11 ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
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THE COURIER
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Simpson Furniture First Place: Carpet/Floor Covering, Furniture, Home Decor For as many years as The Courier has been polling their readers, there has been one constant. The Simpson Furniture Companies. Simpson Furniture, currently celebrating its 65th year in business, has once again been honored as the Cedar Valley’s Best of the Best. Simpson was awarded first place in each of the three categories in which the store was eligible. Simpson took the first-place honors in Furniture, Carpet/Floor Covering and Home Decor, a perfect reward for a company that has made Cedar Falls its home since R.L. Simpson first came to the downtown in 1946. Simpson and his wife, Rena, took over a former funeral parlor and furniture showroom and two years later hired a young David Sandvold. The company has only had four presidents in its 65-year history and it has always been a locally owned and operated furniture and flooring store. Simpson and Sandvold were the first two presidents followed by David Olson, who started in the 1960s. Olson became vice president in the ’80s and, with Sandvold’s help, he led Simpson out of the largest fire Cedar Falls had ever seen in 1983. The old showroom was a combination of many other buildings that Simpson had grown into after its initial start in 1946. The buildings burnt to the ground in January 1983. In 1984, Olson and Sandvold re-opened a much larger and much more customer-friendly showroom that takes up the 500 block of downtown Cedar Falls. It was just shortly after the “Re-grand Opening” in 1984 that current president and CEO Dale Emmert started working at Simpson Furniture. Emmert first started working at Simpson while earning his degree at the University of Northern Iowa, similar to Sandvold’s start back in the ’40s. Olson also attended the local university and the company still has strong ties to UNI. Simpson actively supports the arts and athletic events at the university, as well as giving financial support to many of the local schools in N.E. Iowa. Emmert loves the Cedar Valley and comments that Simpson Furniture has continually given support to many local events.
“We know our livelihood is right here in the Cedar Valley. We have given back to so many organizations and events in hopes that our support shows our sincere thanks to the residents of Northeast Iowa.” Readers of The Courier will frequently see the Simpson name in support of the University of Northern Iowa, the Waterloo Black Hawks and Bucks, Community Main Street and Cedar Falls annual events such as Sturgis Falls and the Festival of Trees, plus many area high schools. Recently, the company had to make a hard choice and close its Rooms 4 Less showroom located just one mile south of the downtown store. This move helps set Simpson up for future growth in the Cedar Valley and beyond. “We have just finished final agreements to actually sell our downtown building and move our showroom. We are extremely excited to be able to announce to the Cedar Valley that after 65 years in the same location we are moving next spring or early summer to a much larger facility. Our showroom will be over 30 percent larger than our current downtown store,” Emmert said. “We hate to leave the downtown, but we
are landlocked and could not grow. Our new location at 2300 Main St. is still very close to the downtown and gives us so many more options to enhance our selection for the loyal and much appreciated customers who have helped us grow into Northeast Iowa’s leader in home furniture, mattresses, accessories and floor covering.” The Simpson Companies, which include Flack Interior Designs and Associates and Simpson Furniture-Coralville, along with the downtown operation, employ more than 50 people. This retail company can boast that many of its staff have been with it 10, 15, 25 and even 30 years or more. “Our staff makes us the Best of the Best. I am reminded of this whenever we have a company function or outing and we see the same faces year after year,” said Dale’s wife and business partner, Deb. “We know working retail in not an easy career, but our terrific employees are loyal and extremely hard workers. It is with them that we can not only serve our current customers the way we do, but also look to continued growth.” October will mark the 65th year since
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★ 515 Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-3535
R.L. Simpson first put up his name on this Cedar Falls icon of a business. Since 1946, the Simpson Companies have continued to be the premier home furniture, flooring and home decor showplace. Winning first place again in 2011 demonstrates that this is a company that is far from old. On the contrary, Simpson continues to build on their history and will never take for granted the loyal, friendly customers who helped build Simpson Furniture into the Cedar Valley’s truly firstplace Best of the Best.
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
PAGE 3
THE COURIER
THANK-YOU CEDAR VALLEY
for Again Choosing Simpson your Best of Best st
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From the Entire Staff at Simpson
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1st Place Furniture-Floor Covering-Home Decor
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PAGE 4
THE COURIER
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo First Place: Celebrate Anniversary, Girls Night Out, Hotel/Motel, Salad Bar | Honorable Mention: Cheap Eats, Dessert, Dinner, Seafood, Sunday Brunch Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo opened in June 2007 and is located next to the Lost Island Waterpark. The full-service entertainment venue is home to great gaming action including more than 1,000 slots, 80 video poker machines, 35 table games and a live action poker room. At the heart of the casino oor is FlingLounge.Thisloungecombines the modern ingenuity of the 21st century with comfortable glamour of old Las Vegas. Enjoy drinks with friends in the large wrap-around booths or experience vibrant highaction imagery and audio on more than 28 plasma screen TVs while relaxing at the bar. The Isle also is home to multiple restaurants, including Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill, The Buffet and the Tradewinds Marketplace featuring Pizza Hut Express, Kentucky Fried Chicken Express and
any wich way sandwich shop. The 195-room hotel has an indoor pool. The contemporary indoor pool offers a fun-ďŹ lled atmosphere for guests of all ages. Splash in the pool, relax in the hot tub, or lounge around the pool and enjoy the ambiance. Guests can enjoy the comfort and beauty as two gas ďŹ replaces create luxurious comfort and lights of all colors illuminate the room in a magniďŹ cent light show. Isle Waterloo prides itself on exciting, engaging and exceeding guests’ expectations. Whether they are looking for hot gaming action, a delicious meal, a comfortable place to stay or live entertainment the Isle has it all. The secret to the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo’s success is the great employees who work hard to ensure a clean, safe, friendly and fun environment for guests.
★ 777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo ★ (877) ISLE-WIN ★ Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ★ Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill ★ 5 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday ★ The Buffet ★ Breakfast, 7 to 10:30 a.m.; lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $9.95; dinner, 4 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Sunday brunch, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. ★ Tradewinds Marketplace ★ 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday ★ www. theislewaterloo.com
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THANK YOU FOR VOTING US THE BEST OF THE BEST! Get in on the hottest gaming action. Stay iin one of our comfortable hotel rooms. Stay Enjoy E En njoy three great restaurants, including njoy Otis & Henry’s Bar & Grill. Call 1-80 Call 1 1-800-THE-ISLE -80 for hotel reservations and for more information. a Ž
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Congratulations
TO THIS YEAR’S HONOREES...
