AB AMES BUSINESS
MONTHLY N O V E M B E R 2017
November Chamber Update
A FAVORITE RETURNS
INDIA PALACE REOPENS IN CAMPUSTOWN SEE PAGE 2
HARRIS TV AND APPLIANCE TO CLOSE AFTER 61 YEARS SEE PAGE 3
AB
2 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
AMES BUSINESS
MONTHLY NOVEMBER 2017 Vol. 10, No. 11 AMES TRIBUNE Ames Business Monthly is a publication of the Ames Tribune, 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010; (515) 232-2160.
India Palace owner Gurdeep Banwait stands in front of his Campustown restaurant. The restaurant took a yearlong hiatus from its original location as developers built a new apartment complex in its place.
3 Harris TV closes 4 Ames Cars buys former Butch’s location 5 Ames Chamber of Commerce 17 Events Center reopens 18 Rick Brimeyer 18 Games & More opens in North Grand Mall 19 Nate Brammer
PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/ AMES TRIBUNE
India Palace reopens in Campustown By Dan Mika
Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
India Palace reopened in Campustown last month after a year in hiatus with a new space, new menu items
and added delivery. Owner Gurdeep Banwait said the reopened restaurant does away with the buffet in favor of sit-down or carry-out service. He said that will allow him to make food to customer’s taste.
“If they want mild, I can make it mild, and if they want spice, I can give them spice, whatever they like,” he said. He said the restaurant also vastly expanded the menu, adding more lamb, seafood and vegetarian dishes, along with 15 different varieties of housemade bread compared to the two he was offering before. See REOPENS on page 3
NOVEMBER 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 3
AFTER SIX DECADES
Harris TV and Appliance to close after 61 years By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
Harris TV and Appliances will close its doors this fall after six decades in business. Owner Wayne Harris said he’s accepting an offer from a developer to purchase and redevelop his building on Lincoln Way. The deal could close within the next few months, but the last day to complete the sale is Nov. 22, he said. Harris also decided to close the shop after his son, an employee for more than 20 years, took another job elsewhere in town. “When he decided to go that way, we decided to start shutting it down,” he said. In the meantime, Harris is selling off appliances and furniture so he can close within 30 to 60 days. Harris is the second generation owner of the store. His father, Eugene, opened the store in 1956 on Lincoln Way, where the store has continued to operate. Harris started working at the store when he turned 12, working on deliveries and cleaning the store. He later moved up to running the parts department and learned to service appliances in between studying at Iowa State University, and he took over the store. “We’ve grown up here, and it’s pretty much all we’ve done,” he said. Harris, 65, said he and his wife, Susan, intend to retire after the building is sold and spend time traveling and visiting their eight grandchildren. The store’s staff at the moment is only four people: Harris, his wife and two delivery drivers, down from a high of 18 over the years.
Harris TV and Appliances owner Wayne Harris sits in his shop. The store, which opened 61 years ago, will close later this year. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
“We’re pretty efficient,” he said. “We’ve handled it so many years we’re just about run the show ourselves.” The store has seen its fair share of change over the decades, especially with the advent of e-commerce. Harris said his store phased
out its electronics and television sales and repair three or four years ago as people purchased online. But Harris said Ames has recognized the value of a local appliance shop long enough to keep him in business, and long enough to outlast larger competition.
“Sears came to town years ago and one of the new salesmen came in and I happened to be around and I heard him talking to my dad, and he goes, ‘Sears is in town now and we’ll probably put you out of business,’” he said. “Well, guess who was out of business first?”
REOPENS: Delivery is available Continued from page 2
Banwait said he created those new dishes from his experiences working in restaurants in his native India, along with his time working at restaurants in California, Ohio and Iowa. “I drew from all of those experiences before I started my own restaurant,” he said. The restaurant, at 120 Hayward Ave., is now on the ground floor instead of in the basement, which Banwait said lets seniors and those with disabilities get into the restaurant more easily. He also added an outdoor patio area to the side of the building and has an all-new kitchen. Banwait also said customers can order delivery through the “My Town 2 Go” app during restaurant hours. India Palace originally opened in 2005, but closed in February 2016 as the building that housed it was redeveloped into a mixeduse apartment complex. Banwait ran a smaller version of India Palace for a few months at North Grand Mall, but since that location closed, he said customers have been asking him constantly about reopening. “I was getting calls on my phone, and when I was at Sam’s Club, Hy-Vee, Walmart, people would stop and ask me about it,” he said. “They’re really excited.” Banwait said he is still hiring waiters, but only for full-time positions. The restaurant will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 10 p.m.
4 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
NEW TENANT
The former Butch’s Automotive lot was purchased by Ames Cars, a used car dealership, after months of speculation from Ames resi dents about the lot’s future owners.
PHOTO BY DAN
MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
Ames Cars purchases former Butch’s location By Dan Mika
Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
A local used car dealership has confirmed it will move into the former Butch’s Automotive location at the intersection of Duff Avenue and Lincoln Way later this year. Ames Cars co-owner Charles Bergmann said he and co-owner Buddy Pritchard will use the location as added room for their inventory and intend to move the shop’s offices into the existing building.
