Inside this issue:• Fiscal Year 2010 Highlights

Oct

ober

201

0

©2010 Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

2010-2011 Board of Directors

OfficersChuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, ChairNancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Chair ElectBrad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Immediate Past Chair Rob Frederick, The AEGON Companies, Secretary William Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, President

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, DirectorThomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, DirectorTodd Barker, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorDavid Benson, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Director Barry Boyer, Van Meter Industrial, Inc., Chair Priority OneScott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorLijun Chadima, Thorland Company, DirectorRon Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary DirectorChris DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc., DirectorJeff Elgin, J & T Elgin, LLC, DirectorJames Ernst, Four Oaks Inc. of Iowa, DirectorGary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, DirectorRonald Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, DirectorKristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, DirectorDon Garland, Chair Marion Chamber, Honorary Director Scott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company, Inc., DirectorBernard Gill, Ascott Transcription Services, Director Shannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary Director Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., At Large DirectorBeth Houlahan, Mercy Medical Center, DirectorTim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, DirectorChristine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc., DirectorRobb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, DirectorCurt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center Inc. Honorary DirectorDoug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary DirectorRon Olson, Paulson Electric Company, DirectorHazel Pegues, Diversity Focus, Honorary DirectorMark Seckman, Priority One, President Priority OneJohn Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, DirectorTim Spain United Fire Group, Director Vernon Squires, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary Director Michael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C., Director Paul Treangen, Alliant Energy – Interstate Power & Light Co., DirectorMonica Vernon, Cedar Rapids City Council, Honorary DirectorWilliam Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, DirectorBrandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc, Director

Table of ContentsArticle PageFeatured Member of the Month ...........................................4Leadership for Five Seasons ................................................5BizPAC Survey Responses .............................................. 6-7Calendar of Events ...............................................................8Business ExPO Recap .........................................................9Annual Meeting ........................................................... 10-11Workforce Development – Careers on Wheels ..................12New Members ....................................................................13ImpactCR All aBoard ........................................................13 EDC ....................................................................................14Business Long Term Recovery Initiative ...........................15Members in Motion ...........................................................16Case for Trade ....................................................................17Chamber Academy .............................................................18PM Exchange .....................................................................18Centrallia ............................................................................19

October 2010Volume 80 No 2 (uSPS558-200)

Chamber Report (ISSN 108-50775) is published monthly by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, 424 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Subscription price of $35 per year is included in an annual chamber membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Postmaster: Send changes to:Chamber Report Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce424 First Ave. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

Chair: Chuck PetersPresident & CEO: Shannon MeyerEditor: Kari Stillman

Contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission.

2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

From the Chairman’s Desk:

Why is a Culture of Innovation Key to our Prosperity Agenda?The agricultural and industrial eras were very good for our local economies

and our region, as Richard Longworth (http://richardclongworth.com) explained when he visited our region in September for the Iowa City Area Development Group Annual Meeting. Things were so good that we were able to live off the old ideas that shaped our institutions and companies – some of those ideas more than a century old. If pursuing the old ideas led to prosperity, that was appropriate. The game has changed, and those habits of mindset and practice and structure developed while pursuing the old ideas limit our ability to imagine a new future.

Why should we work to imagine and implement a new future? We are now competing in a global economy – where the keys to success are innovation, connection, and collaboration. Our region is noted for agriculture and manufacturing, both of which are under global pressures. We are organized within the region for control, not innovation and effectiveness. If we continue on our present trajectory, our future is not as bright as our past.

Taking this down to the local level, every organization needs innovation to develop new and better ways to serve its customers. In fact, it is documented that the companies that have an innovative and constructive culture have over 700% greater returns than those with defensive cultures. We know much more today about the culture, tools and structures that foster innovation and effectiveness. How can we assure that everyone, from students to start up companies to established organizations, can participate in an innovative culture?

There is a fantastic video on YouTube titled “Where Good Ideas Come From” by Steven Johnson that visualizes how groundbreaking innovation happens. The Chamber has posted this video on their web site as well under News/Chamber TV. Consider watching the video to better understand the direction we want to take our organization and community.

