength and perseverance. It needed creative ideas that looked forward, not backward.
That’s what a Chamber director does: works closely with the Board of Directors and volunteers. Even with the name change, 78 years ago, they worked together to make positive things happen in the community.
The Webster City Area Chamber of
moment
update Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson on the Annual Report as they prepare for the Chamber's upcoming annual meeting of the Chamber membership.
Commerce sits in the heart of downtown Webster City, in the former Farmers’ National Bank building. The Board of Directors were able to purchase the building from Availa Bank in 2017, with plans to repair and renovate. This plan was to set the stage for others, so other property owners could see how important it was to invest and improve the buildings in the downtown area.
Covid and unexpected problems delayed the plans. It finally happened in 2024, when the Chamber was able to find someone to repair, reinforce and reface the west wall.
Revitalizing the downtown buildings is long overdue. As stated in its Annual Report:
“The Webster City Area Chamber is
CHAMBER,
“I’m not from Webster City, but it’s become my home. I love the people here and wanted to stay.”
ROBERT E. OLIVER
Kevin Rubash, owner of Webster City’s Interior Spaces, is used to hearing it. Customers from out of town walk into his store downtown and say:
“What a beautiful store. I wish we had one like it in our town.”
In Rubash’s world, “beautiful” is a compliment, sure, but it’s also his business. Furniture is an expensive purchase and has to hold up well. But increasingly, it’s also a fashion statement.
Substance and style is what’s for sale every day at Interior Spaces. Fifty years ago, furniture stores were more common in small town America. Over the years Pringle’s, Johnson Furniture, Von Feldt
Home
on price. It’s a fine balancing act.
Rubash had a humble start in the business.
“I took a ‘summer job’ at Home Appliance & Television in 1990. I was still there nine years later.”
Over those years, he developed a style of selling that still goes down well with shoppers today. In fact, it isn’t so much selling as helping people buy the right furniture for their homes.
“I saw a lot of very traditional Christmas looks and styles at market. Angels and poinsettias will be prominent.”
By ROBERT E. OLIVER
Home furnishings are guided by general fashion trends, but who or what decides what those will be?
The answer, at least in part, can be found in Las Vegas in mid-February every year at the Las Vegas International Market, one of the biggest wholesale furniture and gift shows in the country.
To get some insight into what’s new in 2025, Kevin Rubash, of Interior Spaces, Webster City, weighed in. Here’s what was new at market this year, and how that translates into what you’ll see in his local store.
“Market can be overwhelming. It’s housed in three massive buildings; one is 32 stories tall,” Rubash said in an interview the week after Market. “It’s all about seeing and touching new merchandise first-hand. You meet buyers and sellers from all over the world, so it’s a chance to hear what they’re thinking and, ultimately, buying for their customers.”
And what exactly will that be?
“I never seriously considered owning a business myself.”
“Well, first you need to know I’m placing orders this week for next Christmas,” Rubash said. “It takes that long for manufacturers to make the goods and get them shipped so we get them in time.”
Be prepared for red — lots of red, according to Rubash.
“I saw a lot of very traditional Christmas looks and styles at market. Angels and poinsettias will be prominent.” In 2024, snowmen were a strong theme in Christmas merchandise.
“There was a real push to sell a pastel Christmas look, but I thought it a bit of a wildcard that wouldn’t have broad appeal.”
Continued from Page 1B
In September 2001, recognizing Rubash would be an asset on the floor of her already successful store, Pat Westcott asked Rubash to come to work for her at The Color Machine in Webster City.
“She was mostly selling paint and floor coverings then, and wanted to add furniture to the store’s mix. She wanted me to help her get there,” Rubash recalled.
Ten years ago, on January 9, 2015, to be precise, Rubash was asked to make one of the biggest decisions of his career: to buy, or not to buy, Westcott’s business Classic Carpets & Interiors.
“I never seriously considered owning a business myself. I wasn’t sure I wanted all the responsibility that comes with that,” Rubash mused while sitting in a stylish chair in his showroom. He asked Westcott if he could have a year to think about it. In recognition of their many years of working together, she agreed.
While thinking about becoming a business owner, Rubash became aware of how rooted he’d become in town.
“I’m not from Webster City, but it’s become my home. I love the people here and wanted to stay.”
So, as the months went along and he looked at the many aspects of store ownership, Rubash got closer and closer to yes.
Result? Rubash passed on pastel Christmas goods.
