Business Connection • 0923

business CONNECTION

Terry Christensen PUBLISHER tchristensen@messengernews.net

Bill Shea EDITOR bshea@messengernews.net

Leanne Darr MARKETING DIRECTOR ldarr@messengernews.net

Jody Kayser SALES MANAGER jkayser@messengernews.net

Nick Manwarren GRAPHIC DESIGNER nmanwarren@messengernews.net

Brittney Bensen SALES CONSULTANT bbensen@messengernews.net

ADDRESS: PHONE: 713 Central Ave. (515) 573-2141 Fort Dodge, IA 50501 FAX: (515) 571-4529

Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is published monthly by The Messenger in cooperation with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2023. 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.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT, LUKE HUGGHINS

After 48 years of public service, with the last 12 years leading the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance as Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plautz is ready to enjoy his hard-earned retirement. Plautz has helped steer the Greater Fort Dodge region towards growth and economic innovation despite significant economic headwinds during his tenure. For Plautz, the most rewarding part of being CEO, he recently told The Messenger, has been “A lot of thanks you get from people privately. You start to hear companies talk appreciatively about the environment that’s been put together here that you’ve been part of. You like to hear from people in the businesses that they appreciate it.”

Astra Ferris, former Chief Executive Officer of the Barton County Chamber of Commerce in Lamar, Missouri, will take over Dennis’s role in the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. After 12 years leading a chamber of commerce in southwest Missouri, Ferris was

drawn to the opportunity because of the collaborative culture that Plautz helped create. “Economic development is a team sport,” she said. “This is a stellar team. It is clear to me that all the community stakeholders and leaders have forward momentum in mind, and that’s refreshing.”

The Growth Alliance cannot thank Dennis Plautz enough for all his time and effort helping build a crosscollaborative culture for economic and community development in this region. The Growth Alliance is confident and excited about Ferris’s ability to cultivate new opportunities within this culture and grow the region as the next Chief Executive Officer.

Luke Hugghins

ASTRA FERRIS

CEO, GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE

Please tell us about yourself.

My name is Astra Ferris, and I am the new CEO of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. I have been working in a community development capacity for over a decade and am honored that it provides an opportunity to truly make a difference in the lives of others. My wonderful husband Jerrad and I have been married for seventeen years and are proud parents of three children. Being in music ministry, I am a firm believer that getting involved is a great way to increase community engagement and better understand the place in which I serve.

What are your goals for this coming year?

Being objective is a valuable tool. I plan to listen to the businesses and community, to strategically align and improve the impact that our organization can make upon the Greater Fort Dodge Region. Utilizing the foundation of collaboration and the wealth of knowledge from our community partners will be a key to our success. I am excited to begin!

Megan Secor

Tell us about some of the “artsy” organizations that you are involved with.

I serve on the board for the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association and the Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation, I love being in a position to support the arts in Fort Dodge! I’m also involved in a needle arts group full of lovely women who get together once a week to embroider, knit, or crochet together.

What is the mission and goal of the Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation?

The mission of the Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation is to support and promote art, libraries, nature, and heritage through collaboration within Webster County, Iowa. Our goal is to keep the arts and culture in Webster County thriving! There are some notable public art projects that have been supported by the Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation: “Over the Treetops” mosaic at the Fort Dodge Regional Airport, “DNA Strand” hand-blown glass sculpture at Iowa Central Community College, and “Parade” aluminum sculpture at the intersection of 5th Avenue South and 8th Street South… just to name a few. The Catherine Vincent Deardorf Charitable Foundation has given over $10,000,000 to the arts, libraries, nature, and heritage to date.

What areas of art and culture in Fort Dodge do you most enjoy?

Growing up, what artistic activities did you participate in?

During middle school and high school I played clarinet for our school’s band and marching band, it was a lot of fun and I liked the challenge of learning new music. I was always pretty crafty, my grandma taught me how to embroider and knit when I was in elementary school and that carried over into my adult life. In middle school and high school I was an avid participant in theatrical plays and competitive speech.

Did you grow up in an art loving household? If so, how?

Our household was full of creatives, my dad whittled when I was young and was always building something. My mom loved to cook and sew—she used to make whole outfits with matching accessories for my brother and I. My brother and I were always creating things from any sort of building material: legos, Lincoln logs, sand, you name it!