Your Chamber is working intensively on these issues, seeking best practices from around the world, as we design The Innovation Center, to be built on the site of the current Chamber build-ing next year. As we envision the programming that will be housed in that Center, we will be seeking the best, innovative ideas from our members and neighboring organizations such as ICAD, Iowa City Chamber, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Greater Des Moines Partnership. If you would like to participate, please let Shannon Meyer, our CEO, know your desire to join in this effort. (smeyer@cedarrapids.org)

Thanks,

Chuck PetersChairman, Board of Directors

October 2010 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

4 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

Advancing the Common Good In East Central Iowa

United Way of East Central Iowa builds strong families and communities by helping those most in need. We help children start strong, youth grow strong and families stay strong by focusing on the basic foundations for a better life – quality education, adequate income and better health.

Our COmmunIty GOAls:• Increase the number of low-income children ready for school

by 50%• Increase the number of low-income youth with 21st Century

skills by 25%• Increase the number of financially stable households by 15%• Increase healthy choices by 10% in eastern Iowa• Increase by 25% the number of older adults who are able to

meet their daily living needs

GIVE tODAy At WWW.uWECI.OrG

stAy COnnECtEDreceive text alerts from united Way by texting JOInuWECI to 864833 (unItED) from your mobile phone.

thank you to our many business partners who have made the commitment to support united Way again this year!

Together, we are helping those most in need.

You and your employees could WIn BIG with the United Way Step Up Challenge. More than $15,000 In prIzEs will be awarded. Visit www.uweci.org for complete rules, prizes and information.*

tAKE tHE stEp up CHAllEnGE

*Participation in UWECI’s annual campaign is not required to be entered into our drawing.

2010 Campaign Co-chairs Barry Boyer, Van Meter Industrial, Inc., and Gilda Boyer, community volunteer, along with their daughter, Lauren, with children at Waypoint’s downtown location.

UnitedWay_ChamberAd_Sept10_FINAL1 1 9/24/2010 11:28:26 AM

October 2010 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

MenClosest To the Pin: Curt HeidemanLongest Drive: Andrew MorfLongest Putt: Matt Hanlin

WomenClosest To the Pin: Kari StillmanLongest Drive: Kelly ThompsonLongest Putt: Mary Klinger

Overall Men: Scott SylvesterLarry WitzelTom VanderVaartTom Slattery

Overall Women: Top Score N/A, neither of the two women’s teams finished 18 holes!

Biggest Losers: Katie HarmsJoel McDermottAmy Lasack

Class with Highest Participation:2005: 10 golfers2007: 10 golfers

Special Recognition: Hole in One: David Sorg

Special thanks to our sponsors:

AEGONBaird Wealth Management Bankers TrustBenefit SolutionsBradley & Riley PCBrent Oleson Clifton Gunderson LLPCedar Rapids Bank & Trust Cedar Valley DentistryDebra Callahan - Skogman Realty deNovo Alternative Marketing Farmers State BankFleck’sGenencor Hills BankHolmes MurphyKirkwoodLederer Weston CraigMercy Medical CenterNational Transportation ServicesOPN ArchitectsParks & SchmidtPerformance Resource ConsultingPioneer Workspace SolutionsQuaker Foods & BeveragesRinderknecht AssociatesShive HatteryShuttleworth & Ingersoll PLCSign ProductionsTrueNorth CompaniesU.S. Bank NAVan Meter Industrial, Inc.

Events

Featured

At Work

NewThe 10th Annual Golf Outing was a huge success thanks to all of our participants and sponsors. We had over 80 golfers on a windy day at Airport National. Planning is already underway for 2011 as we secure a date for next year!

Congrats to all our winners!

All proceeds to benefit the Youth Leadership for Five Seasons Program.

6 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

Linn Area BizPAC Candidate Survey Responses To be considered for an endorsement by the Linn Area BizPAC, candidates must fill out a short questionnaire and be interviewed by the BizPAC.

For a complete listing of the state candidates and to view the

Linn County Supervisors candidates responses visit www.cedarrapids.org

Questions: # 1: Do you support the Governor and the state legislature

authorizing additional economic emergency funds to support Cedar Rapids Recovery efforts?

