Local First 2018 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

LOCAL FIRST

Sunday, July 29, 2018

2 | Sunday, July 29, 2018 LOCAL FIRST

‌B

reasons to support local businesses, services

STRENGTHEN YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Each dollar you spend at independent businesses returns 3 times more money to your local economy than one spent at a chain (almost 50 times more than buying from an online mega-retailer) — a benefit we all can bank on.

SHAPE OUR CHARACTER

Independent businesses help give your community its distinct personality.

y choosing to shop and buy local and use services from local and independent businesses, it is not only a more personal experience, but supports the community in many other ways, according to the American Independent Business Alliances. AIBA details the other ways it helps to shop local:

WINDOWS & DOORS • Remodels • Windows

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For a free quote call WATERLOO • 319.988.4200

Viewed To Be

The Best SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS‌

BUILD COMMUNITY

The casual encounters you enjoy at neighborhood-scale businesses and the public spaces around them build relationships and community cohesiveness. They’re the ultimate social networking sites.

Bring this in and receive 10% off*

Doors & Windows For a free quote call

WATERLOO (319) 988.4200

*Some restrictions apply. See store for complete details. Can not combine with any other offers. *must be presented at initial time of offer

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LOCAL FIRST

CREATE A HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT

Independent, community-serving businesses are people-sized. They typically consume less land, carry more locally-made products, locate closer to residents and create less traffic and air pollution.

6 4

LOWER TAXES

More efficient land use and more central locations mean local businesses put less demand on our roads, sewers and safety services. They also generate more tax revenue per sales dollar. The bottom line: a greater percentage of local independent businesses keeps your taxes lower.

YOU CAN BUY IT WHERE YOU TRY IT

Local stores enable you to try on and try out items before you buy — and get real expertise — saving your time and money.

GET REAL VALUE FOR YOURSELF

Reader surveys by the Consumers Union repeatedly show independent businesses beating their chain competitors in overall customer satisfaction (and often save you money).

A four-generation commitment to Integrity, Service, and Excellence. Where Your Wishes Govern Celebrating the Lives of Your Loved Ones. 1519 W 4th St. Waterloo, IA (319) 233-6138 • www.LockeFuneralHome.com

Your Membership Pays At a cooperative like Dupaco, you’re not just a member, you’re an owner. Active participation powers the credit union—you share in the success. The more you use the Dupaco, the more you’re thanked with extra cash dividends. In two years, participating members have earned their share of more than $6 million!

Learn how to earn at dupaco.com/ThankUse

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To be eligible for Thank Use you must be eligible for Dupaco membership and meet campaign eligibility requirements. See details at dupaco.com/ThankUse

4 | Sunday, July 29, 2018

LOCAL FIRST

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY

Small businesses donate more than twice as much per sales dollar to local non-profits, events, and teams compared to big businesses.

ENHANCE LOCAL DEMOCRACY

Local ownership of business means residents with roots in the community are involved in key development decisions that shape our lives and local environment.

ENHANCE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS

Research shows a strong correlation between the percentage of small locally-owned firms and various indicators of personal and community health and vitality. Source: www.amiba.net

ENHANCE CHOICES

A wide variety of independent businesses, each serving their customers’ tastes, creates greater overall choice for all of us.

Do you have what it takes to escape?

INCREASE WEALTH OF RESIDENTS

The multiplier effect created by spending locally generates lasting impact on the prosperity of local organizations and residents.

Can you escape in under 60 minutes?

You and your crew will attempt to complete one of our three missions. Grab your fellow conspirators and put your skills to the test!

