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Volume 27 I November 2014 I Number 11
In this issue...Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Member Spotlight . . . .3
Renewing Members . . .4
Chamber Calendar . . . .5
New Members . . . . . . . .6
Biz Bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Event Wrap Up . . . . . . .12
ACCREDITATIONUNITED STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHAMBERNewsCHAMBERNewsLife with a river viewLife with a river view
CHAMBER STAFF
Nathan SondgerothPresident
Joni KrogmanDirector, Chamber Operations
Karen FriisAdministrative Services Coordinator
Jennifer RogersBusiness Manager
Carrie DonaireDirector, Convention & Visitors Bureau
A Message from the President...
November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com2
By Nathan Sondgeroth, Chamber President
Believe it or not, but 2015 is almost here! In fact, as I am writing
this newsletter article, we only have one more Chamber event in
calendar year 2014…our Mix-Po event at Eagle Point Lodge on
November 20th. This year has flown by, but I am nothing but
excited about our Chamber and our Community in 2015.
One exciting thing I wanted to highlight was 2015 will be the 30th
Anniversary of our Chamber Leadership Institute. The dedicated Leadership Committee is a
group of volunteers who have been working hard to put a great program together.
Over the last two years, the Chamber through the Leadership Committee has partnered with
our members, Clinton Community College, Iowa State University, and Ashford University to
upgrade the Leadership Institute. We are stressing the power of true and meaningful partner-
ships between organizations.
We are all in this together and stronger when we work together. If you are interested in
enrolling in the Leadership Institute 2015, please contact us for information. If you are a
Chamber member with a promising employee, please consider sending them to Leadership
Institute '15.
As always, if you would like to meet in person, I would be happy to come to your place of busi-
ness to introduce myself. You can either email me at [email protected] or call my
colleague, Karen Friis, at 563-242-5702 to set up a time.
Until next time, I'm at your service,
Nathan
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River City GoldIt's time to start thinking about
River City Goldfor the holiday season!
River City Gold is available indenominations of $5.00 and
$25.00. Just call or email Karenat the Chamber and place
your order! 242-5702 [email protected].
Walk-in purchases alwayswelcome.
River City Gold is a dollar-for-dollar program that keeps
shopping dollars local. River City Goldcan be spent at all Chamber member
businesses.
There is a minimal handling fee for large orders. $3.00 on ordersof 100-499 certificates (regardless of denomination), $5.00 on
orders of 500-999 certificates and $8.00 on orders of 1000 certificates or more.
New this year is that orders must be paid for at the time of pick-up. You may order as far in advance as you need to andrequest an invoice, but the River City Gold must be paid for
in full at the time you pick it up.
Whether you are an individual purchasing River City Gold for those
hard-to-buy-for people on yourChristmas list or a large company pur-
chasing River City Gold for youremployees, River City Gold makes
your holiday shopping easy!
Member SpotlightClinton Lions Club
Did you know that the Lions Club emblem is the most recognized sym-bol around the globe as it stands for service by members and aid tothose in distress? The Clinton Lions Club is proud to be a Clinton AreaChamber member and a service organization that has supported theClinton community since 1947. Many are aware of Lions Club memberswho wear the yellow vests.
In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions International Convention inCedar Point, Ohio. During her presentation, she said "I appeal to yourLions, you who might have your sight and your hearing, will you notconstitute yourselves KNIGHTS of the BLIND in this crusade againstdarkness?" The Lions accepted her challenge and our work ever sincehas included sight programs aimedat preventable blindness.
The Clinton Lions Club assists in thesupport of eye tests and glasses formany underprivileged local schoolchildren and adults in need of eyecare. The club actively tests the eyesof preschool children as an earlydetection of eye problems that canbe permanently corrected. The clubcollects used eye glasses and hear-ing aids to bring sight and hearingto local citizens and others whocould not otherwise afford them.
You are invited to be our guest at the Pizza Ranch in Clinton. We are asupper club that meets at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays ofeach month from September through June. After a meal, we conductbusiness in a professional and fun manner. Meetings last about 90 min-utes. Please come to join us and see who we are. Helping others is arichly fulfilling service that doesn't take a lot of time. For more informa-tion, call the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Our motto is "We Serve."
CLI
NTO
N
November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com4
Do you know of an employee at an area business who goesabove and beyond in the area of customer service?