They intend to tear down the gas station canopy, re-pour concrete on the lot and renovate the building’s interior and exterior as part of their expansion. The shop will also continue to lease its current location at 128 S. Duff Ave. Pritchard said the dealership will also use the existing vehicle bays in the Butch’s shop and hire a full-time mechanic to do customer repairs and help get vehicle sales preparation done faster. Purchasing the lot also gives Ames Cars more dedicated parking, which he said is
necessary for the business to grow. “We needed more room and we’re going to renovate the whole facility,” Bergmann said. “We’re going to step our game up a bit.” Bergmann said the dealership needed to expand, but buying the former Butch’s lot was “a little bit of a dream” because of the price of the lot and because another company was in final negotiations to purchase the lot several months ago. But when that deal fell apart, Bergmann’s relatives helped finance the sale. “Realistically, it’s been about
two months from when it all started,” Pritchard said. The dealership’s move ends months of speculation after Butch’s Automotive sold its assets to its local competitor Elmquist Towing last December. Various suggestions included pharmacies, fast food restaurants or gas stations looking to stake a position on one of the busiest intersections in Ames. Bergmann said some people “are going to be pretty disappointed” with the lot being on the intersection after months of seeing the lot go vacant.
“You see everyone out there saying it’s going to be an Olive Garden, it’s going to be this, it’s going to be all of this speculation that it’s going to be this big cool thing,” he said. “It’s cool to us.” Butch’s was founded in 1992 and ran a gas station, automotive repair and towing operation. Readers voted it the best towing company in Story County for 14-straight years in the Ames Tribune’s annual “Best of Story County” poll. Bergmann said they hope to have their new offices open by either December or next January.
NOVEMBER 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 5
Chamber Update NOVEMBER 2017
Leadership Ames Class XXXI is Underway
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DOO PDUNHG WKH EHJLQQLQJ RI WKH VW \HDU RI /HDGHUVKLS $PHV WKH &KDPEHU program that develops leaders by introducing them to operations and opportunities throughout Ames. This year’s Program Co-Chairs, Kelsey Carper (Friedrich Iowa Realty) and Adam Bates (Mary Greeley Medical Center), are helping to facilitate the class. 7KH /HDGHUVKLS $PHV 6HOHFWLRQ &RPPLWWHH ZDV SOHDVHG WR UHFHLYH D ODUJH SRRO RI DSSOLFDWLRQV IRU WKH SURJUDP PDNLQJ WKH VHOHFWLRQ SURFHVV YHU\ FRPSHWLtive. We congratulate all the selected candidates and are pleased to introduce this year’s class, presented by corporate sponsor Mary Greeley Medical Center:
MASON ADAMS | Alliant Energy LEILA AMMAR | Haila Architecture BRIANNE ANDERSON | Ames Public Library ERIK BUNKER | First National Bank JASON DIETZENBACH | Avec Design Build BRENDA DRYER | Ames Chamber of Commerce HILLARY ECKERT | Workiva AMANDA ESTEY | VisionBank MARY EVANSON | ISU Foundation JULIE ANNE HAVERLY | Renewable Energy Group JULIE KIEFFER | ISU Conference & Planning Management AUSTIN LEPPER | McFarland Clinic TOM LINDSLEY | Workiva BRYAN PATES | Mary Greeley Medical Center AJ POLLARD | Renewable Energy Group ALLISON SHERIDAN | ISU University Museums RON SMITH | Mary Greeley Medical Center TAYLOR WOLF| Global Reach Internet Productions 7KH NLFN RII VHVVLRQ ZDV KHOG RQ $XJXVW 7KH PDMRULW\ RI WKH ¿UVW FODVV ZDV GHGLFDWHG WR SHUVRQDO OHDGHUVKLS GHYHORSPHQW IDFLOLWDWHG E\ 'RQQD *LOOLJDQ 7KH *LOligan Group. ,Q 6HSWHPEHU DQG 2FWREHU WKH FODVV OHDUQHG PRUH DERXW $PHV DUHD QRQ SUR¿W organizations and community schools. In November, the class will learn more about healthcare in our community.
The 2017 City Election is November 7!
bsentee voting for the November 7 City Election is underway, and registered voters can request an absentee ballot until Friday, November 3. Throughout the absentee voting period, voters can also vote at the AudiWRU¶V 2I¿FH ORFDWHG DW WK 6WUHHW LQ Nevada, during their regular business KRXUV RI D P S P For those wishing to submit an absentee ballot, an electronic copy of the Absentee Ballot Request Form, as well as additional information on the absentee voting process, is available via WKH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ ZHEVLWH 2QFH VXEPLWted, absentee ballots can be tracked via WKH 6HFUHWDU\ RI 6WDWH ZHEVLWH Those hoping to submit their ballot while serving in the military or overseas can do so by completing a form available on the Federal Voting Assistance Program website. Absentee ballots received in the mail can be returned by the following methods: By mail: Completed ballots can be mailed to the Auditor in the envelope provided with a postmark no later than 0RQGD\ 1RYHPEHU In person: Completed ballots may
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EH GHOLYHUHG WR WKH $XGLWRU¶V 2I¿FH XQWLO S P RQ (OHFWLRQ 'D\ By designee: An individual may designate someone to mail or deliver their ballot. The instructions included in the Absentee Ballot packet include a receipt for this method. Those needing to register to vote can download a Voter Registration )RUP IURP WKH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ ZHEsite, complete and return it via mail RU GLUHFW GHOLYHU\ WR WKH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ Auditor. Iowa residents can also register to vote or change their registration online YLD WKH '27 ZHEVLWH 7KH YRWHU SUH UHJLVWUDWLRQ GHDGOLQH LV S P RQ Friday, October 27. Iowa residents can also register to YRWH RQ (OHFWLRQ 'D\ DW WKHLU UHVSHFWLYH SROOLQJ SODFH YLD ,RZD¶V 6DPH 'D\ 5HJLVWUDWLRQ /DZ 5HJLVWUDQWV will be required to show proof of residence and identity prior to registering. Additional information on Election 'D\ 9RWLQJ LV DYDLODEOH YLD WKH 6WRU\ County website.
