ABM - January 2017 by GateHouse Media Iowa

AB AMES BUSINESS

MONTHLY J A N U A R Y 2017

January Chamber Update

MAINSTREAM LIVING ENCLAVE PROGRAM STILL STRONG AFTER SEE PAGE 4 MORE THAN 20 YEARS

2 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES BUSINESS

MONTHLY JANUARY 2017

3 North Grand Mall purchased by local development group

20 Nate Brammer

6 FLC Skate Shop to move to Main Street

23 Maurer named executive director of Overflow Thrift Store

20 New Aveda salon opens on Main 4 Mainstream Living Enclave Program Street still strong after more than 20 years 22 New ALDI store opens in Ames 5 Main Street Cultural District awarded grant 23 Rick Brimeyer

6 Bethany’s Main Street opens Dec. 1 6 Extended stay hotel opens in south Ames

Vol. 10, No. 1

7 January Chamber Newsletter

AMES TRIBUNE Ames Business Monthly is a publication of the Ames Tribune, 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010; (515) 232-2160.

19 Planting cover crops is a practice that is growing in popularity

COMMUNITY

Gould named as new Neighborhood Liaison for Ames By Austin Harrington

Staff Writer aharrington@amestrib.com

he city of Ames has hired city planner Julie Gould as its neighborhood liaison, a position that has served as an advocate for neighborhoods across Ames in previous years. The neigh- Gould borhood liaison serves as a link between the neighborhoods and the city. Each year, the Ames City Council provides neighborhoods with funding for programs, as well as opportunities for public outreach and education.

Gould, as the neighborhood liaison, will be the one who provides much of that information to the neighborhoods. For the past five years, Gould has worked in Ankeny’s city planning office. Gould said she is happy to make the move to Ames. “I worked in the city of Ankeny previously, but I’ve lived in Ames for five years. So, just when I saw the opportunity for a position open in Ames I thought I’d apply,” Gould said. During her time working in Ankeny, Gould said she focused on current development, working on residential subdivision and commercial development planning projects. After years of working in that field, Gould said she was ready for something new. “The position appealed to me just because I’ve been working with current development for so

long I was looking forward to and excited about the opportunity to do something outside of that and kind of expand my day-to-day job duties,” Gould said. However, Gould said there will be some similarities between her previous job and her new position. “I’ll still do some of those things for the city of Ames, as well,” Gould said. Gould said that she plans on working very closely with the community in her new role. According to Gould, the position will require her to work closely with the community as a point of contact between neighborhoods and the city government. “There’s grants and programs that are available for neighborhood associations, so I’ll be the point of contact for those and also just general information,” Gould said.

Gould is stepping into a position that was previously held by long-time Ames public servant Jeff Benson, who died in May 2015. “Jeff Benson was the neighborhood liaison until he passed. So, things have kind of dropped or not been a priority since then,” Gould said. Gould said she understands the legacy that Benson left behind, and she hopes to have the same success. “It’s definitely going to be big shoes to fill. He was very good at his job and he was very well known and well liked throughout the community,” Gould said. She added that she had met Benson, when she interned in the his office years ago. During that time Gould said she learned to respect the connection that he was able to foster with the

community. Gould said she hopes to continue that connection and to, “pick up where he left off and carry it forward and expand and hopefully grow the neighborhood associations that are in town and just the programs that are available to them.” Gould said she hopes her new position will afford her the opportunity to provide Ames neighborhoods with what they need from city government to continue to thrive. “I just want to be able to do, I guess really, the job as well as he did and have that comfort from the general public and the neighborhoods that there’s a person to have a contact in the city and to just be knowledgeable about the community and to just be out there as much as possible,” Gould said.

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 3

SHOPPING

North Grand Mall purchased by local development group By Grayson Schmidt

Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com

orth Grand Mall has been purchased by a local development group that is promising new investment with the goal of bringing new stores to the area. The mall, at 2801 Grand Ave., had previously been owned by Illinois-based GK Development Inc., and had undergone a revitalization in recent years. A redevelopment project that began in 2012 included demolishing the area that used to house Sears, and constructing a new 8,800-square-foot building on the south side of the mall. A number of new national retailers have opened stores at North Grand

in the past few years, including Kohl’s, T.J. Maxx, Shoe Carnival and Dressbarn. After a sheriff’s auction last June, it was announced in early December that the mall was sold to developers Brian Martin, president and CEO of Threshold Capital in Des Moines; Brent Haverkamp, CEO of Haverkamp Properties in Ames; and Todd Millang, senior vice president of CBRE in West Des Moines. Haverkamp said he is excited for the opportunity, and that the owners plan to make significant improvements to the mall and have spoken with several groups about new stores and other additions “We’re excited where the mall is going,” Haverkamp said. “Ames is growing; it’s a vibrant town. This is the center for retail in

our community, so we’re excited about bringing (stores) in, and helping them to really be at a place where they can thrive in our community.” In addition to the promise of a new direction for the mall, Haverkamp said that having local owners is also a major advantage for current mall stores. As an Iowa State University alum, Haverkamp said he remembers coming to North Grand Mall while he was going to school, and he said those deep ties are what the new owners bring to the table. “We really think that they’re going to be excited about the local ownership that we have here,” Haverkamp said. “There’s really decades of people that have come through Ames, so we’re excited about building a future here at North Grand Mall.”

North Grand Mall in Ames has been sold to a local development group. FILE PHOTO BY NIRMALENDU MAJUMDAR/AMES TRIBUNE

4 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

EMPLOYMENT

Mainstream Living Enclave Program still strong after more than 20 years By Grayson Schmidt, Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com

ark Kitchen’s work varies from day to day, and that is exactly what he likes about it. As part of the Mainstream Living Enclave Program the 56-year-old Ames native comes to work at the Hach manufacturing plant — after some time at Danfoss — every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and gets to be a paid employee just like everyone else. “It’s good money, and it helps me out,” Kitchen said. “It puts me in a good mood.” Mainstream Living provides housing, medical, employment, counseling, community integration, and other supportive services to individuals with mental and physical disabilities. The Enclave Program was started in 1993 as a way to build employment skills which assists members in a transition to a job in the community. Currently, Mainstream Living contracts with Hach and Danfoss in Ames to provide employment opportunities. Kitchen said he worked at Danfoss for 10 years before coming to Hach, where his tasks range from packaging chemical reagents and test kits to bagging additional parts. According to Mainstream Living Communications Director Amber Corrieri, the Enclave Program provides a meaningful experience of getting up and going to work, that allows the participants to have a greater sense of independence. “People with disabilities historically have much higher unemployment rates than people without disabilities, and that’s just as true today as it was many years ago,” Corrieri said. “It’s all about

“The beneﬁ t goes both ways. Our individuals are able to get out in the community and work in the facility so they are part of the process, and on the other side of that is the exposure that some of the workers at Hach get to those with intellectual disabilities.” Keith Meier, Mainstream Living Enclave Supervisor

providing them with an experience they may not otherwise have.” Corrieri said that the Enclave Program at Danfoss has declined over the past few years due to the company’s changing work needs. She said Danfoss now only uses a few enclave employees to put together parts, but that the Hach program has steadily grown over the past 10 years. Mainstream Living Enclave Supervisor Keith Meier works with Kitchen and other enclave employees at Hach, and said that the partnership has had benefited both parties equally. “The benefit goes both ways,” Meier said. “Our individuals are able to get out in the community and work in the facility so they are part of the process, and on the other side of that is the exposure that some of the workers at Hach get to those with intellectual disabilities.” According to Meier, Hach has been involved in the Enclave Program for 10 years, and there are currently 16 people in the

Mainstream Living Enclave Mark Kitchen, 56, inspects water reagents prior to packaging them at the Hach manufacturing facility in Ames on Wednesday. PHOTO BY GRAYSON SCHMIDT/AMES TRIBUNE

program, with six to eight people working on any given day. Originally, Meier said Mainstream Living did contract work for Hach at the old Story County Developmental Center. Meier said that the clients would do the same basic task that many of them do now, but there was a sort of “disconnection” between them and the business. “Basically, it was a chance for us to expand and do more for them,” Meier said “They’ve been nothing but gracious to us … and welcomed us in the first day, and it has continued to today.”

