AB AMES BUSINESS
MONTHLY S E P T E M B E R 2016
September Chamber Update
CREATING A VIBRANT MAIN STREET IN NEVADA SEE PAGE 4
AB
2 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
AMES BUSINESS
MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2016
2 Ankeny developers purchase subdivision in southwest Ames
19 ISU professor, researchers develop cold solder technique
3 Mucky Duck Pub unveils ‘Mallard Mobile’ food truck
19 Van Wall equipment earns “Dealership of the Year” award
4 Creating a vibrant Main Street in Nevada
Ames National Corporation ranks 20 nationally in profitability, capitalization, asset quality
4 Panda Express confirms new location in Ames 5 Yesway convenience store begins operations
Vol. 9, No. 9 AMES TRIBUNE Ames Business Monthly is a publication of the Ames Tribune, 317 Fifth St., Ames, IA, 50010; (515) 232-2160.
20 Organic hair salon opens on Main Street
5 Danfoss acquires Kentucky competitor; production lines to move
21 Chinese Homestyle Cooking looks back at 20-year run 22 Keeping employees employable
6 Hobby passion leads to shop ownership
22 The top 10 ways to improve your investment experience
7 September Chamber Update
23 Fuzzy’s makes its way to Campustown
HOUSING
Ankeny developers purchase subdivision in southwest Ames By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
A
n Ankeny-based home construction company is acquiring land in southwest Ames for a new housing development near Edwards Elementary School. Classic Builders, an operating arm of Moulton & Associates in Ankeny, is currently under contract to build single-family homes on 55 lots over two years once roads into the subdivision are completed sometime in October. The road project includes connecting Wilder Boulevard to Mortensen Road and extending Mortensen further west to the edge of the property. Sales executive Seth Moulton said construction on some of the custom-built homes are slated to begin within a few weeks and are expected to be move-in ready sometime in December or January. Fourteen lots have already been
purchased, and Moulton said about 20 more potential buyers have expressed interest in securing property in the new neighborhood. Moulton & Associates is one of the largest realtors in Iowa. Moulton said Classic Builders is the largest single-family home builder in the state, and the entire company has sold 166 homes in the Des Moines metro area this year. Most of those sales have been in Ankeny. The company has attempted to enter the Ames construction market for quite some time, but faced difficulty securing land for development, he said. It had acquired a few plots of land in the Nature’s Crossing subdivision northwest of Ames Middle School, but had not been able to purchase land for its own entire subdivision. “We’ve been trying to get into Ames for several years now,” he said. “But we couldn’t find people who were selling.”
A map of the upcoming subdivision in southwest Ames. The red lines indicate the subdivision’s boundaries, while the blue lines indicate approximate location of the new roads to be built in the area. GRAPHIC BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
The company is purchasing the plots from Ames-based Pinnacle Properties, which will finalize the deal after the streets are completed. Pinnacle Properties owner Keith Arneson said he sold the land for the subdivision because he is
approaching retirement. He said developments in southwest Ames are booming because of Iowa State University’s growth over the past decade, and investors are seeing opportunities in student housing. He is welcoming
Moulton & Associates into Ames, primarily because he thinks new developers in town will benefit students and families in the area. “Competition with builders in the area makes us all stronger,” he said.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 3
RESTAURANT
Mucky Duck Pub unveils ‘Mallard Mobile’ food truck Mucky Duck Pub is building its new “Mallard Mobile” food trailer.
By Grayson Schmidt
Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com
A
mes’ Mucky Duck Pub will soon be able to take its British cuisine on the road with its new “Mallard Mobile” food trailer. According to owner Marcus Johnson, the idea to acquire a food trailer was conceived only about two months ago, when he and a long-time customer began discussing the topic. “He said he could build one for me, built the frame, and that’s what happened,” Johnson said. Johnson pointed out that he has done events such as the Des Moines Renaissance Festival before that have
PHOTO BY NIRMALENDU MAJUMDAR/ AMES TRIBUNE
required him to get a temporary food license and set up a tent, and has also been approached by local breweries such as Alluvial and Boone Valley Brewing.
“It’s hard to do that with a temporary license, so I thought that we could benefit from a (food) truck,” Johnson said. “It seems like everyone’s doing it anymore;
it’s kind of a boom.” The Mucky Duck Pub opened four years ago at 3100 S. Duff Ave. Johnson originally came to Ames in 1997 to work as a scientist
for Iowa State University, and eventually opened Ames British Foods downtown before deciding to open up a restaurant. The menu for the Mallard Mobile will be basically the same as the restaurants, as Johnson said he has all the equipment he needs on the trailer. He said the focus will be on the fish and chips, but he also has the option of preparing burgers, tenderloins and bangers and mash. “It’s very well equipped,” Johnson said. “By building it ourselves, we were able to get everything we wanted for a relatively low cost.” Johnson said he has not decided whether he is going to set the Mallard Mobile up at different locations across town while the restaurant is
open, or if he is going to stick to special events. “We’re not trying to jump into anything,” Johnson said. “It’s hard to run a full food truck and a pub. If the right location comes up then maybe, but I’m not going to make any rushed decisions.” This weekend, Johnson will get to take out the trailer for the first time when he heads to the Iowa Irish Festival in Waterloo. In the future, Johnson said he hopes to be able to set up at more festivals, the Des Moines Farmers’ Market or maybe even the Iowa State Fair. “There’s enough of those types of events to keep us busy,” Johnson said. “There’s all sort of possibilities.”
4 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
COMMUNITY
Creating a vibrant Main Street in Nevada By Ruth Hulstrom
Nevada Main Street Task Force
A
diverse group of individuals is coming together to try and improve downtown Nevada. This group makes up the Nevada Main Street Task Force and will work toward the goal of applying to be a Main Street Iowa community. This designation would help provide the community with structure and support for comprehensively improving the downtown area. To learn more about the Main Street Iowa program you can visit their website, www.iowaeconomicdevelopment.com/ mainstreetiowa. At the first task force meeting on July 1, Michael Wagler, the coordinator of the Main Street Iowa Program, gave a presentation and answered several questions about the program. The most recent meeting on July 15 included a walking tour of downtown Nevada. This was followed by a discussion in which members shared their concerns and hopes for the area.
Many members of the group mentioned their enthusiasm in seeing a number of building improvements already occurring. This included a number of façade and second-floor renovations. At the same time, a number of concerns were also raised. The group became aware that a number of businesses needed to pull weeds and that many businesses were not ADA accessible. Also noted was that uncovering windows, painting, installing awnings and tuck pointing might be good smaller-scale projects to consider in order to make the downtown more aesthetically appealing. Some members also shared concerns regarding maintaining the historical integrity of the downtown. The Nevada Downtown Historic District was designated in 2010 and is recognized on the National Historic Registry. Concerns about some façade improvements, especially to the second story, were raised because they reduced historic integrity which might limit certain funding opportunities for building and façade
A group of participants in the walking tour of Nevada’s downtown area on July 15 stop to discuss what they are seeing and thinking. PHOTO BY MARLYS BARKER/NEVADA JOURNAL
improvements in the future. Elizabeth Hansen, the city administrator, mentioned that a streetscape project is on the horizon in the next three to five years for the downtown area. Thus, it is an opportune time to look at applying to be a Main Street Iowa community. The mission of this program is “to improve the social and economic well-being of Iowa’s communities by assisting selected communities to capitalize on the unique identity, assets and character of their
historic commercial district.” It utilizes a Comprehensive Four Point Approach® that focuses on economic vitality, design, organization, and promotion. The Main Street Iowa Program is part of the National Main Street Center which created the Comprehensive Four Point Approach. If interested about the Nevada Main Street Task Force, please contact Ruth Hulstrom, planning intern with the city of Nevada.
RESTAURANT The new Panda Express will replace the Pizza Hut, previously located at 436 S. Duff Ave., on the corner of South Duff and South Fifth Street. PHOTO BY SEAN SEARS/AMES TRIBUNE.