ADULT SHOE STORE The Runner’s Flat Famous Footwear Von Maur
BAKERY Johnson’s Bakery ...........................................17 Scratch Cupcakery .........................................44 Hy-Vee
BUY VIDEO GAMES Game Stop Best Buy Walmart
CHINESE Hong Kong East China — Waverly Golden China
ANTIQUE STORE Shoppe on the Corner Calico Hen House Gilgen’s
BANK U.S. Bank ........................................................40 Veridian Community Credit Union...................38 Wells Fargo
CAR WASH Miracle Car Wash Kavalier Car Wash Jim Lind
CHIPS & SALSA Carlos O’Kelly’s Chapala...........................................................44 Amigos
APPETIZERS Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar Otis & Henrys....................................................4 Soho
BANK TELLER Matthew Martin — U.S. Bank.........................40 Kayla Seeley — Liberty Bank.........................23 Kim Eastland — Veridian Credit Union ...........38
CARPET CLEANING Mr. Carpet Cleaning Company ........................57 Harris Cleaning Service — Ansborough Stanley Steemer
CHIROPRACTOR Dr. Blake Wayson — Wayson Chiropractic Dr. Jennifer Rasmussen — Cedar Valley Chiropractic Dr. Aaron Knutson — Knutson Chiropractic
APPLIANCE STORE Sears ..............................................................31 Smitty’s Tire & Appliance Direct TV & Appliance .....................................19
BARTENDER DJ Heller Chad Everly — myVerona...............................60 Donny Breitbach — Joker’s Comedy Club
CARPET/FLOORING COVERING Simpson Furniture ............................................2 Riley’s Floors & More DC All Floors
COFFEE SHOP Cup of Joe Starbucks Cabin Creek Coffee
ART & FRAME SHOP Hobby Lobby Heritage Art Gallery The Great Frame Up
BEAUTICIAN/BARBER Nicole Parker — Hair Biz Amy O’Brien — Snippety’s Lisa King — Hair Biz
CATERING SERVICE Moment in Thyme ...........................................46 Hy-Vee Barmuda
CONSIGNMENT STORE Stuff Etc. .........................................................45 Two 4 Tots Mainstreet Exchange
ASSISTED LIVING Western Home Communities ..........................63 Friendship Village NewAldaya Lifescapes....................................17
BIKE SHOP Bike Tech Europa Cycle & Ski Scheels
CELEBRATE AN ANNIVERSARY Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Brown Bottle Ferrari’s Ristorante
COOKIES Subway Soho Sushi Bar & Deli Johnson’s Bakery ...........................................17
ATV Leer’s Cycle Center.........................................50 Weber’s Cycle Center Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson .........................54
BOWLING ALLEY Maple Lanes Cadillac Lanes Valley Park Lanes
CELL PHONE DEALER U.S. Cellular ....................................................20 Next Generation Wireless Verizon Wireless
CRAFT STORE Hobby Lobby Bead Happy ....................................................19 Jo-Ann Fabric
AUCTIONEER Greg Kastli — Kastli Auctions Dave White — Dave White Auction Dick Backes — Backes Auctioneers
BRAKE SERVICE Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 Tuffy Auto Priority 1 Automotive ......................................41
CHEAP EATS McDonald’s Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Taco Bell
CREDIT UNION Veridian Community Credit Union...................38 Cedar Falls Community Credit Union Iowa Community Credit Union ........................48
AUTO BODY REPAIR Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 Iowa Auto Rebuilders Deery Brothers Collision Center......................50
BRIDAL SHOP An Elegant Affair by Amy Simply I Do Bride’s Corner
CHICKEN Pizza Ranch ....................................................53 KFC Popeye’s Chicken & Biscuits
DAY CARE PROVIDER Community United Child Care Centers............39 Kool Kids A to Z Learning Center and Day Care..............13
AUTO DEALERSHIP Dan Deery Motors...........................................32 Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 Witham Auto Center........................................55
BUSINESS LUNCH Ferrari’s Ristorante myVerona........................................................60 Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING Children’s Place Kohl’s Old Navy
AUTO SERVICE Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 Dan Deery Motor Co........................................32 Priority 1 Automotive ......................................41
BUY A LAWN MOWER Sears ..............................................................31 Waterloo Implement Lowe’s
CHILDREN’S SHOE STORE Famous Footwear Shoe Carnival Kohl’s
DENTIST Dr. Beau Beecher — Kimball & Beecher ........28 Dr. Eric Kimball — Kimball & Beecher............28 Dr. Eric Adams — Valley Park Family Dental....43
AUTOMOTIVE SALESPERSON Curt McCallum — Dan Deery Motors .............53 Mike Potter — Rydell Chevrolet .....................14 Joe Bobst — Dick Witham..............................53
BUY COLLECTIBLES Limited Edition Comics Calico Hen House Shoppe on the Corner
CHILI Wendy’s Texas Roadhouse............................................58 Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery
DESSERT Scratch Cupcakery .........................................44 4 Queens Dairy Cream Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4
DELI Hy-Vee Boardwalk Deli Fareway..........................................................16
Congratulations
HONOREES CONTINUED...
DINNER Texas Roadhouse............................................58 Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Bourbon Street
FRESH VEGETABLES/FRUIT Hy-Vee Fareway ..........................................................16 Cedar Falls Farmers Market ...........................31
HEALTH & NATURAL FOODS Roots Market TnK Health Food Store Hy-Vee
LIQUOR SELECTION Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits myVerona........................................................60 Joker’s Comedy Club
DJ SERVICE Ultimate Entertainment — Cedar Falls Darrin Mangrich — Xpress Entertainment Easy Does It Entertainment
FULL-SERVICE NAILS L.A. Nails & Spa ..............................................24 Bella Nails & Boutique ....................................17 #1 Nail ............................................................19
HEARING AIDS/SERVICES Potter’s Hearing..............................................56 Iowa Hearing Clinics Wolfe Audiology
LOCAL/STATE DAY TRIP Des Moines.....................................................35 Amanas Dubuque
DRIVE-UP SERVICE Sonic Drive-In McDonald’s Wendy’s
FUNERAL HOME Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Home Locke Funeral Home Richardson Funeral Home
HEATING/COOLING Young Plumbing & Heating Co. .......................22 Gubbels One Hour Heating & AC Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. ........16
LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery Newton’s Paradise Cafe..................................45 myVerona........................................................60
ELECTRICIAN Cedar Valley Electric .......................................51 Scott’s Electric Inc. Stickfort Electric .............................................48
FURNITURE Simpson Furniture ............................................2 Slumberland Furniture McGregor’s Furniture
HOME BUILDER Magee Construction Co...................................12 Harting & Hunemuller Contractors Dave Bartlett Construction Inc.
MARGARITAS Carlos O’Kelly’s Las Margaritas Chapala...........................................................44
ELECTRONICS STORE Best Buy Don’s TV Maximum Sight & Sound .................30 Direct TV & Appliance .....................................19
GIRLS NIGHT OUT Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 The Stuffed Olive Joker’s Comedy Club
HOME DECOR STORE Simpson Furniture ............................................2 Hobby Lobby Slumberland Furniture
MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR Master Steve Decker — Iowa Tang Soo Do Master Lee Dawson — Seishin Ryu Karate Master Russ O’Connell — Iowa Peak Performance
EYE DOCTOR Dr. Amy Hartmann — Mauer Eye Center ........34 Dr. Anthony Bailey Dr. Richard Mauer — Mauer Eye Center ........34
GOLF COURSE South Hills Golf Course Pheasant Ridge Golf Course Fox Ridge Golf Course
HOME HEALTH AGENCY Cedar Valley Hospice ......................................47 Covenant Home Health .....................................8 Allen Home Health
MASSAGE Jiva Lifestyle Salon & Spa ..............................41 Elements Therapeutic Massage Covenant Massage Center................................8
FAMILY DOCTOR Dr. Anne Kontos — Allen Dr. Kyle Christiason — Cedarloo Family Practice Dr. James Peterson — Arrowhead ...................8
GOLF EQUIPMENT Waterloo Golf Headquarters............................27 Scheels Dick’s Sporting Goods
HOTEL/MOTEL Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Black Hawk Hotel ...........................................13 Country Inn & Suites — Cedar Falls
MEAT COUNTER Fareway..........................................................16 B&R Quality Meats Hy-Vee
FAST FOOD McDonald’s Wendy’s Burger King
GREENHOUSE Petersen & Tietz Florist & Greenhouses .........27 Meyer’s Nursery Jordan’s Nursery ............................................17
INSURANCE AGENT Mike Cafaro — Preferred Rate Insurance ......13 Brad Jacobson — State Farm Insurance .......34 Monte McCunniff — State Farm Insurance
MEDICAL STAFF MEMBER Deb Card — Cedar Valley Hospice .................47 Angie Fuller, PA — Covenant Clinic ..................8 Dr. Michael Deters — Cedar Valley Hospice...47
FINANCIAL/INVESTMENT Kremer Kehe Financial Financial Resource Advisors Edward Jones .................................................12
GROCERY STORE Fareway ..........................................................16 Hy-Vee Aldi
JEWELRY STORE Facets by Susong ...........................................42 Roth Jewelers.................................................26 Kay Jewelers
MEN’S CLOTHING Kohl’s Palace Clothiers Dillards
FITNESS CENTER Next Level Extreme Fitness Key West Tanning & Fitness Field of Yoga
HAIR SALON Hair Biz KJ & Kompany ................................................30 Beau Monde Salon & Spa
KARAOKE Voodoo Lounge Ultimate Entertainment The HuB
MEXICAN Carlos O’Kelly’s Chapala...........................................................44 Rudy’s Tacos
FLORIST Flowerama Hy-Vee Bancroft Flowers
HAMBURGER Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill Pepper’s Grill & Sports Pub
LANDSCAPE SERVICE Green Effect Lawn Service .............................37 Matthias Landscaping Co. Meyers Nursery
MOTORCYCLE Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson .........................54 Leer’s Cycle Center.........................................50 Weber’s Cycle Center
FOOD DELIVERY Jimmy John’s Pizza Hut Papa John’s
HARDWARE STORE O’Donnell Ace Hardware Menards Lowe’s
LAUNDROMAT Hudson Road Laundry & Tanning Ansborough Laundry Metro Laundry
NEWS ANCHOR Ron Steele — KWWL Tara Thomas — KWWL Sunny Layne — KWWL
Congratulations
HONOREES CONTINUED...
