Anne Blankenship, Webster City Community Theatre board president, and Angela Rottering, vice president, accept a Chamber Design Grant award from Chamber Board President Mark Ferguson of Karl Webster City. The local volunteer-operated theatre completed an extensive upgrade to improve accessibility and visibility.

The Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of this year’s design grants.

This program incentivizes local property and business owners with reimbursable grants for eligible improvements, including masonry repair, window restoration, roof repairs, paint, exterior lighting, and upgraded signage to enhance brand visibility.

The intent of the Webster City Chamber of Commerce Design Grant Program is to strengthen the economic viability of Webster City by providing financial incentives for improving the appearance and structural conditions of its buildings. This program is intended to stimulate improvements in buildings throughout the community. It also represents the opportunity to preserve our community’s heritage and enhance the unique atmosphere that Webster City provides.

“Each year, the chamber board allocates funds from the general budget to support this program,” Anna Woodward, Chamber director, said. “Historically, this allocation was $2,400. Over the past three years, we’ve increased the annual funding to $5,000, awarding nearly $14,000 in grants back to the community.”

2024 Grant Recipients and Projects:

— La Perla Jarocha Restaurant: $300 for exterior window repair;

— Eekhoff Motors: $302.28 for upgraded signage;

— Bannor True Value: $800 for upgraded signage;

— Webster City Community Theatre: $800 for a new sign and awning;

— Hamilton County Fair: $800 for raceway preservation;

— City of Webster City: $434 for vacant property window murals;

— The Cat Hut: $267.77 for upgraded signage;

— Country Twist Boutique: $68.75 for new exterior signage;

— Boone River Financial: $800 for upgraded signage at its new location.

These grants exemplify the Chamber’s commitment to fostering economic growth and improving the visual appeal of Webster City.

“Programs like the design grant are made possible in part through fundraising efforts like our New Year’s Eve Gala,” Woodward said. “When you support events like the Gala, you’re contributing to initiatives that strengthen and beautify our community year-round.”

Applicants must be Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce members for a minimum of two years to be eligible to apply. The maximum grant award is $800. Members may reapply up to every 12 months. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are depleted.