Siouxland Business Journal - July 2015

Vol. 21 No. 10 PO Box 118, Sioux City, Iowa 51102

July 2015

TECH/GO GREEN ISSUE

WASTE INTO FUEL

Big Ox Energy’s Kevin Bradley

INSIDE THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: Highway 20 funds secured PAGE 4

Casino unveils new tech system PAGE 13

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BusinessJournal Ron Peterson, publisher Dave Dreeszen, editor Siouxland Business Journal is published monthly by Sioux City Newspapers Inc., in cooperation with the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.

Requests for a free subscription or address changes should be sent to: Kevin McGarry Siouxland Business Journal Box 118 Sioux City, Iowa 51102

Editorial copy should be sent to: Dave Dreeszen Siouxland Business Journal editor Box 118 Sioux City, Iowa 51102 dave.dreeszen@lee.net For more information: Editorial: (712) 293-4211 or 800-397-9820, ext. 4211 Advertising: (712) 224-6279 or 800-728-8588 Circulation: (712) 293-4257 or 800-397-2213, ext. 4257 On the web: www.SiouxlandBusinessJournal.com Justin Wan, Siouxland Business Journal

Index

ON THE COVER

Business Know How....................................................9

Home & Office..............................................................8

New Chamber Investors............................................22

Chamber anniversaries.............................................22

On the Move.................................................................14

Ribbon cuttings.........................................15, 16, 18, 20

Kevin Bradley, business development director of Big Ox Energy, is shown after the company’s April 27 ground-breaking ceremony at Roth Industrial Park in South Sioux City. Behind him are two oxen, weighing 2,200 pounds each, that were brought in from Maine for the ceremony. Big Ox’s new plant will process organic waste and capture methane for renewable fuel.

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FUNDING ON WAY TO FINISH HIGHWAY 20 IN NW IOWA

Tim Hynds, Sioux City Journal

Crews work on widening U.S. Highway 20 to four lanes on June 2 near the road’s intersection with Jewell Avenue east of Moville, Iowa. The Iowa Transportation Commission has approved funding to widen the final two-lane stretch of highway, from Moville to Early, by 2018.

Big Day: $286M directed to finish Highway 20 widening BRET HAYWORTH

Business Journal staff writer‌

It was a project that some Northwest Iowans once feared might never be finished.

But state transportation officials have now budgeted enough funds to complete the four-laning of U.S. Highway 20 by 2018.

The Iowa Transportation Commission on June 9 voted to deliver $286.4 million to finish widening the last 29 miles of two-lane highway in Ida, Sac and eastern Woodbury counties.

“It is just amazing how things now are booming.

We are ready for the boom,” Holstein Mayor Mary Gross said.

The milestone funding decision was applauded by many Siouxlanders besides

State grant for AGP road approved COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa | The Iowa Department of Transportation Commission voted June 9 to approve Woodbury County’s request for $766,250 for reconstruction of approximately 8,600 feet of Port Neal Circle, a release said.

The work will add a right-turn lane leading to the Ag Processing Inc. facility south of Sergeant Bluff. The money comes from IDOT’s Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy, or RISE, grant program and will cover 50 percent of the estimated $1.53 million in road improvement costs.

Ag Processing, which already operates a a soybean-processing plant and a biodiesel plant, announced in January it plans to build a $90 million vegetable oil refinery at the same 85acre site. The project is expected to add 20 new jobs and to increase truck traffic to the plant by 20 percent.

Gross, since The first four-lane segment in western Iowa, between Sioux City and Moville, was built 60 years ago.

Since that time, eastern and central Iowa stretches were broadened from two to four

lanes while Northwest Iowa took a back seat with the project.

Highway 20 Association President Shirley Phillips, of Sac City, said the true day for joy will come after the 2018 construction

season, assuming the work stays on the timeline and a ribbon cutting event is held.

The work approved by the Transportation Commission includes $68.3 million for 12 miles in Woodbury County by 2018, $138.1 million for 17 miles in Ida County for 2016 and $80 million for 11 miles in Sac County in 2017.

The prior five-year plan delivered $82 million for grading and paving between Moville and Correctionville. But the expiring plan had no money for Ida and Sac counties, so having the project expedited there is gratifying, Gross said.

“We are just thrilled to have this moving so fast,” she said.

A 10-cent increase in the

state gas tax, approved by state legislators and signed

by Gov. Terry Branstad on March 1, played the key role in getting the project to the finish line. Branstad pushed to direct some of the new gas tax money to Highway 20, which he had championed since winning his first of five terms as governor in 1982.

Phillips said the fourlane expressway will boost economic development and improve safety. The highway’s importance, she said, was shown on a recent drive on the 40-mile two-lane stretch. As a truck hauling a large wind turbine blade moved through a hilly segment with many nopassing zones, traffic was backed up for two miles, she said.

Phillips said it is imperative that Highway 20 serves as a four-lane east-west alternative to Interstate 80, which she contends is “over-crowded and unsafe.”

Iowa Transportation Commissioner Charese Yanney, of Sioux City, said she was happy to vote for the Highway 20 plan. The local businesswoman said “it is a proven fact” that economic development is boosted when there are four-lane highways in all four directions. Thus, Sioux City is poised to grow, with a supplement to the existing four-lane Interstate 29.

Other areas between Sioux City and Fort Dodge will also grow economically with the completion of Highway 20, Yanney said.

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Sergeant Bluff call center to add 400 jobs Convergys’ expansion tied to contract with wireless provider DAVE DREESZEN

Business Journal editor

SERGEANT BLUFF | Convergys announced plans June 10 to add 400 jobs at its Sergeant Bluff call center over the next few months, nearly doubling the wo r k f o rc e there.