I couldn’t possibly pick one that I enjoy most! I enjoy hearing my family play in the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, I enjoy seeing the public art pieces around our community, I love seeing Stage Door and Comedia shows, and I am so happy at the thriving live music culture in Fort Dodge.

From your perspective, how has the art and culture scene in Fort Dodge varied over the years?

In the 13 years that I’ve been in Fort Dodge, I’ve seen the public art and live music scene become such a force in our community. The murals, public art, and extensive trails system have really boosted the quality of life in our community—not to mention the countless live music events taking place all over town! It’s been amazing to witness the change.

Hometown: Fort Dodge, Profession: Marketing Coordinator and part-owner at Soldier Creek Winery

In what ways are your kids involved in the arts?

My daughter is learning to play the violin through the Gillette & Chen Music Academy, and my son will join her next year. They both take dance classes through United All Stars. My daughter will be trying out for next year’s Stage Door production as well!

In your opinion, why is a diverse arts and culture scene important in our community?

It’s so important for communities to have a thriving arts and culture scene, not only from a quality-of-life perspective, but it’s also such an important part of the fabric of our society. Historically, the arts and culture of a society has been used to tell our story. Art can provide an outlet for our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and traditions— this is how we can convey our world to the future generations.

GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MIDWEST FENCE & GATE

Since its establishment in 1993, Midwest Fence & Gate has been a leader in delivering top-notch industrial and residential fences, gates, access control systems, and unique design fencing and gate services. With a comprehensive range of offerings, the company places customer satisfaction as its top priority, ensuring an outstanding experience for all.

“We take pride in providing exceptional service,” shares Leif Glesne, Founder and CEO of Midwest Fence & Gate. “While our products may be found elsewhere, our unwavering commitment to quality customer service sets us apart.” Supported by a dedicated team, Midwest Fence & Gate offers round-theclock troubleshooting and servicing for gate operators and ac-

Initially from Fort Dodge, Leif Glesne draws on his extensive experience in the fencing industry to lead Midwest Fence & Gate. After working for a manufacturer and distributor of fencing materials in Texas, Glesne returned to his roots and fulfilled his vision of offering unparalleled quality and service. In 1995, the company relocated to its expansive facilities in Fort Dodge’s Industrial Park East, allowing for an enhanced product display area, manufacturing shop, offices, and storage yard.

With a focus on meeting customers’ evolving needs, Midwest Fence & Gate now offers a remarkable selection of high-grade fences and gates. In response to the growing demand for enhanced security, the company has embraced access control systems for commercial and residential purposes. As part of their commitment to safety, they provide high-security fencing options, including bulletproof security, K-rated crash gate systems, and bollards, which are essential for high-risk commercial locations.

As technology advances, Midwest Fence & Gate has adapted to the changing landscape of the fencing industry. They now offer a convenient online platform for customers to enter their fencing information and receive a design and quote within minutes. The company boasts an extensive range of fencing materials, providing customers with almost unlimited choices.

Over the years, Midwest Fence & Gate has expanded its customer base beyond Iowa, reaching clients across the Midwest and extending to cities that include Seattle, WA; Oakland, CA; Corpus Christi, TX; Laredo, TX; and Gainesville, FL. This growth has been enabled by their unwavering dedication to quality, customer service, and a wide range of high-quality products. Midwest Fence & Gate is far from ordinary regarding fences and gates - they are the trusted choice for exceptional quality and service.

For over 30 years, Midwest Fence & Gate has been synonymous with top-quality fencing solutions for commercial and residential properties. Our renowned signage can be seen across numerous

Meeting the dynamic needs of commercial and residential projects is our expertise. Our skilled staff excels in designing and fabricating custom gates and fencing to cater to the specific requirements of our clients. Take, for example, our recent project of designing and constructing fencing around the Media Box area for the new sports field at Iowa Central Community College.

Midwest Fence and Gate has established a strong reputation as a professional provider of fencing and gate services for various governmental agencies across the state. Their expertise in handling complex projects with specialized equipment like the Cementech cement truck allows them to offer a comprehensive service under the supervision of a single project manager.

Regarding residential properties, Midwest Fence and Gate offers a range of attractive options to enhance the appeal and security of your home. We cater to every need, from custom designs for sprawling acreages and farm properties to ornamental fences that elevate curb appeal. Our unique services include pet protection, weed control, and decorative privacy options.

As we celebrate our 30th Anniversary, Midwest Fence and Gate remains a trusted name in the industry. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has made us a cornerstone in delivering the finest fencing solutions. Partner with us and experience the Midwest Fence and Gate difference for yourself.

