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Pearl City ProgressNewsletter for the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Volume 22 Number 11 November 2013
The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a catalyst for advancing our region’s economy, improving our quality of life and enhancing our members’ success
Blue Zones Project Muscatine Announces Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry a Designated Blue Zones Worksite
Blue Zones Project™ Muscatine has announced the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a designated Blue Zones Worksite™. The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce
GMCCI Staff from top left: Greg Jenkins, Ally Billhorn, Susan Fulton and Janet Morrow. Not pictured: Jodi Hansen.
and Industry (GMCCI) achieved designation status in late October and is the second employer to be designated as Blue Zones Worksite in Muscatine. The employer fulfilled Blue Zones Worksite designation criteria as outlined at www.bluezonesproject.com, including the registration and engagement of more than 25 percent of their employees.
“Blue Zones Worksite certification shows GMCCI’s commitment to their employee’s well-being and that of Muscatine, said Sara Fitzer-Huston Blue Zones Project Muscatine Organization Lead. “This organization is a leader in demonstrating the value of adapting work environments to fit the needs of today’s employees, all the while reinforcing why Muscatine is a great place to work.”
Organizations can reach Blue Zones Project designation by creating work environments that
promote and sustain well-being across six areas: leadership, purpose, physical environment, engagement, well-being solutions. Some of the adaptations include creating a Wellness
Committee, leadership training, providing flexible scheduling, and increased communication on health and wellness opportunities.
“We are pleased to have achieved the designation as a Blue Zones Worksite. The effort to get to this point has enabled us to put in place many tools and processes that can help us to be a great place to come to work every day. The wellbeing of our team is vital to the overall effectiveness of our organization, and we look forward to an ever increasing level of Blue Zones capabilities. We are proud to support Muscatine’s efforts to become a Blue Zones Community and encourage the community to learn more about the Blue Zones Project and to get involved,” said Greg Jenkins, President & CEO, GMCCI.
Brought to Iowa through an innovative sponsorship by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in collaboration with Healthways and Blue Zones®, Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks.
For more information about how to become a Blue Zones Worksite, contact the Blue Zones Project team at 641-424-7181 or visit www.bluezonesproject.com.
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Save - The - Date Upcoming GMCCI
EventsCompanyMailboxes & Parcel DepotIowa Network ServicesGood Earth RestaurantUS CellularDocument Destruction & Recycling ServicesNew Beginnings Professional Weight Management ClinicShoe Sensation IncMillennium Waste IncorporatedSendOutCards
Renewed MembersYears22141385
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New MembersBuffalo Wild Wings2608 2nd AvenueMuscatine, IA 52761www.buffalowildwings.comGrand Opening Date & Ribbon Cutting: November 11, 2013 at 9 a.m. Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar is a casual dining restaurant and sports bar franchise in the U.S. and Canada that is known for its Buffalo wings. This ultimate sports bar also has an extensive variety of beer on tap, burgers, sandwiches and a kid’s menu.
Wine-Nutz208 W 2nd Street, Pearl PlazaMuscatine, IA 52761563-263-0202www.wine-nutz.com
Wine-Nutz serves wine by the glass or bottle for in-store consumption or for carry-out. They also serve premium beers along with wine accessories and wine related retail items including chocolates, nuts and crackers.
November 11Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Buffalo Wild Wings2608 2nd Avenue, Muscatine
9 a.m.
November 13Ribbon Cutting & Open House
AmericInn Lodge & Suites3115 U.S. Hwy 61, Muscatine
4:45 p.m.
November 14Business After Hours
Hosted by: Gentle Family Dentists2202 Houser Street, Muscatine
5 to 7 p.m.
November 15Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Van Meter Industrial2458 Hwy. 22, Muscatine
10:30 a.m.
November 18Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
Muscatine Center for Business Development “E Center”
152 Colorado Street, Muscatine(within Loper Hall @ MCC)
4 p.m.
November 19Employer’s Council Meeting
“Implementing Healthy Food Habits in the Workplace”
Presented by: Nancy Dew, Hy-Vee Dietitian
ISU Extension Office1514 Isett Avenue, Muscatine
Noon to 1 p.m.