Nominate that person for the Clapper Award by contacting The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce
at (563)242-5702 or [email protected].
Why Should I Join?When asked, “Why I belong to the Chamber,”
a local business person replied:
“Because through community teamwork, Clinton’s continued progress can be assured. As Clinton progresses,
my opportunity to prosper is greatly enhanced.”
-Quote from Chamber Monthly Newsletter, April 1935
Clapper Award MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
The Chamber would like to thank the following members for renewing their memberships during the month of October 2014.
40+ yearsWagner Pharmacy 48Nestle Purina PetCare Company 45
30+ years3M Cordova Plant 38BOSS - Best Office Supplies & Systems, Inc. 30Hanson Directory Service, Inc. 30Tandem Tire & Auto Service Inc. 30
20+ yearsClinton 8 Theatre 27IPSCO Tubulars Inc. 24Fulton Corporation 21New Directions 21
10+ yearsClinton Alignment Brake & Muffler Center Inc. 18Clinton Symphony Orchestra 18Shive-Hattery, Inc. 18UFP Technologies 18Bickford Cottage 17Hy-Vee Food & Pharmacy 17The Egging Company 14Clinton Municipal Airport 11River Cities Management LLC 11Tegeler Music 11
1+ yearsGifts Galore 8Lyons Filling Station 8Clinton County Conservation Foundation 7The Healing Place 7Windmill Realty 7Aaron's Sales & Lease 6ADM Polymer Co. 6Alternative Wellness & Chiropractic Center 6Best Lifestyle - Shaklee 6Bodine Services of Clinton LLC 6Clinton Auto Group 6Genesis Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 6Lyons Business & Professional Association 6Manny's Too 6Bzzzy B Properties, LLC 5Grand Mound Communications 5The Salvation Army 4Anytime Fitness 3Hart's Desire - Origami Owl 2Mary Kaster Independent Beauty
Consultant - Mary Kay 1Studio 529 Salon 1
Congratulations to Mrs. Jen Hansen of ClintonCommunity School District who was the recent
recipient of the Clinton Area Chamber ofCommerce CLAPPER AWARD for Excellence in
Customer Service. The 5th hour StudentSuccess Class at CHS of 2013 (Ashley Corbin,
Mark Hansen, Courtney Lehmkuhl, DallasSchoenfeld and Brittany Wooley) nominated
Mrs. Hansen, At-Risk Teacher, because she never gives up on her students.
She goes above and beyond what her job description states to help her students
have every opportunity to succeed including:· arriving to school early and staying
late to help students· delivering homework to students’ houses
to make sure they can get it done· making sure students have what they need,
like supplies, food, clothing and transportationto and from school
· always speaking to students with respectThank you to Richard Phelan for being the
sponsor of this award.
To nominate someone for the CLAPPERAWARD, please contact the Chamber at
(563) 242-5702.
In photo: Mrs. Hansen third from left, also CHSPrincipal and students, and Clapper Committee
T hank you!
November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com
November Chamber Calendar 2014 - 2015Executive CommitteeDr. Karen VickersClinton Community CollegeChairperson
Nate KreinbrinkNelsonCorp Wealth Management1st Vice Chair
Tom MoserMedical Associates2nd Vice Chair
Jennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurer
Dr. Mark SchroederIowa State University ExtensionPast Chairperson
Board of DirectorsShane BuerMercy Medical Center
Dean BrainerdADM Corn Processing
Diane ChristensenThe Insurance Group
Gerry FreudenbergIowa-American Water Co.
Lori FreudenbergSisters of St. Francis
Eric HeldingNestle Purina PetCare Co.
Daniel HousengaLyondellBasell
Charlie MinnickAshford University
Sara MisiewiczClinton National Bank
Rich PhelanManagement Consultant
Mike RastrelliRastrelli's Restaurant
Kevin SteinesHonkamp & Krueger & Co., P.C.
Breton WilliamsFirst Wealth Financial Group
Meetings are subject to change. Watch your mail for details or check with Karen at (563) 242-5702 before attendingany regularly scheduled Chamber event. Reservations are required for most noon meetings held at the Chamber office.