Not only was it more convenient, but it also provided a different experience for the people at Mainstream Living, and the Hach employees. “Some of the preconceived notions are wiped away when they see that these guys are productive and that they work hard,” Meier said. According to Meier, the enclave employees do not receive special treatment, in terms of work production. He said it is not, “Get as much done as you can.” There are expectations that have to be met, and this allows for the enclaves to

gain a real-world work experience. “It’s not just a feel-good thing. They expect us to be productive, and I think we’ve done a pretty good job of that,” Meier said. “We’re subcontractors, but our folks feel like we’re Hach employees, so they take ownership in what they do.” For Kitchen, it’s opportunity to earn a little extra money, work in an actual company warehouse, be with friends, and make some new ones along the way. “I’m in a good mood,” Kitchen said. “Since I’ve been at Hach, my temper has dropped.”

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 5

GRANTS

Main Street Cultural District awarded grant to help qualify for National Register of Historic Places By Austin Harrington, Staff Writer aharrington@amestrib.com

he Ames Main Street Cultural District has been awarded a grant that could help the downtown district be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The HUD Technical Assistance Challenge Grant was for $3,000, with a local match of another $3,000. That money will be used to complete the National Register of Historic Places nomination process for the downtown district. According to Cindy Hicks, executive director of the Main Street Cultural District, being on the

national register will benefit local businesses. “National data shows that private preservation efforts are often spurred by a listing on the National Register of Historic Places and it also results in a rise in value for historic properties, which then leads to creation of construction, business and employment opportunities,” Hicks said. The grant will also benefit local residents interested in the history of Ames, Hicks said. “We can use it as a tool for local heritage and tourism education,” Hicks said. The local match was provided

by the Ames City Council. To complete the application process, The Main Street Cultural District has worked with Iowa State University assistant professor in community and regional planning Ted Grevstad-Nordbrock, as well as Gloria Betcher, Ames City Council representative for Ward One, which includes the downtown district. According to Hicks, Betcher was part of the team that started the nomination process in 2011. “The City Council is happy to partner with the Main Street Cultural District to complete this survey, which has been a long time in the making,” Betcher

The Ames Main Street Cultural District was awarded a HUD Technical Assistance Challenge Grant that could help the downtown district be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. FILE PHOTO BY NIRMALENDU MAJUMDAR/AMES TRIBUNE

said. “Getting the downtown placed on the National Register of Historic Places should open up opportunities for historic preservation tax credits that can help to fund much-needed building improvements.” Ames is one of 12 Main Street communities to receive the grant, which is designed to provide professional services to develop projects such as historical research, architectural and engineering services and

community and business sign programs, according to a press release. This is the fourth year in a row the Main Street Cultural District has received a Main Street Challenge Grant. According to Hicks, the goal is to meet the next nomination deadline of April 3. If the nomination meets all of the criteria, the district could be listed on the register by the end of 2017 or beginning of 2018, she said.

6 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

SPORTS

BISTRO

FLC Skate Shop to Bethany’s Main Street has opened move to Main Street By Ronna Lawless Staff Writer

By Dan Mika

Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

he skateboard shop opened by Ames skater Georgie Tsushima has closed as it prepares for a move from Campustown to Main Street. Marcus Savage, manager of FLC Skate Shop, said the shop’s landlord notified the owner of the block’s impending remodeling and gave him until December to clear the building. “I talked to the owner, and we decided that it’d be pretty good timing to shut down because of winter … and move it,” Savage said. Savage said the store will reopen on Main Street next to the Corner Pocket bar in February with him as the owner. He said Teresa Downing-Matibag, the current owner and Tsushima’s mother, gave him the chance to keep the shop afloat. “She came up and said, ‘I don’t know anything about skateboarding, I can’t really run this shop,’ and she offered me to keep it going,” he said. FLC Skate Shop opened in July 2015 under the helm of Tsushima, an Ames native and an influential member of the town’s skating community, after recovering from head injuries he sustained pursuing a professional skateboarding career. Tsushima was found dead in his home in the hours after the shop’s grand opening, and the store remained closed for two weeks before reopening with volunteer support. The city renamed its skate park in honor of Tsushima last month.

“I talked to the owner, and we decided that it’d be pretty good timing to shut down because of winter … and move it.” Marcus Savage, manager of FLC Skate Shop

Savage intends to keep the business running, not only because he enjoys skateboarding, but also to help keep Tsushima’s legacy alive in the area. He envisions the shop as the eventual center of skateboarding culture in Ames, closer to the arts and music scenes downtown, and to eventually host monthly art and music shows. While moving from Campustown could place him farther away from a key customer base at Iowa State University, Savage said he’s been frustrated at how some students expect the business to grow into something more than the cultural center he wants it to be. “They kind of expect it to be the next (skateboarding chain) Zumiez, but in this town, the skate scene isn’t necessarily big enough to support something that size,” he said. But no matter what happens to FLC, Savage said Tsushima’s spirit will remain with him and in Ames. “Georgie was my best friend,” he said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without him and none of my life would be anything without a friend like him. I don’t feel like I owe him, but I feel like I’m keeping him right there with me by having this here.”

TORY CITY — The largest part of a $17 million project at Bethany Life is complete. The area is known as “Main Street,” and Tarra Carlson, director of sales and marketing for Bethany Life, said it’s completion, “is a big milestone for our construction.” Several parts of the Main Street addition have been in operation for a while already. For example, Tom and Stevie’s Bistro has been open and serving for the past few months. “Tom and Stevie’s Bistro is named after two of our generous donors: Tom and Stevie Walsh,” said Carlson. The bistro offers sandwiches, pizza, salads, coffee, ice cream, soda, beer and wine. “The menu for the bistro is created by Chef Chris, who is a New York-trained chef, and is well-known in the community,” Carlson said. “Some of the most popular things on the menu are the turkey ciabatta sandwich and the Reuben,” said Andrea Williams-Cooper, who has been working at Tom and Stevie’s for the past couple months. The bistro is open to the public and is a nice place for families to come when they come to see a resident, Carlson said. “It’s nice to see the residents when they eat with their families,” Williams-Cooper said. “It really

Andrea Williams-Cooper works at Tom and Stevie’s Bistro at the Households of Bethany in Story City. PHOTO BY RONNA LAWLESS/AMES TRIBUNE

makes them smile.” Residents also often stop by for an ice cream treat — or even a root beer float, she said. “Main Street also has a gift shop, which features Roland-Story gear, small seasonal items and fun gifts,” Carlson said. “It is also open to the public.” A multi-purpose room called “The Family Room” is a space staff and residents use for concerts, meetings and gatherings. It is also open to the public. “Anybody can call and reserve the space,” Carlson said. The Family Room can be rented by the community for $25 per hour. Main Street also offers The Salon and Day Spa, where residents can go

for hair and nail care. The salon-spa will also offer massages in the near future. The last thing to be completed in Bethany’s Main Street is the library, which used to be the lobby. “The space has been remodeled and will be full of awesome books,” Carlson said. “Our residents can come read a book by the fireplace while they drink a cup of coffee from the bistro. It’s a wonderful place.” Bethany’s chapel hasn’t changed and will also be a part of Main Street. There is also an outdoor space next to the bistro. The patio has been popular with families during warm weather, Carlson said. It has a grill and a small pond.

