august 2015 - mason city, ia

August 2015The mission of the Mason City Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote progressive

community and economic development to benefit Chamber members and the North Iowa region.

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected] Fax 641.423.5725

Vision. Leadership. Advocacy.

Nominations Committee Presents Slatehe Nominating Committee has recommended five candidates to serve three-year terms on the Board of Directors beginning October 1, 2015. Each is a Chamber member in good standing and has agreed to the responsibilities of directorship.

Dr. Kyle Burgmeier, DDSDavid Mayberry, Globe Gazette

Jeff Nichols, Opportunity VillageDr. Steven Schulz, North Iowa Area Community College

Crystal Shellhart, Holiday Inn Express

In addition, per Chamber Bylaws, incoming Board Chair Steve Noto has appointed the following people to serve one-year terms:

Todd Kirkpatrick, Clear Lake Bank & Trust (reappointed)Dr. Paul Manternach, Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa (reappointed)

Garett McKiness, McKiness Excavating (reappointed)

Additional candidates may be nominated by a petition bearing the signatures of at least 20 Chamber members. If no petition is received by Friday, August 14, 2015, the nominees will be declared elected. If a petition is submitted and deemed proper, a ballot of all candidates will be sent to the membership. This publication serves as official notification to the membership of the action of the Nominating Committee.

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Time: 4:30-6:30PM

Date: Thursday, August 13

Location: POET Biorefining - Hanlontown

3638 Fir Ave Hanlontown, IA 50444

Sponsored By:

Aaron Thomas to Headline Farm-City WeekThe Chamber’s AgriBusiness and Business Resource committees are working together to present a very special Farm-City Week event from 6-8PM on Wednesday, November 18 at NIACC Auditorium. Aaron Thomas, a motivational speaker and North Iowa educator, has a passion for impacting lives through teaching, coaching, and public speaking.

His father Ed was a beloved high school football coach who not only trained generations of players on the importance of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, but personally put these values into action as a community leader who inspired his town to rebuild following a deadly EF5 tornado. Not long after the small town of Parkersburg began recovering from the disaster of the storm, they faced a far worse tragedy: the fatal shooting of Coach Thomas by a former player who suffered from mental health issues.

Following his father’s murder, Aaron was approached to return home to take over his dad’s responsibilities as athletic director and to continue his father’s legacy not only as a leader in the school, but as an example in the community.

An Agriculture/Business Showcase will be featured from 6-7PM to highlight the farm/city connection. Booth sponsorships will be limited. All seats for the Aaron Thomas presentation at 7PM will be reserved. Mark your calendar and save the date; tickets will be available soon.

Annual Meeting- Save the Date -

The Chamber of Commerce’s 99th Annual Meeting will be Thursday, October 1 at The Music Man Square.

Aaron Thomas

Spon

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ast month I began a fellowship program through the American Chamber of Commerce Executives with a goal of formulating a Regional Action Plan to increase Educational Attainment levels in our community. Research shows the best

way to raise the average income of a community is through increasing education attainment levels.

This is an ambitious goal, but by working together, we can do it!

Our region suffers from a mismatch between skills required for jobs and the skills of our workforce. This has a significant impact on productivity and revenue across all industries. Middle-skills jobs—those requiring more than a high school diploma and less than a baccalaureate degree—account for more than 50 percent of the available jobs. Our county’s high school graduation rates are among the highest in the U.S. However, data and anecdotal evidence from local employers and higher education officials indicate that many of our high school graduates are NOT college or career-ready.

These young adults hold the key to our talent pipeline. Our action plan will attempt to assemble strategic partners to implement youth employment principles based upon the needs of our marketplace. We will rely upon use of the National Career Readiness Certificate testing and other “Skilled Iowa” resources as a way to assure our high school graduates have the necessary foundational skills. Testing “real world” skills using everyday work situations is a reliable predictor of workplace success.

If you have an interest in joining this initiative, please contact me at [email protected].


New MembersLibby Lembke8 Old Farm RoadMason City, IA [email protected] Supporter and Chamber Ambassador.

Pioneer Graphics IncJames Slife, CEOJulie Carey, Sales Rep316 W 5th StWaterloo, IA 50701319-234-8969www.thepioneergroup.comCommercial printer of magazines such as The Iowan, Treasures, and Village D-Lights, flyers and mailing services.

Last Call for Cuba

From the President - Closing the Skills Gap

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Robin AndersonPresident & CEO

Call for NominationsNominations for Small Business of the Year and Boss of the Year are due to the Chamber no later than Friday, August 28, 2015. If you know someone who has made a significant impact or made notable achievements in the business community, tell us about them!

