Inside this issue:• Igniting Innovation

Mar

ch 2

011

2 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

©2011 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

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, DirectorThomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, DirectorDee Baird, Priority One, President Priority OneTodd 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 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 DirectorJohn 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 ...........................................4ImpactCR/Leadership of Five Seasons ................................5Innovation is a Mentality .....................................................6Breakfast of Champions ......................................................7Chamber Academy ...............................................................7Calendar of Events ...............................................................8Gala Accepting Nominations ...............................................9Sarah Caldicott and Culture of Innovation .................. 10-11Corridor Day at the Capitol ...............................................12Priority One ........................................................................13EDC ....................................................................................14Business Success Initiative ................................................15New Members ....................................................................16Members in Motion ...........................................................17February PM Exchange Recap ..........................................18PM Exchange .....................................................................18Lowell Catlett Registration ................................................19

March 2011Volume 80 No 7 (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 PetersEditor: Kari Stillman

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

From the Chairman’s Desk:

Creating a Culture of Innovation

Having just returned from Des Moines from Corridor Day at the Capitol with nearly fifty community leaders, I am reminded again of the strength and support for our Prosperity Agenda – full flood recovery, a robust business environment and a thriving culture of innovation. This event was organized by your Chamber and the Iowa City Area Chamber, and showed the benefit of collaboration for a common cause.

Many outside observers, visiting our region in the last three years, remark on the amazing set of assets we have in our region – a vibrant and diverse

economy with a strong agricultural base, friendly and welcoming people, world class education-al institutions, diverse and engaging cultural opportunities and a wide variety of housing options. However, we are not as adept in articulating, celebrating or promoting these benefits to others. And, we are not purposefully creating a culture of innovation to thrive in the global economy.

We are working on an effective process to enable us all to be much better marketers of our region. We are collaborating with a dozen other economic development organizations in the Corridor Business Alliance and all of the local governments in that effort. We are planning to be able to share the first findings of that process with you this summer.

Nearly 300 of you participated in February in small group discussions, and a keynote luncheon, with Sarah Miller Caldicott. Sarah, a great grandniece of Thomas Edison, shared with us her detailed and compelling research into the innovation techniques, practices and organizational methods of Edison, developed prior to our industrialization, but responsible for much of what we depend on for our success today. I have heard from many participants that they appreciated the opportunity to hear from Sarah, are intrigued by the possibilities and want to pursue them here.

We will be following up on several fronts to create the “dense networks” that Sarah described as being helpful for innovation.

While collaboration is key, each of us as individuals can learn to better use our creativity and engage with others to make progress. Several of us have experienced the power of the techniques of the Pacific Institute in making us stronger participants. We are very pleased that they will be back with us April 11-13 for a session open to community leaders.

Chuck PetersChairman, Board of Directors

March 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

4 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

Do you have a Succession Plan for your business?Most successful entrepreneurs have a business plan mapping out the growth of their company, but only 14 percent of all small business owners have a plan for a transition in ownership. In an effort to help entrepreneurs plan for succession, the Iowa Small Business Development Centers will be holding a business succession workshop at the Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services center in Marion on April 27.

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.© 2011 Iowa State University, Iowa Small Business Development Center

Workshop Topics Include:• Positioning for selling• Positioning for buying• Transitioning the business• Legal, tax and financial implications• Panel discussion by local experts

April 27, 20119:00 am to 4:00 pmKTOS Center3375 Armar Dr.Marion, Iowa

Cost:$59 for first attendee; $29 for each additional attendee from the same company. Lunch is provided. Pre-registration is required.

BUSINESSSUCCESSION

Contact:515-294-2030www.iowasbdc.org/businesssuccession.aspx

March 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

2274-A2.indd 1 1/12/11 11:00 AM

Special thanks to our corporate partners:

Consider becoming a corporate partner and be involved in an organization voted Best Networking Group in the Corridor two years in a row. Learn more about the benefits of corporate partnership by contact-ing Kelly Slaughter at 319-730-1411 or kslaughter@cedarrapids.org

Celebrate the Community:

Diamond and IceFebruary 5, Veterans

Memorial Stadium SuitesMore than 80 people enjoyed

the opportunity to celebrate “tailgate-style” in the suites at Veterans Memorial Stadium and then contin-ued the evening by cheering on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

During the event, SourceMedia Group was recognized as this year’s Collaborator of the Year recipient.