HOTEL

Extended stay hotel opens in south Ames By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

new Marriott-branded hotel opened its doors to guests looking for extended stays in

Ames. The layout of the new TownPlace Suites in south Ames, which caters mainly to guests staying five days or longer, is a new design used by only a handful of other similar-branded

hotels across the country, manager Curtis Agan said. The 89-suite hotel has a larger lobby and a differentlyarranged breakfast area than previous TownPlace chains and more than 2,000 square feet of meeting space. “We’re able to cater to guests working on projects to the people in town for daily meetings and conferences,” he said. Agan said Marriott is using the

Ames location to test if customers like the new model, and if they do, it would make the model a more likely candidate for other new locations the hotel chain hopes to develop nationwide. “But if TownPlace Suites thinks this one is a success, they might open more of these types of prototypes across the United States,” he said. The TownPlace Suites in Ames is located at 1523 S. Dayton Ave.

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 7

Chamber Update JANUARY 2017

Looking for a new employment opportunity or new employee in 2017? Visit WorkInAmes.com

ZRUN LQ

$0(6 ZZZ ZRUNLQDPHV FRP

â&#x201E;¢

The mission of the Ames Chamber of Commerce is to provide our members services that strengthen the economic vitality in Ames and enhance the quality of life in our community.

8 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

EDUCATION CONNECTIONS THANK YOU 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DAVID TUCKER, Chair Workiva JOHN CRAWFORD, Vice Chair, Alpha Copies Print Center CASEY JOHNSON, 2nd Vice Chair, Ames Ford Lincoln BRET BARTHOLOMEW, Divisional Chair, Community Development Bartholomew Chiropractic STACY DREYER, Divisional Chair, Government Affairs First National Bank LUKE JENSEN, Divisional Chair, Membership Real Estate Service Group, Inc. KIM BEHRENDT, Treasurer Wells Fargo PAM ELLIOTT CAIN, Immediate Past Chair Iowa State University DAN CULHANE, President / CEO Ames Chamber & Economic Development Commission BOARD MEMBERS Vanessa Baker-Latimer, City of Ames Bret Bartholomew, Bartholomew Chiropractic Lindsey Beecher, Gilbert Community School District Kim Behrendt, Wells Fargo Scott Blum, Accord Architecture/Henkel Construction Jess Clyde - MSCD Past President, Individual Member Haley Cook - YPA Past President, Iowa State University John Crawford, Alpha Copies Print Center Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Kathy Dubansky - CAA President Elect, Workiva Nate Easter, ISU Research Park Pam Elliott Cain, Iowa State University John Haila, Haila Architecture Luke Jensen, Real Estate Service Group, Inc. Casey Johnson, Ames Ford Lincoln Andrew Perry, McFarland Clinic, PC Dave Tucker,Workiva The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce 304 Main Street,Ames, IA, 50010; phone: (515) 232-2310; fax: (515) 233-3203; www.ameschamber.com.

Scenes from Youth Leadership Ames

outh Leadership Ames recently KDG WKHLU QRQ SURÂ¿W GD\ 7KH class visited and learned more DERXW ORFDO QRQ SURÂ¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQV LQ RXU FRPPXQLW\ <RXWK /HDGHUVKLS $PHV LV D SURJUDP GHYHORSHG E\ WKH $PHV &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH DQG <RXQJ Professionals of Ames to develop the community leadership potential of area KLJK VFKRRO MXQLRUV LQ WKH &KDPEHU PHPEHU VFKRRO GLVWULFWV ,W LV WKH JRDO RI WKH Ames Chamber of Commerce to provide area youth with an unique opportunity to interact with community leaders and institutions, to explore educational and career options and broaden their perspecWLYHV RQ FRPPXQLW\ LVVXHV 7KDQN \RX WR 5HQHZDEOH (QHUJ\ *URXS 0F'RQDOGÂ¶V DQG <RXQJ 3URIHVVLRQDOV RI $PHV IRU VSRQVRULQJ RXU <RXWK /HDGHUVKLS $PHV 3URJUDP

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 9

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

LEADERSHIP AMES

Leadership Ames 30th Anniversary reunion

he Chamber of Commerce premier leadership series, LeadHUVKLS $PHV LV GHVLJQHG WR develop informed, involved and concerned community leaders in the $PHV &RPPXQLW\ ,Q FHOHEUDWLRQ RI WKH SURJUDPÂ¶V WK \HDU D UHXQLRQ ZDV KHOG IRU DOO DOXPQL RI WKH SURJUDP FODVVHV LQ 1RYHPEHU 7XUQRXW ZDV JUHDW DQG WKH QLJKW ZDV D IXQ RSSRUWXQLW\ IRU FODVVPDWHV WR FDWFK XS DQG UHFRQQHFW 7KDQN \RX WR :HOOV )DUJR RXU /HDGHUV /HJDF\ SUHVHQWLQJ VSRQVRU IRU PDNLQJ WKLV HYHQW SRVVLEOH

10 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

-%-"%23()0

Be a part of the Corporate Buddy program in 2017 Are you a prospective Non- ProďŹ t Organization seeking increased marketing opportunities, heightened engagement with other businesses and added exposure for your business? Consider the Corporate Buddies program! We'd like to extend an offer for businesses to partner with non-proďŹ ts that are currently not Chamber members to engage with Chamber of Commerce programming to the fullest. Call Jan at 515.232.2310 for more information on belonging to your Ames Chamber of Commerce in 2017!

Ames Chamber and AfďŹ liate staff Â&#x2021; Dan Culhane, 3UHVLGHQW DQG &(2 Â&#x2021; Peter Ampe 'LUHFWRU 3URMHFW 0DQDJHPHQW Â&#x2021; Sarah Buss, Director, Sponsorship and MemberVKLS (YHQWV Â&#x2021; Karin Chitty, Campustown Action Association ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU

Â&#x2021; Edana Delagardelle (YHQW &RRUGLQDWRU 0DLQ 6WUHHW Cultural District Â&#x2021; $QJLH 'RUHQNDPS 'LUHFWRU :RUNIRUFH 6ROXWLRQV Â&#x2021; Lauren Frandsen, Director, Communications & 0DUNHWLQJ

Â&#x2021; -RKQ +DOO, Director, Business Development & 0DUNHWLQJ Â&#x2021; 5RQ +DOOHQEHFN ([HFXWLYH 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW ([LVWLQJ %XVLQHVV DQG ,QGXVWU\ Â&#x2021;.HOO\ +HQGULFN Client Services Coordinator Â&#x2021; &LQG\ +LFNV, Main Street Cultural District ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU

Â&#x2021; $P\ +RZDUG 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW )LQDQFH 2SHUDWLRQV Â&#x2021; 'UHZ .DPS, Director, Story County Community 2XWUHDFK DQG *RYHUQPHQW $IIDLUV Â&#x2021;/RMHDQ 3HWHUVHQ $PHV 0DLQ 6WUHHW )DUPHUVÂś 0DUNHW 0DQDJHU Â&#x2021;Jan Williams 'LUHFWRU ([WHUQDO %XVLQHVV 5HODWLRQV

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 11

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

January calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

4:30 p.m.: NAMI of Central IA (R/C)

New Year’s Day

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

12 noon : Iowa Able Foundaiton (R/C)

Chamber Ofﬁce Closed

12 Leadership Ames

19 12 noon: Lunch and Learn (C)

Martin Luther King Day

4:30pm: Max Oxygen Crossﬁt (R/C)

Youth Leadership Ames

Leadership Ames

AEDC !MES %CONOMIC $EVELOPMENT #OMMISSION s BAH "USINESS !FTER (OURS s CAA #AMPUSTOWN !CTION !SSOCIATION s C #HAMBER /FlCE s FAW: Friday After Work s L&L: ,UNCH ,EARN s R/C 2IBBON #UTTING s YPA 9OUNG 0ROFESSIONALS OF !MES s YLA: Youth Leadership Ames

