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June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 3 1

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42 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

www.wccta.net

CONTENTS

June 2022

on the cover Marcie Boerner, COO, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association, and Board President, Iowa Communications Alliance

INSIDE: 6

Community Collaboration is Key

Q&A: Representative Ann Meyer and Senator Tim Kraayenbrink

11 Shining Star: Alexa McHone 12 Board Member Spotlight: Cargill Fort Dodge: A decade in the making 14 City Connect 16 Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Newsletter 20 County Connect 24 United Way: Positive Communities Have Social Capital 26 College Connect 29 Open for Business 33 Financial Focus June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 3 5

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance News

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION IS KEY Community members are at the heart of

of a healthy community is the diversity of

healthy communities. They include all

the housing. This encompasses availability,

who live, learn, work, play, and pray in

affordability, and location, all of which affect

communities. Community members may

the lives of community members.

have a formal leadership role in a community

LYDIA SCHUUR

organization, or friends and neighbors may

The private, public and non-profit sectors are

recognize them as the person who gets things

all important in attracting new investment

done. Residents or students who may not yet

and in developing new businesses that suit

be leaders are often waiting for an invitation

the character of the community and meet

to get involved.

its needs. The need to sustain successful workplaces is an important factor to the

A sense of community is an intangible yet

health of a community. The more often money

vital component of a healthy community. It

circulates within the community before

encompasses elements such as image, spirit,

leaving, the more the community benefits.

character and pride, along with practices such as communication, inter-group relations,

The Fort Dodge community is full of

and networking. A community is made up

individuals who lead the way for bigger and

of different people with different interests,

better things. Some of these individuals are

experiences and backgrounds.

hired or elected, while others are taking time out of their day to volunteer or organize for a

A community can more effectively manage

cause they care about.

its growth through the prudent use of local zoning districting and ordinances and

It is through collaboration from all areas of

planning regulations that guide how land

our region that we see the progress happening

is divided, used, and developed. These

today.

tools allow the community to regulate the development of residential areas, commercial districts, and the village centers. These are key considerations in managing growth while maintaining community character. Another important factor in the development

6 4 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

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WWW.GREATERFORTDODGE.COM June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 7 5

Q&A

WITH

REPRESENTATIVE

ANN MEYER

SENATOR

TIM KRAAYENBRINK

8 6 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

Q&A

WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE ANN MEYER AND SENATOR TIM KRAAYENBRINK

PLEASE TELL US YOUR ELECTED POSITION AND WHAT AREA YOU REPRESENT. Ann Meyer: I was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018. I have been serving House District 9 for my first two terms, which included Fort Dodge, Badger, Clare, Vincent and Duncombe. After redistricting, if re-elected, I will be serving House District 8, which includes Fort Dodge, Badger, Duncombe, Vincent, Otho, Lehigh, and the Webster County portion of Stratford. Tim Kraayenbrink: I have been an Iowa Senator for the past eight years since I was first elected in 2014. As an outcome of the redistricting process, I will no longer represent Humboldt County, but I will now represent Sac County, along with Calhoun, Pocahontas, and Webster. I am currently the Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and serve on the Senate Education Committee. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT YOUR CONSTITUENTS AT THE STATEHOUSE? Ann Meyer: I love being able to bring the voice of my constituents to the Capitol. The concerns I hear when talking to people in the district are the problems I work to solve at the state level. Not everything requires legislation, and I work with our legislative liaisons to state departments (like Department of Human Services and Iowa Department of Health) and caucus staff to address all concerns. The thing I enjoy most is helping individual constituents solve problems they may have involving state government. Tim Kraayenbrink: I enjoy a diversified district with a mix of many rural communities as well as the city of Fort Dodge. Our communities are thriving with the bold Republican agenda of lowering taxes for Iowans, growing Iowa’s workforce, and making Iowa more competitive. We enjoy effective local leadership, and my constituents are loyal, hardworking, and are having a positive impact on community growth and prosperity. I’m also thankful for the opportunity to shape the future of Iowa. My family is one of the main motivators that inspires me to continue my service to this district. I have four grandchildren that I hope choose to make Iowa their home and enjoy all our state has to offer. I want our families to live, work, and play right here in our great state. Personally, serving in the Statehouse has given me the

tremendous chance to work with legislators and staff that exemplify the highest level of integrity and commitment. I’m blessed to call them my friends. AS YOU LOOK BACK ON THIS PAST LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD TO HAVE ACCOMPLISHED? Ann Meyer: I am most proud of the legislation we have passed and sent to the Governor’s desk to address the mental health crisis our state is experiencing. Honestly, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t hear a person in our district or around the state with a loved one that is struggling with some type of mental illness. One of the main barriers to care is a lack of providers, from physicians to counselors. This year in the legislature we have focused on the lack of providers in the state. Iowa ranks 44 in the country for psychiatrists per capita. HF 2529 - The state is directing (and funding) University of Iowa to develop 12 new psychiatry residency programs that will be primarily focused on training through Independence and Cherokee MHIs, Woodward Resource Center, and Oakdale Classification Center. Four years after this is instituted, we will have 12 additional psychiatrists finishing their training and hopefully beginning their practice in Iowa, and 12 more each subsequent year. This bill will help increase the number of psychiatrists trained in Iowa and gives preference to Iowans in the application process. This bill is obviously a longer-term solution to the problem, but we are building a strong base of providers to serve Iowans for years to come. You may be surprised to hear this…but there are actually between 40 - occasionally 80 open beds at the 27 hospitals with inpatient psychiatric units throughout the state, yet we still have nowhere to put difficult mental health patients. We know hospitals and providers are reimbursed at a low rate to take care of these patients, so these beds are not staffed on a regular basis. House File 2546 is a bill to require the Department of Human Services to establish a Medicaid rate for those needing a higher level of inpatient psychiatric care. By paying hospitals based on the acuity of the patient, our expectation is more hospitals will be willing to care for the most difficult mental health patients. This is an intermediate solution…. the hospitals that have psych units will have to ramp up staffing, and this will take at least six months, maybe longer. Finally, the third bill is more of more of an immediate solution. With HF 2549 - We are establishing a loan repayment fund to recruit and retain providers. We can recruit providers from

