June AMB 2017

Page 1

AB AMES BUSINESS

SUMMER GROWTH RESEARCH PARK, LOCAL BUSINESSES KICK OFF A BUSY SUMMER OF CONSTRUCTION

SEE PAGE 2

MONTHLY J U N E 2017

June Chamber Update

COLORADO COMPANY PLANS $1.5 MILLION RENOVATION FOR SOUTH HOLIDAY INN SEE PAGE 4

AB

2 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

SUMMER GROWTH McFarland Clinic CEO Andrew Perry, second from right, addresses a crowd Thursday while ISU Research Park president Steve Carter, left, Lily Pad Learning Center Sara Hillebrand, second from left, and Ames Chamber of Commerce president Dan Culhane listen during the clinic’s groundbreaking on its new location in the Research Park.

AMES BUSINESS

MONTHLY JUNE 2017 Vol. 10, No. 6 AMES TRIBUNE Ames Business Monthly is a publication of the Ames Tribune, 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010; (515) 232-2160.

3 Perdue gives Nevada speech 4 Hotel renovation 5 Boulder Taphouse arrives 6 New barbershop

PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/ AMES TRIBUNE

Research Park, local businesses kick off a busy summer of construction By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

7 Chamber of Commerce 19 State tech awards 20 Dentist retires 20 GrandStay recognized 21 New Italian restaurant 21 Nate Brammer 22 Zearing welcomes new businesses 23 Rick Brimeyer

McFarland Clinic broke ground on its new south Ames location recently, kicking off a busy summer of construction and commercial activity in the Iowa State University Research Park this summer. The 33,000-square-foot building is set to open in summer 2018 and will add sports medicine to the clinic’s current offerings around the city. McFarland Clinic is also leasing some of the building to Lily Pad Learning Center, a child care and preschool program based out of Huxley. McFarland Clinic CEO Andrew Perry said building in an area he believes will grow rapidly over the next several

years is a good fit for the business and for the research park’s emphasis on wellness among its employees. ISU Research Park director Steve Carter said the clinic and child care facility will satisfy demand from parents working in the park. “Their willingness to work with us to accommodate child care, which is not their core business, but to their credit, they worked through that process with us and have been tremendous partners, and now child care will be available,” Carter said. It’s all part of the research park’s ongoing efforts to reach former ISU president Steven Leath’s goal to double the size of the research park. Alison Doyle, research park marketing

director, said the park has already expanded to twice its previous size in acreage, but is currently working toward more than doubling the number of employees based there from about 1,700 to 5,000 or 6,000 in the next decade. Several other commercial entities are preparing to start construction or are preparing to open in the research park this summer. Doyle said the research park is adding 40,000 to 50,000 square feet of office space for the ISU Startup Factory and for companies looking to enter the park or expand their footprint. Ames Racquet and Fitness will also open its new building across from the Economic Development Core Facility this summer with a salon inside the building. Provisions Lot F, an

offshoot of the The Cafe in Somerset, is also scheduled to open this summer. Story County Conservation is also continuing work on the Tedesco Learning Corridor, a 30-acre park set for completion in summer 2019, and to eventually connect its trails to the Ames and High Trestle Trail systems. Doyle said the research park will likely re-evaluate the amenities tenants want next year. She said the park will put out requests for information from businesses interested in expanding into the neighborhood. “We’re good with working with tenants and growing the base of the research park, not doing commercial construction,” she said. “We’re trying really hard to find partners to do that.”

JUNE 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 3

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Perdue talks trade, future of USDA in Nevada speech U.S. agriculture secretary delivers first major policy speech By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

NEVADA — U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue outlined his vision for the department in front of local farmers and some of the state’s congressional leaders during a visit to a Nevada cattle operation. Perdue toured the Couser Cattle Company on May 5 alongside Nevada farmer Bill Couser and later delivered what USDA aides dubbed as his first major policy speech as secretary with Iowa Congressman Steve King and senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst in the front row. Perdue, dressed in a blue polo shirt, jeans and boots, initially thanked the crowd for the hospitality as he visited the area. “I’ll be happy to be an adoptive son of Iowa here as secretary of agriculture,” he said. He said that generosity from Iowans also established the groundwork for expanded agricultural trade with China. Perdue recalled a 1985 meeting when Branstad and other Iowa officials showed Chinese President Xi Jinping hospitality when he visited the state as part of an agricultural study. He said that meeting has laid the groundwork for him and Branstad, presumptively the next U.S. ambassador to China, to improve trade relations between the two largest economies in the world. “Governor Branstad and I are going to China and sell all the Iowa beef we can,” he said. Perdue continued hammering his commitment to expanding access to the foreign market for American farmers not just for beef, but for crops and especially ethanol. He said growing enough food to sate the country’s hunger demand is part of its

national security strategy and its efforts to gain energy independence. “We can not only grow food and fiber for the world, we can grow energy for the United States of America,” he said, with the Nevada DuPont ethanol plant in view in the distance. Perdue also reaffirmed his and President Donald Trump’s support for the Renewable Fuel Standard, and accepted a button saying “Don’t mess with the RFS” from a crowd member. Speaking to reporters after his speech, Perdue said he’s working with the administration to develop ways to reduce foreign tariffs on U.S. agricultural products. He also said the Trump administration is looking at renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement within the next six months. The comment comes a week after national media reported the administration was preparing an executive order withdrawing the U.S. from the trilateral trade agreement, but Trump said later he would focus on renegotiating the agreement. Perdue touched on environmental issues as well during his appearance, focusing particularly on his plans to remove regulations and barriers to conservation funding. When asked by a local farmer in a town hall session after the speech as to how the USDA can make access to conservation funding easier, he said the department will work to cut down paperwork and roll back agricultural regulations in general. Perdue said he will work with Trump and other cabinet secretaries to cut down redundancies in the federal government and create a “holistic” approach to governance. “I had one farmer tell me one time he told the president, ‘Mr. President, my

farmers at home are scared if they step one foot out of their pickup in the morning, they may be violation some federal rule or regulation,’” he said. “We want to let farmers farm again and let ranchers ranch again.” The secretary also said the current generation of farmers needs to prepare the next generation to be not only good producers, but good communicators of what they do. He said the country has taken its abundant food supply for granted for years, but the next set of farmers are facing

challenges of exponential hunger demand as the world population grows. “We’ve got to be great communicators,” he said. “These are the leaders of America not only in agriculture production but in leadership and communication in telling the story. No longer can we just be good producers … we owe it to the consumers of the United States as well as the world that we are concerned about their safety, wholesomeness and capacity of the food.” Continued on page 4

