October Ames Business Monthly - 2016

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AB AMES BUSINESS

MONTHLY

SHELDON MUNN FACADE TO BE RESTORED TO ORIGINAL DESIGN SEE PAGE 5

O C T O B E R 2016

October Chamber Update

MUCKY DUCK PUB TO OFFER DOG-FRIENDLY PATIO SEE PAGE 21

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2 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

2 ISU students to open Chinese noodle restaurant next year

6 Companies form joint ag tech accelerator for central Iowa

3 Knapp Tedesco celebrates 90 years in Ames

7 October Chamber Update

4 Local entrepreneurs look to reinvent the foam finger

AMES BUSINESS

5 Sheldon Munn facade to be restored to original design

MONTHLY OCTOBER 2016

6 Driverless tractor unveiled at Farm Progress Show

19 Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer named 2016 Retailer of the Year 20 Brimeyer 21 Mucky Duck Pub to offer dog-friendly patio 23 Shield Comics reopens after founder’s semi-retirement

Vol. 9, No. 10 AMES TRIBUNE Ames Business Monthly is a publication of the Ames Tribune, 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010; (515) 232-2160.

RESTAURANT

ISU students to open Chinese noodle restaurant next year By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

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husband-wife duo of ISU students are laying the groundwork for a new noodle restaurant in southeast Ames. Shuyu Wang, an ISU senior, and her husband, Lu Li, a recent graduate, broke ground Aug. 30 for Grandpa Noodle Gallery, a Chinese fusion restaurant with handmade noodles derived from recipes in their native China. In particular, they’re getting input from Wang’s father, who emigrated from his home country to be closer to Wang, Li and their young child. Wang said the restaurant’s menu isn’t fully set, but the core of the menu will be around the noodle recipe, which she said will be made in the front of the restaurant for customers

to see. She also expects to fuse Chinese cooking styles with other culinary traditions, a practice she heard about from a childhood friend living in Sydney, Australia, where those types of restaurants are popular. Wang will graduate with a finance degree next spring, while Li has an engineering degree. She said their decision to open a restaurant was rooted in their love of their homeland’s food. “My husband really loves cooking, so we’re going to do that,” she said. The couple has been planning to open the restaurant since at least last fall. Jim Patton, an Ames retiree and volunteer with the Small Business Development Corporation, said the couple came to him with very little understanding of how to start a business in the U.S. because of the differences in American and Chinese

business culture. “I learned as much about China as they learned about the U.S.,” he said. After several months of coaching from the SBDC, Patton said the couple had secured a lawyer, architect and the capital needed to open their restaurant. They’re also working towards securing a permanent business visa, which Patton said comes from making local investments in the business and hiring a certain number of employees. Wang expects Grandpa Noodle Gallery to open shortly after their building’s construction is complete sometime next March or April. But she and her husband are more than willing to wait in town while their business comes up. “We really, really love Ames,” she said. “We plan to stay in Ames for the rest of our lives.”

Shuyu Wang, right, and her husband, Lu Li, broke ground Aug. 30 for Grandpa Noodle Gallery, a Chinese fusion restaurant with handmade noodles derived from recipes in their native China. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 3

INSURANCE

Knapp Tedesco celebrates 90 years in Ames By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

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napp Tedesco, an insurance company founded and based in Ames by some of the city’s historic figures, recently celebrated its 90 year anniversary. The company was founded in 1926, when Seaman Knapp II, the son of former Iowa State University president Seaman Knapp I, started Knapp Insurance in town. Later, in 1951, Ted Tedesco, former owner of Tedesco Insurance and later mayor of Ames from 1998 to 2006, merged the two companies into what is now Knapp Tedesco. Tedesco ran the company until 2001, when Brian Anderson, a former cement truck driver who started off at Knapp Tedesco as a part-time clerk as worked his way into co-ownership, took

over the business. Anderson retired in 2014 after selling the company to current owner Steve Goodhue in 2012. When asked about the changes he’s seen in Ames more than six decades, Anderson said the biggest change has been the explosion in ISU student growth. When he graduated in 1973, ISU had just over 19,000 students, according to the ISU Factbook. In 2015, the University had 35,001 students on its rolls. The increase in students, along with expansion of interstates into the city, brought more business into the city and grew Knapp Tedesco’s customer base in Ames, Gilbert and around Iowa. “When I started in 1972, we had three employees,” Anderson said. Knapp Tedesco now has 13 employees. “When Ames grew, we grew,” he said. The other major change Anderson witnessed while overseeing Knapp Tedesco was the impending domination of electronics in the insurance industry. Using computers made the business so efficient, he said, that when two employees retired around the same time, the company didn’t have to bring in new hires to fill their roles. The company held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting outside its building, at 627 Main St., on Sept. 13.

Former Knapp Tedesco owners Ted Tedesco, center, holding scissors, and Brian Anderson, far right, celebrate the opening of their new location at 414 Northwestern Avenue in Ames Aug. 4, 1978. Knapp Tedesco celebrated its 90th anniversary last. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

4 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

INVENTIONS

Local entrepreneurs look to reinvent the foam finger By Dan Mika

Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

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group of Ames residents is looking to re-define the foam finger with a few key adjustments, potentially changing the way stadiums and schools for the deaf look. Karen Mills created “The Foam 5,” a foam finger toy with punched holes where the knuckles would be, with her husband after researching its history. She said the foam finger was originally designed by Steve Chemlar, a student at Ottumwa High School, built out of paper mache in 1971 for the Iowa boy’s state basketball finals. A few years later, a company in Texas took Chemlar’s design and put it into foam form, and the general design of the foam finger has remained about the same for more than 40 years. Mills said she and her husband decided to figure out a way to make a foam finger that can reproduce almost any gesture they’d like. “45 years is a long time for a novelty product to be on the market,” she said. “We want to take it to the next level.” Foam 5 received the first shipment of its fingers shortly after securing a provisional patent in June. It began selling its wares at the Ames High School athletic kick-off, where it donated $5 of each sale to the booster club, and is selling outside other sporting events around Iowa

