Emerge Marketing Solutions

09/06/2026

I realize it’s a holiday weekend, but today we celebrate Claire’s 5-year anniversary at Emerge!

Claire brings a beauty to our team that shines even in the quiet moments. Claire is steady, creative, and full of grace. We love how she brings out the best in each of us and challenges us to slow down and see the beauty in every moment and everything around us!

We all know this post would be ‘more on brand, more simplified, and capture the true essence of Claire’s (and Emerge’s) style’ if only I would have had her create it!! But sometimes we just want to celebrate all of the fun memories and beauty that she brings to our team! And hopefully surprise her with a fun post!

Here’s to 5 years down and so many more ahead! Thank you, Claire, for being part of our Emerge team!

09/03/2026

Are you looking for a rewarding leadership development opportunity?

If you're passionate about developing leaders, strengthening communities, or connecting with others who are making a difference across Iowa, you should check out the 2026 Iowa Leadership Exchange.
📅 October 27–28
📍 Central College | Pella, Iowa
Come learn, connect, and leave inspired with practical ideas you can bring back to your organization and community.

Learn more and register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/leadership-exchange-and-bootcamp

Early bird pricing ends Monday, August 31st!

Join leaders from across Iowa at the 2026 Iowa Leadership Exchange, October 27-28 in Pella! Make connections, exchange ideas, and take home practical ideas for your community.

Register and learn more: iowardc.org/leadership-development

08/28/2026

Have you been dreaming of a mural in your community? We LOVE seeing them pop up across rural Iowa! 🎨

The Iowans Create Community Mural Program through the Iowa Arts Council might be the opportunity to make it happen. The program matches a selected Iowa community with an Iowa artist to plan, design and create an original mural together.

Communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer are eligible to apply for the FY2027 program. Applications are due October 28, 2026.

Learn more and apply: https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/arts-culture/grants-programs/iowans-create-community-mural-program

Iowa Economic Development Authority

08/27/2026

Shelly thought she was heading to Jefferson for a work meeting with Annie.
There was just one problem…there really was no meeting. 😉🎉

Little did she know, the whole Emerge team was waiting at Gravitate Coworking with balloons, flowers and, perhaps most importantly, peanut butter cake to surprise her and celebrate 10 years of Emerge!

After successfully pulling off the surprise, we spent the day together in Jefferson - enjoying a delicious lunch at The Public House & Lounge, visiting the Mahanay Bell Tower and, most importantly, having plenty of laughs and good conversation along the way.

As a team that works from home across different communities, we value the opportunities to get together in person. And this was a pretty special reason to do it. Staying connected as a team, even while embracing the flexibility of working remotely, is an important part of the culture Shelly has intentionally built at Emerge.

Ten years ago, Emerge started with a vision, a step of faith and a few clients. Today, it’s a team of talented people working together to serve businesses, organizations and communities across rural Iowa and beyond.

We’re grateful we got to take a day to celebrate the person who started it all - and even more grateful we managed to keep the surprise from her!

Happy 10 years, Shelly! 💚 Here’s to what’s emerged over the last decade and everything still ahead.

08/25/2026

Today is our 10-year anniversary at Emerge. I couldn’t have written a better plan or story for how this would all pan out, but thankfully I trusted in God’s plan and listened when I felt called to do this work! Thank you to our clients who believe in us to support your businesses and especially thank you to my team who truly makes a difference every day. Here’s to the next 10+ years!

08/24/2026

⏰ Rural Iowa communities: Don’t miss this opportunity!
Applications for the Empower Rural Iowa grant programs are due August 26, at 4:00 p.m. CST. https://opportunityiowa.gov/community/revitalization/center-rural-revitalization/rural-innovation-grant-program

These programs are designed to help rural communities take meaningful steps forward, whether that means creating a long-term strategy, addressing housing needs or planning for child care.

Funding opportunities include:
• BOOST Grant
• Innovation-Housing 2.0
• Child Care Planning Grant
• Rural Housing Readiness Assessment Grant

Eligible projects must benefit Iowa communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer.
If one of these opportunities aligns with a need or goal in your community, now is the time to take that next step.

Sometimes moving a community forward starts with recognizing the right opportunity and acting on it. Don’t let this one pass by!

The IEDA Rural Innovation Grant program works to support creative ideas that addresses issues and challenges in Iowa's rural communities.

08/14/2026

It’s August (and how is it already the 14th?), which means it’s Emerge’s Birthday/Anniversary Month! We may have missed sharing a timeline last month, but we’re making up for it...you’ll get TWO trips down memory lane this month!

2021 - Our Year of Authenticity!

2021 was another year of growth, creativity, and celebration at Emerge. We:
- Welcomed another team member
- Launched Ignite: Be the Light
- Did a LOT of video work
- Continued to grow, learn, and show up authentically for our clients and community

Looking back, we’re reminded just how much can happen in a year; and how every chapter has helped shape the Emerge we are today.
Cheers to 2021 and to celebrating all the moments that got us here! 🥳

08/14/2026

Katie’s journey to Emerge started before she ever knew she’d be part of the team. After tagging along to an Evolution of the Heartland event in 2022, Katie was inspired by its celebration of rural Iowa. A few years later, she found herself looking for a new creative opportunity, and that path led her right back to Emerge.

Meet Katie and read her story as we celebrate 10 years of Emerge! 🔗 https://www.em3rgemarketing.com/what-emerge-means-to-katie/

Discover how Katie Wiese’s passion for rural Iowa, creativity, and storytelling led her from an Evolution of the Heartland event to the Emerge team.

08/13/2026

There’s still time to squeeze in one more summer getaway! ☀️ Before the schedules fill up and fall arrives, take the slow road and spend a weekend exploring Northeast Iowa. From scenic trails and small-town Main Streets to local attractions and some pretty incredible views, there’s plenty to discover along the way.

Evolution of the Heartland has rounded up 10 small-town things to do to help inspire your next Iowa adventure. Where will you explore next?

Explore Northeast Iowa with this travel guide featuring scenic river towns, outdoor adventures, unique attractions, and charming small-town experiences.

08/07/2026

Did you miss our July enewsletter? Check it out below and make sure to subscribe for our monthly "what's happening", project features, industry favorites, inspiration, and more.

Subscribe here: https://mailchi.mp/em3rgemarketing/subscribe-to-newsletter

https://mailchi.mp/em3rgemarketing/july2026