# 2: Do you support additional state funding for economic development programs such as Vision Iowa, CAT and RECAT to help revitalize communities throughout Iowa?

# 3: Changing Iowa’s Right-To-Work status?# 4: Establishing Prevailing Wage requirements for public

contracts?

Name Christopher Peters Nick Wagner Todd Taylor Kristen Running Tyler Olsen Shawn Graham Kraig Paulsen Renee Schulte Jason Marshall Robert Dvorsky

Address 26 Forest Hill Place NE 2785 Lansing Ct 1416 A Ave. NW 3515 Field Stone PL SW 314 Nossou St SE 2978 Springville Rd 1305 Cress Parkway 1734 Chestnut Ln NE 512 Dunreath Dr NE 412 6th Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Marion, IA Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Cedar Rapids Springville, IA 52336 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Coralville, IA 52241

Occupation Physician Director of Quality Staff Representative Linn Co. District Electrical Small Business Attorney Strategic Planning Systems Engineer Executive Officer, Management AFSCME Representative Contractor Owner-Lawn & Advisor for 6th District Dpt. Of Landscape Contractor Free Oaks. Inc. Correctional Services

Office Sought Iowa State Senate House State Representative State Representative State Representative State House State House House State Representative Iowa Senate

District # #15 #36 #34 #33 #38 #29 #35 #37 #38 #15

Top 3 Issues Reducing both public Economy/Jobs/Taxes Jobs/Balanced Budget/ Flood Recovery/ Disaster Recovery/ Job Creation/ Jobs/ Spending/JOBS Economy & Jobs/ Increase employment/ Jobs/Education/JOBS and private debt/ Strengthening the Workforce Economic Reducing Government Lowering Debt & Fair use of disaster reducing the size and middle class Development/ Development/ spending/ Spending/ Healthcare recovery and flood scope of gov/removing Economic Early Childhood Lower taxes mitigation funds/ barriers to truly free Development Education Promote adoption markets and sustainable production

Question # 1 OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 2 OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT

Question # 3 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE

Question # 4 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT

Question # 5 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT

Question # 6 NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION

Question # 7 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 8 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 9 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question #10 OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION OPPOSE

Question #11 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question #12 OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT

Question #13 SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION

Question #14 SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE

October 2010 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Linn Area BizPAC Candidate Survey Responses # 5: Allowing Unions to collect fees from non-union

employees?# 6: Revising public sector’s Binding Arbitration rules?# 7: Allowing employees to choose their medical care

provider if they are injured at work?# 8: Expanding the scope of issues to be negotiated in

public sector collective bargaining agreements?# 9: Support Iowa raising the current cap on

hotel/motel tax? #10: Changing Iowa’s single-factor formula for apportioning

state corporate income tax?

#11: Increasing the gas tax to cover the anticipated RUTF funding shortfall?

#12: Changing the current RUTF formula to the TIME 21 new money formula?

#13: Reducing the commercial and industrial property taxes by tying commercial and industrial property to the residential rollback formula or some other method?

#14: Restricting the use of one-time or time-limited revenue sources for ongoing state general budgetary expenses?

Name Christopher Peters Nick Wagner Todd Taylor Kristen Running Tyler Olsen Shawn Graham Kraig Paulsen Renee Schulte Jason Marshall Robert Dvorsky

Address 26 Forest Hill Place NE 2785 Lansing Ct 1416 A Ave. NW 3515 Field Stone PL SW 314 Nossou St SE 2978 Springville Rd 1305 Cress Parkway 1734 Chestnut Ln NE 512 Dunreath Dr NE 412 6th Street Iowa City, IA 52240 Marion, IA Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Cedar Rapids Springville, IA 52336 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Coralville, IA 52241

Occupation Physician Director of Quality Staff Representative Linn Co. District Electrical Small Business Attorney Strategic Planning Systems Engineer Executive Officer, Management AFSCME Representative Contractor Owner-Lawn & Advisor for 6th District Dpt. Of Landscape Contractor Free Oaks. Inc. Correctional Services

Office Sought Iowa State Senate House State Representative State Representative State Representative State House State House House State Representative Iowa Senate