5
4 Women in Business Committee, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.LEAD, 11:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Ribbon Cutting, 2:00 p.m., Clinton Back & Neck Family Wellness, 927 No. 2nd Street, Suite B
5 Ribbon Cutting, 1:30 p.m., Ashford University Library, 400 No. Bluff Blvd.
6 ABC's of Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce
7 CVB Technology Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.
8 Ribbon Cutting, 2:00 p.m., Lyons Fire Station 100th Anniversary, 2311 Roosevelt St.
9 Ribbon Cutting, 1:00 p.m., Clinton Middle School, off 13th Avenue North.
10 Miss Clinton County Board, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
12 Clinton School District Education Foundation, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of CommerceLocal & Government Affairs/Des Moines Planning, 12:00 Noon, DeWitt
13 Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of CommerceUnleashStrengths, 5:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
18 Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.LEAD, 11:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Executive Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Clapper Committee, 12:00 Noon, Location TBD.Young Living Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
19 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino.CRDC Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m., Rastrelli's Avanti Room.Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Ribbon Cutting, 1:30 p.m., Ament Design, Chamber of Commerce.
20 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Fall Biz “Mixpo”, 5:00 p.m., Eagle Point Lodge.
21 Budget & Finance Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.
25 Essentials4u, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.
27 Thanksgiving Day, Chamber office CLOSED.
28 Thanksgiving Holiday, Chamber office CLOSED.
CHAMBERNews is published by theClinton Area Chamber of Commerce, anot-for-profit corporation, serving thebusiness communities of Clinton and
Camanche, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois.
Phone: 563-242-5702Fax: 563-242-5803
E-Mail:[email protected]
Web Address:www.clintonia.com
6 November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com
New MembersW elcomeW elcomeChamber Website
Information
Did you know that yourmembership includes
the following:
Job PostingsHot Deals
News Releases
Call for more informationon how to put this on
our website.
Like us on facebook –look for Clinton Area
Chamber
Ament Design
We are a consulting firm providing Civil Engineering, Survey, Architecture and Interior Design services. Call us at 309-762-3617 or email [email protected]. We are located at 4715 15th Street, Suite A in Moline, IL.
Essentials4u
I'm a Young Living Independent Distributor with a current rank of Silver who enjoys teaching others interested in beginning their journey towardmore natural health and wellness. Call Lisa Davis at 309-314-1895 or email [email protected].
Fisher House Bed and Breakfast
The Fisher House Bed and Breakfast is a premier Bed and Breakfast in downtown Clinton. They offer four unique rooms, each with a private bath.They have two queen beds and two king beds; all of the beds feature a TEMPUR-Pedic mattress to maximize guest comfort. A homemade breakfastis served in the morning on the guest's schedule. Wired and wireless internet is available throughout the house, and cable TV is available in eachroom. Each room has its own unique feature that makes it worth a return trip just to experience each one. They have partnered with the massagetherapists from Rejuvenation Station to offer in-room massages and meditation therapy, The Fisher House B&B is a great alternative for guests whowant easy access to the downtown and riverfront areas of Clinton and is priced competitively with the higher end hotels in town. Reservations at,www.fisherhousebb.com. Call the Fisher's at 563-321-3640 or email [email protected]
Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services
The mission of the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services is to work for and with individuals who have disabilities to achieve their employment,independence and economic goals. We are a State-Federal program and have 14 area offices and 32 service units across the state. Call Paul Vogt at563-242-7914 or email [email protected].
Luigi's Woodfire Pizzeria
We are an Italian restaurant with wood fired pizza, pastas, calzones and sandwiches. All of our sauces (pesto, marinara, alfredo, spaghetti) are housemade and all the toppings are fresh cut for your order. We are located at 606 So. Washington Blvd. in Camanche. Call us at 563-259-4009 or checkout our website, www.luigiswoodfirepizzeria.com.
Monet Handbags by GeriLynn
Monet Handbags is your chance to design custom handbags at home parties and online! Join us today or host your very own Design Studio! CallGeriLynn Ackerman at 563-219-0571 or email [email protected]
Renaissance Resale Boutique
Consignment shopping in a boutique-style atmosphere. Offering women's clothing, jewelry, accessories and dry cleaning service. Visit our shop at2319 No. 2nd Street or call us at 563-242-2344.
Ribbon Cuttings
7
Clinton Moose 363/474 Congratulations on becoming a
Chamber member – Best wishes!