NURSING HOME Western Home Communities ..........................63 NewAldaya Lifescapes....................................17 Friendship Village
PHYSICAL THERAPIST Lewis Benedict — A Step Ahead Therapy ......48 Ray Harrington — United Medical Park Kris Marcks — A Step Ahead Therapy............48
RECEPTIONIST Sandy Marsau — A Step Ahead Therapy........48 Mary Trettin — College Square Apartments.....53 Lindsay Taylor — KJ and Kompany................30
TENDERLOIN Townhouse Tenderloins Otis & Henry’s...................................................4 Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery
OB/GYN Dr. Anthony Onuigbo — OBGYN Specialists Dr. Marcia Rellihan — Partners in OBGYN Dr. Barb Weno — Partners in OBGYN
PIZZA The Other Place ..............................................26 Tony’s Pizza Hut
REMODELER Crandall Construction Inc................................35 Magee Construction Co...................................12 Koch Construction ..........................................56
TRANSMISSIONS Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 L & M Transmission & Towing Tuffy Auto
PLACE FOR LUNCH Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill Soho Sushi Bar & Deli myVerona Deli.................................................60
RIBS Famous Dave’s ...............................................31 Hickory House Smoke Shack
TRAVEL AGENT Jayne Morris — AAA Travel ............................23 Arlene Humble — Humble Travel Greg Humble — Humble Travel
PLACE TO GO FOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT Lost Island Waterpark.....................................10 Waterloo Black Hawks Chuck E. Cheese
SALAD BAR Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Hy-Vee
VETERINARIAN Den Herder Veterinary Hospital ......................46 Dr. Brian Hargens — Hudson Veterinary Dr. Jim Taylor — Taylor Vet Clinic
OIL CHANGE SERVICE Rydell Chevrolet..............................................14 Jiffy Lube — Waterloo Dan Deery — Waterloo...................................32 OPTICAL Mauer Eye Center ...........................................34 Eye Care Associates Cedar Valley Eye Care OUTDOOR PATIO FURNITURE Menards Lowe’s Home Depot PAINT/WALLPAPER STORE Sherwin Williams............................................40 Lowes Menards PEDIATRICIAN Dr. Brian Sims — Covenant Clinic ....................8 Dr. Jodi Van Sickle — Covenant Clinic .............8 Dr. Victoria Runez — Covenant Clinic...............8 PEST CONTROL AABLE Pest Control Inc. ..................................52 Enviro Pest Solutions Ryan Exterminating PET GROOMING Pet Smart Advanced Pet Care Clinic Pawsitive Pet Care PHARMACY Walgreens Hy-Vee Target PHOTO FINISHING Walgreens Porter’s Camera Store Inc. McKenna McNelly Photography PHOTOGRAPHER Stricker Photography Tim Dodd Photography Lattin Photography
PLACE TO GO ON A FIRST DATE Bourbon Street Brown Bottle myVerona........................................................60 PLACE TO HAVE A BEER Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery Toad’s Bar & Grill Old Chicago.....................................................43 PLACE TO SHOOT POOL Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery Casey’s Voodoo Lounge PLUMBER Young Plumbing & Heating Co. .......................22 Bergen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling..............19 Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling...............16 PODIATRIST Dr. Ronald Cervetti — Cedar Valley Podiatry....49 Dr. Richard Bremner — Covenant Clinic ..........8 Dr. Greg Lantz — Family Foot Health Care RADIO STATION KKCV-FM 98.5 (Cumulus) Country Format KNWS-FM Life 101.9 Christian Radio .............36 KFMW-FM 107.9 (ROCK 108) REAL ESTATE FIRM/BROKERAGE COMPANY Oakridge Realtors ...........................................36 Century 21 LSB Real Estate............................55 RE/MAX Home Group REALTOR Dan Berregaard — Oakridge Realtors............39 Amy Weinands — RE/MAX Home Group Carl Ericson — Oakridge Realtors..................27
SEAFOOD Red Lobster Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Ferrari’s Ristorante SPORTING GOODS STORE Scheels Dick’s Sporting Goods The Runner’s Flat SPORTS BAR Beck’s Sports Grill/Beck’s Sports Brewery Pepper’s Grill & Sports Pub Mulligan’s STATE/MIDWEST WEEKEND TRIP Chicago Galena Minnesota STEAK Texas Roadhouse............................................58 LongHorn Steakhouse Lonestar Steakhouse & Saloon SUBS Subway Jimmy John’s Boardwalk Deli SUNDAY BRUNCH myVerona........................................................60 Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo ................................4 Newton’s Paradise Cafe..................................45 TANNING SALON Tanworld ........................................................48 Caribbean Tan & Spa Key West Training & Fitness
VIDEO STORE Family Video Digital Dog Pound Redbox WAITER/WAITRESS Amber Keppler — myVerona..........................60 Lisa Headington — Carlos O’Kelly’s Alicia Soppe — Bourbon Street WINE SELECTION Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits Indulgence myVerona........................................................60 WOMEN’S CLOTHING Lillian’s Kohl’s Von Maur WRECKER SERVICE Rasmussen Towing Jim Lind Sheetz Towing
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THE COURIER
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare
First Place: Pediatrician — Brian Sims, DO | Honorable Mention: Family Doctor — James Peterson, MD; Home Health Agency — Covenant Home Health; Massage — Covenant Massage Center; Medical Staff Member — Angie Fuller, PA-C, DFAAPA; Pediatrician — Jodi VanSickle, MD, and Victoria Runez, MD; Podiatrist — Rick Bremner, DPM
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare is an integrated health care network including Covenant Medical Center in Waterloo, Sartori Memorial Hospital in Cedar Falls, Mercy Hospital in Oelwein, Covenant Cancer Treatment Center in Waterloo and Covenant Clinic. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s Covenant Medical Center traces its origins to 1912 when Franciscan Sisters founded St. Francis Hospital in Waterloo. 74 years later, in 1986, the Wheaton Franciscan Sister’s consolidated St. Francis Hospital with neighboring Schoitz Medical Center to form Covenant Medical Center. Sartori Memorial Hospital, the first in Cedar Falls, was owned by the city of Cedar Falls until 1996, when it became part of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. Today, Sartori Memorial is a 100-bed, full service community hospital providing acute, subacute, and outpatient care to the people living in and near Cedar Falls. Mercy Hospital was founded in 1926 in the railroad town of Oelwein by the Sisters of Mercy. In 1982, The Sisters of Mercy transferred sponsorship of the hospital to the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters. Mercy Hospital is a 25-bed critical-access hospital that provides acute, skilled, and outpatient care to the community and surrounding area of Oelwein. Covenant Clinic is composed of more than 125 primary care and specialty physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and numerous health care and office professionals who share the common goal of providing quality health care services to individuals throughout Northeast Iowa. In this age of remarkable technology, it’s the people who remain Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare’s most valuable asset. Thank you Cedar Valley for recognizing these outstanding people in 2011:
■ Brian Sims, DO, Covenant Clinic Pediatrics, Waterloo. “I think my patients know I care about them, and the parents trust that I will work with them for their children’s best interests,” Sims said. “Their trust and confidence is expressed in the many referrals we get of their family members and friends. I truly love what I do each day.” ■ Angie Fuller, PA-C, DFAAPA, physician’s assistant with Dr. Greg Harter, Covenant Clinic Family Practice. “I sincerely care about people,” Fuller said. “My philosophy learned from Dr. Roth many years ago is to be anxious to please and happy to serve. It is an honor to receive this award and I want to thank those who nominated me.” “Without all of our staff, from the front desk to my nurses, I wouldn’t be able provide the same level of care,” Harter said. ■ Jodi VanSickle, MD, Covenant Clinic Kimball. “Our staff is excellent,” VanSickle said. “The Covenant Clinic associates at our office have an attitude of respect and service.” ■ Rick Bremner, DPM, Covenant Clinic Cedar Falls. “I give credit to my faith in Jesus Christ, two wonderful nurses, Sherrye Sharar and Wendy VanGorp, and a very supportive wife and family,” Bremner said. “My approach to the practice of podiatry is that I treat patients the way I would want to be treated. I have run three marathons, over 10 half marathons and now participating in my first triathlon. Because of these experiences, I have a natural interest in sports medicine. Other areas of interest in my practice are general podiatry, diabetes and foot surgery. ■ James Peterson, Covenant Clinic Arrowhead , Cedar Falls.