9 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 7

Q&A

WITH THE REPRESENTATIVE ANN MEYER AND SENATOR TIM KRAAYENBRINK

other states, or even those in state that may not be working and require a five-year commitment in exchange for a tuition repayment. It takes time to develop the new mental health services and attract mental health providers to the state, and Iowa has made great progress in expanding community supports statewide. Once all of these services are up and running, they will serve mental health patients in the proper setting, decrease the time law enforcement will spend transporting patients and waiting in Emergency Rooms and jails, but most importantly, these bills will treat Iowans with mental illness like any other health condition. If you have a heart attack, or need emergency abdominal surgery, or need a hip repaired after a fall - you’re not put on a waiting list. You’re either treated here in town or you’re transported to another hospital…. but you get the care you need. Our ultimate goal should be mental health crises will be treated with the same urgency. Tim Kraayenbrink: At the start of each year, we are consistently looking at positive change for Iowa. The steps we have taken over these last two years have taken the state in the right direction. When I ran for the State Senate, I was concerned about the financial situation of our state. Now after six years of Republican leadership in the Iowa House and the Iowa Senate, along with a Republican governor, the state’s finances have never looked better. We have held fast to conservative spending and ensuring the state budget is responsible and sustainable for years to come. This puts us in the position for the largest tax reform for Iowa families and small businesses ever seen in the state. I am proud to have contributed to this historic tax reform.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING IN THE NEXT SESSION? Ann Meyer: Next year, I plan to monitor the progress of this year’s health policy implementation and continue the progress to strengthen our health care system, including mental health service. Tim Kraayenbrink: As the Senate Appropriations Chair, I look forward to continuing the fiscal responsible budgeting that has put Iowa in a strong position financially. We have record surpluses, record balances in our rainy-day funds, and a record amount in our taxpayer relief fund. More work remains to give Iowa parents the ability to direct their children’s education. Iowa has some excellent public schools, but they don’t work for every student. I want to put parents first and allow them to choose the educational setting that ensures success for their children. The 90th General Assembly will also allow us the opportunity to again vote on the anti-abortion constitutional amendment. This pro-life amendment states that the constitution does not secure a right to abortion. After passing this amendment during a second general assembly, it will then appear on Iowa voters’ ballots in 2024. If approved by a majority of Iowans, the language would then be added to the state’s constitution. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished and look forward to building on our successes. It has been an honor to serve and represent each of you.

And it’s not only the state’s finances that are faring well. The Iowa Republican Legislature has advanced one of the most conservative agendas in Iowa history. The successes cover a range of issues. We passed the governor’s workforce bill and passed major changes to unemployment in the state. We passed legislation protecting girls’ sports and addressed the childcare challenges in Iowa. Throughout the legislative session, we passed a lot of bills based on the feedback we hear from constituents.

8 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 10

shiningstar

Alexa McHone

Age: 15 Grade/School: I am going into 10th grade at FDSH. Hometown: Fort Dodge

What are your hobbies?

Who inspires you?

Besides singing, what other “artsy activities” do you enjoy?

What motivates you?

I enjoy singing, playing violin and piano, listening to music, dancing, baking, hanging out with friends, and spending time with my family and dogs.

I enjoy playing violin and piano, listening to music, dancing, participating in competitive speech, and watching and performing in musicals.

If you could play any role on Broadway, what role would you want to play and why?

It is too hard to chose just one! My top two would be Angelica from Hamilton or one of the Newsies from Newsies. I would want to be Angelica because she performs some awesome songs, and I love how she is willing to put her sister’s happiness before her own. I would want to be a Newsie because they have great songs and dances.

What would you like to do after high school?

My plans have not been decided yet, but I hope to take a gap year overseas after I graduate and then go to college for either Healthcare or teaching. I hope to participate in the fine arts in college if possible.

I am inspired by my mom because she is a hard worker and is always encouraging others to grow. I am also inspired by my good friend Suzanne because she is very wise and cares for other people very well.

I like to challenge myself. I like to set big goals and I enjoy the process of accomplishing them. I am also motivated by purposes. I want to be intentional about what I do.

In 25 years, will musical theater still be a part of your life?

Musical theater will definitely be a part of my life in some form whether I am performing, encouraging others, or supporting it. I know I will use the skills that I have learned I musical theater for the rest of my life.

What has been your most memorable moment on stage?

My most memorable moment on stage was performing in Mary Poppins. It was my first experience performing in musicals and it got me hooked. I loved the challenge, excitement, friendships, and seeing it all come together in the final performance.

Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members….. Over 60 events each month! To become a member or let us know about an event contact: Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com

11 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 9

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

CARGILL FORT DODGE: A DECADE IN THE MAKING Cargill is beginning preparations to celebrate a big anniver-

Over the past 10 years, the facility has made sizeable investments

sary next year – the 10 year anniversary of the startup of its

in equipment, technologies and process improvements to keep

booming biorefinery business in Fort Dodge. In 2011, Cargill

it leading-edge and able to meet the growing demands of its

saw big potential in Fort Dodge. Surrounded by cornfields sat

customers. It continues to serve its co-location partner, CJ BIO

an abandoned factory designed to produce ethanol and starch.

America, maker of amino acids used for swine and poultry feed.

The location was definitely ideal for a corn milling facility to

With acreage still available to expand, the facility continually

thrive, and it definitely had the potential for Cargill to repli-

looks to attract new co-location customers.

cate the success it had at its Blair, Neb., and Eddyville, Iowa, biorefinery campuses. It was the perfect trifecta. In the spring

Through it all, the Cargill Fort Dodge team remains committed

of 2011, Cargill purchased the facility and the 507 acres it sat

to safety. Employee engagement, protecting and conserving the

on and never looked back. It transformed the abandoned fac-

environment, and investing in the community are also incredi-

tory into the third corn milling operation that Cargill owns in

bly important to Cargill Fort Dodge. In the past year, the team

Iowa today.

volunteered more than 400 hours and made significant contributions to the United Way campaign, Harlan Rogers Park, Back-

After significant investments in construction and upgrades,

pack Buddies, and the Community Early Childhood Center. The

the Cargill Fort Dodge biorefinery officially went online on

team funded school programs, helped conserve duck and pheas-

Oct. 29, 2013. Since prior to start up, the site has grown from a

ant habitats, supported several surrounding area volunteer fire

team of 100 to more than 240 Cargill employees and contrac-

departments, and provided scholarships to local graduates.

tors. Each day, the facility grinds more than 150,000 bushels of corn, thanks to its nearly 675 corn grower partners. The

Communities like Fort Dodge and Webster County are the heart

facility converts the corn into fuel-grade ethanol, dextrose (a

of our food system. We are humbled by the opportunity to be

feedstock for other bioindustrial processes), and livestock feed.

here and look forward to another 10 years of growth and partnership with the leadership and residents of this great community.

10 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 12

thing new every day and to apply the creativity and talent of our people to make products that are safe and reliable, in facilities that are safe and reliable. WHAT DO LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR ROLE AT THE CARGILL FORT DODGE FACILITY The people! The Cargill team in Fort Dodge is really special – the culture here is very team-oriented, process honoring, and focused on continuous improvement and pursuit of excellence in everything we do. I am very proud of our team and the many dedicated teammates I get to work with every day. I also love the variety in what I do on a daily basis. I like to

Sydney Pokorny

spend time in the plant, seeing the new projects or automa-

Fort Dodge Facility Manager

tion we are working on or talking with employees or contractors about how we can make work safer and easier. I enjoy

BEFORE TAKING OVER THE ROLE OF THE FACILITY

interacting with community leaders about how Cargill can

MANAGER IN FORT DODGE, WHAT DID YOU DO?

serve and give back to the community or about potential

I joined Cargill in January 2007 as a production engineer at

growth projects we are considering, and with other leaders

the Cargill Blair, Neb. corn milling facility. I’ve held several

across Cargill or industry to share best practices around safe-

roles in engineering and operations and had the opportunity

ty, sustainability, and other important issues.

to lead various operations teams across Cargill, from Cargill’s Health and Nutrition business to Ethanol, Wastewater

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU FEEL ARE MOST CRITICAL TO

Treatment, and the Mill at our Blair facility. I have a passion

SUCCEEDING IN MANUFACTURING TODAY?

for driving continuous improvement in our operations; I am

Flexibility, willingness to learn, valuing and working well

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certified and working towards

with others, a desire to be part of a team and help that team

achieving my LSS Black Belt and have mentored and worked

succeed. The desire to have fun and create a positive atmo-

to develop processes and culture around LSS, statistically

sphere sure helps too! Manufacturing is similar to other in-

supported decision making, and continuous improvement

dustries – we have busy days and calm days, days that you

for many years.

get dirty, tired, and frustrated, and days that are really fun, rewarding, and energizing. At the end of the day it’s all about

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE MANUFACTURING FIELD?

people, and there is a lot of opportunity in manufacturing to

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE INDUSTRY?

unlock great creativity and development in people regardless

I studied Chemical Engineering in college because I enjoyed

of their background or prior experience.

science, math, and technology growing up and wanted to apply those disciplines to make the world a better place. I grew up in the Midwest, appreciate agriculture and the Midwestern work ethic and love the pace and energy of a manufacturing environment. The science and technology around food, feed, and renewable fuel production is complex, interesting, and ever-advancing – working with Cargill and in food/feed manufacturing has given me the opportunity to learn some-

June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 13 11

City Connect FORT DODGE

THE WOMEN OF PUBLIC SAFETY

According to the FBI, females made up 27.2% of the total number of law enforcement employees in 2019. Only 12.8% of all officers were female, while 59.9% of civilian employees were female. The

What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?

I would tell any female looking or considering a career in public

National Fire Protection Association reports that 4.2% of the esti-

safety to 100% GO FOR IT! I believe my job is the scariest, most

mated 358,000 individuals employed as career firefighters in 2019

exciting, beautifully stressful, yet most rewarding position to hold.

were female. 35% of newly-licensed emergency medical techni-

Even though public safety has historically been male dominant, fe-

cians in 2017 were females, while only 23% of newly-licensed para-

males can bring a lot to the table in many different ways that make

medics were females.

people’s worst days not seem so cloudy.