Another trend at market “is more naturallooking Christmas trees. They’re not so busy, more open and airy, not an ornament everywhere you look.” In 2023 and 2024, flocked Christmas trees were big sellers, but they’ll be noticeably absent this year.
Most of the trees are manufactured in China, Thailand and Vietnam, but not one has been made yet. Rubash advised, “they’re built to order and will ship in July, but I won’t put them on the floor until November.” What will one of these new, improved trees cost, say a seven-footer that’s pre-lit? Rubash suggests you figure on something around $600.
With big box stores putting out the Christmas goods while Halloween merchandise is still being sold, why doesn’t Rubash do the same? “It takes away from the holiday spirit,” he said.
Rushing Christmas would also interfere with Halloween itself, which has gained in importance to retailers in recent years.
Last year, the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce held its Ladies Night Out on October 10, with a theme of Pumpkin Palooza. Rubash recalled, “there were
“Once I decided to buy the business, the question of money came up,” Rubash said. “I didn’t have the money, so a loan — a pretty big loan — was key to the deal.”
It was then that Webster City got its chance to love Kevin Rubash back.
“I went to Dave Taylor at First State Bank and asked for that loan.”
Like any good, careful banker, Taylor said he needed time to think about it.
But, as things turned out, not much time.
“The same day he called back saying, we’ll give you whatever you need.”
Rubash was now the proud, if still slightly nervous, owner of Classic Carpets & Interiors. Looking back at how it happened, he’s humbled by it to this day.
“They took a chance on me and Webster City. I give them a lot of credit for that.”
One of the first tasks was to rename the store.
“I thought to myself, I’m more than carpet.”
And with that, Interior Spaces was born, a
name giving Rubash latitude to sell whatever a customer might need to furnish or remodel their home.
Westcott died at her winter home in Mesa, Arizona, on February 6, 2019, but she’s never really left the business she created on Second Street. With a tone of gratitude in his voice, Rubash said, “Pat is always here, watching over me.”
And not just in spirit.
A poignant reminder of Pat greets patrons who enter the store’s back door from the parking lot: the bird girl statue. The original sculpture was created in 1936 by Sylvia Shaw Judson of Lake Forest, Illinois. Obscure for most of its life, it gained international notoriety for its role in “Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil,” by John Berendt. The statue was on the cover of the book, and in the first scene in the hit film. Westcott loved the statue, so when an opportunity arose to buy a copy of it, Rubash wasn’t slow.
pumpkins all over the store. It was successful and fun and will be repeated again this year.”
Like all retailers, Christmas sales are critical to Interior Spaces.
“We sell a lot of Christmas, and always make a party out of it,” Rubash said.
The whole store is decorated, there are multiple trees showing what’s possible in a Christmas look, and complimentary appetizers. The event will be held the first Thursday of November.
Artwork can be an important accessory, one that helps bring a room’s look together. Rubash noted that last year’s big look was dominated by images and noteworthy frames. This year, expect to see more landscapes.
As to trends in color, Rubash said that gray, which has had a 10-year run of popularity, is running out of steam, but it isn’t clear what will take its place.
“Some grays can be cold,” Rubash said. “That’s OK on the coast, where bright and cool colors easily coexist, but here in the Midwest, with our cold weather, we like our homes to have a warm, snuggly look.”
One color Rubash is watching closely is olive green.
“I saw a lot of it at market this year. It’s a yellow-based green. It could have a good future.”
Consumers aren’t allowed at market. It’s strictly for the professional retail trade. Even if they could get in, walking through all those showrooms, where 3,500 different brands vie for attention would be chaotic to say the very least. In the end, though, we don’t have to. Kevin Rubash is there, thinking of his customers at home in Webster City with every step.
Musing over it today, Rubash quietly said, “It belongs here; she’s a special lady.”
Although furniture is a focus, today’s Interior Spaces still carries Pittsburgh Paint and Mohawk Carpets, two brands Westcott sold from the time she launched her business. Rubash has also moved into hard flooring and area rugs, and has an expanding line of home décor accessories.
He emphasizes brands and goods made in the USA.
“I buy American whenever possible,” he said. “Customers like it, and we get great service from domestic suppliers.”
Other products that are part of hiss regular line include vinyl flooring from Mohawk, made in both Georgia and North Carolina; Graber Blinds, made in Tennessee; and Carole Draperies, also made in Georgia.