City Connect FORT DODGE

Building Stronger Bonds: Fort Dodge’s Community Connections Initiative

In a world where busy schedules and screens often disconnect

concerns, or engage in casual conversations with their elected representatives. The primary goal is to nurture open lines of communication while meeting citizens where they are, rather than expecting them to make the journey to City Hall or the Webster County Courthouse.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Community Connections is its commitment to breaking down barriers between government representatives and the community they serve. Traditionally, the image of elected representatives is often associated with bureaucratic offices, formal meetings, and official documents. Community Connections seeks to dismantle this perception by creating an environment where officials and residents can interact on a more human level. In doing so, they hope to foster a sense of trust, transparency, and camaraderie.

tween local elected representatives and the people they serve. This endeavor was born as a spin-off of an idea proposed during a webinar hosted by the National League of Cities. While the original concept suggested specific topics for discussion, Fort Dodge chose to embrace a more open and flexible approach. The rationale behind this decision was simple: sometimes, fostering connections isn’t about discussing predefined subjects; it’s about bonding over shared concerns, celebrating milestones, or simply lending an empathetic ear.

Community Connections is different from traditional governance models: emphasizing inclusivity, accessibility, and genuine interaction. At its core, this initiative is designed to provide a space where residents can bring forth their thoughts, share local news, voice

This initiative is founded on the belief that strong communities are built on the foundation of strong relationships. By opening the doors of communication and actively engaging with the community, Fort Dodge is taking a proactive stance in addressing local concerns. It recognizes that the real power of democracy lies in the voices of the people it represents. Community Connections is not a platform for officials to speak; it’s a platform for everyone to be heard.

The decision to keep the discussions open-ended, rather than focusing on specific topics, highlights Fort Dodge’s commitment to inclusivity. This approach acknowledges that the issues impacting a community can be as diverse as its residents. By leaving the conversation open, Community Connections allows for organic discussions to evolve based on the immediate needs and interests

of those present. This adaptability is a strength, ensuring that the initiative remains relevant and responsive to the evolving concerns of the community.

Community Connections also represents a change from the traditional physical locations where government-business is conducted. Instead of expecting residents to make the trek to City Hall or the County Courthouse, this initiative takes government to the people. By holding these events in different locations within the community, Fort Dodge acknowledges that accessibility matters. It ensures that more residents can participate without the burden of traveling, making civic engagement more practical.

Community Connections is not just about elected officials meeting their constituents; it’s about neighbors connecting with neighbors. It’s about strengthening the social fabric that binds a community together. In this era of digital communication, face-to-face interactions have become increasingly rare. It reminds

residents that their elected representatives are not just there for the tough times but also to share in the joy of local successes.

The Community Connections initiative represents a refreshing and innovative approach to community engagement and governance. By fostering open lines of communication, embracing inclusivity, and taking government to the people, this initiative sets a positive example for other communities. It reminds us that democracy is not just about casting votes but about actively participating in the conversations and decisions that shape our neighborhoods and cities. In doing so, Community Connections serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that meaningful change and stronger communities are within reach when we connect with one another on a human level.

20 1 7N E W S 20 23

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

SEPTEMBER 2023

24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Phone 515-955-5500

Fax 515-955-3245

www.greaterfortdodge.com

STAFF

Astra Ferris CEO

astra@greaterfortdodge.com

Jill Nelson

Community Development Director

jill@greaterfortdodge.com

Skyla Porter

Organizational Administrator

skyla@greaterfortdodge.com

Deena McCaulley

Office Manager

deena@greaterfortdodge.com

As an employee-owned organization, Baker Group employees are committed to delivering reliable, client-focused and high-value MEP construction services to each client they serve Their team of more than 1,100 types and sizes of commercial and industrial clients from offices in Ankeny, Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Kansas City With seven business units providing Mechanical, Electrical, Sheet Metal, Automatio Industrial, Video/Security/Access Controls/Fire Alarm and Service. The team services their clients based on four core values including Care About People, Love What We Do, Mentally Tough and Own it The Baker Group team also provides construction services related to construction management, engineering, fabrication and material supply.

The Baker Group is located at 1600 SE Corporate Woods Drive, Ankeny, IA 50021

MISSION STATEMENT

“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.”