District # #15 #36 #34 #33 #38 #29 #35 #37 #38 #15

Top 3 Issues Reducing both public Economy/Jobs/Taxes Jobs/Balanced Budget/ Flood Recovery/ Disaster Recovery/ Job Creation/ Jobs/ Spending/JOBS Economy & Jobs/ Increase employment/ Jobs/Education/JOBS and private debt/ Strengthening the Workforce Economic Reducing Government Lowering Debt & Fair use of disaster reducing the size and middle class Development/ Development/ spending/ Spending/ Healthcare recovery and flood scope of gov/removing Economic Early Childhood Lower taxes mitigation funds/ barriers to truly free Development Education Promote adoption markets and sustainable production

Question # 1 OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 2 OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT

Question # 3 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE

Question # 4 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT

Question # 5 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT

Question # 6 NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION

Question # 7 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 8 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question # 9 NO OPINION OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question #10 OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE OPPOSE OPPOSE NO OPINION OPPOSE

Question #11 OPPOSE OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION OPPOSE NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT

Question #12 OPPOSE NO OPINION SUPPORT OPPOSE SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION SUPPORT

Question #13 SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION

Question #14 SUPPORT SUPPORT NO OPINION NO OPINION SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT SUPPORT OPPOSE OPPOSE

8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

“They really do know our business.”

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

Al RuffaloCEO, RuffaloCODY, LLCBANKERS TRUSTcommercial bankerPat Deignanprivate banker:Mike Tiernan

“We develop our business on trust and that’s

how Bankers Trust is. They’re good people,

easy to deal with. They’re like a large bank

when it comes to economic resources and

a small bank when it comes to TLC.”Member FDIC

Events Calendar

October December November

❖ Monday, October 4

Chamber Academy- Investing in LeadershipCedar Rapids Bank & Trust

500 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

All day session

$249 per person

Sponsored by

❖ Wednesday, October 6

ImpactCR Siren WednesdayRed’s Public House

112 2nd Street SE, Cedar Rapids

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Siren Wednesday provides a casual atmosphere for ImpactCR members and friends to network and meet new people.

Complimentary

❖ Tuesday, October 19

“Lowdown on the Slowdown”Scottish Rite

616 A Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Business Luncheon

$20 per person

Sponsored by

❖ Thursday, October 21

PM Exchange Homewood Suites1140 Park Place NE Cedar Rapids

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Member Networking Event

Complimentary

❖ Wednesday, November 3

ImpactCR Siren Wednesday5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Location TBD

Siren Wednesday provides a casual atmosphere for Im-pactCR members and friends to network and meet new people.

Complimentary

❖ Thursday, November 4

PM Exchange Marion Hy-Vee3600 Business Hwy 151, Marion

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Member Networking Event

Complimentary

❖ Wednesday, December 1

Good Morning Cedar RapidsCedar Rapids Ice Arena

7:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m.

This breakfast event offers plenty of entertainment while acknowledging our key busi-nesses in a variety of industry.

$35 per person, $350 package of 10

Sponsored by

❖ Thursday, December 9

Unlocking Your Chamber MembershipChamber Board Room

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Designed to give you the keys to getting started, this is our orientation to all of our events, programs, and initiatives. Lunch provided.

Complimentary

Sponsored by

For the latest listing of events or to register and pay on-line please

visit www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Contact Candy Nanke

for details 319-730-1417 or cnanke@cedarrapids.org

Connecting People with Technology

October 2010 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

Thanks to everyone who attended the Chamber’s ExPO “Hitting Business Out of the Park” on September 23rd. The event was in partnership with the Kernels and held at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Expo allowed attendees to see new merchandise, network amongst peers, establish new contacts and support the more than 80 business exhibitors.

Special thanks to all our sponsors:

1st Base Sponsor: Cedar Rapids Metro YMCA2nd Base Sponsor: Van Meter Industrial, Inc.3rd Base Sponsor: Second Story PromotionsHome Plate Sponsor: Mind Your Small BusinessHome Run Sponsor: McGladrey

Congratulations to the Cedar Rapids Police Department that won the Community Softball Tournament that was held throughout the day.