“As a husband, father of six children and now a grandfather, I have come to appreciate the blessing of a family,” Peterson said. “As a family physician this understanding helps me realize that family is the cornerstone of our community and that it is truly a privilege and joy to be able to work with and minister to the families of our community. ■ Victoria Runez, MD, Covenant Clinic Pediatrics Waterloo. In addition to the individual winners, Covenant Massage Center and Covenant Home Health garnered Best of the Best recognition this year. “We have experienced staff dedicated to making our clients lives healthier and more relaxed,” said Sheri Purdy, rehabilitation services and sports injury manager. “They are professional, courteous and very compassionate to their clients’ needs. “When you have a massage at Covenant Wellness, you can tell the massage therapists are genuine in their concern for your well-being. Massage therapy can help improve people’s lives through so many ways. Whether for stress management, relaxation, muscle aches and pains or sports conditioning, massage helps everyone,” Purdy said. “From young to old, conditioned or deconditioned, everyone can gain benefits from having a massage. It really does improve the quality of your life.” Massage therapy is available from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. six days a week at Kimball Ridge Center and Sartori Memorial Hospital. To Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare providing exceptional care also means going beyond hospital and clinic walls to reach out to those at risk. That’s exactly what the Covenant Home Health staff is focused on. A team of RNs, LPNs, home care aides, therapists and homemakers
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★ Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare ★ 3421 W. Ninth Street, Waterloo ★ (319) 272-8000 ★ www.WheatonIowa.org
make more than 45,000 home visits each year, providing much needed health care services in the comfort of the patient’s home. “Happy staff equals happy patients, and it is my hope that we treat all staff and patients like family, providing top quality home care in a supportive and caring environment,” said Cheryl Neil, director of outpatient treatment, patient care administration. “We strive to make a positive impression with everyone we come in contact with.” Taking great care of our communities is what our associates, medical staff, volunteers and auxilians strive to do each and every day. It is a part of our mission and it is the very fabric of what makes us Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare. This past year, we provided more than $13.5 million in benefits to the community in the form of Charity Care, public programs, community health services, financial contributions, and subsidized, education and community building activities. We are very proud of the work that we do for you and your family. It is a commitment that we have continually made to the communities we serve.
Thank You It’s about people – and in an age of remarkable technology, our people remain our most valuable asset. Your confidence in them is a tribute to their caring spirit. We rely on their expertise and experience. And we, like you, value their friendship and compassion.
11 James Peterson, MD Category: Family Doctor
Covenant Home Health Category: Home Health Agency
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11 Covenant Wellness Category: Massage
Greg Harter, MD Angie Fuller, PA Category: Medical Staff Member
WO-102011016
Brian Sims, DO Covenant Clinic Category: Pediatrician 1st Place Victoria Runez, MD Jodi VanSickle, MD Category: Pediatrician
Rick Bremner, DPM Category: Podiatrist
PAGE 10
THE COURIER
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Lost Island Waterpark First Place: Family Entertainment Lost Island Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Iowa. It offers a variety of rides for the faint of heart to the extreme daredevil. If you love the tropics but want to save some travel expense, come visit us this summer and feel stranded in a South Seas paradise! Attendance for 2011 hit 105,000 visitors. “While we have our season pass people who are very loyal, the majority of our guests who come to the park are from out of town,” said co-owner Becky Bertch. “If you walk through our parking lot, you will see license plates from a lot of different counties. That’s good for Waterloo. They are buying gas and eating at restaurants here.” And there is another big number for Lost Island: According to a tracker on the park’s newest attraction, the Wailua Kupua water slide was ridden by more than 400,000 people. The ride works like a roller coaster with climbs, drops twists and turns and is one of only 10 such slides in the world. The park focuses on safety and having fun, and the owners are continually adding features to enhance both. “We try to do something new every year,” Bertch said. “Last year we installed a new all-day locker system and doubled the gift shop. “This year we will refurbish the Polynesian Plunge and the Samoan Splash. And we are looking at installing private cabanas that guests can rent for the day. We are seeing this done across the country. “Our guests come first,” Bertch said. “We are all about helping guests escape from their daily routines.” ★ 2225 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo ★ (319) 233-8414 ★ 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. June through August ★ www.thelostisland.com
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Lost Island attractions
Waterslides: ★ Calypso Cascade ★ Emerald Adventure ★ Jade Rapids ★ Kiwi Koaster ★ Lost Soul Falls ★ Molokini Crater ★ Polynesian Plunge ★ Samoan Splash ★ Ta Katipo ★ Tangerine Tempest ★ Wailua Kupua Other areas: ★ Blue Iguana Lagoon ★ Kailahi River ★ Starfish Cove (for children) ★ Tahiti Treehouse (for children) ★ Tsunami Bay Outside the park: ★ Monaleo’s Video Arcade ★ Monaleo’s Speedway, a go-kart attraction.
COURIER FILE PHOTO
WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY
THANK YOU TO THE MORE THAN
400,000 WAILUA KUPUA RIDERS, AS WELL AS ALL OUR OTHER GUESTS.
A smile is the greatest thanks.
We appreciate you sharing your smiles with us this summer. 2011 Lost Island Crew
www.thelostisland.com
www.thelostisland.com
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Magee Construction First Place: Home Builder Honorable Mention: Remodeler Established in 1982, Magee Construction Co. has evolved into a nationally recognized design/build team. They were most recently awarded the 2007 Professional Remodeler’s Best of the Best Design Award for Exterior Remodeling. “Our professional and courteous crews act as guests in our clients’ homes. Crews try to do everything possible to make the remodeling experience a pleasant one,” Wayne Magee said. The Magee team believes the same level of attention should be applied to each and every project. As clients enjoy their new and remodeled spaces, they spread the word. “Clients are left with pleasant memories after the construction experience and appreciate having an extended warranty
★ 1705 Waterloo Road, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-0100 ★ 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ www.mageeconstruction.com
on their project,” Magee said. “Customers turn into friends for life.” Magee Construction is the 2006 recipient of Remodeler Magazine’s first-place award for exterior living space design and second place for whole house design. It has received Remodeling Magazine’s Big 50 award, which recognizes the top 50 remodelers in the country, and has repeatedly ranked in Remodeler Magazine’s annual top 500. Locally, Magee Construction has received the Waterloo Historic Preservation award, as well as being voted Best of the Best in The Courier poll every year.