In the male-dominated public safety world, these women have es-

TAYLOR EGESDAL

tablished their careers in Fort Dodge and we’re so thankful to have

PARAMEDIC, FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE

them as part of the team. Here’s just a little bit about what they have

Why did you decide to

to say about the roles they play in our community:

become a paramedic?

I did not know I was go-

SHEANELLE ROSE

ing to be a Paramedic; it

PARAMEDIC, FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE

was never my “dream” I planned on becoming

Why did you decide to become a paramedic?

a lawyer or a chiroprac-

I decided to become a

tor, but after taking the

paramedic because I have

EMT class, I fell in love

a love for adrenaline and

with EMS. I love that it is

helping people. There is no

constantly changing, and

better way to experience

you never really know

both than leading intense-

what is next!

ly stressful situations when people need it the most. What is your favorite part

What is your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of being a paramedic is the constant wealth of

of your job?

knowledge that we are challenged to The best part of my job is

My favorite part of being a

when I can make someone else’s day a little bit better. I love getting

paramedic is the constant

to meet new people and hear their stories!

wealth of knowledge that we are challenged to know. This world we live in, especially in medicine, is ever-changing and we are required to keep up with the times despite some of the things we may have originally been taught in

What would you say to other women who may want to do what you do in the future?

My best piece of advice is to follow your heart. It is not easy to work

school. I also am very fortunate to say one of the best parts of

in public safety, it is extremely stressful at times, but it is such a

my job is getting to work alongside some pretty amazing people at

rewarding career!

the fire department that make most days of “work” seem more like “opportunities”.

12 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 14

MOLLY ANDERSON

CSI schools hosted by the Iowa IAI. While in this position, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in

DETECTIVE, FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT Why did you decide to be-

Crime Scene Investigation from Purdue University Global. I also

come a police officer?

have attended and completed various on-the-job training in crime

a meaningful impact on the

mentation training with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations

I had a strong desire to have community. I also liked the variety of roles that law enforcement has. There is nothing monotonous with no two

scene investigation and other evidence development and docuCrime Laboratory and Council Bluffs Police Department. What is your favorite part of your job?

I would say my favorite thing about working in this position is that

days being the same.

in this profession, there is always an opportunity to learn. I am

What is your favorite part

law enforcement professionals within our local agencies as well as

always learning whether it be from the crime scene itself or from

of your job?

from agencies hours away.

kinds of people in a variety of

What would you say to other women who may want to do

Being able to interact with all ways.

what you do in the future?

What I would say to other women interested in my position is not

What would you say to other women who may want to do

to be hesitant to reach out to the professionals that are currently

what you do in the future?

working in the field and ask questions. We have so many won-

The result will be so fulfilling! Find the people who will support you

knowledge in different areas that will benefit anyone who wishes

Follow that dream and do whatever it takes to make it happen. through the process and hold onto them.

derful men and women working in this field who have so much to be in criminal justice.

CAROLINE HIPPEN

BRANDI WEBB

EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN,

IDENTIFICATION TECHNICIAN, FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

FORT DODGE FIRE RESCUE What was the path you took to the position you’re currently working in?

I originally went to college to become a teacher because I genuinely wanted to work with and impact others in a positive way. As I continued my education, I took that core value of wanting to help and impact others and transitioned it into the criminal justice field. I started as a 911 dispatcher where I was directly helping people in some of the most vulnerable times in their life whether it be by sending them medical, fire rescue, or

JOELYN JOHNSON

law enforcement assistance. I love being a 911 dispatcher and

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER,

I still do dispatch when needed. Before I became the evidence/

FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

identification technician, there was a police captain that was the evidence custodian. Once I was hired as the evidence custodian, I expressed interest in working alongside our professionals in law enforcement by assisting them in crime scene investigations. I attended and completed both the basic and advanced

ALLIE THOMPSON

POLICE PATROL OFFICER, FORT DODGE POLICE DEPARTMENT June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 15 13

2 0 2 1 2 7

N E WS

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance June 2022

24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Phone 515-955-5500 Fax 515-955-3245 www.greaterfortdodge.com

STAFF Dennis Plautz CEO

dennis@greaterfortdodge.com

Kelly Halsted

Economic Development Director kelly@greaterfortdodge.com

Jill Nelson

Community Development Director jill@greaterfortdodge.com

Skyla Porter

Organizational Administrator skyla@greaterfortdodge.com

Deena McCaulley

Office Manager deena@greaterfortdodge.com

Lydia Schuur

Communications Specialist lydia@greaterfortdodge.com

We love celebrating our members with ribbon cuttings, and we have been busy in 2022! If you would like to hold a ribbon cutting at your place of business, please contact Lydia at lydia@greaterfortdodge.com to schedule.

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.”

16 14 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

Alliance News

RIBBON

Congratulations to Next Edge Performance on your ribbon cutting, celebrating your new location, 326 S 25th St in Fort Dodge! The new phone number is 515-227-5351. Beginning Monday, May 30th their new hours will be: Monday through Thursday 9am-5:30pm Friday 9am-4pm They are also available outside of those hours by appointment. 17 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 15

Alliance News

RIBBON

Congratulations to Golden Day Adult Day on your ribbon cutting! Golden Day Adult Day's mission is to provide safe and caring adult services that will offer meaningful programs to enhance the dignity, independence, and quality of life of older persons and individuals with disabilities. At this time, the Adult Day is run solely by volunteers. Each participant must be accompanied by a loved one (over 18). They have plans to hire a staff and are currently checking into all of their options. Adult Day currently meets every other Monday from 1-4 PM at Citizens on Central located at 617 Central Avenue in Fort Dodge.

