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.
Left to right standing: Emily Ayres, Deena McCaulley, Astra Ferris, and Jill Nelson
Sitting: Jefferson Fosbender and Skyla Porter
Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Community College
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance News
Astra Ferris, IOM Chief Executive Officer
Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance
SHOP SMALL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
As the 2023 Holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle and general “busy-ness” we all experience can lead many of us to just default to a convenient big box store or even an online shopping giant for our gift buying choices. I get it. It seems the family calendar and “to-do” lists get filled up faster than we can react, with so many directions pulling on us in November and December. But I challenge you to consider the true value of supporting your local businesses. Choosing to shop locally is not only a gift to yourself and your loved ones, but also a crucial investment in the heart of our community.
For example, revenue captured from shopping at our area businesses supports the improvements to our local streets and adjacent infrastructure. Simply put, our local retail sales have a direct impact on street repairs. Shopping at a local business not only supports our friends and neighbors in business, but your hardearned dollars support our entire community and the place we all call home.
There are many reasons to shop small, and here are five reasons to remember this Holiday Season.
1.) Personalized & Unique Gifts- The local boutique may offer a selection of unique products and gifts or service gift cards, you may not find in bigbox stores or online retailers. Whether it may be a handcrafted jewelry piece, custom artwork, a gift card for a local spa experience, shopping locally allows you to choose gifts that are both meaningful and memorable.
2.) Strengthening the Local Economy- Shopping locally allows for a larger percentage of your dollars to stay within the community compared to shopping at big corporations or online. This means that more of your hard-earned dollars go toward supporting local jobs, local families, and local prosperity. A very direct way for you to contribute to the economic vitality of your own community.
3.) Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Innovation- Local businesses are the lifeblood of entrepreneurial spirit and creativity. They often bring fresh new ideas, new products, and innovative solutions to the local market first. By supporting them, you are encouraging and enabling this culture of creativity, which can lead to a more dynamic and diverse community overall.
4.) Reducing Environmental Impact- Shopping locally often means that products have traveled shorter distances, resulting in lower carbon emission and a reduced environmental footprint. This helps to make a positive impact on protecting and preserving the environment, one community at a time.
5.) Preserving Local Character and HeritageLocal businesses often reflect the unique character and culture of a community they serve. That may be in products and/or services specific to our community and historical significance. Not to mention, places where friends and neighbors may meet, rooting a sense of community and gathering opportunities for community members to establish a sense of belonging.
Tis the Season, I urge you to “Choose Local”. By doing so, you are not only finding unique, meaningful gifts, but you’re also making a powerful statement about the importance of community, economic sustainability, and the enduring value of small business, right here at home. These direct dollars of support will continue to enrich the lives of those around you long after the holiday season has passed.
Happy Local Shopping friends! Astra Ferris
WITH Q&A
JEFFERSON FOSBENDER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Please tell us about yourself.
I am a Fort Dodge native, a graduate of both Saint Edmond HS and Iowa Central Community College. Over the past decade, I’ve lived in multiple cities, from Ackley, IA to Chicago, IL, and I’ve worked in several different sectors including economic development, higher education, and retail. In my free time, I love playing music and spending time outdoors. I’m excited to be back in my hometown and in a position to make a difference in this community.
What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I take a lot of pride in my ability to build relationships and foster teamwork. I think that I am most looking forward to my opportunities to bring community members together for a common cause. There is no other feeling quite like accomplishing something as part of a team and seeing the results of your hard work. I am confident that this group of community and business leaders are the perfect team to bring us progress and a better Fort Dodge.
Photo courtesy of Iowa Central Community College
WITH JEFFERSON FOSBENDER
What do you think your biggest challenge will be?
One challenge in this role that I really want to face headon is the growth and promotion of our community pride and morale. We have an amazing core group of community leaders that act as “champions” for our betterment initiatives, but I think we can do a better job at gaining a larger “buy-in” from our Fort Dodge residents and area partners! The more people get involved in their community, the more they will feel a sense of pride and belonging.