Elizabeth Hladky was selected as ImpactCR’s Member of the Year during the event.

The ImpactCR Celebrate the Community: Diamond and Ice was sponsored by Farmers State Bank, Rockwell Collins and was supported by MyTernNow.

Annual Alumni Spring Luncheon

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., April 19 Human Services Campus of East Central Iowa, Conference Center 317 7th Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids

Please join us for the Leadership for Five Seasons Annual Spring Luncheon. Our keynote speaker will be Lois Buntz, President & CEO of United Way of East Central Iowa. We’ll also be presenting the 2011 Community Trustee Award.

The lunch is free for dues paying alumni. Register online at www.cedarrapids.org/events

6________________________________________________________________________________________________________________March_2011

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

Dr. Rob andChristinaRodriguezBANKERS TRUSTprivate banker:Mike Tiernan

“Mike helps us with everything – real estate

and dental practices, investments, residential.

He helps us manage our risk in terms of financing.

With Bankers Trust, we have peace of mind and

the freedom to be creative.”Member FDIC

“Innovation is not a building. It’s a mentality.”Scott Swenson @scottsw7

Andy Stoll @andystoll

Our current work on innovation with The Chamber initially focused on a physical building, but we have come to understand, and deeply believe, that the real heart of an innovation center is made up of the human building blocks that connect to form a thriving community of innovative thinkers and doers, and is not made of glass and steel. The physical innovation center best serves that human community as its physical town square.

So, while facilities are part of The Chamber’s initiative to build a ‘culture of innovation’, they are not the defining issue—though to this point it has mistakenly been the primarily focus of our attention.

Since January we’ve engaged in conversations to learn more of our entrepreneurial community needs. We have also traveled to learn the best practices of others. In these early conversations, one of the major take always has been to understand a culture of innovation is a must have at its core, a culture of collaboration.

Omaha is a community that has very purposefully and successfully built a culture of innovation around entrepreneurial ecosystems. Tom Chapman, Director of Entrepreneurism and Innovation for the Omaha Chamber, described their process by saying “We can’t control it. The best thing we can do is get people engaged in it.”

Mike Malone, an entrepreneur who has operated a successful media business since the mid-1990s, was asked what had changed in the past two decades in Omaha leading to the recent growth in the area’s entrepreneurial and creative communities. Mike shared, “While the old way of business was to keep each business in respective silos, the newest generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders realize that collaboration (even with seeming direct competitors) is key.”

“Collaboration is the new competition,” one entrepre-neur told us.

In crafting our community’s vision for creating this ‘culture of innovation’ collaboration must be our central theme. It is less important who owns this culture, because for it to truly succeed the answer in the end is “all of us.”

Your Chamber is in a position to facilitate this conversation. We need you to join in this conversation for our community to truly recognize the full potential of our future. Innovation happens not in buildings, but in people.

To participate contact Scott Swenson at swenson@cedarrapids.org

Read this article in its entirety at http://innovatecr.blogspot.com/

March 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Thursday, March 317:00 a.m – 8:15 a.m.

Cedar Rapids Marriott • 1200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids$20 Members, $30 Future Members

Join us for March’s Breakfast of Champions hosted by sourceMedia Group. SourceMedia Group has experienced a tremendous amount of change both within their organization and the media industry. In order to meet the demands of the ever-evolving industry, implementing a culture of innovation has been imperative to their success.

SourceMedia Group will share their story and the steps they are taking to foster this constructive culture of innovation and creativity amidst a changing business model. Inside Results, an affiliate of The Pacific Institute is assisting SourceMedia Group through an organizational shift that will ultimately improve business performance.

The ability to achieve your company’s vision and goals already exists inside of your organization. Your culture, how your people think and function individually and as a group, drives the results you achieve or do not achieve. Learn how culture can impact your company and hear about ways to understand your organization’s culture, what needs to change and how to change it.