16 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 18

Alliance News

RIBBON

Congratulations to Home & Homestead on your ribbon cutting! Home and Homestead offers real estate sales & custom-designed homes. They work with their clients from conception to the final stage and work with local area tradesmen and suppliers to create your forever home.

19 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 17

Webster

County Connect Female Leadership in Gowrie

Gowrie, Iowa is full of collaborative individuals with a

ware administration, and provide support to our staff

passion for their community. The women featured in this

of 20 employees. With over 26 years of experience at

article are shining examples of leadership and collabo-

Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association

ration, and the importance it all plays in finding a sense

I’ve been a part of growth through services, technology,

of community.

and size. We’ve grown from a traditional telephone company to providing Internet and TV services. We’ve grown

Marcie Boerner,

in technology from copper to fiber optics and the speed

Association and Board President,

16 communities to 20 as competition and broadband

COO, Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone

in which communication travels.

We’ve grown from

Iowa Communication Alliance

grants are creating opportunities to grow. At the core Webster-Calhoun is a cooperative and I appreciate that most because the focus is always in the best interest of the local rural membership which is our customers, neighbors and communities. Being involved is the best way to grow, network and be educated about trends and current events in the industry but being an advocate is really who I am. Promoting and supporting what I am passionate about whether it is local communities, local businesses, entrepreneurs, Webster-Calhoun, or rural broadband. That is how I have gained experience and developed skills in economic development, community relations and marketing. Being

Living and working in Gowrie I have served on the board

involved in various committees and attending events

and continue to be active with the Gowrie Development

sponsored by the Iowa Communications Alliance also

Commission. I have enjoyed various roles from the ex-

led to being elected to the ICA Board of Directors.

ecutive board to chairing committees, coordinating fundraisers, and organizing and promoting community

As the Board President for the Iowa Communications

events. The community of Gowrie is really thriving with

Alliance (ICA) I am an advocate for community-based

so many amenities for recreation, healthcare and emer-

communications providers across the state of Iowa just

gency services, retail, and service businesses. The vol-

like Webster-Calhoun. The ICA is the nation’s largest

unteers behind so many area clubs and organizations

state-based association of community-based providers.

keep the “go” in Gowrie and our annual Independence

Iowa is truly unique in that it has the most independently

Day Celebration is one of the longest running patriotic

owned providers of any other state. Working with the

events in the state of Iowa.

board, we oversee industry advocacy on behalf of our members from a legislative and regulatory perspective at

The benefit to being part of a small company is that my

both the state and federal level. We also work to provide

responsibilities have covered a broad range. I currently

education to members through seminars and network-

work with strategic partnerships, regulatory reporting,

ing events throughout the year. ICA firmly believes that

new product implementation and upgrades, billing soft-

rural communications is the tool and industry capable of

20 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 18

growing and transforming agriculture, education, health care,

changes, body changes, and other struggles; we find provid-

communities, and economies in rural Iowa. To that end, the

ing a personal shopping experience with like minded people

ICA serves as an advocate, catalyst, educator, and resource

is LIFE CHANGING. Our PROMISE to you is to guide you into

for Iowa’s community-based communications providers as

today’s fashion in a way that makes you love yourself a little

they empower residents, businesses, and industry to thrive

harder and regain your confidence.

and succeed. We sell women’s clothing (ranging in sizes small - 3X), shoes, Jacci Hindt,

accessories, and denim. We also created custom t shirt or-

Jacci Addison Studios

mobile boutique trailer “ Addi J”.

ders. You can find us in store, online, or out and about with our

Owner, Addison James Boutique and

We are so fortunate to be located in Gowrie. It’s a small town that really rallies together and believes in shopping small and shopping local. It has been such a great way to meet people and really hear their stories. I think the best part of any of this is truly the people. Allyson Plain, I own Addison James Boutique and Jacci Addison Studios.

Owner, Ally J Esthetics

Jacci Addison Studios is a Photography, Videography, and Small Business Marketing Studio. We specialize in Newborns, High School Seniors, and Wedding Photography, as well as Commercial Photography including Product Photography and Professional Headshots. I began my passion for photography at a young age and after having my first child, I began my photography business not knowing it would be what it is today. Overtime, the importance of small businesses and being able to offer them support became an important part of what we do, along with the addition of videography. I love being able to capture special moments for our clients but after experiencing

To put it simply I have struggled to figure out what I was sup-

tragic loss, I know the importance more than ever of captur-

posed to be doing since the day I graduated high school.

ing the person truly as they are. With video, you capture their

College was explained as a no-brainer, but I didn’t have any

voice, their smile, and special qualities we love to hold on to

passions or interests I thought I could make a career out of. I

forever and that is truly what my passion is.... to capture mo-

took business classes and while I enjoyed them I couldn’t see

ments we can hold on to forever.

myself doing it forever. I eventually graduated with my associates and got a job at a bank right here in Gowrie. In Gowrie I

As an entrepreneur by heart, I love to be able to help business-

have made great friends, settled down with my fiancée, started

es grow from the ground up and found that I was able to do

establishing our home, and eventually started to get involved

that by assisting them in putting a brand voice together and

with the community. Back in July, I found myself happy in my

to help them begin telling their story. My favorite part of this is

position at the bank but wanting something new. Something

seeing the successes and lessons that the business experi-

I could be proud of and passionate about, so I took the leap

ence and seeing their growth happen.

