See Inside: CITY, COUNTY & COLLEGE CONNECT AUGUST 2022 Board Member Spotlight: Woodruff Construction Q&A: Iowa Central Community College President, Dr. Jesse Ulrich business CONNECTION Brought to you by essenger THE Meet the New Faces of the SRO Program
Photos for illustrative purposes only. ©2017 Carpet One Floor & Home. All Rights Reserved Photos for illustrative purposes only. ©2017 Carpet One Floor & Home. All Rights Reserved Let your hometown experts at Carpet One help you choose the right floor for you. Photos for illustrative purposes only. ©2017 Carpet One Floor & Home. All Rights Reserved Let your hometown experts at Carpet One help you choose the right floor for you. 3557 5th Ave So. Fort Dodge 515-955-2207 • jimscarpetonefortdodge.com JIM’S Dean Tim Let your Hometown Experts at Carpet One help you choose the right floor for you. Come check out the LOCALFlooring Experts! ABSTRACTING PROGRESS FOUR Counties of Service Danielle Michalski Voted Readers Choice Ten Time abstractassociatesofiWinnerowa.com Locally Owned Wells Fargo Center 822 Central Ave, Suite 304 Fort Dodge, IA • 515-576-7922 Franklin 119 First Avenue NW, PO Box 240 Hampton, IA • 641-456-4551 Calhoun 418 Main Street Rockwell City, IA • 712-220-5863 Bradford Center 215 North Main Street Clarion, IA • 515-532-0065 Divisions of Abstract Associates of Iowa Inc. of Calhoun County of Webster County of Wright Countyof Franklin County
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 1 3 Fort CommunityDodgeFoundation and United Way Investing in our community to enhance quality of life and to build stronger youth - stronger families – and a stronger community We support our Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance! 2938 5th Ave. South (Bus. 20) • Fort Dodge 515-573-5000 • (800) 337-0550 baymontinns.com • wyndhamhotels.com ALL the Amenities to feel at Home! BY WYNDHAM 515-955-0607 • 301 South 25th St • Fort Dodge Where You Belong. CENTRAL FINANCIAL GROUP www.gundersonfuneralhome.comMarkMettler FuneralLicensedDirectorEmployedSince2018 ExperiencesCreatingHealing
2 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 2022 Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is published monthly by The Messenger in cooperation with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. All rights reserved. Copyright 2022. Reproduction in part or in whole without the expressed written permission of Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, artwork or manuscripts. The opinions expressed in editorial material are not necessarily the opinions of Fort Dodge Business Connection. business CONNECTION 4 Terry Christensen PUBLISHER tchristensen@messengernews.netBillShea EDITOR bshea@messengernews.netRachelRowe SALES MANAGER rrowe@messengernews.netNickManwarren GRAPHIC DESIGNER nmanwarren@messengernews.netJodyKayser SALES CONSULTANT jkayser@messengernews.net ADDRESS: PHONE: 713 Central Ave. (515) 573-2141 Fort Dodge,50501IA FAX: (515) 571-4529
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 3 Officers Matt Meyer and Matt Weir, two new faces are joining the School Resource Officer (SRO) program. CONTENTS August 2022 oncoverthe 5 6 Forming our Future Workforce 8 Q&A: Dr. Jesse Ulrich 10 Artist Spotlight: Isac Silva Oliveira 11 Shining Star: Evan Pratt 12 Board Member Spotlight: Woodruff Construction 14 City Connect 16 Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Newsletter 20 County Connect 24 United Way: Homeless Families with Children are Increasing 26 College Connect 29 Open for Business 33 Financial Focus INSIDE:
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Likewise, local community organizations can also be partners in engaging students civically. The Growth Alliance’s Workforce Development Committee strives to create an ecosystem between the local schools and employers to expose teachers, students, and their families to a broad range of careers.
Career Academy Students from Fort Dodge, St. Edmond, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows, Eagle Grove, Humboldt and Webster City travel to Iowa Central Community College’s Career Academy in Eagle Grove to take classes in a specific career pathway. These specific classes allow students to either transfer these college credits into an academic program at the postsecondary level or seek employment. Students have the opportunity to explore a career path that interests them while attending high school. These career pathways are designed to lead into multiple college programs giving the most flexibility to students who participate. The current pathways are:
Career on Wheels Career on Wheels is an incredible learning experience in which over 1,000 fifth grade students in our region attend. Students have the opportunity to learn about different careers that involve a set of wheels in their community by touring the vehicle and meeting the drivers.
OUR FUTURE
Business, Computer Science, Engineering Technology, Health Sciences, Liberal ArtsTransfer, Manufacturing Technology and Teacher Academy. Students are not charged tuition or text book fees and are awarded a $500 dollar scholarship to Iowa Central if all coursework is successfully completed.
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance News
Forming our Future Workforce Schools by themselves cannot instill the complex set of skills and abilities that adequately prepare students for their careers and civic life. It takes resources and knowledge that come from broader parts of the community. For example, with employer engagement, education may more adequately reflect the career preparation and training needed for current and emerging industries.
Below are just a few:
FORMING WORKFORCE
iJAG iJAG is the premier non-profit organization connecting business and education to provide the most cost-effective dropout prevention and school to career solutions in Iowa. Students in the iJAG program have trouble making it in a conventional classroom because of the distractions and barriers at home, outside the classroom or even inside the classroom. Relying on real-world, project-based instructional methods and an unconventional approach to personal connections with students, the iJAG teaching specialists work within conventional learning environments to help remove barriers and show students how to achieve the next step of their career or education.