NEW

Members

Parallel Ag is a new name in Fort Dodge but Ag Solutions’ great people are still proudly working hard for their company. On January 1, 2023, Ag Solutions Group rebranded to Parallel Ag, after merging with an Oklahoma based company, Livingston Machinery. The companies shared similar values and cultures and together have formed a strong team that can meet the needs of farmers across the nation. Now with 12 stores through 6 states, Parallel Ag hopes to continue to grow and be a helper and advocate to the farmer, and agriculture as a whole. Parallel Ag is proud of what they do and invite you to come see what they can do for your farming operation.

Parallel Ag in Fort Dodge is your friendly community ag dealer. With products such as Apache Sprayers, Blu-Jet Tool Bars, Lemken tillage tools, Brehmer tenders, Duo Lift tank trailers and so much more; we are ready to partner with our customers to help accomplish their needs and goals. Parallel Ag in Fort Dodge, also has a fully stocked showroom and warehouse of spray parts for every brand and type of sprayer out there. With knowledgeable staff in every department, premium equipment and a great community, Parallel Ag is ready to serve your agricultural needs.

NEWMembers

Koozies, located at 16 North 7th Street in d Fort Dodge is a fun, friendly, welcoming bar with a good atmosphere, great priced drinks, darts, pool, and karaoke.

Koozies is open Monday-Friday 3:00pm to 2:00am and Saturday-Sunday 12:00pm to 2:00am.

With it's headquarters newly located (and opening soon) at the Vyrsity Innovation Center (the old post office), Vyrsity is a private institution comprised of a diverse network spanning the globe. International in scope, Vyrsity delivers innovative and specialized competencies, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate programs utilizing emerging pedagogical formats to serve Learners around the world.

Member Meet & Eat

Our third quarter Member Meet & Eat luncheon was held on August 15 which included a Q&A panel featuring Webster County Supervisor, Mark Campbell, Fort Dodge City Manager, David Fierke, and Growth Alliance CEO, Dennis Plautz.

Thank you to The Community Orchard for hosting and Peoples Credit Union for sponsoring the lunch.

Our final Member Meet & Eat for the year will be November 16.

Leadership Fort Dodge Orientation

The 2023-2024 Leadership Fort Dodge class kicked off with orientation on August 31. Participants spent time getting to know each other, learning about the program and going through the Real Colors assessment and presentation with Buzz Hoffman.

The first session was held September 14th with a focus on history and education.

Ribbon Cuttings

Congratulations to North Central Occupational Medicine and Walk-in Clinic on your ribbon cutting! They are located at 30 N 27th St and offer a wide variety of services related to medical conditions and injuries, routine illness and general medical services, as well as cosmetic botox injections.

Congratulations to Parallel Ag on your ribbon cutting! Parallel Ag is an agriculture equipment dealer that was formed in January 2023 through the merger of Ag Solutions Group and Livingston Machinery Company. They have 13 locations but you can find them locally just east of Fort Dodge at 2761 200th St.

County Connect Webster

Agricultural industry in Webster County

The agricultural industry in Webster County plays a crucial role in the county’s economy and the broader state, national and global food, and energy systems. Iowa is often referred to as the “Corn Belt” and Webster County is central to the “Corn Belt” due to its significant production of corn and other agricultural commodities. Locally, in Webster County, production is focused on ethanol production, corn-based sugar, and amino acid production from wet milling corn processing.

1. ETHANOL PRODUCTION: Ethanol production is a major component of Webster County’s agricultural industry. Ethanol is a biofuel produced from renewable plant materials, corn in the case of Webster County. The state of Iowa is the leading ethanol producer in the United States. The process of ethanol production involves:

• Corn Cultivation: Corn is cultivated across vast fields in Webster County, providing the primary raw material for ethanol production.

• Corn Processing: Corn is processed to extract its starch content. The starch is then converted into sugar using enzymes.

• Fermentation: The sugar-rich solution is fermented by adding yeast, which converts the sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide.

• Distillation and Purification: The ethanol is separated from the fermented solution through distillation and other purification processes.

• Blending and Distribution: The purified ethanol is often blended with gasoline to create ethanol-blended fuels (E10 or E15) for use in vehicles. These fuels reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy sustainability. Ethanol production contributes to both the state’s energy independence and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative to fossil fuels.

2. CORN-BASED SUGAR: Corn-based sugar production typically involves processing corn into various forms of sweeteners, including high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and corn syrup.