Mary Kaster Independent Beauty Consultant - Mary Kay Celebrating her one year anniversary of being a Chambermember. Thank you!
Slop’s Neighborhood Bar and GrillCelebrating two years in business and
becoming a Chamber member – welcome!
Iowa–American Water Co.Congratulations on an outstanding safety milestone.Way to go!
Vinnie’s Lounge and Event Center Congratulations for their one year anniversary
of business and new event center – Best wishes!
November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com8
Mark YourCalendars!
Legislative Events
Election DayNovember 4th
Clinton County Day in Des Moines
February 5, 2015
Nate Kreinbrink Nate is currently serving as the1st Vice Chair of the Clinton AreaChamber of Commerce. Atwelve year resident of Clinton,Nate is a Wealth Consultant withNelsonCorp Wealth Managementafter obtaining his securitieslicense in March of 2013. Hespent 10 years with the ClintonLumberKings before joiningNelsonCorp.
Along with his position on the Chamber Board, he is also a memberof the Chamber's Leadership Institute Committee, where he hasserved as the Chair for the past four years. Nate is also involved withnumerous other non-profit groups and organizations throughoutthe area.
Nate earned his BA from Ohio Northern University.
He and his wife Ashley have three boys: Alijah(11), Emerson(6), andBraxtyn(1). Nate enjoys the opportunity to coach his boys' teams,golf, and is an avid Ohio State fan.
Meet Our Board Members...
Dean Brainerd
Dean Brainerd serves as a Director on theChamber Board of Director, his term run-ning through 2016. He is the plant manag-er at ADM, Clinton. Dean joined ADM in1986 after graduating from the Universityof Wisconsin with a degree in AgriculturalEngineering and worked at the CedarRapids and Decatur locations before com-ing to Clinton in 2004.
Dean and his wife live in DeWitt with theirtwo daughters and a son. In his free time,
Dean likes to spend his time outdoors hunting and fishing or relaxing on theriver.
Ribbon CuttingsWings-N-Things Pet Center
Celebrating their one year anniversary of being business – Way to go!
Lutheran Services of IowaCelebrating 150 years of service –Congratulations and thank you!
Community Health Center, Inc.Celebrating with a groundbreaking fortheir new facility in Clinton. Thank you!
Biz Bits
9
Do you have a “Biz Bit” to share? Submit your 100-150 word article to Karen Friis at [email protected] by the 10th of the month for possible inclusion in the following month’s newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space.
Larry Ridenour, Ascentra Credit Union BoarChairperson honored with Volunteer CooperativeSpirit Award
Larry Ridenour was awarded the 2014 Volunteer Cooperative SpiritAward for exemplifying the spirit of the credit union industry and thecommunities they serve. The Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) hon-ored six credit union representatives at the Iowa Credit UnionConvention held September 17-19 at the Grand River Center inDubuque.
Larry has served as a board member for Ascentra Credit Union for 23years. During this time, he has served as chairperson, vice-chairper-son and has chaired a number of committees. He also led the creditunion in forming the Ascentra Credit Union Foundation.
“Larry's commitment to the credit union has meant so much for ourgrowth and success,” Ascentra President and CEO Dale Owen said.“We are proud to see him recognized by our industry for his dedicat-ed service to our membership.”
Larry was the embodiment of the credit union philosophy followingthe unexpected passing of Ascentra's late CEO, Paul Lensmeyer. Larryspent countless hours going above and beyond to assist the man-agement team and making sure the staff had what it needed to besuccessful, while successfully transitioning current CEO Dale Oweninto leadership at a very difficult time.
Honkamp Krueger & Co. Acquires Crippen, Reid &Bowen, LLC
On September 22, 2014, Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK), a Top 100CPA and business consulting firm in the U.S., acquired Crippen, Reid& Bowen, LLC (CRB), a local CPA firm with locations in Moline andGeneseo, Ill.
Gregory C. Burbach, CPA, CFP®, managing partner for HK, states,“Since the opening of our Davenport branch in October of 2013, HKhas been dedicated to growing our footprint in the robust QuadCities market. The addition of CRB to the HK Family is an exciting stepin our growth, and we look forward to serving our clients world-classservice and high-quality services together.”