4 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

HOTELS

Colorado company plans $1.5 million renovation for south Holiday Inn By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

A Colorado-based hotel management company has acquired the Holiday Inn location near the Iowa State Research Park with plans to start a multi-million dollar renovation later this year. Scott Weber, vice president of operations at Inland Pacific Companies, confirmed

the company had closed a deal to purchase the hotel on University Boulevard and said Inland Pacific will begin a $1.5 million renovation of the building sometime this winter. Weber said the renovation will redo the interior of the hotel’s guest rooms and lobby. The company also plans to redesign the hotel’s restaurant and expand its bar, knocking down some walls separating it

from the lobby in the process. “The restaurant has really been kind of a minimal offering in the past and we’re definitely going to amp that up,” he said. Weber said the expansion will not add more guest rooms, but it could potentially add more meeting spaces to the hotel’s conference center. He said the hotel will remain open for guests during construction. The renovation when complete should

add about 10 jobs in food and guest services. The hotel will also retain its Holiday Inn branding. Weber said Inland Pacific believes the proximity of the hotel to U.S. Highway 30 and the expanding ISU Research Park will yield plenty of guests. “(Ames) just seems like it’s a real growth market, so we’re really stoked to be here,” he said.

Continued from page 3

Ultimately, Perdue plans to make the USDA a fact-based, data-driven organization, saying the department will look for ways to update its technological abilities despite facing flat and declining appropriations. “If Amazon operated like the USDA technology-wise, they would be out of business,” he said. In his town hall session, Perdue said the crowd can expect to see nominees for the USDA’s deputy and undersecretary positions. Perdue hinted the congressional delegation had pitched some potential candidates from Iowa, drawing laughs from the group and Iowa secretary of agriculture Bill Northey. Northey said he didn’t have a conversation with Perdue over a potential role within the USDA. However, Northey’s name has been included in speculation regarding the unfilled positions and has previously expressed interest in joining the administration. After the event, Couser said he’s optimistic on Perdue’s leadership of the USDA. He met privately with Perdue before the speech to discuss trade, Environmental Protection Agency rules, agricultural communications and the Renewable Fuel Standard and said he’ll do well if he surrounds himself with reliable undersecretaries. “As my wife said, ‘We’ve got your backside. All you have to do is call us when you need help,’” he said.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addresses the crowd at Couser Cattle Company in Nevada. The address was billed as hi s first major farm policy speech since being confirmed in the role. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

JUNE 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 5

NEW SIT-DOWN SPOT

AWARD

Fenton honored by Iowa’s Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers

The Okoboji Grill location on South Duff Avenue will be renovated by Minnesota-based Boulder Taphouse for a September opening. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

Boulder Taphouse to move into Okoboji Grill location By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

A Minnesota-based restaurant chain is taking over the former Okoboji Grill location on South Duff Avenue. Boulder Taphouse operates 25 restaurants in five states, including one in Mason City. Boulder Taphouse co-owner Mike Rulli said the company has eyed a location in Ames for more than a year. Rulli described the restaurant as a casual, family-friendly sit-down spot with craft-American food made from scratch. He said the restaurant will have 50 craft beers on tap including “hard to find” brews, and will have $140,000 worth of televisions on the walls. Okoboji Grill closed its doors in early 2015. According to previous Tribune reports, the restaurant placed a sign on its doors saying its lease expired. Crews have already begun preparing the building for Boulder Taphouse’s target opening date in September. Rulli estimates the restaurant will be able to seat 196 customers.

Boulder Taphouse is entering a South Duff market filled with competing restaurants, including Texas Roadhouse, Applebee’s and Hickory Park, with Jethro’s preparing to open in July. All of those restaurants are less than a mile away from Boulder Taphouse’s location. Rulli said while his upcoming restaurant has a different concept than other restaurants in the area, he is going to compete with them with low prices in an area he thinks will draw significant traffic. “People come (to South Duff Avenue) to make life happen on the weekends,” he said. “That’s kind of an opulent place to be.” Boulder Taphouse is expecting to hire 50 waiters, 25 to 30 cooks and managers for part- and full-time positions, Rulli said. The restaurant’s Ames location appears to be the first in a line of expansions around Iowa. Rulli, who is currently based in the Twin Cities, said he’s relocating his family to Ankeny as he prepares to expand the franchise in the state. “We passed up on a lot of opportunities to be in Ames for our next location in Iowa, and we’re really excited to be there,” he said.

The Iowa Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers has presented its Distinguished Service to Iowa Agriculture Award to Iowa State University Emeritus Professor Thomas Fenton. Fenton received the award at the February annual meeting of the Iowa Chapter of ASFMRA held in Ames. The award recognizes persons who have made significant contributions to Iowa agriculture. Fenton was recognized for

his agronomy work, specifically his leadership developing the Corn Suitability Ratings (CSR) in Iowa. These soil productivity rating have become the standard used to value soils in Iowa. The Iowa Chapter of ASFMRA provides $250 to the award recipient to donate to a designated charity or cause. Fenton is donating the funds to Food at First in Ames where he currently volunteers. Fenton worked in the Department of Agronomy at Iowa State University from 1961 to 2004 when he retired to the emeritus Professor status. He now is a private consultant, expert witness, and volunteer in the Ames area and is an ARCPACS Certified Professional Soil Scientist. During his career, Fenton has received numerous awards including the

ISU University Research Foundation Award, Elected Fellow, Soil Science Society of America, Elected Fellow, American Society of Agronomy, Past president of the Iowa Academy of Science, State of Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award, and the Dean of College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Award, Iowa State University for Extraordinary Contributions to Iowa State University. In addition, he has written and reviewed many academic journal articles and is well respected in agronomy circles. Fenton earned a bachelors of science degree in agriculture (with high honors) and a masters of science in soil morphology and genesis from the University of Illinois. He received his Ph.D. in soil science from Iowa State University.