November 21YPN Third Thursday
Wine-Nutz208 W. 2nd Street, Muscatine
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
www.facebook.com/GMCCI www.twitter.com/GMCCI_Muscatine
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6 majors available at MCC Muscatine campus
online and at night!
Bachelor Degrees that fit your schedule!
800.582.2383
See us at www.iwc.edu/exl
Stanley Consultants provides program management, planning, engineering, environmental and construction services worldwide.
563.264.6600 www.stanleyconsultants.com www.facebook.com/stanleyconsultants
Global Engineering Service ProviderEnergy. Environmental. Transportation. Water.
C E L E B R AT I N G
ENGINEERING A BETTER WORLD
UI Health Care – Muscatine Showcases Facility at Business After HoursUI Health Care – Muscatine, 3465 Mulberry Avenue, highlighted their staff and state-of-the-art facility at GMCCI’s October Business After Hours on Thursday, October 10.
UI Health Care is committed to partnering with local physicians throughout Iowa, and is pleased to offer specialty services in Muscatine. Patients are able to schedule consultations and follow-up appointments with UI specialists with expertise in heart, lung, cancer, and more while remaining in their own community. UI QuickCare is also a walk-in medical clinic available to anyone in the community. It is a convenient choice open to anyone more than 6 months old. No appointment is necessary. Their office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m to 7 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Local physicians were on hand for tours and to answer questions; Michael Maharry, MD, Leslie George-Paulser, DO, MHA, MPA, Valerie Kies, PA-C and Christina Nelson, ARNP.
GMCCI guests feasted on Swedish meatballs, a cheese and meat tray, fruit, vegetables and dip, along with an assortment of desserts and drinks. Door prizes were awarded to the following: Paige Bales, U.S. Bank, Iowa Hawkeye prize pack and Martha Wiebel, Martha’s Beauty Shop, Iowa Hawkeye stadium seat.
November’s Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gentle Family Dentists, 2202 Houser Street.
Join us in welcoming
Leslie George-Paulsen, DO, MHA, MPA
3465 Mulberry Avenue563-263-0339uihealthcare.org/muscatine
Hours: Monday –Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.UI QuickCare Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
UI Health Care—Muscatine
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Ken Rogers - Owner A.S.H.I. [email protected]
Dustin Rogers - Inspector A.S.H.I. Associatedrogers@homeinspectionplus.bizwww.homeinspectionplus.biz
004 MUS-IA-MO-11 ad.qxp:004 MUS-IA-M
Become a SCORE Mentor TODAY
Popular SCORE Online Workshops When Social Goes Local Listen anytime! Using Social Media to Grow Your Business with SCORE and HP Listen anytime! Savvy Social Media with Jeanne Rossomme Listen anytime!
Robbin Block has been evangelizing the benefits of marketing strategy for over 25 years. Part geek, part creative, she’s brought her in-depth knowledge of the Web and its strategic application to business to companies of all sizes and to thousands of readers via her book, Social Persuasion: Making Sense of Social Media for Small Business. This month, Robbin discusses some of social media’s many implications on the crafting and execution of winning small business marketing plans.
What’s the biggest misperception about social media’s role in marketing, and what should entrepreneurs really be doing as they map out a new small business?
Social media can’t solve all your marketing problems. For a business, it needs to be thought of like any other communication tool. You need to understand the fundamentals of marketing — who’s your target audience, where do they get their information, what do they care about, etc.— to find the right media mix that makes sense for you.
What is the most underutilized non-social media marketing method today?
By far, it’s public relations. Many people are afraid of it, or don’t know what it is. Instead they’ll spend money on poorly placed ads that will almost always fail.
What are two or three go-to resources for finding data about your market?
The U.S. Census. A lot of valuable information from the latest census is now being released. Industry associations. Industry trade publications and consumer magazines. Their media kits have great
information about their readers’ demographics and interests.
And many more resources are available at my website, www.blockbeta.com.
Coupons are gaining popularity as a means for luring potential customers. If this option appears right for a small business, what is needed to help turn coupon users into regular customers?
Understand what attracted them in the first place. People who just want a deal are tough to convert. But many customers use coupons to “sample the goods.” To get them to come back and pay full price, use strategic messaging at each touchpoint to help push them down the purchase path. This messaging can be done verbally, through printed materials, online, and even reinforced with “gifts”.