Foam 5 co-owner Mike Peterson shows offa thumbs-up he made out of his company’s product. The “Foam 5” lets customers make gestures by folding fingers in small cutouts where the foam hand’s knuckles would be. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

right now. Mills said the company is in negotiations with Learfield Sports, a company that manages copyrights for Iowa State University and more than 100 other colleges in the United States, to secure the rights to place collegiate logos on their foam fingers. When Foam 5 approached the University of Northern Iowa about placing the Panthers’ logo on their product, UNI approved the request “within 24 hours,” she said. Ultimately, Mills said she wants Foam 5 to be available in team colors and logos for the NFL, MLB and almost every collegiate team in the country. “We want it anywhere a

foam finger would be,” she said. Foam 5 is also working on developing its product as a teaching aid for deaf schoolchildren. Foam 5 coowner Mike Peterson said he met with representatives from the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs for use in classrooms about three weeks ago. The Foam 5 can make about 90 percent of the gestures that make up American Sign Language, which could be useful for teaching young children basic signs. The school is pilot-testing Foam 5s in a limited amount of classrooms. If it requests more, Peterson said the company would provide them free of charge

as a philanthropy program. While on the subject of gestures, the Foam 5 designers weren’t able to figure out a way to prevent users from making the middle finger or other lewd signals with their product. Peterson said school officials and stadium security will kick anyone seen making a rude gesture out of the venue. The company does not condone inappropriate use of the product, and Peterson offers a personal plea to customers that want to display vulgarities. “What would your mother say?” he said. The Foam 5 sells for $15 per foam finger. For more information, visit www. thefoam5.com.

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 5

RENOVATION

Sheldon Munn facade to be restored to original design By Austin Harrington

Staff Writer aharrington@amestrib.com

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fter receiving a $75,000 facade grant awarded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority last fall, the Sheldon Munn is well underway to being returned to the original beauty that the building was first designed with 100 years ago. The Sheldon Munn was one of 14 projects to receive the grant that was given out to benefit local improvement projects such as facade upgrades and restoration, upper floor rehabilitation and remodeled spaces for expanding downtown businesses. John Lott, owner of the downtown Ames architectural firm Benjamin Design Collaborative, has owned the building since November 2014. According to Lott, a lot of the work has been completed but there is still plenty to do. “We’re a long way down the path of trying to stabilize the building, we’ve been remodeling the upper residential floors now for over a year,” Lott said. According to a press release that was issued at the time of the grant, the $4.5 million renovation plans for the Sheldon Munn include the massive undertaking of stabilizing the foundation, making $1 million in facade improvements, total renovation of the 56 apartments in the building, new HVAC systems in every apartment and renovation of the old Fire House Book Store. While working on the interior of the building to

prepare for future tenants, Lott said improving the storefronts is also a major focus of the project. That work got under way in early September. “Basically, we’re replacing the front facade of each storefront all the way around the building. It’s more than a simple facelift, we have to take the entire facade out.” According to Lott, the alterations to the facade are not just for beautification of the building. They also serve the purpose of increasing the buildings ability to fight leaks. Lott said the during renovations in the 1950s, the owner at the time didn’t waterproof the buildings and now he is going back and correcting that mistake. The Sheldon Munn Hotel was built in 1915, it stood four stories tall and had 72 guest rooms the day it opened. It also included a ballroom, a dining room, a four-chair barbershop and a large kitchen with six full-time chefs, according to the press release. Since that time, the building has switched ownership several times and was converted into low-income apartments. Lott said he hopes the facade work will be completed by the end of the year. “The overall project is still ongoing, there will be a few months after that. We’re coming close to a close but I can’t give you a pinned-down date,” Lott said. When it is finished, Lott said that some new businesses may move into the neighborhood, such as Pure Bridal.

“We want the building to be a viable part of the Main Street Cultural District,” Lott said. “This is stabilization to bring it back to a level that it can be fully utilized, fully rented and then able to move forward into its next life.” To accomplish that goal, Lott said the plans are to restore the building to what it looked like when it was first built, so that it keeps with the feel of the area. “The storefronts themselves are primarily going back to the way they were originally designed,” Lott said. “We found original drawings of the building when it was built,” And from those drawings, plans were made outlining what’s in store for the future of the Sheldon Munn. “There’s things that they did in 1915 that we can’t do today, that we don’t want to do today, so we made those changes, but primarily, this is going back to what it was,” Lott said. According to Lott, he has enjoyed working on the building because he respects the history and the character of the building, as well as the quality of its structure. “Because it does stand for what Ames is all about,” Lott said.

The $4.5 million renovation plans for the Sheldon Munn include the massive undertaking of stabilizing the foundation, and making $1 million in facade improvements. PHOTO BY NIRMALENDU MAJUMDAR/AMES TRIBUNE

6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AGRICULTURE

AGRICULTURE

Companies form joint ag tech accelerator for central Iowa By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

The cabless, driverless autonomous concept vehicle was unveiled by Case IH at the Farm Progress Show Tuesday. The Magnum tractor has the capability to perform various field tasks, such as planting or tilling, while being remotely supervised via desktop computer or tablet. PHOTO BY WHITNEY SAGER/BOONE NEWS-REPUBLICAN

Driverless tractor unveiled at Farm Progress Show By Whitney Sager

Boone News-Republican

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ase IH unveiled its driverless tractor at this year’s Farm Progress Show near Boone. The annual show, which rotates between Decatur, Ill., and the Central Iowa Expo grounds near Boone, draws about 160,000 people each year from across the U.S. and about 50 other countries to see the latest innovations in agriculture technology and practices. Among those new products, was Case IH’s new tractor, known as autonomous concept vehicle. The cabless Magnum tractor can be programmed to follow pre-planned paths in fields. It has the capability to pull a planter, tiller or perform “any task appropriate for a Magnum,” said Rob Zemenchik, Case IH crop production marketing manager. The tractor can come in handy especially during planting season, Zemenchik said, when there are often key times to get

seeds in the fields. Rather than farmers working a typical eight-hour day, the driverless tractor can be programmed to continue planting in the fields for longer periods of time while being remotely supervised via a tablet or desktop computer. The tractor uses radar, LiDAR (light imaging, detection and ranging) technology, as well as video cameras mounted on the front of the machine to detect obstacles that are in a field. When an object is identified, such as a large rock, for example, the tractor stops moving and an alert is sent to the tablet. The farmer or operator can then either tell the tractor to proceed, via the tablet or computer, or go remove the object in the field before the tractor continues on its path. The tractor will also stop if the manual stop button is pushed, or if the machine loses its GPS signal. The tractor can operate during the night or in dusty conditions, Zemenchik said.