Proudly serving the Cedar Valley since 2006 follow us on facebook

319-232-7658

202 W. Gilbert Dr • Evansdale

Where Service & Knowledge. the difference is

115 E 4th Street, Suite 101 Cedar Falls, IA 50613

CREATE JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Not only do independent businesses employ more people directly per dollar of revenue, they also are the customers of local printers, accountants, wholesalers, farms, attorneys, etc., expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

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323 Main St. • Cedar Falls, IA 50613 • (319) 266-1705

• All repairs on jewelry & watches done in store • Restringing of both pearl & bead pieces • Custom jewelry designing • Free estimates • Insurance appraisals • Largest selection of watches in the area • We buy gold, other precious metals, & estate/antique jewelry • Fair pricing & value given to each customer

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LOCAL FIRST

Find unique and artisan-made items at local retailers ‌Need a gift for that special someone? Looking for a unique or repurposed accessory as a conversation starter for your home? Shop at local retailers in your community. Independent retailers often carry more unique items that are not available anywhere else. These often bring character and charm to downtown shopping areas which attracts visitors to shop and dine in local eateries. Local businesses can be the best resources for one-of-akind home accessories, as well as jewelry, clothing and toys. Locally-owned shops and boutiques can be the ideal place to shop for handmade artisan pieces ranging from artwork and jewelry to handbags, clothing and decorative pieces. Frequenting these stores not only supports businesses which,

eateries also benefit from the host local gatherings, clubs and in turn, support employment and happening in your community. the community at large, it’s also a Homegrown restaurants, brew “local first” attitude. hobby enthuisiasts and are great great way to stay tuned into what’s pubs, coffee houses and other Many of these places often places to meet new friends.

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LOCAL FIRST

Why buying green can mean buying local JEFF MILCHEN

American Independent Business Alliance Co-Founder‌

‌We present these points as general truths, not universal rules. Clearly, there are some cases in which the greenest purchase may come from a non-local source. 1. Local sourcing Local independent businesses — especially restaurants and retailers — typically carry a greater portion of locally-produced goods and use more local inputs, meaning less fuel consumption is required to keep the business running and shelves stocked. Also, those locally-produced items likely will come from smaller-scale farms, factories, artists, and producers than the huge suppliers for large chains. Finally, millions of independent grocers, restaurants, nurseries and other businesses making individual sourcing choices helps protect biodiversity. The “green ripple” effect of buying local, like the local multiplier effect, can yield multiple rounds of benefit. 2. Location and transportation Local businesses making individual sourcing choices yield greater product choice and biodiversity. Local businesses tend to serve a local customer base, rather than depending on drawing people from a wide area. They usually locate in downtowns and neighborhood-serving business districts where more people may enjoy choices to walk via, bike, or take mass transit rather than being compelled to drive. This means less air and noise pollution for residents, as well as the opportunity to lead a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle. 3. Local decision-making authority While publicly-traded corporations are designed to be profit-maximizing machines, local business owners typically take a

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

broader view of their role. Local owners often choose more environmentally-sound practices as a personal choice, even when they are not the most profitable path.

ga-retailers may be efficient for minimizing corporate costs, but they consume inordinate amounts of land for both buildings and parking lots (often 15 acres or more for “superstores”). The environmental harm caused 4. Efficient land use by such vast expanses of asphalt Massive “big box” stores and and increased driving to reach the warehouses of online me- them is large.

Dennis C. Christensen & Sons Concrete & Mudjacking

5. Product durability For most chains and online giants, sourcing products at the lowest possible price is a top priority. Their products tend to be mass-produced and sell themselves on cheapness, convenience, selection and features. Craftsmanship and durability rarely are selling points or even

considerations at these retailers. As we’ve shifted from producing and maintaining durable products to disposing ever-cheaper goods, repair shops have vanished from many communities. As she researched this issue for her 2009 book, “Cheap,” Ellen Ruppel Shell found, “In less than two decades, the Professional Service Association lost three quarters of its small appliance and consumer electronics shop members…the number of electronics repair shops plummeted from 20,000 to 5,000.” Since few consumers know product lifespans details about materials used, or even whether the manufacturer actively prevent repairs, knowledgeable salespeople are needed to explain that the better value often is a product with a higher price tag, but a longer lifecycle (and lesser environmental impact). While online reviews have some value, they’re typically written within weeks of purchase, so offer no insight on product durability and post-warrantee fixability.

