Bridging The Gap

Madison County Chamber of Commerce

Bridging the Gap. A podcast from Madison County Iowa dedicated to the growth and sustainability of small business in our community.

  1. Building Madison County: A Conversation with Dave Trask

    1d ago

    Building Madison County: A Conversation with Dave Trask

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with longtime community leader, small business owner, and former Ben Franklin owner Dave Trask to talk about the history, growth, and future of Madison County, Iowa.Dave shares stories from nearly five decades of running a hometown business in Winterset, helping grow tourism in Madison County, and serving through organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, the John Wayne Birthplace, and many other community projects.From the evolution of downtown Winterset to the impact of The Bridges of Madison County movie, this conversation highlights the importance of community involvement, preserving small-town charm, and investing in the future of local communities.In this episode, we cover:• The history of Ben Franklin in Winterset• How Madison County evolved into a tourism destination• The beginnings of the John Wayne Birthplace Museum• The impact of *The Bridges of Madison County* film• Why preserving historic downtown architecture matters• Community leadership and volunteerism• The importance of supporting local businesses• How small-town values shape Madison County• Building a lasting legacy through service• Advice for younger generations getting involved in their communityWhether you’re passionate about small business, tourism, local history, or community leadership, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people who helped shape Madison County into what it is today.Learn more & connect:• Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting local businesses, community organizations, and volunteer efforts helps preserve the heart of small-town Iowa for future generations.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SmallTownAmerica #CommunityLeadership #JohnWayneBirthplace #BridgesOfMadisonCounty #SupportLocal #IowaLife #LocalBusiness #Podcast

    23 min
  2. Quilts, Creativity & Community | Inside the Iowa Quilt Museum

    May 21

    Quilts, Creativity & Community | Inside the Iowa Quilt Museum

    Here’s a polished SEO-friendly YouTube description for this episode:Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Melody Reels, Director of the Iowa Quilt Museum in Winterset, Iowa, to explore the incredible world of quilting, creativity, history, and storytelling.From antique quilts dating back to the 1800s to modern textile art and nationally recognized exhibits, Melody shares how the Iowa Quilt Museum brings art and culture into Madison County while attracting visitors from across the country.We also dive into the upcoming Iowa Quilt Festival and Airing of the Quilts, one of Winterset’s most colorful and unique community events.In this episode, we cover:• The story behind the Iowa Quilt Museum• How quilting connects art, history, and family storytelling• Antique quilts, modern art quilts, and rotating exhibits• The emotional meaning behind handmade quilts• The upcoming Iowa Quilt Festival and Airing of the Quilts• How quilting tourism impacts Madison County• Why preserving creativity and culture matters in small communities• Volunteer opportunities and ways to get involvedWhether you’re a quilter, artist, history lover, or someone who simply appreciates creativity and community, this episode offers a fascinating look inside one of Iowa’s most unique museums.Learn more & connect:• Iowa Quilt Museum: [https://www.iowaquiltmuseum.org](https://www.iowaquiltmuseum.org)• Madison County Chamber: [https://madisoncounty.com](https://madisoncounty.com)Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting local museums, nonprofits, and community organizations helps preserve history, creativity, and culture for future generations.#IowaQuiltMuseum #WintersetIowa #MadisonCountyIA #Quilting #FiberArt #TextileArt #IowaLife #SupportLocal #QuiltFestival #Podcast

    30 min
  3. John Wayne Birthplace & Museum Story | Hollywood History in Winterset, Iowa

    May 14

    John Wayne Birthplace & Museum Story | Hollywood History in Winterset, Iowa

    John Wayne Birthplace & Museum Story | Hollywood History in Winterset, IowaWelcome to *Bridging the Gap*, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Brian Downes, Executive Director of the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum in Winterset, Iowa. Brian shares the incredible story behind one of Iowa’s most visited attractions and how the legacy of John Wayne continues to bring visitors from around the world to Madison County.From the humble birthplace house to the world class museum that stands today, this conversation explores Hollywood history, Midwestern values, tourism, and the lasting cultural impact of one of America’s most iconic movie stars.In this episode, we cover:• The story behind the John Wayne Birthplace and Museum• How Brian Downes came to Winterset from Chicago• John Wayne’s connection to Iowa and Midwestern values• The growth of the museum from a small house to a major attraction• Rare memorabilia, movie props, costumes, and exhibits• How tourism impacts Madison County and the local economy• Why younger generations still connect with John Wayne today• Upcoming museum events and future plansWhether you’re a longtime John Wayne fan, a movie history enthusiast, or someone who loves learning about unique Iowa destinations, this episode offers a fascinating behind the scenes look at one of Madison County’s biggest attractions.Learn more & connect:John Wayne Birthplace & Museum: https://johnwaynebirthplace.museumMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local attractions and organizations means investing in your community and preserving history for future generations.#JohnWayne #WintersetIowa #MadisonCountyIA #MovieHistory #HollywoodHistory #Tourism #IowaLife #SupportLocal #Museum #Podcast

    19 min
  4. Wallace Centers of Iowa Story | Agriculture, History & Community in Madison County

    May 7

    Wallace Centers of Iowa Story | Agriculture, History & Community in Madison County