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he Greater Des Moines Partnership is teaming up with the Cultivation Corridor and four agricultural and insurance companies to form an agriculture technology accelerator in central Iowa sometime next year. In a press conference at the Farm Progress Show near Boone in August, representatives from DuPont Pioneer, Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance, John Deere and land broker Peoples Company committed $100,000 each for the first cohort of the accelerator. More details, such as the accelerator’s official name, board of directors and its location, are still to be determined. Jay Byers, CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, said the new accelerator will be designed similarly to the Global Insurance Accelerator, which began accepting startups in Des Moines last year. He emphasized wanting to bring worldclass talent and ideas to make the region a world-class hub for agricultural technology. “When you look at agricultural and ag-bioscience, and you look at insurance and financial services, they are our two powerhouse industries we think we can compete with anyone across the globe,” he said. Byers said his group and the Cultivation Corridor will focus on securing more investors for the project and hiring board members and staff through global press initiatives and through investor listing sites such as AngelList. They will not have a direct hand in running the day-to-day operations of the accelerator once it begins. The new accelerator doesn’t have a specific field of agricultural technology that it wants to specialize in, but it will not accept biotechnology startups, citing an already-large industry presence in the region.

Jay Byers, Greater Des Moines Partnership CEO, announces the start of a new agriculture technology accelerator at the Farm Progress Show in Boone Tuesday. John Deere, DuPont Pioneer, Farmers Insurance and Peoples Company have invested a combined $400,000 toward the project. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

Representatives from the main investors all emphasized a commitment to making central Iowa a high-tech hub for agricultural technology and engaging food security challenges. “This shows our commitment to Iowa as a place to grow and support agriculture,” said Cory Reed, a vice president at John Deere’s Intelligent Solutions Group. Mike Colwell, executive director of entrepreneurial initiatives at GDMP, said the accelerator differs from similar efforts at the Iowa State Research Park in Ames as it intends to focus on connecting startups with developed products to customers and sales networks. He contrasted that to the research park’s focus on product research and development from idea to distribution. “We see ourselves down the (product) continuum,” he said. The accelerator will accept six companies from Iowa and from

other states and countries in their first cohort. Colwell said participants would have to relocate in central Iowa for at least 100 days. He said entire businesses wouldn’t have to move to the region, citing logistics and immigration reasons. Instead, they would focus on developing contacts in the region during their time in the accelerator. “We can have companies from all over the world,” he said. “And they may start a division here.” Colwell said the GDMP and its partners hope to find four more corporate investors for the project before handing the reins off to a director. The joint partnership is not affiliated with the Boone-based Rural Ventures Accelerator, an agricultural technology accelerator which was announced last week. That accelerator received a $99,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support startups located in rural towns in the state.

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 7

Chamber Update OCTOBER 2016

Announcing Leadership Ames Class 30

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all marks the beginning of the 30th year of Leadership Ames, the Chamber program that develops leaders by introducing them to operations and opportunities throughout Ames. This year’s Program Co-Chairs, Andy Bates (The Weitz Company) and Kelsey Carper (Re/Max Real Estate Center) will help facilitate the class. The Leadership Ames Selection Committee was pleased to receive a large pool of applications for the 2016-2017 program making the selection process very competitive. We congratulate all the selected candidates and are pleased to introduce this year’s class, presented by corporate sponsor Mary Greeley Medical Center:

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¿UVW FODVV ZLOO EH dedicated to personal leadership development, and will be facilitated by Donna Gilligan, The Gilligan Group. In October, the class will be learning more about Ames area QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQV DQG FRPPXQLW\ VFKRROV $OO $OXPQL RI /HDGHUVKLS $PHV stay tuned for information on an upcoming 30th Anniversary social very soon!

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 | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

ANNUAL STEAK FRY 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DAVID TUCKER, Chair Workiva JOHN CRAWFORD, Vice Chair, Alpha Copies Print Center CASEY JOHNSON, 2nd Vice Chair, Ames Ford Lincoln BRET BARTHOLOMEW, Divisional Chair, Community Development Bartholomew Chiropractic STACY DREYER, Divisional Chair, Government Affairs First National Bank LUKE JENSEN, Divisional Chair, Membership Real Estate Service Group, Inc. KIM BEHRENDT, Treasurer Wells Fargo PAM ELLIOTT CAIN, Immediate Past Chair Iowa State University DAN CULHANE, President / CEO Ames Chamber & Economic Development Commission

Ames Chamber Annual Steak Fry

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hanks to all who attended the Annual Past Chairs’ Steak Fry on Sept. 6th. With around 350 people in attendance, it’s our largest Steak Fry ever! The steaks provided by Hy-Vee were cooked expertly by our Grill Masters, the lively music by Brad Meyers was excellent and the location at Ames Ford Lincoln was once again a great success! Thank you to our sponsors who supported this event and made the evening possible: Presenting Sponsors: Hy-Vee & Ames Ford Lincoln Beverage Sponsors: Chitty Garbage & Recycling Services, VisionBank Entertainment Sponsors: ISU Athletics & The Ames Tribune Sign Sponsor: FASTSIGNS Grill Masters: CIT Signature Transportation, Sigler Companies & The Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Past Presidents Mug Sponsor: Converse Conditioned Air

BOARD MEMBERS Vanessa Baker-Latimer, City of Ames Bret Bartholomew, Bartholomew Chiropractic Lindsey Beecher, Gilbert Community School District Kim Behrendt, Wells Fargo Scott Blum, Accord Architecture/Henkel Construction Jess Clyde - MSCD Past President, Individual Member Haley Cook - YPA Past President, Iowa State University John Crawford, Alpha Copies Print Center Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Kathy Dubansky - CAA President Elect, Workiva Nate Easter, ISU Research Park Pam Elliott Cain, Iowa State University John Haila, Haila Architecture Luke Jensen, Real Estate Service Group, Inc. Casey Johnson, Ames Ford Lincoln Andrew Perry, McFarland Clinic, PC Dave Tucker,Workiva The Chamber Update newsletter is published by the Ames Chamber of Commerce 304 Main Street,Ames, IA, 50010; phone: (515) 232-2310; fax: (515) 233-3203; www.ameschamber.com.