The Business Resource Committee will review nominations for these significant awards and announce the winners at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 1, 2015.

Call the Chamber office at 641.423.5724 or visit our website at www.masoncityia.com (select the “Forms” link under the “Member Zone” tab) for a copy of the nomination form.

New Member Luncheon

A new member luncheon will be hosted by Wells Fargo from 12-1PM on Thursday, August 27 at the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center (9 N Federal Ave).

Watch for the Membership Satisfaction Survey

Coming to your e-mail Inbox soon!

The Chamber’s Board of Directors wants to know what you think. A third party will be issuing an electronic Membership Satisfaction Survey to the entire membership this month. This is your opportunity to help identify the Chamber’s strengths and weaknesses. We hope you’ll take the time to complete this 30 question survey. Our Board is committed to ensuring our organization is responsive to the needs of our members. The survey responses will go a long way in shaping the Chamber’s future direction and initiatives. Thank you in advance for your support.

Join the Mason City Chamber as we travel to Cuba November 10-16, 2015!

Through cultural exploration, the aim is to connect local business people to global experiences and opportunities. We will discover Cuba’s delightful people, island culture, unique history, and beautiful landscapes.

Hurry - the deadline is August 21st! Contact Allyson at the Chamber (641.423.5724) to register.

his year’s annual Ag Tour is scheduled from 2-4PM on Thursday, September 17th at Renewable Energy Group (REG), located at 4172 19th St SW in Mason City.

REG is a leading producer of advanced biofuels and developer of renewable chemicals in North America. REG utilizes a nationwide production, distribution and logistics system to focus on converting natural fats, oils and greases into advanced biofuels and converting diverse feedstocks into renewable chemicals. With 10 active biorefineries across the country, REG is committed to being a long-term leader in bio-based fuels and chemicals.

Join us on this free tour presented by REG. If you are interested in attending, please contact the Chamber at 641-423-5724.


Be Our Guestune in Friday mornings to the Chamber “Be Our Guest” program at 8:40AM on KRIB 1490 AM. Digity

Communications provides this benefit to Chamber members free of charge. If you would like to schedule a guest spot on the show, please contact the Chamber. Listen in for August’s guests!

August 7 Diamond Oak, LLC Scott Bultje

August 14 DealerBuilt Jeannie Lemke

August 21 Access Systems Lindsay Baessler

August 28 River City Chorus Doug Morse

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Ag Tour - September 17th

Membership Verification Forms

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The Mason City Chamber of Commerce is preparing for the 2016 Membership Directory, with subsequent updates to the Online Membership Directory. All members will be listed by business name and by category in the 2016 Directory.

Since our Chamber Website Membership Directory is accessed daily by hundreds of people, it is important to be as accurate as possible in our member reporting. Chamber staff works diligently to maintain an updated membership database, but occasionally businesses make changes in their staff or locations and forget to inform us.

Please check this month’s newsletter insert for your verification form or watch your email on August 6th for an electronic version that you may complete and return via email. We are requesting all forms be returned to the Chamber by September 10, 2015. Email [email protected] or fax 641-423-5725.

Did you know, as a member, you may request a login and password that will grant you access to your online business directory listing so that you can confirm your business information, add new employees, post events, add hot deal or job postings? Call or email the Chamber to request your user name and password.

2016 CMO CardsPlans are underway for the 2016 Chamber Members Only card that will be distributed to more than 12,000 member employees in December during our Operation Thank You - a special day we THANK our members for their loyalty and deliver new publications and CMO cards to their business. Additional cards will be available for family members to purchase as well.

This card helps keep our spending dollars in North Iowa!

For only $50, up to 45 businesses can offer a special discount or service to CMO card holders via this marketing opportunity. As a bonus, your discount or special offer will be placed on a rotating basis in the weekly electronic Chamber News as well as on the Chamber website Hot Deals. Contact the Chamber to reserve your spot today! Limited Spaces Available!!

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Interns learn about evaluating cost of living and fringe benefits.

After a community scavenger hunt, interns enjoy ice cream at Birdsall’s.

College Connections

More than 30 area interns took advantage of the free College Connections program, which provided a series of social and educational activities once-a-week this summer. The program concluded with a ride on Lady of the Lake on July 30th.