These sweeteners are widely used in the food and beverage industry as sweetening agents. The process involves:

• Corn Processing: Corn is processed to extract its starch content.

• Enzymatic Conversion: The starch is enzymatically converted into sugars, primarily glucose and fructose.

• Purification: The sugar solution is purified and processed to achieve the desired sweetness level.

• Industrial Uses: The corn-based sugars are used in a wide range of food products, such as beverages, baked goods, and processed foods.

3. Amino Acid Production from Wet Milling Corn Processing: Wet milling is another process used in corn processing, often used to produce a variety of products, including amino acids. Amino acids are essential components of proteins and are used in various applications, including food additives, animal feed, and industrial processes. The process involves:

• Corn Processing: Corn is processed through wet milling, which involves steeping the corn in water to separate its various components.

• Fermentation: The resulting corn components, such as starch, are fermented using specific microorganisms to produce amino acids.

• Purification: The amino acids are then purified to remove im purities and unwanted byproducts

End Uses: The purified amino acids are used in food and feed products, as well as in industries such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Overall, the agricultural industry in Webster County, with its focus on ethanol, corn-based sugar, and amino acid production, showcases the county’s contribution to the food, energy, and industrial sectors. It highlights the utilization of corn, a major crop in Webster County, for a diverse range of products that impact our daily lives and contribute to economic growth.

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY

FAMILY HOMELESSNESS IS NOW A CRISIS

United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is working hard to help homeless families with children. The Des Moines Register reports housing evictions statewide increased nearly seventy-five percent (75%) from around 10,500 in 2012 to 18,300. Other national statistics indicate the number of homeless families has increased forty to fifty percent (40% to 50%) in the past year. Fort Dodge is no exception.

Family homelessness in the U.S., in Iowa and in Fort Dodge is on the rise at an alarming rate. Experts that help families in poverty blame this alarming problem on the increasing cost of rent, utilities and food, the ever-tightening supply of affordable housing supply and the end of most pandemic-era benefits. National housing statistics show that Iowa ranks in the Top 10 of all the states in the nation for the highest increase in rental rates in the past six months.

The fact is, there are many, many, families that were already just barely making it, then when inflation hit and the economy changed, these families found themselves in desperate situations including becoming homeless. The very sad fact is that these are families with children, and the high majority of these families are single parent families headed by the mother. The number of families facing homelessness that have contacted United Way here

in Fort Dodge has more than tripled in the past 18 months.

Compounding this problem is the fact that Fort Dodge, like most cities in Iowa, has a shortage of affordable housing. Plus, much of the existing housing stock is aging and in need of rehabilitation. In Iowa, forty percent of the housing units were built before 1950. Across Iowa, an aging housing stock, rising construction costs and insufficient resources are contributing to this shortage of affordable housing. According to the Iowa Finance Authority, communities in Iowa will need 47,000 more affordable homes by 2030 to meet the housing need of Iowa residents. In Iowa, single-parent families, headed by mothers 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 under bridges. Some sleep in their cars and many others 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. It is estimated that ninety (90) percent of families experiencing homelessness are female-headed and close to half

RANDY KUHLMAN

C.E.O FORT DODGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY

of all homeless children are under the age of six. The typical homeless family is comprised of a mother in her late twenties with two children. These young families are often forced to spend fifty percent or more of their monthly incoming on rent. This burden means they will have to sacrifice other items such as food, utilities, transportation or medicine.

A study by the US Federal Reserve shows that 42.9% of households with children in Webster County are headed by a single parent. 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 becoming homeless is in the hundreds. As one can imagine, the experience of being homeless is traumatic for children. Research shows that homeless children often face a constant barrage of stressful and traumatic experiences as 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. Homeless children also experience more mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and withdrawal.

It is unrealistic to think we can end homelessness in Fort Dodge, but there are opportunities to leverage our resources and develop a synergistic approach to attacking the issue that will help reduce the problem, impact lives, use limited resources more efficiently.

United Way in Fort Dodge is focused on helping our youth thrive, especially those that are struggling to overcome major obstacles like poverty and homelessness. United 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 support, the children just don’t have a chance.

Citizens interested in helping us support efforts to help families that are homeless or very close to 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. You can donate online as well at https://unitedwayfd.org. For more information on United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, please call our office at 515-573-3171.