Ames Chamber and AEDC staff ‡ Dan Culhane, President and CEO ‡ 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 ‡ $QJLH 'RUHQNDPS Director, Workforce Solutions ‡ Lauren Frandsen, Director, Communications & Marketing ‡ -RKQ +DOO, Director, Business Development & Marketing ‡ 5RQ +DOOHQEHFN, Executive Vice President, Existing Business and Industry ‡.HOO\ +HQGULFN Client Services Coordinator

‡ &LQG\ +LFNV, Main Street Cultural District Executive Director ‡ $P\ +RZDUG Vice President, Finance & Operations ‡ 'UHZ .DPS, Director, Story County Community Outreach and Government Affairs ‡/RMHDQ 3HWHUVHQ, Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market Manager ‡Jan Williams, Director, External Business Relations

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 9

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

ANNUAL STEAK FRY

Thank you to attendees and sponsors!

10 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum

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n Friday, October 7th from 11:30am1:30pm at the City Church of Ames-Des Moines, located at 2400 Oakwood Road, candidates for the Story County Board of Supervisors will be featured at a Candidate Forum hosted by KASI and presented by the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Candidates Wayne Clinton, Lauris Olson, Scott Schaben, Marty Chitty, DQG /LQGD 0XUNHQ ZLOO ÂżHOG TXHVWLRQV IURP KASI News Director Trent Rice, providing the candidates a great opportunity to present their vision for the County, and attendees ample opportunity to learn more about each candidate as they determine who they will support in the November 8th General Election. The event will be broadcast live on 1430 KASI, allowing those unable to attend to listen to the broadcast remotely via the

KASI website or the Iheart Radio App. The cost of attendance is $10.00 and includes lunch. Those wishing to attend can register on the Ames Chamber of Commerce website: http://web.ameschamber.com/events/StoryCounty-Board-of-Supervisors-CandidateForum-463/details. ,I \RX KDYH TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH Forum, please contact Drew Kamp at 515817-6311 or by email at drew@amescham-

ber.com. If you wish to submit a TXHVWLRQ IRU WKH FDQGLGDWHV SOHDVH submit it to Drew by Thursday, October 6th. The Chamber is happy to once again partner with KASI to proYLGH WKLV XQLTXH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR candidates and voters. County Board members devote a great amount of time and effort to the position and play a critical role in the community. The Chamber, in partnership with KASI, is happy to provide this opportunity to our members and the Ames and Story County community. The Ames Chamber of Commerce thanks our 2016 Taking Leadership Sponsors: Converse Conditioned Air, Des Moines Area Community College, First National Bank, Renewable Energy Group, and Workiva for their strong and continued support. Without the assistance provided by these and our other great sponsors, events such as this would not be possible.

November 8th General Election

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he November 8th General Election is rapidly approaching, and the Ames Chamber of Commerce reminds you that your vote matters and asks you to make your voice heard at the polls on Election Day. Polls will be open from 7:00am-9:00pm on Election 'D\ DQG YRWHUV FDQ ¿QG WKHLU SROOLQJ SODFH and other critical General Election information, such as Candidate Lists, Voter RegLVWUDWLRQ )RUPV $EVHQWHH %DOORW 5HTXHVW Forms, and General Election Calendars, on the Story County Auditor’s website. If you are not registered to vote, you can now do so online via the Iowa Secretary

of State’s website, as well as the Secretary of State’s mobile app. The pre-registration deadline to register to vote is Saturday, October 29th by 5pm, and the Auditor’s 2I¿FH ZLOO EH RSHQ IURP DP SP WKDW day. Iowa law also allows you to register to vote on Election Day at your respective polling place via Iowa’s Same Day RegLVWUDWLRQ /DZ EXW \RX ZLOO EH UHTXLUHG WR show proof of residence and proof of identity to do so. Absentee Ballots will be made available by Thursday, September 29th and will be available through Monday, November 7th DW WKH 6WRU\ &RXQW\ $XGLWRUœV 2I¿FH 6th Street, Nevada, IA 50201) during their regular business hours of 8am-5pm. VotHUV FDQ DOVR UHTXHVW DQ $EVHQWHH %DOORW E\ mail through Friday, November 4th by subPLWWLQJ DQ $EVHQWHH %DOORW 5HTXHVW )RUP http://www.storycountyiowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/265. Once your completed form is submitted and received, a ballot will be mailed to the address provided. Completed ballots can be submitted by any of the following methods:

By mail: mail the ballot to the AudiWRUÂśV 2IÂżFH LQ WKH HQYHORSH SURYLGHG ZLWK a postmark no later than Monday, November 7th. In person: ballots may be delivered WR WKH $XGLWRU V 2IÂżFH XQWLO SP RQ November 8th. 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. Designees must adhere to the VDPH UHTXLUHPHQWV OLVWHG DERYH IRU UHWXUQing the ballot by mail or in person. With the 2016 General Election only a few short weeks away, please be sure to exercise your right to vote in what promises to be a critically important election. The Chamber thanks our 2016 Taking Leadership Sponsors for their continued support of our Government Affairs Program and Get-Out-the-Vote efforts: Converse Conditioned Air, Des Moines Area Community College, First National Bank, Renewable Energy Group, Workiva.