Registration is required, on-line registration and payment is available on-line at Sponsored by:www.cedarrapids.org/events. For additional details regarding the Breakfast of Champions, contact Jeff Schamberger at jschamberger@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1402.

Marketing Series Generational Marketing

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Tuesday, March 8

Chamber Boardroom$35 members, $50 future members

How do you market the same products and services across a variety of age groups? Do you really know who you are targeting when you are using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter? Join us as Heather Smith Friedman of de Novo Alternative Marketing shares her insights on how to target decision-makers at different stages of life. Heather has built several successful brands before forming de Novo Alternative Marketing, LLC. Her experience includes brands such as U.S. West Dex and Red Bull Energy Drink. With the latter, she introduced the brand in Iowa and within five years, took Red Bull from 2% to 98% unaided awareness in Iowa using alternative approaches. While she knows how to use traditional marketing resources like print, radio and TV advertising, her expertise and passion live in experiential marketing.

Sponsored by:

Business SeriesEstate Planning for Business Owners

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Tuesday, March 22

Chamber Boardroom$35 members, $50 future members

Estate planning involves plans and techniques to build the estate during your time as a business owner. It includes decisions about the types of property you own, the form of ownership, and for a small business

owner, the organization and operation of the business, including succession, or passing the business on to the next generation. Janet Beal, CFP has a wealth of experience assisting business professionals achieve their financial goals. Educating and empowering people with the knowledge to make the best financial decisions are the key to

a successful outcome. Registration is available on-line at

www.cedarrapids.org or contact Julie Stow at jstow@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1409.

Sponsored by:

8 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

Events Calendar

March ❖ Wednesday, March 2

ImpactCR Siren WednesdayJersey’s Pub & Grill 5761 C St SW, Cedar Rapids

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

❖ Tuesday, March 8

Chamber Academy - Marketing Series: Generational Marketing11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Board Room

Presented by Heather Smith of deNovo Alternative Marketing

$35 for members $50 for future members

Sponsored by

❖ Tuesday, March 8

Business Success Initiative Marketing Seminar for Flooded Businesses4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Piano Lounge

No costs to attend, registration required.

The Business Success Initiative will host a marketing seminar for flooded business on Tuesday, March 8 from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. The seminar will be presented by Heather Smith Friedman of de Novo Alternative Marketing.

Sponsored by

❖ Wednesday, March 9

New Frontiers That Change Everything, Dr. Lowell Catlett ✍11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

Several trends in education, agriculture, bioscience, healthcare and technology are merging in ways that create phenomenal opportunities to prosper and grow amid chaotic change.

$35 for members Table of ten, $350

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

❖ Thursday, March 10

ImpactCR- BLT with Jeff Pomeranz12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

ImpactCR Bigwig Lunch Talk Series (BLT)

Complimentary for ImpactCR Members $5 for future members Sponsored by

❖ Tuesday, March 22

Chamber Academy – Business Series: Estate Planning11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Board Room

Presented by Janet Beal of Winner Lynk Advisory Group, Member of Securian Advisors MidAmerica, Inc.

$35 for members $50 for future members

Sponsored by

❖ Thursday, March 24

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

University of Iowa Community Credit Union, 405 S Blairsferry Crossing, Hiawatha

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Thursday, March 31

Breakfast of Champions7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Cedar Rapids Marriott 1200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids

$20 members, $30 future members

Sponsored by

April

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

www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship opportunities are available for most Chamber events. Contact Candy Nanke for details at

cnanke@me.com

❖ Friday, April 1

Legislative Lunch11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Complimentary

Sponsored by <McGladrey>

❖ Wednesday, April 6

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

Visit www.impactcr.org for location

❖ Tuesday, April 19

Leadership for Five Seasons – Annual Alumni Spring Luncheon11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Human Services Campus of East Central Iowa, 317 7th Ave, Cedar Rapids

Luncheon is free for dues paying alumni

❖ Thursday, April 21

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

United Way of East Central Iowa 317 7th Ave, Cedar Rapids

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Friday, April 29

The Gala - A Royal Masquerade ✍6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Theatre Cedar Rapids 102 3rd Street SE

The premier event of the year! This black tie event allows us to celebrate the outstand-ing contributions of business and business professional and the impact they have made to the community. Enjoy performances, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and more at this outstanding event.

