Ambassador Visits July 2025
posted in Chamber of Commerce on July 21, 2025
Waverly, IA – The Waverly Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently presented four existing businesses with Progress Awards.
The Ambassadors met with Executive Director Bonnie Gesell and the Larrabee Center team to hold a Progress Award presentation to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Trinkets & Togs in Waverly. Trinkets & Togs, located at 114 10th St SW., is a nonprofit thrift store operated by The Larrabee Center, Inc., with a mission to provide supportive employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers to independence. Since opening in 1995, Trinkets & Togs has become a beloved fixture in Waverly, offering gently used clothing, home goods, furniture, and more, all while giving back to the community. Proceeds from the store directly support programs that promote independent living and community involvement. With a focus on sustainability, affordability, and inclusion, Trinkets & Togs continues to make a meaningful impact through both its retail offerings and its people-centered mission. To learn more, visit www.larrabeecenter.org/trinkets-togs.
The Ambassadors met with owner Kerri VanEe of Essence Aesthetics and Health to hold a Progress Award presentation to celebrate the recent expansion of their clinic, located at 99 E Bremer Ave. This growth has allowed them to significantly increase their space, offering additional treatment rooms, an enhanced IV therapy lounge, and dedicated areas for wellness services such as private consultations and relaxation spaces. With the expansion, Essence is now able to offer a wider variety of services in a more spacious and comfortable setting. The additional square footage also supports their growing team of professionals, including registered nurses and licensed aestheticians, and reflects their ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive aesthetic and health care to the Waverly community. For more information on Essence Aesthetics and Health or to book an appointment, visit www.essence.health/.
The Ambassadors met with Nikoli Falenschek to hold a Progress Award presentation to celebrate Pastor Nikoli being appointed Associate Pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School. St. Paul’s, located at 301 1st St NW, emphasizes worship, education, and service, reflecting its Lutheran roots. The affiliated school, fully offers preschool through sixth grade education in a faith-based environment with a focus on academic excellence. Pastor Nikoli Falenschek’s addition to the team at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church & School brings new energy, perspective, and depth to the congregation’s ministry. With a background in children, youth, and family ministry, Nikoli is well-equipped to strengthen intergenerational connections within the church and enhance programming that supports spiritual growth at every life stage. To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School, visit www.stpaulswaverly.org.
The Ambassadors met with Paula Geise, CEO, and Chris Tjebkes, Active Living Analyst, of Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community to present a Progress Award in recognition of the start of Phase One construction at Anna Estates. Phase One includes 47 independent living homes, featuring a mix of twin homes and single-family homes. This new neighborhood will be located just north of Eisenach Village and the main Bartels campus at 1922 Fifth Avenue NW in Waverly. Bartels has long been a trusted name in senior living, offering a full continuum of care grounded in faith, compassion, and service. Anna Estates is designed to provide beautifully built, maintenance-free homes for seniors seeking a vibrant, community-centered lifestyle.
Both Anna Estates and Eisenach Village are premier independent living communities for adults 55 and older. Eisenach Village offers a variety of home styles and amenities designed to support independent living while fostering connection and peace of mind. To learn more about Anna Estates or Eisenach Village, visit www.bartelscommunity.org.
The Waverly Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Program serves as a public relations arm of the Waverly Chamber by welcoming new businesses, recognizing business expansion efforts, and recruiting new members to the organization.
For more information, please contact the Waverly Chamber of Commerce at (319) 352-4526 or waverly@waverlychamber.com.