Can you provide an example of how this works?
A Pilates studio I work with has used social coupons to bring in new customers, offering a 7-week program at a discounted rate. Each week, the studio reinforces the benefits of membership and the results the customer would get if they continue taking their classes. Communications include a comprehensive orientation, an introductory gift of a branded water bottle, follow-on emails, etc. It’s a planned program designed to positively reinforce the customer experience. This in combination with excellent service may be enough to convince the customer to continue at full price.
Expert Tips: Beyond Social Media
with Robbin Block: Owner, Blockbeta Marketing
Robbin Block Seattle, WA www.blockbeta.com [email protected]
Why should entrepreneurs work with a SCORE small business mentor to develop and monitor their marketing plans?
Marketing needs to be flexible, because the environment within which a business operates is always changing. And the business itself is evolving as new opportunities or threats come to light. A SCORE mentor can help filter the information and focus the entrepreneur on what’s important.
All-American Care in Muscatine and Washington
will now specialize in
Bariatric Rehab Servicesincluding therapy, emotional counseling
and nutritional management.
We are committed to restoring and preserving yourhealth and have returned 208 patients back home!
601 E. Polk Street • Washington, Iowa 319-653-6526
2002 Cedar Street • Muscatine, Iowa 563-264-2023
allamericancare.com
ADVERTISING PROOFDate:_________ To:_____________
From:_________________________Please check & fax to: 309-277-2001or e-mail: [email protected]? Call: 309-277-2000
Comments:_________________________________
__________________________________________
__________________________________________
Checked by:_____________ Today’s date:_________
OK with corrections OK as is
SCORE Mentors:• Always conduct their mentoring and
other SCORE activities in a manner that unequivocally places the business interests of their clients first.
• Volunteers shall ensure that all available resources are offered to clients, including assistance by other mentors or chapters, or by outside organizations if a resource does not exist within SCORE.
• Initiate follow-up contacts to ensure the potential success of their clients.
• Volunteers will continue mentoring a client as long as the mentoring is of value to the client. If the volunteer is unable to continue mentoring for personal reasons, the case will be reassigned to another volunteer.
• At all times protect the confidentiality of business information provided by the clients.
• Not accept or participate in SCORE activities that create a conflict of interest between the volunteers, their families, outside business or financial activities or interests.
Halloween Fun & Annual Coat Drive
Halloween Hike RecapWhat a great turn out for this year’s Halloween Hike at the Discovery Center despite the cooler temperatures! YPN donated 250 small pumpkins and had multiple members volunteering each night to assist children and their family in coloring pumpkins. It is estimated over 100 children were served. The volunteers assisted with selecting the pumpkins, cleaning the pumpkins and keeping the area in an orderly fashion. The outdoor skits during during the hike had an excellent turnout as well.
November Third Thursday Coat Drive CompetitionThe coat drive will be similar to October’s competition but this time we will be taking coats or cash. Each YPN member who attends November’s Third Thursday event will be assigned to a random team. That team will compete for a prize of $150 in Chamber Dollar$. Team members can donate funds by cash, check or credit card. The team with the most coats by weight will win. $10 will be equal to 5 pounds of coats. Rumor has it the losing team will get some Shelter Insurance give-a-ways as well! All money raised and coats received will be donated to Community Action of Eastern Iowa to support their coat drive.
Mark Your Calendars! The next Third Thursday event will be November 21 held at Wine-Nutz. Come see your YPN friends one last time before taking off for Thanksgiving.
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Staff
Greg JenkinsPresident & CEO [email protected]
Jodi HansenEvent [email protected]
Ally BillhornMarketing & Communications [email protected]
Member Spotlight: SendOutCardsWho: SendOutCards What: An online greeting card and gift system that prints, stuffs, stamps and mails your personalized greeting cards. Where: 1044 Atalissa Road, Atalissa, IA 52720 Website: https://www.sendoutcards.com/41577/Member Since: November 8, 2011
Kristine Haskell has been a Distributor with SendOutCards since 2008. Haskell was volunteering at her church when she needed to send notes to over 100 women on a quarterly basis. She was grateful to find this system. Haskell was able to personalize her note with pictures and a special message without sacrificing her time and the personal touch.