State Legislature Candidate Forum October 14th

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n Friday, October 14th from 11:30am-2:00pm at the City Church of Ames-Des Moines, located at 2400 Oakwood Road, candidates for the Iowa Legislature will be featured at a Candidate Forum hosted by KASI and presented by the Ames Chamber of Commerce. Candidates Jerry Behn, Keith Puntenney, Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, Sondra Childs-Smith, Eric Cooper, Lisa Heddens, Rob Bacon, Sherrie Taha, Dave Deyoe, 0LFNLH )UDQNOLQ DQG 0LNH .QR[ ZLOO ÂżHOG TXHVWLRQV IURP .$6, 1HZV 'LUHFWRU 7UHQW Rice, providing the candidates an opportunity to present their vision for the State of Iowa, and attendees a chance to learn more about each candidate as they determine who they will support in the November 8th General Election. The event will be broadcast live on 1430 KASI, allowing those unable to attend to listen to the broadcast remotely via the KASI website or the Iheart Radio App. The cost of attendance is $10.00 and includes lunch. Those wishing to attend can register on the Ames Chamber of Commerce website: http://web.ameschamber.com/events/StateLegislator-Candidate-Forum-466/details. ,I \RX KDYH TXHVWLRQV UHJDUGLQJ WKH Forum, please contact Drew Kamp at 515817-6311 or by email at drew@ameschamEHU FRP ,I \RX ZLVK WR VXEPLW D TXHVWLRQ for the candidates, please submit it to Drew by Thursday, October 13th. The Chamber is happy to partner with .$6, WR SURYLGH WKLV XQLTXH RSSRUWXQLW\ to candidates and voters. State Legislators GHYRWH D VLJQLÂżFDQW DPRXQW RI WLPH DQG effort to the position and play a critical role in the future of our state. The Chamber, in partnership with KASI, is happy to provide this opportunity to our members and the Ames and Story County community. The Ames Chamber of Commerce thanks our 2016 Taking Leadership Sponsors: Converse Conditioned Air, Des Moines Area Community College, First National Bank, Renewable Energy Group, and Workiva for their strong and continued support. Without the assistance provided by these and our other great sponsors, events such as this would not be possible.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 11

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

October calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 12noon: The Ames Foundation (R/C)

4:30 p.m.: Landus Cooperative (R/C)

Leadership Ames

9

10

11

4:00 p.m.: Chocolaterie Stam (R/C)

16

17

12

19

20 12noon: Weber

24

25 Halloween

30

15

11:30 a.m.: Iowa State Legislature Candidate Forum

21

22

28

29

Accounting Services (R/C) 5 p.m.: First National Bank (BAH)

4:30 p.m.: Bottlesode Films Inc. (R/C)

23

14

12noon: Cyclone Truck & Auto Repair (R/C)

4:30 p.m.: South Duff (R/C)

18

13

8 11:30 a.m.: Story County Supervisors Candidate Forum

26

27

4:30 p.m.: Stadium View Suites (R/C)

Leadership Ames AEDC & Chamber Boards

9am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street) 9am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

9am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

9am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

9am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)

31

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

LAST MONTH OF THE SEASON!

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

12 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Celebrate with a ribbon cutting If 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.

Battlecry Iowa Smokehouse & Bar 823 Wheeler St #1

Not only does this opportunity get people to your place of busiQHVV EXW LW RIIHUV D XQLTXH QHWworking 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!

✂ Hanger Clinic 1202 Duff Ave

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 13

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AMBASSADORS Tess Ashley,Global State Mortgage Alli Azbill, Global State Mortgage Kim Behrendt, Wells Fargo Don Borcherding, Greater Iowa Credit Union Steve Bock, RE/MAX Real Estate Center Laura Brassell, Bank of the West Nathan Buss, VisionBank Kelsey Carper, Re/Max Real Estate Center John Coder, VisionBank Zack Cregeen, Re/Max Real Estate Center Lisa Downs, EXIT Realty Stacy Dreyer, First National Bank Pam Fleener, First National Bank Laura Freeman, Hanger Clinic Teresa Garman, Individual Member Leslie Ginder, ISU LAS Career Services Ashlee Goetsch, Waterford at Ames Allyson Hansen, Staff Management SMX Chris Helland, George White Chevrolet Sherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real Estate Ashley Howe, Xpanxion Jamie Hudson, Great Southern Bank Linda Jennings, Ames Living Magazine Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate Michelle King, The Krell Institute Greg King, South Duff Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union Paul Livingston, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Misty Metschke, Hunziker & Associates, Realtors Brandon Mumm, Ames Tribune David Orth, Spirited Giving Mike Peckis, Sam’s Club Sarah Powers, RE/MAX Real Estate Tom Randall, Tom Randall Real Estate Team Tim Rasmussen, Alfred’s Carpet & Decorating Molly Redenbaugh, Danfoss Power Solutions Dorothy Schumer, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Mary Beth Scott, The Ames Tribune Shane Torres, RE/Max Real Estate Concepts Tim Tryon, First National Bank Daryle Vegge, Ames Morning Rotary Christopher Vry, Wells Fargo Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Cherie Wandling, Wilson Toyota of Ames Michelle Wild, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Keathen Winter,Northridge Village

Hoggatt School 300 20th St

Iowa State University Economic Development Core Facility 1805 Collaboration Place

14 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

C HA M B E R

Welcome, new Ames Chamber members Hazel Creative Services, serving central Iowa for nearly

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

3M American National Insurance Co., Mike Grandgeorge Greater Iowa Credit Union Howell Investment Financing Shive-Hattery, Inc. Weber Accounting Services

a decade, offers a broad range of graphic design, copywriting and marketing management services. Founded and operated by Andrew Zalasky, Hazel Creative Services is focused on adding value by employing copy and images that compel customers to act. From websites and social media to magazines, feature articles and more, Hazel Creative has a history of delivering high quality communications! Visit www.hazel-creative.com for more information.