10 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

The Chamber hosted nearly 750 members at its 92nd Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sept. 14th. Keynote speaker, Stephen Jordan, Senior Vice President and Executive Director for the Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce commended Cedar Rapids on the recovery efforts and accomplishments made only 27 months following the flood. Jordan encouraged the community to continue to work collaboratively to rebuild

and more importantly develop a toolkit that could be used nationwide when disaster strikes.

A common theme amongst speakers was the community’s need to focus on creating a culture of innovation in order to flourish in a global economy. Brad Hart, 2010 Chair, high-lighted the many activities and accomplishments completed by The Chamber in fiscal year 2010.

Chuck Peters, 2011 Chair, shared insights on the impor-

Chamber’s Annual Meeting

Fiscal Year 2010:

The Highway 100 project was included in the DOT five-year plan.

Secured $85 million in funding for business and regional flood recovery.

Top Ten Chamber in the Nation for membership retention with a 90% retention rate.

Completed more than 600 assessments by the Business Long Term Recovery case management team.

ImpactCR was voted best networking group for the 2nd year in a row.

Enhanced member programming by developing new programs including Sales and Manufacturing Roundtables, Regional International Business Symposium and The Gala.

Generated $2 million in economic boost with the BUY IN program.

Nearly 100 businesses were assisted with grant applications and documentation through the Business Long Term Recovery Initiative.

Publicly supported the rerouting of Second Avenue for a new $44 million medical mall.

Launched a newly designed website, www.cedarrapids.org to better serve members.

Secured $1.4million in funding from the State for the Regional Innovation Center.

From Top to Bottom: U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack, Shannon Meyer, President & CEO, City of Cedar Rapids City Manager, Jeff Pomeranz and Chuck Peters, 2011 Chair

October 2010 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

and more importantly develop a toolkit that could be used nationwide when disaster strikes.

A common theme amongst speakers was the community’s need to focus on creating a culture of innovation in order to flourish in a global economy. Brad Hart, 2010 Chair, high-lighted the many activities and accomplishments completed by The Chamber in fiscal year 2010.

Chuck Peters, 2011 Chair, shared insights on the impor-

tance of regional collaboration and impact of creating a cul-ture of a culture of innovation could have to make ourselves competitive in the global marketplace. The Chamber also unveiled its Prosperity Agenda, a long-term strategic plan that will guide the organization to lead, leverage and guide eco-nomic and community improvements in the region.

An on-line version of The Chamber’s annual report can be found on-line at www.cedarrapids.org

Chamber’s Annual Meeting

Special thanks to our sponsors:

From Left: Chuck Peters, 2011 Chair, Shannon Meyer, President & CEO, Stephen Jordan, Keynote Speaker, Brad Hart, 2010 Chair

From Top to Bottom: U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack, Shannon Meyer, President & CEO, City of Cedar Rapids City Manager, Jeff Pomeranz and Chuck Peters, 2011 Chair

12 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

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Chamber Member Invests In Workforce Development at Careers On Wheels

by Nanci Young, Workplace Learning Connection

Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce member, Rick Kruger of Diamond Limousines, has discovered that his business background puts him in a position to impact the next gener-ation of our local workforce. Rick brings his limousine to participate in a Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) program called Careers On Wheels, an educational event for elementary schools.

During this event, Kruger, along with other participating busi-ness people who use vehicles in their daily work, speak with small groups of students about the “soft skills” that all business people must employ in their daily job – people skills, conflict management,

reliability, written and verbal commu-nication skills, and customer service concepts. Kruger stresses to the kids the value of a professional appearance, explains how important school is for their future, and urges them to respect their teachers.

Through a collaborative partner-ship with local schools, area businesses and Workplace Learning Connection, students from kindergar-ten through their senior year in high

school get a unique, up-close look at careers they might want to pursue and the job skills necessary to be success-ful anywhere. Careers On Wheels is one of several educational opportuni-ties that WLC coordinates. Others include worksite tours, career fairs, classroom speakers, and high school programs such as mock interviews, job shadows and internships.

When asked what he would say to other business people about getting

involved with these educa-tional opportunities for young students, Kruger replied, “Your time invested is well worth it when you see the excitement of the kids.”