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Sunday, July 29, 2018 | 7

LOCAL FIRST

Third generation business The customer comes first at Petersen Hudson Hardware SYDNEY HAUER

sydney.hauer@wcfcourier.com‌

‌HUDSON — Petersen Hudson Hardware Plumbing and Heating in Hudson has been busy serving surrounding communities in the Cedar Valley for almost 70 years. Founded in 1949 by the Petersen family, it is in its third generation of service. “My grandpa started it, and then my dad, and now I work for my dad,” said Justin Petersen. “I handle the advertising, and I’m out on the field.” Petersen Hudson Hardware’s services include residential and

commercial plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning, as well as excavation work digging basements and installing underground utility sewer and water. “We offer 24/7 emergency service for plumbing and HVAC, and that really helps keep our customers happy,” Petersen said. “We try and get there as soon as we can. We like to take care of our customers and do whatever it takes to get the job done.” The business employs around 30 people who do just about everything to help their customers. “The guys work a lot of hours,” Petersen said. “We have a couple guys where it is not uncommon for them to work 60 plus hours a week. We do everything from unplugging people’s drains if

they’re plugged in the middle of the night to replacing the sewer, to digging the basement of a new house.” After attending Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Petersen was ready to return to his hometown and begin working for his father. The business places a high value on putting their time and money back into the community through the school and churches in the area. “We’ve been around for a long time,” Petersen said. “People can count on us.” Petersen believes the family business will continue to grow. ‘There are always tickets for new customers, and there is always room for new customers. We’ll make it happen. The door is always open.”

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LOCAL FIRST

Get fresh

Serving the Serving the Cedar valley valley for Cedar for over yearS! over 60 65 yearS!

Seasonal local food means visiting farmers’ markets

‌F COURTESY SHAUNA ZECK‌

The Cedar Falls Farmers Market in fall 2017.

armers’ markets and roadside stands are overflowing with produce at this time of year, adding a delicious element to mealtimes. Why shop at a farmers’ market or purchase locally grown food? Please see MARKETS, Page 10

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LOCAL FIRST

Local foods promote a safer food supply. The more steps there are between you and your food’s source the more chances there are for contamination. Food grown in distant locations has the potential for food safety issues at harvesting, washing, shipping and distribution.

Markets From Page 10

Locally grown food is full of flavor. When grown locally, the crops are picked at their peak of ripeness versus being harvested early in order to be shipped and distributed to your local retail store. Many times produce at local markets has been picked within 24 hours of your purchase. Eating local food is eating seasonally. Even though we wish strawberries were grown year round, the best time to eat them is when they can be purchased directly from a local grower. They are full of flavor and taste better than the ones available in the winter that have traveled thousands of miles and picked before they were ripe. Local food has more nutrients. Local food has a shorter time between harvest and your table, and it is less likely that the nutrient value has decreased. Food imported from far-away states and countries is often older, has traveled and sits in distribution centers before it gets to your store. Local food supports the local economy. The money that is spent with local farmers and growers all stays close to home and is reinvested with businesses and services in your community.

Local food benefits the environment. By purchasing locally grown foods you help maintain farmland and green and/or open space in your community.

Local growers can tell you how the food was grown. You can ask what practices they use to raise and harvest the crops. When you know where your food comes from and who grew it, you know a lot more about that food. Source: Michigan State Extension Service

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Pump Haus marks 16 years on CF Main Street SYDNEY HAUER

sydney.hauer@wcfcourier.com‌

‌CEDAR FALLS — Pump Haus Bar and Grill on Main Street is celebrating 16 years of business this year, a milestone that many local businesses hope to achieve. “Celebrating 16 years in business feels amazing,” said Johna Petersen, owner of Pump Haus. “We feel so blessed to be a part of and contribute to the Cedar Valley and all it has to offer.” The restaurant, opened in 2002 by Cedar Valley natives Johna and Bruce Petersen, is the product of years of experience in the restaurant business for both of them. “My husband had been in the nightclub business for a while, and he got out of that, and didn’t want to get out of the whole restaurant/bar business altogether, so we decided to do one together,” said Johna Petersen. Johna started working as a server when she was 14. Bruce owned former Cedar Falls nightlife spots Billy Joe’s from 1981 to 1987, Spinner McGee’s from 1987 to 1992 and Brooster’s from 1992 to 2002. “Combined, we have a lot of years of experience together,” Petersen said. The Pump Haus name was chosen as a tribute to Bruce’s great-grandfather who was a founder of Viking Pump. When the Pump Haus was first established, Petersen says, they were located in the space below where Joker’s used to be and where Voodoo Lounge currently resides. “We had purchased this [current] building, and while we were renovating it, the wall collapsed over there. They were doing some renovation on the second and third floors and the back wall collapsed.” In addition to a collapsed wall, there also was a fire during upstairs renovation that was caused by the spontaneous combustion of linseed oil-covered rags in a metal bucket. Needless to say, the process of moving to the new building sped up.