Kenneth Bowen, former managing partner of CRB and now partnerwith HK, adds,“With HK's menu of over 40 services, in addition tocompliance and consulting services, we are now able to offer work-force management and wealth management services under oneroof. We have a nice cultural fit with HK and look forward to ourfuture together.”
For more information about this acquisition, please contact GregBurbach at 563.556.0123 or [email protected].
Kiwanis Club Announces Christmas LightingContestThere is great news for those who love to decorate for the Christmasseason. The Clinton Kiwanis Club is pleased to announce the returnof the Clinton Kiwanis Club Christmas Lighting Contest. The Themefor the 2014 contest will be Winter Wonderland. The contest willaward $100 River Cities Gold prizes in four categories, presented onDecember 17 at the regular Kiwanis Club meeting. Categoriesinclude:
• Best Use of theme Winter Wonderland• Neighborhood Entry - 2 or more residences• Best Use of Music or Automation• Holiday Spirit Award
The Kiwanis Club of Clinton Iowa is one part of Kiwanis International,a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world,one community and one child at a time. The Kiwanis Club of ClintonIowa performs many community service projects in Clinton to helpserve children including the Clinton Fire Safety House, Pencil BoxProject, and support of area scholarships for students. The ClintonKiwanis Club meets Wednesdays at Noon at the Rastrelli's TuscanyRoom, Clinton.
The Clinton Kiwanis Club Christmas Lighting Contest registration willopen November 1 on the Clinton Kiwanis Club web site with registra-tion forms available throughout the community. Registration will beopen to all residents within the Clinton City limits. December 1 willbe entry deadline. Entries will be reviewed by the Clinton KiwanisClub Lighting Contest Committee December 3 through 10. Allentries will be confirmed and are limited to one category. There is nofee to enter. More information will be announced on the ClintonKiwanis Club web site at www.kiwanisclubofclinton.org.
Fulton Chamber of Commerce Awarded a D.S.Flikkema Foundation Grant
The Fulton Chamber of Commerce was awarded with a D.S. FlikkemaFoundation grant at their October 8, 2014, monthly meeting. Thegrant is intended to help defray costs of the Fulton Christmas Walk tobe held on Friday, December 5, from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. The Fulton BoyScouts have a tradition of illuminating the Fulton Dike each year withcandles. The grant will help to cover the cost of these candles. Formore information about the D.S. Flikkema Foundation, contactConnie Koehn at FACE at 815-589-2646. For more information aboutthe Fulton Christmas Walk or the Fulton Chamber of Commerce, con-tact Barb Suehl-Janis at 815-589-9191.
Ashford University to Rename Campus Library inHonor of Longtime Library Director
Ashford University's campus library will be renamed The Flora S.Lowe Library to honor the person who spent the past 34 years inthat facility helping students, faculty, and staff as library director.
Flora and her husband Dr. William “Curt” Lowe both began workingat Mount St. Clare College (Ashford's predecessor) in 1980. Curt iscurrently campus dean of Ashford's College of Liberal Arts.
During a retirement reception in Flora Lowe's honor in September,Dr. Charlie Minnick, Ashford University vice president and campusdirector, announced the library name change.“I'm utterly astound-ed.” Lowe said afterwards.“I really can't remember any other timethat I've been so surprised and humbled.”
A formal renaming ceremony is being planned for the spring of2015. During the summer of 2014 the library underwent a completerenovation with new lighting, carpeting, furniture, reception/circula-tion desk, and paint.
“The campus has always been a friendly, welcoming, and helpfulplace to be for students, staff, faculty, and others,” Lowe said.“Sr.Theresa Ruggle was always quite willing to show me the ropes when
I had a question, and Sr. Coralita (Schwiderski) was always happy to'mind the store,' as she described it. Sr. Coralita had a quite encyclo-pedic knowledge of the Sisters and how things worked on campusand was very willing to share information.”
During her early days as library director, Lowe was asked about herforeign language knowledge.“Quite soon after that discussionoccurred, I was advised that I would be not only the library directorbut also the faculty member who taught our English as a SecondLanguage courses. That situation continued for several years, andindeed, I still hear from those students now.”
The Lowes have always been very visible on the Clinton campus, reg-ularly seen at student events: athletic matches, concerts, plays, andother activities.“Curt and I have enjoyed knowing and working withfaculty, staff, students, parents of students, and many other specialgroups of people,” she said.“We have always enjoyed encouragingour students, whether they are campus students or online students.”