Since signing on with the company 5 years ago, it has provided her with a secure residual income that allows a flexible ‘work from home’ schedule.
“SendOutCards has taught me the value of building relationships, while blessing me financially, but most important has given me the confidence that I needed to make connections and keep them, “said Haskell.
This unique online greeting card and gift system provides a valuable tool for people to market their businesses, to network, build relationships and to show appreciation to all those they come in contact. In less than 60 seconds, you can choose your custom card, add a personal photo, write your heartfelt, inspirational or cheerful message and click send. They print, stuff, stamp and mail your card to any postal address in the world, all for less than the average price of a greeting card at the store.
SendOutCards also helps businesses to send a thank you card, reminders or follow-up cards letting their customers know just how special they are to them. They make things easy, keep you organized and remind you of important dates like anniversaries, birthdays and annual events.
Haskell currently serves as President of the Iowa City Stake Young Women’s Organization for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She is a volunteer for the Fine Arts Boosters at West Liberty High School and a member of the West Liberty Chamber of Commerce.
“Being a GMCCI member is a great way to meet people! It is also a great way to connect in the community, finding out what services are available in Muscatine and getting referrals for the services you need. I love the opportunity it gives me to learn about new businesses and what they need to grow,” says Haskell.
Want your chance in the spotlight? Be sure to attend our next Business After Hours where you’ll have the chance to be highlighted.
Buying or Selling Real Estate? Call Me Today!
LLYNNYNN AALLISONLLISON 563.260.4520563.260.4520
Susan FultonOffice [email protected]
High quality, research tested, food ingredients, ethyl alcohol, packaged goods, pet products and animal feed.
www.kentww.com/news
Janet MorrowDirector of Community & Member Development [email protected]
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Meet Dr. Jerry Riibe, Muscatine Community School District Superintendent By Janet Morrow
Most of us have at least one teacher or educator we think of as having influenced our academic careers in a positive way. Dr. Jerry Riibe, Muscatine Community School District Superintendent, credits his high school coach and guidance counselor.
Jerry grew up in Hartington, Nebraska, a small farming community with a population of about 1500 located not far from Sioux City, South Dakota. His dad was a hard working blue collar laborer who walked a mile to work. Jerry describes himself as “a good student, average athlete” in high school. The valuable lesson he learned from his coach was perseverance. However, it was his high school guidance counselor who recognized Jerry’s academic talent and helped him fill out his college application and financial aid paperwork for the University of Nebraska. For those of us who are first-generation college attendees, navigating the college application and financial aid paperwork can be daunting. So much so, that some 18-year-olds – if they even know that financial aid is available – don’t attempt to fill the paperwork out. Jerry’s guidance counselor
helped him do that, otherwise, Jerry probably would not have been able to go to college.
Jerry wasn’t enamored with college his first semester and thought about returning home to work for a road construction crew, which was hot, hard work. . Again, his high school guidance counselor was instrumental. He told Jerry his two options were to either return to college and earn a degree or continue the back-breaking road construction work (possibly for life). Jerry returned to the University of Nebraska and continued his education to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in teaching.
Jerry started his 36 year education career as a social studies teacher and coach. At the age of 28, he became a principal, starting what eventually became 17 years of administration experience as a building principal, principal, then as assistant superintendent. In 2009, he became the school superintendent in Ralston, Nebraska. Ralston has a population of approximately 5,500 and is surrounded on three sides by Omaha, Nebraska, but is a separate city.
While building his education system and administration experience, Jerry continued his own quest for learning and diligently worked on his Master’s Degree and Doctorate – one class at a time. By the time he finished, all but one of his four children had graduated from high school.
Now that his children are grown and spread out in the Midwest with one in the East, he and wife, Jody, decided to have “one more adventure” and moved to Muscatine to assume the role of district superintendent. Dr. and Mrs. Riibe liked the pace of life here, stating that everyone has been warm and welcoming. He appreciates the strong business and
community support for the school system here.
Jerry is excited to bring his education experience to Muscatine to help the district reach the next level. There’s a high percentage of children in this district on the free and reduced lunch program. Having grown up with a similar economic background, working to increase the number of kids continuing on to two-year or four-year post-secondary institutions is near and dear to his heart.