Kelly Halsted Economic Development Director
Career Fairs
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance has constructed an informational guide on the various types of benefits offered by organizations. Benefits are an important part of a worker’s total compensation that can lead to greater satisfaction and security in the workplace and in one’s personal life. This guide serves as a tool for workers and companies to discover what benefits are most sought after along with how they benefit both the employee and employer with retention, productivity, and satisfaction in the workplace. This guide will be released soon on the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance’s website and in print.
Internship+ Program A program designed specifically for postsecondary students that are interning in a Growth Alliance member’s business. Internship+ program’s goal is to create awareness of the opportunities the region has to offer a young professional. To date, the program has had 108 interns from across the country and participants were employed at 19 different entities. Educators in the Workplace (Externship) Iowa Central and the State of Iowa, both offer teachers the opportunity to work in area companies. The purpose of this is to create a relationship between the schools and companies as well as provide the teacher real world experience.
High School Job Shadows
A job shadow is a work experience where students observe and interact with a business professional in their specific career interest, typically for two to four hours for one day. Some job shadow experiences may be longer or shorter depending on the situation. Job shadows are beneficial for students to learn more about a career to help determine if it is a right fit for them. Job shadows are recommended prior to doing an internship. Students that complete a job shadow are eligible for a $250 scholarship to Iowa Central if they complete a job shadow packet and submit a copy of their thank you card.
High School Internships
Workforce Benefits Guide
An internship is pre-professional work experience that provides students with opportunities to explore various career fields and interests. Internships can be parttime (most common) or full-time, paid or unpaid, and are offered by a wide variety of businesses and organizations. The duration or length of an internship can run anywhere between 120 to 240 hours depending on the academic program. A typical intern usually works between 10-20 hours per week, although this varies depending on the company.
Iowa Central Community College offers Career Discovery Days for high school students in the region. These are valuable opportunities for area students to understand careers and prepare them for their future. Local businesses participate in providing students with dynamic and tangible experience that facilitates connections between their academic pursuits and potential professional endeavors in the future. It allows them to explore their interests and passions that are relevant to a career area in which they are interested.
How many times has a student said, “When am I going to use this?” Classroom speakers can be a great supplement to bring the world of work into the classroom. Business professionals share their career path and experience with a small group or an entire classroom. Speakers can open students to opportunities they may never have considered and inform them about educational and experiential requirements for a particular career field.
Iowa Central Community College hosts a career fair in the Spring for companies and candidates in our region. Iowa Central also conducts an internship career fair each fall.
Career Classroom Speakers
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 5
Career Immersion Experiences
Worksite Exploratory Events (Tours) High School students take a trip into area businesses to see how varied work environments can be and learn that not all jobs happen behind a desk or at a computer. Work site tours are a favorite among students – from the exploratory approach of large groups visiting sites to more specific with small groups of students who have already chosen their career pathway. Both benefit students who can appreciate the variety of choices in their own community. Students have the opportunity to explore first-hand about the world of work instead of just imagining.
6 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • July 20228 Q&A WHAT YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT WHEN PLANNING FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR? Ulrich: It is always great to have students back on campus. They bring a positive vibe not only to campus but to our community! There is no greater time to support your community college than now. We are the #1 workforce producer in the state! This year will be a special one as we launch our new five-year strategic plan. Our strategic plan has four major areas of focus: • Advancing Developmental Opportunities • Cultivating Triton Culture • Uniting Through Communication and Collaboration • Empowering Student Engagement Our goal is to have students come to Iowa Central and finish their degrees and/or certifications in the shortest amount of time possible, with the least amount of student loan debt, so they can have a better life. Our strategic plan will assist us in creating the premier community college of choice in the state of Iowa. WITHQ&A DR. JESSE ULRICH IOWA CENTRAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT
In addition, the Board of Trustees has finalized a contract to begin building the Center for Performing Arts that includes a renovation to Decker Auditorium. We will be transforming the auditorium space into a state-of-the-art performance hall. As a part of the project, we will be adding classroom space and restrooms to make sure everyone has a better experience when coming for performances. This project will be awesome when it is done!
Ulrich: During the summer we were able to complete a concrete replacement project on the west entrance of Triton Circle. This project also allowed us to create a safer loading zone for students in our housing units. We have also launched the renovation of the former Student Services building to create the Art and Technology Building. This renovated space will house all of our visual and graphic arts as well as computer science programs.
3. IOWA CENTRAL HAS A RELATIONSHIP WITH VARIOUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS, CREATING MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL EXPERIENCES. CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT SOME OF THESE PARTNERSHIPS?
WHAT IS IN STORE FOR DECKER AUDITORIUM?
Iowa Central will also be completing a new Learning Center in Storm Lake and a new Biofuel Testing Laboratory in Fort Dodge.
THIS IS THE FINAL RENDERING of the design for the south entrance to the Iowa Central Center for Performing Arts. The exterior wall on the southeast corner will have space for potential public art, College President Jesse Ulrich said.
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 7 9 WITH THE DR. JESSE ULRICHQ&A VISUALLY, THERE ARE CHANGES TO CAMPUS HEADING INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR, SUCH AS THE TRITON CIRCLE PROJECT. CAN YOU TELL US WHAT UPDATES ARE BEING MADE?