and filled out an application for the esthetics program at PCI Academy in Ames. I had always had a love for skin care, and

Addison James Boutique is also located in the same building

the science that goes into healthy skin. In the past I had strug-

as Jacci Addison Studios. Our mission at Addison James is

gled with acne, trying everything and anything I could until I

being loyal to empowering women. As busy Mamas and en-

eventually started seeing an esthetician myself and thought

trepreneurs who strive daily to live our most intentional lives,

it was something I could love. It all made sense. Everything

we UNDERSTAND the stress of shopping. As we adapt to life

about the beauty industry just seemed like a dream to me,

21 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 19

so even though financially and situationally it made

and stress has been worth that alone! I currently

zero sense, I took the jump and hoped for the best

offer facials, skin repair services, full body and fa-

with the support of my fiancée and family. I fell in

cial waxing, lash extensions, lash lifts and tints, and

love with esthetics very quickly and everything fell

brow tinting. I am also working on my acne special-

into place.

ist certification and really enjoying that.

In February 2022 it was time for graduation, and

Sam Dischler,

I knew Gowrie was where I wanted to bring my services. The opportunities that were out there

Owner, Wag’n Wheel

for small businesses provided by groups like the Gowrie Development Commission seemed too great to pass up. The community involvement in events like Gowrie Downtown Markets, spring and fall shopping events organized by the community and the overall feeling of comfort provided by a small town made it a no brainer. I had looked at some store front opportunities, but nothing felt right

I’m Sam Dischler, the pet groomer in Gowrie! I own

until I spoke with Jacci Hindt, owner of Addison

Wag’n Wheel, a local boarding, grooming, and pet

James Boutique and Jacci Addison photography.

product store.

Her businesses are a staple here in Gowrie offering photography services and an inclusive selection of

I got started grooming after certification from Iowa

clothing for women. I knew that’s where I wanted

Lakes but have always worked around animals. I

to be!

grew up on a farm outside Fort Dodge, worked at a vet clinic through high school, went to school to

Jacci was super supportive, and I loved the idea

become a registered vet tech, and continue to work

of collaborating and building a super authentic

in that role as well.

and welcoming place for women to feel their best. I love sharing a space with her businesses. She

What I love most about my job is the community

is so knowledgeable on owning a small business

I serve and the “extras” we do every day to make

and has been such a great help to me while find-

sure every animal gets extra attention and love

ing my place. It’s so nice to have that support from

whether they’re there for a few hours or days. In

someone passionate about other women owned

grooming, everyone gets a skin and coat assess-

businesses. Now that my treatment room is up

ment, deep conditioning treatment, bandana, co-

and moving, I could not be more grateful for the

logne, and styled picture. Our boarders all get pup

overwhelming support I have received from Gowrie

cups, toys, 1:1 play time and walks, and art time

residents and surrounding towns! I originally was

to take home.

very anxious about the what ifs: What if Gowrie couldn’t support the kind of services I had to of-

Gowrie is a great community to call home! It’s a

fer? What if they thought my pricing was off? What

small-town atmosphere that absolutely supports

if I wouldn’t be busy enough to justify leaving my

and helps its community on a citizen to citizen level

stable job? Gowrie was reassuring for me after

and beyond. Meeting people and their pets is the

just my first week. Thanks to all of my clients I get

highlight of everyday. Building bonds with pets and

to experience the overwhelming joy when a client

getting to know people and their families is a huge

feels beautiful in their own skin. That really is my

perk to being a small community. We give back

favorite part of being an esthetician, bringing that

to the community through our “Change for Chim”

inner beauty in people to the outside so they can

fund which is a free will donation that goes towards

see it themselves. I’m not sure there’s any better

emergency medical expenses if anyone in the com-

feeling when you get to make people feel beautiful

munity or surrounding area is in need.

while doing services you love. All of the hard work

22 20 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

66 34

RIBBON

Frontier Days weekend We had beautiful weather on June 3rd for the ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of Frontier Days weekend, and to honor the parade marshals, John and Margo Daniel!

23 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 21

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY

SINGLE MOTHERS NEED OUR HELP When a single mother with children is in pov-

United Way will serve as a central point of coordi-

erty, the challenges and obstacles she must over-

nation for connecting people to support services

come every day can be overwhelming. The chal-

that will help them overcome social, financial

lenges of raising a family today are very difficult

and personal barriers to employment and finan-

and the costs for housing, food, transportation,

cial self-sufficiency that they face. United Way

and all the other basic living needs has skyrock-

mentors will work with and support these wom-

eted. For many of us, paying the higher prices for

en in struggling families by providing guidance,

food and gasoline today is irritating. For those

direction and encouragement. Mentors will help

in poverty, this challenge becomes a life-chang-

connect clients with support services including

ing one. For many single parent families, it puts

job assistance and connecting them to education

them at a significant risk of becoming homeless,

and training opportunities. They will also assist

not being able to feed their families or pay their

under-skilled people in finding employment by

utility bills. The stress placed on a single mother

connecting them with potential employment op-

in poverty, can be staggering to the point of be-

portunities. Support may include assistance with

coming a serious mental health issue.

resume writing, job applications, interviewing skills, etc. Other supports may include life skills