6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

BUSINESS OF CUTS

New barbershop opens downtown By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

A new barber shop off Main Street aims to fill a gap in Ames’ ethnic hair market. Legends Barbershop, located on Kellogg Avenue between Main Street and Lincoln Way, opened last week. Owner Ben Clement began cutting hair at age 13 and operated a barbershop in Des Moines for 17 years. He moved to Ames last year to be closer to his daughter, an incoming freshman at Iowa State, and to his high school-age children who also intend to go to ISU. Clement said the shop is fulfilling demand in the local market for ethnic hair services, particularly among Cyclone football, basketball and wrestling players and coaches. Many of them would have to drive to Des Moines or their home cities to get straight razor shaves, beardwork, twists, dreadlocks and other services which were harder to find in Ames. Clement also plans to carry specialty hair products and supplies. “Ames has a lot of Great Clips and Supercuts, but those are mainly cosmetologists cutting where I’m more of an old school barber,” he said. Diversity is key to the shop, as Clement said he hopes to hire a black, white, Hispanic and Asian barbers to cater to a wide array of students and Ames residents by the time ISU begins classes again in August. He hopes to add a few more chairs to the shop over the next few years, but his ultimate goal is to create a welcoming atmosphere for every customer regardless of race or ethnicity. “I think in this day and age, especially in the big cities, that’s where barbershops are headed,” he said. “We cater to whatever walks through that door.”

Legends Barbershop owner Ben Clement, right, cuts employee Kevin Farado’s hair. Clement said several Iowa State University athl etes and coaches have come to him for specialty services they previously had to go to Des Moines to receive. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

JUNE 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 7

Chamber Update JUNE 2017

GOLF DAY

Mark your Calendars! It’s almost time for the Ames Chamber of Commerce Golf Day!

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ark your calendars, blow the dust off your clubs, and join us on Monday, June 26, 2017, for the Ames Chamber Annual Golf Day!

Golfers may sign up to play 18 holes at Ames Golf & Country Club. You may register your golf team online at www.ameschamber.com Cost is $500/foursome (non-members are eligible to play with Ames Chamber members). Sponsor a hole for 3UL]HV ZLOO EH DZDUGHG WR ¿UVW VHFRQG WKLUG places. All golfers receive the following with their paid registration: ‡/XQFK DW WKH JROI FRXUVH SULRU WR VKRWJXQ VWDUW ‡*ROI FDUW FDUWV IRXU VRPH

‡)DQWDVWLF QHWZRUNLQJ GXULQJ D JUHDW DIWHUQRRQ RXW RI WKH RI¿FH Event registration and lunch begin at 11:15 a.m. on June 26th, and the shotgun start is at 12:15 p.m. )RU LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ KRZ WR UHJLVWHU \RXU JROI WHDP RU how to become a Golf Day Sponsor, please contact Sarah Buss (232-2310).

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 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

LEADERCAST AMES 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, PC 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, PC 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.

Thanks to Sponsors and Attendees 7KLV \HDU V /HDGHUFDVW HYHQW ZDV RQFH again a huge success--thanks to all our sponsors and attendees who made this day of inspiration possible! Presented by WORKIVA, Gold Sponsor: ISU Athletics, Silver Sponsor: +DYHUNDPS 3URSHUWLHV /XQFK 6SRQVRU +\ 9HH /LQFROQ &HQWHU 7HFKQROogy Sponsor: Global Reach, Beverage Sponsor: Coca Cola/Atlantic Bottling, *LIW 6SRQVRU )DVW 6LJQV RI $PHV 3UL]H Sponsor: Iowa State University Bookstore

JUNE 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 9

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

AMES SEED CAPITAL

Group holds annual event, hosts Startup Showcase

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n Tuesday, April 18th Ames Seed &DSLWDO //& $6& KHOG LWV Annual Meeting at the Iowa State Center’s Scheman Building in Ames. While the ASC Annual Meeting continues to be a venue for investor member updates, the event has expanded to welcome a wider audience interested in learning about seed and angel investing in Ames, Story County, and central Iowa. This year over 380 guests attended the ASC Annual Meeting, selling out for the second year in a row. Past President Jeff Taylor opened the meeting, thanking those in attendance and commented, “The goal at Ames Seed Capital is to deliver you a good return on the dollars you have invested as we support the creation of companies and jobs that build value in our community and the surrounding Central Iowa area.â€? Keynote speakers for the event included Peter Wilkins, Managing Director of Hyde 3DUN $QJHOV LQ &KLFDJR DQG /W *RYHUQRU Kim Reynolds. Both of the speakers discussed what is being done in central Iowa to encourage entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem, DQG WKH\ ERWK DJUHHG WKDW WKHUH LV D VLJQLÂżFDQW growth in entrepreneurial activity in the MidZHVW %RWK /W *RYHUQRU 5H\QROGV DQG 0U Wilkins agree that public-private partnerships are critical for us to continue to see positive growth of entrepreneurial activity in our area. The meeting drew to a close with a few remarks about the positive returns continually shown by ASC, distributing more than 2.75 million dollars to investors since November 2013. ASC President Dan Murray closed the meeting by announcing that ASC has begun planning to ODXQFK )XQG JLYLQJ DFFUHGLWHG LQYHVWRUV DQ opportunity to get involved in ASC in the near

future. Those interested in becoming investors should contact Ron Hallenbeck at the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Immediately following the ASC Annual 0HHWLQJ ZDV WKH ÂżUVW HYHU ,RZD (QWUHSUHQHXU and Startup Showcase, which featured entrepreneurs from all over the state of Iowa and approximately 150 individuals and investors. The level of activity at this event bears witness to the fact that Ames, Iowa is one of the best places to be for entrepreneurs and investors alike in the Midwest. It was not very long ago that entrepreneurs would move away from places like Iowa for the East or West coast in order to raise money for their business. Today, however, we are seeLQJ WKDW VWDUWXSV DUH ÂżQGLQJ JUHDW VXFFHVV LQ WKH Midwest, thanks to great cost of living, Midwest work ethic, and now access to capital. Success stories such as Workiva, HarrisvacFLQHV 1HZ/LQN *HQHWLFV DQG PDQ\ PRUH DOO lend credibility to the fact that Ames is a place where startups and entrepreneurs thrive. As more entrepreneurs are choosing to call central Iowa home, Ames Seed Capital is uniquely positioned to be a major player in the booming startup economy of the Midwest. This is why we hear on a weekly basis from venture capitalists and investors in Des Moines, Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, and Omaha. Those familiar with the world of angel and venture capital investing are all highly interested in partnering with Ames Seed Capital, because the startups that come through Ames are among the best in the nation. There has never been a better time to be in Ames for entrepreneurs and investors, and we are very excited to see what the future holds IRU XV KHUH DW $PHV 6HHG &DSLWDO //&