Interior Spaces emphasizes its service as much as its selection. The store doesn’t display furniture in vignettes — whole rooms arranged to sell in packages commonly seen in larger chain retailers. “I’m more design-oriented and I don’t like cookie-cutter rooms,” Rubash said.
Customers either buy merchandise directly off the floor or special order when necessary.
“I don’t have a warehouse. I buy one, sell one and move on,” Rubash explained. “That way, my customers aren’t likely to visit their neighbors and find they have the identical sofa or chair.”
Call it small town. Call it old-fashioned.
It’s one of the delightful realities of living local.
Looking back on 10 years, Rubash said time has gone by quickly. He expressed special thanks to Mary Beth Moore, who worked in the store for nine years. “She’s a special friend, and had a wonderful way with customers. I wouldn’t have survived without her.”
Most of all, Rubash thanked the people of Webster City, and customers from further afield in North Central Iowa. “They’ve always supported me.”
That kind of loyalty is the result of years of hard work, and an ongoing dedication to substance style and service that never goes out of style.
“They knew they could not compete with the big brands, so they found a way to work with them, by implementing the liquidation model.”
By CHRIS FULLERTON
Yahya’s Liquidation, at 544 Second Street, Webster City, offers a new and exciting shopping experience in the downtown area.
A treasure hunter’s delight, this 3,000-square-foot store is packed with more than 10,000 items to sort through.
Hssime and Mollie Yahya are a married couple with two young children who decided, after years of working for a local employer, to strike out on their own.
Mollie Yahya was born in Webster City and Hssime Yahya is originally from Tunisia. He has been in Webster City for almost a decade.
The Yahyas’ motivation for opening the business was to “see more shopping diversity in the downtown area.”
The couple debated over what type of business model to use, settling on the liquidation model. They wanted to offer customers discounts to help incentivise shopping local, with the additional hope of contributing to the local economy.
“They knew they could not compete with the big brands, so they found a way to work with them, by implementing the liquidation model,” they said.
Shoppers will find shelves lined with small appliances, Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, kitchen gadgets and more. There is a section with make-up, perfume, jewelry and other accessories, as well as clothing, shoes and luggage.
The fun starts in the bins where you can find all sorts of treasures. Inventory changes monthly, and as new inventory arrives, older inventory is discounted. With everchanging merchandise,
the shopping experience is always unique.
Unlike most businesses downtown, Yahya’s is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some extended hours until 8 p.m.
This downtown business is a sensory delight
By CHRIS FULLERTON
From the moment you step through the doors of Chicago Style in downtown Webster City you are transported into the vibrant and colorful world of Mexico.
Chicago Style offers a fusion of fashion and culinary delights within a storefront ensconced in the brilliant colors, textures and flavors of Mexico.
The Castro-Jaimes family opened Chicago Style in 2013. The family, originally from Chicago, came to visit their grandmother who was living in Webster City at the time. They fell in love with the small town and decided to stay.
The Castro-Jaimes family opened Chicago Style in 2013. The family, originally from Chicago, came to visit their grandmother who was living in Webster City at the time. They fell in love with the small town and decided to stay.
The family owned a clothing business in Chicago and saw an opportunity to bring their business to Webster City.
The business started with men’s and women’s apparel, but the family noticed that there were no Mexican ice cream or sweets venues in town and decided to expand their offerings.
Today, shoppers are greeted with a visual feast of colorful clothing options for men, women and children. Hats, perfume, jewelry and accessories abound. There is a section of Christian reading materials, as well as a striking bedding collection.
The ice cream and snack shop is an enchantment of color. The extensive menu is posted in a colorful display.
When asked about their best sellers, Christian and Diana Castro-Jaimes prepared a Fresanada and Mangonada for sampling. Imagine a fruit
The Kendall Young Library boasts a Top 10 ranking on Trip Advisor as one of the best libraries in the state of Iowa.
By CHRIS FULLERTON
Kendall Young Library is a revered community gathering place that has been a center of community activity and learning since 1905.
The library is a place for everyone young and old with offerings for every interest and age group. The entry foyer opens to a stained glass portico and marble stairs beckoning the visitor to step into one of Iowa’s most beautiful libraries.
The Kendall Young Library boasts a Top 10 ranking on Trip Advisor as one of the best libraries in the state of Iowa.
Upstairs, visitors will find the adult book section, movies, audio books, periodicals and a vast collection of the “Library of Things.” These include puzzles, board games, giant lawn games and internet hot spots. Not in the mood for reading? Check out the adult activities, including several monthly book clubs, crafting, games and monthly workshops. You may just discover your new favorite hobby at the library.