Wild Root Salon is located at 307 Kellogg Avenue. It is the only certified organic hair salon in the Ames area. Their goal is to provide an intimate, relaxing, and personalized experience using only the best hair color and products. Call 515.233.0123 or visit www.wild-root.com for more information. Dentistry at Somerset, located at 2720 Stange Rd, provides comprehensive dentistry for all ages. Dr. Jason Niegsch and Dr. Daniel Garman provide the highest quality of dentistry and the latest in technology. We specialize in cosmetic dentistry, treatment of TMJ/TMD and clear orthodontic therapy. Call 515.268.0516 to find out more information, or visit www.dentistryatsomerset.com. SAMACO, LLC is a property manager, specializing in multicommercial tenant/multi-use buildings. For more information, contact Matt Converse at mconverse@ccahvac.com.

Lou Greco, Individual Member, 1st Aid/ CPR/AED, can be reached at lougreco@q.com

Linda Murken, Individual Member, can be reached at lindamurken@gmail.com 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.

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).

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 15

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

STARTUP AMES

Startup Ames Group holds regular meetings First Shot: First and Third Thursdays.

Doors open at 7:30 AM, presentation begins at 8 AM. ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration

I

n September the Startup Group had the opportunity to feature an amazing Ames start-up at First Shot. We heard from Inland Sea on their plans to establish a salmon farm here in Iowa. Inland Sea: Jackson Kimle is the founder of Inland Sea, which he is currently planning and raising capital for a state-of-the-art, recirFXODWLQJ DTXDFXOWXUH V\VWHP IDFLOLW\ ORFDWHG LQ +DUODQ ,RZD 7KLV facility will be modeled after Danish technology that is already up in running in Denmark. Inland Sea is looking to produce 5 million pounds of salmon annually. For the long-term, Inland Sea will help groups of investors in areas around Iowa build salmon production facilities by helping engineer, manage, and market salmon.

Place. Free coffee is provided.

IdeaFlow: Fourth Thursday of the

month at 4:30 PM at Torrent Brewing Company, 504 Burnett Street. One free drink ticket is provided

16 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

Young Professionals of Ames Join the more than 150 fascinating, involved, diverse individuals who make up the Young Professionals of Ames membership!

Joining online is quick and easy!

YPA is a dues-based organization and dues help support: t .POUIMZ -VODI -FBSOT t "OOVBM -FBEFSTIJQ 4ZNQPTJVN t 3FBE XJUI .F 1SPHSBN t .POUIMZ "GUFS 8PSL 4PDJBM &WFOUT t "OE NBOZ FWFOUT BOE BDUJWJUJFT UISPVHIPVU UIF ZFBS

Annual Membership Types:

$IBNCFS #VTJOFTT &NQMPZFFT /PO $IBNCFS #VTJOFTT &NQMPZFFT EPFT OPU JODMVEF "NFT $IBNCFS CFOFรถUT

$PMMFHF 4UVEFOUT

Young Professionals of Ames by the numbers:

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Visit www.ypames.com to learn more and join us!

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

Thank you to our 2016 YPA sponsors

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.

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 6 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H L Y | 17

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT

Oktoberfest: Good time required, shoes optional

W

hen you think about the annual Ames Main Street Oktoberfest, it’s hard not to hear polka music chiming in your head. This year will be no different, with three Iowa polka bands on the schedule. One of those bands, Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, is known all over the United States not only for their amazing music, but also for naked toes! Becky Livermore fell in love with polka music before she could even walk. Becky's mom and dad took the family to polka dances in Swisher, Iowa and would carry the kids around the dance Ă€RRU XQWLO WKH\ ZHUH ROG HQRXJK WR ZDON While Becky loved to dance, there was something else about polka she just couldn’t resist. “I loved the accordion,â€? Becky said. “My Aunt had one in her closet and I would beg her to play it. Unfortunately, she really couldn’t play it. That was the same instrument I used when I started taking lessons.â€? 7KDW ÂżUVW OHVVRQ FDPH LQ LQ when she was ten years old with an elderly neighbor who only charged a dollar for each lesson. Becky would practice for hours every day. “Sometimes I would go outside to get away from my brother and sister's complaining,â€? Becky said. “As kids, we rarely wore shoes around the farm. It just seemed second nature to go everywhere and do everything barefoot. Why should playing the accordion be any different?â€? They had a good friend that lived down the road who ran a polka band. Becky said she would always go over to his house and play for him and tell him she wanted to play in his band. “He kept saying, ‘When you get good enough you can,’" Becky said. “When

, ZDV , SOD\HG P\ ÂżUVW MRE ZLWK (G Ulch and The Jolly Bohemians from Solon, Iowa.â€? In 1988, when she was still a senior in high school, Becky took over Ed’s music library when he was ready to retire. She also had a couple dance jobs lined up that Ed previously booked. “This was great, but I had no vehicle, no sound system, and no players,â€? Becky said. Luckily, Becky had gotten to know and become good friends with many musicians. Ed let her use his sound system and her dad's boss sold her his van. Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen have been playing together ever since. And yes, she really does play every show barefooted. “We play everywhere from the Minnesota State Fair to Oktoberfest in Cape Coral, Florida,â€? Becky said. She even has her own festival! The Beckster Fest has been going strong for 15 years, in Amana, Iowa. Normal attendance for that three day event is over 1,200 people. You can see Becky at the Ames Main Street Oktoberfest presented by First National Bank and sponsored by Workiva, Saturday, October 22 in downtown Ames. Oktoberfest will feature live polka music from Second Chair Brass, Bill Koncar, Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, and classic rock-nroll from Burnin’ Sensations. There will also be a beer sampling tent sponsored by Alfred’s Carpet, a commemorative mug sponsored by Paul Livingston at Hunziker Realty, German food vendors, and Gutentag games. Tickets are $10 and $25 (includes beer sampling) at the gate, but you can get a $5 discount by buying early online at www.amesdowntown.org.

Becky Livermore, accordian player, will perform with her band “Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchman� at the Ames 2016 Oktoberfest celebration

Thanks to our Oktoberfest 2016 Sponsors!

