Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance

06/04/2026

What a great evening connecting with this summer's interns!

Thank you to all who joined us for the PACE Intern BBQ. We loved seeing new faces, making connections, and helping interns get a taste of what makes Pella such a special place to spend the summer.

A huge thank you to West Side Social for the delicious food and welcoming atmosphere, and to the Pella Pickleball Club for hosting play and introducing many of our interns to one of the community's favorite activities!

We hope you have a rewarding internship, make lasting connections, and have plenty of fun exploring all that Pella has to offer this summer. We're glad you're here!

Precision Pulley & Idler - PPI Careers at Pella Windows and Doors Vermeer Corporation

06/02/2026

There’s something pretty special about a business coming full circle. 💙

Our Pella Dutch Greeters welcomed Ratcliff & Blake Insurance Professionals to their new downtown Pella location, a space that holds part of the company’s history.

For longtime locals, the building may look familiar. It was once home to the Cook & Son Agency, which eventually became Midwest One Insurance… and today is Ratcliff & Blake Insurance. Talk about a full-circle moment.

While the office may be new, their mission remains the same: helping people protect what matters most while building relationships rooted right here in the community.

Congratulations to Ratcliff & Blake Insurance on your new location and exciting new chapter. We’re glad you’re continuing to invest in downtown Pella and our community!

🎉See their new office during the Open House, June 5 from 8 am – 12 pm at 729 Franklin St.🎉

05/29/2026

Next week kicks off another season of Thursdays in Pella events! Check out the fun to be had!

📣Less than one week away until our first Thursdays in Pella event kicks off! Check out all the fun stuff we have planned. We can't wait to see you again!

05/27/2026

🔶Dutch Greeters: ISU Marion County Extension and Outreach🔶

Some organizations quietly make a huge impact in our communities… and after spending the morning with ISU Extension and Outreach - Marion County, we were reminded just how true that is.

Most people know Extension for 4-H, but what we discovered is that they are doing SO much more across Marion County and right here in Pella.

From youth sewing clubs, robotics, travel clubs, STEM experiences, and ag safety days… to adult programming on gardening, conservation, health, food systems, and even community tree walks, their team is constantly creating opportunities for people of all ages to learn, grow, and connect.

One of our favorite takeaways? Their mission is all about bringing education directly to people and helping create a . And they do it in ways that are practical, approachable, affordable, and honestly…pretty fun.

We loved hearing how local kids are learning everything from sewing and coding to planning travel itineraries and fundraising for trips. Even growing their own food with a tomato growing program!

What stood out most was the passion of the team behind it all. They genuinely care about creating experiences that meet people where they are and help strengthen communities from the ground up.

Thank you to the Marion County Extension team for welcoming our Dutch Greeters and giving us a glimpse into all the incredible work happening behind the scenes. We walked away inspired and maybe also wanting to sign up for a class ourselves. 😊

05/22/2026

Bob Kroese, the Chief Executive Officer at Pella Regional Health Center, has been honored by Becker’s Hospital Review as a 2026 Rural Hospital CEO to Know.

Becker’s is a leading medical industry trade magazine that provides comprehensive coverage of healthcare news, analysis, and trends. In their recent article, 146 rural hospital and health system presidents and CEOs to know in 2026, Bob Kroese is listed among other industry leaders and one of only four Iowa CEOs to make the list.

“Honors like this showcase the dedication of the entire staff at Pella Regional Health Center,” said Kroese. “Our team truly embodies our mission to provide healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion for every patient.”

Becker’s wrote, “As CEO, Mr. Kroese leads the 25-bed Pella Regional Health Center, a private, nonprofit hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Established in 1960, Pella Regional has grown into a system that includes the hospital, outpatient services and numerous medical clinics.”

For more than 33 years, Bob Kroese has led Pella Regional with a focus on growth by expanding services, upgrading facilities, and providing exceptional leadership. Pella Regional’s efforts to bring high-quality care closer to home in rural Iowa have increased access to healthcare and reduced the need for long travel for patients and their families. We are delighted to see Bob’s dedication recognized with this honor.

05/19/2026

Will YOU accept the challenge? What if every local woman in the Pella area shopped at a local boutique just TWICE a year? 💛 If 4,000 women spent an average of $75 per visit:
✨ That’s over $600,000 poured back into local small businesses.
Why it matters:
• Keeps our beautiful boutiques thriving
• Supports local jobs & families & charitable contributions
• Helps keep downtown Pella unique and vibrant
• Creates a shopping experience you actually enjoy — personal service, curated styles, and pieces you LOVE instead of another random cart toss 🛍️
Small purchases really do add up to something BIG for our community. 🌷
Shop small. Bloom together.

05/19/2026

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, announces that the full road closure of Hwy T15 over the Red Rock Dam originally scheduled for May 20-21, 2026 has been postponed. Additional partial and full road closures will be required throughout 2026 as contractors continue work refurbishing the dam's gates.
For more information, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Red Rock at 641-828-7522 or email: [email protected].

05/19/2026

First round of summer interns started today 🎉 We are excited to see what you will do!

Anyone recognize any familiar faces?

05/15/2026

Current 9–12 grade students are invited to participate in a Career Prep Class hosted at Central College!

This three-day opportunity will help students build confidence and develop valuable employability skills for life after high school. Students who attend all three sessions will earn a $150 stipend!

Spots are limited to 50 students and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Be sure to sign up by May 31!