The global customermanagement compa ny sa i d Winkel a contract it recently landed with a national wireless provider is driving the expansion.

Belcher “ I t ’s a great opportunity for us,” Berry Belcher, the Convergys Sergeant Bluff site director, said. “We’re really excited about it.”

Citing a confidentiality agreement, Belcher declined to identify the new client.

C o nve rg ys o f f i c i a l s

Dawn J. Sagert, Sioux City Journal file

Judy Easton, left, of Convergys, talks to Marcel Shupe, center, and Jamarcas Lucas, both of Sioux City, during the Fall Career Expo at the Stoney Creek Hotel and Conference Center in Sioux City on Oct. 21. Convergys announced June 10 it will add 400 jobs at the company’s Sergeant Bluff call center.

celebrated the job growth The first 80 new workers, new customer service jobs, at a public reception and Belcher said, have already which will include fieldstarted training for the ing inbound calls and light job fair. trouble shooting of wireless products and services.

The training will last three to 10 weeks, depending on the position, Belcher said.

More training classes will be held over the next few weeks and months, he said.

By the end of the year, the company expects employment at the Sergeant Bluff site to reach around 750 to 800, up from the 400 currently employed.

The center, located in the Pioneer Mall at 102 Sergeant Square Drive, currently provides inbound customer service, technical support and chat work for clients involved in financial services and gaming technology.

The positions will start

at $10 per hour. Various incentives, such as for performance and perfect attendance, allow workers to earn an additional $1 to $2 per hour, he said.

With 78 percent of Convergys’ promotions coming from within the company, Belcher said there are multiple opportunities for career advancement.

Convergys officials said they are confident of meeting their hiring goals, despite the tight local labor market. In March, unemployment in the metro area stood at 3.6 percent, the lowest level in seven years.

“We’ve got a great atmosphere here,” Belcher said. “I like to think of this place as more of a community.”

Convergys is by far the largest employer in Sergeant

Bluff, population 4,326.

Mayor Jon Winkel said the company’s expansion complements the city’s efforts to grow its commercial property base. The city is developing a 100-acre business park aimed at attracting more tech firms and light industries, he said.

As top executives at Long Lines in the 1980s, Winkel and Chuck Long built the 160,000-square-foot call center that Convergys now occupies.

Convergys, based in Cincinnati, took over the center last year as part of its $820 million acquisition of Stream Global Services.

Convergys has 125,000 employees working out of more than 150 locations in 31 countries, speaking 47 languages.

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 7

‘American Pickers’ crew coming to Le Mars in July KIRBY KAUFMAN

Business Journal staff writer‌

LE MARS, Iowa | A cable television antiques show plans a stop in Siouxland.

“American Pickers” crew members will film in Le Mars as part of the show’s trip through Iowa, city officials said. Producers have not selected an exact filming location in the city.

The show follows Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz as they travel around the United States to collect antiques and other items. Filming is expected to begin in July.

“We’re over the moon,” said Mary Reynolds with the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce. “We’re trying to find people out there that have collections or certain items they’re looking for.”

Reynolds encouraged other Siouxland residents to visit Le Mars when the

show begins filming in the city.

Producers are looking for interesting people or those with unique items such as old bicycles, movie memorabilia, military items, vintage firefighter equipment and other classic mechanical items.

“We’re very excited they chose Le Mars,” Reynolds said. “We plan to give them ice cream when they’re here.”

Le Mars, home to frozentreat maker Wells Enterprises, was officially designated the Ice Cream Capital of the World in 1994.

To recommend someone or a collection to the show, email your name, phone number, address and a description of the items to americanpickers@cine Provided flix.com or call 855-OLD- From left, Mike Wolfe, Danielle Colby Cushman and Frank Fritz are the stars of “American Pickers.” A crew from the show RUST. plans to visit Le Mars, Iowa, in July.

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Strength and good health make a good team You have probably thighs. As power is heard that strength transferred from the training at least two lower body into the times per week is recombar through the upper mended for adults. We body conduit, upper lose muscle mass as we back muscles are also stressed, contrasting age. Muscle burns more with the squat, which calories than fat.

DEB TWYFORD is supported by the I f yo u wa n t go o d hands. Deadlifts are health, a long life, and feel your best well into considered by some to old age, the most im- Keeping physically be the most complete portant thing you can do active is key to a healthy training exercise. is strength training, said • The bench press Dr. Brett Osborn, author lifestyle. But sometimes mostly targets the of Get Serious, A Neuro- it’s best to check with your c h e s t , s h o u l d e rs , and triceps. It’s the surgeon’s Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness. physician before beginning most popular among “Our ability to fight an exercise program. weightlifters, and it’s off disease resides in our very simple—while muscles,” Dr. Osborn lying on a bench, push said. “The greatest thing you can do for the barbell off the lower chest until the your body is to build muscle.” arms are straight. This motion stresses He cites a large, long-term study in the not only the entire upper body, but also British Medical Journal of nearly 9,000 the lower body, which serves a stabilizing men ages 20 to 80. After nearly 19 years, function. This provides a big hormonal the men still living were those with the response and plenty of bang for your most muscular strength. buck.

“Muscle is protein, and it’s nothing but • The pull-up/chin up stresses upper good for you,” he said. body musculature into the body. A pullStrength training has health benefits for up is done when hands gripping over the everyone, no matter their size. bar; a chin up is where the hands are gripHe recommends this back-to-basics ping under the bar. Nine out of 10 people routine as the pillars of a solid training cannot do this exercise because most regimen (trainers can show you how to simply haven’t put in the effort. It’s also do these exercises): been called a “man’s exercise, which is • The Squat is a full-body exercise; it’s nonsense,” Dr Osborn said. There are no the basic movement around which all gender-specific exercises.

