Bridging The Gap

Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Business
  • Updated Weekly

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

  1. 5d ago

    Inside Madison County Conservation with AmeriCorps Member Haiden Johnson | Bridging the Gap

    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 Hayden Johnson, AmeriCorps member serving with Madison County Conservation, to explore youth environmental education, the wildlife and habitat that make our parks special, and what a year of service looks like from the inside. From summer camps and school visits to pond prowls, guided hikes, and spring field trips, Hayden shares how getting kids outdoors builds curiosity that sticks with them long after camp ends. We also discuss the new conservation center, the limestone bluffs and remnant prairie that give Madison County its unique habitat, and simple ways anyone can support conservation locally. In this episode, we cover: Hayden's path from environmental science at Simpson College to serving in Madison CountyWhat AmeriCorps is and how the Iowa State 4-H branch focuses on positive youth developmentK-12 programming, school visits, spring field trips, and summer campsThe Toadally Rad Reptiles camp and a very muddy pond prowlTimber rattlesnakes, flying squirrels, and the surprising diversity of Iowa habitatsLimestone bluffs, bird watching, and becoming a birder along the wayCriss Cove and its remnant prairie, land that has never been tilledThe new conservation center as a public space, event venue, and camp shelterWhy time outdoors matters for mental health and for kids growing up on screensHayden's recent Governor's Volunteer Award and plans to stay in Madison CountyHow to volunteer, donate, or attend the annual Evening Under the Stars auctionWhether you're a parent looking for summer camp options, a lifelong Madison County resident, or someone curious about the wildlife right outside your door, this episode offers a close look at the people working to protect it and the kids learning to love it. Learn more & connect: Madison County Conservation: https://madisoncountyparks.orgCamps, events, and Pammel campground reservations: https://mycountyparks.comMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local conservation protects the parks, prairies, and wildlife that make Madison County worth exploring, one kid covered in mud at a time. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #AmeriCorps #IowaOutdoors #CountyConservation #EnvironmentalEducation #PammelPark Hayden Johnson spelling, the transcript is clean on this one but worth a glance.Criss Cove and Pammel, both came through garbled and I corrected them to the standard spellings.madisoncountyparks.org, reconstructed from "madison county parks dot org" in the audio.Evening Under the Stars, Hayden mentions it's run by the nonprofit associated with conservation but the org name got cut off. If you want that named in the bullet, let me know what it is.A few things to confirm before posting

    Inside Madison County Conservation with AmeriCorps Member Haiden Johnson | Bridging the Gap

  2. Jul 16

    Celebrating 100 Years of Clark Tower | Ellen Wade & Linda Smith

    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 Ellen Wade, Chair of the Friends of Winterset Parks and Recreation, and Linda Smith, local historian and member of the planning committee, to explore the story behind Clark Tower and the community effort to celebrate its 100th anniversary. From the Clark family's original 1925 vision to the stonemasons who quarried and built the tower by hand, Ellen and Linda share how this hidden landmark became one of Winterset's most beloved traditions. We also discuss the returning Clark family descendants, the newly restored Bennett Cabin, a full weekend of centennial festivities, and why preserving local landmarks matters now more than ever.In this episode, we cover:The history and mission of the Friends of Winterset Parks and RecreationHow the Clark family built Clark Tower by hand in 1925 and 1926Why the Clark family, who were stonemasons, chose stone for the towerThe tower's role as a memorial to Ruth and Caleb ClarkPlans for the August 7 and 8 centennial celebration weekendThe ticketed Friday night fundraiser dinner and the lighting of the towerThe free Saturday family fun day with music, food trucks, and history talksA reunion photo with 30 to 60 returning Clark family descendantsThe newly restored Bennett Cabin, furnished with period piecesA 5K trail run past Clark Tower, the covered bridge, and the stone bridgeParking and logistics for the big weekendWhy preserving landmarks like Clark Tower matters for future generationsWhether you're a Madison County history buff, a longtime park visitor, or someone curious about the stories behind our local landmarks, this episode offers a behind the scenes look at what it takes to bring a century old tradition back to life.Learn more & connect:Friends of Winterset Parks and Recreation: https://friendsofwintersetparks.orgMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting local parks organizations helps preserve the landmarks and green spaces that make Madison County such a special place to call home.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #ClarkTower #WintersetParks #LocalHistory #IowaHistory #CentennialCelebration