12 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting ,I \RXU EXVLQHVV KDV FRPSOHWHG D PDMRU UHPRGHOLQJ SURMHFW PRYHG WR D QHZ ORFDWLRQ FKDQJHG RZQHUVKLS or reached a milestone, you need WR WDNH DGYDQWDJH RI WKH &KDPEHUÂ¶V 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ VHUYLFH WKDW EULQJV PHPEHUV DQG WKH PHGLD WR \RX :LWK HDFK 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ your business will be exposed to the Ames community and Story &RXQW\ (YHQW SKRWRV RI \RXU 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ ZLOO EH SXEOLVKHG LQ WKH &KDPEHUÂ¶V :HHNO\ ( PDLO 8SGDWH DQG WKH $PHV %XVLQHVV 0RQWKO\ $ 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ LV D JUHDW ZD\ WR invite people to your location and VKRZFDVH \RXU EXVLQHVV

Knapp Tedesco Insurance 627 Main Street

1RW RQO\ GRHV WKLV RSSRUWXQLW\ JHW SHRSOH WR \RXU SODFH RI EXVLness, but it offers a unique netZRUNLQJ HQYLURQPHQW LQ DGGLWLRQ WR VRPH JUHDW PDUNHWLQJ 6R ZKDW DUH \RX ZDLWLQJ IRU" &RQWDFW -DQ :LOOLDPV DW MDQ#DPHVFKDPEHU FRP RU FDOO WR VFKHGXOH \RXU 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ WRGD\

â&#x153;&#x201A; Northridge Village

3300 George Washington Carver

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 13

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADORS

Cindy Albin, Hunziker & Associates Tess Ashley,Global State Mortgage Alli Azbill, Global State Mortgage Don Borcherding, Greater Iowa Credit Union Steve Bock, RE/MAX Real Estate Center Laura Brassell, Bank of the West Nathan Buss, VisionBank Tara Carlson, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Kelsey Carper, Re/Max Real Estate Center John Coder, VisionBank Zack Cregeen, Re/Max Real Estate Center Lisa Downs, EXIT Realty Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Pam Fleener, First National Bank Laura Freeman, Hanger Clinic Teresa Garman, Individual Member Leslie Ginder, ISU LAS Career Services Ashlee Goetsch, Waterford at Ames Chris Helland, George White Chevrolet Sherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real Estate Ashley Howe, Xpanxion Jamie Hudson, Great Southern Bank Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate Michelle King, The Krell Institute Greg King, South Duff Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union Paul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Brandon Mumm, Ames Tribune David Orth, Spirited Giving Mike Peckis, Sam’s Club Sarah Powers, RE/MAX Real Estate Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Tim Rasmussen, Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating Molly Redenbaugh, Danfoss Power Solutions Matt Roghair, Exchange State Bank Dorothy Schumer, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Tim Tryon, First National Bank Daryle Vegge, Ames Morning Rotary Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Cherie Wandling, Wilson Toyota of Ames Michelle Wild, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Salvation Army Service Center 703 E. Lincoln Way

Woodruff Construction Groundbreaking of Grandpa Noodle Gallery - 926 S. 16th St.

14 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

C HA M B E R

Welcome, new Ames Chamber members SKEYEi Commercial Drone Services, was started

MEMBERS 7KDQN \RX WR WKH IROORZLQJ PHPEHUV ZKR KDYH GRQDWHG percent more than their annual dues IRU &KDPEHU SURMHFWV

+ 39 Restaurant Market & Cantina Ames Golf & Country Club Dick Clem, Inc. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Kum & Go Mayfair Cleaners Mike Louis Body & Paint Mr. Burrito Olde Main Brewing Company PhRMA Rippke Design Spring Hill Press Because of contributions from members like these, the Ames Chamber can maintain a level of excellence in the services we provide. Please note: This represents only a portion of the Chamber’s Gold members. All Gold members will be listed one time during the year.

by a (retired) USAF Pilot in 2014. Terry Lankford received his FAA exemption to ﬂy Drones commercially and his clients now include agriculture, transportation, publication and architecture companies. Please visit www.skeyei.com for more information or call 515.450.1466 to learn more.

ThisDay Photography Studio is located at 300 Main Street, #201. Their passion is for people and relationships! From weddings & engagements, to high school seniors and family portraits, they offer a wide range of photographic and print services for every one and occasion! Call them at 515.599.0123 or visit them online at www.thisdayphotography.com.

KinoSol SBC, a specific benefit corporation, is focused on decreasing post-harvest loss in developing countries, via solarpowered food dehydrators with storage components. Their goal is to provide more food, better nutrition and their own entrepreneurial opportunities. To learn more, visit www.getkinosol.com or call 641.201.0651. Habitat for Humanity of Central Iowa sponsors specific projects in human habitat development in Hamilton, Hardin and Story Counties by constructing modest but adequate housing, and is associated with other organizations functioning with purposes consistent with these. Please visit them at 401 Clark Avenue, #100, their website at www.hfhci.org or call 515.232.8815 to learn more.

Join the Chamber. Make new connections, promote your business, take advantage of professional development programs and more when you join the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Contact Jan Williams at (515) 232-2310 for more information on how you or your organization can become a Chamber member. When you join, here are some of the many benefits you can take advantage of right away. s 0OST COUPONS on our Web site for FREE. s!TTEND MONTHLY Business After Hours, First Shot Sessions, Legislative Luncheons and more for FREE. s 4AKE ADVANTAGE of reasonably priced ways to promote your business such as ribbon cuttings and mailing labels, just to name a few. s $ISCOUNTED 9OUNG Professionals of Ames membership (ages 21 to 40).

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 15

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

AMES FOUNDATION

Ames Foundation celebrates a record year

t the start of a new year, the $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ ZRXOG OLNH WR WDNH D PRPHQW WR UHÃ&#x20AC;HFW RQ ZKDW D IDQWDVWLF \HDU KDV

EHHQ )LUVW DQG IRUHPRVW WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ KDV WDNHQ D ODUJH VWHS IRUZDUG E\ EHFRPLQJ DQ DIÂ¿OLDWH RUJDQL]DWLRQ RI WKH $PHV &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH :KDW WKLV GRHV LV LW JLYHV WKH $PHV )RXQGDtion an address on Main Street, dedicated staff time, and it raises the awareness RI WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ JUHDWO\ 7KH $PHV &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH FDQ RQO\ EHQHÂ¿W from this partnership as well, because WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ GRHV VR PXFK WR EHDXWLI\ WKH FLW\ ,Q IDFW WKLV \HDU WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ SODQWHG WUHHV DURXQG WKH FLW\ 7KH &RPPXQLW\ 7UHH 3URJUDP LV D SDUWnership with the City of Ames, where WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ DUP\ RI YROXQteers plant new trees to replace Ash trees, which will be adversely affected E\ WKH LQYDVLYH HPHUDOG DVK ERUHU 7KH City of Ames then helps to maintain WKHVH QHZ WUHHV :KHQ FRQVLGHULQJ WKDW HDFK WUHH FRVWV DURXQG WKH SODQWLQJ RI WUHHV LV QR VPDOO IHDW ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH &RPPXQLW\ 7UHHV 3URJUDP WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ GRHV RWKHU EHDXWLÂ¿FDWLRQ ZRUN DURXQG WRZQ $ JUHDW H[DPSOH RI VXFK ZRUN FDQ EH IRXQG DW WKH VRXWKZHVW FRUQHU RI WK VWUHHW DQG KLJKZD\ RQ 'DQIRVV SURSHUW\ :KLOH ZDV D UHFRUG \HDU IRU XV DW WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ ZH DUH H[FLWHG WR VHH ZKDW ZLOO KROG IRU WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ :H UDLVHG D VLJQLÂ¿FDQW DPRXQW RI PRQH\ IURP RXU DQQXDO 'HXFHV :LOG IXQGUDLVHU DQG KDYH D QXPEHU RI JUHDW SURMHFWV SODQQHG IRU WKH FRPLQJ \HDU 7R OHDUQ PRUH RU WR JHW LQYROYHG FRQWDFW Peter Ampe at the Ames Chamber of &RPPHUFH

16 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

Young Professionals of Ames Who we are.