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Ames Chamber and AfďŹ liate staff ‡ Dan Culhane, President and CEO

‡ John Hall, Director, Business Development & Marketing

‡ Peter Ampe, Director, Project Management ‡ Sarah Buss, Director, Sponsorship and Membership Events ‡ Karin Chitty, Campustown Action Association Executive Director ‡ Edana Delagardelle, Event Coordinator, Main Street Cultural District ‡ %UHQGD 'U\HU Director, Workforce Solutions & Story County Community Outreach ‡ Lauren Frandsen, Director, Communications & Marketing

‡ Ron Hallenbeck, Executive Vice President ‡Kelly Hendrick, Client Services Coordinator ‡ Cindy Hicks, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director ‡ Amy Howard, 9LFH 3UHVLGHQW )LQDQFH 2SHUDWLRQV ‡ Drew Kamp, Director, Business Retention/Expansion & Government Relations ‡Lojean Petersen $PHV 0DLQ 6WUHHW )DUPHUVœ 0DUNHW 0DQager ‡Jan Williams, Director, External Business Relations

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10 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Washington D.C. trip

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rom Tuesday, May 16th – Thursday, May 18th a diverse Ames and Story County delegation composed of business, community, and institutional leaders met with and lobbied our federal delegation, the White House, and select federal agencies during the 2017 Ames Chamber of ComPHUFH :DVKLQJWRQ ' & )O\ ,Q Along with Chamber staff, the Ames delegation included representatives from the City of Ames, Story County, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Renewable (QHUJ\ *URXS $PHV )RUG /LQFROQ +XQ]LNHU $VVRFLDWHV *OREDO 9HW/LQN DQG WKH 2I¿FH RI &RQJUHVVPDQ 6WHYH .LQJ The Chamber’s federal priorities highlighted the issues of tax policy, health policy, trade and exports, agriculture and bioscience, renewable chemical production and biorenewables, animal health and veterinary medicine, education and workforce development, transportation and infrastructure, energy and the environment, and key provisions of Congress’

continuing resolution and President 7UXPS¶V SURSRVHG )< EXGJHW The 2017 Trip once again provided an excellent opportunity to share the successes of Ames and Story County, as well as identify ways to build upon those successes moving forward. A website containing all pertinent trip information can be seen at: http:// eventmobi.com/accdc/. The Ames Chamber of Commerce thanks Converse Conditioned Air, Des Moines Area Community College, )LUVW 1DWLRQDO %DQN 0LGODQG 3RZHU Cooperative, Renewable Energy Group, and Workiva for their support DV 7DNLQJ /HDGHUVKLS 6SRQVRUV The Chamber also thanks Des Moines Area Community College for their generous sponsorship of our 2017 Congressional Reception. Without the continued support of our sponsors, the Ames Chamber of Commerce would not be able to provide great events and opportunities such as this.

Legislative After Hours

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lease join your fellow Ames Chamber of Commerce members DQG RXU HVWHHPHG 6WDWH /HJLVODWRUV IRU WKH 6LQH 'LH /HJLVlative After Hours. Tuesday, May 30th 5:00pm - 7:00 pm Alluvial Brewing Company 3715 West 190th Street Ames, IA 50014

THANK YOU TO OUR 2017 INNER CIRCLE SPONSORS

J U N E 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 | JUNE 2017

June calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1

Friday

2

Saturday

3 5 p.m.: Art Walk (MSCD)

8am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

3 p.m.: Summerfest (CAA)

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 8am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

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

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

22

23

24

29

30

8:30 a.m.: Business Builder (C)

Summer Intern Event

18

19

20

21

11:45 a.m.: YPA Lunch & Learn (YPA)

Chamber & AEDC Boards

Father’s Day

25

26

27 4:30 p.m.: American Family Insurance Angela Laughlin (R/C)

2017 Golf Day

28

8am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street) 8am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

4:30 p.m.: Bankers Trust (BAH)

Summer Intern Event

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

AMES MAIN STREET

FARMERS’

MARKET

MAIN STREET SATURDAYS FREE FAMILY FUN LIVE MUSIC COOKING CONTESTS LOCAL PRODUCE

12 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | J U N E 2 0 1 7

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting

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f your business has completed a major remodeling project, moved to a new location, changed ownership, or reached a milestone, you need to take advantage of the Chamber’s Ribbon Cutting service that brings members and the media to you. With each Ribbon Cutting, your business will be exposed to the Ames community and Story County. Event photos of your Ribbon Cutting will be published in the Chamber’s Weekly E-mail Update and the Ames Business Monthly. A Ribbon Cutting is a great way to invite people to your location and showcase your business.

Ames Christian School 925 S 16th Street

Not only does this opportunity get people to your place of business, but it offers a unique networking environment in addition to some great marketing. So what are you waiting for? Contact Jan Williams at jan@ameschamber.com or call 232-2310, to schedule your Ribbon Cutting today!

✂ Atlantic Bottling Company 106 Alexander Ave.

J U N E 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 | JUNE 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 Adam Brungardt, Americann & County Suites/Ames 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 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 Tom Haggas, Cheshire Moon Films Sherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real Estate Ashley Howe, Xpanxion Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate Michelle King, The Krell Institute Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union Paul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Danielle Minde, EXIT Realty Brandon Mumm, Ames Tribune David Orth, Spirited Giving Matthew Pacha, Hy-Vee Lincoln Center Mike Peckis, Sam’s Club Sarah Powers, RE/MAX Real Estate Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Tim Rasmussen, Flooring America 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 Patricia Wheeler,Waterford of Ames Michelle Wild, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau

Habitat for Humanity 402 E Lincoln Way

Hyland Shoe Repair 301 Kellogg Ave.

14 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | J U N E 2 0 1 7

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

C HA M B E R

Welcome, new Ames Chamber members Martin Marietta, suppliers of crushed stone used for the

MEMBERS Thank you to the following members who have donated 10 percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects:

American Family Insurance, Johathan Fuhs Cadeus Behavioral Health Family Chiropractic & Wellness Houck Transit Advertising Merck Animal Health Midland Power Synergy Counseling & Consultation, LLC The Waterford 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.

construction of highways, bridges and other infrastructure, commercial or residential projects, are located at 831 E Riverside Road. Visit their website at www.martinmarietta.com for more information!