-Image courtesy of
Ulrich: Iowa Central’s business and community connections are second to none. Last year we had nearly 70 formalized agreements with employers in which we trained over 14,000 people in our service region! Whether it is customized job training, externships, or career discovery, our team is working hard every day to ensure people have access to the skills they need. One of the most popular programs for companies is job training through the 260E (Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program) or 260F (Iowa Jobs Training Program). Both of these programs allow companies the opportunity to provide training to their current or new employees at no cost to the company. OPN Architects
artistspot
When did you know you wanted a career as a professional musician? Since I was 5 years old I’ve had this idea in my head and I’ve never deviated from it. Thank God I had 100% support from my parents who gave me a professional drum kit at 5 years old. What are you currently working on?
Who inspires you and why?
Age: 39 • Hometown: Ipatinga / Minas Gerais / BRAZIL Career/Profession: MUSICIAN (Drummer)
Welcome to Fort Dodge! What brings you to our community?
My greatest inspiration is God. He teaches us all to be a person of respect and integrity. What was the biggest challenge along the way to where you are today? My biggest challenge was leaving Brazil. When I came to live here in the United States, I didn’t speak any English. I adapted to the culture. It was very challenging, but today I look back and see that this country is worth it and I would do it again!
ISAC SILVA OLIVEIRA (ISAC JAMBA)
What advice would you give to a young adult who is thinking about a music scene? I tell all of my students, for you to become a recognized musician, you need to have hours of study on your instrument. If you go 1 week without touching your instrument, or a student “forgets” their instrument, they can’t make up for that lost time. There’s no secret, it’s your dedication and daily study. What was the highest point for you in your career? I am very proud to answer this question. The highest point came this year. I’ve been given the opportunity to be sponsored here in the United States by two great Drummer brands “PEARL and “MEINL” What else do you like that our readers know?
8 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202210
I’m Christian. I am married. I have experience in recordings of various styles. I have musical experience in all musical styles, live music I am highly professional. I’ve played with several names in Brazilian and international instrumental music, and my instagram is @isacjamba.
Currently I am 100% dedicated to my online classes. Together with my wife, Kellen, we created an online platform www.classes.isacjamba. com. With in the platform, the drummer has access to several stations from beginning to advanced. I also work as a freelancer in bands and church and recordings for great artists around the world.
I am very happy to have been so well received in this beautiful city. I came to study. I got a scholarship to Iowa Central Community College where I will study music. And I’m really very happy. Yes, my mother is a guitarist. A samba and choro guitarist. Since I was 3 years old, she used to put the guitar on my lap while listening to the classics My best memories as a child are me and my family together in church worship. Since I was 8 years old I participated in our church’s worship group at the time, and I loved doing it with my family. We’d love to hear about your musical journey as an adult. University experiences - for fresh out of college and in the real world! I’ve always worked with several bands and singers from Brazil in addition to several free lances with styles and artists from Brazil. I worked with several internationally renowned artists, traveling around Brazil and around the world doing my art, playing drums. I left my mark on more than 80 albums throughout Brazil. I have always participated in several Workshops and Master Class of musicians from all over the world teaching Brazilian rhythm. I founded the ISAC JAMBA Drummer Institute in Brazil, known throughout Brazil. The institute reached more than 60 enrolled students. Stand out at the festival internationally as Odery and Mordem Drummer, and being a BDMG Young Musician winner competing with over 3000 drummers. I participated with my hometown Ipatinga in several social projects throughout my professional career, in public schools, day care centers and with project partners. And I am currently 100% sponsored (Endorce) by two Pearl brands and MEINL.
shiningstar
Evan
Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members….. Over 60 events each month!
Age: School/Grade:17
Junior at Fort Dodge Senior High School Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa How did you become interested in music and theater?
I am working on getting a date set up for an opening performance at Shiny Top Brewing. After that I would love to set up some more live shows. In the meantime, you can find my music on any streaming service. Will music and the arts be a part of your life in 25 years? If so, how?
Pratt
How many original tunes have you written, and, what do you most enjoy about writing your own songs? I have written 12 full songs. I am actively working on about 4. I really enjoy being able to tell my own stories with nothing holding me down but my imagination.
Obviously I look up to my parents a lot, but I would say some of the people I look up to the most musically would be Zach Bryan, Evan Felker, Eddie Van Halen, Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson to name a few. You have 2 tickets to go to any live concert. The band/performer can be any, living or deceased. Who would you choose to see, who would you take and why? Well, that’s a hard question to answer. I think that it would be between seeing the Eagles in their prime and Van Halen. I think at the end of the day, I would choose Van Halen because seeing Eddie just solo for ten minutes straight would be absolutely incredible. As for who I’d take, that is even hard to answer. Although my parents both love music, and I have been to multiple concerts with them, when it comes to Eddie, I gotta pick my Uncle Russ.
I plan on going to Iowa Central Community College for 2 years and I would love to be involved in their theater and music programs. Who do you look up to and why? Naming one person isn’t easy. I am fortunate enough to have many influences in my life for every part of it.