    Celebrating 100 Years of Clark Tower | Ellen Wade & Linda Smith

  3. Jul 11

    400 Kids, 2,000 Entries, One Week | Inside Madison County 4-H | Bridging the Gap Podcast

    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 Nicole Naven, Madison County Extension Director, and Lindsay, 4-H Coordinator, of ISU Extension and Outreach, to explore 4-H, county fair preparation, and the youth programming that shapes the next generation of leaders in Madison County. From livestock barns and static exhibits to babysitting clinics, art camps, and the premium auction, Nicole and Lindsay share how the Extension Office supports nearly 400 young people and the volunteers who make it all possible. We also discuss the quiet leadership skills kids pick up without realizing it, the workshops Extension offers for adults, and why community support is the reason this program keeps growing. In this episode, we cover: How Nicole and Lindsay got their start at the Madison County Extension OfficeWhat 4-H stands for and how it connects to ISU Extension and OutreachThe four Extension program areas, from ag and natural resources to health and human sciencesYear-round 4-H, with enrollment starting in September and projects building all yearFair by the numbers, including 286 4-H members, 111 Clover Kids, and 50 volunteersMore than 2,000 fair entries across livestock, clothing and communications, and static exhibitsWhy the fair is for everyone, not just farm families, with dog, cat, rabbit, photography, and food projectsLeadership, confidence, and communication skills kids gain along the wayThe Youth Council member who built the 4K for 4-H fundraiser from scratchAdult programming, from private pesticide training and farmland leasing to beekeeping 101 and ServSafeThe premium auction, the awards banquet, and how the community rallies behind local youthWhether you're a 4-H family, a longtime fairgoer, a business owner looking for a way to give back, or someone curious about what really happens behind the scenes of fair week, this episode offers a look at the people and the planning that make the Madison County Fair happen. Learn more & connect: ISU Extension and Outreach, Madison County: [GUEST ORG LINK — please confirm]Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local youth programs like 4-H helps build the confidence, leadership, and community pride that stay with kids long after fair week ends. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #4H #ISUExtension #MadisonCountyFair #YouthLeadership #CloverKids

    400 Kids, 2,000 Entries, One Week | Inside Madison County 4-H | Bridging the Gap Podcast

  4. Jul 2

    Inside Winterset's American Legion with Rod Beam | Bridging the Gap

    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 Rod Beam, Adjutant of American Legion Post 184 in Winterset, to explore what it means to serve veterans and the community for over five decades. From the Legion's founding pillars to the Madison County Freedom Rock, Rod shares how the post connects Vietnam era veterans, World War II history, and today's younger service members through one shared mission of support. We also discuss the challenges veterans face today, the Quilts of Valor program, and why showing up for veterans, on Memorial Day and every other day, still matters. In this episode, we cover: Rod's 55 years as a member of American Legion Post 184His service with the First Cavalry in Vietnam and family ties to the LegionThe Legion's four founding pillars, veteran affairs, national security, Americanism, and youth programsThe difference between American Legion and VFW membership requirementsModern challenges facing veterans, including suicide, PTSD, and VA benefits accessThe post's informal "buddy system" for checking on struggling veteransScholarships, citizenship awards, and Boys State sponsorship for local studentsThe Madison County Freedom Rock at the John Wayne Museum and its upkeepThe Poppy Days fundraiser and how it supports flags, cemeteries, and veteran assistanceQuilts of Valor and Winterset's role as the program's national headquartersHow to join the post and get involved as a community memberWhether you're a veteran, a family member of one, or someone who wants to better understand how Madison County supports those who served, this episode offers a firsthand look at what community really means to the people who've given the most for it. Learn more & connect: American Legion Post 184: [GUEST ORG LINK, please confirm, transcript references "Screen Rogers Post 184" but the URL was garbled]Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local veterans organizations like the American Legion helps preserve the history, sacrifice, and service that shaped our community. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #Podcast #AmericanLegion #VeteransSupport #QuiltsOfValor #FreedomRock #IowaVeterans