Helpful Election Links:
Story County Auditor & Elections | www.storycountyiowa.gov/elections Iowa Electronic Voter Registration | mymvd.iowadot.gov/VoterRegistration Iowa Secretary of State | sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation Federal Voting Assistance Program | www.fvap.gov
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.
6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
2017 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CASEY JOHNSON, Chair of Board of Directors Ames Ford Lincoln LUKE JENSEN, Vice Chair Real Estate Service Group, Inc. ANDREW PERRY, 2nd Vice Chair McFarland Clinic SCOTT BLUM, Divisional Chair, Community Development Accord Architecture / Henkel STACY DREYER, Divisional Chair, Government Affairs & Treasurer First National Bank NATE EASTER, Divisional Chair, Membership Iowa State University Research Park DAVE TUCKER, Immediate Past Chair Workiva 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 Scott Blum, Accord Architecture/Henkel Construction Nathan Buss - YPA Past President, VisionBank Matt Converse, Converse Conditioned Air Lawrence Cunningham, Iowa State Daily Media Group Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Nate Easter, ISU Research Park Sara Hunter, Vermeer Corporation Luke Jensen, Real Estate Service Group, Inc. Casey Johnson, Ames Ford Lincoln Dr. Sonya Stoltze Newstrom, Stoltze and Stoltze Family Dentistry Andrew Perry, McFarland Clinic Cliff Smith - MSCD Past President, GlobalVetLink Jason Schwenneker, Renewable Energy Group Trevin Ward - CAA President Elect, Workiva Jill Wellman, Danfoss 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.
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The Ames Chamber of Commerce invites you to experience the magic of Ames at the 2017 Annual Event featuring magician and Ames native
“ When you’re young, it’s easy to be amazed. As you get older, WKDW H[SHULHQFH RI DVWRQLVKPHQW JHWV KDUGHU DQG KDUGHU WR ÀQG
Good magic isn’t about deception. It’s about trying to see things the way you saw them before they became ordinary.” -Nate Staniforth
December 13, 2017
The Gateway Hotel and Conference Center 7ZR SHUIRUPDQFHV ZLOO EH RȾHUHG &KRRVH WKH WLPH WKDW ZRUNV EHVW IRU \RX DQG \RXU FROOHDJXHV
11:30 a.m. Lunch 5:30 p.m. Dinner Individual $50 Table of 10 $450
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www.ameschamber.com or call 515.232.2310
Individual $75 Table of 10 $700
NOVEMBER 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 7
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
Steak Fry 2017 was a HUGE SUCCESS! Thank you to our sponsors! Presenting Sponsor: Ames Ford Lincoln and Hy-Vee Beverage Sponsors: Chitty Garbage, Iowa State Athletics, and Atlantic Bottling/Coca-Cola
Entertainment Sponsor: VisionBank Grill Master Sponsors: CIT Signature Transportation, Ames Main Street Farmers Market, and Sigler Companies Past Chair’s Drinking Mug Sponsor: Converse Conditioned Air
WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS
SCALE Program Launched in Story County
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he seven school districts of 6WRU\ &RXQW\ LQ FRRSHUDWLRQ ZLWK '0$&& WKH $PHV &KDPber of Commerce and Ames (FRQRPLF 'HYHORSPHQW &RPPLVVLRQ DORQJ ZLWK PXOWLSOH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ EXVLnesses, have launched a new program for KLJK VFKRRO MXQLRUV DQG VHQLRUV FDOOHG 6WRU\ &RXQW\ $FWLYH /HDUQLQJ ([SHULHQFHV RU 6&$/( 7KH 6&$/( SURJUDPPLQJ LV RULJLnal, in that every aspect of the program from curriculum to business partnerships DQG UHDO ZRUOG H[SHULHQFHV LV FXVWRPL]HG to meet the educational and economic GHYHORSPHQW QHHGV RI 6WRU\ &RXQW\ 7KH 6&$/( &XUULFXOXP strands include: ‡ Business Communication and Technology (working from Renewable Energy Group) ‡ 0XOWL 'LVFLSOLQDU\ (QJLQHHULQJ (working from SB & A Architects)
Joe Andrews, senior at Ballard High School and participant in SCALE program. Photo by Ames Chamber of Commerce.