Panda Express confi rms new location in Ames By Sean Sears, Staff Writer ssears@amestrib.com
P
opular Chinese restaurant chain Panda Express is setting its sights on adding another location in Ames. Representatives in the Panda Express corporate offices confirmed the fast-food restaurant has set a tentative opening date for Nov. 3.
Currently, Panda Express has one restaurant located inside the Memorial Union on the Iowa State University campus, but the restaurant is looking to add a restaurant more easily accessible to the public. The new restaurant will be at 436 S. Duff Ave., replacing the Pizza Hut that was on the corner of Duff and South Fifth Street. Site manager Steve Koester said he expects his crew to finish renovations to the building before the assigned Nov. 1 deadline, even with some unexpected issues with the existing building. “We found some asbestos in the building, so we’re removing that now, but we still plan on being done way before our deadline,” Koester said.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 5
MANUFACTURING
CONVENIENCE STORE
Yesway convenience store begins operations By Todd Thorson
Staff Writer tthorson@storycityherald.com
B
W Gas and Convenience Holdings, an affiliate of Brookwood Financial Partners of Beverly, Massachusetts, purchased the Park Avenue Kum & Go location in Story City last month, along with 20 other convenience stores in Iowa, from Kum & Go’s Krause Corporation. Recently, the new logo and color scheme for the new Yesway convenience store brand name was unveiled. “As you are aware, we acquired the former Kum & Go store in Story City on July 21,” said Jayne Rice, managing director of institutional sales, marketing and investor relations for Yesway. “We have commenced our
capital plan and will be finished with all exterior and interior improvements in approximately four weeks. After this work is completed, you can expect to see plenty of new additions to your local Yesway location, including improved product selection, expanded food service offerings, an exciting new loyalty program and new and upgraded store facilities.” To be headquartered in Des Moines, Yesway plans to expand its product line and enhance the food service offered at all its locations. The company will spend nearly $7 million to upgrade and remodel the newly acquired stores, including the change from the red color scheme of Kum & Go to new green and yellow hues. The fuel islands at various locations will carry either the name of Yesway or Cenex, depending on the
area and supply opportunities. There will be 31 Yesway stores located in Iowa. The company began its acquisition of locations in Iowa last December with the purchase of 10 Country Store facilities. More acquisitions are expected in the future, with a goal of 600 to 1,000 smaller market convenience stores throughout the country in the next several years. A total of 100 to 140 store purchases are anticipated for 2016 alone, mainly in the states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Colorado and New Mexico. “The new exterior and interior store design will enhance the overall appeal of the stores and enable us to offer a fresh experience for consumers in the Iowa region,” said Brian Trout, Yesway senior vice president of operations in a recent news release. “Customers will enjoy redesigned stores that are true to our brand tenets, which are to be user-friendly, inviting and efficient. Over the years, the previous owners have established a loyal and reliable customer base, and we look forward to continuing to serve them in their respective local communities.”
Danfoss acquires Kentucky competitor; production lines to move By Dan Mika, Staff Writer, dmika@amestrib.com
M
anufacturing company Danfoss announced its intention to acquire Kentucky-based White Drive Products, which could potentially shift up to 20 workers at the Ames plant to different production lines in coming months. The Denmark-based machinery producer intends to move the Ames plant’s orbital motor line to White Drive’s plant in Kentucky within a year of the deal’s completion, affecting 20 line workers and five administration jobs. Eric Alström, segment president of Danfoss Power Solutions in Ames, said the company will move those workers into different lines and doesn’t expect any layoffs. Alström said Danfoss will likely add a new hydrostatic pump and motor line in the vacant wing of the plant, and he didn’t rule out further expansion later. “We’re running out of space in Ames,” he said. Alström said the deal combines Danfoss’ foothold in Europe with White Drive’s market share in the U.S. and China. If the deal goes through, he said, Danfoss would be the “clear global leader” in hydraulic equipment.
6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
HOBBIES
Hobby passion leads to shop ownership By Michael Crumb Editor
M
ike Templeton remembers riding his bike as a child from his home on Lettie Street to The Hobby Shop on Main Street to buy model cars and airplanes. Now, Templeton, 60, is the new owner of the business at 200 Main St. Templeton has purchased the business and building from long-time store owner Doug Samson. Samson was out of town and not available for comment, but Templeton said the transfer of the business from Samson to him has been a longtalked about arrangement between the two men. Templeton took over the business on July 1 after retiring from the Union Pacific Railroad. During his years with the railroad, he would get laid off in the fall because work on the railroad ground to a halt after the ground froze. “I would come in here and help Doug and help when orders came in, put things on the shelves, dust, answer the phone and help wait on customers,” Templeton said. Although there were a couple of other places to buy models in town, such as Ben Franklin or Campus Pipe Shop, Templeton, who now lives in Boone, said his choice as a child was always The Hobby Shop, which at the time was owned by Earl Noid. Samson took over the shop in 1979, the same year Templeton began his career with the railroad. As he neared retirement, Templeton knew he wanted
Model cars are seen in a display case at the front of The Hobby Shop, 200 Main St., Ames, which was recently purchased by Mike Templeton. PHOTO BY MICHAEL CRUMB/AMES TRIBUNE Mike Templeton stands in front of a display case showing a model airplane collection he bought from Doris Moore, of Ames. The planes were built by Moore’s husband, Lyle, and Templeton hopes to pay tribute to Moore and his planes by installing a bronze plaque with Moore’s name on the display case. PHOTO BY MICHAEL CRUMB/AMES TRIBUNE.
to take over the shop. “I figured it would be a good fit because once I retired, other than spending more time with my grandchildren, I don’t hunt, I don’t fish, I don’t have a motorcycle and I don’t have a boat. I build models,” Templeton said. He visits plastic kit and toy swap meets and has built his own collection of dealer promotional models that car dealers gave away. He has 700 on display at
his home, and that’s not the entire collection, Templeton said. He doesn’t plan on making many changes to the store. Freshening up the entrance and adding a new sign, and creating a photo timeline of the history of the building that he wants to post inside the front of the door are among his initial goals. Templeton also has added a collection of model military aircraft he bought
from Doris Moore, of Ames. The model airplanes belonged to Moore’s husband, Lyle, and when the time came, she wanted to sell them. She approached Templeton, who said he was happy to buy them with the intent of keeping them and displaying them in his store. Many of the planes now sit in a display case on the store’s east wall. Templeton rearranged the store’s shelves to put the inventory of model planes directly across the aisle. That way, interested customers can look at the yetto-be built models and see the possibilities in the finished products, which
Templeton describes as “museum quality,” in the display case. Templeton also hopes to add a bronze plaque to install on the display case, with Lyle Moore’s name on it, giving Moore credit for the collection. “He did a beautiful job,” Templeton said. Templeton acknowledges that it’s a different world today than when he grew up, with children being absorbed in their smart phones and video games. So what’s the case to make to interest a child in taking up building models as a hobby? It helps if you have an interest in history, or like old cars, he said.
You can learn about the history of cars, such as a 1963 Corvette, the first year they were made with hide-away headlights. If someone is leery because they don’t think they can make the model look historically accurate or as good as it does on the photo on the box, Templeton suggests beginning with snap together models. But when you listen to Templeton’s sale pitch, you hear a larger life lesson that goes beyond just building model planes and cars. “Once you’ve started, it’s just like anything, you learn from your mistakes and you get better with the more experience you get,” he said.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 7
Chamber Update SEPTEMBER 2016
REGISTER NOW!