College Connect

Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory Role in Regional and National Agricultural/Bio Economy

By Dr Don Heck, Director of the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory

The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory was launched in a leaky greenhouse on the campus of Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, Iowa. I was tasked with the job of creating a Biofuels Technology program and teaching laboratory for our students, who could then learn the basic skills to allow them to work in one of the many surrounding biofuels processing facilities here in Iowa and the Midwest.

Based on its size and scope in 2022, the renewable fuels industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy:

Accounted for nearly $7.2 billion of Iowa GDP; Generated $3.5 billion of income for Iowa households; and Supported more than 57,000 jobs through the entire Iowa economy.

In 2006, Iowa Central was approached by a local trucking firm (Decker Truck Line, Inc) with an interest in studying the effects of biodiesel in an OTR (over the road) application. The study, titled “Two Million Mile Haul” quickly involved several interested parties,

including: Decker Truck Line, Inc., National Biodiesel Board (now Clean Fuels Alliance America), Renewable Energy Group (recently acquired by Chevron Corp.), Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Department of Agriculture, Caterpillar Engine Company, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture and Energy) and ran for two years from the fall of 2006 through the fall of 2008.

The study included 10 tractor trailers using diesel and 10 tractor trailers using B20, all with matched equipment and vehicle configurations, running dedicated routes for a combined two million miles over two years. This was the first robust study of its kind looking at the use of B20 in a long-haul trucking application over a period of two years, year-round, including the harsh Midwest winters.

Due to the huge economic impact of Biofuels on our regional, state, national and global economy, the biofuel industry saw the need to support the creation of an Independent Quality Fuel Testing Laboratory.

In 2022, the Renewable Fuels Industry had the following impacts on Iowa’s economy:

glycerin, fouled filters, and we can even help with insurance claims. We can help design projects like cold flow additive testing, monitoring of underground storage tanks for cleanliness, or even provide assistance to university research proj-

Transportation is a vital component of our economy. The Fuel Testing Lab is key to helping to monitor fuel quality and assuring free flow of transportation and fuel. Assessing fuel quality also drives confidence in renewable fuels as a clean, reliable source of sustainable energy. Early on, some of the biodiesel production was problematic and quality issues gave biodiesel a black eye. With the tireless work of organizations like the Clean Fuels Alliance America and the BQ-9000 Certification programs, biodiesel quality has significantly improved. Any issues that do arise are generally from handling and storage concerns, which is much the same for diesel and gasoline/ethanol blends.

discussions, led by Jim Kersten, Vice President of Iowa Central and Matt Caswell with the Iowa Soybean Association, was launch of a public-private collaboration that included Congressionally directed funding to the Lab and support from the Iowa Legislature to establish the Laboratory. This included designating the laboratory as the official fuel testing facility for the Iowa Bureau of Weights and Measures at the Iowa Department of Agriculture.

Recognizing the need for quality analytics and customer service, the Laboratory pursued certification with the National Biodiesel Accreditation Commission (NBAC) and in 2010 became the first laboratory in the nation to achieve the BQ9000 LAB® designation for quality testing of biodiesel products. In 2012 we achieved ISO 9001 certification to cover all our other testing capabilities. The uniqueness of our operation cannot be understated. To my knowledge, we are the only accredited, independent fuel testing facility in the nation hosted by a community college.

The lab tests motor vehicle and home heating fuels including diesel, biodiesel, gasoline, ethanol, and blends. As well as provide tests to assure the US Pipeline System supplies quality fuel. Our clients send samples from across the Midwest and coast to coast, and even internationally in a few cases. Our friendly, personalized service allows us to help clients with atypical samples such as raw feedstocks, crude

With the success of our current operations, we have long been planning for an expansion of the facility. The Fuel Lab just broke ground building a new state-of-the-art analytical facility dedicated to our fuel testing operations. This new facility will be constructed adjacent to the college campus with great visibility where we can show off our new home. In addition to our current capabilities, the new facility is designed to accommodate additional test equipment for jet/SAF and will have a dedicated engine room designed to house a cetane test engine and two octane engines for RON and MON testing. Completion of the new facility is projected to be August/September of 2024.

shiningstar

Artistic Interests: My artistic interests include drawing digitally or simply doodling in a sketchbook, but recently I’ve realized that I also like using watercolors. I have dabbled in other mediums such as charcoal, markers, and scrapbooking. Things I tend to draw are character designs along as once and a while drawing animals. I like practicing expressions, weather that be facially, bodily, or even more abstractly. Playing with composition, as well as colors, also pique my interest.