$65 per person

Sponsored by Upcoming

Signature Events

❖ International Business SymposiumThe Hotel at Kirkwood Center

May 11, 2011

✍ Denotes a Signature Event

March 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

stlukescr.org

St. Luke's Work Well Solutions

,

Could your employees’ health affect

bottom line?your

Reviewing risks, lifestyle choices and laboratory results is the fi rst step in helping your employees take charge of their health. This valuable information can help you target high risk factors that affect the health of your employees and ultimately your bottom line.

Learn how St. Luke’s Health Risk Assessment can help you and your employees. Call Hilary Hurlburt to learn more, 319/369-8154.

The

A Royal Masquerade

Now accepting nominations:- Small Business of the Year Award

- Entrepreneur of the Year Award- Chamber Volunteer of the Year Award

Friday, April 29thTheatre Cedar Rapids

6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sponsored by:

Contact Julie Stow for nomination details, jstow@cedarrapids.org

10 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

IntroductionRichard Longworth, Fellow at the Chicago Council on

Global Affairs and author of Caught in the Middle, recently keynoted an economic development event in our area and illustrated how the changing global economy is separating regions into winners and losers. According to Longworth, those areas who fail to embrace this new landscape will have no place in tomorrow’s economy. The increasingly mobile workers, and the companies for whom they work and create, will gravitate to regions that embrace a mindset of inclusiveness – one defined by open networks of ideas, people and capital.

We have many of the assets and ingredients in place or at hand to join other dynamic regions such as Austin and Boulder which attract people and capital. These regions truly demonstrate and constantly work to enhance their cultures of innovation. Nothing is preventing our region from achieving this same kind of success and generating international recognition and acclaim.

What steps are required as we begin our quest toward a regional culture of innovation?

❖ Step One: Understand What it Means to Live in a Culture of Innovation

The Midwestern mindset has not always been anti-innovation. Companies such as John Deere, Pella, Amana and others became what they are as a result of embracing challenging ideas and taking calculated risks. After economic shifts and scares of the 1980s and early 2000s, Midwesterners now relish our role and responsibility for being the devil’s advocate, protecting our turf. When confronted with new ideas, we are quick to discuss potential pitfalls, satisfied that we have helped a friend or colleague mitigate unnecessary risk and in doing so have unknowingly held to the status quo. We are prone to getting bogged down in the “how” before we truly understand the value of the “why.”

A culture of innovation is not merely the realm of the entrepreneur, but an embrace of a level of thinking for each of us in the Corridor who yearn to achieve our highest potential. It is a systemic rethink of how we plan, engage and solve problems as people, professionals, businesses, organizations and governments.

A richness of experience and personal growth arise when people begin interacting and sharing with those they have not worked with or taken the time to understand. We must realize our turf need not be mutually exclusive

and static, but will be significantly more solid when flexible and shared. Celebrating and embracing the uniqueness of our communities, business and people is not diluted nor lost as we build this culture of innovation, but rather this process produces exponential experiences and opportunities for us all.

Innovation arises when we allow ideas to migrate between and among a diverse set of minds. Rather than coveting our thought process, innovation utilizes an open source model, embracing with confidence that the collective and the individu-als within generate significantly more rewards, credit and profit than any one entity could have in isolation. These are traits that define regions like Austin and Boulder. These regions have learned to collectively support, encourage and provide assistance. They do not relegate this job to a handful of organizations, but rather trust it is a part of everyone’s role in the community to actively engage in this process.

How do we arrive at this culture?

❖ Step Two: Make the Commitment to Bring-ing this Culture to Life in the Corridor

If we want to live in a region recognized internationally as having a culture for innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit for everyone, we must first commit to making this our goal. It has been said that you cannot “create” a culture, and with this we agree. A truly genuine culture of this type cannot be created but it can be envisioned and endeavored with new thinking, new approaches and by utilizing existing assets in more creative ways.