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com

[email protected]

30 Days of Fun campaign a success Visit Mason City recently concluded our “30 Days of Fun” - a month-long tribute to the

numerous activities and experiences available in our community. Daily themes and terrific prizes provided by business partners encouraged area residents to explore Mason City just like a visitor would—by visiting local attractions, shops, restaurants and events. The campaign was a great success in creating brand awareness and ambassadorship. Results from this community engagement promotion included: Nearly 114,000 impressions on social media about Mason City and all the great things to do and see in the community. Increased resident knowledge and community ambassadorship This campaign added to VMC’s community branding efforts for visitors who are researching Mason City on social media.

Throughout the campaign, 71 daily prizes were given away to participants in the social media contest and three grand prize packages, courtesy of Air Choice One.

Tourism Award Winners announced

Each year, Visit Mason City honors three partners who have provided ongoing support, commitment and contribution to tourism in Mason City. This year’s award winners were announced during our 30th Anniversary celebration on June 19th. VMC’s 2015 Tourism Award winners are:

* Brian Pauly—recipient of the Friend of Tourism Award. Serving as the Superintendent of Recreation for the City's Recreation Department, Pauly actively promotes Mason City and the North Iowa area.

* Main Street Mason City—

recipient of the Spirit of Tourism Award. This great organization coordinates programs and events that help promote, encourage and foster a visitor-friendly environment.

* The Music Man Square's "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" event was this year’s recipient of the Tourism Excellence Award.

This lively, month long holiday event boosts tourism during a relatively slower time of year.

THANK YOU TO OUR 30 DAYS OF FUN

PARTNERS Affordables Thrift Store

Air Choice One Burke's Bar & Grill

Cabin Coffee Charles H. MacNider Art Museum

CoffeeCat Friends of the 457 Godfather's Pizza

Grandma Sugar's Cupcakery Highland Golf Course

Historic park Inn Hy-Vee West I-35 Speedway

Kinney Pioneer Museum Kush Spa & Salon

La'James College of Hairstyling Lime Creek Nature Center

Main Street Mason City Market 124

Mason City Aquatic Center Mason City Blue Zones

Mason City Brewing Mason City Country Club

Mason City YMCA McDonald's Restaurants Mid States Horse Show

Moorman Clothiers Mystic Lanes Bowling

North Iowa Band Festival North Iowa Farmers' Market

Northwestern Steakhouse Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

Orange Possum Rib Crib

Riddles Jewelry River City Sculptures on Parade

River City Society for Historic Preservation

Roller City Salon 220

Salvation Army Family Store Southbridge Mall

Steben's Childrens Theatre The Funky Trunk

The Music Man Square Willowbrook Mall

Wise Guys Wright on the Park

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com [email protected]

PERU Express- March 30-April 6, 2016The Mason City Chamber is offering a trip to Peru, March 30-April 6, 2016. Guests will explore the colonial city of Lima before visiting the cultural, historic and lively city of Cuzco in the Andes Mountains. The trip will conclude with a full day excursion to the breathtaking Inca site of Machu Picchu. An optional extension to Lake Titicaca is also available.

DAY 1: USA - LIMA Fly overseas and arrive in the city of Lima, also known as the City of Kings. Founded by Francisco Pizarro on January 18, 1535, it sits on the right bank of the Rímac River.

DAY 2: LIMAEnjoy a morning city tour of Lima and visit the Main Square, Government Palace, and the Cathedral where you will find the remains of the conqueror Francisco Pizarro. Stop at San Francisco Church and Monastery and the residential zone of San Isidro. Afternoon is free leisure time. (Optional afternoon excursion available). DAY 3: LIMA - CUZCOBoard your flight to Cuzco. Enjoy an afternoon city tour of Cuzco - visit “The Warriors Square,” the Cathedral and Korikancha Temple. Afterward, visit the ruins above Cuzco: Kenko, Pucapucara, Tambomachay and the Sacsayhuaman Fortress.

DAY 4: CUZCOToday is free for you to spend at your leisure. Optional full-day Sacred Valley tour: Visit Pisac Market and the Ollaytaytambo Ruins ($150 per person). (Additional optional afternoon excursions available).

DAY 5: CUZCO - MACHU PICCHUBoard the Vistadome train to Aguas Calientes, then bus to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu. Enjoy a guided tour of the site, located on the side of a mountain overlooking the deep canyon of the Urubamba River. This citadel served as a place of worship, a site for star-gazing and a private hacienda of the family of the Inca Pachacutec.

DAY 6: MACHU PICCHU - CUZCOEarly morning you will have a chance to visit Machu Picchu again at sunrise (Optional). Afternoon you will be transferred to the station to board your train back to Cuzco.