WLC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation designed to partner with schools, businesses, and communities to prepare students to enter and succeed in the new world of work. Work. Learn. Connect. If your business is interested in participating in career education opportunities, community outreach and shaping our area’s future workforce, log on to www.workplace-learning.org or call 319-398-1040.

October 2010 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Personal Safety Corporation1655 Progress DriveHiawatha, IA 52233Dick Olsen, PresidentPhone: 319-373-4713Web: www.padalarm.comEmail: dickolson@psc.nu

Personal Safety Corporation manufactures and markets fall management medical devices sold to over 6,000 nursing homes and hospitals throughout the U.S. We also manufac-ture and market pepper spray sold to law enforcement agen-cies throughout the U.S., and our personal safety products are sold to both U.S. regional and national retail chains.

Russell’s Guides Inc.1660 42nd Street NE, Suite RCedar Rapids, IA 52402David Wagner, PresidentPhone: 319-364-6138Web: http://russellsguides.comEmail: dwagner@russellsprinting.com

Russell’s Guides Inc. works primarily in the transportation industry, which includes bus, train, and travel. Russell’s pub-lishes 2 books for the bus industry- “The Official National Motor Coach Guide” and “The Official Canadian Motor Coach Guide”. These books contain timetable schedules for many bus companies across the U.S. and Canada. The infor-mation provided in these books is put into table form using our Russell’s database program.

AB Transport Inc.210 2nd Street SE, Suite 204Cedar Rapids, IA 5201Shawn Leonard, OwnerPhone: 866-274-5538Web: www.abtransportation.comEmail: shawn@abtransportation.com

AB Transport Inc. is a full-service transportation company serving 48 states and areas in both Canada and Mexico. We specialize in expedited full truck loads and less-than-truck-load (LTL) shipments. We manage all modes of transporta-tion, including truck, rail, air and ship. You call, we answer!

Over 35 people attended All aBoard: Leadership through Committees, Boards & Commissions at the Linn County NonProfit Resource Center on September 16. Casey Prince with Theatre Cedar Rapids gave the keynote address on board involvement. Attendees chose from three breakout sessions; fundraising, finance and strategic plan-ning followed by a nonprofit resource fair.

Special thanks to our sponsor, Clearly Compliant!

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERCurt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC)

Do the Hard Work and Understand Your “Fit”Whether you are looking to launch a new product or start a new company, you minimize your risk of

failure by doing the hard work of understanding your product’s or business’ Strategic Fit in the market. Like scouting a competitive sports team before you play, you will need to learn as much as you can about the overall environment in which you will be working before you define a business model. Commonly called a Situation or Market Analysis, this critical component of your business plan provides

the information necessary to determine a defendable Strategic Fit. If you go to market without identifying a proper Fit, you are gambling without good odds. If you learn this lesson the hard way – it could cost you your business.

At a minimum, your analysis should include the following information:

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

• Valid Need – an identifiable and valid market need that can justify the entry or current position of your product.

• Valid Opportunity – identifiable market segment(s) that will actually buy enough of your product or service over a predictable period of time.

• Valid Product – the ability to provide the identified and required benefits and differentiate from current and potential competition.

• Valid Pricing – price points that the target market(s) will actually pay, that will support the Fit and brand position, and will allow your business the margins necessary for viability and growth.

• Valid Operation – the overall ability of your company to consistently deliver and support your product or service while meeting growth projections.

• Valid Environment – a market environment that supports the acceptance or continued position, as well as the growth, of your product or service.

Take the time to do the hard work and really understand your market Fit and start

increasing your company’s chances of success! If your company would like more information on how to perform a

Strategic Fit Analysis, please contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at 319.369.4955 or www.edcinc.org.

14 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

October 2010 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

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Many Cedar Rapids flood damaged businesses are able to breathe a sigh of relief after U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced it would make an exception to the definition of duplication of benefits in regards to federal grant funding. HUD made the decision in a September 9 meeting in Washington D.C., which included representatives from Cedar Rapids.