When asked what she has planned for her retirement after workingin the campus library for more than three decades, Lowe said,“It willcertainly take me quite a while to become accustomed to that word.”
Ten $1,000 Scholarships Up for Grabs
The Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition is once againoffering a total of $10,000 in scholarships to assist their membersplanning to further their education starting the 2015 - 2016 schoolyear. The ten scholarships will be awarded to students as follows:• Five $1,000 scholarships for high school students planning to entercollege• Five $1,000 scholarships for members age 19 or over, considerednon-traditional or continuing education students
“This is a great benefit for Ascentra Credit Union members who areentering or returning to college and adult learners going back asnon-traditional students,” said Ascentra President & CEO Dale Owen.The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on thetopic,“How do you plan on using your education to improve yourcommunity?”
All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricularactivities, volunteer services and work experience. Deadline for theAscentra Scholarship Competition is March 2, 2015. Applications andofficial rules may be picked up at any of our branches or foundonline at www.ascentra.org/scholarships. There members can findinformation on other scholarships.
Awarding a total of $10,000 in scholarships is another way AscentraCredit Union recognizes that financial planning and education isessential to lifetime success for its members and the community.
2014 Officers for the CorporationSteve Howes (Howes & Jefferies), CHAIRRon Gutierrez (Clinton Herald), VICE CHAIRJohn Eisenman (Abstract & Title Guaranty Co.), VICE CHAIRTom Fullerton (Retired), VICE CHAIRBruce Christensen (U.S. Bank), OFFICERSteve Shupp (Alliant Energy), OFFICERBob Simpson (Big River Packaging), SECRETARYBrig Tubbs (Gateway State Bank), TREASURERRich Phelan (Management Consultant), PAST CHAIR
2014 Board of Directors:Curt Allen (Clinton County Farm Bureau)Jeff Beckwith (Beckwith Commercial Roofing)Christopher Cain (LyondellBasell)Terry Callahan (Agri-King)George Chamberlain (Direct Packaging)Pete Clausen (Clausen Companies)Mary Connell (Air Control)Tom Determann (Retired)Lou Egging (Egging Company)Gerry Freudenberg (Iowa-American Water Co.)Rick Gustafson (Leslie Electric)Bill Hare (Clysar)Eric Helding (Nestle-Purina)Thomas Hesselmann (Retired)Bob Holesinger (Quality Concrete)Charlie Minnick (Ashford University)Casey Moore (Union Pacific Railroad)Tom Moser (Medical Associates)Eric Rant (Rock-Tenn)Thomas Soenksen (Citizens First Bank)Steven Thacker (Clinton National Bank)Jon Thoms (Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C.)Ryan Veenstra (Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory)Dr. Karen Vickers (Clinton Community College)Sean Williams (Mercy Medical Center)Jim Woll (ADM Corn Processing)City of ClintonCity of CamancheCity of FultonCity of Low MoorClinton CountyClinton Community SchoolsDavid Rose (Iowa DOT Commissioner)
Ex-Officio'sCity of Low MoorCamanche Community SchoolsIowa State University ExtensionClinton Area Chamber of Commerce
November 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com10
Envisioning Tomorrow
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it.”--Ralph Waldo Emerson
As a high school and college student, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were two of myfavorite authors. Thoreau's book “Walden” was a particular favorite of mine. In it, he famously said “I went tothe woods because I wished to live deliberately…”
Reflecting on these two quotes recently, I was struck by how they apply to communities. All too often, com-munities lack a vision for the future - or worse, local leaders or residents actively oppose opportunities forcommunity progress or establishing a plan to guide the community's future. The reason behind the opposi-tion can often be found in comments such as “I like Anytown just the way it is” or “There's no point in doingthat. It will never work.” Deliberately planning/preparing for a community's future is essential to its futuresuccess.
But attitude is important as well. Every community has its share of NIMBYs (“Not In My Backyard”), BANANAs(“Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anyone”), and CAVE people (“Citizens Against VirtuallyEverything”). The real danger is if these attitudes are allowed to become predominate in community dis-course. Positive or negative attitudes about a community by its residents can be a significant advantage or
hindrance to economic development and future progress.
