Perry Chamber Board Member Emily Leslie speaks during the Perry POWER Hour on January 27, 2026, at the Hotel Pattee. Allison Ullmann/Raccoon Valley Radio

Four organizations within the Perry community came together on Tuesday for an event to share information with residents.

The City of Perry, Perry Schools, Perry Economic Development and the Perry Chamber of Commerce gave presentations during the Perry P.O.W.E.R. Hour at the Hotel Pattee. The “Projects, Opportunities, Wisdom, Excitement, and Resources” event is intended to provide the latest happenings from each of those groups.

City Administrator Sven Peterson was the first presenter as he discussed the city budget season and property taxes. He highlighted some of the expenditures for the city, including vehicles and equipment, and said prices continue to go up with inflation. Peterson also gave a brief overview of some upcoming projects, including a trail from the Iowa Street wetland to the middle school and paving Soumas Avenue and doing improvements to the Highway 141 intersection.

Up next was Perry Schools Superintendent Clark Wicks who said he will be retiring at the end of the current school year. Wicks shared photos from his time with the district and talked about some of the core values that he has tried to follow as a principal and superintendent, including Inviting Atmosphere, Continuous Improvement, Appreciation, Relationships and Enthusiasm. 

The third presenter was Past President of Perry Economic Development Matt McDevitt as he discussed the group’s pillar of new business attraction. McDevitt highlighted businesses that committed to building new facilities in the Perry Industrial Park over the past year, including JBS and ADR Axles.  

The POWER Hour wrapped up with the chamber as business owners and board members Emily Leslie and Susan Brelsford highlighted their mission. They added that one of the most visible ways the chamber supports the community is through a variety of events, including the upcoming Bike Ride to Rippey, Chocolate Walk and Big Boom Bracket Battle. 

Leslie explained the importance of BRR and how it’s tied directly to the chamber’s goals of supporting businesses in the community.

“Even though people aren’t buying sweaters from Backwards Boutique, there are hundreds of and hundreds of people coming to my community that see my windows, that can see my smile at the hotel volunteering that will come back and feel the love that happens right here.”

The next POWER Hour events are scheduled for May 26 and September 22.