Duplication of benefits has been one of the major roadblocks in getting grant assistance to flood damaged businesses in Cedar Rapids and throughout the state of Iowa. The stipulation has tied up an estimated $17 million in HUD funding. HUD’s policy initially stated that if busi-nesses took out private or Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, the loan money had to be subtracted from the amount of grant funding for which they were eligible. Many businesses took private and SBA loans to pay contractors for repairs following the 2008 disaster. The duplication of benefits regulation still applies to businesses who took an SBA loan. HUD officials agreed to consider the exception for businesses with SBA loans as well; their decision is expected to be announced soon.

HUD also agreed in the September 9 meeting to support the loosening of some pre-flood documentation requirements. Providing documentation has been another

major difficulty for businesses as much of it was lost in the flood. HUD advised the City of Cedar Rapids to work with the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED) to determine alternative methods for providing documentation.

Bob Harschnek, case management team leader for the chamber’s Business Long Term Recovery (BLTR) initia-tive, said HUD’s decision is great news and will bring aid to flood affected businesses in desperate need of the funds.

“This was a collective effort by a lot of individuals that made this change possible,” Harschnek said.

The Washington meeting was organized by U.S. Representative Dave Loebsack, D-Mount Vernon. In addition to two members of Loebsack’s senior staff, Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, Senior Case Manager for BLTR Scott Swenson, the city’s Planner in Community Development, Jennifer Pratt, and Tim Waddell, an administrator of IDED, participated in the meeting.

Steve Hunter, case manager with BLTR, said the money has been needed for a long time, and will have a very positive effect for many businesses.

“This opportunity will bring more money into Cedar Rapids and give businesses more confidence in moving forward,” Hunter said.

16 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Jarvis Property RestorationSeptember 20

Liz Wellness SpaSeptember 15

Eastern Iowa Airport Runway CompletionSeptember 16

Lindale Mall 50th AnniversarySeptember 14

Red Baron Bar & Dance ClubAugust 26

Clark & Associates - Prosthetics and OrthoticsSeptember 15

Discovery Living Inc. September 16

St. Luke’s Hospital/ Coe College Steam PlantSeptember 06

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Grand OpeningAugust 30

Primus ConstructionSeptember 10

October 2010 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

www.stratosfour.com

StratosFour client Judy Lubben, Controller & VP of Administration at Raining Rose, Inc., said:

“When we were looking at another software upgrade and the additional costs associated with it, we were initially hesitant on making a change to a new custom-built system. Would people embrace it? Could we really go paperless? Will support be there for us when we are done? Will there be any real cost savings? StratosFour has answered all these questions and so much more.

With the software they built, our company is saving over $150,000 a year!! StratosFour has been there to really listen and hear what we are saying. They come up with solutions to situations that we didn’t think were available.”

With custom-designed software from StratosFour, your company will save money by eliminating seat licensing and reoccurring fees. The StratosFour team will work with your staff to ensure the solution matches your business processes and needs – helping to fi t a square peg into a round hole.

Does your operational software make you feel like you’re always trying to fi t a square peg into a round hole?

Contact StratosFour, Inc. today for a consultation and free initial needs analysis at 319-734-6400 or info@stratosfour.com

The Case for Expanded TradeTrade Creates Jobs

By Doug Loon, VP Regional AffairsU.S. Chamber of Commerce

If Congress and the administration want to put Americans back to work, they should move forward on expand-ing global trade opportunities.

Recently the Chamber unveiled a study, Opening Markets, Creating Jobs, that settles once and for all the debate over whether America’s trade agreements have been good for the country and our workers.

The study examines the U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs) implemented over the past 25 years covering 14 countries and concludes that the FTAs created 5.4 million American jobs. The overall trade relation-ship with those 14 countries supports a grand total of 17.7 million American jobs. “I defy anyone in town to name another budget-neutral government initiative that has generated anything like this number of jobs,” said Donohue.

Despite trade’s record of success, protectionist bar-riers put in place by government are slowing down the global business community’s ability to create jobs, lift people out of poverty, raise living standards, and foster greater understanding and stability among nations.

Perhaps the biggest impediment to job growth and trade is the lack of action on free trade agreements. FTAs benefit U.S. businesses, workers and consumers in significant ways. Since the U.S. marketplace is already one of the most open in the world, these agree-ments help open foreign markets to U.S. exports.