‡ 5HQHZDEOH (QHUJ\ DQG %LR 6FLHQFHV (offered spring 2018) ‡ +HDOWK +XPDQ 6HUYLFHV (working from Mary Greeley Medical Center) Representation from businesses in the above business sectors, secondary
LQVWUXFWRUV ZLWKLQ WKH LGHQWLÂżHG DUHD DQG SRVW VHFRQGDU\ FRQWHQW H[SHUWV QDUURZHG the scope of the industry needs from a JHQHUDO EXVLQHVV VHFWRU WR VSHFLÂżF VHW RI occupations within that sector to develop curriculum. While each strand is working from the business highlighted, they are workLQJ RQ SURMHFWV IRU QXPHURXV RWKHU EXVLQHVVHV DFURVV 6WRU\ &RXQW\ %XVLQHVV partnerships are established and cultivated to provide students with opportunities to connect their learning to real-world SURMHFWV PHQWRUVKLSV DQG LQWHUQVKLSV DOO ZKLOH SURYLGLQJ ÂżUVW KDQG H[SHULHQFHV LQ FDUHHU H[SORUDWLRQ Joe Andrews, a senior at Ballard High 6FKRRO LV HQUROOHG LQ WKH 0XOWL 'LVFLSOLQDU\ (QJLQHHULQJ VWUDQG -RH H[SODLQV Âł,Q MXVW D PRQWK LQWR WKH SURJUDP ZH have already had the opportunity to parWLFLSDWH LQ WKH ,68 (QJLQHHULQJ -RE )DLU where we were able to interact with
potential employers. I like that we are getting a bigger view of what is going on in this profession beyond sitting in a classroom.� -RH KRSHV WR EH DVVLJQHG SURMHFWV DOORZLQJ KLP WR ZRUN DORQJVLGH 6WRU\ County manufacturers to gain some real ZRUOG H[SHULHQFH LQ HQJLQHHULQJ +H KDV plans to pursue a degree in Mechanical (QJLQHHULQJ DW ,RZD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ RU 3HQQ 6WDWH QH[W IDOO 6&$/( SURJUDPPLQJ LV RIIHUHG IRU high school credit as well as post-secondDU\ FUHGLW WKURXJK '0$&& Businesses interested in participating LQ WKH 6&$/( SURJUDP VKRXOG FRQWDFW %UHQGD 'U\HU 'LUHFWRU IRU :RUNIRUFH 6ROXWLRQV DW WKH $PHV &KDPEHU RI¿FH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ MXQLRUV DQG VHQLRUV VKRXOG visit with their respective guidance counVHORUV WR JHW HQUROOHG LQ 6&$/( IRU WKH spring semester.
8 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
C HA M B E R
YOUTH LEADERSHIP AMES
Youth Leadership Ames VIII
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e are pleased to introduce WKH <RXWK /HDGership Ames Class VIII, sponsored by REG and
MEMBERS Thank you to the following members who have donated 10 percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects:
Dick Clem, Individual Member First National Bank India Palace Pyfferoen Pediatric Dentistry PLLC Scott Thompson, Tax Pros Vermeer 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 Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gold members. All Gold members will be listed one time during the year.
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SOPHIA ADAMS PEYTON CLATT ANNALISSA ELLER MORGAN GUSTAFSON MELINA HEGELHEIMER TARYN HUTSON BRAM JANVRIN ETHAN JOHNSON WILL KRAPFL HANNA KRUGER LAURA LYNCH KARSON MITTELSTAEDT KENZIE MOGREN RILEY NELSON GRACE PERRIN SAVANNAH PERRY ANNIE PETERSON TRISTAN POPILLION GABI RICKLEFS YARA SALTI DYLAN SCHABEN DEVIN VON QUERNER TIM WEBER REBECCA WICKERT
2017-2018 Youth Leadership Ames Class participates in various teambuilding activities on the ďŹ rst day.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 INNER CIRCLE SPONSORS
NOVEMBER 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 9
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
November calendar Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1 4:30 p.m. Story Construction (R/C followed by BAH)
2
Friday 3
7:30 a.m. Coffee with the Candidate Victoria Szopinski (C)
Saturday 4
8:00 p.m. Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos (TAF)
4:30 p.m. REG (R/C)
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Leadership Ames
Election Day
5:00 p.m. Snow Magic Kickoff (MSCD)
12
13
14
7:30 a.m. Economic Outlook Breakfast
15
16
20
21
AEDC Board Meeting
22
23 Thanksgiving Day OfďŹ ce Closed
26
27
28
18
Youth Leadership Ames
Chamber Board Meeting
19
17
29
24
25 OfďŹ ce Closed
9:00 a.m. Small Business Saturday (MSCD)
30 12:00 p.m. Platinum Chiropractic (R/C)
AEDC !MES %CONOMIC $EVELOPMENT #OMMISSION s BAH "USINESS !FTER (OURS s CAA #AMPUSTOWN !CTION !SSOCIATION s C: Chamber OfďŹ ce MSCD: -AIN 3TREET #ULTURAL $ISTRICT s R/C 2IBBON #UTTING s TAF 4HE !MES &OUNDATION s YPA:Young Professionals of Ames
THE AMES FOUNDATION
Deuces Wild! Dueling Pianos on November 3
Join The Ames Foundation board on Friday, November 3 as we host an unforgettable evening of song and laughter featuring MinneapolisEDVHG 'HXFHV :LOG 'XHOLQJ 3LDQRV DQG IXHOHG by audience participation. Attendees are guaranteed to become part of WKH DFWLRQ DV 'DYLG (LFKKRO] DQG 7HG 0DQGHUfeld â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two accomplished musicians, comedians and masters of improv â&#x20AC;&#x201C; engage and entertain WKH FURZG ZLWK WKHLU /DV 9HJDV VW\OH KLJK HQHUgy, interactive combination of music and parody. ,QGLYLGXDO WLFNHWV DUH HDFK DQG WKLV \HDUÂśV IXQGUDLVLQJ HYHQW ZLOO GLUHFWO\ EHQHÂżW WKH $PHV 0LUDFOH 3OD\JURXQG )LHOG SURMHFW ZKLFK ZLOO LQFOXGH D DFFHVVLEOH DOO LQFOXVLYH SOD\ground, catering to children with physical, cog-