We look forward to seeing the improvements Jerry will implement in our school district. The school year has been in session for a couple of months and the opportunities to meet Jerry have been abundant. Those of us 600 attendees at the Blue Zones kick-off event got a glimpse of his good-natured sense of humor as he kidded with National Geographic Explorer, Dan Buettner, that “he thought he was the only one that had biked from Alaska to Argentina”.
Jerry and his wife, Jody, a recently retired college Professor of Early Childhood Education, have four grown children and two grandchildren. The Riibes enjoy being located closer to their oldest daughter and grandchildren who live in Chicago. They have a daughter in Raleigh, North Carolina, a son in Omaha, Nebraska, and their youngest daughter, a first-year kindergarten teacher, in Ralston, Nebraska. Jerry and his wife can be seen not only at school functions, but out and about in Muscatine on their bikes.
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563.262.8844 | 116 Harrison St. | Muscatine www.teamssi.com
Flexible Employment Solutions for Your Business!
Administrative ⎜ Manufacturing ⎜ Professional ⎟ Technical
Hy-Vee Employee Named Certified Cicerone®Scott Kirby, Hy-Vee Muscatine, was recently named one of the seven Certified Cicerones® in Iowa. With only seven in Iowa, Hy-Vee has almost half of that extinguished group.
The word Cicerone (pronounced sis-uh-rohn) has been chosen to designate those with proven expertise in selecting, acquiring and serving today’s wide range of beers. Only those who have passed the requisite test of knowledge and tasting skill can call themselves a Cicerone.
“The route to becoming a Certified Cicerone® wasn’t easy, but at the same time was thoroughly enjoyable for me. I’ve always enjoyed drinking craft beer and learning about brewing techniques, styles and everything else about my favorite beverage, I just didn’t realize how little I knew until I really started studying for the test. It seemed absurd when I was told that only 11% of those who take the test pass, but I quickly realized if I didn’t take the test seriously, I’d be one of the 89% that didn’t pass the first time,” says Kirby.
Those numbers shouldn’t be a discouragement though. If someone has a passion for beer, the studying can be rewarding. Kirby was fortunate enough to be part of a studying group that helped him prepare for the exam. After three months of
studying, he was able to walk in, take the test and feel confident in his knowledge.
“To me, a Certified Cicerone® is a highly knowledgeable tour guide through the world of craft beer. The certification has made me more confident in my ability to help customers select new beers to try, pair beer with food, and to answer nearly any question they may have on the subject. I know craft beer is a moving target, and I look forward to a lifetime of learning about the best beverage in the world,” says Kirby.
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Chamber Chat
Have recent company photos to share? Submit to [email protected],
with the headline Chamber Chat.
Is your organization looking to bring groups into Muscatine? Let the Convention and Visitors Bureau lend a hand! The CVB is able to help provide information for when people “Visit Muscatine”. Hannah Wilke, CVB Coordinator, is able to come speak with your groups as well. To set up a time, or get more information about what services are of use to you, contact 563-343-8587 or [email protected].
For up-to-date information, an online Visitors Guide, and more, head to www.visitmuscatine.com.
Is your organization looking to bring groups into Muscatine? Let the Convention and Visitors Bureau lend a hand! The CVB is able to help provide information for when people “Visit Muscatine”. Hannah Wilke, CVB Coordinator, is able to come speak with your groups as well. To set up a time, or get more information about what services are of use to you, contact 563-343-8587 or [email protected].
For up to date information, an online Visitors Guide, and more head to www.visitmuscatine.com
For three hours on Tuesday, October 1, GMCCI, the Better Business Bureau and Cintas helped to shred over 3 tons worth of the Muscatine communities’ old documents. This 3rd Annual Shred It Day grew once again servicing over 100 carloads of people’s unwanted and old documents needing to be properly shredded. The event was held in the Calvary Church parking lot and was free to any community member.
The 2013-2014 Leadership Muscatine class attended their 3rd educational session at the Muscatine Community Y on Friday, October 18. Students had the opportunity to attend a Community Organization Fair, where local non-profits were in attendance speaking to their business, programs and volunteer opportunities.
