Awards

On Thursday, May 5, the City of Cedar Falls and Cedar Falls Utilities honored local businesses and organizations, as well as the Representative Citizen of the Year, at the Hilton Garden Inn. This year’s honorees included:

Jon & Melody Davis, Scratch Cupcakery, Starbeck’s Smokehouse Continued Investor Award

The former Hy-Vee Grocery property at 6607 University Avenue was purchased in February 2016, by JDavis Properties after being vacant for 9 years. Slumberland Furniture opened 40,109 sq. ft. in July 2017. Trinkets & Togs opened a consignment thrift store 5,462 sq. ft. in October 2018. Scratch Cupcakery opened a retail store, and corporate operations 5,109 sq. ft. in December 2018—and recently added kitchen operations of 2,420 sq. ft. for a total of 7,529 sq. ft. Starbeck’s Smokehouse opened for business 2,900 sq. ft. in October 2021 completing the center. The first Scratch Cupcakery location opened downtown Cedar Falls in 2010. Today Scratch operates four storefronts and a food truck, employing approximately 125 people. The Scratch Fundraising Program began out of their love of community and gives them the opportunity to partner with more than 300 business and organizations each year. To date, Scratch has donated more than $3.3 million in support of non-profits and other community organizations across the state. The focus on the Scratch Fundraising Program spurred their need for additional space and relocation to the University location in 2021, providing an opportunity to expand the program! Starbecks Smokehouse was founded in September of 2017. Business flourished and after four years, they left the tiny 25 seat restaurant and moved across the street to a new 75 seat indoor dining and 100 seat patio dining location. They opened in September of 2021 and haven’t looked back. Starbecks was just awarded the coveted “Best Pulled Pork Sandwich in the State of Iowa.”

Representative Citizen Jim Newcomb

Jim Newcomb, president of the North Cedar Neighborhood Association and retired CEO of Advanced Systems, was chosen as the 2022 Representative Citizen. Jim has served in leadership roles in the Cedar Falls community in many ways including President of the Lyon’s Club, First Christian Church Council, member of the Eagles Club, and Chair of the Natural Resource Project. He is especially active in his neighborhood, North Cedar, and working towards its improvement. Jim’s wife, Jeanna, says, “He’s very caring. He is able to inspire people to volunteer and when he takes on something he sees it through to the end.”

Community Bank & Trust Reinvestor Award

Community Bank & Trust’s 2,900 sq. ft. state-of-the-art branch office was completed in summer 2021 and serves as another new cornerstone building in Downtown Cedar Falls. Replacing a former restaurant building constructed in the 1970’s, the new CBT building offers an exceptional experience for their clients, staff, and the general public. The nearly $3 million investment by CBT demonstrates their commitment to the community and the partnership with the City of Cedar Falls.

Community Motors Energy Innovation Award

As of last year, when asked the American public if they had thought about buying an EV, 3% said ‘yes.’ Today when asked that same question 38% said ‘yes.’ Interest is growing and so is the technology. Range anxiety seems to be the biggest hold back, when in fact the charges are getting faster and the range longer. The future of the EV is strong. Community Motors is proud to be a part of it.

River Place Plaza Quality of Life Award

The River Place Plaza is an outdoor venue which hosts dozens of events, both planned and impromptu. River Place Plaza reconnects the Historic Downtown and its roots on the Cedar River, and reemphasizes Downtown Cedar Falls as a hub for arts, culture, and music. The River Place Plaza directly impacts the quality of life of the citizens of Cedar Falls.

L & N Transportation Services, Inc. Reinvestor Award

L&N Transportation Services, Inc. was established in 1991 by Larry & Nancy Strickler. The office was in their home until 1998 when thier son, Dave, purchased the company. Then they moved into the Old Main Mall. As they continued to grow, it was necessary to expand into a larger building. In 2002, they purchased 209 Main Street again. When faced with the need for more space they started the 6415 Development Drive project so they would have space to add more employees.

George’s Local New Investor Award

George’s Local has been proudly serving the Cedar Valley and all of its visitors since late September of 2021, Serving American Fare with a beautiful outdoor patio. Inspired by the blue collar folk of the old tire shop that once occupied our space, they designed a restaurant with all the characteristics of masons, carpenters, and mechanics before us.