QLWLYH DQG VHQVRU\ GLVDELOLWLHV 7KH SURMHFW ZLOO DOVR LQFOXGH D FXVWRP ÂżHOG PDGH RI FXVKLRQHG rubberized turf, accessible by wheelchair and other assistive devices. Gather your friends and start off the weekend on a high note while contributing to an imporWDQW FDXVH <RX ZRQÂśW ZDQW WR PLVV WKLV HYHQW General admission tickets are now available for purchase at The Ames Chamber of ComPHUFH DQG DW &RHÂśV )ORUDO DQG *LIWV LQ 6RPHUVHW Availability is limited so act today to reserve \RXU VHDW $WWHQGHHV VKRXOG IROORZ RXU )DFHbook page for the latest event announcements at www.facebook.com/theamesfoundation. 'RRUV ZLOO RSHQ DW SP DQG WKH VKRZ ZLOO VWDUW DW SP $SSHWL]HUV SURYLGHG FDVK EDU
10 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
RIBBON CUTTINGS
Celebrate with a ribbon cutting If your business has completed a PDMRU UHPRGHOLQJ SURMHFW PRYHG WR a new location, changed ownership, or reached a milestone, you need to take advantage of the Chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ribbon Cutting service that brings members and the media to you. With each Ribbon Cutting, \RXU EXVLQHVV ZLOO EH H[SRVHG WR WKH $PHV FRPPXQLW\ DQG 6WRU\ County. Event photos of your Ribbon Cutting will be published in the &KDPEHU¶V :HHNO\ ( PDLO 8SGDWH and the Ames Business Monthly. A Ribbon Cutting is a great way to invite people to your location and showcase your business.
Volunteer Center of Story County 110 Crystal St.
Not only does this opportunity get people to your place of business, but it offers a unique networking environment in addition to VRPH JUHDW PDUNHWLQJ 6R ZKDW DUH you waiting for? Contact Brandon Mumm at Brandon@ameschamber. FRP RU FDOO WR VFKHGXOH \RXU 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ WRGD\
â&#x153;&#x201A; My Salon 4611 Mortensen Rd, #109
N O V E M B E R 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 | NOVEMBER 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 Bonnie Brown, Global State Mortgage Adam Brungardt, AmericInn and Country Inn & Suites|Ames Nathan Buss, VisionBank Buffy Clatt, First National Bank John Coder, VisionBank Lisa Downs, EXIT Realty Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Marci Ferguson, RE/MAX Real Estate Pam Fleener, First National Bank Teresa Garman, Individual Member Leslie Ginder, ISU LAS Career Services Shelley Goecke, McFarland Clinic Colette Gunhus, Keeling Wealth Advisors Tom Haggas, Cheshire Moon Films Jeff Harrison, Midwest Heritage Bank Sherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real Estate Ashley Howe, Xpanxion
Elan Spa 2635 Kent Ave, #102
Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate Michelle King, The Krell Institute Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union Tony LaRosa, Individual Member Paul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Danielle Minde, EXIT Realty Amanda Moorman, Morgan Stanley David Orth, Spirited Giving Matthew Pacha, Hy-Vee Lincoln Center Mike Peckis, Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club Sarah Powers, RE/MAX Real Estate Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team at Keller Williams Tim Rasmussen, Flooring America Matt Roghair, Exchange State Bank Dorothy Schumer, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Tim Tryon, First National Bank Daryle Vegge, Story County Community Foundation Barb Vincent, Ames Christian School Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Cherie Wandling, Wilson Toyota of Ames Jan Williams, First National Bank
Farmers Insurance - John Schrempf 123 6th St.
12 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
Welcome, new Ames Chamber members King Smith, LLC 515-509-1389 Joined: 1/4/17
Per Mar Security Services 515-244-5660 www.permarsecurity.com Joined: 1/12/17
My Salon 515-292-2418 www.mysalonames.com Joined: 1/23/17
Mullenbach Construction 515-232-8644 www.mullenbachdrywall.com Joined: 1/24/17
Plucky Paws, LLC 515-520-3739 www.pluckypaws.com Joined: 1/24/17
Orangetheory Fitness 515-212-4947 Joined: 2/8/17
BooSt Together for Children 515-268-2276 www.boostforchildren.org Joined: 2/9/17
Grandpa Noodle Gallery www.grandpanoodlegallery.com Joined: 2/14/17
ATS Logistics Inc. 877-238-0975 www.atsinc.com Joined: 2/27/17
Farmers Insurance, John Schrempf
American Family Insurance, Angela Laughlin
515-232-3212 Joined: 2/27/17
515-232-2182 www.amfam.com Joined: 3/30/17
American Family Insurance, Katie Frame
Iowa Family Chiropractic
515-232-4142 www.amfam.com Joined: 2/28/17
515-441-7100 www.iowafamilychiroprcatic.com Joined: 3/30/17
Lindsey Loo’s
Setwise Technology
515-232-2208 Joined: 2/28/17
800-385-7874 www.setwise.com Joined: 3/30/17
Brown & Murray Insurance Services
Studio A Design
515-292-2171 www.brownagencyiowa.com Joined: 3/1/17
515-783-5937 www.studioa-designs.com Joined: 3/30/17
Elan Spa LLC
El Azteca #2
515-450-8259 www.elanbeautyspa.com Joined: 3/3/17
515-292-9494 Joined: 4/6/17
Victoria Hurst,
515-232-3847 www.jonathanfuhs.com Joined: 4/7/17
Individual Member Joined: 3/7/17
Central Iowa Air 515-292-9056 www.centraliowaair.com Joined: 3/20/17
Flooring America 515-963-9401 www.iowaflooringamerica.com Joined: 3/21/17
KQWC 515-832-1570 www.kqradio.com Joined: 3/24/17
American Family Insurance
University Community Childcare 515-294-9838 www.universitycommunitychildcare.org Joined: 4/11/17
Cadeus Behavioral Health 515-414-8777 www.cadeusbh.com Joined: 4/14/17
Tony LaRosa, Individual Member Joined: 4/24/17
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 Brandon Mumm 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 Young Professionals of Ames membership (ages 21 to 40).