The Ames Chamber Annual Steak Fry
3UHVHQWHG E\ $PHV )RUG /LQFROQ 3UHPLHU 6SRQVRU +\ 9HH 7XHVGD\ 6HSWHPEHU Ĺ? S P $W $PHV )RUG /LQFROQ $LUSRUW 5G
B
e a part of the tradition! Ames Chamber members and their guests are invited to join the Past Board Chairs of the Ames Chamber for a fun, casual (no ties allowed!) grill-your-own Steak Fry! Don’t miss out on this great networking event where you can make new contacts and catch up with old Chamber friends. It’s the place to be! Sign on to www.ameschamber.com to register or contact Sarah Buss at sarah@ameschamber.com if you have questions! *All registrations must be paid by noon the day of the event
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 | SEPTEMBER 2016
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
SEE YOURSELF IN AMES SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Summer series a great success
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
T
he See Yourself in Ames summer internship program wrapped up a successful series of events for students participating in a summer internship experience with any of our
local Ames area businesses. Interns from 26 businesses participated this year, a huge increase from 9 businesses in 2015. The VHULHV RI ¿YH HYHQWV VWDUWHG LQ 0D\ DQG were held throughout the Ames commu-
nity, giving interns an opportunity to meet others and expand their networks. Speakers at the events provided valuable career advice with the students by sharing their journey and experiences.
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
Event #1 was held at Ames Golf & Country Club where participants learned about business etiquette from Callista Gould. Justin Moorman of Moorman Clothiers and Holly Kruger from JC Penny presented the Do’s and Don’ts of business attire.
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.
Event #2 was hosted by Iowa State Athletics at the Jacobson building. Participants were given the opportunity to tour the Bergstrom Complex and the new ISU Sukup End Zone Club. Jamie Pollard spoke with students about his journey and the importance of leadership skills and doing what you say you are going to do.
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 9
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
SEE YOURSELF IN AMES SUMMER INTERN PROGRAM
Event #3 was hosted by Reiman Gardens where students participated in a scavenger hunt through the gardens for prizes. Speaker Adam Carroll gave an engaging presentation on how to leverage your network to get that dream job or career.
Event #4 was an Intern Throwdown Challenge hosted by the ISU Research Park and Vermeer. Participants competed in a series of events sponsored by ISU research park companies. Interns competed for prizes while learning about each company at the research park.
7KH ¿QDO HYHQW ZDV KRVWHG E\ :RUNLYD where participants were able to tour the :RUNLYD IDFLOLWLHV DQG OHDUQ DERXW WKH FRPpany. Speaker Lawrence Cunningham spoke with students about how to build their personal brand, not letting others GH¿QH \RX DQG WKH LPSRUWDQFH RI IROORZ-
Ames Chamber and AEDC staff ‡ Dan Culhane, President and CEO ‡ Peter Ampe 'LUHFWRU 3URMHFW 0DQDJHPHQW ‡ Sarah Buss 'LUHFWRU 6SRQVRUVKLS DQG 0HPEHU-
ing your passion. Thank you to our event sponsors Ames Golf & Country Club, Iowa State Athletics, Reiman Gardens, ISU Research Park, 9HUPHHU DQG :RUNLYD IRU KRVWLQJ WKHVH events. 7KDQN \RX WR RXU :RUNIRUFH 6ROXWLRQV
SURJUDP VSRQVRUV 0DU\ *UHHOH\ 0HGLcal Center, Renewable Energy Group, :RUNLYD *OREDO9HW/LQN .LQJODQG 6\VWHPV .UHJ 7RRO 6WRU\ &RXQW\ DQG *OREDO Reach Technologies for making the See Yourself in Ames series and many other workforce programs a possibility!
If you would like to learn more about how to be involved with the See Yourself LQ $PHV VHULHV RU DERXW RXU :RUNIRUFH Solutions program, contact Angie Dorenkamp at angie@ameschamber.com or 515232-2310.
ship Events ‡ Karin Chitty, Campustown Action Association Executive Director ‡ Edana Delagardelle (YHQW &RRUGLQDWRU 0DLQ 6WUHHW Cultural District ‡ $QJLH 'RUHQNDPS 'LUHFWRU :RUNIRUFH 6ROXWLRQV ‡ Lauren Frandsen, Director, Communications & 0DUNHWLQJ
‡ -RKQ +DOO, Director, Business Development & 0DUNHWLQJ ‡ 5RQ +DOOHQEHFN, Executive Vice President, Existing Business and Industry ‡.HOO\ +HQGULFN Client Services Coordinator ‡ &LQG\ +LFNV 0DLQ 6WUHHW &XOWXUDO 'LVWULFW Executive Director
‡ $P\ +RZDUG Vice President, Finance & Operations ‡ 'UHZ .DPS, Director, Story County Community Outreach and Government Affairs ‡/RMHDQ 3HWHUVHQ $PHV 0DLQ 6WUHHW )DUPHUV¶ 0DUNHW 0DQDJHU ‡Jan Williams, Director, External Business Relations
10 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Story County Board of Supervisors Candidate Forum
O
n Friday, October 7th from 11:30am-1:30pm at the City &KXUFK RI $PHV 'HV 0RLQHV located at 2400 Oakwood Road, candidates for the Story County Board of Supervisors will be featured at D &DQGLGDWH )RUXP KRVWHG E\ .$6, DQG presented by the Ames Chamber of Commerce. &DQGLGDWHV :D\QH &OLQWRQ /DXULV 2OVRQ 6FRWW 6FKDEHQ 0DUW\ &KLWW\ DQG /LQGD 0XUNHQ ZLOO ¿HOG TXHVWLRQV IURP .$6, 1HZV 'LUHFWRU 7UHQW 5LFH SURviding 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 1RYHPEHU WK *HQHUDO (OHFWLRQ The event will be broadcast live on .$6, DOORZLQJ WKRVH XQDEOH WR attend to listen to the broadcast remotely
YLD WKH .$6, ZHEVLWH RU WKH ,KHDUW 5DGLR 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/Story-County-Board-of-Supervisors-Candidate-Forum-463/details. If you have questions regarding the )RUXP SOHDVH FRQWDFW 'UHZ .DPS DW RU E\ HPDLO DW GUHZ#DPHschamber.com. If you wish to submit a
question for the candidates, please submit it to Drew by Thursday, October 6th. The Chamber is happy to once again SDUWQHU ZLWK .$6, WR SURYLGH WKLV XQLTXH opportunity to 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. 7KH &KDPEHU LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK .$6, 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, 'HV 0RLQHV $UHD &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH )LUVW 1DWLRQDO %DQN 5HQHZDEOH (QHUJ\ *URXS DQG :RUNLYD IRU WKHLU VWURQJ DQG FRQWLQXHG VXSSRUW :LWKRXW WKH DVVLVWDQFH provided by these and our other great sponsors, events such as this would not be possible.
State Legislature Candidate Forum on Oct. 14
O
n Friday, October 14th from 11:30am-2:00pm at the City &KXUFK RI $PHV 'HV 0RLQHV located at 2400 Oakwood Road, candidates for the Iowa Legislature will be featured at a Candidate Forum KRVWHG E\ .$6, DQG SUHVHQWHG E\ WKH Ames Chamber of Commerce. &DQGLGDWHV -HUU\ %HKQ .HLWK 3XQWHQQH\ %HWK :HVVHO .URHVFKHOO 6RQGUD Childs-Smith, Eric Cooper, Lisa Heddens, Rob Bacon, Sherrie Taha, Dave Deyoe, 0LFNLH )UDQNOLQ DQG 0LNH .QR[ ZLOO ¿HOG 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 deterPLQH ZKR WKH\ ZLOO VXSSRUW LQ WKH 1RYHPEHU WK *HQHUDO (OHFWLRQ The event will be broadcast live on .$6, DOORZLQJ WKRVH XQDEOH WR attend to listen to the broadcast remotely YLD WKH .$6, ZHEVLWH RU WKH ,KHDUW 5DGLR 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. If you have questions regarding the )RUXP SOHDVH FRQWDFW 'UHZ .DPS DW RU E\ HPDLO DW GUHZ#DPHschamber.com. If you wish to submit a question 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 LegislaWRUV GHYRWH D VLJQL¿FDQW DPRXQW RI WLPH and effort to the position and play a critical role in the future of our state. The Cham-
Smart Choice
www.WorkInAmes.com
EHU LQ SDUWQHUVKLS ZLWK .$6, LV KDSS\ WR 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 0RLQHV $UHD &RPPXQLW\ &ROOHJH )LUVW 1DWLRQDO %DQN 5HQHZDEOH (QHUJ\ *URXS DQG :RUNLYD IRU WKHLU VWURQJ DQG FRQWLQXHG VXSSRUW :LWKRXW WKH DVVLVWDQFH SURvided by these and our other great sponsors, events such as this would not be possible.