MATTHEW PUTNEY, COURIER PHOTO EDITOR‌

Cedar Valley natives Johna and Bruce Petersen opened Pump Haus Bar and Grill in 2002. Pump Haus is most known for its burgers and other pub fare such as salads, sandwiches and wraps. Even the sauce is homemade. Johna is in the process of reworking the current menu, adding some items and removing others.

Pump Haus aims to have something for everyone across multiple markets and demographics. “We’re trying to attract the families first because it’s a restaurant first, and then obviously trying to do the nightlife, too, as we can with the college kids. That’s something not everybody does, or is able to do successfully.” Petersen believes the service Pump Haus offers, the quality of their food and the laidback atmosphere are what keep people coming back time after time. “The majority of [our employees] are all college students,” said Petersen. “They’re very friendly, all of the people that we employ. They care about your dining experience.” Petersen believes it is important to shop and dine locally. “Everybody really lends a hand to create this great arts and entertainment district,” Petersen said, describing Cedar Falls’ Main Street. “I know that when you are spending local dollars that

more of those dollars are staying local, versus if you go to a chain. For every $100 that you spend locally, $68 stays in the

community, and every $100 that you spend at a national chain, only $43 stays in the community.”

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Sustainability: Impactful ways to learn about food waste ‌America needs to address its food waste problem, and a good place to start is taking steps to teach our children to conserve food. Right now, a staggering 40 percent of all food in the U.S. goes to waste when restaurants, supermarkets and consumers throw it away, costing our national economy $1 trillion in the last two decades and needlessly destroying 10 percent of the earth’s wilderness, according to Newsweek. For the average American family, that translates into $1,500 yearly in wasted food. Educational and awareness campaigns sponsored by food-related businesses and others are helping children understand the scope of the problem and suggesting pathways toward a less wasteful future. Many businesses don’t realize the huge role they can play in encouraging less-wasteful habits in their communities says Etienne Veber, president of Field Trip Factory, a firm that helps design, schedule and promote interactive learning experiences that teach the importance of sustainable practices and habits across our communities. One of their most successful programs leverages best practices around sustainability and food waste within a grocery store to challenge students and their families to do the same in their schools and homes. “The more we encourage sustainable habits at the family level, the faster we can together reduce the amount of food that’s

needlessly tossed out in the U.S. each day and be good stewards of our communities and our planet,” notes Myeisha Gamino, director of corporate affairs & government relations for Ralphs grocery stores. Some ways you could teach your own students, children or community members to help: 1. Involve your entire family or class in a six-week project during which they’re challenged to reduce family food waste by 25 percent. Encourage them to suggest their own ideas for making that happen, establishing a re-

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ward for those who achieve their goal — maybe a trip to a favorite restaurant or recreation destination. 2. In some areas of the country, the supermarket chain Kroger Co., invites students into Ralphs grocery stories to learn about sustainability, conservation and ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling food in their daily lives. At the end of each in-store experience, students and adults are challenged to apply the main concepts learned into their own lives, whether at home or at school. The program is supplemented by pre- and post-event curricular materials. Check to see if any grocery stores in your area offer a similar program. 3. Involve children in planning a week’s worth of family meals, explaining the process of choosing entrees, side dishes and desserts, shopping and paying for ingredients, preparing food and storing leftovers. That helps them understand the money, time, transportation and effort involved so they’re less likely to take it for granted. 4. Volunteer together at a local food bank or soup kitchen to give children a better appreciation for

Locally Owned and Operated Since 1980

the relative ease of their daily meals. Families or groups might also tour a working farm, visit a landfill center, plant and harvest a vegetable garden and/or create and use a compost heap. 5. Be mindful about not overloading children’s plates unless they ask for large portions. Similarly, don’t pack items in their daily lunches you know they won’t eat; instead aim for that

make

life

golden mean of healthy foods they’ll actually consume, and coach them to bring home uneaten items. Note: They may take more ownership if they pack their own lunches. 6. When children can’t eat their entire meals at home or in restaurants, save the leftovers in airtight containers for them to eat the next time they get hungry.

little

brighter.