N O V E M B E R 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 | NOVEMBER 2017
CHAMBER PROGRAMS
Community Leaders Travel to Columbia for Inter-City Visit
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Q 6HSWHPEHU DQG D JURXS RI FRPPXQLW\ OHDGHUV DQG Chamber staff participated in the 2nd Annual Inter-City visit. This year, to Columbia, Missouri. The goal of the visit to Columbia, Missouri was straightforward: how might Ames apply some of the methods that have been successful in Columbia to stimulate new opportunities in our own marketplace? 'XULQJ WKH WULS $PHV OHDGHUV OHDUQHG about some of the local partnerships and collaborations within the Columbia community. Additionally, the visit also provided an opportunity to see what challenges Columbia currently faces and how that may apply to Ames in the future. The Ames delegation met with a diverse group of local leaders from &ROXPELD DQG WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LVVRXUL on this visit. Topics included housing, downtown amenities, local partnerships, diversity and how Columbia is tackling a variety of issues surrounding inclusivity in their community. An additional feature was the spectacular new hotel property that has been a huge stimulant to downtown Columbia. Visits like these are not an indicator WKDW $PHV 6WRU\ &RXQW\ DQG ,RZD 6WDWH 8QLYHUVLW\ LV ODJJLQJ 7R WKH FRQWUDU\ 7KLV LV D JUHDW ZD\ WR VKDUH WKH H[FLWLQJ SURMHFWV DQG SURJUDPV RXU FRPPXQLW\ LV so proud of with leaders from Columbia DQG WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LVVRXUL 7KDQN \RX WR DOO RI WKH DWWHQGHHV $UH \RX UHDG\ IRU QH[W \HDU" Special thanks to our sponsors (shown at right) as well as the following businesses for helping make this trip possible: Alpha Copies, Arcadia CafĂŠ, Chocolaterie Stam and Coca Cola
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Kamp Elected to Professional Developers of Iowa Board
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Ames Chamber and AfďŹ liate staff Â&#x2021; Dan Culhane, President and CEO
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14 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS OF AMES
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YPA’s Thursday After Work (ThAW) events provide a great opportunity for networking and socializing with other young professionals! These young professionals really know how to bowl! Thank you to everyone who came out to Perfect Games for our social event in September. Join us for our next ThAW in November. No registration is required! Find more details at www.ypames.com.
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Thank you to our 2017 YPA sponsors
Ames Ford Lincoln Converse Conditioned Air First National Bank Global Reach Internet Productions Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Hy-Vee ISU MBA Kingland Systems Mary Greeley Medical Center Munn Lumber North Grand Mall Story Construction VisionBank
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Jessica Mortvedt, President, Haverkamp Properties Nathan Buss, Past-President, VisionBank Taylor Hopper, President-Elect, Fox Engineering Bri Anderson, Ames Public Library Megan Filipi, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Heather Johnson, Octagon Center for the Arts Nikki Mesenbrink, Friendship Ark Homes & Community Services Justin Moorman, Moorman Clothiers Jason Mortvedt, Kinzler Construction Melissa Muschick, Heuss Printing Charmian Stewart, Hilton Garden Inn Sarah Buss, Staff Liaison, Ames Chamber of Commerce
Connect with YPA A big thanks to Bill Malone, owner of Cafe Diem- Ames, IA, for sharing tips on flexible leadership! Also, thanks to Jethro’s BBQ Steak n’ Chop in Ames for hosting our group in their new conference rooms! If you’d like to help plan lunch and learns like this one, join the YPA Leadership & Professional Development Committee! Contact Jason Mortvedt for details at jason.mortvedt@insulation.net.
Visit www.ypames.com for upcoming events, committee openings and volunteer opportunities.