What motivated you to pursue a career in economic development?
As I worked to finish my Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from the University of Northern Iowa, I really wanted to find a career where I could use both my problem solving and leadership skills. Economic Development is a career where organizational leadership, economic principles, and community betterment all come together in a perfect marriage – a career that I immediately fell in love with. Every day brings a brand-new challenge, and nothing comes easy; but economic development is a career where hard work brings true and tangible results that improve our quality of life.
GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
THE GO IN GOWRIE
The volunteers of the Gowrie Development Commission (GDC) strive to keep Gowrie going forward. Working as committees, volunteers work to push forward several areas of importance such as image, downtown, housing, business development and trails.
Small towns typically have a “we can do it attitude” and Gowrie is no exception. After frustration in working through the details of state grants the GDC partnered with the City of Gowrie to implement a smaller and successful façade grant program utilized by several downtown businesses. Most recently Jay and Patti Anderson made improvements to their historic building downtown where businesses such as The Picket Fence gift shop and Hairology by Courtney salon share space on the first floor.
The GDC continues to host ribbon cuttings to celebrate new businesses such as the opening of the JK Building at 1004 Market Street. Janessa Simon and Kodi Mundt remodeled the building during the summer of 2023 and relocated their massage businesses as well as offering rental space to other businesses and organizations.
There is such a demand to live in Gowrie it is difficult to find rental or housing available. Recognizing this the GDC again partnered with the City and initiated a “Go Build In Gowrie” campaign to encourage building new homes. This successfully saw 5 new homes built in 2022. Most recently the City of Gowrie, the GDC, and Origin Homes formed a partnership to build five new spec homes in the expanded Wiley Addition on the east side of Gowrie. This was a great opportunity as part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority application for workforce housing tax credits which was awarded in August.
“We’re extremely excited to begin building in Gowrie in a well-established housing development. The growth potential for Gowrie and the surrounding areas is undeniable and providing more homes within a reachable price point is our goal,” said Matt Daniels, Director of Operations for Origin Homes.
“The need to create housing opportunities is a very high priority. As a community we need to continue to draw in a young, energetic workforce which turns into vibrant community members and leaders.” said Kevin Black, as a member of the GDC Housing Committee and the GFDGA Board representative for the GDC. “We need affordable housing to bring in new people for the new jobs created in our region with expansions and growth of area businesses.”
The GDC Board, members and volunteers are focused to keep Gowrie, the second largest community in Webster County, going forward! For more information about the community visit the website at www.gowrie.org and follow along on Facebook and Instagram (Gowrie, Iowa). Gowrie is small town living with easy access to large communities. It also offers some amazing amenities: outdoor recreation, healthcare access, safety and emergency services, local utilities (Fiber Internet and city wide generator), local grocery store, retail business, childcare and an excellent school system.
City Connect FORT DODGE
The Pavilion
Urban areas are constantly evolving and it’s important to be innovative and adaptable in order to meet the needs and desires of the community. Our efforts to rejuvenate the retail area started with the realization that retail alone wouldn’t suffice. We needed to offer something beyond the usual shopping experience - something that could attract visitors and also provide a variety of activities for people of all ages. After careful consideration and brainstorming, we came up with an exciting idea: the pavilion.
The pavilion is not just another sports facility. It’s designed to be an all-encompassing event space that offers various activities to engage, entertain, and keep our community active. The goal is to create a vibrant hub for weekend and evening activities that cater to all ages and interests. Recently, the popularity of AAU club-type sports venues has increased, making them an attractive choice for our community.
It’s important to note that the pavilion is not meant to replace or compete with our community Rec Center. Rather, it functions as a complementary facility that reduces the pressure on the Rec Center to provide specialized sports facilities. With
-Submitted image
The front of the planned sports pavilion at Corridor Plaza is shown in this image provided by the Fort Dodge city government. It will sit on the west side of the property with its front door facing east. Inside will be four basketball courts, three pickleball courts and a microbrewery restaurant.
the pavilion in place, the community Rec Center can now use its resources more efficiently and concentrate on its primary objectives.