18 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | OCTOBER 2016

CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION

‘Crafts & Draughts’ in Campustown What? Where? When? Who? Why?

Live music, crafting projects for all ages, food from Campustown favorites & craft brews! Chamberlain Avenue in Campustown

Saturday, October 15th 1 – 6 pm

All Ages (must be 21+ to enter beer garden, 18 & under with a parent or guardian) It’s going to be amazing!

A group from Alpha Omicron Pi helped clean up our Campustown neighborhood on Saturday, August 27th. The group picked up litter and other debris from our streets and sidewalks. Keeping things clean is an ongoing effort and we were thrilled to have them help us. The Make Campustown Shine program is sponsored by The Fighting Burrito. Have a group interested in participating? Please email us at director@amescampustown.com.

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 19

RETAIL

Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer named 2016 Retailer of the Year By Tribune Staff

T

he Iowa Grocery Industry Association (IGIA) has named Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer the 2016 Retailer of the Year. Cramer has been selected to receive the industry’s top honor for his contributions to Fareway, the grocery industry and Iowa communities throughout the past 32 years. Cramer began working for Fareway in Boone, at the age of 16. After high school, he went to work at the Decorah Fareway while attending Luther College. Upon graduating in 1991, he began making his way through the various store levels. He was promoted to store manager in 1997, opening the Fareway store on Southeast 22nd Street in Des Moines, then rose through the

“Fareway has been an vital part of our Association since its inception, and Reynolds’s leadership on numerous committees has been vital to the strength of our organization.” Michelle Hurd, IGIA president

ranks to become district supervisor in 2000. In 2009, Cramer garnered a seat on the Board of Directors for Fareway followed by a promotion to regional vice president in 2010. In 2012, Cramer became executive vice president in charge of all retail operations. Most recently, he was elected chief executive officer of Fareway Stores Inc. in February 2014. During his time with the company, Cramer also served on the company’s Real Estate Committee and has been instrumental in choosing the strategic

placement of new Fareway locations throughout the Midwest. “Reynolds has been a leader and visionary for Fareway,” said IGIA President Michelle Hurd. “His dedication and commitment to the industry and to Iowa make him a great choice for IGIA’s Retailer of the Year award. “Fareway has been an vital part of our association since its inception, and Reynolds’s leadership on numerous committees has been vital to the strength of our organization.” Cramer also plays a vital role

in the community through his work with numerous charitable organizations. The list includes the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Variety-the Children’s Charity and Easter Seals Iowa. He is also an advocate for animal rescue, a former board member for Faith, Hope and Charity in Storm Lake and is a current member of the Iowa Business Council. Cramer lives near Ames with Sheila, his wife, and has two children, Ashley, 17, and Zach, 12. The IGIA Retailer of the Year is selected by the Hall of Fame selection committee, which reviews peer nominations and makes final selections based upon the nominee’s character and qualifications. A candidate’s contributions to the grocery industry also factor into the final selection.

Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer

20 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

BRIMEYER

A poor process for selecting a partner

this key skill as part of the selection criteria, rigid practices are put in place to neutralize or discourage it in the spirit of “fairness.” Worst of all, the process robs both parties of the rich communication that comes from face-to-face dialogue. Much more valuable information can be gleaned by both client and consultant during a 90-minute discussion than the hours spent originating and responding to an RFP. Technology today makes it possible for us to get “face-to-face” with someone located thousands of miles away. But this advantage is ignored in favor of dry, one-way written communication. Ultimately, the success of the endeavor will depend on the relationship. Why not start to evaluate the potential for that relationship as part of the selection process? Finally, although electronic submiss a loan consultant, I believe it is imporsions are becoming more accepted, some still tant that my business processes model require multiple paper copies. (What? Paper? I what I teach: think I’m feeling nauseous). When quoting, I understand my busiEarly in my consulting career, I spent ness well enough to offer three simple rates hours, sometimes even days, (daily on-site, hourly on-site and preparing a response to an RFP. at-home hourly) with no add-on It was discouraging to receive travel or other expenses. This absolutely no feedback from the simplifies my bookkeeping and potential client on how it was provides more predictability for perceived. In a couple of cases, clients. I strongly suspected that the I utilize electronic docueventual winner was pre-picked ments and email for invoicing and the entire process was a which saves postage and reduces sham to simply comply with an payment cycle time. organizational policy or to use When available with a other’s pricing for negotiation regular client, I take advantage purposes with the winner. of ACH direct deposit payments Fortunately, I’m a quick to further reduce the payment Rick Brimeyer learner. After two or three cycle and save a trip to the bank. attempts, I decided my time And I don’t do RFPs/RFQs. was better spent marketing to organizations Request for Pricing/Quotes is an antiwilling to work in the 21st century. quated process that should have gone the way Since its formation, Brimeyer LLC has proof flashbulbs and carburetors for all but the vided several hundred thousands of dollars purchasing of easily compared commodities. in services with exactly zero originating from But some organizations, particularly governan RFQ/RFP. In fact, more than 85 percent of mental entities continue to use them, even revenues haven’t even involved a formal conwhen selecting relationship-based services. tract, just a simple handshake. As the senior Here’s the problem. The customer starts leader of my longest-tenured client occasionby spending considerable time preparing ally reminds me, “You know what I like about a document outlining their current underyou? I can fire you anytime.” It’s a humbling standing of their needs, but unaware of what (and motivating) thought, one that has led to they don’t know … that’s why they’re searcha terrific, lasting relationship. ing for a consultant. In short, RFPs and RFQs are a lousy way to Prospective suppliers try to interpret begin what should be a partnership. Want ads the document, essentially guessing at the and resumes are not a particularly effective intended needs. The exchange is limited to a way for choosing a spouse … or a consultant. series of ineffective and inefficient one-way written communication episodes. QuesRICK BRIMEYER is the resident of Brimeyer tions can be directed back to the customer (in LLC, an independent management consulting writing) and these are collected and typically firm located in Ames which guides organizations answered en masse to all potential respondto higher performance by focusing on process ents with the intent of keeping the playing improvement and leadership development. field level. Further information is available at www.brimeyThink about that. Consultants are hired to erllc.com or by calling 515-450-8855. ask intelligent questions. But instead of using