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2014
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS!
Do you ever sit back and ponder having a room full of people who you could talk to about business, and who could become new clients, customers,
or contacts, all in a no-pressure, relaxed atmosphere? That's what the Chamber's Business After Hours is
all about!
GMCCI is now accepting applications for next year's Business
After Hours. Please contact Jodi Hansen at 563-263-8895 if your business is interested in hosting.
Space is limited so act now!
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Women’s Connection Honors Emerging Women Leaders
On October 2, 250 community leaders gathered for the Women’s Connection “Women in Leadership” event featuring United Neighbors Founder Dr. Ida Johnson, on the topic “Purpose Driven Leadership.” During the event 14 outstanding regional college students were honored as Emerging Women Leaders for their exceptional leadership initiative and high academic achievement, and for making a difference in their school and community.
“The purpose of Women’s Connection’s Emerging Women Leaders Recognition Program is to raise up and honor regional female collegiate students who are excelling as leaders both academically and within their communities,” says Women’s Connection Co-Executive Director
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Nancy Renkes. “We believe it’s important to bring along the next generation of women leaders.” Through participation in the Emerging Women Leaders Program, regional colleges and universities, including Ashford University, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Palmer College of Chiropractic,
St. Ambrose University, Trinity College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Dubuque and Western Illinois University Quad Cities, have the opportunity to honor their outstanding women leaders. The October, 2013 honorees and their schools are as follows:
Ashford UniversityMorgan MartellsKim Rogis
Black Hawk CollegeTiah CarloughDaniele Givens
Clinton Community CollegeTraci Corwin
Palmer College of ChiropracticJennifer KatzerCaitlin Painchaud
Scott Community CollegeAlma Avila
Trinity College of Nursing and Health SciencesMarybeth CannonEllyn Despain
University of DubuqueCourtney FiskSadé Pointer
Western Illinois University - Quad CitiesEmily BrooksClaire Chouinard
Women’s Connection is privileged to raise up and honor these exceptional women in our community. For more information about membership or upcoming events for Women’s Connection, log onto www.womens-connection.org or call (309)631-0167. The “Women in Leadership” series is presented by Alcoa, Inc., St. Ambrose University and Merrill Lynch. Women’s Connection 15th Anniversary sponsors are the Riverboat Development Authority and DHCU Community Credit Union.
Women’s Connection is one of the largest women’s organizations in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Key partners are Royal Neighbors of America and UnityPoint Health - Trinity. The mission of the Women’s Connection is to inspire, educate, connect and empower women.
(Front row - left to right): Emily Brooks, Claire Chouinard, Sadé Pointer and Alma Avila.(Back row – left to right): Ellyn Despain, Morgan Martells, Kim Rogis, Daniele Givens, Tiah Carlough, Jennifer Katzer, Caitlin Painchaud and Diana Zogg (Women’s Connection Board Chair). Marybeth Cannon, Traci Corwin and Courtney Fisk were not present.
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Blue Zones Project Muscatine Announced Designated Blue Zones Grocery StoreBlue Zones Project™ Muscatine officially announced on October 17 that Hy-Vee has been designated a Blue Zones Grocery Store™ in Muscatine, demonstrating their commitment to helping the city’s residents adopt healthier lifestyles.
Customers shopping at the Muscatine Hy-Vee store will find an improved shopping environment that promotes better-for-you choices in fresh produce, beverages and snacks along with various educational tools to help them change and sustain healthier eating habits.
“We are excited to be a designated Blue Zones Grocery Store. As a company, Hy-Vee believes in making our customer’s lives easier, healthier, and happier and we have focused on just that for some time now,” said Hy-Vee General Merchandise Manager Ramona Sywassink. “Teaming with Blue Zones Project will help bring more awareness to healthier living for those who shop at our store. We are looking forward to all the great things that the Blue Zones Project will bring to our community.”
A popular change for parents with young children is the Blue Zones® checkout lane. Instead of being stocked full of candy bars, gum and sweet treats that kids beg for-and that many adults find hard to resist as well-the Blue Zones lane features a variety of healthy snacks for a quick pick-me-up, such as granola bars, nuts, and fruit. Other features include in-store healthy food demonstrations and cooking classes conducted by an in-store chef or a registered dietitian.