When it comes to trade, the United States is falling behind. According to the World Trade Organization, there are 262 free trade agreements in force around the globe today, but the United States has FTAs with just 17 countries. America is party to only 1 of more than 100 negotiations of bilateral and regional trade agreements.

According to a recent Chamber study, the United States stands to lose more than 380,000 jobs if it fails to implement its pending trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea. As the U.S. waits, the EU and Canada are moving ahead with their own agree-ments with those countries.

With ninety-five percent of the potential customers of American goods and services living outside the United States, we can create jobs by expanding exports. Congress and the administration should move forward on these three FTAs.

Read the study at www.uschamber.com/trade.

18 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ October 2010

OctoberPM Exchange

Please join us on Thursday October 21, 2010

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.Enjoy Refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and the

Grand Tour!!

Homewood Suites by Hilton1140 Park Place NE

Cedar Rapids, IA 52402(Off Collins & Rockwell Dr.)

GRAND OPENING!

The Chamber and Principal Financial Group present:

“Lowdown on the Slowdown”October 19, 2010

11:45 a.m. Luncheon 12:10 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Presentation

Cedar Rapids Scottish Rite 616 A Ave NE Cedar Rapids

$20/person, includes lunch.

Presented by Dr. Bob Baur, Chief Global Economist, Principal Global Investors*. Bob Bauer is Managing Director and Chief Global Economist for Principal Global Investors. In his capacity, he establishes and directs global economic policy and strategy, oversees, and conducts mac-roeconomic and quantitative research, forecasts economic trends, and anticipates market movements. He also advises the Principal Global Investors investment staff with invest-ment decisions. Bob regularly participates in speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and around the world. He is frequently quoted by the financial news media and appears regularly on CNBC and Bloomberg TV.

*Principal Global Investors and its affiliates are sub-advisors to many of the Principal Funds.

Registration is available on-line at www.cedarrapids.org or contact Julie Stow at jstow@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1409.

Sponsored by:

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

October 2010 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319-364-8900

It’s no coincidence we keep our studio well stocked with these.

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce will be participating in Centrallia this month. From October 20 - 22, 2010, more than 600 small to medium sized busi-nesses from around the world will gather in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, during Centrallia to form new busi-ness relationships for mutual benefit. This global busi-ness to business forum is your company’s opportunity to forge profitable alliances with companies located in the Americas and across the world. At the core of the of the concept are a series of 30 minute, pre-programmed, one on one meetings that allow businesses to quickly connect and find ground for common opportunity.

It is an intense, yet friendly and cooperative environ-ment that allows delegates to meet with up to 14 potential trade partners over two days.

Further opportunities to meet and network are abun-dant through Centrallia’s tradeshow and events. It is sim-

ply one of the fastest, most efficient ways to expose your business to new markets and opportunities worldwide.

When you get to Centrallia, don’t forget to take part in a large number of activities and travel opportunities that have all been specially selected to make a truly unfor-gettable trip. These activities include anything from Winnipeg City Tours to a Polar Bear Excursion or even a Rocky Mountain Getaway! Tours are offered by Heartland International Travel & Tours.

$850 registration will provide you with up to 14 meetings with global businesses and access to the conference and international villages.

For more information and registration for the event please visit www.centrallia.com. or contact Julie Stow at 319.730.1409.

Is your business seeking international growth opportunities? Then you can’t miss Centrallia 2010 – an exciting business match-making forum that will bring more than 500 small to medium sized businesses from more than 20 world economic regions to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Centrallia 2010 will allow you to meet with up to 12 potential trade partners over two days through a series of short (30 minute), pre-arranged, meetings, plus network with dozens of other

companies. Best of all, Centrallia takes place along North America’s North-South trade corridor, making it perfect for businesses looking to access or export from the North American market. There’s no easier or less expensive way to meet so many international businesses in such a short period of time.

In collaboration with:Organized by: Made possible with the support of:

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Centrallia is a trilingual event with translation for English, French and Spanish.

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Connect your business to opportunity, worldwide.Attend Centrallia 2010 October 20-22 Global Business to Business Forum

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2010 Centrallia

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