Emerge Marketing Solutions

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

04/17/2026

Yesterday, our Emerge team stepped away from the day-to-day for our Q1 check-in. While it’s never easy to pause the momentum, it’s always worth it.

Taking time to invest in our team, strengthen how we work together, and focus on how we can better serve our clients is truly refreshing.

Our favorite part? Simply connecting with each other. We also had the opportunity to learn and grow with some incredible partners. Mackenzie Lewis, our video subcontractor, shared best practices for capturing high-quality vertical video, and Sinnika Waugh of Clear Next Step () helped our team better understand our Working Geniuses, giving us tools to navigate change and leverage each other’s strengths more effectively.

When we grow together, we show up stronger for each other and for our clients.

04/17/2026

Want to be included in the Evolution of the Heartland direct mail piece? We're searching for rural businesses and communities! Visit our website and contact us to learn more!

www.evolutionoftheheartland.com

04/13/2026

Last week, our team had the opportunity to attend the annual Iowa Rural Development Summit in Dubuque, Iowa as the marketing and media coverage team. We made so many new connections, reconnected with past friends and colleagues, captured some fun interviews, and gained so much insight from the various keynote speakers and breakout sessions.

We look forward to sharing more about the process with you soon!

04/08/2026

There’s something special about stepping away from the everyday and discovering the charm of small-town Iowa!

Our visit to McGregor & Marquette took us along the scenic Mississippi River, where historic streets, local shops, and breathtaking bluff views come together to create an unforgettable experience. These river towns offer the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration.

Take a peek at our trip and see why this destination deserves a spot on your must-visit list 👇
https://www.em3rgemarketing.com/a-visit-to-mcgregor-marquette/

Explore McGregor and Marquette, Iowa with this travel guide featuring local shops, dining, scenic views, and outdoor adventures along the Mississippi River.