MAQUOETA, Iowa – The Voy 61 Drive In Theatre near this community was recently selected as one of 505 small businesses nationwide to receive funding through the Amex Shop Small Grants Program.
The program is a partnership between American Express and Main Street America.
This support will help the drive-in upgrade its exterior, lighted marquee to enhance visibility and welcome new generations to gather, connect, and share in a timeless local tradition, allowing it to better serve customers.
“We’re especially proud to be part of this initiative, and to join a network of over 500 small businesses across the country — made possible by investments like this grant that empower small businesses to keep moving forward. We are grateful for the support of American Express, which continues to champion small businesses nationwide and recognize their impact in strengthening local communities,” said Sara Clasen, manager of the Voy 61 Drive In Theatre near Maquoketa, in a recent news release.
The Voy 61 Drive In Theatre is one of only four drive in’s still operating across the state of Iowa, and it is noted for a grass field so patrons can bring along a radio and lawn chair while watching the movie.
“We pride ourselves on not only providing affordable quality entertainment with our digital projection system, but also providing a family friendly environment with free train rides, swing set, sand box, basketball court, wiffleball diamond, tether ball, and volleyball for our guests. Our concession stand also offers a large variety of treats and goodies, but most importantly, good ole’ movie theatre popcorn. We do allow customers to bring their own food if they’d like and tailgate prior to the movie,” Ms. Clasen added.
In April, Main Street America notified the small businesses who were selected to receive grants for the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The organization provided $20,000 grants to 505 small businesses nationwide to help them grow, innovate, and support
their local communities. On May 20, the full list of grantees was unveiled by American Express and Main Street America in a joint press release announcement.
In Iowa, 10 businesses received grants. The other nine businesses include:
- At Home Store of Fairfield.
- Behner Funeral Home & Crematory of Fairfield.
- Diamond Cutter Graphics of Clarence.
- Giving Tree Theater of Marion.
- Grass Roots Cafe of Humeston.
- Pedretti’s Bakery of Elkader.
- Salvaged Designs of Oskaloosa.
- The Blok DSM LLC of West Des Moines.
- Timothy Flynn Photography, LLC of Monticello.
The program was initially launched with a $5 million contribution to support 250 small businesses in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Through a Small Business Saturday giving pledge, an additional $1 was given to the grant program for eligible transactions made on Small Business Saturday, and American Express contributed an additional $5.1 million—expanding the program’s reach and impact to small businesses and the communities they serve.