S E P T E M 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 | SEPTEMBER 2016
September calendar Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
Friday
2
3
9
10 8am: Ames Main
Leadership Ames
4
5
6
7
5 p.m.: Annual Steak Fry (Ames Ford Lincoln)
8 12 noon: Northridge Village (R/C)
7 p.m.: Movie Night in Campustown (CAA)
Labor Day
11
12
13
14
4 p.m.: Knapp Tedesco (R/C)
18
19
20
15
16
22
10 a.m.: Octagon Arts Festival (MSCD)
26
27
23
24 8am: Ames Main AEDC Board Mtg
28
29
Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)
Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)
4:30 p.m.: Grandgenett Family Dentistry(R/C)
25
8am: Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)
17 8am: Ames Main
12 noon.: Salvation Army (R/C)
21
Saturday
Street Farmers’ Market (300 & 400 blocks Main Street)
30
4:30 p.m.: Dentistry at Somerset (R/C)
Chamber Board Mtg 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 | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 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. :LWK HDFK 5LEERQ &XWWLQJ your business will be exposed to the Ames community and Story County. Event photos of your Ribbon Cutting will be published in the &KDPEHU¶V :HHNO\ ( PDLO 8SGDWH DQG WKH $PHV %XVLQHVV 0RQWKO\ A Ribbon Cutting is a great way to invite people to your location and showcase your business.
EXIT Realty Lora & Company 1525 Airport Road, Suite 103
1RW RQO\ GRHV WKLV RSSRUWXQLW\ get people to your place of business, but it offers a unique networking environment in addition to some great marketing. So what are \RX ZDLWLQJ IRU" &RQWDFW -DQ :LOliams at jan@ameschamber.com or call 232-2310, to schedule your Ribbon Cutting today!
✂ Octagon Center for the Arts 427 Douglas Ave.
S E P T E M 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 | SEPTEMBER 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 Jamie Hudson, Great Southern Bank Sherry Hosteng, RE/MAX Real Estate Ashley Howe, Xpanxion Sharon Johnson, RE/MAX Real Estate Linda Jennings, Ames Living Magazine Michelle King, The Krell Institute Greg King, South Duff Matt Koehler, Greater Iowa Credit Union Destiny Lempiainen, Wells Fargo 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 Tim Tryon, First National Bank Shane Torres, RE/Max Real Estate Concepts Allyson Walter, Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau Daryle Vegge, Ames Morning Rotary Christopher Vry, Wells Fargo Michelle Wild, Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau Keathen Winter,Northridge Village
Sam’s Club
305 Airport Road
Stevens Memorial Chapel 607 28th St.
14 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
C HA M B E R
Welcome, new Ames Chamber members Little Woods: Herbs & Tea located at 136 Main
MEMBERS
Thank you to the following members who have donated 10 percent more than their annual dues for Chamber projects: ACH Payment for TIAA-CREF - TIAAHaverkamp Properties, Inc. CREF Heartland Senior Services Ames Morning Rotary Hickory Park, Inc. Accord Architecture Hilton Garden Inn American National Insurance - Rick ISU Athletics Reger ISU Research Park Ames Christian School Integrity Construction Ames Education Foundation Iowa State University Ames Racquet & Fitness Center Inc. Iowa State University Bookstore Ann Campbell Jeff’s Pizza Ship, LLC Anytime Fitness John Doyle B Fabulous BBQ & Catering Keen Project Solutions, LLC B-Bops Laverne Apartments - Ames BASF Corporation LifeServe Blood Center Ballard Community School District MEMBERS 1st Community Bankers Trust Credit Union Battlecry Iowa Smokehouse Manatt’s, Inc. Best Western Plus -University Park Inn Massage Heights & Suites Microtel Bethany Life Northern Lights Center Bickford Assisted Living Nucara Pharmacy Biolife Plasma Center Overman Family Dentistry Biova Philip L Berg Agency Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Pizza Ranch of Ames LLC Brown’s Heavy Equipment, Inc. Premier Locations LLC, US CPMI Event Center Cellular Cafe Diem Pretzelmaker, Ames - North Calcium Products Incorporated Grand Mall Campustown Property Management Proplanner Cassandra Clyde Radiant Complexions Chick-fil-A at Ames Renewable Energy Group Clear Brook Counseling Professionals Robert Grathwohl Community Greetings SAMACO LLC Cycle Force Group, LLC Sara M Converse, AIA Cyclone Liquors ServPro of Ames Davis Brown Law Sherwin - Williams Deery Brothers of Ames Stoltze & Stoltze Family Duane Sandage Dentistry Executive Express Story County ISU Extension Express Employment Pro Stumbo & Associates Fairfield Inn - Ames Success Gymnastics Academy Fareway North Ames The Cafe Fast Signs The Iowa Stater First National Bank The Jensen Group Furman Corporation The Salon in Ames Gilbert Community School District Thrivent Financial - Greg Global State Mortgage Messore Great Southern Bank Torrent Brewing Company Great Western Bank Travel & Transport Triplett Companies Haila Architecture Structure Planning VisionBank Harris & Co., CPA, PLC Wild Root Salon Hastings, Gartin, & Boettger, LLP
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.
St, is a Tea Sampling Bar (try before you buy or order a brewed cup to go). Selling bulk herbs and teas by the ounce, original herbal and tea blends, apothecary supplies, tea ware, and gifts. Call them at 515.233.3838 for more information.
Leiht Restoration, LLC is located at 312 Main St, #201. They are a General Contractor with a full service design studio and wood shop, allowing production of many key elements throughout the course of home building and remodeling. They fabricate unique architectural details, custom molding, woodworking, and built-in cabinetry to create rooms that make a statement. For more details, contact 515.509.0806 or visit www.leihtrestoration.com Home Town Tech, providing support since 2004, they serve home users, small and medium sized businesses with their computer and network systems and repairs are performed locally! Their goal is to advance our community’s entertainment, work, and education through technology! For inquiries, call 515.233.8324 or stop in at 305 Kellogg Avenue.
Landus Cooperative, a farmer-owned agricultural cooperative, in one of North America’s largest grain storage companies and has shuttle-loading access on all seven, major Iowa rail lines. They provide precision agronomy services including expert grain marketing, corn and soybean processing, and more. Call 515.817.2100 or visit www.landuscooperative.com for more information.
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. 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).
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 15
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
AMES CHAMBER AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS
Ames Foundation partners with Chamber
I
n mid-July, the Ames Foundation joined the Ames Chamber of ComPHUFH DV DQ DIÂżOLDWH RUJDQL]DWLRQ 7KH Foundation, which has been in existence since 1975, will now receive staff DQG RUJDQL]DWLRQ VXSSRUW IURP WKH &KDPber. “This is a big step for the Ames Foundation. Our move and agreement with the Ames Chamber allows us to have a presHQFH RQ 0DLQ 6WUHHW LQ WKH KHDUW RI FRPmunity which greatly increases our visibility,â€? said Sheila Lundt, Ames Foundation President. The Ames Foundation serves as the FDWDO\VW IRU WKH LGHQWLÂżFDWLRQ DQG H[HFXWLRQ of projects that enhance the quality of life and create a greater sense of community DPRQJ FLWL]HQV 7KH )RXQGDWLRQ DOVR FRQnects resources with projects in cooperaWLRQ ZLWK SXEOLF DJHQFLHV FLYLF RUJDQL]D-
tions, private entities and individuals. ³:H DUH H[FLWHG DERXW WKLV QHZ SDUWQHUship and happy to be able to offer our location and resources to an important orgaQL]DWLRQ OLNH WKH $PHV )RXQGDWLRQ ´ VDLG Dan Culhane, Ames Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.
