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 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

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

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

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

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 Connor Finley of Winterset Cidery to talk about launching a family-run business, learning the craft of cider-making from scratch, and building a destination that brings people together.From their first year in business to creating a family-friendly gathering space, Connor shares what it takes to run a cidery, how cider is made, and how the Madison County community has played a huge role in their success.In this episode, we cover:* The story behind starting Winterset Cidery* What craft cider is (and why it’s different)* The cider-making and fermentation process* Building a family-friendly taproom experience* Hosting events, live music, and community gatherings* Expanding distribution and growing a local brandWhether you're a cider fan, small business owner, or someone who loves discovering new local spots, this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at one of Madison County’s newest businesses.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local business storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #Cidery #CraftCider #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SupportLocal #IowaLife #FamilyBusiness #LocalEvents #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 Diane Fitch, owner of the Fitch House Bed & Breakfast—the only B&B in Madison County, Iowa. Diane shares the deeply personal story behind opening her home to guests and how it’s become a place of rest, connection, and unforgettable experiences.From farm-fresh breakfasts and gathering eggs to lifelong friendships formed around the kitchen table, this episode highlights what makes staying at a true bed and breakfast so special.In this episode, we cover:* The powerful story behind starting Fitch House B&B* What makes this one-of-a-kind farm stay experience unique* Farm-to-table breakfasts and rural Iowa living* Memorable guest stories and lifelong connections* Why visitors from around the world love Madison County* The beauty of slowing down and experiencing small-town lifeWhether you're planning a getaway, love unique travel experiences, or just enjoy meaningful stories, this episode will give you a new appreciation for hospitality and community.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #BedAndBreakfast #FarmStay #TravelIowa #SupportLocal #SmallBusiness #IowaLife #Hospitality #UniqueStay #Podcast

Description: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 Phil Clifton of the Winterset Community Band to explore the rich history, community impact, and ongoing tradition of one of Madison County’s most unique local groups.From its roots dating back over a century to today’s multi-generational band of 40+ members, the Winterset Community Band continues to bring people together through music, summer concerts, and community events.In this episode, we cover:* The history of the Winterset Community Band (dating back to the early 1900s)* How the band brings together musicians of all ages and skill levels* What to expect at summer concerts and community performances* The role of music in building community connections* How local nonprofits and performers collaborate during events* How YOU can join—even if you haven’t played in yearsWhether you're a musician, a fan of live music, or someone who loves small-town traditions, this episode highlights the power of community through the arts.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local storiesSupporting local organizations keeps traditions like this alive.#MadisonCountyIA #CommunityBand #LiveMusic #SmallTownLife #SupportLocal #ArtsCommunity #IowaLife #Music #Nonprofit #Podcast

Description: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 Phil Clifton, owner of Winterset Fitness Express, to talk about building a 24/7 fitness facility in a small-town community and the impact of local wellness access.Phil shares his journey from a 22-year banking career to small business ownership, how his family became part of the business, and why providing flexible, around-the-clock gym access has made a difference for so many in Madison County.In this episode, we cover:* The story behind Winterset Fitness Express* Transitioning from banking to small business ownership* The value of a 24/7 gym in a small community* Real-life fitness success stories and transformations* Supporting local businesses and giving back to your community* Advice for starting a business in Madison CountyWhether you're looking to improve your health, start a business, or support local, this episode highlights the power of community and consistency.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local business storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #Fitness #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Wellness #SupportLocal #GymLife #IowaLife #Community #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 Rachel Eller, broker/owner of Summerset Realty, to hear her journey from in-home daycare provider to launching her own real estate brokerage in Madison County, Iowa.Rachel shares how a personal life event led her into real estate, the importance of building relationships over transactions, and what it takes to stand out in today’s competitive housing market. This episode is full of insight for anyone looking to buy or sell a home, or start a business of their own.In this episode, we cover:* Rachel Eller’s path into real estate and entrepreneurship* Starting Somerset Realty in Madison County* How to succeed as a buyer or seller in today’s market* The importance of relationships and trust in real estate* Tips for starting a business in a small-town community* Why supporting local businesses mattersWhether you're house hunting, selling property, or thinking about launching your own business, this conversation gives you a real look at what it takes to succeed locally.Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local business storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #RealEstate #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #IowaRealEstate #SupportLocal #BusinessOwner #Podcast #HomeBuying #CommunityConnections

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 Kris Miler, owner of Speckled Hen Farms in Madison County, Iowa. Chris shares how she and her husband transitioned from city living to building a unique farm-based business—from converting an old dog kennel into a charming farm store to creating unforgettable experiences like pizza nights, live music, and seasonal events.You’ll hear the real story behind starting a small farm business, the challenges of growing produce, and how community support played a major role in their success. Whether you're a local, entrepreneur, or someone who loves farm-to-table living, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.In this episode, we cover:The origin story of Speckled Hen FarmsTurning a rural property into a thriving farm storeFarm-to-table produce and small-scale farming realitiesHosting events: pizza nights, live music, and seasonal marketsThe power of supporting local farms and small businessesHow the Madison County community helps businesses growIf you’ve ever thought about starting a business, living a slower lifestyle, or supporting local, this conversation is for you.Learn more & connect:Madison County Chamber: https://www.madisoncounty.comSpeckled Hen Farms (search online for latest events, hours, and updates)Don’t forget to:👍 Like💬 Comment🔔 Subscribe for more local business storiesSupporting local businesses means investing in your community.#MadisonCountyIA #SmallBusiness #FarmToTable #LocalBusiness #Entrepreneurship #IowaLife #Podcast #SupportLocal #SustainableLiving #Agritourism