Teens and tweens have their own designated times for games, activities, early out movies, book clubs or just relaxing after school. The Young Adult section has a DIY crafting space, Leggo projects and comfy seating to curl up in while getting lost in the world of books.
Located downstairs through the iconic doll foyer is the children’s department. Visitors are transported to a wondrous space of early learning and memory making. A real tree trunk and fabricated canopy stands as a guardian at the door, coaxing visitors to enter and delight in the world of a child’s imagination. Ceiling murals,
On a cold winter day, is there a better place to be than at Kendall Young Library? You might do some genealogical research, read a novel, or add a few pieces to the puzzle always in progress. Here one of the original 1905 stained glass windows offers a beautiful frame to a snowy, frigid, sunny afternoon in Webster City.
a Native American artifact display, dramatic play area, craft space, story time room, early learning manipulatives and of course books make this space an ideal place to spend a few hours.
The children’s department has weekly programs and story times as well as changing activities and contests.
The reference department can assist with all of your printing, emailing and tech questions. One on one help is available. Be it how to set up a group email or sign up for Social Security online. The reference staff can also assist you in your genealogical research with the help of KYL’s online database.
Behind the majestic marble columns is the library's collection of genealogy and historical documents. These fascinating large records date back to the 1850s and capture a moment in the lives of Webster city’s earliest occupants. Handwritten receipts, logs and town plots give patrons a glimpse into the past. The library's collection of citizens cards, soon to be digitized, holds information and bits of ephemera about Webster City citizens past and present.
Not to be missed are all of the online databases on the library’s website. Patrons can do genealogy searches, view high school yearbooks of time gone by, browse Hamilton County newspaper archives, tap into Hoopla or Libby, a free online lending library, or watch movies with Kanopy.
Certainly, there is not enough time in the day to enjoy all of the enchantments that KYL has to offer.
The owner, Jose (DJ) Mendez, is originally from Guatemala. He had the opportunity to come to Webster City 14 years ago and learned the roofing business.
By CHRIS FULLERTON
API Co. Services is a family owned business dedicated to its customers’ roofing needs. The firm can install metal and shingle roofing, as well as gutters and more.
The owner, Jose (DJ) Mendez, is originally from Guatemala. He had the opportunity to come to Webster City 14 years ago and learned the roofing business.
Mendez started at the bottom, learning all of the skills involved in this profession and eventually opened his own business on 817 Second Street.
Mendez loves working in the friendly
committed to serving as a model for Main Street revitalization.”
After acquiring the former bank building, the Chamber board took decisive action to address deferred maintenance and develop a preservation plan for this historic structure. Woodward and the board of directors have an eye on the next step, which is to do a second floor conversion and make this into usable space.
“First impressions are so important,” Woodward said. “The downtown of Webster City is critical to attracting new businesses and residents to Webster City.”
But she is responsible for so much more.
Market Nights during the summer is one of the largest summer markets in the multicounty area, according to the 2024 Annual Report, with 75 different vendors coming into downtown Webster City.
In addition Woodward has added new software so the Chamber can coordinate a Community Calendar. Last year alone, it recorded 924 events on this calendar. Sixty of those events were coordinated by the Chamber.
This is all being done by a staff of two and a handful of volunteers. It’s an enormous undertaking, one that has little fanfare. But Woodward doesn’t have time to reflect, she is already moving on.
A major event is coming back to downtown Webster City and she is excited.
“I’m so glad Junquefest is moving back downtown,” she said. “We see this as an opportunity to drive people back into our local businesses.”
Providing tools to assist in the operations of their business, building renovations, and management resources are all part of the Chamber message. That message is throughout their annual report, echoed by the Chamber Ambassadors and demonstrated by the more than 500 volunteer hours put into their events.
It’s all about helping the members and business community.
As she reflected about issues it faces — communicating needs, activities and opportunities has been challenging. There are just too many different ways to promote, but membership in the Chamber can help streamline information.
“Members will have a portal to locate
all community events,” she said. “There are volunteer positions and also a job board.” New features on this site are still being set up, including a blog for members to access. In addition, new workshops are being planned, using other member experts where possible.
The Chamber of Commerce relies
on its membership to operate its office and its’ events. With more than 230 members, the message is clear: advocate and promote. In good times and in bad, the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce is setting the pace to make the community better.
