Emerge Marketing Solutions

06/03/2026

There’s something special about helping a business honor its legacy while preparing for its future! Recently, we had the opportunity to work with Jeanne Kerkhoff of Northwestern Mutual in Manning. Northwestern Mutual has had a presence in Manning for 40 years, and this past year Jeanne celebrated her own 20-year anniversary serving both the organization and the people in our local communities.

As Jeanne continues growing the business (welcoming her daughter onto the team alongside another new staff member) she knew it was time to not only celebrate the many years she’s dedicated to her clients, but also intentionally prepare for the next 20 years.

Investing in your business as a small business owner can feel daunting, but Jeanne was ready to embrace the challenge.

Over multiple meetings, we took the time to learn about Jeanne’s personal brand, her heart for serving clients, and the way she walks alongside people through every stage of life. Together, we developed a workbook for her team to use with clients throughout their lifetime, a resource that goes beyond financial planning and dives into the emotional moments, life transitions, and personal “why” behind important financial decisions.

Jeanne recently shared:
“I have been using the workbook & it works so slick to print it out and present. We have been building the financial plans and are using the details of the workbook to connect with their ‘why.’”

That right there is why we do what we do.

It’s never just about the materials; It’s about helping businesses create meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact for generations to come. Thank you, Jeanne, for trusting us to be part of your journey!

05/22/2026

Check out the NEW Evolution of the Heartland website!! We're so excited to share it with you! 💻🌾🧭
www.evolutionoftheheartland.com

The Evolution of the Heartland project is a fantastic initiative for rural Iowa. Moving from a one-day event to a "statewide storytelling and discovery platform" is a major shift that requires a different SEO strategy—one that focuses on Agritourism, Small Town Travel, and Authentic Experiences.

05/22/2026

This project took our team across state lines into Norfolk, Nebraska and into the world of luxury apartment living. Every detail matters at Foundry Apartments from the first impression of the logo to the digital experience future residents interact with online.

Working alongside the Foundry team, we had the opportunity to expand beyond website development and help build out a cohesive digital brand experience that reflects the elevated, modern lifestyle these apartments were designed to offer.

From custom brand elements and visual direction to a fully developed website experience, this project challenged our team to bring sophistication, warmth, and luxury to life in the digital space.

✔️ Expanded the visual identity beyond the logo
✔️ Developed custom brand elements and styling
✔️ Designed and launched a luxury-focused website experience
✔️ Helped establish a strong digital presence ahead of opening

Our result is a website that not only showcases the property, but also captures the feeling of what it’s like to live there. We’re incredibly proud of how this one came together and grateful to the Foundry team for trusting us with their vision.

Take a look at the final product: https://foundrynorfolk.com/

05/08/2026

Evolution of the Heartland is taking on new adventures this year with our EOH Explorers series! 🧳🧭 Follow along to get a behind-the-scene look at our team's travels around this beautiful state!

Where should we visit next?? 🗺️

05/05/2026

Some projects push us out of our comfort zone, and this one did exactly that. Our recent work with Meyer & Gross Real Estate Company in Atlantic, Iowa challenged us to think differently, stretch our capabilities, and ultimately deliver a solution that truly serves both the business and its clients. We need to give a special shout out to our web development team (Blue Rock Designs & Lindsey Funk) because they definitely took some time to research the opportunities for this one!

As Meyer & Gross celebrates an impressive 50 years in business, they came to us looking for a custom anniversary identity to honor that milestone, while also elevating their overall brand and digital presence. From there, we got to work:

✔️ Designed a custom 50th anniversary identity
✔️ Refreshed their brand, honoring tradition while preparing for the future
✔️ Built a new website experience with integrated MLS functionality, making it easier for home buyers and sellers to explore listings and gain visibility

The result? A modern, user-friendly platform that showcases their properties (and their legacy) with confidence.

We’re proud of what this collaboration became, and even more excited for what it means for their future.

Thank you, Meyer & Gross, for trusting us to serve your business and the Atlantic community! Congrats on 50 years!

05/01/2026

2018 marked two years in business and what a year of growth, grit, and purpose it was.

This business has always been rooted in more than just marketing. It’s been built on inspiration; miles traveled across rural Iowa and beyond; and a deep commitment to learning, like the SMART Economic Development Conference that immersed us in the realities that shape our businesses and communities.

From day one, we’ve believed in doing work that lasts.

In 2018, that meant:

🏠 Moving into a new office, creating space to grow and serve at a higher level
💸 Supporting the $5.7M DeWitt Community Library project, including a historic 80%+ bond referendum approval and record-breaking voter turnout
🍀 Launching the St. Patrick’s Day Rib & Chili Cook-off for Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park, an event that continues to thrive today (in 2026, it drew 350+ attendees and raised $50K+)
📝 Reimagining and launching the Recovery Center brand – still strong and consistent today
📋 Laying the strategic foundation for City of Manning (Manning Area Partners) tourism marketing through in-depth audience development and long-term marketing strategy
📚 Bringing new life to the Iowa 4-H Clover Kids program and developing tools that would support ongoing statewide curriculum growth
🎯 Creating a new catalog and brand assets for Hostetler Precision Ag Solutions (a resource that is still being used today!)

We also had the privilege of continuing partnerships with past colleagues, expanding our subcontractor network to 6, and supporting more than 20 clients across industries (from agriculture to nonprofits to community development).

Because when Emerge partners with a client, we don’t just create for today...we build for what’s next!

04/24/2026

Not every project we work on is flashy… but some of the most meaningful ones rarely are. At Emerge Marketing Solutions, we’re proud to support our clients with grant writing...one of the most impactful (and often unseen) services we offer. While it may not always come with bold visuals or eye-catching campaigns, the results speak for themselves.

From Travel Iowa grants, to State of Iowa funding, to local community foundation opportunities, our team has helped secure more than $2 million in funding just this year!

One recent example: Manning Regional Healthcare Center was awarded $1.915 million through Opioid Settlement funds and Healthy Hometown funding, an incredible investment in rural healthcare and community wellbeing.

Read more: https://www.mrhcia.com/mrhc-awarded-1-915-million-through-healthy-hometown-funding/

This is the kind of work that fuels growth, strengthens communities, and creates lasting impact...and we’re honored to be part of it.

Big news! MRHC has been awarded four grants totaling more than $1.915 million through the Iowa Healthy Hometowns Project. This funding will support new workforce positions, a permanent in-house MRI machine, and expanded behavioral health and recovery services as the Recovery Center at Manning Regional Healthcare Center is named a Center of Excellence.

This investment strengthens high-quality care close to home for our community.

Learn more: mrhcia.com/mrhc-awarded-1-915-million-through-healthy-hometown-funding

04/23/2026

If you visit Soak'd in Lake View, watch for the Manning Hausbarn-Heritage Park beer magnets we had the opportunity to create! We think they are pretty clever. 😉

🍑 New sponsor magnets & a new Barntown Brewery sour hitting on this Friday!

04/21/2026

Your mission matters and the way you share it should feel just as meaningful. At Emerge, we work alongside non-profits to bring clarity to your message and create marketing that genuinely reflects who you are and the impact you’re making.

If you’re ready for some support whether that’s strategy, branding, digital, or ongoing marketing, we’d love to connect. Reach out and let’s explore what we can build together!

www.em3rgemarketing.com