A

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 21

RESTAURANT

Mucky Duck Pub to offer dog-friendly patio By Grayson Schmidt

Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com

M

ucky Duck Pub owner Marcus Johnson thought something was missing from his restaurant to give it that authentic British pub feel. He had the food, beer, tea, and nostalgia, but was missing one other key element: dogs. Now after roughly six months of getting the business up to code and training employees, Mucky Duck Pub will be the only restaurant in the state with a permanent waiver to allow dogs in its patio. “We’re a British pub, and anyone that travels to the U.K. knows that dogs are everywhere over there,” Johnson said. “It just occurred to me one day, ‘Why not in here?’ Let’s do it in Ames.” According to Johnson, he had always thought about allowing dogs on his patio, but had never followed through with it. He said it was not until customers began frequently asking him about the topic that he decided to talk

with the state Department of Health. “We get a lot of customers from the U.K. that live here, and some of them would ask me about dogs on the patio, and I’ve always had to tell them that I’m sorry but it’s against state code,” Johnson said. “I talked to the department of health, and they said that it’s something they haven’t really done, but that there was more interest.” According to Dave Werning, a spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals’ Food and Consumer Safety Bureau, though Mucky Duck is the only restaurant in the state with this waiver, it’s not the first to obtain one. Werning said there have been restaurants that have applied for the waiver, but the only ones that have been granted were for temporary events. Mucky Duck was given a permanent waiver after meeting established criteria. The restaurant must have an employee certified as a food protection manager present during all operating hours, and

“We get a lot of customers from the U.K. that live here, and some of them would ask me about dogs on the patio, and I’ve always had to tell them that I’m sorry but it’s against state code. I talked to the department of health, and they said that it’s something they haven’t really done, but that there was more interest.” Marcus Johnson, owner of Mucky Duck

put up a list of 14 conditions for dog-owners to clearly see, as well as have an entrance to the patio that does not go through the actual restaurant. “There’s a big list of rules that we have to adhere to, which is fine,” Johnson said. “I’ve got no problems with that.” Werning said the waiver must be renewed each year, and will remain permanent as long as the conditions are met. Johnson said he still has more work to do before the patio is completely dog-ready, with a target date set for this Wednesday. As dog owner himself — he and his wife have a border collie — Johnson said that he is excited at the opportunity the waiver brings during the warmer months, for him and his customers as well. “I’m super excited for it. To me it’s making it more like home,” Johnson said. “It feels like we’re creating more of that pub atmosphere that we strive for.”

Mucky Ducky Pub Owner Marcus Johnson stands with his wife, LeAnne RohrbergJohnson, on what is currently the only dog-friendly patio in the state. PHOTO BY GRAYSON SCHMIDT/AMES TRIBUNE

22 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | OCTOBER 2016

OCTOBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 23

ENTERTAINMENT

Shield Comics reopens after founder’s semi-retirement By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com

S

hield Comics reopened the doors of its new Sixth Street location on August 31, but without its founder’s 26 years of comic book experience at the helm. The comic book store closed to move from its old location on Main Street next to Cook’s Emporium, where it had been located at since it opened in 2013. Chris Pellack, Shield’s founder and now part-time adviser, said the shop moved after negotiations to move elsewhere in the Sheldon Munn building fell through. The owners also wanted to find a location with dedicated parking, as customers sometimes complained about trying to find a spot on Main Street. “For us, having four parking spots is a big thing,” co-owner Scott Mumper said. Mumper also said the new location, at 123 Sixth St., is smaller than the former store on Main Street, which makes it feel more cozy. He said the smaller amount of space means they’ll focus almost exclusively on comics, especially independent publishers that “don’t get as much play in Ames” compared to other, bigger names. The shop is planning to stop carrying board games and

tabletop role playing games like it did on Main Street as it refocuses its efforts. However, the shop will still do special orders for games if customers request them. Pellack started selling comics in Ames years ago, opening Old Curmudgeon Comics on Mortensen Road in west Ames. After owning and operating Old Curmudgeon and Shield Comics for several years, he decided to go into semi-retirement as the daily grind of running the store wore on him. He said he once worked five years straight without taking a vacation, and having to man the store during the busy holiday season meant he didn’t get to see his family as much as he wanted. But in the end, Pellack said he needed a temporary break from comics. “I went to conventions and nothing excited me anymore,” he said. Pellack intends to continue reading comics, advising the store owners on selection and hang around with customers on his own time, but he won’t have a hand in day-to-day operations. Mumper said the store, now run daily by assistant manager Jed DeHoet, is going to continue focusing on helping customers by asking them questions about their tastes. Pellack called the covers of some recent comic books “pin-ups,” sometimes

Shield Comics founder Chris Pellack stands in front of a wall of comic books in the new Shield Comics location on Sixth Street. Pellack decided to take a semi-retirement from the shop after 26 years working in the comic book industry. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

depicting a story completely different than what inside the book. “Sometimes, that’s tougher than you think,” Mumper said, motioning to shelves fill with new releases of popular comics. “You think you want to get into it, but you don’t know what you want.” The employees also want to focus on helping customers choose age-appropriate comics for parents coming in with children. DeHoet, a bespectacled man with a long brown beard and a tattoo of the Shield Comics logo on his left forearm, pointed at a recent “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” with a small mature rating notice above the barcode. He said two different comic book series can take a character and put them in different situations, some kid-friendly and some not. “People don’t realize that originally, ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ was an adult comic,” he said. “It’s pretty violent.” But most of all, Mumper

A wall of comic books at the new Shield Comics location. The business moved offMain Street into its new 6th Street location and reopened Wednesday. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE

wants to retain the shop’s friendly attitude to comic book amateurs and aficionados alike. He described Comic Book Guy from “The Simpsons” as the

stereotype he wants Shield Comics to help break. “We’re huge nerds that know we’re all the same (as everyone else),” he said.

2 4 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY | O C T O B E R 2 016

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