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Edward Jones Investments Honorable Mention: Financial/Investment
Our firm was built on a foundation of principles that help guide us every day. Take a look at how these principles guide our investment decisions and client relationships. Our clients are serious investors. They aren’t interested in gambling with their money and would rather interact with an actual person instead of a call center. Does that sound like you? Our financial advisors make every effort to build one-on-one relationships with clients, offering personalized attention and financial guidance. For the 12th year, Edward Jones was named one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America by Fortune magazine in the annual listing. The firm ranked No. 2 for large-sized companies and was the highest ranking financial services firm. These 12 Fortune rankings include top 10
★ 4901 University Ave., Suite B, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-4446 ★ www.edwardjones.com
finishes for eight years and consecutive No. 1 rankings in 2002 and 2003. Edward Jones has been ranked Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full Service Brokerage Firms two years in a row by J.D. Power and Associates. Edward Jones received the highest numerical score among full service brokerage firms in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2009-2010 Full Service Investor Satisfaction Studies 2010 Study We have the audacity to believe access to your financial advisor should be a right, not a privilege. It shouldn’t be a crazy notion that your financial advisor actually takes your call. At least not to Edward Jones.
We’re Greatful for the Support of
Our Community.
Dan Conklin 6322 University Ave, Ste D Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319-277-3867
Troy Delagardelle 4901 University Ave, Ste B Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319-277-4446 WO-102011087
Randy Milby 211 East San Marnan Dr Waterloo IA 50702 319-236-8546
Dixie Kehoe 914 Decathlon Waterloo, IA 50701 319-236-9810
Bob Mundell 211 E San Marnan Dr Waterloo, IA 50702 319-236-8546
Jeff Holmes 1014 Alabar Plaza Waterloo, IA 50701 319-226-5474
Jana Eilderts 124 Main St Cedar Falls, IA 50613 319-277-6583
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
Field of Yoga Field of Yoga, the only yoga studio in the Cedar Valley, takes pride in their expertise in yoga. “All of our teachers are certified professionals who understand the physiology and psychology of making lasting change,” said Mary McInnis Meyer, who opened the studio after a 10-year career in engineering at Ford and John Deere. “I found in yoga what most of us are looking for — a sense of real connection and purpose. And I wanted to foster a
THE COURIER
★ 115 E. Fourth St., Ste. 101, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 830-2080 ★ www.fieldofyoga.com
community of support for others to live from their hearts.” She said clients are reporting positive changes. “They’re more physically capable, free from pain and anxiety, more confident, focused, and better sleepers.”
Honorable Mention: Hotel/Motel
★ 115 Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-1161 ★ www.blackhawk-hotel.com
is the recipient of the 2006 Iowa Architectural Foundation’s Community Design Excellence Award and was cited by the Des Moines Register in 2006 as one of the top 100 “unique/wonderful” places to visit. The hotel offers luxury lodging in a historic setting for the discriminating business or recreational traveler.
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A to Z Learning Center
LEARNING CENTER & DAY CARE
Honorable Mention: Day Care Provider
Cedar Falls, Waterloo
★ 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday
development,” York said. A to Z is currently involved in the voluntary Iowa Quality Rating System that sets standards for the highest quality child care in the Cedar Valley. The center also was chosen as an Employer of Choice.
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A to Z Learning Center is marking its 20th year in business. Christine M. York is the executive director of all four locations. A to Z offers year-round preschool, before- and after-school care, as well as full- and part-time child care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. “We have a quality, caring staff that are proud to be part of every child’s early
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Honorable Mention: Fitness Center
Black Hawk Hotel As owners of an architectural firm involved in historic renovation, Dan and Kathy Tindall decided to purchase the Black Hawk Hotel in 2002 and bring it back to its glory as a historic boutique hotel that could serve the Cedar Valley area as a premier lodging facility. The hotel, listed on the National Register of Historical Places, was voted Best Hotel in the Cedar Valley in 2009, voted Best of the Best in the hotel category in 2009 and 2010 by The Courier readership,
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
3823 W 4th, Waterloo 234-1919
307 E. Donald, W’loo 232-4325
3423 University W’loo 232-2624
Ages 6 Weeks to 13 Years.
www.atozlearningcenteranddaycare.com
Preferred Rate Insurance First Place: Insurance Agent — Mike Cafaro Mike Cafaro has been in the insurance ★ 834 W. Fourth St., Waterloo industry since 2005 and is the owner of ★ (319) 234-0500 Preferred Rate Insurance. ★ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday “My agency is not limited to one compa★ www.preferredrate.net ny’s products,” Cafaro said. “I will find the best price, coverage and options.” Preferred Rate specializes in auto, home service for you within the top rated companies I am appointed with. With Pre- and life insurance and is a 2008 Best of the ferred Rate Insurance Agency, you have Best winner.
4828 University, CF 266-6755
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Rydell Chevrolet First Place: Auto Body Repair, Auto Service, Brake Service, Oil Change Service, Transmission Repair Honorable Mention: Automotive Salesperson — Mike Potter At Rydell Chevrolet, customers are always No. 1. An unconditional dedication to service is what has set the Rydell Company at the forefront of sales volume and market effectiveness in the Cedar Valley and Eastern Iowa. This year, Rydell Chevrolet won first place in Best of the Best for Auto Service, Oil Change Service, Auto Body Repair, Brake Service and Transmission Service. Mike Potter received honorable mention for Automotive Salesperson. “We couldn’t do what we do effectively if it weren’t for our 135 employees and the thousands of customers in the Cedar Valley who make Rydell Chevrolet their destination for sales, service, auto body repair and parts,” said Matt Halbur, general manager. After 27 years in business, Rydell Chevrolet has made many improvements in the way they sell and service vehicles. In 2004, Rydell’s made a significant investment in the infrastructure of the Waterloo dealership by adding a new service drive, Quick Lube and car wash. The Rydell Quick Lube offers a noappointment, 13-minute oil change from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. “We typically have between 65 to 100 vehicles per day use our Quick Lube,” Halbur said. “Our customers love the convenience and piece of mind knowing that we are taking complete care of their vehicle. Rydell’s vast inventory of parts and accessories makes it easy to have the part in stock and get your vehicle fixed right the first time.” “Bottom Line Pricing” is a hallmark at Rydell Chevrolet. All vehicles are priced up-front with the best price, right on the windshield. Studies done by J.D. Power and Associates and other research groups have determined that most people dread the automobile buying experience and find the negotiating process distasteful. The stress and time involved with purchasing a vehicle coupled with the uncertainty of knowing if you got the best deal makes lots of folks uncomfortable. Rydell has changed all that.