DAY 7: CUZCO - LIMA (Or leave for Optional 2-day Extension)Board your flight back to Lima. Upon arrival you will be assisted by an English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. (Optional afternoon excursion available).

DAY 8: LIMA - USATransfer to International airport for your flight back to the USA.

Optional 2-Day Extension to Puno (Lake Titicaca)$750 Per PersonSingle Supplement: $195

Experience one of South America’s most extraordinary overland trips by motor coach to Puno. Enroute, visit the archaeological site of Raqchi, Andahuaylillas and La Paya.

Enjoy a full day excursion to the highest navigable lake in the world, to the floating islands of the Uros Indians. The Uros are fishermen and hunters who use cattail to create incredible floating islands. Taquile Island is famous for its craft production and beautiful textiles.


Membership Renewals (cont.)

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating their membership anniversaries in August!

Sixty Plus YearsFareway Stores, Inc. #491 (66)

Fifty Plus YearsBergland + Cram Architects (59)

Thirty Plus YearsHaas Chiropractic Clinic (39)Polking & Polking, D.D.S. (36)Kaplan University (32)Dean Snyder Construction (31)

Twenty Plus YearsGirl Scouts of Greater Iowa (26)North Iowa Cooperative/United LP (26)River City Communications, Inc. (26)GeJo’s by the Lake (22)City of Mason City (20)

Fifteen Plus YearsTeamQuest Corporation (19)LSB Financial - Becker Agency (18)Manly Nursing & Rehabilitation Center (17)Dr. Judith G. Demro, P.C. (16)Fitzsimmons & Vervaecke Law Firm, (16)Century 21 Preferred – Brunner & Wilkins (15)

Ten Plus YearsChildren’s Dental Center of Mason City (14)Service Master (12)Mason City Chiropractic Clinic (13)Culver’s of Mason City (13)Century Link (12)Westview Corporation (11)NG Property Management, LLC (10)Wright on the Park, Inc. (10)

Five Plus YearsMason City RentAll (9)Raymond James & Associates (9)Mason City Senior Activity Center (8)QPS Employment Group (8)Nutriquest, LLC (7)Albert Lea Public Warehouse (5)Oakwood Care Center (5) One Plus YearsMason City Public Library Foundation (4)Action Coach - A.J. O’Brien Enterprises (4)Historic Park Inn (4)N.I.P. & Fitness Center (4)Ryken Engineering & Land Surveying (1)

Peru Express

$2,990 Double Occupancy ($820 Single person supplement)• 7 Breakfasts, 3 Dinners• Round-trip airfare, transfers and hotel accommodations• Sightseeing and guides

Contact :Allyson at [email protected]

or 641.423.5724

2016 Membership Directory Blue Zones Project ®

Each month, we showcase the best practices of a Blue Zones Worksite®

Mason City Community School District achieved Blue Zones Worksite® status at all 8 schools and the administration building in May of 2013. As part of the Blue Zones Worksite pledge, at least 25% of employees are required to be engaged with Blue Zones Project on an individual basis. The schools averaged 54.43% engagement, with one school achieving 84%.

Employees remain highly engaged and serve as mentors for the students. During the April “Town in Tennies” campaign, school employees were encouraged to incorporate more steps into their day. They responded by logging more than 4000 hours of walking.

Superintendent Anita Micich serves on the Blue Zones Project® Power 9 committee. “It was important to our leadership to make our schools healthier for our students, AND to achieve a higher level of well-being for our district employees. We are proud we achieved both the Blue Zones School and Blue Zones Worksite designations.”


Thank you to this year’s Premier members who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Chamber programs, events and the North Iowa Band Festival. These members have made commitments to our Investor Packages or customized their own package from our many events, sponsorships and marketing packages. Premier status gives members special mentions in the monthly newsletter, first chance at events and sponsorships, and special recognition at the Annual Meeting.

Gold ($6,000 & up) : First Citizens National Bank

Silver ($3,000-$5,999): Clear Lake Bank & Trust · Curries · Diamond Jo CasinoHoliday Inn Express - Mason City · ITC Midwest · POET Biorefining - HanlontownPrincipal Financial Group

Bronze ($1,000-$2,999): Casey’s General Store · Corporate Farmer · Henkel Construction Kaplan University · Marco, Inc. · Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa · NIACCPritchard Family Auto Stores · Wells Fargo Bank

Premier Members

Increase your exposure to the North Iowa Business Community by advertising in our annual 2016 Chamber Membership Directory! The directory will include all Chamber members in alphabetical order and by business category in a convenient 5 1/2” x 8 1/2” spiral bound book.