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Why public transportation is crucial to communities ‌If you’ve ever had to scramble to get to work because your car isn’t running — or you’ve been unable to drive due to an injury — you understand some of the challenges of the vast number of Americans who rely on public transportation in small towns. And as baby boomers move into their golden years, they’re creating demand for more investment in public transportation options — especially in small towns and rural areas. Those are the findings of a study by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) showing such smalltown ridership grew nearly 8 percent from 2007 to 2015, even though rural populations declined by more than a half million residents. The top users of such rural amenities? Seniors, veterans and those with disabilities. In many cases that population would otherwise find it problematic to find regular transportation to and from jobs, healthcare facilities and stores, explaining why it’s important to convince legislators to invest in creating more small-town infrastructure and programming. Specifically, proponents hope Congress steps up by fully funding public transportation through the $61.1 billion FAST Act first approved in 2015. The range of amenities could include everything from buses to light rail, or paratransit, a category that encompasses supplemental services such as specially equipped vans. “It’s no secret we are a major retirement area for millions of seniors moving from other areas including many, many veterans,” said Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in St. Petersburg, Florida. “Public transportation is so critical as we all are aging and need mobility options as we get older.” Some other important facts about the demand for more widespread public transportation: A full 33 percent of U.S. veterans who are part of the VA health care system — some 2.9

“Public transportation is so critical as we all are aging and need mobility options as we get older.” Brad Miller, CEO of the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority in St. Petersburg, Florida

million people who have worked to defend our country—live in rural and small towns. Many have been wounded and rely on public transportation due to limited mobility. Americans with disabilities who live in small towns require 50 percent more public transportation trips than unimpaired people. Because many seniors prefer to age in place rather than move to high-employment urban areas, seniors make up 17 percent of populations in rural

areas compared to 13 percent of urban populations. Transportation can take a big financial bite out of those living in rural areas; on average, they spend 7 percent more on transportation than city dwellers. For example, driving an older-model car costs about $3,000 annually — an average $20 per trip — while public transportation in rural areas averages out at $7 for every five miles traveled. Rural public transit boosts safety and reduces the overall risk of traffic accidents, and not

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just among vulnerable populations. U.S. commuters as a whole reduce their crash risk by more than 90 percent when choosing public transit over driving; overall, transit-oriented communities undergo just 20 percent of the traffic casualties suffered by auto-oriented communities. To help address transportation issues for seniors, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District in San Joaquin, California, is offering a transportation service allowing them to meet non-emergency medical appointments. “We need to connect seniors to jobs, and especially to their medical transportation ser-

vices,” emphasizes CEO Donna DeMartino. “They may have healthcare, but if they can’t get there it does them no good.” Transportation is also key to older residents of State College, Pennsylvania, one of the fastest-growing retirement communities in the nation. “We do have a number of people who have stayed in the area or are coming back home, and they want independence and to stay in their homes,” notes Louwana Oliva, general manager of the city’s Centre Area Transportation Authority. “A lot of times, transportation is that key. They can manage to stay at home if they have transportation that gets them to healthcare and out to socialize.” Americans need to move forward to keep our country productive by encouraging legislators to look out for the needs of our vulnerable populations in small towns. Learn more about the FAST Act and supporting public transportation in rural areas at www. apta.com/rural. Source: Brandpoint

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LOCAL FIRST

Family-owned LR Jewelers does their work in-house said. They also stressed that customers can be sure of what they are getting in terms of quality when shopping in their store. According to Larry, all of their jewelry is special ordered to make sure every single piece can