Source: health-e-headlines Consumer training should be centered. Heavy squats generate a robust hormonal response as Health News Service, June 2015 numerous structures are traumatized Keeping physically active is key to a during the movement (even your biceps). healthy lifestyle. But sometimes it’s best Standing erect with a heavy load on your to check with your physician before beback and then repeated squatting down ginning an exercise program. If you are will stress your body—in a good way— unsure of your health status, have mulforcing it to grow more muscle. tiple health problems or are pregnant, • The overhead press primarily activates speak with your physician before startthe shoulders, arm extenders, and chest. ing a new exercise program. Working with Lower body musculature is also activated your physician ahead of time is a good way as it counters the downward force of the to plan an exercise program that is right dumbbell. From the planted feet into the for you. Consider this the first step on hands, force is transmitted through the your path to physical fitness. skeletal system, stabilized by numerous Keep in mind any physical limitations muscular structures, most importantly when exercising, you may need to modify the lower back. the exercise, a trainer can assist you with • The deadlift centers on the ham- this. Be safe and enjoy. strings, buttocks, lumbar extensors, and Deb Twyford, Mercy worksite wellness quadriceps, essentially the large muscles coordinator, can be reached at twyfordd@ of your backside and the front of your mercyhealth.com or 712-274-4334.

Home & Office

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 9

Energize your body, protect your heart with water more water with sweat.

Our bodies are a wonderful and aweTo assist you from overeating at your evesome creation, made with a high percentage ning meal, I recommend of water. drinking 8 to 16 ounces of Different sources water 30 minutes to one report that the body hour before you eat. This ERIK NIEUWENHUIS is 60 percent to 80 will help you control your percent water. Your appetite for the last meal brain is 78 percent of the day. water, muscles are 76 Another alternative to percent water, blood is 84 percent and your watch when it is hot or humid or if you sweat bones are 22 percent water. Are you getting is a sports drink. These drinks replace your a better picture and understanding of the vitamins and minerals and give you salt and key importance of drinking water each day? energy to keep you working and playing at Our bodies lose between 64 to 96 ounces your best. of water each day through sweating, breathBenefits of drinking 40-plus ounces of water daily, working toward half of your ing, urinating and even sneezing.

There is no better lifestyle habit to im- body weight in ounces: prove your daily health than by drinking • Will help you lose weight by suppressing water. By drinking water you will energize your appetite naturally.

• Will reduce muscle soreness by helping your body’s muscles and brain, experience less pain and protect your heart. to rid the body of waste products such as Those who drank 40 or more ounces of lactic and uric acid which can be the cause water daily have been found to reduce their of muscle, ligament and tendon soreness risks of heart disease by 54% in men and and pain.

41 percent in women. It’s a great reason to • Will reduce joint pain by lubricating drink more water daily! your joints. It will also help to reduce daily How much water should you drink each joint wear and tear and the pain of arthritis. day? You should drink at least 40 or more • Will reduce and prevent daily fatigue and ounces of water daily. To find the ideal increase your energy level. We need water to amount of water right for you, take your breathe properly so our lungs can be moist, weight in pounds and divide this number by taking in more oxygen and getting rid of the two. That’s one quick way to discover how carbon dioxide. much water to slowly work towards drink• Gives you more energy by improving ing each day. your digestive function.

I currently weigh 192 pounds, so divided • Will reduce muscle cramping by mainby two, I should work to drink 96 ounces of taining proper muscle tone and giving your water daily. That may sound like an awful muscles the natural ability to work and lot of water, but I guarantee you, once you prevent dehydration and risks for muscle begin this lifestyle habit change and feel the cramping.

• Prevent headaches. daily benefits of increased energy and foI hope this article has motivated and emcus, reduced stiffness and pain, you’ll never leave water again. It is recommended that powered you and your family to drink at you work towards this number slowly and least 40-plus ounces of water daily, slowly working toward half of your body weight in drink most of your water before supper.

How should I go about drinking this much ounces. To help you keep track of how much water every day? Drink 8 to 16 ounces of water you are drinking, I recommend you water initially upon waking up from sleep. track your daily intake in a journal or the app Then drink another 8 to 16 ounces with My Fitness Pal, or Fitbit app. Tracking what breakfast and lunch each day, and keep a you’re drinking and how much will help you water bottle with you at work, home and take notice of important changes in your play to meet your daily water goal. health due to drinking more water. Water is The more active you are each day, the more a no-calorie drink, so drink up! water you should drink. You should drink Erik Nieuwenhuis is UnityPoint Healtheven more water if you do extra work or play St. Luke’s WorkSmart Ergonomics Injury in the hot and humid weather. Since we are Prevention Specialist, Wellness Consultant currently in the hot and humid months of and Health Coach. Contact him at: 712-279summer, it is highly recommended to drink 1842 (office), 712-574-5604 (mobile) or erik. more water because you are losing so much nieuwenhuis@unitypoint.org

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“I depend on the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.”

As an eye surgeon, my patients place their complete trust and confidence in me to help them see things clearly. While my clients depend on me, I have learned to depend on the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce for business and networking guidance so that I can focus more time and attention on my medical practice.

I’m Dr. Beth Bruening and if you want the clarity and commitment my business enjoys, you should contact the Siouxland Chamber.

Laura Wehde, Sioux City Journal file

Patrons play games at the Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort near Larchwood, Iowa, in July 2011. State gaming regulators have approved a plan that consolidates ownership of the rural Lyon County casino and casinos in Davenport and near Iowa City.