)RUPHG LQ DQG DIÂ¿OLDWHG ZLWK WKH $PHV &KDPEHU RI &RPPHUFH <3$ H[LVWV WR FRQQHFW \RXQJ SURIHVVLRQDOV with each other, the business community, DQG WKH FLW\ LQ ZKLFK ZH OLYH ZRUN DQG SOD\ <RXQJ 3URIHVVLRQDOV RI $PHV VHHNV to promote and preserve the businesses, DWWUDFWLRQV DQG HYHQWV WKDW PDNH $PHV XQLTXH :H SURYLGH D IRUXP IRU SURIHVVLRQDO QHWZRUNLQJ GHYHORSPHQW DQG VRFLDO HYHQWV 7KH PHPEHUV UHSUHVHQW D XQLÂ¿HG DQG FUHGLEOH YRLFH IRU \RXQJ SURfessionals on community issues, with an emphasis on enrichment and quality-ofOLIH RSSRUWXQLWLHV 2XU PHPEHUV DUH SURIHVVLRQDOV IURP DJH WR LQ WKH $PHV DUHD Visit us at www.ypames.com today!

Get involved.

Board of directors 7KH %RDUG RI 'LUHFWRUV IRU WKH <RXQJ 3URIHVVLRQDOV RI $PHV FRQVLVWV RI elected members who serve a minimum RI RQH WKUHH \HDU WHUP 0HPEHUV RI WKH Board represent a cross section of the Ames community and meet on a monthly EDVLV WR GLVFXVV DQG SODQ <3$ SURJUDPV HYHQWV DQG WKH GLUHFWLRQ RI WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ Please contact the current Board President to learn more about the Board and to EH LQIRUPHG RI IXWXUH RSHQLQJV YPA Committees <RXQJ 3URIHVVLRQDOV RI $PHV PHPbers have the opportunity to actively HQJDJH LQ WKH SURJUDPV SODQQHG DQG KRVWHG E\ WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ E\ MRLQLQJ

RQH RI WKH IRXU FRPPLWWHHV DVVLJQHG ZLWK GHYHORSLQJ <3$ DFWLYLWLHV &RPPLWWHH SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LV RSHQ WR DQ\ <3$ PHPEHU LQWHUHVWHG LQ JHWWLQJ LQYROYHG 3OHDVH reach out to any of the committee cochairs listed below if you are interested LQ OHDUQLQJ PRUH DERXW ZKDW HDFK FRPmittee does or if you are interested in MRLQLQJ D FRPPLWWHH

Thanks 2016 YPA Board! President: Nathan Buss, VisionBank Past-President: Haley Cook, Iowa State University President Elect: Jessica Mortvedt, Haverkamp Properties Megan Vollstedt, Workiva Megan Filipi, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Jake Talbott,Workiva Justin Moorman, Moorman Clothiers Brianne Anderson, Ames Public Library Heather Johnson, Octagon Center for the Arts Jason Mortvedt, Kinzler Construction Services Lindsey Long, Iowa State University Athletics Chamber Liaison/Staff: Sarah Buss, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Leadercast 7KH /HDGHUFDVW /LYH 6SHDNHU /LQHXS is full of business and political leaders, VSRUWV Â¿JXUHV VRFLDO DFWLYLVWV DQG ZRUOG FODVV FRPPXQLFDWRUV -RLQ WKLV GD\ ORQJ VLPXOFDVW IHDWXULQJ VSHDNHUV OLNH $QG\ 6WDQOH\ 6WHYH :R]QLDN 1LFN 6DEDQ DQG PRUH Lunch & Learns <RXQJ 3URIHVVLRQDOV RI $PHV KDV D ORQJ VWDQGLQJ KLVWRU\ RI TXDOLW\ OXQFK DQG OHDUQ VHVVLRQV IRU PHPEHUV WR WDNH SDUW LQ &RPELQLQJ QHWZRUNLQJ WLPH ZLWK a topic of interest means members can PD[LPL]H WKHLU OXQFK KRXU

YPA Excellence Award

<3$ PHPEHUV ZDUUDQW UHFRJQLWLRQ when they have achieved excellence in the areas of career advancement, comPXQLW\ VHUYLFH SURMHFWV FRPPXQLW\ OHDGHUVKLS UROHV RU <3$ OHDGHUVKLS UROHV $FWLRQV WKDW PHULW UHFRJQLWLRQ FRXOG include but are not limited to professional promotions, internal company awards, community awards, leadership positions, HWF /DVW \HDUV ZLQQHUV DUH SLFWXUHG KHUH WKH\ WRRN KRPH D *LIW &DUG DQG UHFRJQLWLRQ DFURVV DOO VRFLDO PHGLD DQG SULQW 9RWH WRGD\ RQOLQH

Thank you to our 2016 YPA sponsors

HW LQYROYHG ZLWK <RXQJ Professionals of Ames for opportunities to build and IRVWHU UHODWLRQVKLSV WKRXJK

s,EADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT s0ROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT s#OMMUNITY /UTREACH s#ULTURAL AND SOCIAL opportunities 9LVLW ZZZ \SDPHV FRP WR OHDUQ PRUH DQG MRLQ XV

Ames Ford Lincoln First National Bank Global Reach Internet Productions Hunziker & Associates, Realtors ISU MBA Kingland Systems Mary Greeley Medical Center Munn Lumber North Grand Mall Story Construction VisionBank Hy-Vee Converse Conditioned Air

Connect with YPA Visit www.ypames.com for upcoming events, committee openings and volunteer opportunities.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 17

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

www.amesdowntown.org

6KRS -DQXDU\ 'ROODU 'D\V -DQ Visit downtown Ames

for the best shopping, dining, and entertainment!