This new partnership comes as the Ames Foundation prepares for their AnnuDO (YHQW IHDWXULQJ 'HXFHV :LOG 'XHOLQJ Pianos. Again this year, proceeds from the event will help the Ames Foundation’s Community Tree Program. This program works with the City of Ames to “reforest�
public areas impacted by the destructive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer. To date the Ames Foundation has assisted with the planting of nearly 400 trees. Previously, the Ames Foundation has assisted with great projects including the $PHV VHVTXLFHQWHQQLDO WKH 0DLQ Street lighting project, the Ames Public /LEUDU\ UHQHZDO DQG PDQ\ RWKHU EHDXWL¿cation and restoration projects around the community. The mailing address for the Ames )RXQGDWLRQ ZLOO EH 0DLQ 6WUHHW $PHV Iowa 50010. The Foundation’s phone number is now (515) 232-5904, which will ring to the Chamber’s front desk and be directed to a foundation member or Peter Ampe, the Ames Chamber of Commerce liaison for the Ames Foundation.
‘First Shot’ and ‘IdeaFlow’ events provide community, feedback for Ames start-ups
F
LUVW 6KRW gives a local company or entrepreneur a chance to pitch their company to the Ames Community. The community will then get the chance to ask questions, give tips and really dive into what each business is all about. First and Third Thursdays. Doors open at 7:30 AM, presentation begins at 8 AM. ISU Economic Development Core Facility, 1805 Collaboration Place. Free coffee is provided. Come brainstrom with fellow entrepreneurs at ,GHD)ORZ. Fourth Thursday of the month at 4:30 PM at Torrent Brewing Company, 504 Burnett Street. One free drink ticket is provided. First Shot August Companies: ,Q $XJXVW WZR DPD]LQJ $PHV VWDUW XSV SUHVHQWHG DW )LUVW 6KRW .LQR6RO GLVcussed their plans to help feed the world with their portable, solar powered food dehydrator. The founder of Terva, Steven Brockshus, shared his plan to revolutionL]H WKH ZD\ WKDW IDUPHUV ZLOO VHOO DQG UHQW land by using technology. Read below to
learn more about these great companies and make sure to join us at First Shot to hear from other great companies getting their start here in Ames.
Sol. This lightweight solar dehydrator dries and stores produce for months past its fresh counterpart. Dehydration is an easy and inexpensive way to avoid post-harvest loss and storage increases the availability of food during low and no harvest periods. .LQR6RO KDV D OLJKWZHLJKW DQG FROODSVLEOH design so it can be easily stored, moved, and shared.
KinoSol:
For four Iowa State Students it all began as the simple goal of improving the lives of rural families. In their travels they had witnessed hungry farmers who worked all day to grow food that ended up rotting. They discovered that one third of all food on earth is wasted, which hits hardest for small-scale subsistence farmers. Their passion to preserve this preventable loss led WKHP WR FUHDWH D VLPSOH WRRO FDOOHG .LQR-
Terva:
Steven Brockshus grew up on a 5th generation family dairy farm in Sibley, Iowa where he developed a solid agricultural foundation. He rode tractors with
his father and had chores that consisted of feeding and milking cattle. Living in the country and helping out with a family business was in his nature. Steven always knew he wanted to pursue a career withLQ WKH ÂżHOG RI DJULFXOWXUH EXW ZDQWHG WR GR LW LQ KLV RZQ ZD\ :KHQ KH VDZ DQ opportunity to create a solution for the ODFN RI RUJDQL]DWLRQ ZKHQ LW FRPHV WR buying and selling farmland, he took the leap. Terva is an online marketplace for farmland real estate. Anyone interested in buying, selling, or renting farmland can use its web application to see a current snapshot of the market. It shows you what is currently for sale and allows you to post your own land to sell or rent.
16 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
Young Professionals of Ames
G
et involved with Young Professionals of Ames for opportunities to build and foster relationships though:
2016 YPA Board
s,EADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT s0ROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT s#OMMUNITY /UTREACH s#ULTURAL AND SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Visit www.ypames.com to learn more and join us!
90! %XCELLENCE !WARD 7INNER ,EILA !MMAR Young Professionals of Ames would like to thank Ames Golf and Country Club for hosting the All-Member Social Dinner on July 19th.
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 Mike Mullen, Converse Conditioned Air 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. Young Professionals of Ames representative Megan Vollstedt was EXCITED to present Leila Ammar from HAILA Architecture as the Excellence Award Winner for the second quarter of 2016
YPA’s Thursday After Work (ThAW) events provide a great opportunity for networking and socializing with other young professionals! Recently YPA members gathered for the August ThAW held at West Towne Pub. Join us for our next ThaW, September 8. No registration is required! Find more details at www.ypames.com
S E P T E M 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 | SEPTEMBER 2016
MAIN STREET CULTURAL DISTRICT
Oktoberfest, it’s all about the beer!
Octagon Art Festival Returns Sept. 25
T
T
R (YDQ 7D\ORU $PHV 0DLQ 6WUHHW Oktoberfest brew manager, beer LV D ÂżQHO\ FUDIWHG VFLHQFH “To me, a good beer is something fairly balanced, has a strong malty EDFNERQH ZLWK D SURPLQHQW KRS Ă€DYRU ´ Taylor said. “Like food, you can take the same simple ingredients and what you produce can be wildly different than what the next guy produces.â€? October 22 will mark the 5th year for $PHV 0DLQ 6WUHHW 2NWREHUIHVW SUHVHQWHG E\ )LUVW 1DWLRQDO %DQN )RU WKLV DQQLYHUsary, craft breweries from all over Iowa are invited to participate in the annual event held in downtown Ames. Taylor is coordinating a tasting of seasonal beers and a contest between the brewers that will be decided by public voting. It is a passion he is eager to share with Oktoberfest patrons. “I am really excited about Olde 0DLQ DQG WKHLU QHZ EUHZ PDVWHU &RU\ 2Âś1HHO ´ VDLG 7D\ORU Âł$QG ZKLOH )LUH Trucker Brewery has only been around a couple of years, they are really using innovative techniques to put out some
really good product.â€? Taylor, who attended grad school for English Literature at Iowa State University, says you practically need a biochemistry degree just to understand what goes into a good mug of beer. Taylor says the pH level of the water, the alpha acid content of the hops, amount of sugar in the ingredients and how the yeast will break that down, are just a few of the considerations you need to keep in mind. “There is a real science to it and it’s really quite beautiful,â€? Taylor said. Âł7KHUH LV DQ DPD]LQJ YDULDQFH LQ WKH craft beer scene in America right now.â€? To Taylor, who spends his working hours at DG’s Tap House in downtown Ames, making sure every customer has the perfect beer experience, it is all about tradition. “This year the Reinheitsgebot marks 500 years in Germany,â€? Taylor said. “That is the purity law that says all you need for good beer is water, grain, hops, and yeast.â€? It all seems quite complicated when you think about it. But for Taylor it boils
down to making sure every single person who attends this year’s Oktoberfest leaves with a new appreciation for the art of beer. The event will also feature great live polka music from Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen, Second Chair %UDVV DQG %LOO .RQFDU SOXV OLYH URFN Q roll from Burnin’ Sensations. There will also be great German food, Guten tag games, and a commemorative mug for patrons to take home. Those attending are encouraged, but not required, to come in costume. The event will be tented and heated in case of cold weather. Be sure to mark your calendars for October 22! 7KH 0DLQ 6WUHHW &XOWXUDO 'LVWULFW ZDV 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 RQ 06&' KDSSHQLQJV EHFRPH D IDQ RI WKH 0DLQ 6WUHHW &XOWXUDO 'LVWULFW RQ )DFHbook, bookmark www.AmesDowntown. RUJ RU FRQWDFW RXU RI¿FH DW 06&' LV DQ DI¿OLDWH RUJDQL]DWLRQ of the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
he 46th Annual Octagon Art Festival is just around the corner! There will be plenty for art enthusiasts of all ages to experience in downtown Ames on Sunday, September 25 from 10 am – 5 pm. A variety of free entertainment acts including live bands and performing arts will be presented throughout the day. A wide selection of cuisine to cater anyone’s appetite will be available at the festival. Children’s art activities will be available in front of the Octagon Center for the Arts along the 400 block of Douglas. Approximately 100 juried artists IURP VWDWHV ZLOO ¿OO WKH 0DLQ 6WUHHW Cultural District with a sea of artistic creations. A wide variety of functional, wearable and decorative artwork is available within any budget. Bring \RXU IDPLO\ DQG IULHQGV WR WKH 0DLQ Street Cultural District in downtown Ames on Sunday, September 25, from 10 am –5 pm to experience the many wonders of art at the Octagon Art Festival. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information regarding the Octagon Art Festival including a festival map and list of participating artists, visit www.octagonarts. org. The Octagon Art Festival is orgaQL]HG E\ WKH 2FWDJRQ &HQWHU WKH $UWV D QRQ SUR¿W FRPPXQLW\ DUW RUJDQL]DWLRQ ORFDWHG LQ GRZQWRZQ $PHV 0DLQ Street Cultural District. Special thanks to the festival sponsors and community supporters who PDNH WKLV HYHQW SRVVLEOH 0 $PHV Commission on the Arts; Ames TriEXQH &URVV :HDOWK 0DQDJHPHQW )LUVW 1DWLRQDO %DQN +DLOD $UFKLWHFture, Structure and Planning; Iowa Arts Council; Iowa Public Radio; 0DLQ 6WUHHW &XOWXUDO 'LVWULFW 0HGLDFRP 3UHPLHU &UHGLW 8QLRQ :LOOVRQ Toyota Scion, and Octagon Center for the Arts.