SYDNEY HAUER

sydney.hauer@wcfcourier.com‌

‌CEDAR FALLS — LR Jewelers, located on Main St. in Cedar Falls, has served as an unconventional gem in the Cedar Valley for 9 1/2 years. “I think the difference between other jewelry stores and us is that a lot of the other jewelry stores don’t do things inhouse,” said Connie Rasmussen. “We do. We’re not just sales people here selling jewelry and calling ourselves jewelers; we’re jewelers that do the work here.” Larry Rasmussen has been in the jewelry business for 45 years and his family much longer. Their business started small, but has grown into a larger, multibrand jewelry store. “My father opened the store, and then myself, and then my son actually works here too,” Larry said. “We’re third-generation jewelers.” Larry is a certified master watch maker, a goldsmith jeweler and is trained through the Gemological Institute of America in diamonds. Their son, Drew, is also trained in diamonds through GIA and works as a goldsmith. Larry’s favorite part about working in jewelry is “trying to satisfy people and make them happy and serve their needs.” Connie Rasmussen mostly works in sales, but she particularly enjoys the creative restoration work she does on older pieces of jewelry. “We refurbish older pieces into newer pieces to get them wearable and make them loveable,” Connie said. “That’s my specialty. At our age, a lot of our peers are inheriting a lot of their family jewelry, and I love keeping those pieces viable and alive. “I love making them something that the new owner of them absolutely loves and wants to wear and still speaks to the generations that are there.” LR Jewelers does watch repairs, clock repairs and jewelry repairs in store, as well as

be assured of its quality. “We’re fully trained professionals, and if you buy online you don’t know who you’re buying from,” Larry said. “We stand behind what we sell, whereas a lot of the online sites won’t,” Connie added.

Your single source for all Your

BRANDON POLLOCK, COURIER STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER‌

interior needs!

Larry, Connie and Drew Rasmussen in their family-owned jewelry store on Cedar Falls’ Main Street. restringing beaded and pearl necklaces. “We just about do almost everything here and everything stays in house,” Connie said. “Nothing gets sent away. I can’t think of anything we’ve ever had to send away.” The whole family believes that it’s important to shop locally and

keep some of the community dollars invested in Main Street businesses. “I think the shape of downtown main streets is going to completely change if people don’t shop downtown or shop small businesses, because with online shopping, it’s killing the main street businesses,” Connie

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LOCAL FIRST

Weigh the direct ‘multiplier effect’ of shopping local ‌Independent locally-owned businesses recirculate a far greater percentage of revenue locally compared to absentee-owned businesses (or locally-owned franchises). In other words, going local creates more local wealth and jobs. Direct impact is spending done by a business in the local economy to operate the business, including inventory, utilities, equipment and pay to employees. Indirect impact happens as dollars the local business spent at other area businesses re-circulate. Induced impact refers to the additional consumer spending that happens as employees, business owners and others spend their income in the local economy. The private research firm Civic Economics has executed the bulk of studies attempting to quantify the difference in local economic return between local independents and chain businesses. Their first such study for the city of Austin, Texas showed an independent bookseller and music seller (returned more than three times as much money to the local economy as a proposed national book and music seller would. Those results since have been mirrored by subsequent studies, each showing a much greater local multiplier for spending at independent businesses than chains. These studies measured the direct and indirect impacts to determine the base level local economic activity of a purchase made at a chain and a local independent business. On average, 48 percent of each purchase at local independent businesses was recirculated locally, compared to less than 14 percent of purchases at chain stores. The Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted perhaps the simplest study of the local multiplier effect in several small Maine communities in 2003. The study examined how much of a dollar spent at a local independent store is re-spent in the local area as payroll, goods/

many Civic Economics studies. “Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors.” Other studies by Civic Economics in Grand Rapids, Michigan and Chicago expanded ex-

ploration of the indirect impacts by including more business types and added induced impacts, so the results are not directly comparable to most other CE studies or the ILSR Maine study. Source: American Independent Business Alliance

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

Independent retailers return more than three times as much money per dollar of sales than chain competitors. services purchased from area businesses, profits spent locally by owners, and as donations to area charities. The study found each $100

spent at local independents generated $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain — nearly identical to later results across the

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