To become a member or let us know about an event contact:
Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com
What theater productions have you been involved in? I was involved in The Wizard of Oz and King Artie and the Knights of the Rad Table in middle school and have been involved in While the Lights Were Out and Footloose in high school. I recently performed in a community theater show under the direction of Mrs. Krug called Johnny Brooke: A Ghost Story. What is the most challenging part for you when it comes to performing? The most challenging part for me might be memorization. I can go up on a stage and perform with no problem as far as nerves since performing is one of my favorite things to do. I will always be nervous about forgetting a line or lyric though. Do you come from an artistic family? If so, in what ways? Considering the definition of Art from person to person is rather subjective, anyone could come from an artistic family. Most of my cousins have been in theater and I have an uncle who is an incredible artist, graphic designer and painter. Performing and creating are the two major definitions of art, so those are my prime examples. Where can we hear your perform?
As long as I have a guitar or a pencil, I will always be drawing or picking my 6 string. Drawing, playing and singing are all such a big part of my life at this point that I truly couldn’t see a future without them.
I was fortunate enough to have older cousins who were very involved in the FDSH Theater Department and I always enjoyed watching them perform. So, when I had the opportunity to go out for theater and perform for audiences, I took it. What, or who, inspired you to teach yourself guitar?
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 9 11
The older I got, the more interested in music I got. I always thought the guitar was cool. About 2 years ago, I just decided I wanted to finally learn. My uncle plays guitar and he was self-taught, so I told him if he found a used guitar for me to let me know. I finally bought an acoustic guitar and then covid hit. So, my only option was to figure it out by reading music and playing until things sounded right. I finally figured it out after lots of practice.
What are your plans after high school?
The company has seen two generations of leadership over the past 66 years, with current president Don Woodruff overseeing the company his father helped found. In 2020, Woodruff transitioned from a small ownership group to an employee stock ownership plan. This ownership change was driven by the company’s mission of building the future of its families, clients and communities. For Woodruff employees and their families, it means owner ship interest in the company and an additional qualified retirement plan. For Woodruff clients, it means further cultivation of customer service. Employees at all levels of engagement have a vested interest in client success.
In 1956, Leonard Woodruff and Jack Evans founded Woodruff-Evans Construction, a general contracting firm that served Fort Dodge and the surrounding com munities. Since opening its doors, Woodruff has contin ued to grow as a result of its client relationships, skilled employees, safety culture, and best practices. They ex panded to four offices in Ames, Fort Dodge, Iowa City, and Waterloo. Each office has a primary geographic re gion, roughly a 60-mile radius, so that their workers can be home at night with their families.
10 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202212 BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Woodruff Construction is an employee-owned general contractor, offering award-win ning design-build, construction management, and project development services to clients across Iowa. Their team not only strives to achieve their clients’ goals and visions, but to also provide clients with an extraordinary enjoyable building experience.
Speaking on the ESOP transition, Don Woodruff ex plained, “All of our employees now own Woodruff Con struction. Through their hard work, dedication, and focus on improving our company, this has earned us the ability to own it together. Moving forward, we’re going to make it an even better company by creating a stable foundation to build up our existing employees and hire others of like mind who will want to work for a company that they own a part of and can impact the outcomes.”
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Woodruff encompasses a unique set of core values – Fam ily, Service, Purpose, Dependability, and Enjoyment –through everything they do. Whether it’s keeping job sites close to home, volunteering with organizations such as the local Boys and Girls Club or Habitat for Humanity, or of fering their employees continued education and training, they do it all with those values at the forefront.
For more information about Woodruff, please visit www. woodruff.build. You can also follow them on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
Not only does Woodruff provide general contracting services for project types, they also self-preform several trades. Woodruff employs a strong, skilled workforce, who provide in-house carpentry, concrete and steel work, al lowing for tight control on project schedules and maintain ing consistency of high-quality work. This also helps keep costs down for the project owners.
MEET THE NEW FACES OF THE SRO PROGRAM
MEET THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS
12 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202214 City Connect FORT DODGE
After almost a decade, two new faces are joining the School Resource Offi cer (SRO) program - a partnership between the City of Fort Dodge and the Fort Dodge Community School District. With the recent departure of Sergeant Presswood and Officer Johnson’s move into Investigations, Officers Matt Mey er and Matt Weir have stepped up to fill the vacancies left behind and work with youth in the school district.
PROGRAM HISTORY
For me, being in the SRO role was a new side of law enforcement. These stu dents are at a critical point in their development. I enjoy working with them and sharing my life experiences with them. I believe it’s beneficial to hear about how others, myself included, maneuvered through this time in our lives.”
When asked why he stepped up, Officer Meyer said: “I took this assignment as a new challenge and to create a positive impact in the adolescent community.
The City of Fort Dodge and the Fort Dodge Community School District en tered into an agreement in 2014 to establish a working relationship in order to deal with circumstances where immediate law enforcement intervention was necessary and to deal with other law enforcement-related issues such as tru ancy, delinquency, school rule violations and similar issues. The program was designed to enhance the relationship between the schools, law enforcement, students, parents and the community by creating a resource and advocacy team and establishing a liaison between the District, its staff, City law enforce ment authorities and various service providers to deal with issues common to the District and law enforcement. The City and the District share the cost of the two School Resource Officers, with the majority of the cost being picked up by the District.
Officer Matt Meyer graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High in 2011, intend ing to pursue a career in Sports Medicine. During his college education, Officer Meyer realized his passions lay elsewhere and ultimately decided on a future in law enforcement. He first came to the Fort Dodge Police Department in December of 2016. After serving the citizens of Fort Dodge for four years, Of ficer Meyer was given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Bremer County. After about ten months, Officer Meyer returned home to the Fort Dodge Police Department. In early 2022, it was announced he would move into the School Resource Officer position vacated by Sergeant Bryce Presswood.