Lyon County casino part of 3-property ownership deal

Call to become a member today. www.siouxlandchamber.com • 712.255.7903 www.siouxlandchamber.com • 800.228.7903

JOURNAL STAFF‌ SIOUX CITY | Iowa gaming regulators have given the final go-ahead to the consolidation of ownership of three state-licensed casinos, which includes the Grand Falls Casino & Gulf Resort in rural Lyon County.

The trio of casinos, which also includes the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort near Iowa City and the new Rhythm City Casino in Davenport, are managed by Kehl Management.

At its monthly meeting at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City, the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission approved the transfer of ownership of the Kehl properties to a new owner called Elite Casino Resorts.

The boards and unit

holders of three properties had voted overwhelmingly in May to approve the consolidation plan. “ T h i s co n so l i d a t i o n makes our company stronger,” Dan Kehl, CEO of Elite Casino Resorts, said in a statement. “We will be better positioned to cross market between the properties, bring in top-notch talent and offer the best service and amenities to our guests.”

Later in the day, Kehl traveled to Davenport to break ground on the new $110 million Rhythm City Casino, which will be built at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 74.

The land-based casino will replace a riverboat casino.

Elite Casino Resorts will

employ over 1,500 people and generate over $225 million in revenue each year, making it the second largest revenue producer in the state.

Kehl Management and the Kehl family were pioneers in the Iowa gaming Industry, receiving the first Iowa Riverboat license in 1990.

Kehl’s $120 million Grand Falls Casino Resort opened June 9, 2011, just across the South Dakota border near Larchwood, Iowa. The casino also includes a hotel, events center, restaurants, spa and 18-hole golf course.

Grand Falls Casino & Golf Resort had been owned by more than 450 Iowa residents, according to the casino’s website.

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 11

Briar Cliff opens Mayfair campus for doctorates

Provided

The Briar Cliff University at Mayfair campus, at 4280 Sergeant Road, houses the new Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

BUSINESS JOURNAL STAFF‌ SIOUX CITY | Briar Cliff University is set to enroll graduate students for a Doctor of Physical Therapy program at its new Mayfair campus, at 4280 Sergeant Road.

T h e fa c i l i ty i s a 14,000-square-foot space that allows students 24hour secure access to vital learning spaces.

Highlights of the space include: • A 600-square-foot mock apartment for teaching and practicing activities of daily living.

• A 1,700-square-foot interprofessional lab classroom.

• Approximately 500

square feet of private treatment rooms that will be used for an interprofessional, service-learning clinic and lab practicals.

• A 2,300-square-foot interprofessional teaching and activities classroom.

• A designated research space with more than 900 square feet of space.

• Mo re t h a n 1 ,0 0 0 square feet of space exclusively designated for students, including a student lounge, locker rooms, small group study rooms and a chapel.

On the main Briar Cliff campus, at 3303 Rebecca St., facility enhancements also have been made to accommodate the needs of

DPT students, as well as all health sciences students.

They include new stateof-the art nursing, biology and chemistry labs, and new basic biomedical science equipment.

The DPT program will admit up to 32 students each year. Students in the program will complete 136 credit hours in 34 months, including 44 weeks of clinical education experiences and seven credits of community and clinical-based experiences with underserved populations under the mentorship of their instructors.

For more information on the program or the new facility, visit briarcliff.edu.

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LEFT: A team of oxen pulled a 19thcentury-era plow, above, that was used in a groundbreaking ceremony on April 27 for Big Ox Energy’s new plant in the Roth Industrial Park in South Sioux City. The plant will process organic waste and capture methane for renewable fuel.

BELOW: Kevin Bradley, business development director of Big Ox Energy, left, shares a laugh with Kelly Flynn, economic development director of City of South Sioux City after Big Ox Energy’s groundbreaking ceremony April 27 at Roth Industrial Park.

Justin Wan photos, Sioux City Journal

Turning waste into fuel

S

NICK HYTREK

Business Journal staff writer

OUTH SIOUX CITY | With packing plants, food p ro ce sso rs a n d grain manufacturers, Dakota County has long been known for its food production capacity.

That strong core is pushing the area into renewable energy production.

Big Ox Energy, a Denmark, Wis.-based firm, formally broke ground last month on a $30 million-$40 million plant that will take organic waste from industrial plants and turn it into methane.

“There’s definitely a huge opportunity for that in the United States,” Matt Cole, vice president of

engineering, said in an interview earlier this year.

Big Ox’s technology includes an anaerobic digestion process that extracts organic waste nutrients to create methane. The cleanburning fuel is then sold into the natural gas pipeline for customer use.

Cole said the process of turning organic waste into energy is popular in Europe, and the sky is the limit for the fledgling industry in the United States.

The company operates plants in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Riceville, Iowa,

and has eyes on others in the upper Midwest.

The process of locating in South Sioux City began in May 2012. Cole said the northeast Nebraska city was an attractive location not only because of the large number of potential suppliers and infrastructure already in place, but also because of the proximity of an interstate natural gas pipeline and the willingness of South Sioux City leaders to work with the company.

“They’ve been really

BIG OX, PAGE J23

Big Ox moves forward with South Sioux City plant

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 13

Hard Rock unveils automated customer service system DAVE DREESZEN

Business Journal editor

SIOUX CITY | Holding an iPad, Kelly Pace pointed to an alert flashing on the screen.

“Right now, we have a $4,000 jackpot going on,” said Pace, director of slots at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City.

The tablet was tied into a newly-installed automated dispatch system called Kai. After a male patron playing a slot hit the jackpot, Kia immediately notified the floor attendants on duty.

Attendant Sheyanne Lozano heard the message through her Bluetooth headset, and accepted the call by pushing a button on the iPod touch strapped to her wrist. Kai then directed Lozano to the machine.