In the earlier example “I like Anytown just the way it is”, what the person is really saying is that he or she doesn't like a proposed change. Maybe it's anew industrial park or perhaps it's a new commercial area or some other type of development. Maybe it's in regard to future visioning and strategicplanning for the community.
The problem with opposing change or being unwilling to direct change through a community vision and plan is that no place ever remains the same.If you like a place “just the way it is”, you're actually making the conscious decision to cast your community's future to chance because change of sometype is inevitable. This attitude reminds me of a boat without sail or rudder. Unable to direct its course, its future is determined by forces beyond itscontrol, with the current determining its ultimate destination. It could end up in a safe port or broken on the shore.
Of course, no reasonable person in the Clinton Region would ever take such a chance on the river. We should be as unwilling to take that chance withour community as well. The degree to which we grab the rudder and embrace the concept that change is inevitable will determine the future courseof our community.
That's why the current MAPPING effort taking place in Fulton is so exciting. MAPPING (Management and Planning Programs InvolvingNonmetropolitan Groups) the Future of Your Community is a strategic visioning, planning, and doing process in which a community's residents devel-op an action plan for creating the community they envision. Together, the community members identify the goals, strategies and projects necessary tomove the community forward as well as plan for implementation. Essentially, the multi-step program focuses on these questions:
• Where are we now?• Where do we want to be? and• How do we get there?
And because no plan has value without action, the MAPPING program also includes:• Implementation and action steps;• Strategies for maintaining momentum as the community implements the plan;• Reporting successes; and • Updating the program/plan
MAPPING, created in 1991 at Western Illinois University's Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs, is a grassroots oriented planning approach that has helpedmore than 120 communities and counties in Illinois create and implement a vision for their future - a rudder to help guide their boat.
One especially exciting aspect about Fulton's project is the number of community residents that have joined in the effort. Whether they've beeninvolved in the community in the past or just getting started, they're teaming up to work together. And their positive attitude is contagious.Successfully completing and implementing the MAPPING program will continue the success the community has seen in its charming downtown, itsspectacular windmill, and its many other community amenities such as Heritage Canyon.
These community gems didn't happen by accident. Their success depended on vision, teamwork, and an optimistic attitude. The MAPPING programnow provides an opportunity to build on these successes. For these reasons, the Clinton Regional Development Corporation is proud to be a signifi-cant sponsor of this program to plan and pursue a future vision for Fulton.
“Vision marks the roadmap to success; it takes into account the destination, the surrounding terrain, and the roadblocks and hazards along the way.Vision is as important to a community's success as it is to an individual's or corporation's. In fact, vision often makes the difference between a ghosttown and a booming town.”
-- Author Jack Schultz in his book “Boomtown USA: The 7-1/2 Keys to Big Success in Small Towns”
News From the CRDC
11
Carrie Donaire, CVB Director
Highlights from the Iowa Tourism Conference:October 22 - 24, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Tourism professionals from across the state look forward to October every year, and the opportunity for an annual get together - complete with speakers, news
from the experts, networking opportunities and conversations that recharge our batteries. As is true in any field, the annual tourism conference is where big
ideas are discussed, and the new trends and best practices are shared and spread throughout the community.
This year's conference in Council Bluffs was no exception. In this article, I will touch on some high points from the presentations that were relevant to Clinton
area tourism and what we do at the Clinton CVB.
Presentation: Bicycle Tourism Boom More people bicycle than golf, ski or play tennis combined. As bicycling surges in popularity, is our community poised to succeed with this growing trend? Laura and Russ from the Path Less
Pedaled, in Portland, Oregon discussed what bicycle tourism is, why we should care and how to make it work in our region.
Presenters: Laura Crawford and Russ Roca from the Path Less Pedaled. Since 2009, Russ Roca and Laura Crawford have championed the ways that cycling can positively impact rural areas.
Their unique mix of storytelling, videography and personal bike travel experience is helping bridge the gap between traveling cyclists and tourism organizations. Currently based in Portland,
Oregon, Roca and Crawford are working with the Oregon Tourism Commission to market and promote the state's bike tourism assets, including the landmark Oregon Scenic Bikeway program.
Why it Matters to Clinton: We are at a critical time for the development and promotion of our recreational trails. With the downtown extension of the Discovery Trail, our link to the
Mississippi River Trail, and everything we do to promote the health and well-being of our own citizens as well as visitors - there is no better time to discuss this au current topic!