To students who may be considering a career in law enforcement, Officer Weir has the following words of wisdom: “Continue building and focusing on the characteristics of Respect, Honesty and Fairness. Stay physically fit. Good fitness will be beneficial in your day-to-day duties in law Outsideenforcement.”ofwork,Officer
Weir likes to spend time with his family, hit the gym, camp, and fish. He recently picked up a new hobby - golf. On game days, you’ll see him sporting black and gold for the Iowa Hawkeyes.
To students who may be considering a career in law enforcement, he has the following words of wisdom: “Don’t focus on the negativity surrounding the field. Communities need good people to step up and pursue a career in law enforce ment. Get yourself into good physical shape, stay out of trouble and talk to those already in the law enforcement community.”
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Officer Meyer enjoys working on his family farm, hunting, spending time with his family, and cheering for Iowa State when he’s not on duty.
Officer Matt Weir was born and raised in Emmetsburg, Iowa. After graduating from high school in 2011, he received his associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Iowa Lakes Community College and his bachelor’s degree in Criminology from the University of Northern Iowa. Officer Weir served as a reserve officer with the Emmetsburg Police Department before joining the ranks of the Fort Dodge Police Department in August of 2016. He officially began his SRO duties on Au gust 8, 2022, taking over for Officer Johnson at Fort Dodge Middle School. Prior to this new role, he spent almost six years working the streets in the patrol divi “Ision.wanted to be a School Resource Officer because it will give me the opportunity to interact with our youth in a positive way. After six years as a Patrol Officer, I’m excited to work with the community in a different way. I look forward to maintaining and building my own positive relationships with Fort Dodge youth, parents and the Fort Dodge Community School District.” he said. “I want students to know that, even though I’m wearing a uniform full of gear, I am approachable. I want them to be comfortable coming to me if they have an issue or just want to talk.”
The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is holding its first annual ‘Fall into Fort Dodge’ welcome event and is excited to welcome and all newcomers to the Fort Dodge and Webster County area! If have moved here within the past few years and are still looking for things to do or ways to get involved in charming community, then visit and all this Fall and learn about all great There will be live music, ‘Fall into Fort Dodge’ with us this Fall on October 5th from 5:30 – 8pm at the Webster County Fair Grounds! on our website at greaterfortdodge.com or call us at (515) 955-5500.
you
food, drinks, games, and prizes.
our vendors
14 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION •16 20 1 7N E W S20 22 The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance August 2022 24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Phone 515-955-5500 Fax www.greaterfortdodge.com515-955-3245 “Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is an efficient organization whose mission is to unify and coordinate accountable, economic and community development, to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge and the region.” MISSION STATEMENT STAFF Dennis Plautz CommunityEconomicdennis@greaterfortdodge.comCEOKellyHalstedDevelopmentDirectorkelly@greaterfortdodge.comJillNelsonDevelopmentDirectorjill@greaterfortdodge.comSkylaPorter Organizational Administrator skyla@greaterfortdodge.comDeenaMcCaulley Office Manager deena@greaterfortdodge.comLydiaSchuurCommunicationsSpecialistlydia@greaterfortdodge.com
our
our
RSVP
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organizations, amenities, and community members.
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 15 17 Alliance News
16 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202218 celebrating your Grand Opening! They are located at 2916 5th Ave South and offer all your pet favorites at prices you’ll love. Thank you, Pet Supplies Plus, for your investment in our community!
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 17 19 Alliance NewstRIBBON The Green Dragon Bookshop Congratulations to The Green Dragon Bookshop on your ribbon cutting! The Green Dragon Bookshop is located at 9 N 11th St in Historic Downtown Fort Dodge. They curate books and trinkets focused on science and fantasy fiction for all ages and can order any book currently in print. Thank you, The Green Dragon Bookshop, for your investment in our community!
alien •
CHILD HEALTH LEAD TESTING
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MATERNAL HEALTH PROGRAM
18 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202220 County ConnectWebster
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The Immunization Program provides access to immuniza tion services for children aged 2 months – 18 years, as well as provides on-going immunization education to the public and health care professionals.
This prenatal program provides information and education to pregnant women on topics such as having a healthy preg nancy and preparing for the birth of their baby. This program is available to all expecting mothers. While enrolled in the Maternal Health Program, participants receive education on what to expect while pregnant, healthy living choices, and prenatal and postnatal maternal care. A registered dietician will provide information on nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding education. A Family Development Specialist is also involved, assisting with social needs and participants are offered dental screenings and oral care instructions, as well as receiving a topical fluoride varnish. A nursing visit is provided after delivery.
The Webster County Health Department offers childhood immunizations and the seasonal flu vaccine, and accepts most insurance or offers rates for vaccines based on in Childcome.Health Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment (EPSDT) Program
To qualify for Hawk-i your child must:
Hawk-i is low cost/no cost health insurance for children. They offer two plans - a medical & dental plan and also a dental only plan. The cost per month is based on the family size and income. There are many services that Hawk-i cov ers such as doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, wellchild check-ups, vaccines/shots, emergencies, surgery, dental care, vision exams, hearing services, mental health & substance abuse care, chiropractic care & speech therapy.