One Source, the Background Check Company, offers preemployment background screening products and services to various industries throughout the country. They provide competitive pricing, customization and technology for your business. Contact them at www.onesourcebackground.com for more information.

CampusCycle, located at 3515 Lincoln Way, #104, offers beat-driven spin classes along with boutique athletic retail. They provide high energy, high intensity workouts to ensure you’ll break a sweat! Ride fast, ride strong, and ride fun! Stop in or visit them at www.campuscycleames.com for more information.

Great Plain Diesel Technologies, is a start-up engineering development company specializing in common-rail fuel delivery systems for diesel engines. Their products improve diesel fuel economy and reduce in-cylinder formation of emissions across the world. For more information, visit www.greatplainsdieseltechnologies.com.

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).

J U N E 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 15

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Calling All Area Summer Interns!

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he 2017 “See Yourself in Ames Summer Intern Programâ€? events have been announced. Please SODQ WR MRLQ XV IRU WKHVH IXQ ÂżOOHG events that highlight the Ames and surrounding Story County area. These events are geared to be a both a networking and growth opportunity for those that parWLFLSDWH $// (9(176 $5( )5(( 72 ATTEND! Please register at www.ameschamber. com: see EVENTS tab. May 31st – “Kick Off Eventâ€?, Coach Matt Campbell 5:00 pm registration, 5:30-7:00 pm Dinner & Program June 14th – “Building Your Brandâ€? Event co-sponsored with the Greater Des Moines Partnership Buses will depart from Ames at 4:30 pm and return by 8:00 pm. Dinner & program provided Brenton Skating Plaza / 520 Robert D. Ray Drive – Des Moines

June 21st – “Successful Career /DXQFK´ $GDP &DUUROO 5:00 pm registration, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner & Program City Church of Ames & Des Moines / 2400 Oakwood Road, Ames July 12th – ISU Research Park Event 5:00 pm registration, 5:30 – 7:00 pm Dinner & Program 1805 Collaboration Place, Suite 1250, ISU Research Park July 26th – “Civic Engagementâ€?, Zach 0DQQKHLPHU )RXQGHU RI WKH '0 6RFLDO Club) 5:00 pm registration, 5:30-7:00 pm Dinner & Program Reiman Gardens / 1407 S University Blvd Thank you to this year’s Workforce Solutions program sponsors (as of 5.12.2017)

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16 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | J U N E 2 0 1 7

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

Young Professionals of Ames

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et involved with Young Professionals of Ames for opportunities to build and foster relationships though:

90! %XCELLENCE !WARD Jessica is incredibly deserving of this quarter’s YPA Excellence award! She was recently recruited to lead the Marketing Department at Haverkamp Properties, having previously worked in PDUNHWLQJ DW 0F)DUODQG &OLQLF 6KH KDV also achieved excellence in the area of community service, actively involved at Christ Community Church singing on the praise team. As president of Young Professionals of Ames, she has volunteered many hours for the good of the organization and the Ames community. Thank you, Jessica, for positively representing YPA in your workplace and community!

s,EADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT s0ROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT s#OMMUNITY /UTREACH s#ULTURAL AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Visit www.ypames.com to learn more and join us!

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Powered by Purpose. Purpose is what GHÂżQHV XV GULYHV XV DQG HPSRZHUV XV ,Q /HDGHUFDVW H[SORUHG ZKDW FDQ happen when teams and individuals are connected by purpose: a strong organizational culture with international leadership that inspires extraordinary results.

Jessica Mortvedt

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&ACEBOOK 'ROUP FOR 90! -EMBERS )LQG WKH *URXS RQ )DFHERRN titled “Members of Young Professionals of Ames� (or click this link https://www.facebook.com/ groups/446105219056876/) and request to join. In this setting, we hope to facilitate even greater communication within our member base. Please utilize the Group to post questions, look for fellow members attending an upcoming event, and start discussions on shared interests.

Marketing Committee: Members of this committee help promote YPA events and opportunities by managing the YPA website, social media, press releases, email updates, and more. Social Committee: The YPA Social Committee coordinates events and provides opportunities for YPA members and guests to come together to network and socialize.

Jessica Mortvedt, President, Haverkamp Properties Nathan Buss, Past-President, VisionBank Megan Vollstedt, PresidentElect, Workiva Charmian Stewart, Hilton Garden Inn Ames Taylor Hopper, Fox Engineering Heather Johnson, Octagon Adam Halbur, Grandgenett Family Dental Jason Mortvedt, Kinzler Construction Bri Anderson, Ames Public Library Justin Moorman, Moorman Clothiers Megan Filipi, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Chamber Liaison/Staff: Sarah Buss, Ames Chamber of Commerce

Thank you to our 2017 YPA sponsors

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#OMMITTEES

2017 YPA Board

YPA’s Thursday After Work (ThAW) events provide a great opportunity for networking and socializing with other young professionals! Join us for our next ThAW! For details about the date and the location, visit www.ypames.com, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

-EET A -EMBER 0HJDQ )LOLSL <3$ 0DUNHWLQJ &RPPLWWHH &R &KDLU Sales & Services Coordinator, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau What do you like most about YPA? “YPA is a great way to expand your network and get your name out into the community. Whether you are looking to increase your client base, grow your career with professional development opportunities, or just make friends, YPA has something for everyone.�

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 U N E 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 | JUNE 2017

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

ArtWalk Event Expands Beyond Main Street

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very year the Ames Main Street Cultural District (MSCD) ArtWalk event turns Main Street into a multi-venue art gallery. This year you will want to wear your comfortable walking shoes because the event will take you down a few side streets in addition to Main Street. Art:DON LV VHW IRU )ULGD\ -XQH IURP WR 8 p.m. “We have expanded the event to include more businesses and artists in the downtown area,â€? said Cindy Hicks, Executive Director of the MSCD. “We will feature venues from 6th Street to Main Street as well as Kellogg, Douglas and Clark.â€? The event, presented by Stoltze and 6WROW]H )DPLO\ 'HQWLVWU\ ZLOO RIIHU D VHOI guided walking tour of downtown which will take you to more than 60 artists and the businesses hosting them. There will EH GLVSOD\V IURP :KHDWVÂżHOG &R RS RQ the west side of downtown to live music at Band Shell Park on the east side. “We not only want participants to enjoy all the artwork showcased across the district, we also want them to go home as artists themselves,â€? said Hicks. There will be several opportunities for spectators to make art including children’s activities in the 400 block of Kellogg hosted by Youth Standing Strong (YSS) in honor of their 40th anniversary in Ames. In addition, Depot Deli will offer sidewalk chalk art for kids. Della Viti will host a paint and sip for adults. Other events include the unveiling of the new public piano in Tom Evans Park and the kick-off of the 2017-18 season of the Ames Public Art Commission’s Neighborhood Sculpture Program, which makes art more accessible to the entire