A minimum of 800 copies will be distributed and all Chamber members will receive a free directory during Operation Thank You in December. Directories are also distributed in relocation packages and membership packets.

If you wish to position your company as a strong supporter and leader in the business community by advertising in this publication, please contact Allyson via phone at 641-423-5724 or email at [email protected].

Leadership North IowaLeadership North Iowa (LNI) is an educational and informational 12-week course held at various locations in North Iowa. This program is designed to identify and develop future leaders in our community. Participants learn leadership skills and examine the economic and social issues of our area and complete a service project.

The 2016 Leadership North Iowa class begins January 5 and runs through March 29. Contact Allyson at the Chamber for more information!

Leadership North Iowa 2015 graduating class!

“I have lived in Mason City my entire life and participating in Leadership North Iowa showed me so many things I never knew was in the North Iowa area. Not only was I able to talk directly with elected officials and leaders in our community, I made a lot of new friends and connections that landed me an amazing career at a great firm. Leadership North Iowa is a great interactive way to learn about our community and to show off your strengths.” - Loni Dirksen, Cupid’s Undie Run

The LNI class chose to paint the facilities at Francis Lauer Youth

Services for their community impact project.

Chamber Leadership

Executive CommitteeBob Klocke, Chairman of the Board First Citizens National BankKim Pang, Past Chair Diamond Jo Casino Steve Noto, Chair-Elect & Government Affairs Division Vice President Stoney Creek Hospitality Corporation Todd Kirkpatrick, Treasurer Clear Lake Bank & TrustJulie Valencia, Business Division Vice President Kaplan UniversityTraci Rohrer, Community & Membership Division Vice President Wells Fargo BankHolly Eichmann, Workforce & Leadership Division Vice President Express Employment Professionals

Board of DirectorsSherry Becker, NIVC ServicesDave Bergan, SmithfieldJosh Brueggeman, Accord ArchitectureKelly Hansen, POET Biorefining - HanlontownJerry Knoll, Hawkeye Auto BodyEric Levenhagen, ProWise Tax & AccountingTara McLaughlin, Country Inn & Suites- Worth CountyGarett McKiness, McKiness Excavating, Inc.Dr. Paul Manternach, Mercy Medical Center —North IowaKirk Paulson, NSB BankBill Schickel, Inspiration 97.9! KCMRChad Wickman, Northern Cedar ServiceBrad Walters, Hy-Vee EastJoel Yunek, Yunek Law Firm PLC

StaffRobin Anderson, CCE, IOM President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Krull Marketing & Leadership Development Director [email protected] Lindgren Membership Development Director [email protected] Lindgren Membership Services Director [email protected] Baker Service & Operations Director [email protected]

This is a Mason City Chamber of Commerce Publication. Mason City, Iowa 50401 641.423.5724

Publications are monthly for $20 per year by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250. Second Class postage paid at Mason City, IA. Post-master: send address changes to The Chamber, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250.

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected]

Periodical Postage Paid at Mason City, Iowa(USPS 060-350)

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Ambassador Meeting | 12-1PMGodfather’s Pizza | 1703 4th St SE

Tuesday August 4

Events Committee | 12-1PMFarrer Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal

Thursday August 13

ThursdayAugust 20

Business After Hours | 4:30-6:30PM POET Biorefining | 3638 Fir Ave, Hanlontown

Business Resource Committee | 7:30-8:30AMFarrer Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal

Wednesday August 5

Blue Zones Project Worksite Committee | 12-1PM Farrer Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal

WednesdayAugust 26

Chamber Board Meeting | 7-8AMBoard Room| Commerce Center | 9 N Federal

Ag Business Committee | 7:30-8:30AMWine Room | Hy-Vee West | 2400 4th St SW

Wednesday August 12

Ribbon Cutting | 2-2:30PMFour Oaks of Iowa | 80 N Eisenhower Ave

Thursday August 6

Ribbon Cutting | 11-11:30AMBuffalo Wild Wings | 4175 4th St SW

MondayAugust 10

ThursdayAugust 27

New Member Luncheon | 12-1PM Sponsored by Wells Fargo | Event Room | Commerce Center

Sept 17 2015 Ag Tour Renewable Energy Group (REG)

Sept 17 Business After Hours First Citizens National Bank

WednesdayAugust 19

Ribbon Cutting | 11-11:30AM Subway | 421 S Illinois Ave, Ste 4

august 2015 - mason city, ia

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