Moving toward this culture has its own set of challenges. Typically when we desire change, a group of leaders seeks to enact it into reality. This runs counter to what we envision, because a culture of innovation cannot be controlled or shaped by a handful of minds. We must resist the urge to over think and over plan and instead allow this culture to take shape on its own.

Taking the First Steps on the Quest to Create a Regional Culture of Innovation

Our region can be recognized internationally as a vibrant hub for commerce and lifestyle if we take action to cultivate a true culture of innovation where the predominant mindset is one of openness and collaboration. When we realize the potential of this cultural shift, we will improve the way in which we live and work and, as economic development organizations, be more successful at our core work creating, retaining and attracting commerce.

March 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

So how will we know when we have gotten there? When people know our story without us having to tell it. When people, businesses and capital gravitate here autonomously, without extensive outreach and unsustain-able financial incentives. In fact, this new environment will be our strongest incentive.

So where do we start at achieving such a seemingly ambiguous and ambitious goal?

❖ Step Three: Start Actively Putting People and Ideas Together

If an innovative culture is a mindset where ideas flow freely between people

and organizations and our goal is to create such an inviting and inclusive region, then we must begin to do just that: bring people and ideas together. There is already an undercurrent in this market. At times we see it and feel it. We are not trying to create something out of thin air but instead actively engage in mixing the existing ingredients in a new and better way.

In late February, the Corridor Business Alliance will unveil an overarching umbrella brand that will identify events in our region which capture the essence of this

mindset and bring innovative minds together. Many of these will be tied

to larger global initiatives which already have some level of brand

recognition we can leverage. Examples would be Jellys, Start Up Weekends, Ignite

Conferences, Tech Brews, Bar Camps and other similar un-conferences and events, ulti-

mately leading up to highly visible and interna-tionally renowned efforts such as TEDx events.

Another way to influence the way people engage and interact is to create physical spaces or encourage develop-ment of spaces within the region where innovation can take place. Both ends of the Corridor are exploring how to cre-ate knowledge ecosystems. Knowledge ecosystems are places defined by their affinity for attracting open minds and facilitating the ongoing flow of ideas. Similar spaces, including The Hive and New Work City, have started to take hold throughout the country in the past few years.

To broaden the reach of these events and spaces we will utilize existing social networking platforms to expand upon the momentum and linkages created. Over time, these events and spaces will prove to catalyze new company

formation, increase the number of workers living in the region working remotely for outside firms, and develop new markets from this collaborative process. Ultimately this culture will spread into all businesses, organizations and government entities in the region to help them better engage and capitalize on new opportunities.

The global economy is changing, but it need not be something to fear. Our region can remain vibrant and be one of the “winners” if we commit to lead and innovate. We must rethink how we support our existing companies, grow new firms and increase our attractiveness for recruiting new employers. Our organizations recognize the incredible potential of what we can become if we embrace this vision and take these steps.

Taking the First Steps on the Quest to Create a Regional Culture of Innovation

Igniting Innovation in Communities Today

presented by Sarah Miller CaldicottFebruary 22

More than 250 people became engaged in the dis-cussion as our region looks to embrace an innovative culture by attending the February 22nd event. Sarah Miller Caldicott shared with the audience a step-by-step guidance on how to harness their own innovation potential. By sharing examples as to how Thomas Edison built networks within his communities revealed ways the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City region can adapt an innovative culture.

Following the luncheon a small workshop of com-munity leaders and creative entrepreneurs participated in discussions led by Sarah Caldicott. If you would like to become involved in the discussions and learn about upcoming events pertaining to this topic please contact Julie Stow at jstow@cedarrapids.org.

Special thanks to our event sponsors: SourceMedia Group, Highway Equipment and Worley Warehousing.

12 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

You wouldn’t expect your bank to o� er a free checking account that pays 4.00% APY*

and waives all of your ATM fees....but we do.

* Annual Percentage Yield. Rate may change after the account is opened. APY accurate as of November 1, 2010 and is not an introductory rate. Opening deposit requirement of $100. APY is for balances up to $25,000. Balances over $25,000 will earn interest at 0.10% APY. To earn stated APY and ATM fee refunds of $20 per month, the following items are required: minimum of 15 Visa Check Card transactions per statement cycle, enroll in onilne banking, receive eStatements and set up one direct deposit or debit per month. MEMBER FDIC

...but we do.