The seven sculptures, which make up the Neighborhood Sculpture program, each have a plaque next to it that includes information about the artist and the name of the piece on display. Those sculptures are located at: Ă‚ 'XII DQG 0DLQ Âą /HWWLQJ *R E\ Judd Nelson ¡ Main and Clark – Improbable Balance by Joe Malesky ¡ 5th and Clark – In Bloom by Sean Heldt ¡ Main and Burnett – Dance Diagram by Kristin Garnant ¡ Douglas and Main (north) – Into the Maelstrom by Craig Snyder ¡ Douglas and Main (south) – )DUPHU %\ /DZUHQFH 6WDUFN Ă‚ $PHV 3XEOLF /LEUDU\ Âą %DODQFH by Steven Olszewski The sculptures are selected each year by a jury and will stay in place for about a year. The Main Street Cultural District was established on January 1, 2004. Its mission is to advance and promote downtown as the destination district in the heart of our community. To keep updated on MSCD happenings follow the Main 6WUHHW &XOWXUDO 'LVWULFW RQ )DFHERRN DQG on Instagram, bookmark www.Ames'RZQWRZQ RUJ RU FRQWDFW RXU RIÂżFH DW 06&' LV DQ DIÂżOLDWH organization of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.

community by bringing it outside. “When you combine the beauty of the DOO WKH Ă€RZHUV WKDW DUH QRZ EORRPLQJ RQ Main Street with the unique sculpture art,

you have an outdoor oasis right here in downtown Ames,� Hicks said. “It makes shopping and dining in downtown Ames an experience like none other.�

Thank you to these Artwalk Sponsors:

18 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | JUNE 2017

CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

J U N E 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 19

TECH AWARDS

Ames, GlobalVetLINK take home top honors at state tech awards By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

The city of Ames was named the state’s technology community of the year by the Technology Association of Iowa. The group held its 12th Prometheus Awards at the Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center in Des Moines to highlight the work being done by tech companies in the state over the past year. In accepting the award on behalf of the Ames delegation, Ames Chamber of Commerce President Dan Culhane thanked the city, Iowa State University, Story County and the local private sector for its collaborative efforts in recruiting technology companies. “Everyone’s in it together in Story County, and as a result of that, good things tend to happen,” he said after accepting the award. “This is just one more thing that validates the work of an awful lot of people.” Ames City Councilman Tim Gartin said the award was just the beginning of the city’s success in attracting technology to the area, but he believes that success will only come with continued efforts to attract business. “Our better days are ahead of us in Ames and this shows the potential,” he said. Brian Dieter, CEO of Mary Greeley Medical Center and board chairman of the Ames Economic Development Commission, said the award shows the city has a climate that promotes entrepreneurship, and residents starting their own businesses and collaborating with each other and ISU to

Members of the Ames delegation pose with the city’s Prometheus Award from the Technology Association of Iowa. The city won over Cedar Rapids, the Des Moines metro area, Spencer and Urbandale for the award. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

produce new products. “The entire community should be feel that they are able to celebrate as one,” he said. Ames beat out Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, the Des Moines metro area, Spencer and Urbandale for the community of the year award. Ames-based animal health

company GlobalVetLINK took home two awards as the agricultural technology company and small- to mid-size company of the year. GlobalVetLINK CEO Cliff Smith said he was honored to win the award and credited the company’s employees for its success. Smith said the awards should help the company’s efforts in

recruiting employees. He said the company doubled its staff, which worked 60 to 70 hours a week and weekends to make sure the company met a new regulation that took effect this year. “All that extra effort people put in, this helps them feel proud looking back, that meant something,” he said.

Cedar Falls,

Smith also said the award helps solidify the company’s reputation among those it looks to recruit. The Technology Association of Iowa is a member-driven advocacy group focusing on attracting and supporting tech companies in the state.

20 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

RETIREMENT

Dentist Hobt retires after serving Nevada community for 33 years By Marlys Barker Nevada Journal

It was quite an honor for Dr. Daniel Hobt when retired longtime Nevada dentist Dr. Don Hale walked in the door on April 8. That’s because Hobt was celebrating his own retirement at an open house, which was full of people with a line waiting to greet him, and Hale was certainly someone he has respected. “He (Hale) was so much help when I came in,” Hobt said. “He was the kind of person who was an example of what I wanted to follow.” Hobt has run his dentistry office in Nevada for 33 years. He’s been practicing dentistry for 37 total years, graduating from college in 1980. “I opened in Nevada by the post office in 1984,” he said. He moved to his most recent location on Seventh Street in 1995. When asked about retirement, Hobt said he and his wife Nancy will stay in Nevada. He hasn’t thought greatly about what he’ll do with his time, but said he certainly wants to enjoy it. He hopes he can spend time with his two grandsons, who live in

Denver, Colo., as much as possible. The Hobts have two daughters, one living in Denver, and the other living in Polk City. Hobt said he has enjoyed practicing in Nevada, and when asked what he liked most about the community, his answer was quick and sincere. “ Without a doubt, just talking to the people,” he said. If he didn’t have to do dentistry for anyone, he said, he would have just loved to sit and visit with those who came to his practice. He’s also been very appreciative of his staff, two of whom will stay on with the new dentistry office, Summit Family Dental, which has an office in Ankeny and now in Nevada. The Journal will feature a story soon on the new dentists who are practicing with Summit. One of Hobt’s longtime staff members, dental hygienist Lynne Wilkinson, who has been with him 20 years and been in her profession for a total of 36 years, is also retiring and was honored along with Hobt at the open house. Wilkinson said she was ready to give up her dental career and hopes to find another type of work to do now, but isn’t sure yet what that will be.