“We believe that buying a vehicle should be fun and stress-free,” said Jeff Smock, general sales manager. “Customers are treated in a friendly, professional and courteous manner.” Doing business this way represents a cultural change within the organization and industry. “It is an ethical and easy way of doing business,” said Halbur, “and it serves our customer.” The price that you pay for a vehicle has nothing to do with a customer’s negotiating skills or who they are — that’s not the way Rydell does business. “No pushy salespeople, no high pressure, no negotiating and no game playing. We put our very best price on all of our vehicles up-front everyday, which makes buying a vehicle at Rydell quick and enjoyable,” said Halbur. “When you leave Rydell, you don’t have to wonder if
you got the best deal, you know you did.” Rydell’s Mike Potter also was recognized for Best of the Best Auto Salesperson. “Mike is truly a special salesperson,” Smock said. “His customers just love him. Mike’s genuine concern for them and their needs is what keeps his customers coming back. Rydell is very proud of him.” Mike has been selling Chevrolets in the Cedar Valley for 22 years. Rydell Chevrolet also has a fantastic preowned vehicle program. Bottom Line piece of mind, which includes the famous five-day like it or return it, 30day exchange and a three month/3,000 mile warranty on all preowned vehicles. If a customer is not happy with the preowned vehicle they purchased, just return it to Rydell within five days in the same condition for a 100 percent refund. They can also exchange the vehicle up
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★ 1325 San Marnan Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 234-4601 or (800) 782-0046 ★ Sales: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday ★ Service: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday ★ www.rydellauto.com
to 30 days after the purchase. You can’t make a mistake and buy the wrong preowned vehicle at Rydell. “We know loyalty is not given, but earned. That’s why we do what we do. We want customers for life,” Halbur said.
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Fareway Dalton Plumbing, Grocery Stores Heating & Cooling First Place: Grocery, Meat Counter Honorable Mention: Deli
Honorable Mention: Heating & Cooling
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Fareway Grocery Stores, a company with a 74-year history, has been an ★ 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday integral part of the Cedar Valley since it through Saturday opened its first area store in Waverly. ★ www.fareway.com After opening additional locations in Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Evansdale, the Waverly store recently moved into a brand Customers are treated like family at new building at the same location. Fareway stores are known for fresh pro- every store, where they can take advanduce, full-service meat counters and per- tage of personalized service and low, competitive prices. sonalized to-your-car service. ★ 215 Evans Road, Evansdale ★ Grocery: (319) 287-5142; Dave Workman ★ Meat: (319) 287-5276; Scott Henderson
★ 222 W. Bremer Ave., Waverly ★ Grocery: (319) 352-4319; Darren Oppman ★ Meat: (319) 352-4551; Jonas Schnack
★ 40 W. San Marnan Drive, Waterloo ★ Grocery: (319) 236-0107; Allen Weimerskirch ★ Meat: (319) 236-6516; Tom Downs
★ 214 N. Magnolia Drive, Cedar Falls ★ Grocery: (319) 277-6858; Roger Wirtz ★ Meat: (319) 277-6731; Bob Van Gorp
Dalton’s has been providing exceptional quality service to the Cedar Valley for more than 50 years. Owner Dave Krejchi and the Dalton team are certified, highly trained heating, cooling and plumbing technicians. They service all brands and types of equipment and carry top name brands such as Carrier, Rheem, Aprilaire, Kohler, Weil-McLain and Northstar Water Conditioning. Dalton’s boasts a beautiful fireplace showroom complete with 14 working models in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park. Dalton carries Regency and Heat & Glo products. The showroom is now open Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon through Dec. 17. Consumers are looking for greener, cleaner, more efficient, cost-effective ways to satisfy their household energy needs. A product getting lots of attention
Best at Fresh!
Thank you
★ 5536 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-3513 (Cedar Falls) ★ (319) 234-2150 (Waterloo) ★ (319) 352-1405 (Waverly) ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ www.daltonphc.com
these days is geothermal heat. “Geothermal energy not only costs less to operate, but also helps preserve natural resources and lessens our dependency on fossil fuels,” said Krejchi. The latest innovation from Carrier is Greenspeed intelligence. This adaptablespeed technology uses information about your home for greater heating efficiency. “Our goal at the end of each and every day is to have happy, comfortable customers. We thank you for your continued trust in us,” Krejchi said.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING DALTONS BEST OF THE BEST 6 YEARS IN A ROW! Dave Krejchi
Cedar Valley for voting us
BEST Grocery Store & Meat Counter 5536 Nordic Drive (In the Industrial Park) Cedar Falls 266-3513 • Waterloo 234-2150 • Waverly 352-1405 www.DaltonPHC.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Bella Nails and Boutique
Jordan’s Nursery Jordan’s Nursery, owned by Dan and Bill Jordan, was established in 1887. Jordan’s grows more varieties of unusual plants than any nursery in Northeast Iowa. They grow quality plants that they sell at a fair price and give good customer service. Jordan’s offers a better selection of product at a reasonable price, as well as expertise in understanding their product.
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Th Thank you to all my wonderful customers wh make Bella Nails and Boutique possible. who "I am a truly honored that each and every one of my clients allow me to provide them with their nail care needs. allo From the bottom of my heart, Thank You!" Fro
Honorable Mention: Nail Salon
M, W, F 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. T9 9:00 a.m. to Noon Th Thur. 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sa Sat. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
All nail services are by appointment only. Al
WO-102011036
Jessica Hanna, owner and nail techni★ 103 E. Bremer Ave., Waverly cian, opened Bella Nails and Boutique two ★ (319) 352-4214 years ago. ★ 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through “I chose this profession because I love Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; the full transformation of an individual’s nails by appointment only attitude after a great nail service has been provided,” she said. “They truly carry themselves in a whole different fashion. nail technician Katie Samuelson has been And to help in that, it’s simply gratifying.” featured in three nails magazines for her Hanna has eight years of experience, and acrylic and nail art abilities.
THE COURIER
103 E. Bremer Ave., Waverly, IA 50677
319-352-4214
Honorable Mention: Greenhouse
★ 1715 W. First St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 2664717 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
1715 W. 1st St. Cedar Falls
319-266-4717
WO-102011013
NewAldaya Lifescapes Honorable Mention: Assisted Living, Nursing Home ★ 7511 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 268-0401 ★ www.NewAldaya.org
You’ll Live Better at NewAldaya
or skilled care. At the core of our mission we offer Christian caring services on a very individualized basis. Our staff and culture have truly embraced our mission to make us the Best of the Best.
Johnson’s Bakery
Thank You Cedar Valley for voting us Best of the Best! You belong at NewAldaya, where you’ll find a sense of community for every stage of life: • Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Care • Extended Care (319) 268-0401 : : www.NewAldaya.org : : 7511 University Avenue : : Cedar Falls, IA
Thank You Cedar Valley for voting us Best of the Best.
First Place: Bakery
Johnson’s Bakery opened in 1950 as a ★ 820 W. Fifth St., Waterloo doughnut shop and expanded into a full ★ (319) 232-8154 bakery offering old world-style products, ★ 5 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. including custom wedding cakes, buns, Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday doughnuts, rolls, cookies, etc. ★ www. “We cater to sweet tooths. It’s not just a johnsonbakerywaterloo.com job, but a way of life to us.” Johnson’s Bakery has received Best of the Best honors as best bakery for 10 con- they offer a variety of holiday-themed items, including Kringle Christmas secutive years. Visit Johnson’s this holiday season as cookies.
Johnson's Bakery WO-102011028
820 W. 5th St. Waterloo • 232-8154
WO-102011057
Providing living opportunities for our aging population in the Cedar Valley is at the core of what we do. Life happens and we are prepared to help. That’s why at NewAldaya we provide options to help you live better. NewAldaya Lifescapes is the Cedar Valley’s premier retirement destination. One campus on 17 acres, we provide living options for more than 300 individuals living independently with assistance and in extended
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THE COURIER
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
EXPERIENCE THE TALENTS OF THE CEDAR VALLEY’S TOP CHEFS Thursday, November 10, 2011 5:30 - 9:00 pm John Deere Supervisors Club 3265 Dewitt Road, Waterloo
topchef CHALLENGE www.WCFCourier.com/topchef
tickets
General Admission: $25 VIP Admission: $50 Order online today at www.WCFCourier.com/topchef
A silent auction to benefit the Northeast Iowa Foodbank will be held in the reception hall during the event. Bring 5 non-perishable food items (please check to ensure expiration dates have not passed) and be entered into a drawing to win gift certificates to Cedar Valley establishments.