Corridor & Kolache Day at the Capitol February 23

Nearly 50 people joined the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Area Chambers of Commerce in Des Moines for Corridor & Kolache Day at the Capitol. The packed agen-da included meetings with Governor Terry Brandstad, Senate Minority Leader McKinley, House Minority Leader McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Gronstal, Speaker of the House Paulsen and a variety of other meetings with elected officials. Topics discussed during the meetings involved property tax reform, STEM, innovation and job creation, passenger rail service and the Growth Reinvestment Initiative or GRI.

The kolache tradition continued as 70 dozen kolaches were delivered to the Capitol. Sincere thanks to CIPCO, for being this year’s kolache sponsor. More than 300 “Corridor bags” were assembled consisting of products made in the Corridor, special thanks to Quaker Oats and Raining Rose for the contributions.

Kolache Sponsor:

Mind your business.You’ve got plenty to keep you busy –

no spare time to fret about basics that

should be hassle free. That’s where CITY

comes in. We offer a wide range of rental

uniforms and mats to meet your unique

needs. It’s the clean and simple way.

Want a customized solution to let you

focus on what really matters? Call us

today and we’ll sweat the small stuff.

www.cityuniformsandmats.com319-283-5621800-798-5621

WORKPLACE UNIFORMS & MATS

Cle� �d simple.

March 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

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

In February, Priority One and the Chamber hosted Debi Durham, newly appointed director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, to discuss the evolution of economic development in the state with Corridor business leaders.

During the discussion, many area employers brought up concerns regarding workforce. Retiring baby boomers, the exodus of college graduates, and difficulty attracting and retaining young, qualified candidates are issues facing employers not only locally, but across the state.

Last September, Priority One launched a new workforce tool to help combat these issues. The website, MyTernNow.com, focuses on internships and career pathing for 15 to 25 year-olds, and features a searchable employer directory, an available housing database, and information on the quality of life in our area. The site also contains video highlighting dining, nightlife, recreation, and cultural opportunities in our community, as well as interviews with young professionals in the Corridor discussing their current occupation and career path.

The site has three major goals: 1) communicate with high school students already living here that there are great job opportunities available in the Corridor, thus helping to keep a pipeline of qualified workers in our community; 2) communicate with college students in and outside of the region about the quality internship, co-op and career opportunities available here; and 3) provide relocation information for young people who are deciding where to launch their career.

To insure the initiative is successful, we are asking local employers to create a profile on the website. In turn, Priority One will market the site to high school and col-lege students, positioning it as a tool they can use to explore the employers in our area, the types of career paths available and why the Corridor region is a great place for a young person to live.

You do not need to be a Priority One investor, or even have current internship openings, to utilize MyTernNow.com. Creating a profile is free, and helps students across the country learn more about your company and the community. The process is easy; simply click the “Employer” button on the home page. If you have any questions about MyTernNow.com, please contact Kari Lammer, Director of Workforce Initiatives, at 319-730-1427 or klammer@cedarrapids.org.

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERBuilding Mobile Apps Event Creates Tech Buzz in Corridor

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at 319-369-4955 or visit us at www.edcinc.org.

The EDC and the EclecTech Society co-hosted a technical networking event, Building Mobile Apps, on February 22 that drew a crowd of over 90 Corridor technologists. The high response signifies a pent-up demand for a venue for developers and area technologists to network and collaborate.

The founders of EclecTech Society had been getting together informally in the Iowa City area and reached out to EDC to help formalize the group and reach a wider audience.

“This group represents the kind of innovative thinking and collaboration our area needs to embrace,” said Josie Heskje, VP of Marketing for EDC. “EDC is pleased to provide this networking opportunity to foster mobile application development in Iowa. Getting these developers together in one room could have significant impact on the commercialization of new technologies.”

The event was held at the Hotel at Kirkwood Center and packed the room. Mobile application developers were on hand and linked in via Skype from across the country to discuss their experiences with bringing mobile applications from ideas to revenue generating products available on app stores.