Dog Bakery & Pet Specialty Store

Quality shoes for men and women, specializing in size & width. 515-233-4592

215 Main St. Ames, Iowa 515-232-3473

216 Main Street Ames, Iowa

432 5th St. Ames, Iowa 515-598-4471

Bring this in and recieve 25% off one item in our store! Expires Jan. 31st, 2017

6KRS 'RZQWRZQ

'LQH 'ULQN 'RZQWRZQ

$PHULFDQ &RXQWU\ 0DLQ

/LQGVH\ /RRÅ&#x201D;V 0DLQ

$OL &DNHV 0DLQ

$PHV 7LOH ,QF 0DLQ

0LVV 0H\HUÅ&#x201D;V WK

$PHULFDQ /HJLRQ 0DLQ

$PHV 6LOYHUVPLWKLQJ 0DLQ

0RRUPDQ &ORWKLHUV 0DLQ

$XQW 0DXGHV 0DLQ

%URZQÅ&#x201D;V 6KRH )LW 0DLQ

2FWDJRQ $UW &HQWHU 'RXJODV

&DIÂ¤ 'LHP 0DLQ

&HOHEUDWLRQV 3DUW\ 6WRUH .HOORJJ

3KRWRV\QWKHVLV 0DLQ

&KRFRODWHULH 6WDP 0DLQ

&KHVWHUÅ&#x201D;V &RLQV 0DLQ

4XLOWLQJ &RQQHFWLRQ 0DLQ

'HOOD 9LWL 0DLQ

&RRNVÅ&#x201D; (PSRULXP 0DLQ

5DQGRP *RRGV 0DLQ

'HSRW 'HOL DQG &RRNLH (WF 0DLQ

'DVKLQJ %RXWLTXH 0DLQ

6NXQN 5LYHU &\FOHV 0DLQ

*UHDW 3ODLQV 6DXFH 'RXJK 0DLQ

'XFN :RUWK :HDULQJ 0DLQ

7KH /RIW 0DLQ

/LWWOH :RRGV +HUEV DQG 7HD 0DLQ

(PHUKRIIÅ&#x201D;V )RRWZHDU 0DLQ

7UHDWV RQ D /HDVK 0DLQ

/RQGRQ 8QGHUJURXQG 0DLQ

(YHUWV )ORZHU DQG *LIWV 0DLQ

7UHV 7HDO 0DLQ

0F)O\Å&#x201D;V WK

*LOJHU 'HVLJQV 0DLQ

:RUOGO\ *RRGV 0DLQ

:KHDWVILHOG &RRSHUDWLYH 1RUWKZHVWHUQ

+\ 9HH 0DLQ

:KLVNH\ 5LYHU 0DLQ

18 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JANUARY 2017

CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

History is alive and well in Campustown

ULYLQJ RQ /LQFROQ :D\ \RX FDQ WHOO WKDW D ORW KDV FKDQJHG in the Campustown business GLVWULFW /RFDWHG DW WKH FRUQHU RI /LQFROQ :D\ DQG 6WDQWRQ $YHQXH WKH &UDQIRUG $SDUWPHQW %XLOGLQJ KDV EHHQ XQGHUJRLQJ ELJ FKDQJHV LWVHOI 2QH RI WKH Â¿UVW UHFLSLHQWV RI WKH &DPSXVWRZQ )DoDGH *UDQW 3URJUDP LQ DQG DJDLQ LQ WKLV DOPRVW RQH KXQGUHG \HDU ROG EXLOGLQJ KDV UHFHLYHG D IDFH OLIW and owners Monte Gibbs, and Marilyn *LEEV $OJHU FRXOG QRW EH PRUH SOHDVHG ,Q WKH HDUO\ V VRRQ DIWHU ZRPHQ HDUQHG WKH ULJKW WR YRWH VLQJOH ZRPHQ KDG D YHU\ GLIÂ¿FXOW WLPH VHFXULQJ KRXVLQJ LQ WKH FRPPXQLW\ $FFRUGLQJ WR D VXUYH\ FRQGXFWHG E\ :LOOLDP 3DJH LQ RI KLVWRULF UHVRXUFHV LQ $PHV Â³,Q WKH HDUO\ V ZRPHQ IDFXOW\ PHPEHUV DW ,RZD 6WDWH &ROOHJH LQ $PHV UHVSRQGHG WR XQVXLWDEOH KRXVLQJ WKHQ DYDLODEOH WR WKHP -RLQLQJ WRJHWKHU WR RUJDQL]H WKH )DFXOW\ :RPHQÂ¶V +RXVLQJ &RPSDQ\ WKHVH ZRPHQ FKDUWHUHG D course of action, determined to build a PXOWL IDPLO\ GZHOOLQJ WR DOOHYLDWH VRPH RI WKHVH GLIÂ¿FXOWLHV REWDLQHG Â¿QDQFLDO EDFNLQJ FRQVXOWHG DQ DUFKLWHFW DQG

erected a multi-story commercial/apartPHQW EXLOGLQJ &RPSOHWHG LQ WKH &UDQIRUG $SDUWPHQW %XLOGLQJ RQ /LQFROQ :D\ LQ $PHV ZDV DQ LPPHGLDWH VXFFHVV Â´ 2QH RI &UDQIRUGÂ¶V FXUUHQW RZQHUV 0DULO\Q $OJHU KDV GRQH H[WHQsive research on the history of the buildLQJ DQG WKH RFFXSDQWV 1RW RQO\ ZDV WKH EXLOGLQJ RI WKH &UDQIRUG Â¿QDQFHG E\ ZRPHQ EXW WKH EXLOGLQJ ZDV GHVLJQHG E\ $OGD :LOVRQ ,6& &ODVV RI &LYLO (QJLQHHULQJ ZKR ZDV DORQJ ZLWK KHU VLVWHU (OPLQD YHU\ LPSRUWDQW LQ ZRPHQÂ¶V ULJKWV GXULQJ WKH HDUO\ SDUW RI WKH WZHQWLHWK FHQWXU\ DQG GHVLJQHG VHYHUDO EXLOGLQJV WKURXJKRXW WKH FRXQWU\ 1RWDEOH ZRPHQ ZKR VHUYHG DV RIÂ¿FHUV RI WKH &UDQIRUG $SDUWPHQW %XLOGLQJ LQFOXGH 0DULD 0DEHO 5REHUWV GHDQ RI ,RZD 6WDWH -XQLRU &ROOHJH DQG PDWKHPDWLFLDQ -XOLD 6WDQWRQ 'HDQ RI :RPHQ DW ,6& DQG VHFRQG ZLIH RI (GJDU 6WDQWRQ ZKRVH HVWDWH GRQDWHG WKH &DPSDQLOH WR ,68 (VWHOOH %XFKDQDQ ERWDQLVW DQG UHVLGHQWV $GD +D\GHQ WKH Â¿UVW woman to earn a Doctor of Philosophy 'HJUHH DW ,68 DQG DIWHU ZKRP $GD +D\GHQ 3UDLULH 3UHVHUYH LV QDPHG DQG $QQD +HOHQ 7DSSDQ DIWHU ZKRP 7DSSDQ

+RXVH DW ,68 ZDV QDPHG DQG ZDV DQ assistant professor in the mathematics GHSDUWPHQW 0DQ\ RWKHU QRWDEOH ZRPHQ lived in the Cranford Apartment BuildLQJ DQG $OJHU FRQWLQXHV WR UHVHDUFK WKHVH DPD]LQJ ZRPHQ ,Q WKH HDUO\ \HDUV RI WKH &UDQIRUG WKH JURXQG Ã&#x20AC;RRU KRXVHG D SK\VLFLDQ RIÂ¿FH GUXJ VWRUH ODZ RIÂ¿FH GUHVV VKRS DQG D KDLU VDORQ &XUUHQW UHWDLO VSDFH LQFOXGHV -HII V 3L]]D DQG +LJK &ODVV *ODVV ZLWK WKH FRUQHU ORFDWLRQ RIIHULQJ JUHDW YLVLELOLW\ IRU EXVLQHVV WUDIÂ¿F %\ WKH ODWH V D JURXS RI PHQ LQ $PHV ZHUH ORRNLQJ IRU DQ LQYHVWPHQW opportunity and purchased the Cranford %XLOGLQJ LQ 7KH PHQ ZHUH (DUO *LEEV *LEEV 3OXPELQJ DQG +HDWLQJ (XJHQH % +DUULV +DUULV 79 DQG $SSOLDQFH (GZLQ +XWFKLQV ,68 3URIHVVRU 0 ' 6HLVHU $PHV $WWRUQH\ DQG 5XG\ 9DQ 'ULH $PHV $GYHUWLVHU 7KH EXLOGLQJ LV QRZ RZQHG E\ (DUO *LEEVÂ¶ FKLOdren Monte and Marilyn, who have been YHU\ LQYROYHG LQ WKH IDoDGH LPSURYHPHQWV WKDW KDYH WDNHQ SODFH WKH ODVW WZR \HDUV

Campustown Facade Grant Program

KH &UDQIRUG %XLOGLQJ KDV D SURXG KLVWRU\ RQ WKH ,RZD 6WDWH campus and all the owners in LWV KLVWRU\ KDYH WDNHQ SULGH LQ WKH EXLOGLQJ -HII %HQVRQ >IRUPHU &LW\ of Ames planner and CAA board memEHU@ HQFRXUDJHG WKH RZQHUV WR DSSO\ IRU WKH JUDQW ZLWK WKH JRDO RI PDLQWDLQLQJ WKH KLVWRU\ RI &DPSXVWRZQ EXLOGLQJV WKH RZQHUV ZHUH HQWKXVLDVWLFDOO\ RQ ERDUG :KLOH &UDQIRUG $SDUWPHQWV PD\ QRW offer the amenities that some new camSXV KRXVLQJ GRHV LW RIIHUV TXLFN DFFHVV to classes, the library, restaurants and bus URXWH 7KH RZQHUV KRSH WKDW VWXGHQWV ZKR ZLVK WR OLYH LQ D KLVWRULF EXLOGLQJ ZLOO FRQVLGHU WKH &UDQIRUG GXULQJ WKHLU HQUROOPHQW DW ,RZD 6WDWH ,Q DGGLWLRQ WR WKH IDoDGH FKDQJHV WKH UHDU FRXUW\DUG LV EHLQJ UHVWRUHG DV DQ (QJOLVK JDUGHQ