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast—where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Nelson of the Wallace Centers of Iowa to explore the incredible legacy of the Wallace family and how their impact on agriculture, science, education, and community still shapes Iowa today. From the origins of Pioneer and Hy-Line International to modern farm-to-table experiences and educational programming, this conversation highlights how the Wallace Centers connect food, land, and people across generations. In this episode, we cover: The mission and history of the Wallace Centers of IowaThe Wallace family’s impact on agriculture and scienceThe 100th anniversary of Pioneer and 90th anniversary of Hy-LineFarm-to-table events like Pizza on the PrairieEducational programs for youth and the communityHistoric tours, art exhibits, and agricultural experiencesWhy preserving Iowa’s agricultural history mattersWhether you're passionate about Iowa history, agriculture, education, or community development, this episode offers a fascinating look at one of the state’s most influential legacies. Learn more & connect: Wallace Centers of Iowa: https://wallace.orgMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories Supporting local organizations means investing in your community and preserving the stories that shape Iowa’s future. #MadisonCountyIA #Agriculture #IowaHistory #FarmToTable #Community #SupportLocal #Nonprofit #PioneerSeed #IowaLife #Podcast

    24 min

  5. Apr 30

    Omnitel Communications Story | Fiber Internet & Rural Connectivity in Madison County

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Mike Hansen of Omnitel Communications to explore how high-speed fiber internet is transforming rural communities across Madison County and beyond.From working remotely to powering small businesses and smart homes, Mike shares how reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury, it’s essential infrastructure for modern life.In this episode, we cover:- What fiber optic internet is and how it works- Bringing high-speed internet to rural communities- How reliable internet supports local businesses and remote work- Common misconceptions about rural connectivity- The future of technology, smart homes, and esports- How Omnitel partners with local communitiesWhether you're a homeowner, business owner, or just curious about how internet technology is evolving, this episode breaks it down in a practical and relatable way.Learn more & connect:Omnitel Communications: https://omnitel.bizMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local infrastructure and businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #FiberInternet #RuralInternet #Technology #SmallBusiness #WorkFromHome #SupportLocal #IowaLife #Connectivity #Podcast

    20 min
  6. Covered Bridges Winery Story | Iowa Wine, Vineyard Life & Local Tourism in Madison County

    Apr 23

    Covered Bridges Winery Story | Iowa Wine, Vineyard Life & Local Tourism in Madison County

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Fifo of Covered Bridges Winery to explore the journey of building a vineyard and winery from the ground up in Madison County, Iowa.From planting the first grapes to producing award-winning wines, Kevin shares the realities of winemaking in Iowa, the role of community support, and how tourism plays a major part in their success.n this episode, we cover:The origin story of Covered Bridges WineryGrowing grapes and making wine in Iowa’s climateThe winemaking and fermentation processAward-winning wines and what makes them uniqueWine tourism and attracting visitors from across the countryThe importance of supporting local businessesWhether you're a wine enthusiast, entrepreneur, or someone who loves local Iowa experiences, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Madison County’s most established destinations.Learn more & connect:Covered Bridges Winery: [https://coveredbridgeswinery.com](https://coveredbridgeswinery.com)Madison County Chamber: [https://madisoncounty.com](https://madisoncounty.com)Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #IowaWine #Winery #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SupportLocal #WineTasting #Tourism #IowaLife #Podcast

    35 min
  7. Episode 8 - Bricker Price Block with Allissa Johnson

    Apr 16

    Episode 8 - Bricker Price Block with Allissa Johnson

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Alyssa Johnson, director of the Bricker Price Block in Earlham, Iowa, a historic building turned vibrant community hub.From summer camps and senior programs to large-scale community events and farm-to-table dinners, Alyssa shares how this space has evolved into a place where people of all ages can gather, learn, and connect.In this episode, we cover:* The history of the Bricker Price Block (dating back to 1900)* Transforming a historic building into a modern community space* Kids Club summer camps and scholarship opportunities* Senior Speaker Series and lifelong learning programs* Hosting large community events like farm-to-table dinners* The power of local support in sustaining a nonprofitThis episode is a powerful look at how one space can impact an entire community—and the people behind making it happen.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local organizations means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #EarlhamIA #Nonprofit #CommunityEvents #SupportLocal #SmallTownLife #IowaLife #CommunityImpact #LocalBusiness #Podcast

    30 min
  8. Episode 7 - B. Shannon Designs with Brooke Sutphin

    Apr 9

    Episode 7 - B. Shannon Designs with Brooke Sutphin

    Welcome to Bridging the Gap, the Madison County Chamber podcast, where local stories, businesses, and community connections come together.In this episode, we sit down with Brooke of B. Shannon Designs, a custom jewelry artist based in Winterset, Iowa. With over 18 years in business, Brooke shares her journey from creating jewelry in a barn tack room to building a one-of-a-kind gallery on the square.Discover how art, architecture, and personal stories inspire her designs, and how she transforms meaningful heirlooms into custom pieces that last a lifetime.In this episode, we cover:* The story behind B. Shannon Designs* How Brooke got started in jewelry and metalsmithing* The custom jewelry design process (from idea to finished piece)* Transforming heirloom jewelry into modern designs* The emotional meaning behind custom, one-of-a-kind pieces* Building a creative business in a small-town communityWhether you're interested in custom jewelry, art, or starting your own business, this episode is full of inspiration and insight.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #CustomJewelry #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Handmade #Artisan #SupportLocal #IowaLife #JewelryDesign #Podcast

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Bridging the Gap. A podcast from Madison County Iowa dedicated to the growth and sustainability of small business in our community.

Information

  • Creator
    Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Bridging The Gap