GrandStay Hotel recognized for customer service

Dr. Daniel Hobt, second from left, was honored for 33 years of dentistry in Nevada (and 37 in all) at an open house on April 8. Also pictured are, from left, Lynne Wilkinson, retiring after 36 years as a dental hygienist (20 of them with Hobt) Hobt, and Dr. Don Hale, a retired Nevada dentist, and his wife, Henrietta. PHOTO BY MARLYS BARKER/NEVADA JOURNAL

By Tribune Staff

GrandStay Hotel & Suites in Ames was recognized for its customer service during a recent company conference in LaCrosse, Wis. The hotel, at 1606 S. Kellogg Ave., received the 2016 Every Guest — Every Time Customer Service Award during the hospitality company’s GM Education Forum.

According to a news release from the company, the award recognizes consistent high scores in guest surveys and through quality brand assurance evaluations. Jean McBreen, the general manager of the Ames hotel, accepted the award. Jon Kennedy, president of GrandStay Hospitality LLC, the franchisor of the hotel, said he is proud of the accomplishments

and work being done at the Ames hotel. “They strive every day to make the hotel feel like home to each and every guest that stays there,” Kennedy said. The theme of the recent conference was GRAND Awareness, and focused on strategies, tactics, procedures, concepts and knowledge used in marking, sales and service to enhance hotel and brand awareness, the news release stated.

J U N E 2 0 1 7 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 21

Fiduciary Rule: What is it and should I care?

CIAO’S

B The building at 217 S. Duff Ave. A Fort Dodge restaurant owner is planning to bring an Italian restaurant to the building in late May. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/ AMES TRIBUNE

New Italian restaurant coming to Duff Avenue By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

A Fort Dodge restaurateur is bringing a new Italian restaurant to Duff Avenue next month. Tony Avdiu, owner of the upcoming “Ciao’s” restaurant, took over the lease for 217 Duff Ave. in late February as part of expanding his businesses. He currently owns Napoli’s in Fort Dodge. “When I found out about the location over there, it was too good to let go,” he said. Avdiu said the restaurant’s menu isn’t yet set,

but expects to offer traditional Italian dishes with pasta, chicken and seafood. “It’s going to be a little bit of everything of Italian food,” he said. Avdiu is expecting to hire about 20 employees for Ciao’s opening date, scheduled for late May, although the exact date has not been determined. The building was formerly home to La Fuente restaurant, which closed suddenly late last December after 20 years in business, according to filings with the Iowa Secretary of State.

ackdoor payments, hidden fees, high commissions and loop holes in the rules — these were the conflicts of interest buried in the fine print of retirement account documents. The Department of Labor (DOL) was concerned investors were unaware these unspecified fees were eroding retirement savings. When the DOL issued their fiduciary rule, it was clear, when advising clients on retirement accounts, advisors would legally be considered fiduciaries. As fiduciaries, they would now be required by law to put their client’s best interest before their own interests at all times, and excess profits and loop holes would not stand. The advisor must provide disclosures before anything is signed including qualifications, range of fees, compensation and any conflicts of interest. Australia and the United Kingdom implemented a similar rule and it provides a nice case study. While conflicts of interest are being eliminated and transparency has increased in these countries, some advisors were forced out or chose to leave the profession. Consumers, however, feel the quality of service has risen in the countries as a result of this rule. “Wait, my advisor is a really, really nice guy. Surely he is working in only my best interest.” Honestly, it is hard to tell who is a fiduciary and who is not, but you need to care and understand the difference. There are a couple of ways to discern whether your advisor is a broker or a fiduciary. On the broker’s business card or website, it might read

Nathan Brammer something like, “Products and Services offered by XYZ, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC.” Additionally, you should

also ask a few straight-forward questions of your current advisor or the advisor you are interviewing. 1.) Are you legally obligated to put my best interests ahead of yours? Then as a fiduciary, will you put that in writing? 2.) Will my account be an advisory account and not a brokerage account? 3.) Will you write down all the fees I would be paying, including any compensation that you and/or your firm would earn from this transaction? 4.) Are you a Fee-only advisor? A feeonly advisor cannot accept commissions and their only source of revenue is the fee they charge for advice and

investment management. Since brokers still charge commissions, they cannot hold themselves out as Feeonly. They will sometimes use the phrase “Fee-based,” but that is a very different story. The terms are similar so it can make it difficult to remember. The problem with “Fee-based” advisors is they can be working in an advisory capacity one day and the next put on their brokerage or insurance hat and sell you something to earn a commission. If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” pause, consider your options, and make sure you understand what you are getting and what fees you are paying. NATHAN D. BRAMMER MBA, AIF is a Principal and Investment Advisor at Marrs Wealth Management. He can be reached at Nate@ marrswealthmanagement. com.

22 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

JJ’S STATION

Zearing welcomes new business By Marlys Barker Nevada Journal

Eric Weuve, of McCallsburg, was paying his bill at the register after enjoying a meal at Mammy’s Cafe, which is part of the new business, JJ’s Station, that opened in April at the north edge of Zearing. “I remember back when it was PJ’s. I’d come before school with Dad and we’d have a doughnut and he’d take me to school,” Weuve said. It’s been awhile since the building that housed PJ’s Cafe and Reece’s Cenex station and convenience store has had anything going on inside it. The business was still a fuel service station with card payment for a time, according to its new owners, but there wasn’t much that went on inside until now. Josh and Jennifer Thomason, of Hubbard, are the new owners of JJ’s Station, which will house a restaurant, Mammy’s Cafe; a convenience store with a camping supplies area; a filling station; and in the near future, a Jeep dealership, Just Jeeps, which will have an articulation track located just east of the building. The Thomasons — who have four young children (Jonah, Joslyn, Justus and Josiah); three older children (Paige, Brendon and Bowen); and two granddaughters (Chloee and Lily) — have spent a lot of their time in Zearing, as members of Zearing’s Cornerstone Church of Christ and lovers of the Dakin’s Lake campground, and they often drove by the vacant building, wondering about whether it could be re-opened. “We started by making an offer in September 2016,” Jennifer said. They soon found out that the property wasn’t zoned properly from day one. “So we had to go through a lengthy rezoning process,” she said. Jennifer said the city of

Members of the Thomason family, owners of JJ’s Station at the north edge of Zearing, gather around Mayor Edwina Formanek-Amundson, who welcomed the business to the community on April 22. PHOTO BY MARLYS BARKER/NEVADA JOURNAL

Zearing was very helpful with that process. The property, she said, technically is just outside of the city of Zearing’s limits, but the couple had support from local people who sent more than 100 letters to the county board of supervisors, asking them to rezone the property to allow the business to open. Jennifer said Martin Herr, of the Zearing City Council, and Marty Chitty, of the Story County Board of Supervisors, were two very helpful public officials in making things happen.