SPONSORED BY: A PORTION OF PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT
WO-101811040
www.wcfcourier.com
#1 Nail
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
1 NAIL
Honorable Mention: Full-Service Nails
#1 Nail, owned by Sau Nguyen, has been in business for 12 years. They specialize in a variety of services, including gels, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures, artwork, airbrush, and silk and linen wraps. #1 Nail is known to their clients as a place to go for “Nails to Fit Your Lifestyle.” They offer great service at a low price. Thank you to our customers for voting us Best of the Best!
Bead Happy Thank you, Cedar Valley, for voting Bead Happy as one of the Best of the Best! Bead Happy has offered the Cedar Valley a creative haven for the past nine years. In addition to an incredible selection of beads, they offer unique and inspirational gifts and home decor, custom-made jewelry, wine and a party room for classes and parties for all ages. “Customers are always so surprised by the wide array of gift and home decor items I carry,” said owner Penny Franke. “Even
★ 4807 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-6390 ★ 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday
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NAILS TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE Gels • Acrylic Nails • Manicure & Pedicure Artwork • Air Brush • Silk & Linen Wraps 4807 University Ave., Suite 107, Cedar Falls, IOWA - 50613 • 319-266-6390 Hours: Mon-Sat 9:00-7:30pm
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Honorable Mention: Craft Store ★ 5315 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-4386 ★ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday ★ www.beadhappy.us
after all these years, there are people who still think I am just a bead store … but that is not true. We really have something unique to offer everyone, and we delight in finding or creating the perfect gift for someone!”
You make it easy to choose Joy...
Thank you Cedar Valley!
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
5315 University Ave • Cedar Falls, IA (319) 277- 4386 • www.beadhappy.us
Direct Appliance and TV Honorable Mention: Appliance Store, Electronic Store Direct Appliance and TV has been in ★ 5424 University Ave., Cedar Falls business since 2000 and is locally owned by ★ (319) 553-0171 Karl Morehouse and Tom Ridder, who boast ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, a combined 35-plus years in the industry. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday ★ www.directapplianceandtv.com The store carries a wide variety of brands, including GE, Viking, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Fisher & Paykel, Speed Queen, “We work together to make sure the customer is taken care of. We thank all of you Monogram, Sharp, Toshiba and Sony. “We have a great team,” Morehouse said. who voted for us in Best of the Best.”
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3319-553-0171 5424 U University Ave. I Cedar Falls
Locally owned & operated by Karl Morehouse & Tom Ridder
BERGEN PLUMBING HEATING & COOLING INC
Furnaces • Air Conditioners Repairs & Installation • Locally Owned & Operated
319-234-1404
319-277-1462
Waterloo
Cedar Falls
www.bergenphc.com
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Residential • Commercial • Sales • Service • Installation • Sewer & Water Repair Remodels • Additions • New Construction • Water Heaters • Water Softeners 24 Hour Emergency Service
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
U.S. Cellular First Place: Cellphone
U.S. Cellular offers customers in eastern Iowa cutting-edge devices that are backed by the company’s unique benefits and highspeed nationwide network, which has the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. These are a few of the reasons why U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless. Android devices, such as U.S. Cellular’s Motorola Electrify that features a highdefinition screen and several customizable options, enable customers to transform a smartphone into their “my” phone with a range of features that can be modified to their liking. Customers can tailor the Motorola Electrify’s seven home screens to be just one touch away from their emails, social networks and favorite webpages and applications. The Electrify even includes a kickstand for convenient hands-free viewing of high-quality movies, TV shows and videos. With more than 550,000 Android devices activated each day, smartphone users clearly are realizing the unique benefits that Android-powered phones offer. “At U.S. Cellular, we help our customers find the right phone and plan that meets their needs, and many of them are selecting Android-powered phones because there are more features to choose from, and they’re all backed by our unmatched value,” said Don Cochran, director of sales for U.S. Cellular in Iowa. “With our Android-powered devices, you get all of the benefits of having a smartphone without having to pay for what you don’t need.” Android enthusiasts who switch to U.S. Cellular receive benefits, such as new phones faster without continuously signing contracts, free battery swap, valuable rewards points for simply doing things like paying their bill on time and referring friends and free incoming calls, texts and picture messages. The HTC 7 Pro and BlackBerry Torch 9850 also are among U.S. Cellular’s latest devices. The HTC 7 Pro runs Windows Phone 7 and is one of U.S. Cellular’s many powerful smartphones. Texting, emailing and social media updates are made easy with the HTC 7 Pro’s titled touchscreen and slide-out QWERTY keyboard. The BlackBerry Torch 9850 smartphone fuses all the power of BlackBerry with the thrill of the all-touch design and speed of
COURTESY PHOTO
The Cedar Falls/Waterloo U.S. Cellular leadership team, from left: Jennifer Hilleshiem, Tara Neal, Matt Trueg, Tracy Schweiss, Chad Hansen and Matt Bruns. Not pictured: Dawn Geary-Helmrichs. the BlackBerry 7 OS. Customers can reach out and touch photos, videos, games and apps on the new 3.7-inch display — the biggest ever on a BlackBerry smartphone. “These smartphones keep on-thego individuals connected and organized throughout the day, making it easy to communicate and synch a calendar together for convenient planning,” said Chad Hansen, an area sales manager for U.S. Cellular. In an effort to help individuals learn how a smartphone can simplify their life, U.S. Cellular offers free device workshops each month, where associates guide attendees through the features and functions on Android-powered, Windows Phone and
★ 6301 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 269-3500 ★ 2060 Crossroads Blvd., Waterloo ★ (319) 269-3550
BlackBerry devices. The workshops are open to everyone. “With constant access to their emails, social media sites, helpful apps and the Internet, people can stay connected and organized, no matter where their busy lives take them,” Hansen said.
Chicago-based U.S.Cellular has provided wireless service throughout Iowa for more than 20 years. There are almost 180 locations and nearly 1,500 associates across Iowa. U.S. Cellular has two locations in Waterloo and a pair in Cedar Falls. The Cedar Falls retail store at 6301 University Ave. is undergoing a renovation. “I would like to offer a very special thank you to everyone in the Cedar Valley who voted U.S. Cellular the Best of the Best again this year,” Cochran said. “Our associates work hard to ensure our customers receive superior customer service and a reliable nationwide network.”
Thanks Cedar Valley for voting U.S. Cellular®
“Best of the Best”.
Three years in a row. The best keeps getting better for Cedar Valley. U.S. Cellular® customers can get new phones faster—without signing a new contract. All with the highest call quality and network satisfaction of any national carrier. Isn’t it time you discovered why U.S. Cellular has the happiest customers in wireless? Visit uscellular.com or your local U.S. Cellular store today.
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Young Plumbing, Heating and Cooling First Place: Heating/Cooling, Plumber
COURTESY PHOTO
Young Plumbing, Heating and Cooling specializes in being a full-scale mechanical contractor to commercial, industrial, medical and residential buildings with strong emphasis on plumbing, heating, air conditioning and ventilation. ★ 750 S. Hackett Road, Waterloo Customer satisfaction and customer ★ (319) 234-4411 security — knowing we will stand behind ★ 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. all the work we complete — sets Young ★ www.youngphc.com Plumbing, Heating and Cooling apart. We always look for total solutions to problems versus temporary repairs. We are advancing with technology to provide options for energy savings as well as providing quality installations and repairs at a fair price. Young Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, in business since 1882, has been recognized as one of the Top 600 Specialty Contractors by Engineering News for the past 18 years, Top 20 Employers in the Cedar Valley by The Courier and has received John Deere Excellence Awards most sophisticated systems in industrial each year since 2004. We provide services from minor resi- and medical facilities. No project is too dential repairs all the way to installing the large or too small.