    Inside Winterset's American Legion with Rod Beam | Bridging the Gap

  5. Jun 25

    Inside the Madison County Farmers Market | Bridging the Gap

    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 Clinton and Kelly Echelman, market managers of the Madison County Farmers Market and owners of Cedar Shake Farm, to explore how a community gathering space, local entrepreneurship, and a passion for fresh produce have transformed Winterset's Saturday mornings. From relocating the market back to the courthouse square to launching the Farm Bucks food assistance program, Clinton and Kelly share how intentional growth and a welcoming atmosphere have turned the farmers market into one of Madison County's most beloved weekly traditions. We also discuss the behind-the-scenes logistics that keep the market running smoothly, exciting vendor success stories, and what the future of the market could look like.In this episode, we cover:How Clinton and Kelly got started at Cedar Shake Farm and eventually took over managing the market in January 2025The move from Monumental Park back to the Winterset courthouse square and why space matteredCreating atmosphere with live music, kids activities, cornhole, and vendor entertainmentHow the market has grown from a small weekend event to 35 to 40 vendors weekly and 60 total vendors across the seasonSupporting local entrepreneurs, including youth vendors getting their first taste of small business ownershipThe Farm Bucks program, a food assistance initiative partnering with CRISP to help Madison County families shop localWebsite, digital vendor management, and pre-assigned vendor spots that keep things organized week to weekVendor success stories, including a sourdough maker who sold out by 11 a.m. her first weekendThe market's plan to pursue 501(c)(3) statusFuture goals, including club and organization showcase weekends and continued growth on the squareWhether you're a local shopper, a small business owner looking for a low-barrier way to launch, or someone who loves a vibrant community gathering, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to grow a thriving farmers market from the ground up.Learn more & connect:Madison County Farmers Market: https://madisoncofarmersmarket.comMadison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountyShopping local at the farmers market puts dollars back into Madison County's economy, supports the people who grow and make things right here in our community, and gives every Saturday a little more life.#MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #FarmersMarket #ShopLocal #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #IowaFarm #CommunityHeritage #Podcast

    Inside the Madison County Farmers Market | Bridging the Gap

  6. Jun 17

    Raising Citizens of Tomorrow: The Madison County Fair with Kayla Reynolds

    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 Kayla Reynolds, treasurer of the Madison County Fairboard, to talk about what makes the Madison County Fair such a special tradition and what visitors can expect when the fair returns this year.Now in her 14th year on the board, Kayla shares how she first got involved, why county fairs hold such a unique place in rural Iowa, and how 4-H and FFA help raise the citizens of tomorrow. From livestock shows and the premium auction to fair food favorites and a brand new beer garden, she walks through the events, the behind the scenes work, and the capital campaign that will shape the fairgrounds for years to come.In this episode, we cover:• How Kayla joined the Madison County Fairboard and her 14 years of service• What makes county fairs unique and why they honor rural heritage• How 4-H and FFA build work ethic, confidence, and communication skills in youth• What visitors can expect this year, including night shows, food vendors, and competitions• The new beer garden being trialed during night shows• Can't miss events for first time fairgoers, from livestock shows to mud races• Favorite fair foods and the nonprofit vendors behind them• The premium auction and how the community gives back to young exhibitors• Supreme showmanship and the skill behind showing animals• The volunteers and superintendents who make the fair happen• The challenges of running a fair like a business• The capital campaign and the new buildings coming to the fairgroundsWhether you grew up showing at the fair, you're planning your first visit, or you simply want to support a tradition that brings the whole community together, this episode offers a heartfelt look at the people and passion behind the Madison County Fair.Learn more & connect:• Madison County Fair: https://madisoncountyfair.net• Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.comDon't forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison CountySupporting local events and organizations helps strengthen our communities and keeps our traditions growing right here in Iowa.#MadisonCountyFair #CountyFair #4H #FFA #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #IowaFair #SupportLocal #Podcast #BridgingTheGap