NOVEMBER 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 15
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT
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16 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | NOVEMBER 2017
CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION
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his month has us feeling thankful. Thankful for our community, our opportunities, but most importantly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; thankful for our
people. The Campustown Action Association is fueled by volunteers. These amazing people give up their already limited â&#x20AC;&#x153;freeâ&#x20AC;? time to help make this organization run. ,QWURGXFLQJ WKH &DPSXVWRZQ $FWLRQ $VVRFLDWLRQ %RDUG RI 'LUHFWRUV Scott Wannarka, President, 1RKA LLC Mark Rowe-Barth, President Elect, Iowa State University Kathy Dubanksy, Past President, Workiva Anne Taylor, Business Improvement Chair, Dogtown University/A&R Marketing Xena Jolly, Community Outreach Chair, Copyworks Kaitlin Sandine, Promotions Chair, Kingland Systems Mike Adams $W /DUJH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH Welch Ave. Station Amy Mellies, $W /DUJH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by the Campus Diane Welter, Community Representative, Campustown Spirit Kelsey Bolte-Carper, Community Representative, Campus Cycle Julie Gould, City Representative, City of Ames Planning Dept. Amy Howard, Chamber Representative, Ames Chamber of Commerce
Thank you to all who attended the Birthday Dinner and a Movie on September 22!
Special thanks to the Memorial Union for letting us be a part of their birthday celebration! Photos by CAA.
CAA board members helping with Welch Avenue planting
CAA board members participating in Stash the Trash
CAA members volunteering at Rummage RAMPage
The Campustown Action Association (CAA) is made up of Ames and ISU community members who seek to improve and promote all that is Campustown. We are passionate about the students, the residents, the businesses, the culture, and the overall atmosphere that makes Campustown such a unique and energetic place. We are business owners, active community members, students, faculty, property owners, and just people who love the area.
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 17
EVENTS CENTER
South 17th Event Center co-owners Carrie and Nate Ante stand inside the building. The center, previously home to Hunky Dory’s n ightclub, Hickory’s Hall, was supposed to reopen as a biker bar before opening as South 17th. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
South 17th Events Center reopens in former events hall By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
South 17th Events Center opened its doors to the public this month, reviving some of the building’s previous nightclub tenants and bringing live concerts to town between private events. Co-owner Nate Ante said South 17th, at 300 S. 17th St., will hold throwback Thursday events hearkening back to the building’s former identity as Hunky Dory’s nightclub, mixing country and top 40 music through the night
with line dances led by some of the line dance teachers from that time. The center will also bring in live music on Friday and Saturdays until the week before Thanksgiving, when they’ll switch to primarily serving private events after a surge of local demand. Co-owner Carrie Ante said the center was originally devised as a way to enter the live music market in the area, but companies, wedding planners and Iowa State Greek organizations have been contacting the center almost
non-stop to reserve their next event. “Once we purchased the property and word got around, our phones were going ping, ping, ping constantly,” she said. “‘What are your rates for weddings? What are your rates for Christmas or holidays parties? Can I book you?’” The events center was previously supposed to be Baffle’s, a biker-themed bar and concert venue. Nate said he originally planned to partner with a motorcycle dealership to create “a bar sitting in a Harley shop,” but the plans were scrapped after
some in Ames voiced displeasure with the theme. The dealership already signed acts for the bar’s free Sunday shows, so they played anyway. The plans were also scrapped because state law prevents businesses from simultaneously holding liquor and motorcycle sales licenses. “Some people don’t have motorcycles and said, ‘I don’t think that’s really my scene,’” Carrie said. Nate said the center will undergo renovations early next year based on feedback from
guests. He said the center’s raised levels will remain, but the railings and bar will be remodeled. The building’s giant neon palm trees, a staple of the center’s various businesses, will be removed after Thanksgiving despite some disappointment from the tree’s longtime fans. “We feel it’s kind of heavy in here and through the remodel it’ll open the space up,” he said. Nate said the center will also offer paid parking and tailgating during Iowa State game days and run a free shuttle to and from campus.
18 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017
Coming through loud and clear F
ormer MIT Sloan School of Management professor Edgar Schein devoted much of his professional life to studying the nuances of organizational culture. One of the more useful components of his work is the identification of various mechanisms which leaders use – both intentionally and unintentionally — to impact culture. Schein identified six leadership occurrences which he called Primary Embedding Mechanisms: What leaders pay attention to, measure and control on a regular basis. Observed criteria by which leaders allocate scare resources. How leaders react to critical incidents and organizational crisis. Deliberate role modeling, teaching and coaching. Observed criteria by which leaders allocate rewards and status. Observed criteria by which leaders recruit, promote and discipline. According to Schein, these mechanisms always send strong, clear messages. When consistently delivered, the organization’s culture will reflect the clear messages received.