Based on feedback from coaches in our area, we have identified a significant need for additional gym space for their club teams. We have engaged in discussions with these coaches to better understand their specific requirements and have taken them into consideration during the design of the pavilion. By including multiple courts in one space, the pavilion can now be used for various sports simultaneously, such as basketball, volleyball, and wrestling.
The pavilion is not just for traditional sports but is designed to offer a variety of activities, making it a versatile hub. It will provide space for indoor pickleball, which is a sport that is gaining popularity, and indoor walking, ensuring accessibility in all weather conditions. Additionally, by hosting tournaments, camps, and other special events, the pavilion will serve the community and attract tourists, contributing to local tourism benefits and revenue.
The site has also been thoughtfully designed to incorporate restaurant space that could potentially host a microbrewery or another dining establishment. This addition enhances the appeal of the pavilion as a social and entertainment destination. Additionally, a retail space will cater to various interests and needs.
The pavilion project is an impressive example of how private investment can reduce the burden on public funding. Initially, the project was to be funded by local government, with an estimated cost of $12 million. However, with the participation of a private investor, the City’s contribution has been reduced to $2.6 million, which will be obtained through TIF (Tax Increment Financing) dollars. This amount will be supplemented in the future from Reinvestment District funds, which are generated from sales tax revenue.
The pavilion is not just an indoor facility; it’s a versatile and adaptable space. Plans feature garage doors that can be opened, al-
lowing for the fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces. This will make it an ideal venue for indoor and outdoor farmers’ markets, concerts, and various other events that require a combination of indoor comfort and outdoor ambiance.
This facility embodies a proactive approach towards establishing a dynamic, engaging, and all-inclusive space for the residents. With the growth of our community, the pavilion will have a pivotal role in promoting health, wellness, entertainment, and social interaction. It’s not just a sports facility; it’s a hub for community life, bringing people together to celebrate, compete, and prosper. The pavilion is set to transform our community by driving prosperity and enhancing our quality of life.
artistspot
How did you first become interested in making music?
Melissa Hindt
Age: 49 • Hometown: Rockwell City, IA
Instrument/Profession: Piano, Guitar, Percussion / Pre K- 12 Music Teacher
Tell us about a couple of your most memorable performances/concerts?
Every concert I have with my students is memorable; all of their work and their trust they put in me lights up the world. Hearing their voices and seeing their smiles is like a little piece of heaven. A personal memorable performance was the summer of 2022. I played Mavis in the 2nd Helping of the Chruch Basement Ladies for the Webster City Comunity Theatre. My character was the farm wife who could do anything and producing new life on the farm or in the farmhouse was “God’s Way of Sayin” life must go on. It was a joy for me because my character was a way of celebrating my childhood with my parents and my siblings. It was the best way to work through my new life here on earth without my parents in it. I have a picture of me and 5 of 6 siblings coming to see the show that I put as a part of this article. It was our mom’s birthday the night they came to see the show. The pose we are creating was one of my lines on how those in heaven are always looking down at us but of course I was a humorous character so as I was thinking of our loved ones looking down and I needed to be proper with my top. So my siblings recreated that part with me.
My parents shared their love of music with me. Dancing by the record player to the Lakewood Ballroom to singing in the tractor and at church. My greatest honor was to play and sing for them as they reached the fullness of God’s love in 2021. I know my mom and dad are still a part of my music making and every time I sing or play the piano I still feel them right beside me. That is why I put that picture in of me playing the home piano, they would always stop and listen to me.
How long have you been teaching? And, what made you decide to major in Music Education?
This is my 19th year teaching but my first year teaching high school music. My sister, Julia, helped me decide to major in music education. She was teaching second grade at the
time and as any good big sister she nudged me to get serious about my plans and encouraged me to share my love of music with kids.
Who has the greatest influence on you musically, and why?
My husband has been the greatest influence in my life in every way; even musically. We were high school sweethearts and listening to music was and still is one of our favorite things to do. Especially movie scores. He has written many beautiful poems and short stories that come to life with our favorite film collections. This love and influence is now something our 4 children share with us and we love it!
