Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce

09/14/2026

Save these dates for Produce in the Park Atlantic, Iowa holiday markets. If you have homegrown or handmade items you would like to sell, visit their website! www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com

Produce in the Park is now recruiting vendors for our 2026–2027 Holiday Farmers Market Series!

Application is linked at www.produceintheparkatlanticiowa.com

Each market is $25

Join us!

09/11/2026

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated Cook Sanitation on Thursday, September 10th, following the company’s recent purchase of Hepler Sanitation and expansion in the Atlantic community.

Cook Sanitation has been part of the area for more than 50 years. Dalton Cook shared that his grandfather, Don Cook Sr., took over the business in 1973 from his brother Darrell Cook. At one time, five sanitation businesses served Atlantic. Over the years, some closed while others were purchased as owners retired.
For Dalton, the latest expansion brought some reflection on just how much the family business has changed.

He said his grandfather would be proud to see what Cook Sanitation has become. Even with several competitors operating in Atlantic over the years, Dalton said the businesses weren't out to take customers from one another. They were local families making a living, raising their families and serving the community.

The purchase of Hepler Sanitation nearly doubled Cook Sanitation’s residential customer base and added two garbage trucks to its fleet. The company also kept Hepler employees on staff, including drivers who already knew their routes and customers. Residential collection expanded from three days a week to four to spread out the additional workload.

Cook Sanitation currently employs around eight full-time employees along with several part-time employees. In addition to residential and commercial garbage collection, the company offers recycling, roll-off dumpsters, construction and demolition services, and other waste removal services. Its roll-off fleet includes approximately 75 dumpsters in several sizes for everything from home cleanouts to larger construction projects.

The expansion prompted a few changes behind the scenes, too. Drivers now have tablets with routes and customer information instead of relying on handwritten notes passed between the office and trucks. Customers can also receive bills by email and make payments online.

Despite the growth, Dalton said knowing the people they serve remains one of the advantages of being a local company. That familiarity can be especially helpful when handling rental properties, family accounts and other situations that aren't always as simple as a name and address on a bill.

Cook Sanitation has also donated services to community projects, including Atlantic’s citywide cleanup. Dalton said giving back, whether through financial support or donated services, is important to the family.

He also sees the business as one small piece of a bigger challenge facing southwest Iowa. While many people from his generation moved away, family businesses and local opportunities gave him a reason to stay. As Cook Sanitation grows, he hopes it can continue providing good jobs and another reason for younger people to build their lives here.

For more information about Cook Sanitation and its services, visit www.cooksanitation.com.

09/08/2026

What’s more American than baseball and apple pie? 🇺🇸

Registration is NOW OPEN for two new activities coming to Coca-Cola Days 2026!

🥧 Apple Pie Baking Contest
Think you have the best apple pie around? Enter in one of three categories: Commercial/Restaurant, Adult or Under 18. Registration is due September 18.

⚾ Baseball/Softball Throwing Contest
Step up and see how fast you can throw! The FREE contest will have divisions for grade school & middle school, high school, and adults 18+. Each participant gets three throws, and your fastest one counts!

Both contests take place Saturday, September 26 at the Cass County Community Center.

Pre-registration is encouraged for the throwing contest, but day-of registration will also be available.

Sign up online here: https://www.atlanticiowa.com/event/coca-cola-days-2/

It’s all part of this year’s “An American Tradition” Coca-Cola Days celebration, September 25-26 in Atlantic!

09/07/2026

🤩A beautiful sight between the rain last night.

📸: Wendy

09/06/2026

Come check out the fun!! ❤️🫶🤍

09/03/2026

This Labor Day, we honor the hard work and dedication that keeps our community thriving. 💙 We’ll be closed September 7th to give ourselves a well-deserved rest. Wishing you a safe and relaxing holiday.

08/31/2026

CALLING BUSINESS OWNERS!!📣
What could an extra 💵 mean for your business?

REV applications are OPEN! If you have a big idea for the future, this could be your chance to pitch it, gain exposure and win a share of $19,500 in prize money. Check out the original post for details and apply today!

What would your business do with an extra $19,500? 🤔

You could find out. REV applications are now open! REV gives entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to pitch their ideas for a chance to win a share of $19,500 in prize money, gain exposure and showcase their vision for the future.

Is REV right for you? Are you...
✅ looking for funding to help grow your business?
✅ ready to share your story and vision?
✅ wanting to gain exposure in the community?
✅ passionate about bringing your ideas to life?
✅ ready to pitch your business?!

Applications are open now. Take your shot and see where your idea can go. 🚀
https://hubs.la/Q04vHtl30

TS Bank | Member FDIC

08/28/2026

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors visited Atlantic High School to welcome new Principal Dr. Jim Brauer and hear more about his vision for the school and the community.

Dr.Brauer and his family have lived in Atlantic since 2012. His wife, Mandi, is a middle school special education teacher, and their two sons attend Atlantic Community Schools. After years of working in education, Dr.Brauer said the opportunity to become principal was one he had hoped for, even though he never expected it to come along when it did.

As he steps into the role, Dr.Brauer wants to build on the history and traditions already in place at Atlantic High School while continuing to move the school forward. A big part of that is changing the story people hear about the school.
Dr.Brauer said every decision and interaction creates an experience, and those experiences become the stories students and families share with others. Over time, those stories shape the culture and reputation of a school.

“I want to bring the true, proud story of Atlantic High School to the outside,” Dr.Brauer said.

He has already started building connections throughout the community by reaching out to local organizations, elected officials, first responders, and other community partners. He sees those relationships as an important part of strengthening the school and creating more opportunities for students.

The school is also putting more emphasis on sharing the good things happening inside its walls. Dr.Brauer and the activities department are working to increase social media and local media coverage, including student stories and highlights. The activities department is also starting a “Participant of the Week” feature to recognize students who make a difference, whether through athletics, activities, academics, or simply helping someone in their school or community.

Dr.Brauer shared a clear goal with the Ambassadors: he believes Atlantic High School can become the best high school in southwest Iowa. He emphasized that students can have fun, enjoy their high school experience, and still be held to a high standard.

For more information about Atlantic Community School District, visit www.atlanticiaschools.org or follow Atlantic High School and AHS Trojans Activities Department on Facebook.