“What is your most important asset?”

Ask Waller, a sales consultant at Rost Motor, what this means for Manson and the answer is straightforward.

“Manson’s greatest asset is our resilience,” said Waller, who also serves as president of the Manson Chamber of Commerce. “When a deadly tornado hit Manson in 1979, people worked together to help each other and rebuild.”

“This community spirit is still alive today.”

It’s reflected in the way the Manson Chamber of Commerce members work together to encourage shopping local, Waller said.

It’s also evident as chamber members team up to host community events throughout the year, including Manson Greater Crater Days each June, an appreciation breakfast for Manson Northwest Webster teachers at the start of each school year, a chili cook-off in the fall and a hometown Christmas event featuring Santa Claus.

Waller said Manson Chamber Bucks are often given as prizes at these events to help benefit the local economy.

“Our goal is to reach out to the community and build relationships,” said Waller. “It’s like ‘Cheers,’ where everyone knows your name and appreciates your business.”

Waller also contributes to the community as a part-time farmer and a volunteer with the Manson Fire Department.

Giving back to the community

While some of Manson’s businesses are relatively new, such as Dr. Sarah Hoban’s family dentistry clinic, others have served the Manson area for years.

Rost Motor has been in Manson since 1958 and continues to support the community through popular events like Ford’s Drive 4 UR Community and Drive 4 UR School programs.

For every test drive taken in any new Ford vehicle at these one-day events, Ford donates $20 to the participating school or community organization.

All these organizations enhance the close-knit community, safe neighborhoods and home-town feel that define Manson, Waller said.

He added a vibrant community also strengthens the local businesses that are making a positive impact on the area.

“We have forward-thinking leaders who work hard to make Manson a place where people want to live and work,” he said. “This is also a place where businesses can grow and contribute to the quality of life in Manson.”