Within seconds, she had started the process of paying out the player’s winnings.

The Sioux City Hard Rock, which opened in August, is just the third state-licensed casino in Iowa, and one of only a handful in the nation to install Kai. The only other properties are Prairie Meadows in Des Moines and Ameristar in Council Bluffs.

The mobile technology, developed by Las Vegasbased Acres 4.0, replaces the traditional two-way radios that casino employees previously used to communicate. With the radios, it was often hard for staff members to hear each other over noise on the casino floor, said Mike Adams, the Hard Rock’s marketing director. More importantly, the radio traffic bothered many casino guests, he said.

Kai cuts response times by 20 percent or more, while also saving thousands of dollars in labor costs, according to the developer.

But the system’s real benefit is improving customer service and the player’s experience.”

What’s in a name The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is the third state-licensed casino in Iowa to install Kai, mobile technology that automatically directs employees to casino customers with service issues.

According to the developer, the Kai name was taken from a Japanese term, Kaizen, which means “good change.” It also “describes a manufacturing management technique that transformed Japan’s devastated postwar society into one of the world’s great economies.’’ – Dave Dreeszen

“It gets (employees) to the spot where they need to be faster, to help take care of the customer in a better and more efficient manner,” Pace said.

Kai allows casino supervisors and managers to monitor employee activity and customer service levels in real-time. Employees are automatically directed to casino customers with service issues, sometimes before the customer is even aware there is an issue.

After helping pay out the jackpot, for example, Lozano was dispatched to a slot that had run out of printing paper for tickets. She opened the machine and then put in more paper, allowing the patron to quickly resume playing.

With the old radio system, attendants typically wandered around the casino floor, watching for slots with an issue or a customer requesting assistance. Using Kai’s algorithms, tasks and guests’ needs are communicated to the right employee or department in an instant.

“We get there a lot faster,” Lozano said. “People don’t have to wait as long.”

Kai allows supervisors

Dave Dreeszen, Sioux City Journal

Slot attendant Sheyanne Lozano installs more paper to print tickets in a slot machine at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City on Wednesday, May 27. The casino recently installed a new automated systems that allows employees to receive tasks directly and communicate with each other through bluetooth headsets and iPod touches like the one strapped to Lozano’s wrist.

and managers to monitor employee activity and customer service levels at any one time, allowing for better floor management.

“It tells you everything that’s going on in the floor,” Pace said. “It even tells you who the players are and where they’re at.”

The transmitted data includes how many of the 838 slot machines are currently in use, and the number of games being played by customers who swiped their player cards.

Kai allows managers and supervisors to view employee performance in realtime, and keep track of the

HARD ROCK, PAGE J23

A bank of slot machines are shown at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City.

Jim Lee, Sioux City Journal

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015

OnTheMove Bank names assistant vice president

and boards and is the Credit Committee chair for Siouxland Habitat for SIOUX CITY | Kelly Humanity.

Ohm has joined Heritage Bank as Cardiologist joins an assisMercy group ta n t v i ce president/ SIOUX CITY | Dr. Frank m o r tga ge Addo, a cardiologist, has loan origijoined the staff of n a to r i n the bank’s Mercy Carresidential Ohm diology. real estate A d d o department. Her office is co m e s to at the Morningside loca- Mercy from tion at 4530 Singing Hills. the Heart Ohm has nearly 18 years and Vascu- Addo of experience in the mort- lar Institute gage industry, working as a at Mercy North Iowa in senior underwriter and in Mason City, where he has team management. served in various capaciOhm and Aimee Holder, ties. assistant vice president/ Triple-board certified mortgage loan originator, in Cardiovascular Disease, are responsible for resi- Echocardiography and Nudential real estate lending clear Radiology, he earned for the bank and second- his medical degree from the ary market, including con- University of Ghana Mediventional fixed or adjust- cal School and did his Inable rate loans, construc- ternal Medicine Residency tion loans, FHA loans, VA and fellowship at the Uniloans, Rural Development versity of Illinois College of loans, and Iowa First Time Medicine – Michael Reese Homebuyer loans.

Hospital.

Addo will see patients in Originally from Siouxland, Ohm and her several outreach clinics in family currently live in the region as well as on the McCook Lake. She serves Mercy campus. on various committees

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

BusinessPeople Contractor hires project coordinator DAKOTA DUNES | Samantha Young has joined RP Cons t r u c to rs LLC and its a f f i l i a te d engineering firm, Civil Engineers & Constructors LLC, Young as a project coordinator/administrative assistant.

Young is responsible for project scheduling and office administrative work for both companies.

A Lawton, Iowa, native, Young completed her education at Wayne State College and Western Iowa Tech Community College.

RP Constructors performs heavy civil underground utility and concrete paving work for public and private clients in and around the tri-state area.

Civil Engineers & Constructors performs consulting engineering and construction administration for public and private clients throughout the Midwest.

ON THE MOVE, PAGE 21

Be a more confident and inspiring leader...

Rotary Club honors Marvin Berenstein

As part of the Key Way award, Berenstein received a donation to a charity in his SIOUX CITY | The Sioux name.

City Rotary Club recently Berenstein has received p re se n te d many honors. He is a past its 2015 Key member and past president Way award of the Iowa State Board of to Marvin Regents and was an inauBerenstein, gural member of the Vision a local and Iowa Board which awarded state leader millions of dollars to projand longects across the state, intime local Berenstein cluding $21 million to the attorney.

Tyson Events Center which The award goes annually opened in 2003. to a non-Rotarian for contributing significantly to the Recruiter named economic well-being of the certified consultant area through business and community involvement.