If you had a chance to meet any performer/musician, alive or dead, whom would you choose, and why?
Karen Carpenter, her voice and her music filled the days of my childhood and still do to this day I am captivated by her songs,her voice and her ability to bring her listeners into her melodies.
What are some of your musical accomplishments?
Bieng a music teacher is my greatest musical accomplishment. I love sharing the joy of music making with my students and seeing them light up when they learn the songs and instruments.
What is the most unusual thing to have happened to you during a performance/concert?
This is a tough one to answer because I believe when something happens out of the ordinary that you don’t expect it is all how you handle it. From the messed up words, to the shenanigans among the little ones and the unexpected light outs you just have to roll with it. And those moments make it all real.
Outside of music and the classroom, what other things do you enjoy? Any hobbies?
I love to be with my family and playing games. We love to watch movies together in the theater and at home. I love to read and decorate; especially for the holidays. We love the gift of Christmas! And I love to dance!
What has been the hardest lesson to learn when it comes to music and education?
I think the hardest lesson has been trusting myself enough to know how to teach my students and meet their individual needs. To not be afraid of taking risks when it comes to choosing music because of my insecurities; if I am excited about it that will rub off on them and their excitement and talents will grow right along with mine. And this gives me the courage I need to be the best teacher I can be.
What do you tell a student who is interested in pursuing a career in music/ music education?
I would say, “If you have music in your heart and you want to change the world go for it!!”
Economic Development Director jefferson@greaterfortdodge.com
Deena McCaulley
Operations Coordinator deena@greaterfortdodge.com
November 30
9:00-10:30AM
Growth Alliance
RSVP: emily@greaterfortdodge.com
New Administrative Assistant:
Emily Ayres
“Greater
New Cheif Executive Officer: Astra Ferris, IOM
New Economic Development Director: Jefferson Fosbender
NEWMembers
Atlas Solutions Software is a digital document management software with workflow automation that takes the place of physical storage. Atlas specializes in streamlining document storage by placing your information in a centralized location, making it easy to access your records.
Dayton Doggie Rescue Ranch Best Friend
Project is a new non-profit in Dayton, IA. If an individual doesn’t have friends or family able to step in and watch their pet while in treatment for mental health or substance abuse, they can contact Sarah Peters at 515-715-7266.
Advanced Financial Solutions is an independent financial services organization providing a variety of fee based and commission-based services depending on your needs and preferences. Being independent allows us to offer the best investment vehicles and insurance products available to fit your individual and business needs. We maintain a working partnership with various local CPA firms and attorneys which allows us to provide you with a full financial picture including tax and legal strategies.
Small Business Saturday - Saturday, November 25
On Saturday, November 25th, we mark Small Business Saturday, a day dedicated to honoring and backing small businesses for their invaluable contributions to our communities. In Fort Dodge and throughout Webster County, local retailers are providing numerous chances for you to embrace the spirit of shopping locally and revel in the joyous holiday season with them. Check out our local retails here: https://www.greaterfortdodge.com/membership/ourmembers
Leadership Fort Dodge October Session
The October Leadership Fort Dodge session focused on arts and culture. The group started the day touring the Blanden Art Museum and doing an art project at the Blanden’s new Art Education Center. They also spent time at Phillips Historic Auditorium and The Laramar Ballroom, listening to performances by Iowa Central Community College students, learning about the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association and playing “public art trivia.” They ended the day with a scavenger hunt which took them to various art locations throughout the community with the final stop at ShinyTop Brewing for a social.
Thank you to First Interstate Bank for sponsoring the session.
Junior Leadership Fort Dodge October Session
The Junior Leadership Fort Dodge participants met for their first session today, focusing on the arts in Fort Dodge. Students spent the day doing a series of leadership development activities, learned about the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, played “public art trivia” and then toured the Blanden Art Museum. The session wrapped up with some creativity as the students painted root systems to tell the story of what has impacted their lives to develop their own personal root systems. Thank you to Citizens Community Credit Union for sponsoring the session and ShinyTop Brewing and the Blanden for hosting us.