18 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
AMES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | SEPTEMBER 2016
CAMPUSTOWN ACTION ASSOCIATION
Movie Night in Campustown set for Sept. 9
J
oin us in Campustown for FREE fun for the whole family. Food will be available for purchase from some of our CampusWRZQ IDYRULWHV IURP SP Activities will be provided by Healthiest Ames & Raising Readers of Story County starting at 7pm. 0RYLH ZLOO VWDUW DW SP Parking will be available on the lower level of the St. Thomas Aquinas parking ramp or as always at the Ames Intermodal Facility located at 129 Hayward Ave. Free treats while supplies last brought to you by our sponsors: ArcaGLD &DIp 7KH )LJKWLQJ %XUULWR :HOFK Avenue Station & Campustown Spirit! Check out the Campustown Action Association Facebook page for details.
campustown
A new look for Welch Avenue
V
isitors to Campustown will be greeted with a new look IRU :HOFK $YHQXH ,Q ODWH July the City of Ames began a test project aimed at enhancing both pedestrian and bicyclist safety in the area. City crews installed planters to close off the east side parking in the DQG EORFNV RI :HOFK 1HZ bike racks are housed in the space closHVW WR /LQFROQ :D\ *URXSLQJV RI WDEOHV and benches were placed along the remainder of the space created. Sharrows have also been added to remind GULYHUV WKH\ DUH VKDULQJ :HOFK ZLWK bicyclists. Come down and check it out!
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 19
TECHNOLOGY
ISU professor, researchers develop cold solder technique By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
A
professor and two post-doctorate researchers at Iowa State University have secured a patent for a no-heat soldering technique almost as simple as using glue. The solder material, which looks like black fluid at room temperature, is essentially bulk metal broken down into small liquid particles and encased in a chemical layer the size of a nanometer, roughly the size of a thousandth of a strand of human hair. Ian Tevis, a former post-doctorate researcher at ISU and chief technical officer of SAFI-Tech, the company leading the solder product’s venture, said the process works like applying glue to paper: the user would apply the solder and apply pressure to let it set. “Think of it like little water balloons filled with metal that cools when it’s popped,” he said. Once set, the solder acts like a conventional solder, which can save manufacturers and tinkerers in time and money by not having to wait for an iron to reach the temperature required to melt the metal being used. Ultimately, Tevis wants to develop a solder for general use, along with a replacement for electrically conductive silver paste for use in flexible electronics. The technology was principally developed by Martin Thuo, an ISU professor, along with Tevis. Part of the product’s early development research was conducted at Harvard University, where Thuo spent time after getting his doctorate. But now, SAFI-Tech’s research and development efforts are housed entirely at ISU. “Harvard is great for discovery and they have a lot of toys,” he said. “But we don’t need Harvard anymore for this.” SAFI-Tech received $225,000 in seed money from the Small Business Innovation Research fund, an arm of the National Science Foundation, along with
AGRICULTURE
Van Wall Equipment earns “Dealership of the Year” award
V
Iowa State University professor Martin Thuo demonstrates soldered metal samples created by particles he developed. SAFI-Tech, a company started by one of his postdoctoral researchers, looks to bring the product to market. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
a $25,000 grant from the Iowa Innovation Corporation about eight months ago. Tevis said he hopes to develop his solder to the point where it can be used for individual do-it-yourself projects and industrial-scale operations alike. The challenge right now for SAFI-Tech, Tevin said, is producing different types of solder for various applications. “How do you pop one million balloons at once for a manufacturer?” he said. SAFI-Tech must also battle challenges on the venture’s business side. The solders must achieve Restriction of Hazardous Substances, or RoHS, compliance before hitting the market. There are also several logistical issues in scaling the manufacturing process
for different customers. The company is receiving support from Startup Factory, an ISU-sponsored business accelerator providing advice, resources and a workspace over a year. For Thuo, the key issue is keeping the general population’s interest in the discovery until SAFI-Tech can bring a product to consumers. “This started with one particle, which made us excited enough,” he said. “Does my grandma care? No … We can have the most important technology, but it’s useless if it can’t go to market.” Tevis said projects funded by the SBIR fund aim for production within two to three years of winning a grant, so he hopes to have a product to market within that timeframe.
an Wall Equipment, headquarted in Perry, has been chosen as the 2016 “Dealership of the Year” by Farm Equipment magazine. Farm Equipment has been presenting its “Dealership of the Year” annually to farm machinery dealers for 12 years. Van Wall Equipment was named the Dealership of the Year this year not only for its outstanding financial and operating performance, but also for its demonstrated commitment to employee training, community involvement and renowned customer service. Founded in 1977, Van Wall runs 16 ag locations, as well as two power sports, two material handling, three golf and turf and two Commercial and Consumer Equipment stores. The dealership features a variety of different manufacturers including John Deere, Krause, Kuhn, Westendorf, and Brent. “It’s a humbling experience because I’ve been around a lot of other outstanding dealers, and I know there’s a lot of things that other dealers do better than I do. I do know there’s some things we do well, but I think it’s important to say there’s a lot of opportunity for us to be better yet,” says Don Van Houweling, owner and CEO of Van Wall Equipment. “Thank you for the opportunity to recognize what we have done, but be very clear and say there’s a lot we need to do yet to really be as good as we need to be.” The dealership was chosen for the award by a panel of farm equipment experts. In their selection of Van Wall Equipment as Farm Equipment’s Dealership of the Year, the judges noted: “Van Wall had by far the highest market share and also the highest absorption rate of all nominees. Van Wall is also continuing to grow the size of its dealership through acquisitions. Since 2014, they have added 11 ag stores, one powersports store and one Doosan Material Handling dealership. In an attempt to keep diversification at the fore front, they are now selling crop insurance, artistic concrete and soil moisture monitors. Van Wall also demonstrated the highest ROA of all 2016 nominations.”