An unfortunate statistic from the Anne E. Casey

and financial literacy education and connecting

Foundation shows that in Fort Dodge, almost

clients to support services for assistance with

forty-three (43) percent of families with depen-

childcare, housing and other basic living needs.

dent children are single parent families, and over ninety (90) percent of single parent families are

This process is a collaborative one and United

headed by the mother. National research on pov-

Way is partnering with a number of our partner

erty shows that thirty-eight (38) percent of single

agencies to help make this process efficient, ef-

parent families live at or below the poverty lev-

fective and much easier to navigate for all clients

el compared to seven (7) percent of two parent

who can benefit from these services.

families. United Way is looking for mentors who want United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is focused

to get involved and help other women in need.

on helping single parents who are struggling

If you have an interest in becoming a mentor,

by providing them with mentoring and support

please call United Way at 515-573-3180 or stop

services to help these parents, of which the ma-

in our offices at 24 North 9th Street to visit with

jority are women, get connected to services they

us.

need. The ultimate goal is to help these families become stable and financially self-sufficient.

24 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 22

Randy Kuhlman, C.E.O. Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way

RIBBON

UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge’s Trinity Occupational Medicine Clinic Congratulations to UnityPoint Health - Fort Dodge’s Trinity Occupational Medicine Clinic on your ribbon cutting celebrating your new location - 210 N 15th St! Trinity Occupational Medicine serves the health and safety needs of corporations and businesses throughout Fort Dodge.

23 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 23 25

College Connect Storm Lake grad plants seeds of success at Iowa Central ery up close and not from the window of an office building. “The Turf Grass Management program combined many of the areas I am interested in,” says Dierenfield who is currently doing her summer internship with a Storm Lake nursery. “Some of the projects we worked on during my freshman year at Iowa Central was doing landscape updates at the Willow Ridge Golf Course and building a green house.” With an outdoor classroom, she was free to learn in her preferred environment and focus on projects that make an immediate impact, like fixing a block retaining wall and beautifying the golf course with plants and flowers. “One of my favorite things we learned was about different plantings and which trees, shrubs and flowers grow best in which types of areas. Iowa weather works well for some plants, but not everything!”

When Holly Dierenfield of Storm Lake graduated High School, she knew her path. “There is a lot that Iowa Central offers that made my decision to go there an easy one, including the Turfgrass Management program and opportunity to play softball,” says Dierenfield who just completed her freshman year as a Triton. As an athlete for the majority of her life, Dierenfield has spent countless hours outside. On the field. In the dugout. Practices and day-long tournaments. She loves to be active outdoors. Besides softball, she enjoys outdoor recreation activities too. “Growing up in Storm Lake, it was easy to spend time doing things outside like fishing, boating, paddle boarding, and golfing,” recalls Dierenfield. Post-graduation, she wanted to dig into a career that combined nature and the outdoors. A job that involved hands-on work where you can enjoy the beauty of the Mid-West scen-

This fall, Dierenfield will return to the Fort Dodge campus for her sophomore year and complete the Turfgrass Management program. “I highly recommend Iowa Central to other students looking to start college. The school is a great size, not too big and not too small, and it’s really affordable. The bonus is all of the activities on campus which makes it easy to meet new people and make new friends,” notes Dierenfield. The Turfgrass Management program is offered on the Fort Dodge campus and taught by Mr. Scott Birdsell. For more information reach out to Ali Lovin with the Iowa Central Advising team at 515-574-1283 or check out https://www.iowacentral.edu/business/turfgrass/index.asp. TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The Turfgrass Management program includes topics of interest in Turfgrass Management, Pesticide Application, Irrigation Systems, Landscaping, Soils, and Plants. Students are able to learn on campus by utilizing the different Iowa Central facilities such as the athletic complexes, residential life building landscaping, as well as general field and campus landscaping maintenance. Students gain valuable knowledge

26 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 24

and experience to be able to maintain personal residences, golf courses, athletic fields and parks. A second option of study allows students to take the four core Turfgrass Management Classes: Principles of Horticulture, Woody Plants and Trees, Herbaceous Plant Materials, and Landscape Design Techniques I. The student will also take general education classes, such as Biology, Chemistry, Finite Math, Economics and Western Civilization, which allows each student to start in the Turfgrass Management program at a university. This program will give the students hands-on experience of taking skills learned in the classroom directly to Willow Ridge Golf Course in Fort Dodge for implementations. To learn more about the Iowa Central Turfgrass Management program, check out their website at https://www.iowacentral.edu/business/turfgrass/index.asp or reach out to Ali Lovin with the Iowa Central Advising team at 515-574-1283.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT PROGRAM SCAN THE QR CODE

June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 25 27

28 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 26

FOR

BUSINESS! 5 Course Meal Served Wednesday through Friday Summer Menu 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. $30 Weds, Thurs, Fri Nights

• Engagement Sets • Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry

Reservations are not required, but always appreciated

• Seiko Watches • Religious Gifts • Baby Jewelry & Gifts • Add A Pearl

Willow Ridge Golf Course and Restaurant

• Add A Link • Speidel Watch Bands • Watch Battery Replacement

700 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA

(Across from Courthouse)

515-576-3751

1788 MADISON AVENUE • WILLOWRIDGEGOLF.COM • 515-576-5711 Willow Ridge Golf Course and Restaurant

1788 • Ford Dodge, IAfor• upcoming 515-576-5711 Go toMadison our websiteAve. www.willowridgegolf.com menu

&WFOU 3FOUBMT t 'PPE t $PTUVNFT t 4DSBQCPPLJOH 8FEEJOH t "OOJWFSTBSZ t #BCZ 4IPXFS t #BQUJTN $POĕSNBUJPO t #BMMPPOT BOE .VDI .PSF

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Contact your Messenger Sales Consultant to have your business here!

