ROCK VALLEY, IA (KELO) — It has been a long road to recovery for Rock Valley, Iowa after floodwaters devastated the town in late June. Wednesday, the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized the businesses that overcame the destruction the flood caused.
It was a day of celebration in Rock Valley. While stores were holding holiday open houses throughout the day, the Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings for over 20 businesses that were impacted by the flood waters.
“I just feel it’s very important that our community members know the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes for them to get back up and running and to continue to make Rock Valley a thriving community,” Rock Valley Chamber of Commerce director Ashley Feekes said.
One of the stores that was recognized was First Impressions.
“We were down to two by fours. There was absolutely nothing in here. Not one piece of furniture, not one forklift, not one sample. not one rack, not one wall. It was all gone,” First Impressions owner Deb Kempema said.
But now, they are back on their feet.
“We’ve come so far in a few months,” Kempema said.
“It is amazing. We are so happy to be up and going again so that we can be here for the public,” First Impressions long-time employee Barb VanderZwaag said.
And Rock Valley’s retail community is healing because they helped each other rebuild.
“We’re resilient. It was dark times the first week of July, and I’m really excited that the stores are back. People are running their stores, and people are buying. We’re excited to be back and be Rock Valley again,” Rock Valley Verizon Wireless World owner Todd Van Tol said.
“We are a very strong community, and it takes a lot to make us give up,” VanderZwaag said.
The Chamber of Commerce started their ribbon cuttings at 9:15 Wednesday morning on the west side of town and ended their day downtown at 2 p.m.