The EclecTech Society is dedicated to building a community of regional talent in the Midwest with a range of technical interests. Both professionals and enthusiasts are encouraged to join. For more details and information on future events, visit www.eclectechsociety.org.

14 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

Presenter John Haney via Skype from Chicago, IL. Haney is the developer of Flashlight, one of the most popular free utilities on the iTunes App Store.

societyTM

March 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Suspend TV talent upside down from Panchero’s ceiling at 2:15 AM?

Been there.

Done that.

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319.364.8900

Cedar Rapids business community members received encouragement to find success despite challenges at the Cedar Rapids Prevail held February 8. The event was hosted by the Business Success Initiative of the Chamber and sponsored by flooded businesses Diamond V Mills, Armstrong Development Company, ImOn Communications, and King’s Materials, Inc.

Garrison Wynn, author of The Real Truth About Success, served as keynote speaker for the event, which focused on overcoming obstacles, suc-cessful leadership, improving business practices, and handling financial mat-ters in difficult times.

John Bloomhall, CEO of Diamond V Mills, spoke prior to Wynn’s presentation and asked audi-

ence members to engage in opportuni-ties offered in the business community and look beyond the damage of the flood of 2008.

During his 90-minute presenta-tion, Wynn echoed those thoughts, noting taking action and asking for help when needed is essential for struggling business owners.

Wynn also stressed the impor-tance of determining what makes a business unique from its competitors and putting effort into establishing a strong Web presence.

“People will drive by your busi-ness and see your sign and then go online and Google it,” Wynn said.

While some businesses are strug-gling from the economic recession and flood of 2008, Wynn said the worst thing to do is cut prices

to encourage sales or because of customer pressure.

“Once you start cutting your prices, the next thing you’ll be doing is cutting jobs,” Wynn said.

He also discussed the importance of leading by example, making employees feel valued and expressing appreciation for their work.

Bob Harschnek, case management team leader for the Business Success Initiative, said he believes Wynn’s presentation was very valuable for local businesses.

“Garrison’s presentation touched on many subjects that are affecting our community today,” Harschnek said. “I hope audience members were able to walk away feeling good about their business and motivated to take action for business success.”

Cedar Rapids Prevail Encourages Business Community

16 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Advanced Spine & Rehab Center1110 Old Marion Rd NE, Suite BCedar Rapids, IA 52402Jeff Mitchell, President/OwnerPhone: 319-294-0094Web: www.crpainfree.com Email: advancedspine@crpainfree.com

Our office is a chiropractic office that also offers rehab exercise instruction, spinal decompression therapy for herniated and bulging discs, and nutritional counseling.

APICS Cedar Valley ChapterPO Box 10483Cedar Rapids, IA 52410Chad Wilson, PresidentPhone: 319-551-3384Web: www.cedarvalleyapics.org Email: cedarvalleyapics@gmail.com

The Cedar Valley Chapter of APICS is comprised of 120 members from over 40 area companies in Dubuque, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Southeast Iowa. APICS is the global leader and premier source of the body of knowledge in oper-ations management, including production, inventory, supply chain, materials management, purchasing, and logistics.

The Building Pros of Eastern Iowa1831 16th Avenue SWCedar Rapids, IA 52404Michael Novy, Co-ChairPhone: 319-373-0291Web: www.builtbypros.com

The Building Pros of Eastern Iowa are the Union signatory contractors, employees and building trades craftspeople who build the offices, manufacturing facilities, hospitals, power plants, public works, libraries, churches and schools that make this a great place to work, live and raise a family.

Community Partners, LLC101 2nd Street SE, Suite 701Cedar Rapids, IA 52401Candace M. Nanke, President/CEOPhone: 319-730-3360 Email: cnanke@me.com

Community Partners provides fundraising support for non-profits throughout the community. Specializing in assisting non profits with planning their fundraising events as well as assisting in raising the funding for those events.

Echovision Inc.David Wise, Business Sales ConsultantPhone: 319-480-7567Web: www.echovisioninc.net Email: david.wise@echovisioninc.net

Echovision is a U.S. Cellular Authorized Agent that goes to your location to take care of your cellular and wireless needs at your convenience in the comfort of your office. Basic phones, Smartphones, wireless modems or the new minicomputer Galaxy Tablet we handle it all.