Eventually, the Thomasons are hoping to have the property annexed by the city of Zearing. For now, they are celebrating that their business could finally open, and that happened with a three-day grand opening event, April 21-23. “We love camping and love going to Dakin’s Lake — we went on a rainy weekend once and there was nowhere to go eat,” Jennifer said. They feel their station, with its restaurant, will give campers and others who are utilizing the Dakin’s Lake area a place where

they can grab a meal. It will also give people with big campers a large area at their station’s pumps to pull up and refuel. On the restaurant side of things, Jennifer’s mom, Linda, will serve as manager and daytime cook, while Jennifer will cook in the evenings, and eventually another cook may be brought into the mix. “My whole childhood, she (Linda) worked in a cafeteria setting,” said Jennifer, who is actually a licensed nurse. Her husband, Josh, is also a medical professional, having worked

with organ donation. This is the first time the couple will be self-employed. Over the weekend, Jennifer’s dad, Ernie, was manning the cash register, and the couple’s three children were on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting. It was very much a family environment. Another thing that is important to Jennifer is that the restaurant and convenience store sell as many local and Iowa products as they can. “We’re selling Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy Milk, which is nonhomogenized and comes out of Hudson,” she said. “We will sell local beef and pork that is nonantibiotic, and we will have cheese from Picket Fence Creamery by Woodward.” Along with local products, Jennifer said the restaurant will have a mix of her mom’s oldstyle, down-home cooking, and her more modern twists. And the menu will offer vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options. While they wish it could have been rolled out at the same time, the part of the business Josh will be primarily responsible for is Just Jeeps, a dealership that will open the weekend of Zearing Days (in July) with a big celebration event, Jennifer said. On Saturday, April 22, the Thomason family was joined by a number of local residents and family members, along with a few city of Zearing representatives, including Mayor Edwina Formanek-Amundson, to celebrate their grand opening with a ribbon cutting. “The city’s been awesome and the people have been amazing. They’ve just come out of the woodwork to help,” Jennifer said. JJ’s Station, with 24/7 pumps and convenience store, will be open from 6 to 11 a.m. daily. The restaurant will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and will open at noon on Sundays.

JUNE 2017 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 23

BRIMEYER

The importance of not knowing Start by hiring autonomous thinkers and grow them into confident decision makers and problem solvers

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bout ten years ago I attended a short training session over breakfast. I don’t recall the topic or the speaker being especially effective, but one visual image presented stuck with me. The presenter used a black-and-white photo of a rowing crew taken 50 to 60 years ago as an analogy for the workplace of the past. The crew leader shouts instructions via a megaphone. The course is so predictable that the leader isn’t even facing forward. The crew requires a limited skillset … the ability to follow instructions and to apply muscle to an oar to propel the racing shell through a static course. (My apologies to competitive rowing members; I’m sure it’s a bit more complicated than that.) For the current workplace the presenter suggested a photo of a twoperson kayak negotiating perilous white water. The situation changes constantly. The roar of the water makes all but perhaps one-word communication impossible. This crew must be able to assess an ever-changing situation, adapt, and work together to apply both navigation and propulsion skills to the craft. So how do we develop

Rick Brimeyer kayakers instead of rowers? Start by hiring autonomous thinkers and grow them into confident decision makers and problem solvers. The latter requires that we provide opportunities to solve problems. That means we need to stop solving every problem ourselves. One of the most important decisions an organization has to make is to determine whose decision is it to make. Two bad things happen when leaders make decisions and solve problems that should be performed by the people reporting to them. First, and most obviously, we’re hindering the development of our employees. We’re essentially placing a glass ceiling above them, one associated with their reporting structure rather than their demographic. Second, by default we’re not working on the things we should be. These ignored duties are less urgent but almost always strategic and thus important to the long term health of the organization. By overlooking these responsibilities we place a ceiling on the organization,

in effect ensuring the status quo … or worse. The transition from Super Solver to Curiosity Coach is not easy. Fellow Lean consultant Beau Keyte makes the distinction of “who owns the thinking?” When a supervisor directs, analyzes, corrects or suggests, they own the thinking. Conversely, when a supervisor asks the right questions — not to lead the employee to the supervisor’s conclusion — but rather to increase the employee’s awareness or understanding, the employee owns the thinking. Here’s an example of how that might look: Employee: The automatic sliding door on my minivan stopped working. Supervisor: Hmm. That’s annoying … those things are pretty handy when you have your arms full of groceries or kids. I wonder why. Employee: Well, it doesn’t matter if I use the key fob, the door handle or the dashboard switch so it’s not that. I cleaned out the tracks. There were a few Cheerios down there but nothing that should have jammed it. Supervisor: Those are good things to check. Are there some other easy things you might try? Employee: Well … I suppose I should check the fuse. That’s easy. Supervisor: Yeah, good idea. Employee (later): The fuse was blown. I replaced it and two days later the door stopped working again and I had another

blown fuse. Supervisor: It sounds like we’re getting closer. I wonder why the fuse keeps blowing? Employee: The only other thing on the circuit is the air conditioner compressor. Supervisor: Only one other thing? That’s lucky! How can we figure out for sure whether it’s the door or the compressor? Employee: Fortunately, fuses are dirt cheap. I can activate each independently and see which one blows the fuse. I just thought of something … both of the times the door

stopped working was after I ran the defroster which uses the compressor. Supervisor: I’ll be curious to how your test goes. Employee: Well, the compressor consistently blew the fuse. I did a little internet research on my minivan and it’s pretty common for the compressor bearings to go out at 80,000 miles. I have 85,000. I got under the hood and yanked on the pulley and could even sense some play. Supervisor: So your door isn’t working because your compressor bearings

are bad. Who would have thought? Nice job! The value is in asking the right questions. In addition to growing people, it’s actually liberating to not have to be the answer machine. 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.

24 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | JUNE 2017

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