20 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
BEAUTY
BANKING
Ames National Corporation ranks nationally in profi tability, capitalization, asset quality
A
mes National Corporation ranked 17th among the top 166 publicly-traded banks with assets between $1 billion and $5 billion in Bank Director magazine’s annual Bank Performance Scorecard. Ames National Corporation serves as the holding company for five central Iowa banks, including First National Bank, State Bank & Trust Co., Boone Bank & Trust Co., Reliance State Bank, and United Bank & Trust. Bank Director published the 2016 Bank
Performance Scorecard, a ranking of publicly traded banks based on 2015 calendar year data, in its third quarter issue. Each year, the Bank Performance Scorecard ranks banks traded on the NASDAQ OMX and NYSE exchanges, dividing them into three categories: big banks, with more than $50 billion in assets; mid-sized banks, between $5 billion and $50 billion in assets; and community banks, between $1 billion and $5 billion in assets. The Scorecard uses
five metrics that measure profitability, capitalization and asset quality. ROAA and ROAE are used to gauge each bank’s profitability. The TCE ratio, a conservative metric that excludes less reliable instruments like preferred stock and debt, is used to measure each bank’s capital strength. And the ratio of nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate owned, and the ratio of net charge offs to average loans, are used to assess each bank’s asset quality.
Wild Root Salon owner Morgan Feltner, right, chats with a member of the Ames Chamber of Commerce Tuesday during her salon’s grand opening. Feltner said her shop is the only organic salon in Ames. PHOTO BY DAN MIKA/AMES TRIBUNE
Organic hair salon opens on Main Street By Dan Mika
Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
W
ild Root Salon, an organic beauty parlor nestled in a basement just off Main Street, cut the ribbon on its doors during a grand opening Tuesday. Salon owner Morgan Feltner began her career after starting cosmetology school, working for two years in salons in Minneapolis. She was later accepted to work at the original Juut Salon for a year, a parlor which accepts only eight stylists out of around 250 applicants each year. “It’s like graduate school for cutting hair,” she said. After that year, she spent some time working in a salon in northern Minnesota, where she grew a disdain for large salons where “no one knew your name” and using hair products with potentially carcinogenic chemicals. She had dabbled with the idea of opening her own salon for a few months, but became serious last April. She decided to relocate to Ames for her family, as her parents, Paula and Michael Feltner, run a photography business in town. She did a soft open in July, opening up her shop by appointment in the basement two floors below where her parents work while setting up appointments around her brother’s wedding in Alaska last month.
Feltner said Wild Root sets itself apart by using Oway products, which are organically produced and imported from Italy. Her insistence on using fully organic shampoos and coloring comes from wanting to keep her clients, and herself, healthy while getting their hair done. “I use it for longevity,” she said. “I didn’t want to put myself at risk doing the work I love.” Feltner also emphasizes eco-friendliness in her shop decor. She said all her furniture has either been repurposed or designed in an eco-friendly way, all installed in a shop that eschewed a major redesign to save resources. Wild Root is a small, cozy shop, with only one seat and one stylist. Feltner intentionally created this small atmosphere to evoke a homelike feel. It’s an intentional contrast to salons Feltner has worked at in the past, where she said customers would come in and gossip with friends as they got their hair done. The salon’s main challenge going forward is convincing customers to choose organic over traditional products, Feltner said. The other, she said, is getting customers acquainted with a style of salon that goes beyond the norm. “It’s not going to be for everyone,” she said. “It’s a very intimate, one-on-one experience.”
S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 6 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 21
RESTAURANT
Chinese Homestyle Cooking looks back at 20-year run Tina Song, left, and Chung Song, right, pose in Chinese Homestyle Cooking after closing up shop on Friday. The two are closing their business after 20 years in Ames. PHOTO BY
By Dan Mika, Staff Writer dmika@amestrib.com
C
hinese Homestyle Cooking is a small, unassuming restaurant that straddles the southwest corner of Iowa State University’s campus. Tina Song wouldn’t have it any other way. “‘I’m not big, I’m not fancy,” she said as she sat in a booth, looking out the window to Lincoln Way. “But I don’t mind.” The restaurant’s owners, Tina and Chung Song, have run the restaurant for almost 20 years from the small building off the corner of Sheldon Avenue and Lincoln Way. But in late October, they’ll close their business when the lease on their building runs out. Tina’s start in the restaurant business came in 1982, when she emigrated from Taiwan and began working as a waitress for her sister’s restaurants in Des Moines and Ankeny. While in the U.S., she got a call from Chung, who she had grown up with as a child in their home country. “He said, ‘I’m not married yet. Are you married?’ and I said no,” she said. They’ve been married for about 30 years. The Songs moved to Ames in 1996, setting up shop in a small structure that previously housed bars and other restaurants for short periods of time. From there, the couple watched Campustown grow its skyline with new buildings. Tina said she knew the building plot was for sale for almost two years, but they received notice from their landlord earlier this year that they will not have an option to renew their lease. She acknowledged the building’s end was nigh. “It’s time to change out this building,” she said. “It’s pretty old.” From their corner spot, the Songs saw the growth of ISU and its Chinese student population in particular. When the couple moved in, there were four or five Chinese restaurants in town. Now, Tina said, there are 10, and they have come to meet steady demand from students. But Chinese Homestyle Cooking has prevailed over two decades despite new competition. Tina said her business’ success comes from a combination of customer loyalty and a near-obsession over making the meal right every time.
DAN MIKA/ AMES TRIBUNE
Chung, working behind the counter, recalled the time he hired a chef to help run the kitchen. “He would add too much pepper and people would come saying the food was too hot,” he said. “The guy would get more mad and add more pepper.” Since then, the Songs ran their business by themselves while their two boys played in the foyer. They became a favorite of regulars, often playing with the kids. Tina said some customers occasionally offered to keep an eye on the boys when work became too hectic. “My kids grew up here,” Tina said. “They played Pokemon and Power Rangers in here,” pointing around the space around the counter. The Songs also saw ISU students grow up. Chung said he remembers many of his repeat customers who came in as undergraduates and can still name off how a few like their orders done years after their graduation. He recalled seeing many first dates happening over the years in his booths, and a handful of them growing into marriages. He specifically recalled a couple who met at ISU and often ate his restaurant. When he saw them last, they had come into Ames during a road trip to grab a bite. Their five children were in tow. “Twenty years ago, they were all dating and single,” he said. “Now they’re moms and dads.” While the Songs have enjoyed their time at the university’s corner, they acknowledged that it’s time for them to take a step back from working every day. Tina, whose left arm was in a
sling, pointed at her shoulder and her palms. Years of chopping vegetables damaged her shoulder, she said, and her hand had suffered injuries from tossing her wok. Chung said he has had shoulder issues as well. Tina said she and her husband, both in their late 50s, are going to take some time to recover from the grind of the restaurant business. When asked if they may consider opening up their restaurant in a new location, Tina shook her hand horizontally. “We’ll think about it,” she said. If they do decide to restart their business, Tina said they wouldn’t do so in Ames, as rent prices in the area have risen too much for them to afford. She said they would likely move to Ankeny to begin again. The Songs said they’ll miss running the business. They’re going to miss their regulars; the ones who matriculated and graduated from ISU, the customers who watched their children grow up as they played pretend in the booths, and especially police officers, who, according to Tina, account for 80 percent or so of her customers. And although they think it’s time for the building to be replaced, they hope the history they saw will stay with them and their customers. “There’s a lot of memories here,” Chung said as he organized some food behind the counter. After two decades in business, the couple have seen boons and busts in the business community around town. When asked if they had any advice for business owners, Tina was quick to offer an answer. “I never spent a dollar on advertising,” Tina said, flashing a grin. “If you’re honest, people will come back.”