How long have you been interested in art?

I have always been interested in art. I suppose I started taking it more seriously in 5th grade when I started drawing in my first sketchbook.

Josie Novencido

What do you most enjoy about creating art?

I like it as a creative and emotional outlet. I think I would find it very hard to express myself if I didn’t draw. It is also very cool making a thought or image in your head physical, and it’s cool putting out unique ideas into the world with art.

Do you come from an artistic family?

I’d say so, my two sisters also enjoy art in different ways but my brother is more like my mom where they enjoy STEM activities such as robotics and math.

What is the most difficult, or challenging, part for you when creating a new piece?

Posing and drawing at extreme angles is very challenging for me, so when I get too ambitious and want to draw at an angle that I can’t get right or don’t have a reference for, I get kind of frustrated. In general I find it hard to realize that the product will not turn out the way it started in my head, which is a shame.

Age: 17 • Grade/School: Fort Dodge Senior High Hometown: Fort Dodge

What is the most rewarding part of the artistic process?

The problem-solving process that goes with making art is at times nagging but in the long run it helps you develop creative ways to go about things and teaches you to not only think outside of the box, but at different angles within it. I also do quite enjoy the end where you can sit and take in the final product along with anyone you end up sharing your art with. Do you plan to use your artistic skills after high school? If so, in what ways?

As of now I have no solid plan for after high school, but I do want to pursue something in the arts or at the very least something creative. Art teacher has crossed my mind several times, but for now the plan is to go to college, take some art classes, and see what happens I suppose.

Who inspires you and why?

It would be a crime not to say my art teacher Mrs. Miller-Clay! She really opened my eyes to being positive by not being too critical of myself and my art while also helping me improve my skills. Great amount of thanks, I can’t wait to take more of your classes!

What other activities are you involved with?

I am historian of the Performer’s Club, vice president in my 4-H club, I somewhat help run the art club in my school, I’m involved in scouting, and I recently became a DM for the DND club this year.

To become a member or let us know about an event contact:

AVOID THESE INVESTMENT MISTAKES

We all make mistakes in many areas of life. These mistakes are usually fairly harmless — we took a wrong turn while driving, used the wrong ingredients in a recipe and so on. But sometimes, our mistakes can be costly — especially those connected to investing.

Here are some of the most common investment mistakes:

Too much buying and selling – Some people find it exciting to constantly buy and sell investments in the pursuit of big gains. Yet, frequent trading can work against you in a couple of ways. First, it can be expensive — if you’re always buying and selling investments, you could rack up taxes, fees and commissions. Perhaps even more important, though, excessive purchases and sales can make it difficult to follow a unified, cohesive investment strategy. Such a strategy requires, among other things, careful construction and management of an investment portfolio that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. Heavy trading can disrupt this strategy.

Failing to diversify – If you only owned one type of asset, such as growth-oriented stocks, your portfolio could take a hit when the financial markets go through a downturn. But not all investments will respond the same way to the same forces

— for example, stocks and bonds can move in different directions at any given time. And that’s why it’s usually a good idea to own a mix of investments, which can include domestic and foreign stocks, bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs) and government securities. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can help reduce the impact of market volatility, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against losses in a declining market.

Trying to “time” the market – “Buy low and sell high” might be the original piece of investment advice, but it’s pretty hard to follow — because no one can really predict when an investment will reach “low” or “high” points. Also, trying to “time” the market in this way can lead to bad decisions, such as selling investments whose price has dropped, even if these same investments still have good business fundamentals and strong prospects. Not understanding what you’re investing in – If you don’t know the nature of investments when you buy them, you could set yourself up for unpleasant surprises. For example, some companies, by the very nature of their business and the type of industry they’re in, may consistently

pay dividends to their investors even though their stock prices may only show relatively modest price gains over time. If you bought shares of this stock, thinking it had the potential to achieve quite substantial appreciation, you might end up disappointed.

Making the wrong comparisons – You’re no doubt familiar with some of the most well-known investment benchmarks — the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite. But it might be counterproductive to compare your results against these indexes. If you have a diversified portfolio, you’ll own an array of investments that won’t fit into any single index or benchmark, so you won’t get an apples-to-apples comparison. You’re better off comparing your portfolio’s performance against the only benchmark that really matters — the progress you need to make to help achieve your goals.

Investing will always have its challenges — but you can help make it easier on yourself by staying away from as many mistakes as possible.

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