The Week in Social rounds up the best of Iowa’s uplifting stories, exciting initiatives and fun events from all 99 counties discovered through social media. In a time where every bit of good news is cherished, this series is devoted to being a fun, lighthearted way to stay informed about Iowa’s good news.
Mainframe Studios, the Des Moines studio that houses affordable workspaces for artists and office space for nonprofit art groups, announced an exciting development last week. Renovations have been completed on 58 new studios on its third floor, meaning the studio now has 131 workshops, 97% of which are already occupied.
“We had an extensive waitlist to pull from with artists waiting years for space while we raised funds for renovations,” Mainframe Studios Director Siobhan Spain said in a release. “We’re playing matchmaker for the final spaces and expect to have them rented soon.”
Mainframe Studios unveiled the third-floor renovations, new windows on the second floor and a reconstructed front entry plaza at its First Friday event last weekend with live music, food and drinks and new art displays.
Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire, Iowa, is planning a summer opening for its brand-new Celebration Center. Located next to the riverside distillery, the Celebration Center will provide beautiful river views, a rooftop patio, a bridal party suite and a whiskey cellar.
Perfect for your next wedding, party, corporate event or meet and greet, the Celebration Center is now booking dates starting this August. Get ahead and reserve your space here.COMING SOON: Celebration Center at #TheQCDistillery!
— Mississippi River Distilling Company (@mrdistilling) March 26, 2021
We’re thrilled to announce that you will soon be able to host your meeting, wedding or event at our CELEBRATION CENTER right next door to the distillery in Le Claire!
Learn more and receive updates?? https://t.co/FFtGUTbTii pic.twitter.com/IthKs9rJhH
Today's "Mission: Employable" #podcast episode features @BusinessIOWA @IowaFinance Director Debi Durham for a discussion about Iowa’s #workforce forecast.
— Iowa Workforce (@iowaworkforce) March 30, 2021
???Listen here:https://t.co/Oie0eAUi1X
Iowa Workforce Development’s mission is to lead Iowa’s workforce by empowering workers and businesses to succeed in a dynamic global economy. Their latest move to support that objective is a very popular and aptly 2021 choice — starting a podcast.
The “Mission: Employable” podcast will focus on Iowa’s workforce-related topics weekly. Conversations will be between Ryan West, Iowa Workforce Development’s deputy director, and a variety of subject matter experts from the wide variety of programs and services offered by the agency and its partner organizations. Guests so far include Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Director Debi Durham, Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend and more.
Whether you’re an employer looking to expand your workforce or a job seeker applying for in-demand jobs, this pod has something for you. Listen here.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had an effect on everyone, but especially frontline medical workers. As a show of appreciation for their hard work and dedication, dozens of Iowa City elementary schoolers surprised Mercy Hospital staffers with custom thank-you signs and cheers. The staff said it meant so much to see and hear the children’s inspiring signs of support.
Iowa students cheer on medical workers to thank them https://t.co/IK1DCW2tVO
— KCCI News (@KCCINews) April 1, 2021
The World Food & Music Festival is making plans to return Sept. 17–19 at Western Gateway Park in #downtownDSM. The Festival will monitor COVID-19 regulations and announce protocols in the months preceding the event. Food vendor applications are now open. https://t.co/hMUbk4HVdx
— Downtown DSM USA (@downtownDSMUSA) March 30, 2021
The World Food & Music Festival is making plans to return to Des Moines Friday, Sept. 17–Sunday, Sept. 19. The Festival, which features food vendors representing countries and culinary regions from around the world, will be held at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines.
In addition to the vast offerings of food, the Festival will feature a wide range of headlining bands, activities and more. COVID-19 regulations will be monitored over the course of the next few months, and protocols and procedures will be announced at a later date.
“We are excited to jump into the planning process for this year’s event and look forward to welcoming attendees back to experience a vibrant festival atmosphere with a global flavor,” said Colleen Murphy, downtown events director for the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
Food vendor applications are now open for the 2021 Festival. Those that are interested in applying can find more information here.