Congratulations Flooring America Design Center on your 50th Anniversary celebration yesterday. This family-owned business has been a part of our community since 1973. Be sure to stop in to their location at 3026 5th Ave South and explore their wide variety of products and congratulate them on 50 years.
Thank you for your membership and commitment to the community!
tter for members to , information about munity involvement ccess to the mailing on for our members
County Connect Webster
Shopping Local this Holiday Season in Webster County
There is something unique about being in a small town in Webster County that pulls you toward shopping locally. Whether it’s a sense of pride, a feeling of duty or the genuine support of a friend or family member, knowing that your dollar has gone to not only a member of your community but to a business owner you trust, makes every purchase that much more special.
When you buy from an independent, locally-owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms, continuing to strengthen the economic base of our community. A stronger tax base means improved schools, better roads, and greater support for our local police and fire departments.
Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally. Local businesses are owned by people who live in our community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers, thus providing better customer service.
Saturday, November 25, is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Fort Dodge & Webster County retailers are offering plenty of opportunities to shop local and celebrate the holiday season with them.
DAYTON:
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH
Dayton Farm & Lumber is hosting a Christmas Window Painting program. Contact Courtney to sign up at 515-297-3693. You are welcome to BYOB and snacks will be provided.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
Dayton’s Public Library is hosting a Christmas Book Angel & Tree craft at 10:00am. Spots are limited. Call 515-547-2700 to reserve your spot.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
Dayton’s Public Library is hosting a Wine Bottle Santa Gnome starting at 5:00pm. Spots are limited. Call 515-547-2700 to reserve your spot.
GOWRIE:
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH
Wreath Raffle Begins! All proceeds go to the Community Pantry. Visit the Webster-Calhoun Lobby to see the wreath display M-F 8:00 am - 4:30 pm.
Donate $1 or pantry items for a ticket and choose a wreath. Drawing will be held December 8th!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1ST
City Wide Holiday Open Houses
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Refreshments, giveaways, and door prizes. Location of Wreath Raffle for Community Pantry!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2ND
City Wide Holiday Open Houses
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH
Wreath Raffle Drawing at 1:00 pm at WCCTA Lobby. All proceeds to the Community Pantry.
Main Street Fort Dodge and downtown merchants are inviting you to join them for holiday shopping during their promotional events from November 22nd to 25th. Additionally, on November 25th, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, GreenState Credit Union will be hosting “Merry Money Giveaways,” offering $25 to the first 40 shoppers. On Monday, November 27, you can meet Santa and participate in festive activities at Wells Fargo and the ISU Extension Office from 5:30-7:00 pm.
When you invest money in your local economy, you’re not just helping local business owners — you’re also helping yourself. You’re making your region a better place to live in, with a rich character, thriving economy, and tightly knit community. And the more local businesses prosper, the more new ones will open, making it even easier to continue shopping locally in the future.
Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY
UNITED WAY IS SUPPORTING YOUTH THAT NEED OUR HELP
The quality of any community is often measured by the commitment citizens in that community make to support their youth. According to the U.S. census, 1 out of 4 children and adolescents in Fort Dodge live in homes that are at or below the poverty level, or very close to it. In total, two-thirds of families with children and teens in Fort Dodge are struggling to pay their basic living bills for rent, food, clothing, gas and transportation, childcare, healthcare, etc. Due to inflation, the average Iowa family is paying an additional $5,000 this year to cover their basic living expenses. For lower income families, inflation has put them in a financial crisis. Here are eight ways that United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is working to help these kids and their families.
1. Many children are homeless and sleep in a different place every night or even in a car with their parent. United Way provides funding that helps families secure affordable housing. United Way also helps provide emergency shelter for homeless families with children.
2. Many children are food insecure. In Fort Dodge, one out of every six children are food insecure – meaning there are times when they are hungry and have little or no access to nutritious
food. United Way provides support for our local food pantries we provide food vouchers to families in crisis and need food immediately.