RAGBRAI is a staple of Iowa tourism. We have already seen the economic impact of bicycle tourism in our state. Now, how can we build even more interest on an ongoing basis?
Presentation: Content MarketingContent Marketing is one of the fastest-growing channels in the world of marketing. This year more marketing dollars will be spent in an effort to engage audiences through stories, rather than
traditional advertising, than any year in history. This session provided an overview of the two most important aspects of this growing trend -the stories themselves and audience development.
Presenter: Howard Tietjen With 30 years of real -world experience and a passion for new challenges, Howard Tietjen has helped Madden Media become true innovators in the travel and
tourism industry. Since he joined the Madden team in 2000, Tietjen has utilized his wide range of interests to excel in many roles. He led the team that developed VacationFun.com, was the origi-
nal architect of Madden's
Audience Development Systems that target potential travelers using geographic, demographic, and psyco-graphic segmentation and has been integral in the development of many of Madden's
most innovative marketing products. Today, Tietjen and the Madden Media team focus their efforts on working together with industry leaders to bring new ideas, new technology, and new part-
nerships together, allowing Madden's clients to rise to the challenges they meet.
Why it matters to Clinton: The Clinton CVB has made an investment in search engine marketing (purchased ad words) through Madden Media. I chose to attend this session to learn more
about how Madden is working to respond to the newest technology challenges and how the Clinton CVB can best be poised to come out ahead. I wasn't disappointed - the information that
Howard shared was so helpful for our own process at the CVB.
Presentation: Coloring Outside the Lines
Presenter: Certified Speaking Professional Jeff Tobe's credentials are impressive. Insider Magazine dubbed him "The Guru of Creativity" and readers of Convention & Meetings Magazine chose
him as "one of the top 15 speakers in North America." Tobe has earned this reputation through his trademark presentations, "Coloring Outside the Lines". Tobe is one of the most dynamic
speakers in the industry as attested to by clients including the IRS, the Human Resource Professionals of Ontario, Prudential of England and Pepsi Cola International. He prides himself on present-
ing up -to -the-minute, cutting edge material as it relates to creating and implementing the ideal customer EXPERIENCE. Jeff is the author of the hugely popular book,“ANTICIPATE: Knowing
What Customers Need Before They Do" which was just released by John Wiley Publishing. His other wildly popular book,“Coloring Outside The Lines” has received worldwide acclaim. He also co-
authored the bestselling books "The Sales Coach " and "The Communication Coach." Jeff believes in the power of creativity to look at your business from a new perspective and accept that cus-
tomer service is no longer the bar that distinguishes us from our competitors. We now have to consider our internal and external customers' EXPERIENCES from the minute they make contact
with us to the minute they are done! He teaches organizations that to grow and increase their bottom line; they must first implement strategies that have a fresh approach.
Why it Matters to Clinton: Creativity matters in business, and creativity matters in destination marketing. As a small agency, the Clinton CVB does its creative marketing “in-house” for the
most part. We are grateful for input from other staff and volunteers, but at the end of the day, we are a small group and it was great to brush up on fresh ideas about how to keep our message
and marketing relevant and up to date!
I am excited to look for ways to weave this new knowledge into our work plan. Then, it's time to start the countdown til October 2015 and the next Iowa Tourism Conference!
News From the Convention & Visitors Bureau
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Girls Night Out Wrap-up 2014brought to you by the Women inBusiness Committee volunteers:
With a new venue this year, a new style show featured, andseveral new vendors, the Girls Night Out “How to Dress forSuccess without Breaking the Bank” event was a hit. Wehad 36 vendors and over 220 attendees. Be sure to checkout our Facebook page for pictures from the event. Thanksto our sponsors: Title – Data Dimensions; Platinum – DHCUCommunity Credit Union; Gold – Kohl’s Department Store,Necker’s Jewelers, Sedona Staffing Service; and Silver –Gateway State Bank. Also a special thank you to our fourmodels – Linda Luckstead, Sara Misiewicz, Ashley Thomasand Kris Wiersema along with our emcee, fashion designer,Leslie Friedman. Thanks too to Vista Grande for providing abeautiful venue and to Rejuvenation Station for helpingthe models look beautiful.