Sedona Staffing Services470 First AvenueCoralville, IA 52241Scarlet Linn, Account ManagerPhone: 319-338-2086Web: www.sedonagroup.com Email: Coralville@sedonagroup.com

A commitment to finding the right people for your business is the guarantee you get when you choose Sedona! We know that the complex nature of human resources can make deliv-ering staffing the ultimate challenge. That is why there are many staffing services but only a handful that can consistent-ly deliver what you need.

Ambassador of the QuarterMary Ann Jones with Iowa Realty, Marion was awarded Ambassador of the Quarter by the 2010/2011 Ambassador Chair, Chris Oberbroeckling. The Chamber thanks Mary Ann’s commitment to the Ambassador program.

March 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

319-378-4451

Contact us quickly by scanning our code! On our website you can

get a quote, send a le or request our full-service print and design services. We are just a click away. Visit us at www.cornerstonepress.net

INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITYTrivYa Night 4.1.11

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCAwww.crmetroymca.org

Events

Featured

At Work

New

MathnasiumDecember 8

Habitat for HumanityDecember 10

City of Cedar Rapids Water Treatment PlantDecember 21

Business Exchange CenterJanuary 18

Oncology Associates at MercyDecember 1

St. Luke’s Hospital Dental Health CenterDecember 9

SOS Sales HelpDecember 14

18 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ March 2011

February PM Exchange Recap

Guests welcomed the networking opportunity provided by February’s PM Exchange host, University of Phoenix. The University of Phoenix created a festive Mardi Gras atmosphere as guests enjoyed refreshments, hors d’oeuvres and prizes.

Come to the Chamber PM Exchange

– Hiawatha office

at the

405 S. Blairsferry CrossingThursday, March 24

5-7 pm

Register to

winiowa Hawkeye

prizes!

Contact the Chamber and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize you marketing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member of

the Month, newsletter, on-line and more; The Chamber can help you gain exposure and

positively impact your bottom line. Contact Kari Stillman at kstillman@cedarrapids.org

March 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

Dr. Lowell Catlett11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Wednesday, March 9

The Kirkwood Center7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW

$35 per person or table of 10 for $350

Several trends in agriculture, biosciences, education, healthcare and technology are merging in ways that create phenomenal opportunities to prosper and grow amid chaotic change. It’s a world that is green and wireless with one billion tweets per minute and where a decaf skinny latte with a twist is organic and prescribed by a doctor. The successful organization, individual and community of tomorrow is flexible, creative and dwells as much in the virtual world as in the real world.

DR. LOWELL CATLETT, is a Regent’s Professor/Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Dr. Catlett works on behalf of corporate and association audiences internationally, presenting his take on trends in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, education and more.

Dr. Catlett received his doctorate in Economics from Iowa State University, and has twice received the Don C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Burlington Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Outstanding University Teaching. He recently received the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Advisor of the Year as well as Teacher of the Year at New Mexico State University.

He is a consultant to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Defense and Labor. He has also been a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies.

Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.cedarrapids.org/events All reservations must be placed by March 4. Payment confirms reservation. Nonrefundable. Tax included.

Sponsored By:

REGISTRATION FORMNew Frontiers that Change Everything

___ Reservation(s) at $35 per person ___ Table(s) of 10 at $350 Amount Enclosed $ ___________

Business: _________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________

Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Card (circle one): ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑ AmEx Expiration: ___________

Card #: ___________________________________________ V-Code: _____________

Card Holder Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address of Credit Card: __________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________ State: __________Zip: __________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Fax registration to 398-5228; Email registration to chamber@cedarrapids.org or Mail registration and payment to Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

424 First Ave NE • Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

That Change Everything

Printed on recycled paper by

Cornerstone Press

424 First Avenue NECedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

P E R I O D I C A L S

POSTAGE PAID AT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

www.cedarrapids.org

Be Professional. Be Productive. Be Social.

At Corridor

CoWorks, we are

proud that our

partnership with

the Chamber

enhances the

growth of small

businesses and

the progress of

Cedar Rapids.