By CHRIS FULLERTON
Prior to 2021, Webster City’s Farmers Market was a listless diamond in the rough awaiting an opportunity to shine.
In 2022, Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce Director Anna Woodward picked up that dusty gem and rebranded it into what we call Market Nights today. On that first Thursday in June, 2021, the Market Night opened with only 10 vendors.
Yet, by the end of the summer there were 50, and an estimated 500 people in attendance.
Market Nights is a much-anticipated summer diversion. Every Thursday late afternoon during the summer months, downtown Webster City is transformed into a lively community festival where townsfolk can gather to savor the lazy days of summer.
Located along the 500 to 700 blocks of Second street, revelers will find vendors selling
fruits and vegetables, home-grown beef, jewelry, herbal teas, honey, salad kits, microgreens, wine, lemonade, baked goods, and more.
Children can enjoy face painting, balloon animals and bounce houses, while adults may visit the beer tent or sip whiskey on the patio of Wild Cat Distillery.
After strolling the numerous booths and devouring any number of dishes from the various food trucks, participants can relax in the square and listen to music from local artists. Shades, playing music from the 1960s, is a crowd favorite.
Each week has a theme: Classic Car Night and Foam Party Night proving especially popular.
Robin Streigle, who heads up the Webster City Chamber events department, joined the team in 2023. She noted that Market Nights “create opportunities for connection within the
community, it brings us all together and is a unifying event.”
She recalled an elderly community member saying that the Market Nights are reminiscent of days gone by when downtown was bustling and full of life.
The Chamber’s mission, in part, includes building business and community, and this event “hits the mark,” according to Woodward. Market Nights also increases the visibility of downtown businesses, many of whom are open late during Market Nights.
Nonprofit groups are encouraged to volunteer with the set up or break down of the event in lieu of paying a vendor fee. High school students looking for volunteer hours are also encouraged to volunteer.
This year, Market Nights will begin on Thursday, May 29, at 5 p.m. To reserve your vendor space or to volunteer contact Robin Streigle at 515-450-7651.
LefT: The Shades, Webster City's iconic band, play on the Availa Bank Plaza Stage during Classic Car Night for Market Nights.
BeLow: Kids of all ages enjoy the foam party at the June 6, 2024.
BoTTom LefT: From left, Iva Fagervik, of Blairsburg, and Hayden Naenphan, of Webster City, enjoy a treat from Kona Ice.
BoTTom rigHT: Malcomb Pergande, left, and Emmie Parrott, right, both of Webster City, check out the kitty at The Cat
People stroll down Second Street in downtown Webster City during a 2024 Market Night.
LefT: Webster City-based band, Humble Beginnings, performs on the Availa Bank Plaza Stage. Pictured from left are Greta Nelson, Dane Barner, Eric Hanson, Lane Jahn, Kirk Greenly and Dave Lubbers.
BeLow LefT: Don and Malisa Rader, with dog Oliver, a SharPei mix, view a 1959 Cadillac owned by Patrick Kirk of Webster City.
BeLow rigHT: Market Nights always has fun activities for the kids. Here Kylie Clabaugh, of Webster City, applies a temporary face tattoo to Ella Askelson's cheek. Askelson also lives in Webster City.
ABove:
At Van Diest Supply Company, people make the difference. We have a sincere interest in our customers’ business and a genuine desire to help. We strive for long-lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers and Team Members.
At Van Diest Supply Company, people make the difference We have a sincere interest in our customers’ business and a genuine desire to help. We strive for long-lasting relationships with our customers, suppliers and Team Members.
Our tradition revolves around providing products and services that consistently exceed expectations. Serving Agriculture since 1956, a three generation family owned business, we are know for our longevity, stability and continued growth.
Our tradition revolves around providing products and services that consistently exceed expectations. Serving Agriculture since 1956, a three generation family owned business, we are known for our longevity, stability and continued growth.
Van Diest Supply Company employs over 600 people, has 55 buildings on approximately 270 acres in Webster City, Iowa, has 20 outlying Distribution Centers and serves over 6,000 customers across the Midwest. Join us a part of our Winning Team by filling out an application today!
Van Diest Supply Company employs over 600 people, has over 55 buildings on approximately 270 acres in Webster City, Iowa, has 20 outlying Distribution Centers and serves over 6,000 customers across the Midwest. Join us as a part of our Winning Team by filling out an application today!