Business Gala 2025 Summary

Highlights from the 6th Annual Rock Valley Business Gala

The 6th Annual Rock Valley Business Gala brought together business owners, community leaders, and residents to celebrate progress, collaboration, and the exciting momentum building across the city. From recognizing local leadership to sharing updates on economic development, the evening demonstrated just how far Rock Valley has come—and where it’s headed next.

Chamber Highlights

Four central focus areas were highlighted for the Chamber: Membership, Events, Investment, and Future—each contributing to a stronger, more unified business community.

Celebrating a Growing, Connected Business Community

The Chamber continues to expand, welcoming new business members each year. This growth brings fresh ideas, a stronger collective voice, and more opportunities for collaboration. The Gala highlighted the vital role of the Chamber Board of Directors, whose support has guided a season of transition and new initiatives.

Events played a major role in Chamber activity this year, including:

• Member events like Lunch & Learns, Mix & Mingles, and Coffee & Connects
• Community events such as Casino Night, Drive-In Movie Nights, Candy in the Valley, ribbon cuttings, and the boys’ basketball tournament that welcomed over 40 teams

Together, these events strengthen business relationships, attract visitors, and help keep Rock Valley vibrant.

Investing in Local Business & Community Growth

One highlight of the past year was the continued success of the Chamber Gift Card Program, which has infused over $284,000 back into local businesses since 2022.

The Chamber encouraged businesses to look ahead to 2026 membership opportunities, reminding attendees that joining the Chamber isn’t just a business decision—it’s an investment in Rock Valley’s future.

Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders

Rock Valley launched the 3rd year of the Rock Valley Leadership Institute, welcoming nine new participants representing a wide range of local employers. The program provides behind-the-scenes insight into Rock Valley’s major industries—agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, city works, and more—along with personal growth training through the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

The goal is simple: build strong leaders who will help shape Rock Valley’s future.

Strategic Planning for 2030

This year offered a more collaborative, in-person strategic planning process for Economic Development—shifting the city’s focus toward creating a place where people can Live, Play, and Work.

Key priorities for 2030 include:

• Recreation & wellness
• Arts, entertainment & cultural connections
• Shopping & dining expansion
• Business & entrepreneurship support
• Community inclusivity
• Housing growth
• Childcare development
• Downtown beautification

These pillars reflect the community’s vision for a thriving, welcoming Rock Valley.

Recovery, Rebuilding & a Path Forward

Following the recent disaster, Rock Valley’s progress has been remarkable. Nearly 300 new housing units are underway—an extraordinary achievement for a rural community.

The Housing Study revealed important insights:

• Rock Valley draws nearly 1,000 daily commuters, highlighting a need for more housing
• Job growth is projected at five times the state average
• The fastest-growing demographic is ages 45–54, emphasizing the need to attract young families
• The community will require 20 new homes annually for the next five years

Business expansions, rebuilds, and new developments continue to roll in, signaling strong confidence in Rock Valley’s future

Telling Rock Valley’s Story

The community was featured in the MyTown Series with Cory Hepola, that was filmed in June 2025. The episode highlights Rock Valley’s resilience and the spirit that carried the town through hardship. (You can watch the video here.) 

A Message from the Mayor

The Mayor expressed heartfelt gratitude to businesses, first responders, law enforcement, city staff, and residents. The past months have tested the community—but the compassion and unity displayed across Rock Valley have been a source of strength and inspiration.

2025 Awards 

Congratulations to the following groups and individuals on their awards:
Chamber Business of the Year: Rooted Plant + Coffee
Economic Development Support Award: Chris Van Ginkel 
Citizen of the Year: Kurt Franje