SIOUX CITY | Tyler Berenstein was specifical- Hawkins, nationwide rely honored for his leadership cruiter at IMKO Workforce in helping the Community Solutions in Sioux City, reAction Agency of Siouxland cently received the Certified launch its Welcome Home Search Consultant desigProject in 2011, an initiative nation from the American that combines transitional Staffing Association. housing and outreach serThe CSC program provices to get local homeless motes industry-wide comfamilies off the streets. petency standards through The Welcome Home pro- a uniform national program. gram has helped scores of Credential individuals must homeless families with a successfully complete an fully furnished home, food, exam on federal employclothing and other services. ment laws specific to reIn addition families work cruiters and state licensing with a family development and registration laws apspecialist to become self plicable to the direct hire sufficient and move to a firms. permanent home.

Local doctor edits medical textbook SIOUX CITY | Dr. Douglas W. Martin, medical director of UnityPoint Clinic Occupational Medicine, was the lead editor of a new textbook titled “Complex Regional Pain Syn- Martin drome – What is the Evidence?”

Martin chaired a committee of six nationally recognized experts, who contributed to the book, as they analyzed the scientific rigor and proper medical approach regarding the formation, application and justification for the diagnosis of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

The book recommends termination of CRPS terminology. After collaborating with other industry experts, the book’s authors, including Martin, created a tool that clinicians, insurance carriers, attorneys and others can utilize when dealing with patients who have been labeled with CRPS.

PEOPLE, PAGE 21

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RibbonCuttings

Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 15

Photos courtesy of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

STARBUCKS HAMILTON

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Officials cut the ribbon June 4 to celebrate the opening of the new Starbucks drive-thru and dine-in location at 23rd Street and Hamilton Boulevard in Sioux City. This Seattle-based coffeehouse chain is known for its signature roasts, light bites and WiFi access.

Arthaus officials cut the ribbon at a May 20 ceremony. The local art studio in downtown Sioux City offers art workshops, upcycled projects and videographer services.

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015

Advertising That

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RibbonCuttings

Photos courtesy of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

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www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 17

Sioux City tire business turns 100 Ben Fish Tire celebrates century as family business DAVE DREESZEN

Business Journal editor‌

SIOUX CITY | While growing up, Sara Atlas regularly helped out her father and grandfather at the family’s tire business.

“I remember the first job I ever had. I was 11 years old,” Atlas said. “There was a blizzard, and my dad put me in front of a phone and said, ‘Just tell everyone that calls that we have chains and they’re $19.95.’ “ During that cold, snowy day, she repeated the line over and over to the many customers who called Ben Fish Tire Co. Atlas, 68, is today the sole owner of the third-generation family business, which turns 100 years old this year.

Ben Fish Tire, 1400 Center St., hosted a big party June 13 as a way to thank its many customers for their support over the years. The street in front of the store was blocked off for the gala, which featured catered food, drinks and music from a disc jockey.

Prizes also were given away and commemorative T-shirts bearing a historical photo of Fish family members were handed out.

Guests also shared their own memories of the business for a professional video being shot for the event.

In addition, attendees posed for photos with a lifesize cut-out of Ben Fish, Atlas’ grandfather and namesake of the landmark business.

The homegrown company, which weathered economic downturns and an ever-changing landscape in the tire industry over the years, is a shining example

Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

Warehouse manager Robert Francis stacks tires June 2 at Ben Fish Tire Co. in Sioux City.

of a great American success story.

A Russian immigrant, Ben Fish didn’t speak or read English when he started the business in 1915 in Sioux City. At first, he sold groceries in a small storefront that today houses Princes Tavern, just down the street from the present day Ben Fish Tire location.

To increase sales, Fish began putting some tires and auto accessories in one of the grocery store windows. The public response convinced Fish and two of his brothers to open an auto repair shop that later branched into a tire business.

Fish’s son was later joined in the family business by his son, Louie, who is Sarilye Atlas’ father.

In a 1985 interview with the Journal, Louie Fish recalled the Great Depression years when his father managed to keep the store afloat.

“He didn’t close, but he just had to be like anybody else back then,” Louie Fish said in the interview.

“Business just slumped and

Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

Sarilye Atlas, owner of Ben Fish Tire, poses with a lifesize cutout of Ben Fish, her grandfather and namesake of Ben Fish Tire Co., on Tuesday in the company’s showroom. The Sioux City business is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

Mechanic Steven Pierce works on a wheel alignment Tuesday at Ben Fish Tire in Sioux City. The family business is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

inventory prices dropped.

But Dad hung onto the building and we worked our way up again.”

Ben Fish died in 1982, two months shy of his 100th birthday. Up until he was 98, Fish would still come into the store every day to greet customers, Atlas recalled. Louie Fish died in 1987.

Atlas said her brother, Ron, purchased the business 33 years ago. Tragically, Ron Fish was murdered in his Sioux City home on Aug.

30, 2001. His killer, Adam Moss, also plead guilty to slaying a mother and her five children.

As Ron’s tragic death left a void in the business where he started working, like his three siblings, at an early age, Atlas resolved to carry on.

“I think at the time everybody thought I’d be closing the doors or falling on my face,” she recalled. “But it didn’t happen.”

The transition required some changes, though. She

got out of the farm business, which had been a big part of the company’s success in its early years and was one of Ron’s favorite segments of the operation.

At one time, the store’s offerings also included gas pumps, bulk fuel deliveries and a recapping shop.

“I think any business surviving has to keep changing,” Atlas said.

One constant throughout the company’s history has been tires.