Webster County Public Health’s Programs Benefit the Community
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IMMUNIZATION PROGRAM
Every child ages 0-20 is in the EPSDT program as long as they are on Title 19, with a goal of ensuring all children are getting into their doctor for their well-child checkups – in cluding dentists, eye doctors, and hearing tests. The pro gram also helps with locating services for children. Parents or guardians will receive a letter a month prior to each up coming well-child appointment, reminding them.
No referral necessary for this program. A public health nurse will visit families in their home and complete a skilled nursing assessment. The child involved could be a premature infant or a child with health concerns. The nurse can continue to visit until there are no more health concerns, if needed.
CHILD HEALTH HOME VISITATION PROGRAM
HAWK-i Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (Hawk-i), federally known as Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), provides health coverage to children and families with income too high to qualify for Medicaid, but can’t afford private coverage.
Public Health conducts lead testing on children with a blood test. Lead poisoning is preventable, and remains a signifi cant health concern for young children. Elevated levels can harm a child’s central nervous system and are associated with reduced IQ, behavioral problems, and learning disabili ties. The Iowa Department of Public Health recently updated its screening tool and testing guidelines, and now recom mend that all children get a blood lead test at 1 year and 2 years of age.
• Be under the age of 19 Be uninsured Not be on title 19 Be a U.S. citizen or a lawfully admitted resident Meet the income guidelines
Webster County Health Department staff follows up with families after these screenings to be sure they are aware of immediate dental needs. They also assist with setting appointments and helping clients overcome language and transportation barriers.
The Iowa Nutrition Network School Grant Program (INNSGP) awards funding to a variety of agencies to provide nutrition education in schools in low-income areas. Eligible schools must have 55% (rural areas) and 60% (urban areas) or more of the students participate in free and reduced-price meals.
Iowa’s 1st Five Healthy Mental Development Initiative builds partnerships between physician practices and public ser vice providers to enhance high quality well-childcare. 1st Five promotes the use of developmental tools that support healthy mental development for young children during the first five years. 1st Five is a program that supports prima ry care providers in performing developmental surveillance and screening in children ages 0-5 years. When a concern is identified, the providers may refer the child to 1st Five for care coordination and connection to local resources. When developmental concerns are not identified, then it is less likely families will get linked to community-based in tervention services.
The INNSGP is often referred to as Pick a better snack. Pick a better snack is an evidence-based program to encourage children and families with low incomes to eat more fruits and vegetables and live active lifestyles. Through monthly nutrition lessons in the classroom, K-3 grade students learn about and taste different fruits and vegetables in a positive environment. Students are equipped with information and materials to share with their families.
IOWA NUTRITION NETWORK SCHOOL GRANT PROGRAM
WIC WIC enables parents to properly feed their children during the critical early years of growth and development therefore assuring normal growth, reducing levels of anemia, increas ing immunization rates, improving access to regular health care and improving diets.
The WIC program serves children from birth – 5 years old, pregnant women and women who have given birth in the last 6 months.
I-Smile offers dental screenings and preventive fluoride var nish to children and pregnant women enrolled in the WIC and Maternal Health programs, as well as pre-schools.
I-SMILE AT SCHOOL I-Smile at School provides dental screenings, dental seal ants, fluoride varnish, and oral health education for elemen tary and middle school students. This dental program takes place during the school day, but students miss very little class time. By providing dental ser vices in a school setting, Webster County Public Health are better able to reach children with important preventive care. In the end, they will experience fewer cavities, which helps them concentrate on learning instead of mouth pain.
I-Smile Silver The I-Smile™ Silver project is focused on Iowans age 60 and older, including those who are residents of nursing fa cilities, clients of the Medicaid Elderly Waiver program and those who receive home and community based services.
I-SMILE I-Smile is a statewide program that connects children and families with dental, medical, and community resources to ensure a lifetime of health and wellness.
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 19 21 FIRST 5
1st Five provides the necessary links to up-to-date community-based resources that match the needs of the family and child.
20 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 2022 OTIONAL OOLS tter for members to , information about munity involvement ccess to the mailing on for our members Get a $300 ad in The Messenger for a member rate of $35 My Business, My Alliance Ad Enewsletter Mailing List An opportunity for a business spotlight or feature in the Messenger's monthly Business Connection publication Business Connection Publication Submit your business news to us and have it featured on our website, Enews and/or social media Member News Distribution WWW.GREATERFORTDODGE.COM Contact us at 515.955.5500 or visit our website for more information!
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22 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202224
Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY
Randy Kuhlman, C.E.O. Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way
Can you imagine being a seven-year old girl, sleeping on the floor in someone’s apartment, and going to school in the morning not know ing where you will be sleeping that night? That kind of stress for a seven-year old has to be over whelming. Yet, this is not an uncommon situa tion for many children and their families in Fort TheDodge.number of homeless families with children in Fort Dodge is increasing at an alarming rated. Inflation is having a dramatic impact. According to the Des Moines Register, rent in Iowa for rent al housing and apartments has increased 17% in less than a year. Fort Dodge is no exception. These increases in rent have significantly im pacted low income families, and many are now facing the crisis of becoming homeless.