29 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 27

RIBBON

Shimkat Motor Company Congratulations to Shimkat Motor Company as you celebrate your 75th anniversary! Since 1947, Shimkat Motor Company has been the premier retailer of new and used Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and now Fiat vehicles for the Fort Dodge area. They are located at 3126 5th Ave South.

30 28 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

RIBBON

Plumb Supply Company Congratulations to Plumb Supply Company on your ribbon cutting, celebrating your showroom at your location in Fort Dodge at 637 S 22nd St! Plumb Supply Kitchens and Baths helps make your dream home a reality around Fort Dodge. At Plumb Supply Kitchens and Baths, you’ll find a large selection of quality brands for the kitchen and bath and dedicated showroom specialists to help coordinate your projects.

31 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 29

Business Connection Economic Pulse Mortgage Interest Rates

Building Permits 150

Source: Edward Jones

125

100

Rates average of those reported by Fort Dodge financial institutions

FORT DODGE

4.03 3.425

3.175 3.88

3.15 2.5

2.90 2.625

N D

2.95 2.4

122

M M

2.925 2.35

50 25

Monthly in your Messenger

30 Year Fixed 15 Year Fixed

CONNECTION

Source: Fort Dodge Planning Office

Airline Boardings Source: Fort Dodge Regional Airport

To advertise in the Business Connection Contact your Messenger Sales Consultant!

Auto & Truck Sales Cars Source: Webster County Motor Vehicle Dept. Trucks

125 100 75 50

48 20

D M

50 32

52 29

54 31

46 49

30 32 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022

Edward Jones Financial Focus

TAKE STEPS TOWARD FINANCIAL FREEDOM Next week, we observe Independence Day, an opportunity to celebrate all the liberties we enjoy in this country. Of course, there are different types of freedoms – such as financial freedom, which can open the doors to many other opportunities. What steps can you take to gain your financial independence? Here are a few suggestions: SAVE, INVEST … AND REPEAT. There’s really no shortcut to achieving financial freedom – you do have to save and invest for many years. And that means you should take full advantage of the opportunities available to you. If you have a 401(k) or similar retirement plan at work, try to put in as much as you can afford each year, and when your salary goes up, increase your contributions. Even if you have a 401(k), you may also be eligible to fund an IRA. Both a 401(k) and an IRA offer tax benefits and an array of investment options, so they are powerful retirement savings vehicles. INVEST FOR GROWTH. How much you invest is obviously a key factor in reaching your financial freedom. But how you invest is also important. If you’re going to accumulate the resources you need

to retire comfortably and meet your other financial goals, you will need to devote a reasonable percentage of your investment dollars to growth-oriented vehicles, including stocks and stock-based mutual funds. Of course, these investments will fluctuate in value, so you’ll need to be prepared to accept a certain level of risk. Your individual risk tolerance will help determine how much of your portfolio should be devoted to growth investments. PUT FINANCIAL WINDFALLS TO WORK. Whenever you receive a financial windfall, such as a bonus from your employer, a tax refund or even an inheritance, consider putting some of it to work in your investment portfolio. Over time, these windfalls can add up. REDUCE YOUR DEBTS. It may be easier said than done, but try to reduce, or eliminate, as many debts as you can. The less money you have to pay each month on your debts, the more you’ll have available to save and invest. Of course, some debts, such as your mortgage, can’t be easily erased, but if you can find ways to cut

down on spending, you may be surprised at how much progress you can make toward debt reduction. PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED. Life is unpredictable – and some unforeseen events could threaten your ability to achieve, and maintain, your financial independence. For example, if you were unable to work for a while due to illness or injury, you might be forced to dip into your savings and long-term investments just to help meet your cost of living. You can help protect yourself from this risk by building an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. And you may want to consult with a financial professional to learn about other protection strategies. It will take a concerted effort to reach your financial independence – but, like all freedoms, it offers immense benefits

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. 33 June 2022 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 31

HAPPY HOUR A Local

Monday thru Friday • 4PM to 7PM

Favorite

Fried Green Beans

• Award Winning Menu

(served with Hot Pepper Bacon Mayo)

Boneless Wings (served with BBQ sauce)

Loaded Fries (Steak Fries with Cheese Sauce, Taco Meat and Jalapenos)

Jalapeno Chips (served with Ranch)

$2 Domestic Beers $2.50 Bush Light Draft

• Craft Beer on tap • Fully Stocked Bar • Catering Available • Can accommodate large groups • Free on-site parking

Located Inside The Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites 515-573-2836 1518 3rd Ave. NW Fort Dodge, Iowa

www.bufordsfortdodge.com 34 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • June 2022 32

ABSTRACT BUSINESS IS WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED

Danielle Michalski

of Webster County Voted Readers Choice

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JUNE 2022

business CONNECTION Brought to you by THE

essenger

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Q&A: Local Legislators

Cargill See Inside: CITY, COUNTY & COLLEGE CONNECT

Business Connection • June 2022

Articles inside

Board Member Spotlight: Cargill Fort Dodge: A decade in the making

Q&A: Representative Ann Meyer and Senator Tim Kraayenbrink

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Newsletter

Shining Star: Alexa McHone

United Way: Positive Communities Have Social Capital

County Connect