Ben Fish Tire has been recognized as the nation’s oldest continuous dealer of Uniroyal tires. Michelin North America, which owns Uniroyal and other tire brands such as Michelin and

BFGoodrich, sent representatives to Ben Fish Tire’s 100th anniversary party.

For much of its history, Ben Fish Tire exclusively sold Uniroyal tires. Today, the business carries all major tire brands. The shop also offers a wide variety of auto maintenance and repairs.

Ben Fish Tire has 15 employees, many of whom have been with the company for decades.

Atlas said the success and longevity of the business is a testament to not only the hard work put in over the years her family and dedicated staff, but also the

BEN FISH, PAGE J22

18

Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015

RibbonCuttings

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

Photos courtesy of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

SHEPERD’S GARDEN

MIRACLE LEAGUE FIELD

Officials cut the ribbon on May 28 to dedicate the new Shepherd’s Garden in downtown Sioux City. The privately funded green space with a Christian focus is located at the northwest corner of Sixth and Jackson streets.

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Officials scoop the ceremonial shovels of dirt on May 27 during a ground breaking ceremony for the Miracle League Field. The inclusive playground and splash pad in Riverside Park will feature a field surface with poured rubber. Any obstacles inhibiting free movement will be removed in order to accommodate those with special needs.

BRIAR CLIFF MAYFAIR A June 9 ribbon cutting was held to unveil the Briar Cliff University at Mayfair campus. The former retail space is home to the university’s new doctor of physical therapy program.

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 19

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Siouxland Business Journal, June 2015

RibbonCuttings

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

Photos courtesy of the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

EVOLVE YOGA

KOATED KERNELS JOLLY TIME MUSEUM Jolly Time officials cut the ribbon June 5 for the new Koated Kernels store and Jolly Time museum at 1717 Terminal Drive in Sioux City. Koated Kernels offers gourmet specialty pre-popped Jollytime popcorn with more than a dozen different flavor combinations.

Evolve Yoga officials cut the ribbon on May 15 for the new studio, which recently opened in downtown Sioux City. Classes are offered for all stages of life, with a variety of instructors and class styles.

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

On the Move FROM PAGE 14

IBC announces three additional hirings SIOUX CITY | IBC recently hired Julie Mozak as the company’s in-house accountant.

Mozak has several years of accounting experience. A native of Sioux City, she has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Morningside College.

IBC also recently hired Susan Fey as director of marketing and Gina Sypersma as senior account manager.

IBC is a locally-owned and nationally recognized insurance and business administration services headquartered in Sioux City.

Nylen Cancer Center announces additions

SIOUX CITY | The June E. Nylen Cancer Center announces the addition of Judy Macziewski as a medical technician and Naomi Rodriquez as an oncology nurse.

Macziewski will be working in the oncology lab. She attended South Dakota State University. She previously worked at Mercy Medical Center for 25 years, including the last five years at the Dunes Medical Lab. Rodriquez will be working as an oncology nurse.

She graduated from Western Iowa Tech Community College as an RN in 2012 and previously worked as a nurse at Mercy Medical Center.

. e n i l On ited. d . e e r l c c A ordab Aff

Local dentist elected to state office SERGEANT BLUFF | Dr. Richard Bokemper of Sergeant Bluff was elected vice president of the Iowa Dental Association at its recent annual session in Des Moines.

Bokemper, a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Dentistry, has practiced in Sergeant Bluff and surrounding communities since 1984.

Dr. Tom Ludwig of Harlan was elected president of the Iowa Dental Association, succeeding Dr. Bruce Cochrane of Fort Dodge. Dr. Tom Peek of Cedar Rapids was elected president-elect.

Iowa dental group honors S.C. native DES MOINES | Dr. Robert Margeas was recently presented with the Iowa Dental Association’s President’s Award for his service

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 21

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The Iowa Dental Association award was presented in a special ceremony during the association’s annual session in Des Moines.

Margeas graduated from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1986 and completed his AEGD residency the following year. He is currently an adjunct professor in the department of Operative Dentistry at the University of Iowa.

He has written numerous articles on esthetic and implant dentistry and lectures and presents handson courses nationally and internationally on those subjects. He serves on the Editorial Advisory board of Inside Dentistry, Compendium, and is a contributing editor to Dentistry Today and Oral Health in Canada.

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015

Office Space fOr rent

BusinessAfterHours ChamberInvestors Starbucks Coffee Company Cassie Bennett 4735 Sergeant Road Sioux City, IA 51106 Starbucks Coffee Company Nicole Hefel 2301 Hamilton Blvd.

Sioux City, IA 51104 Squeegee Squad Bob Baxter PO Box 2004 Sioux City, IA 51102 APi Distribution Jeff Klingensmith 310 N. Derby Lane #1094 North Sioux City, SD 57049 Jenson Volkswagen of Sioux

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The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce’s May Business After Hours was hosted by Rasmussen Mechanical Services.

The family-owned and operated company has operated in Siouxland company for more than 60 years. RMS is one of the Midwest’s only contractors to offer customers all of their necessary mechanical needs with the use of one contractor.

ChamberAnniversaries

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The following are observing anniversaries as Siouxland Chamber of Mechanic Steven Pierce works on a car at Ben Fish Tire in Sioux City.

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25 YEARS Royal Canin USA Sam Ajayi North Sioux City, SD Sioux City Musketeers Hockey Rich Zaber Sioux City, IA

20 YEARS Kent Vriezelaar Attorney Kent Vriezelaar Sioux City, IA

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City of Sergeant Bluff Aaron Lincoln Sergeant Bluff, IA Physical Therapy Specialists PC Kevin Poss Sioux City, IA

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Innovative Business Consultants Stuart Lee Sioux City, IA Olsson Associates Chad Kehrt South Sioux City, NE Steck Wholesale Foods Craig Stanley North Sioux City, SD

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Securitas Security Jim Treinen Sioux City, IA

Ben Fish: Sioux City firm turns 100 years old from page J17 loyalty shown by generations of customers in the region.