3. Many children sleep on the floor because they don’t have a bed. United Way’s Bridging the Gap program provides beds for kids that have no bed and are sleeping on floors, in chairs or on couches. Over the past 12 years, United Way has provided over 1,400 beds for children in need.
4. Many children struggle with depression and anxiety. 33% of teens are struggling with depression and other mental health challenges. United Way provides grant support to local mental health providers so no child is denied mental health services because his or her family lacks insurance or the funds to pay for counseling.
5. Many families with children do not have a car; transportation is a major challenge for these families. United Way’s “Wheels for Work” program provides donated cars to families with children who have no personal transportation.
RANDY KUHLMAN
C.E.O FORT DODGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY
6. Medical Assistance and Transportation. United Way’s Hope for Healing program provides gas cards to help disadvantaged families who have a seriously ill child and need transportation assistance to a medical center in Des Moines, Iowa City or Rochester. United Way also helps families pay for prescriptions for children when there is no insurance or if families lack the financial means to pay for a child’s medication.
7. Clothes for Kids. United Way provides support for programs that provide clothing, coats and other items for kids in need. United Way provides impoverished families with vouchers to Goodwill to help children and teens that lack proper clothing.
8. Emergency Support. United Way helps families dealing with an emergency or crisis such as a fire, car accident, death of a parent, or a serious illness of a parent or child. Low-income families when dealing with a family emergency are often in very desperate situations and can use a “friendly hand of support” during a very difficult time.
This year’s campaign is focused on helping our disadvantaged youth of which many are living in poverty and are coping with the social ills that often accompany poverty including homelessness, living in a house that lacks water, heat or electricity, hunger, depression, abuse and the lack of personal safety.
Donations to United Way collectively can make a real impact and can touch hundreds of lives of children in need. 100% of every dollar donated to United Way stays right here in the Fort Dodge/Webster County area to help disadvantaged children and their families.
Donations to the United Way campaign can be mailed to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge office at 24 N. 9th Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. You can donate online using our website (www.unitedwayfd. org), or you can call us at 515-573-3171.
College Connect
Iowa Central Hosts Career Discovery Days for High School Students
If your high school student is curious about what career is right for them, Iowa Central is providing a number of opportunities to help shed light on different options. The college is hosting Career Discovery Days on the Fort Dodge Campus and high school students from the nine-county region are encouraged to attend. Registration is free.
The list of options ranges from theater to transportation, and Counselor to carpenter among many others. The face-to-face events will begin at 9:00 AM and wrap up at 1:00 PM. To register, simply scan the QR code below.
If you have questions, please reach out to Sara Scharf at scharf@iowacentral.edu
UPCOMINGEVENTS
shiningstar
Logan Hamilton
Age: 17 • Grade and High School: Senior at FDSH Hometown: Fort Dodge
Tell us about some of your cultural experiences growing up in Fort Dodge.
I remember falling in love with the arts from a young age. From taking art classes at the Blanden Art Museum, seeing live bands performing at the band shell, to watching local musicals and plays, I knew that I wanted to do it all. In high school, I’ve been involved in Marching Band, Concert Choir and Jazz Band, as well as solo/ensemble contest, Speech Contest, Choir & More.
What are your plans after high school?
I am planning to go to Iowa Central Community College for two years, and then transfer to the University of Iowa to major in English and Creative Writing, and a minor in art. I want to be able to write books and comics for all ages, and expose youth to the arts.
What are the biggest benefits for a child, growing up in Fort Dodge, being involved in the arts?
Being involved in the arts as a kid really opened my eyes to the possibilities, and also made me realize my love for the arts. I made so many friends along the way (even if I don’t remember most of them), and it shaped me into the person that I am today.
You can travel anywhere in the world where do you go, and why? And, who do you take with you, and why?
Ireland! And not because I’m a ginger! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. It’s so beautiful and the weather is so perfect. I would take my mom, and probably my friends Sydney Gebers, Olivia Wood & Michael Wagner.
Who are some of your role models?