22 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | SEPTEMBER 2016
BRIMEYER
BRAMMER
Keeping employees employable The top 10 ways
A
fact that the rate of technological change concern has been gnawing at me for continues to increase. the past several years. My worry is While managers can’t guarantee employthat, for the first time ever, the world’s ment in today’s economy, they can choose capacity to produce goods and provide serto ensure that their employees will remain vices may exceed demand. We’re fundamenemployable. This starts with managers being tally out of balance … and will remain so straight up with employees by sharing their going forward. visibility of what’s going on in Sure, the world has always their industry. What jobs are at suffered recessions, defined highest risk? More importantly, periods of time where specific what future skills will be in geographies suffered inadequate highest demand? demand. Central banks ease Several years ago as the Great fiscal policy to spur demand and Recession was looming, I recall move the economy back into a conversation with a business balance, occasionally overdoing owner who was very concerned. it and inflating a bubble. When asked if he had shared his But years of ultra-easy concerns with his employees, money across the globe appear he responded, “I don’t pay them to be doing little to help the sitenough to worry.” I remember uation. In fact, it may actually thinking, “You don’t pay them be adding to the problem as proRick Brimeyer enough not to.” ducers utilize the easy money to Investing in training employinvest in more automation and ees (both in hard skills required for the thus more capacity in order to gain a competfuture and in soft skills) is another strategy itive edge. for keeping employees employable. FortuIf that theory is correct, it explains the nately, this can pay real dividends when one significant and growing number of people considers improved retention, higher prowho find themselves without a niche in ductivity and improved interpersonal skills today’s global, technology-driven economy. with both teammates and customers. WellThey’re essentially economically homeless. delivered, pertinent training sends a clear Ironically, the same factors that led message to employees that “you are worth to their current situation — productivinvesting in.” ity improvements and globalization — also Obviously, each individual has a responprovide them with a standard of living which sibility to keep their skills up to date. But far exceeds that experienced by most people we know a significant portion won’t without just 40 years ago. That’s little consolation. some help. Here a successful analogy is proPeople don’t compare themselves to their vided by the default settings which have been grandparents; they compare themselves to introduced for automatic payroll deduction their contemporaries. and target date retirement funds to nudge Thus they are angry and voting accordemployees to responsibly save for retireingly as indicated by Brexit and Trump’s ment within their 401(k) and 403(b) plans. popularity. Neither addresses the root We can and should provide similar nudges to causes of their situation. Both will probably increase the odds that employees make it to make matters worse overall, which will only that retirement. serve to exacerbate the anger once that’s Finally, the greatest assurance you can evident. provide employees for a secure future is to Indeed, unless the majority of the popurun a great business. This doesn’t guaranlation is willing to pay a significant premium tee that reductions won’t be necessary as the for a coffee maker manufactured domestiGreat Recession demonstrated. But team cally and assembled on a 1970s labor-intenplayers with pertinent skills from successful sive assembly line, we’ve got a problem. organizations are always in strong demand. Resolving this dilemma exceeds the capacity of my brain. Perhaps there is a ray RICK BRIMEYER is the President of Brimeyer of hope knowing that we were able to sucLLC, an independent management consulting cessfully transition millions of workers from firm located in Ames which guides organizations farms to factories during the industrial revto higher performance by focusing on process olution. Can we repeat that by converting improvement and leadership development. laborers to technology workers in the knowlFurther information is available at www.brimeyedge revolution? Obviously the training erllc.com or by calling 515-450-8855. hurdle is much higher. Even scarier is the
to improve your investment experience
have no expected return, but diverEmbrace Market Pricing — sifying within your home market is The stock and bond market not enough. Global diversification can are effective, informationbroaden your investment universe. processing machines. Millions of par Avoid Market Timing — You ticipants buy and sell securities in the never know which market segment world markets every day, and the realwill outperform from year to year. By time information they bring helps set holding a globally diversified portfolio, prices.(98.6 Million Daily Trades) Don’t Try to Outguess the Market investors are well positioned to seek returns wherever they occur. — The markets pricing power works Manage Your Emoagainst investment mantions — Many people agers who try to outstruggle to separate their smart the other paremotions from investing. ticipants through stock Markets go up and down. picking or market timing. Reacting to current As evidence, 17 percent of market conditions may US equity mutual funds lead to making poor have survived and outinvestment decisions at performed their stock the worst time (i.e. do not benchmarks over the past buy on elation and sell 15 years. out of fear.) Resist Chasing Per Look Beyond the formance — Some invesHeadlines — Daily tors select investment market news and commanagers based on past Nate Brammer mentary can challenge returns. However, mutual your investment discipline. Some mesfunds that have outperformed in the sages stir anxiety about the future past do not always persist as winners. while others tempt you to chase the Past performance provides little latest investment fad. When tested, insight into a fund’s ability to outperconsider the source and maintain a form in the future. long-term perspective. Let markets work for you — The Focus on What You Can Control financial markets have rewarded long — Create an investment plan to fit term investors. People expect a posiyour needs and risk tolerance; Structive return on the capital they supply, ture the portfolio along the dimenand historically, the equity and bond sions of expected returns; Diversify markets have provided growth of broadly; Reduce expenses and turnowealth that has more than offset ver and also minimize taxes. inflation. A financial advisor can create a Consider the Drivers of Return plan tailored to your personal finan— Academic research has identified cial needs while helping you focus on these equity and fixed income drivers, actions that add value. This can lead to which point to differences in expected a much better investment experience. returns (market, company size, relative price, profitability, term, and NATHAN D. BRAMMER MBA, AIF is credit.) These dimensions are pervaa Principal and Investment Advisor at sive, persistent, and robust and can be Marrs Wealth Management. He can be pursued in cost-effective portfolios. reached at Nate@marrswealthmanage Practice Smart Diversification — ment.com. Diversification helps reduce risks that
SEPTEMBER 2016 | AMES BUSINESS MONTHLY | 23
RESTAURANT
Fuzzy’s makes its way to Campustown By Grayson Schmidt, Staff Writer gschmidt@amestrib.com
I
owa State students and Campustown visitors will have a new dining option when Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opens its doors at 2420 Lincoln Way. According to Fuzzy’s operating partner and Des Moines native Jason Elliott, this new shop will be the 84th location in the country, and third location to open in Iowa in the last year. He and his cousin, Corey Butcher, opened the first location in Ankeny last August, followed by the downtown Des Moines location in November, and now the Ames Fuzzy’s is set to open Sept. 5. “We’re crazy,” Elliott said with a laugh. “We weren’t planning on opening the first two that quick, but it happened.”
Elliott said he first got the idea to open a restaurant when he went to visit his cousin in Dallas around two years ago. It was there that he suggested to Butcher that the two of them open up a restaurant. “He looked at me and said, ‘You mean a successful restaurant right?’” Elliott said. “I laughed and was like, ‘Yeah, a successful one.’” From there Elliott said that he and Butcher began looking around the Dallas-Fort Worth area for restaurant ideas when they came across Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. Having eaten there before, Butcher asked if he wanted to try it. “It was good; it was different; it was fresh, and it was unique,” Elliott said. “It was just bright and in-your-face.” Part of what Elliott said separates Fuzzy’s from other casual
dining Mexican restaurants such as Chipotle, Pancheros or Qdoba, are its tacos themselves. Fuzzy’s uses a homemade garlic sauce and feta cheese, as well as serving baja fish and shrimp tacos, and breakfast tacos all day. Elliott also emphasized how the menu doesn’t stop with tacos, but also includes burritos, quesadillas, nachos, sandwiches, soups, and salads, as well as alcoholic beverages. Elliott also cited the decor as a major difference between Fuzzy’s and other casual dining restaurants. “The whole concept of it (intrigued me),” Elliott said. “It’s bright, there are yellow walls with purple and green. I mean it’s a fun environment.” Though Ankeny was the first location to open in Iowa, Elliott
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is scheduled to open Sept. 5, at 2420 Lincoln Way. PHOTO BY GRAYSON SCHMIDT/AMES TRIBUNE
said that Ames was considered the first choice, but finding the right location took longer than expected. The first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened in Fort Worth, Texas, on the campus of Texas Christian University, so Elliott said he really wanted to bring a franchise to a college town first. “We felt that the Campustown area was under-served; there’s not a lot of food options,” Elliott said. “Fuzzy’s typically does well in
college towns because it’s affordable, and the food’s good.” And after an extensive search for the right location, Elliott said he feels like he’s found one, and is looking forward to bringing that Tex-Mex flavor to the ISU and Ames community. “I think we fit in with the campus lifestyle,” Elliott said. “I think we’ll definitely be a good staple for the community there and for the campus.”
2 4 | A M E S B U S I N E S S M O N T H LY | S E P T E M B E R 2 016