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 19

AGRICULTURE

Planting cover crops is a practice that is growing in popularity By Marlys Barker Nevada Journal

eople were talking about more than politics when they visited the Sherman Township schoolhouse to cast their votes on Election Day in November. There it was out in the field, a bounty of huge tillage radishes, which by the way, are edible. “I’m surprised at how long they grew and how large they got,” said Todd Flynn, who manages the field by the schoolhouse as one of about 1,200 acres he farms for Ron Huhn, of rural Nevada. “It’s all about sunlight hitting the ground. That, combined with enough moisture, gives good crop growth.” The cover crops were planted right before the seed corn was harvested this year, and they grew during the fall. To apply them, Flynn said, they took an older high clearance sprayer and converted it from a liquid system to a dry system so it could blow seed between the corn rows. Flynn has been experimenting with cover crops, like tillage radishes, rape seed and rye, for awhile now. The practice — which helps with everything from weed control to erosion control to loosening the soil — also stores nutrients in the plants so they can be released to the soil in the spring. The practice is growing in popularity, Flynn said. “The broader the spectrum of plants that grow in the soil…the more there is to aid our plants to grow,” Flynn said. “After so many years, the beneficials get depleted from the ground. The soil is a living and breathing organism, and we’re giving it bio-diversity with different plants going into the soil to make it healthier.” Flynn said he learns about what cover crops will do well by listening to other farmers and by checking in with an employee at Midwest Bio-Ag, which is based out of Wisconsin, but has a state office in Monticello.

Ron Huhn shows off a 5-pound tillage radish, which is one of the bigger ones that was growing in his fields. PHOTO BY MARLYS BARKER

“We buy fertilizer from him and he’s a good resource (on cover crops),”Flynn said. The field by Sherman Schoolhouse was full of radishes and rape seed, but a third cover crop they tried to plant there didn’t do as well. “I did seed some rye in that field also,” Flynn said. He guesses that because the fall was wet early on and because there might have been some herbicide from the crops still left on the field, those might be reasons the rye didn’t take as well. “There’s definitely a learning curve to this, and there’s a learning curve to growing cover crops further north, where the growing season isn’t long after the main harvest,” Flynn said. “Next year we may change what we use or the timing of when we apply it,” he said. But overall, the success of the radishes and rape were so good that he will do something similar next year there. If they haven’t already, Flynn or one of his employees will be in the fields, tilling the ends of the fields and then leaving the cover crop lay there for the winter season. “Anything you can leave on top of the ground and not have things washing away (over the winter) … that all makes it easier to work the ground in the spring.”

Nate Holl of Nevada, who works for Flynn Family Farms, which manages Ron Huhn’s fields, pulls a tillage radish from the field that is located north of Colo about 4 miles. PHOTO BY MARLYS BARKER

The Sherman Township School sits along E-29 next to some of Ron Huhn’s fields. The school is used as a voting site, and Huhn said some of the people voting there on Election Day seemed more interested in the big radishes they were seeing in his field than in the election. Photo by Marlys Barker

2 0 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

BRAMMER

‘Tis the season of predictions T

he close of each year brings with it the holidays full of family and friends as well as a chance to look ahead to the New Year. In the world of finance, the coming weeks also mean investors will be bombarded with predictions about the future, and what specifically next year, will hold for their portfolios. These “great” predictions are usually accompanied by recommendations of investment strategies or portfolio alignment to avoid the next great crisis or missing the next great opportunity. When faced with recommendations of these kinds, it is good to remember that investors are better served by sticking to a long-term plan rather than changing strategies in reaction to a prediction or market fluctuations. You typically don’t see a forecast that reads, “Capital markets expected to continue to function

Nate Brammer normally,” or “It’s unclear how unknown future events will impact prices.” Predictions temp the investor in playing the game of outguessing the market. Examples of predictions might include: “We don’t like energy stocks in 2017” or “the interest rate environment might be challenging in the coming year.” Bold predictions may pique interest, but they

seldom serve the investor well. Steve Forbes, the publisher of Forbes Magazine, once remarked, “You make more money selling advice than following it. It’s one of the things we count on in the magazine business — along with short-term memory of our readers.” Forbes is trying to sell as many magazines as possible so they can sell as much advertising as possible. An interesting side note, often the buyers of the ads are also the firms given the opportunity to make the recommendations. A little quid pro quo perhaps. Additionally, the track record of the prognosticators indicates their crystal balls are in need of a good polish. S&P’s SPIVA Scorecard from midyear 2016, highlights how these active managers have fared against their benchmarks. The majority of managers

have underperformed in both the shorter and longer horizons (1 year, 5 years and 10 year.) The majority meaning from 85 to 98 percent of active managers have underperformed dependent on which asset class you analyze. That will not get them into the hall of fame; maybe the hall of shame. Rather than rely on forecasts that attempt to outguess the market, investors can rely on the power of the market as an effective information processing machine to help structure their investment portfolios. Financial markets involve the interactions of millions of willing buyers and sellers. Over the long-term, the case for trusting in the markets and for discipline in being able to stay invested is clear. As an example, the growth of $1 to $45 from 1970 through 2015, invested in a moderate diversified portfolio, even through a number of bearish headlines and events, illustrates the point. As the end of the year approaches, it is natural to reflect

on what has gone well this year and what one may want to improve upon next year. Within the context of an investment plan, it is important to remember that investors are likely better served by trusting a plan they have in place and focusing on what they can control such as diversifying broadly, minimizing taxes and reducing costs and turnover. Those who make changes to long-term investment strategies based on short-term noise and predictions may be disappointed by the outcome. In the end, the only certain prediction about the markets is that the future will remain full of uncertainty. History has shown us, however, that through this uncertainty, markets have rewarded long-term investors who are able to stay the course. NATHAN D. BRAMMER MBA, AIF is a principal and investment advisor at Marrs Wealth Management. He can be reached at Nate@ marrswealthmanagement.com or www.MarrsWealthManagement. com.

BEAUTY

New Aveda salon opens on Main Street By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

new salon has opened on Main Street and is looking to expand beauty company Aveda’s footprint in Ames. Valor and Violet, located between Tres Teal and Skunk River Cycles on Main Street, styles itself as a beauty salon combining environmental friendliness with a wide range of beauty products. Co-owner Joshua Duchene said he worked for other salons

in Ames since he moved to town about 10 years ago, including The Salon in Ames, before deciding to run his own business. He said Aveda approached him and co-owner Kari Camenisch about opening a location on Main Street, and he jumped at the opportunity. Duchene said the company’s line of makeup, hair and skin products and other apparel was, “exactly what I was looking for in the beauty industry.” Valor and Violet is the second Aveda salon in town behind Serenity Couture, a salon and spa,

located in Grand North Mall. Duchene also likes the company’s recycling initiatives and plans to carry products with recycled packaging and to recycle materials they use. He said there is a perception in Ames that all the material thrown in the trash is burned by the city, but some products simply cannot be recycled that way. He said the salon might pay someone extra to haul those recyclables somewhere they can be processed. “We’re not operating as a nonprofit, but we want to work with the community in that aspect,” he said. Duchene acknowledged there is competition on Main Street for his new venture, with Wild Root Salon a few doors down and The Salon in Ames, his former employer, across the street. However, he said his team will

The interior of Valor and Violet opened in late November on Main Street. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

be Aveda-certified stylists who frequently learn new techniques from the Aveda Institute location in Des Moines. That experience, along with his Aveda products, is what Duchene thinks will make his business stand out.