My elementary band and music teacher Mr. Brad Bleam, and my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Merritt are two of my role models. Mr. Bleam introduced me to the wonderful world of music. He came up with a strange and unique way of teaching us our notations, and he was always willing to provide extra lessons and harder music if I ever asked. I can’t thank him enough for making me realize that talent can get you far, but practice gets you farther. Mrs. Merritt is my all-time favorite teacher! She would give us gum for getting stuff done, she let us perform fun plays if we raised enough tokens, and introduced me to my now favorite author, Neil Gaiman. I thrive to be like them both, and I hope to influence the youth to the arts in some way in the future.
Tell us about one of your best experiences when performing/creating art.
During my freshman year for band, during marching band, drumline got a 9.3 at state competition. When I joined Jazz Band after, we ended up being the first Jazz 2 ensemble to get a Division 1 at contest. Joining band and getting involved with music is one of the best decisions I’ve made, and freshman year really just proved the point to me that I can achieve great things if I really work for it.
Walk us through a day in the life of Logan Hamilton. I usually wake up around 7:00am every day, and after getting ready, I get either my super complicated $7.00 coffee order or an energy drink, with a breakfast sandwich. Then I get to school a little after 7:50. After school, I normally work one of my 3 jobs Scooters, Taco Tico or as a drummer for First United Methodist Church. On those special days where I don’t work, I’m in my room drawing or playing my guitar.
Edward Jones Financial Focus
AVOID TAPPING INTO RETIREMENT SAVINGS EARLY
If you want to make a big purchase, such as a new car or a piece of property, or you were faced with a large, unexpected expense, such as a major home or auto repair, would you have the funds readily available? If not, you might look at what may be your biggest pool of money — your 401(k) or IRA. But should you tap into these accounts well before you retire?
Maybe not — and here’s why:
Less money in retirement – The more money you invest in your retirement accounts, and the longer you keep it invested, the more you’ll probably have when you need it most — when you’re retired. Consequently, taking out sizable amounts from these accounts before you retire could be costly, as it would disrupt the benefits of compounding that can be achieved by holding investments for the long term.
Possible bump into higher tax bracket
– The money you take out from your traditional IRA and 401(k) is taxable in the year of withdrawal. So, if you withdraw a significant amount of money at once from your traditional IRA or 401(k), you could be pushed into a higher tax bracket, at least for one year.
Tax penalties – If you take money out of a 401(k) or traditional IRA before you turn 59½, you could face a 10% tax penalty, although some exceptions exist. Penaltyfree withdrawals can be made for several reasons, including for education and medical expenses, first-time purchase of a home (up to $10,000), after the birth or adoption of a child (up to $5,000) and more (see irs.gov/taxtopics/tc557). With a Roth IRA, which is funded with after-tax dollars, you can withdraw contributions — but not earnings — at any time, for any purpose, without incurring penalties.
Given these issues, how can you avoid dipping into your retirement accounts when you’re faced with a financial need?
One possibility is to take out a loan from your 401(k). Unlike a 401(k) withdrawal, a loan is neither taxable nor subject to tax penalties. Also, the interest you pay on a 401(k) loan goes back into your account. Still, a 401(k) loan has its drawbacks. If you leave your job, you’ll likely have to repay the loan in a short period of time and if you don’t have all the money to repay it, the loan will be considered in default, so you’ll owe taxes and the 10% penalty if you’re younger than
59½. But even if you don’t leave your job and you do repay the loan, you’ll still have taken away money that could have potentially kept growing within your taxdeferred account. As mentioned above, as your money compounds, you’ll want to minimize disruptions.
Building an emergency fund is another way to gain access to cash. Such a fund should contain at least six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. It can take time to build a fund of this size, so it’s never too soon to start putting away money for it. To avoid the temptation of dipping into your emergency fund, you’d ideally keep this fund separate from your daily spending accounts.
Explore all your options before tapping into your IRA or 401(k) early. Keeping these accounts intact as long as possible is one of the best moves you can make to help build your future retirement income.