Rick Brimeyer For example, let’s assume our leader is frequently asking questions regarding safety (what is measured and paid attention to). She starts her day by stretching with the team (role modeling). Capital is available when an unsafe condition is uncovered (scarce resources). Cutting corners isn’t tolerated, even during the busiest days (crisis reaction). We can’t help but conclude that our personal safety is really important here. Now let’s imagine a total different scenario in which we frequently see our leader without the appropriate personal safety gear. He walks past machines missing guards because they slow production and his first question at
the end of each day, “How many units did you get today?” A highproducing co-worker, renowned for taking safety shortcuts, was recently promoted to supervisor. While none of these messages are intentional, they nonetheless shout that safety isn’t a big deal. Schein also identified six secondary embedding mechanisms: Organizational design and structure. Organizational systems and procedures Formal statements of organizational philosophy and values. Design of physical space, facades and buildings. Organizational rites and rituals. Stories about important people and events. The thing about secondary embedding mechanisms is that they only help establish the desired culture when they are supported by aligned primary embedding mechanisms. If not consistent with primary embedding mechanisms, they only cause confusion and cynicism. Let’s return to the two examples above. In the first case, hanging a framed poster listing Safety as one of our Core Values
reinforces the belief that safety is indeed important. A new process introduced to report and address near misses will be wellused because people know issues reported will be taken seriously. The celebration for three years without a lost-time accident will be well attended and meaningful. Those same three occurrences in the second scenario above won’t help to establish a safety culture. Rather, because people observe their leader’s behaviors being counter to the stated Core Values, they will only roll their eyes as the poster is hung, not believing the other values listed. The near miss reporting program will be another failed flavor of the month. The celebration for three months without a lost-time accident (there’s no way they’ll make it to three years) will be just an opportunity for a free piece of cake. Studying the list of primary embedding mechanisms reveals that they are all related to leadership behaviors … they are the “walk.” In fact, they must be observed leadership behaviors. Poring over a spreadsheet on accident history in the privacy of one’s office doesn’t qualify as a primary embedder unless folks see their
leader doing something with that data with their own eyes. What’s particularly ironic is that many may perceive the list of secondary embedding mechanisms as “management’s work.” They create organizational structures, develop systems, and author Core Values. But real management work is portraying the desired culture consistently in every interaction with employees. That’s tough! Secondary embedding mechanisms aren’t bad. When consistent with observed leader behaviors, they enable the organization to more effectively live out the desired culture. When the talk (secondary embedding mechanisms) isn’t backed up by the walk (primary embedding mechanisms), however, cynicism reigns. Employees hear observed leader behaviors loud and clear. 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.
STORE OPENING
Games & More opens in North Grand Mall By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
Games & More, a games and toys shop in the Merle Hay and Valley West malls in the Des Moines area, opened its third location in the North Grand Mall last month. Owner Corinne Harrison said the store carries an array of board and card games ranging from easy enough for children five or older to play with adults to
high-strategy games. The shop will also carry a full line of products from the company that produces Beanie Babies, “pop socket” phone grips and toys from smaller distributors. It’ll also have a shelf of products unique to the Ames location with keychains, tumblers and other items targeted towards college-age customers. Harrison said the store will likely start off without merchandise suitable for
children under five, but she intends to add more options as the store takes hold. “We have games good from birth to 100,” she said. The store will also have two tables set up for customers to play at during business hours. Harrison said she may also start organizing Friday night events at the future hosted by board game experts to teach players about new releases.
Games & More moves into a local board game market already occupied by Mayhem Collectibles in Campustown and Main Street Magic, Miniatures & More downtown. While her store will have some overlap in what it stocks, Harrison said Ames is large enough to accommodate multiple game shops. She said Mayhem’s location in Campustown makes it more accessible to students, but North
Grand’s location among residential neighborhoods gives it an advantage for families nearby. She also noted she doesn’t run card game tournaments or have a lot of collectible games, while Mayhem does, and that separation means board game fans can find value at both stores. “We can all play together,” she said. Harrison has been in the games business since
2004, when she opened her first shop. She said teaching families how to engage children away from electronics has been her passion since she got into the business. “I want to teach you a game that you can enjoy playing with your family and not rolling your eyes when they bring you Candyland,” she said. “I want you to smile when they bring you the game and you say, ‘yeah, let’s play.’”
N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 19
What’s in a name ... or letters? I
f you’re in search of a financial advisor, pay attention to the designations behind their name. According to a study by Jeff Camarda, they matter. The following designations require greater demonstrated financial expertise and higher ethical duties to clients than those registered only with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA.) For a financial planner, look for a CFP (Certified Financial Planner). For an investment advisor, add a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or CIMA (Certified Investment Management Analyst) designation. For tax expertise, look for a CPA (Certified Public Accountant).
Nate Brammer For Fiduciary advice, AIF (Accredited Investment Fiduciary.)
Is there any evidence that financial professional designations really matter? Professionals who hold them will say, “Yes”; those who don’t hold them will tell you they don’t make much difference. A Camarda study, published as “Do Professional Designations Matter?” on May 26, 2017, finds that designations do matter when it comes to finding someone with a high probability of delivering competent financial planning advice to consumers. It may seem intuitive that someone who has had to complete a series of educational courses, meet experience requirements, pass a series of rigorous exams, and maintain their designations through continuing education would probably deliver more
competent advice than someone who has not. Yet, Camarda found very little research on the relationship between designations and higher-quality financial planning. He decided to base the dissertation for his PhD in financial planning on answering this question. He limited the scope of the study to the 27,000 licensed advisors in Florida. Interestingly, only 12 percent of these advisors had at least one professional designation. Camarda compared advisors with a designation to those that didn’t have any designations. He discovered that much lower misconduct and fewer consumer complaints were associated with having at least one
of the designations and concluded advisors holding a designation offered a higher standard of advice. The financial planning article did not include specific numbers, but the academic version of the study is under review for publication by the journal Financial Services Review. As a consumer, you should do your own research to increase the odds that anyone giving you financial advice really is trustworthy. The best place to start is to look at their designations. NATHAN D. BRAMMER MBA, CIMA®, AIF® is a principal and investment advisor at Marrs Wealth Management. He can be reached at Nate@marrswealth.com
20 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | NOVEMBER 2017