“I’m not afraid of competition,” he said. “My philosophy and outlook is that I want people to call Main Street hairdresser’s row.” Valor and Violet Salon is located at 310 Main St.

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 21

2 2 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | JANUARY 2017

GROCERY

New ALDI store opens in Ames By Grayson Schmidt

Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com

fter 20 years, Ames has a new ALDI supermarket to shop at, as the new store — at 108 S. Fifth St. — recently opened to a long line of eager customers wrapped around the building. The first 100 customers in line received a “golden ticket,” each containing ALDI gift certificates of various amounts. Craig Fink was the first person to shop at the new store, and the Radcliffe native said that as a long-time ALDI shopper, it was worth the wait. “(The store) was very clean, it had wider aisles, just an awesome setup,” Fink said. “It was a really good feeling to be the first ones down the aisles, see all the freshly

stocked shelves, and be the first ones to get merchandise.” Fink — who said he arrived around 8 a.m. Thursday — said he has always been an ALDI shopper, and is just excited that a bigger store is now in Ames. “I’m excited to have a lot easier shopping,” Fink said. “(The new store is) easier to get through. A lot of the time, it’s really busy, so this will help out with that.” By the time Fink was done shopping, the line was still around the building. And though he fully acknowledged the craziness of waiting outside a grocery store in 30-degree weather, he said he was glad that the community came out to support the store. “It’s crazy to see, but it’s also nice to see the support, and so many people coming out,” Fink said.

ALDI Faribault Division Vice President Matt Lilla shared Fink’s views on the line around the building, and said that the support from the community has been unbelievable. “We’re just overwhelmed and excited about the response from the consumers here, and the customers that have been shopping at ALDI for 20 years,” Lilla said. “You can tell they’re really excited about this new store.” The last day of the previous store — located at 1301 Buckeye Ave. — the day before the new one opened, and Lilla said ALDI is working on putting the former location up for sale. The new store features more room at 18,000 square feet, inviting colors, high ceilings, natural lighting and environmentallyfriendly building materials.

Customers file into the new ALDI supermarket at its grand opening. PHOTO BY GRAYSON SCHMIDT/AMES TRIBUNE

In addition, the store features expanded cooler sections, healthy tips within the produce section and “Dietitian’s Picks” — healthy products handpicked by leading nutrition experts. As new customers came flooding in one by one, they all seemed

to have the same look of surprise in their eyes, which for Lilla was easily the best part. “That means that we did everything right with the new store,” Lilla said. “Everything that we did with the store we tried to do it for our customers’ benefit.”

JANUARY 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 23

BRIMEYER

Business lessons from the Cubs I

started writing this column in early summer, but as soon as I started, the Chicago Cubs went into their only slump of the 2016 season. Convinced that I or the column was certain to jinx a promising season, I decided to table it until after the season. I’m glad I waited. While I can’t assure that St. Louis Cardinals’ fans will read beyond the headline, there are leadership and management lessons worth sharing from observing the organization’s climb from futility to success. I’ll highlight lessons in italics. The Ricketts family purchased the Cubs from the Tribune Co. with a deal that closed following the 2009 season. New Chairman Tom Ricketts took time to understand the situation. He endured the 2010 (75-87 record) and 2011 (71-91) seasons before turning over the front office. He gave his new management team what they needed without interference from him. In October 2011, he hired Theo Epstein as president and Jed Hoyer as general

Rick Brimeyer manager. Both were young, highly intelligent and proven winners, having previously led the renaissance of the Boston Red Sox after 86 years of futility and alleged curses. In short, Ricketts didn’t compromise in selecting his management team. By the start of the 2012 season, the new leadership team had published The Cubs Way, a manual which documented the best practices for all critical processes (scouting players, developing players, even details such as running bases) to be used at every level of the organization. It became clear that the new Cubs

NON-PROFIT Ashley Maurer has been hired as Overflow Thrift Store’s first executive director. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

culture was going to emphasize processes. One of Hoyer’s first player moves was to trade for Anthony Rizzo, a young player he originally drafted and later acquired during his time with prior organizations. Hoyer knew that, in addition to being a potential star, Rizzo (a cancer survivor) had a maturity beyond his years and was a rock solid individual one could build a team around. Epstein and his crew spent their entire professional careers in the analytics era of baseball, advancing the newfound science beyond their peers. Thus, data-based strategies were developed on how the organization would make the much-needed step improvement in overall level of talent by basically drafting young hitters and acquiring proven pitchers via free agency and trades. Most importantly, they had the perseverance to stick with those strategies and give them time to work during painful seasons in 2012 (61-101), 2013 (66-96)

and 2014 (73-89). The temptation for a quick fix was no doubt incredible during five consecutive losing seasons that averaged 93 losses per year and saw attendance drop by 20 percent. By the start of 2015, after two seasons of nominal improvement and a minor league system loaded with talent, Epstein added Joe Maddon as manager. Maddon, another proven winner, quickly demonstrated why he was renowned for getting top performance from his players. Under Maddon, each day’s line-up became unpredictable as he maximized players’ flexibility by moving them among various spots in the field and the batting order. This kept players rested, feeling involved and engaged during the long season. It also allowed him to respond seamlessly when inevitable injuries occurred. Maddon made work fun. Each victory was closed with a short victory party (complete with a disco ball). Road

trips occasionally had wacky dress themes. Even a surprise pre-game petting zoo at Wrigley Field broke up the monotony for players and their families. Perhaps most importantly, Maddon guided players through the inevitable disappointments of a 162-game season. He preached the “value of 24 hours” after a tough loss, keeping it from evolving into a losing streak. A subpar individual performance was almost always greeted with a chance to redeem oneself as soon as possible. The carefully selected roster primarily policed itself, led by journeyman catcher David Ross. When coaching was necessary, Maddon performed it in private while remaining publicly supportive of the player. Under Maddon in 2015, the team skyrocketed to a 97-win season before bowing out in the National League Championship Series. Burdened with 108 years of history and the tag of preseason favorite to win it all in 2016, Maddon encouraged the team to “embrace the target” by acknowledging that they

were indeed a good team playing at the highest level and that process would become more important than ever. Lessons learned from 2015 were incorporated into 2016 as additional efforts were made to keep players, especially pitchers and veterans, better rested for a longer postseason run. Short term sacrifices were made for the long term goal. Very late on the evening of Nov. 2, 2016, MVP Kris Bryant, who was still playing in high school as Ricketts purchased the Cubs, charged a slow-rolling grounder and threw to Rizzo at first for the third out in the 10th inning of the seventh game of the World Series. The ensuing celebration was not the expiration of a curse, but rather the culmination of astute, disciplined management from the top down. RICK BRIMEYER is the president of Brimeyer LLC, an independent management consulting firm located in Ames which guides organizations to higher performance by focusing on process improvement and leadership development. Further information is available at www.brimeyerllc.com or by calling (515) 450-8855.

Maurer named executive director of Overflow Thrift Store

shley Maurer, of Ames, has been named as Overflow Thrift Store’s first executive director. As executive director, Maurer will provide leadership in expanding OTS’s capacity to meet its mission. Overflow, at 202 S. Duff Ave., is a non-profit thrift store in Ames that was started by three individuals from the community. It is run with the support of a small army of volunteers and all profits go to supporting ministries that are serving orphans, widows and other vulnerable people groups both here and

around the world. One of the co-founders and Board President, Tami Hicks, said, “We are thrilled by the possibilities that hiring an executive director will allow Overflow. “Ashley brings non-profit leadership skills that will help us expand the store’s capacity and organizational support.” Maurer earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northwestern — St. Paul and a master’s degree from Iowa State University. She comes to Overflow after two years with the

Volunteer Center of Story County and brings experience in program and volunteer management, grant writing and nonprofit capacity building. “I’m excited to join the dynamic team at Overflow and continue to build on the great work that is already happening,” Maurer said. Maurer will start full time in January 2017. The store is open for shopping and donations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

2 4 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY | J A N U A RY 2 017