“Hy-Vee is committed to offering residents healthy options that are easily located in every aisle,” said Blue Zones Project Muscatine Organization Lead Sara Fitzer-Huston. “They have incorporated many interactive and educational components to help increase awareness and engage the whole family. Stop by and check it out.”
The community celebrated with a Designation Celebration, which included a ribbon cutting and certificate presentation, at Hy-Vee on Friday, October 25.
Brought to Iowa through an innovative sponsorship by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in collaboration with Healthways and Blue Zones®, Blue Zones Project is a community-by-community well-being improvement initiative designed to make healthy choices easier through permanent changes to environment, policy, and social networks.
For more information about Blue Zones Project, contact the Blue Zones Project team at 563-263-0294 or visit www.bluezonesproject.com.
Muscatine is one of 15 Blue Zones Project demonstration sites in Iowa. Muscatine and the other demonstration communities are receiving assistance from experts to develop and implement a Blueprint for making permanent environmental, social and policy changes that transition people into healthier behaviors that can lead to longer, happier lives.
The Blue Zones Project is based on Blue Zones® principles developed by Dan Buettner and is the centerpiece of the Healthiest State Initiative to make Iowa the healthiest state by 2016 as measured by the
Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®, the first-ever daily assessment of U.S. residents' health and well-being. Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live longer, better lives by taking a systematic, environmental approach to well-being, which focuses on optimizing policy, social networks and the built environments where people spend their time.
About Blue Zones®Blue Zones employs evidence-based ways to help people live longer, better. The Company's work is rooted in the New York Times best-selling books The Blue Zones and Thrive—both published by National Geographic books. In 2009, Blue Zones applied the tenets of the books to Albert Lea, MN and successfully raised life expectancy and lowered health care costs for city workers by 40%. Blue Zones takes a systematic, environmental approach to well-being which focuses on optimizing policy, building design, social networks, and the built environment. The Blue Zones Project is based on this innovative approach. For more information, visit www.bluezones.com.
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Purple Knitted Caps Distributed to Babies Born in NovemberCaps serve as a reminder to parents and caregivers that it is okay to ask for help and take a break
UnityPoint Health-Trinity Muscatine and local knitters have collaborated to build awareness of the dangers of shaking an infant by knitting and distributing purple-colored baby caps to parents of new babies.
Each year, more than 1,400 babies are shaken and abused as a result of a parent or caregiver becoming frustrated with an infant’s crying. Research shows that frustration with a crying infant is the number one trigger for the shaking and abuse of infants. The majority of shaken infants suffer a variety of significant and life-long injuries that range from seizures and cerebral palsy to death.
The campaign, titled CLICK for Babies: Period of PURPLE Crying Caps, aims to build awareness of a normal, but often frustrating phase in an infant’s development when they cry more than any other point in their life. This developmental phase, called the Period of PURPLE Crying, provides a new way for parents and caregivers to understand normal infant crying, ways to cope with the crying and the dangers of shaking an infant.
“More than 35 knitted and crocheted caps have been donated from volunteer knitters and crocheters throughout the Muscatine area,” says Pam Askew, Trinity Muscatine
VP of Patient Services. “These amazing caps serve as an important reminder to parents that all infants cry – sometimes inconsolably – but the most important thing you can do when feeling frustrated is to put the infant in a safe place and take a short break. ”
Starting in October, Trinity Muscatine will distribute the hand-made knitted and crocheted caps to parents of new babies with information about the Period of PURPLE Crying.
“We are so thrilled to be involved again in the CLICK for Babies campaign, says Lu Ann Everett, RN at Trinity Muscatine Hospital. “The CLICK for Babies campaign really presents a tremendous opportunity to spread awareness about the Period of PURPLE Crying and prepare parents for the challenges of raising a new infant.”
More information about the CLICK for Babies campaign, including participating organizations, patterns for caps, and guidelines for caps is available at CLICKforbabies.org. For more information about the Period of PURPLE Crying program or the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome visit www.PURPLEcrying.info or www.dontshake.org.
Local volunteer knitters and crocheters have gathered at Serendipity Yarn Shoppe in downtown Muscatine donating their time towards this cause.
Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
102 Walnut Street
Muscatine, Iowa 52761-4027
563-263-8895 Fax: 563-263-7662
Address Service Requested
The Pearl City Progress (USPS391-430) is published monthly by the:
Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry102 Walnut StreetMuscatine, Iowa 52761-4027Email: [email protected]
Periodical Postage Paid at Muscatine, IA.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to Pearl City Progress 102 Walnut Street Muscatine, IA 52761-4027
USPS 391-430PERIODICALS
POSTAGE PAID AT MUSCATINE, IOWA
November
Lynn Allison, RE/MAX ProfessionalsBob Allbee, Muscatine Community College
Gary Carlson, HNI CorporationPam Collins, Musser Public Library
Tom Green, H.J. Heinz, L.P.Kevin Harle, SSAB
Greg Harris, Bridgestone BandagJames Hayes, Trinity Muscatine
Tom Hendricks, Taco John’s of MuscatineBob Howard, Central State BankStan Howe, Member Emeritus
Scott Ingstad, First National BankSteve Jameson, Muscatine Journal
Haydee King, Carriage House Carpet OnePaul Kraushaar, Muscatine Physical Therapy
Doug Krieger, Krieger Motor CompanyJohn Kuhl, Kent Corporation
GMCCI Board of Directors 2013-2014
Sal LoBianco, Muscatine Power & WaterGregg Mandsager, City of MuscatineJay McKee, McKee Button Company
Ann Meeker, Muscatine Downtown Investors, LLC.Dave Mohr, Eastern Iowa Light & Power
Kasey O’Kelly, Hy-Vee Dan Paca, Kent FeedsDavid Penn, Monsanto
Mark Post, Carver PumpJim Reynolds, Reynolds Engineering
Jerry Riibe, Muscatine Community School DistrictAndrea Scott,Young Professionals Network
Gary Slight, Community BankNancy Snaadt, Alliant Energy
Jeff Sorensen, Muscatine CountyTiarr Sweere, Stanley, Lande & Hunter PC
OfficersChair of the Board
Sal LoBianco, Muscatine Power and Water Past Chair
David Penn, MonsantoChair Elect
Doug Krieger, Krieger Motor CompanyTreasurer & Chair-Finance
Bob Howard, Central State BankChair – Membership
Bob Allbee, Muscatine Community CollegeChair – Community DevelopmentSteve Jameson, Muscatine JournalChair - Economic Development
Doug Krieger, Krieger Motor CompanyChair – Public Policy
Lynn Allison, RE/MAX Professionals
Directors
7 NovSCORE1:30 to 3:30 PM
11 NovRibbon Cutting & Grand OpeningBuffalo Wild Wings9 AM
13 NovRibbon Cutting & Open HouseAmericInn Lodge & Suites4:45 PM
14 NovSCORE1:30 to 3:30 PM
Business After HoursHosted by: Gentle Family Dentists5 to 7 PM
15 NovRibbon Cutting & Grand OpeningVan Meter Industrial10:30 AM
GMCCI Executive Board MeetingGMCCI Conference RoomNoon to 1 p.m.
18 NovRibbon Cutting & Grand OpeningMuscatine Center for Business Development Center “E Center”4 PM
19 NovEmployer’s Council MeetingNoon to 1 PM
21 NovSCORE1:30 to 3:30 PM
YPN Third ThursdayWine-Nutz5:30 to 7:30 PM
28 NovThanksgiving DayGMCCI Office Closed
29 NovGMCCI Office Closed
Business After Hours Presented by GMCCI Hosted by Gentle Family Dentists
Thursday, November 14,
2013 5:00 -7:00 pm
Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be provided.
There will be a drawing for free whitening.
Our team of Health Care Experts is here for you.
Our Express Care clinic offers walk-in and after-hours care for non-emergency situations, from sore throats to sore ankles. In addition to being more convenient, insurance co-payments and visit charges are usually lower for Express Care visits than for emergency room visits so using a walk-in clinic can also save you money.
The point of unity is you.unitypointclinic.org
1518 Mulberry AvenueMuscatine, IA 52761(563) 264-9508
Clinic Hours:Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
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