INCREASING
Fort Dodge, like most communities and cities in Iowa, has a shortage of affordable housing. Plus, much of the existing housing stock is ag ing and in need of rehabilitation. In Iowa, forty percent of the housing units were built before 1950. Across Iowa, an aging housing stock, ris ing construction costs and insufficient resources are contributing to this shortage of affordable housing. According to the Iowa Finance Author ity, communities in Iowa will need 47,000 more affordable homes by 2030 to meet the housing need of Iowa residents.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban De velopment defines an ‘affordable’ home as cost ing no more than 30 percent of gross income on gross housing expenses. Spending more than that would make a homeowner or renter hous ing-cost burdened, which means they will have to sacrifice on other items such as transporta tion, medicine or food. In Iowa, single-parent families, headed by moth ers with children, make up the largest group of people who are homeless, and this number is increasing. A statewide homeless study shows that families with children make up 61 percent of the total homeless population in Iowa. In Fort Dodge, most homeless families don’t sleep un der bridges. Some sleep in their cars and many others will move from one friend’s home or apartment to another, sleeping on couches or on floors. For the children, the instability of having to sleep in a different place every night places a tremendous amount stress on them. The typical homeless family is comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children. The actual number of homeless women and children in the greater Fort Dodge area is not known, but the number of homeless families or families that are close to eviction and are just one bill away from being homeless is in the hun dreds. Ninety (90) percent of families experienc ing homelessness are female-headed and close to half of all homeless children are under the age of Assix.one can imagine, the experience of being homeless is traumatic for children. Research shows that homeless children experience high rates of chronic and acute health problems. The constant barrage of stressful and traumatic experiences also has profound effects on their development and ability to learn. Homeless chil
HOMELESS FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ARE
Dodge is focused on helping our youth thrive, especially those that are struggling to overcome major ob stacles like poverty and homelessness. Unit ed Way funds provide emergency support for homeless families or families that are on the verge of becoming homeless, to help them overcome this horrendous challenge and find affordable housing that will help lead to family stability. Without this sup port, the children just don’t have a chance.
dren also experience more mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and withdrawal. They are twice as likely to experience hunger, three times more likely to be physically abused and four times as likely to have delayed development.
Citizens interested in helping us support efforts to help families that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless can make donations today. Charitable gifts can be made payable to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge Homeless Fund and mail it to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 North 9th Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. For more information on United Way, please call our office at 515-573-3171.
It is unrealistic to think we can end home lessness in Fort Dodge, but there are oppor tunities to leverage resources and develop a synergistic approach to attacking the issue that will help reduce the problem, impact lives, use limited resources more efficiently and reduce the social ills that often accom pany Unitedhomelessness.WayinFort
DANIELLESCHARFBALK
Scharf and Balk may have different titles, but they are looking to achieve one common goal: set students up for success in their future. This may include coming to Iowa Central or attending a different two-year com munity college, a private university or four-year institution. “We want all students to have the opportunity to take college level courses and know these courses are going to transfer correctly to wherever they decide to go” says Scharf. This summer, Scharf and Balk worked on creating transfer guides for the nineteen area schools to help students, parents, counselors, and anyone looking at the High School Partnerships section of the Iowa Central website, understand what classes they take and how they transfer. They can also find how classes fall into an Associate’s degree at Iowa Central or one of the many career and technical options available for students. Some of the other things we can do is help with the FAFSA (Free Ap plication for Federal Student Aid). Often, this can be a barrier for some students to attend college. “We don’t want this to be such a daunting task that students do not attend college because of it,” says Balk. Iowa SARA
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For Iowa Central Community College employee Sara Scharf, Iowa Cen tral feels like home, but for Danielle Balk, Iowa Central is a new envi ronment; however, both are entering brand-new positions working with high school partnerships. Scharf has worked at Iowa Central since 2003, working her way up to the Director of Enrollment and will now be the Director of High School Partnerships. As for Balk, she is a new face on the Fort Dodge campus as a College and Career Transition Counselor. She has worked as a high school counselor since 2016, coming from Southeast Valley High School. But for both Scharf and Balk, they are excited to work with our nineteen area schools in meeting the college and career needs of students.
Partnering with local school districts for student success
College Connect
VISIT OUR CAMPUS FROM VIRTUALLY ANYWHERE! WWW.IOWACENTRAL.EDU/VIRTUALTOUR
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 25 27 Central Community College also has a Financial Aid department that is willing to help anyone fill out their FAFSA. “Even if a stu dent is not coming to Iowa Central, we are still here to help!” says Scharf. Students can take classes that funnel right into a Last Dollar Scholar Program and essentially, a student’s tuition is covered 100% in over twenty-eight career and technical pro grams. Scholarships are another huge asset for students when entering college and, we want to ensure that students are aware of all scholarship opportunities available to them.
Balk will be working with students to also explore career oppor tunities for those wanting to join the workforce right after high school.
www.iowacentral.edu @IowaCentral
“What I am looking forward to the most about this posi tion is assisting the counselors anyway that I can in the college and career aspect and building relationships with the students to help guide them in their chosen path,” says Balk. This allows students to make connections in the community through job shadows, internships, classroom speakers and more. to help students explore what is around the Fort Dodge area. There are many fantastic opportunities here that students can take ad vantage of. We are here to help connect students with these employers in hopes they gain skills to build a career.
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26 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202228 LOCAL NEWS: Delivered to your Inbox! www.messengernews.net essenger THE Step 1 Go to messengernews.net Step 3 Type in your Email Address Click on Daily Newsletter and/or Breaking News Hit Enjoy!!Subscribe Step 2 DownScrolltilyouseethis!