“We have wonderful customers. I’ve known their parents, their grandfathers, their great-grandparents.

They’ve always been part of our family,” she said. “I can’t remember ever not wanting to come to work because there was always nice people,” she said.

Bob Sabel, who brought his vehicle in recently to fix a tire that had picked up a nail, said he has known the

Fish family and has done business with them for some 40 years.

Sabel said his wife, Sandy, was one of Sara Atlas’ teachers at Central High School in the early 1970s.

A retired owner of a women’s apparel store, Bob Sabel said he appreciates how the tire store has always stood behind its quality service and products.

Atlas said the 100th anniversary party was all about letting customers know how grateful the business has been for their patronage over the years.

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

Big Ox: Plant to turn waste into fuel from page J12 accommodating and helpful through the process. I can’t speak enough of those folks,” Cole said.

The company takes industrial waste from plants and animals and converts it into natural gas. Food and beverage producers, pharmaceutical plants, other biofuel plants and grain manufacturers are common sources of raw material.

Big Ox won’t have to look far for suppliers. The company is building on a 27-acre site in South Sioux City’s Roth Industrial Park, which is home to a number of ag-related industries that are large industrial waste producers, including Beef Products Inc., Richardson Milling and Natures BioReserve.

The Tyson Fresh Meats’ beef plant is next door in Dakota City.

For the groundbreaking ceremony, Big Ox brought in two oxen weighing 2,200 pounds each. The team, named Ted and Duke, were hitched to a 19th-century-plow that turned up a 15-yard swath of dirt in front of a large Big

Justin Wan, Sioux City Journal

South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch speaks during Big Ox Energy’s ground-breaking ceremony on April 27.

Ox sign on land that most recently was a cornfield.

Since the ceremony, heavy equipment has been moved to the site in preparation for starting the grading work.

Big Ox officials have said they hope to have the plant up and running 12 months after breaking ground.

Once operational, it will employ 20 to 30 people.

The methane produced will be sold as transportation fuel. Cole said the plant will be able to produce the equivalent of 10

million gallons of diesel fuel annually. The increased use of natural gas-fueled cars has given companies such as Big Ox a boost.

“The onset of natural gas vehicles is really helping fuel what we do.

Having that value-added transportation aspect has really helped our business model,” Cole said.

It also will help industries reduce their waste disposal costs. Rather than send waste to the landfill or pay surcharges to have

that waste treated and disposed of, those industries will pay a fee to Big Ox to dispose of it for them once it’s been used to create fuel.

“It helps support a lot of existing businesses,” Cole said.

Cole said the business could also expand to collect organic waste from households.

It could also create other business expansion. South Sioux City economic development director Flynn said the presence of the Big Ox plant could lead to the development of related industries in South Sioux City.

“We’re really looking forward to their company coming here,” Flynn said in an interview earlier this year. “I think it’s a perfect fit. I think it will help with some future economic development.”

Adding an energy company s always a plus, Flynn said.

“Anytime you can have any type of green industry ... it’s just a real winwin. It’s a good situation,” he said. “I think anything dealing with energy these days is a good deal.”

Kohler Kitchens

Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015 23

Hard Rock: iPods used in new system from page J13 location of each worker.

“It tells the supervisor this person was late coming back from break, and he needs to go have a talk with her,” Pace said as he demonstrated the system to a Journal reporter.

After a customer pushes the change light on a slot, the system starts timing how long it takes for a floor attendant or technician to arrive and take care of the issue. Since Kai was activated, that time has averaged under 10 minutes, which includes jackpot payouts, he said. For simpler tasks, it’s typically been less than two minutes.

Adams said the casino plans to expand the use of Kai in the next month or so to improve other aspects of customer service.

After taking drink orders from customers on the floor, servers will enter the information into iPad minis. The orders will be relayed electronically to bartenders, who will start getting the drinks ready

Dave Dreeszen, Sioux City Journal

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City slot attendant Sheyanne Lozano shows the iPod touch on her wrist that is tied into the downtown casino’s newly-installed automated dispatch system.

before the server even starts walking to the wells to get them.

“We can turn those drink orders around and get the drinks to you more quickly,” Adams said.

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Siouxland Business Journal, July 2015

www.siouxlandbusinessjournal.com

14

nEW

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SIOR, CCIM, MBA

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2605 Floyd Boulevard Very nicely finished 3,000 sf office w/3 garages. near new interior w/ offices, conf., kitchenette & open area. 2 furnaces/air & backup generator. a MUst sEE!

5700 Sunnybrook Drive 3,000 s/f EnD caP in fully occupied strip center in sunnybrook Plaza available late 2015. across from newly constructed Bed, Bath, & Beyond, Ulta & Marshalls.

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2,668 sf remain in this class a, professional office bldg. Join two other users as early as october 2015, w/2-way traffic, I-29 visibility, behind Liberty national Bank.

2,400 sf 4th floor office in one of sioux city’s nicest office bldgs (Pioneer Bank). great price inc. utilities, janitorial & Muzak. off-street prkg available for add’l charge.

Lakeport commons is “ground Zero” retail in the s’land market. 4,000 sf (or 2,000 sf) between Buffalo Wild Wings & Zoup & adj. to many others across parking lot.

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tune into KscJ 1360 talk radio saturday mornings from 8:10 to 8:30 a.m. to hear interviews with the “movers & shakers” of siouxland or go to www.kscj.com for streaming live broadcast.

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