RAGBRAI is coming to town, and it takes a lot of money to get it here. The Tama-Toledo Chamber of Commerce is instrumental in doing all that it takes to make our community a fantastic place for cyclists to visit for the night, but that doesn’t come cheap. Eight local businesses gladly donated to the chamber to help with the hulking costs of the endeavor.

Iowa Premium comes in as the biggest donor, forking over a whopping $25,000, and in a quick second place, having put forth an incredible $10,000, is the State Bank of Toledo. John C. Kavalier, President and CEO of the bank, stated that RAGBRAI will be a great opportunity to showcase our communities.

Assured Partners gave $2,500 for several reasons. Matt Zmolek, Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce member, co-chair of the Beverage Garden, and Vice President of Assured Partners said, “We wanted to help support them (the chamber of commerce) with the monumental task and cost of being an overnight town.”

Zmolek went on to say, “Being the smallest overnight town on the route this year, I am excited for us to show everyone what small town Iowa hospitality is all about!”

The local State Farm office slapped down a nice stack of bacon totaling $1,000 to help with RAGBRAI. Gary Bock from State Farm said he jumped at the opportunity to help.

“Tama/Toledo is a great place to live and to work, and it also give us a great opportunity to show off the many great gems in our community,” Gary said.

Another $1,000 came from the Lincoln Savings Bank, which wanted to give back to the community and see local business grow.

“RAGBRAI is more than just a bike ride. The economic impact RAGBRAI provides host communities is of great value. It brings community-driven and passionate people through our great state, allowing communities like Tama-Toledo to show how Iowans really live the good life!” Branch manager Jared Schirmer said.

Schirmeris looking forward to cultivating relationships during RAGBRAI and Sue Carnahan’s coffee stand.

A thousand more simoleons were given by Pinnacle Bank. Branch Manager Tammy Kalinay said they want to show all the cyclists just what Tama-Toledo can offer. Kalinay is in high hopes that the RAGBRAI event will help all local businesses.

Tammy herself stated that what she is most looking forward to on RAGBRAI is “Driving around on my golf cart seeing all the different entertainment and listening to the music while enjoying a cold beverage.”

Local business owner, Kendall Jordan, gave $2,000 in total. $1,000 from S&S Carwash and another from Iowa Step and Tank.

“We donated what we could,” Jordan said.

As RAGBRAI brings so many people to the community, Mr. Jordan thinks it will bring along with it money into the local economy. Kendall is also the Public Safety Chair of the RAGBRAI committee, and he looks forward to meeting some of the great people in town Thursday.

These are from all the donations that the Tama-Toledo Area Chamber of Commerce has received to help with RAGBRAI, but they are the most substantial. They are the big eight donations that have helped this little community brace for the impact of 30,000-plus people riding into town.