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 27 29 Willow Ridge Golf Course and Restaurant 1788 Madison Ave. • Ford Dodge, IA • 515-576-5711 Summer Menu Weds, Thurs, Fri Nights PartyBestStore 700 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA (Across from Courthouse) 515-576-3751 • Engagement Sets • Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry • Seiko Watches • Religious Gifts • Baby Jewelry & Gifts • Add A Pearl • Add A Link • Speidel Watch Bands • Watch Battery Replacement BUSINESS! FOR Contact your Messenger Sales Consultant to have your business here! Willow Ridge Golf Course and Restaurant 1788 MADISON AVENUE • WILLOWRIDGEGOLF.COM • 515-576-5711 5 Course Meal Served Wednesday through Friday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. $30 butareReservationsnotrequired,alwaysappreciated Go to our website www.willowridgegolf.com for upcoming menu SimpsonLynsey RestaurantRidgeWillowGolfCourse& 1788 Madison Ave. • willowridgegolf.com515-576-5711 Go to our website www.willowridgegolf.com for upcoming menu
Ardys
offers a variety of hot and cold coffee drinks, refreshers, smoothies, lunch items, and homemade pastries.
Central Perk
28 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 202230 tRIBBON
Ardys Mae Coffee and Dessert Rich and Jo Seltz purchased and Dessert and announced the new name. Mae Coffee and Dessert is located at 14 S 14th Street and
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 29 31 tRIBBON Faiferlick Taekwondo, Martial Arts, FItness and Self Defense Congratulations to Faiferlick Taekwondo, Martial Arts, FItness and Self Defense on your ribbon cutting, celebrating your new location at 326 S 25th St. Faiferlick Martial Arts offers a variety of classes and provide summer camp and after-school programming options.
30 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • August 20223232 To advertise in the Business MessengerContactConnectionyourSalesConsultant! CONNECTION FORTDODGE Monthly in Messengeryour Mortgage Interest Rates 2%3%4%5%6%7% 30 Year Fixed 15 Year Fixed Rates average of those reported by Fort Dodge financial institutions Source: Edward Jones 3.05 2.525 M 3.28 2.625 M 2.225 2.575 A 3.075 2.475 J 3.15 2.55 J 2.95 2.40 A Airline Boardings Source: Fort Dodge Regional Airport Building Permits Source: Fort Dodge Planning Office 100125150755025 S O 77 59 NM 90 122 M 65 D 49 Business EconomicConnectionPulse D Auto & Truck Sales TrucksCars Source: Webster County Motor Vehicle Dept. 48 20 M 50 32 A 52 29 M 54 21 J10012575502510 31 33 A Ryan C Kent, CFP®, ChFC®, ABFP™ Financial Advisor 1411 First Avenue South Fort Dodge, IA 50501-4950 515-576-2771 > edwardjones.com Member SIPCMKT-5894M-A Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds.
WHEN SHOULD YOU ADJUST YOUR INVESTMENT MIX?
There are no shortcuts to investment success — you need to establish a long-term strategy and stick with it. This means you’ll want to create an investment mix based on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon — and then regularly review it to ensure it’s still meeting your needs.
For example, a few years before you retire, you may want to reevaluate your risk exposure and consider moving part of your portfolio into a more conservative position. When you were decades away from retiring, you may have felt more comfortable with a more aggressive positioning because you had time to bounce back from any market downturns. But as you near retirement, it may make sense to lower your risk level. And as part of a move toward a more conservative approach, you also may want to evaluate the cash positions in your portfolio. When the market has gone through a decline, as has been the case in 2022, you may not want to tap into your portfolio to meet short-term and emergency needs, so having sufficient cash on hand is important. Keep in mind, though, that having too much cash on the sidelines may affect your ability to reach your long-term goals. Even if you decide to adopt a more conservative investment position before you retire, though, you may still benefit from some growth-oriented investments in your portfolio to help you keep ahead of — or at least keep pace with — inflation. As you know, inflation has surged in 2022, but even when it’s relatively mild, it can still significantly erode your purchasing power over time. Changes in your own goals or circumstances may also lead you to modify your investment mix. You might decide to retire earlier or later than you originally planned. You might even change your plans for the type of retirement you want, choosing to work part time for a few years. Your family situation may change — perhaps you have another child for whom you’d like to save and invest for college. Any of these events could lead you to review your portfolio to find new opportunities or to adjust your risk level — or both. You might wonder if you should also consider changing your investment mix in response to external forces, such as higher interest rates or a rise in inflation, as we’ve seen this year. It’s certainly true that these types of events can affect parts of your portfolio, but it may not be advisable to react by shuffling your investment mix. After all, nobody can really predict how long these forces will keep their momentum — it’s quite possible, for instance, that inflation will have subsided noticeably within a year. But more important, you should make investment moves based on the factors we’ve already discussed: your goals, risk tolerance, time horizon and individual Bycircumstances.reviewingyour portfolio regularly, possibly with the assistance of a financial professional, you can help ensure your investment mix will always be appropriate for your needs and goals.
August 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 3133
In fact, investing for the long term doesn’t necessarily mean you should lock your investments in forever. Throughout your life, you’ll likely need to make some changes. Of course, everyone’s situation is different and there’s no prescribed formula of when and how you should adjust your investments. But some possibilities may be worth considering.
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