    Raising Citizens of Tomorrow: The Madison County Fair with Kayla Reynolds

  7. Jun 11

    Preserving Madison County’s Story | Inside the Madison County Historical Complex

    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 Jared McDonald, Museum Director of the Madison County Historical Complex, to explore the stories, artifacts, and historic places that help preserve the rich history of Madison County, Iowa. From historic buildings and rare artifacts to family genealogy research and educational programs, Jared shares how the Historical Complex connects the past to the present while inspiring future generations to appreciate local history. We also discuss some of Madison County’s lesser-known stories, exciting upcoming projects, and why preserving local history matters now more than ever. In this episode, we cover: • The history and mission of the Madison County Historical Complex• Historic buildings, exhibits, and collections on the property• Why preserving local history is important for future generations• Madison County’s connection to the Red Delicious apple• Native American artifacts and early county history• Interactive exhibits, historic research, and genealogy resources• How local museums contribute to tourism and community pride• Educational programs for students and families• The popular Flat Charlie summer scavenger hunt• Upcoming exhibits, restoration projects, and future plans Whether you're a history enthusiast, lifelong Madison County resident, or someone curious about the stories that shaped our community, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of Madison County’s most important cultural institutions. Learn more & connect: • Madison County Historical Complex: https://historyonthehill.com• Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.com Don’t forget to: 👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local museums and historical organizations helps preserve the stories, people, and places that make our communities unique. #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #LocalHistory #HistoricalSociety #Museum #IowaHistory #SupportLocal #CommunityHeritage #HistoryOnTheHill #Podcast

    Preserving Madison County’s Story | Inside the Madison County Historical Complex

  8. Jun 9

    How BTWI Brought Rural Internet to Iowa | The Story Behind a Local Internet Provider

    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 Nathan Lierhof, founder of BTWI (Bits of Technology Wireless Internet), to hear the story of how a lack of internet access in rural Iowa led to the creation of a company that now serves communities across central Iowa. What started as a solution for one family quickly grew into a mission to provide reliable, affordable internet service to rural homes, farms, and businesses. Nathan shares the challenges of building an internet company from the ground up, the importance of local customer service, and how technology continues to shape rural communities. In this episode, we cover: • The origin story of BTWI and how it started in rural Perry, Iowa• What BTWI stands for and how the company has grown over 18 years• How wireless internet works and why it matters for rural communities• The importance of reliable internet for farms, families, and businesses• Gaming, remote work, video calls, and changing internet demands• Why local customer service remains a priority• Supporting small businesses through better connectivity• The future of internet service in rural Iowa• How BTWI stays involved in the communities it serves Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, remote worker, or simply curious about how internet reaches rural communities, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of a local company helping keep Iowa connected. Learn more & connect: • BTWI: https://btwi.net• Madison County Chamber: https://madisoncounty.com Don’t forget to: 👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local stories and conversations from around Madison County Supporting local businesses helps strengthen our communities and keeps innovation growing right here in Iowa. #BTWI #RuralInternet #InternetProvider #MadisonCountyIA #WintersetIowa #SmallBusiness #Technology #IowaBusiness #SupportLocal #Podcast

    How BTWI Brought Rural Internet to Iowa | The Story Behind a Local Internet Provider
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 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
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Madison County Chamber of Commerce
  • Show Website
    Bridging The Gap