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www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Liberty Bank
AAA Travel
Honorable Mention: Bank Teller — Kayla Seeley
First Place: Travel Agent — Jayne Morris
“I had always been interested in banking because I like dealing with numbers and helping customers,” said Kayla Seeley, teller at Liberty Bank. “I love being able to dress up for work every day and be professional. “I am a part-time teller. The main part of my job is doing transactions and ★ 4020 Bankers helping customers. I Blvd., Waterloo have recently start- ★ (319) 233-8527 ed training on new ★ 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday accounts, so soon I through will be able to open Thursday, 8:30 new accounts. a.m. to 5:30 p.m. “I try to make every Friday, 8:30 a.m. customer feel speto noon Saturday cial. I stand up and greet them the second they walk in the door. I try to remember things customers talk about so I can ask them about it the next time I see them. “We are always looking for new customers. I’d be happy to help assist new faces. We have a very friendly staff. Everyone goes the extra mile to make sure our customers have the best service possible.”
Jayne Morris wanted to be a travel agent her whole life, and that’s just what she’s been doing for the past 33 years. “I love to see new places, explore and see all the things there is to offer,” she said. As an agent with AAA Travel, Morris specializes in groups, luxury, weddings/honeymoons and personal trips for clients. “Treat your customers the way you would like to be treated,” Morris said. “Be honest and listen to your customers’ wants and needs.” Morris is a certified travel associate. “I treat everyone the same,” Morris said. “I’m honest and a very caring person. I take everyone’s travel very seriously and try to make their trips stress free.”
Congratulations Kayla Seeley — Liberty Bank
Honorable mention best bank teller
★ 3366 Kimball Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-0261 ★ 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
THE COURIER
what does first best mean to you?
“
... being able to access news information quickly online and knowing I can follow up with a more in-depth story in The Courier’s print edition later.
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AAA Travel Agency
In Sheila Baird’s world, people are her passion, which is why she relies on The Courier to provide her with up-to-date information on local and national news and activities that have impact on the residents of the Cedar Valley.
delivers the best trips.
You’ll get more vacation for your money from AAA Travel Agency. More value. More than you ever expected. • Exclusive values to Disney • Special upgrades and privileges on select cruise & tours •Hotel & car rental discounts, plus more! Call for expert help in planning and booking your next trip.
Since 1982 the Cedar Valley has been “home” to Sheila Baird and The Courier has been her primary source for news and information. First.Best. It’s what Sheila Baird expects. It’s what we deliver... Anytime. Anywhere.
3366 Kimball Ave. Waterloo, Iowa (319) 236-3620
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Kayla Seeley
4020 Bankers Boulevard O Waterloo, IA 319-233-8527 libertybankiowa.com WO-102011026
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anytime. anywhere.
”
sheila baird
president, cedar valley united way
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
L.A. Nails & Spa First Place: Full-Service Nails Tommy Nguyen and Marie Huynh, owners of L.A. Nails & Spa, chose the nail salon business because they enjoy helping customers feel better about themselves. “We specialize in the art of nails — artificial nails, nail art, pedicures and manicures,” Marie said. “What makes us unique from other salons is we strive for customer satisfaction and being loyal to our customers. We always are up to trying new things. We keep up with the newest trends available to us. “Our secret to being Best of the Best is our ability to understand and relate to our customers. By us doing this, we are able to provide our customers with the best experience possible.” The beautiful new L.A. Nails & Spa opened in June 2011 to accommodate the ever-growing list of clients. Guests can enjoy such services as full sets of nails, manicures, pedicures, shellac, gel and acrylic nails. Relax in the waiting room with many iPads for Internet access. There is a kids room and complementary drinks with your service. L.A. Nails has been named Best of the Best each year since 2005. “Thanks to all the customers for supporting us. We will continue to do our best, learn more nail techniques and provide all our customers with care and professionalism,” Tommy said. “We would not be here today without our customers.” ★ 1403 Flammang Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 236-4464 ★ 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday
COURTESY PHOTOS
A fair face may fade, but a beautiful soul lasts forever! NAIL ENHANCEMENTS ACRYLIC ACRYLIC
NATURAL NAIL CARE For Ladies & Gentlemen
Acrylic are the most durable form of nail enhancement. Recommended for those with natural weak, brittle nails, it is the most popular form of nail enhancement due to its durability and low maintenance.
Express Manicure ......................$10.00
Full Set (Acrylic) ........................$26.00 & up Fill-Ins (Acrylic) .........................$16.00 & up Acrylic Overlay ..........................$26.00 & up
The regular spa manicure includes nail trim & shaping, cuticle grooming, buff & conditioning, warm lotion massage. Your choices are color polish or applied nail strengthener (nail Envy).
PINK & WHITE Pink & White, also called 'Solar Nail" or 'two tone". It's classic, clean, natural, shiny and ready to go without the wait of polish drying or polish wearing off. This non yellowing formula is done in a double process with white powder for the free edge & pink for the nail bed.
Full Set (Pink & White) ..............$46.00 & up Fill-ins (Pink & White) ...............$31.00 & up Pink Fill Only .............................$21.00 & up
UV GEL UV Gel is great as a coating over good nails at an active length. UV Gel is more forgiving than acrylic and a good alternate form of nail enhancement for those allergic to acrylic or chemical -sensitive. UV Gel is recommended for those with good nails that need a little strengthening or for polish longevity. UV Gel is crystal shinny and clear like your natural nails.
Full Set (UV Gel) ......................$35.00 & up Fill-Ins (UV Gel) ........................$25.00 & up
LONG LASTING POLISH (shellac) Gel Polish is a new generation of polish that mix with UV Gel coat that last on your natural nails for up to two weeks or more. It’s shiny, hard and ready to go in less than 35 minutes without the wait for polish to dry and provides longevity. Recommended for those who does not want artificial nails.
Shellac Gel Polish Only $21.00 & up Shellac with Manicure $34.00 & up
Nail trim and shaping, light cuticle grooming, buff & conditioning and polish.
Regular (Spa) Manicure .............$13.00
Deluxe Manicure .......................$32.00 The regular spa manicure plus a sensual hand & arm massage, sugar scrub and your hand are dipped into a hot paraffin wax to help protect skin against sun damage and reduce visible sign of aging. Choices include color polish.
Express Pedicure ......................$18.00 Express pedicure includes nail trim, shaping, light cuticle grooming, buff & conditioning and Polish of your choices.
Regular Spa Pedicure.................$24.00 The spa pedicure includes nail trim, shaping, cuticle grooming, buff and conditioning, callus smoother treatment and warm lotion massage. Choices Include color polish.
Deluxe Pedicure ........................$46.00 The spa pedicure plus a sensual foot and leg massage, mask scrub, sea salt glow scrub, cool gel massage. Then hot towel wraps are applied followed with finished hot stone massage with lotion. Choices include color polish.
Pedicure and Manicure combo .............$34.00 Deluxe Pedicure and Manicure .............$73.00 2 Nail design ... $5.00, 10 nail design ...$15.00 Hand Polish ..... $6.00, Toes Polish .......$11.00
KID’S PRICE LIST (for children 12 & under with free Designs)
Princess Manicure .............................. $10.00 Princess Pedicure ............................... $20.00 Princess Pedicure & Manicure ............. $30.00 Hand Polish .....$5.00, Toes Polish.........$10.00
ADDITIONAL SERVICES FRENCH OR AMERICAN POLISH American polish is a nature pink polish for the nail bed with a cream nail color for the edge (instead of the french white polish) to create a natural nail look.
With any services .............................. $5.00 Without Services on hand................... $7.00 Without Services on Toes ................... $10.00 Nail Repair ................................ $3.00 & up each Acrylic/Gel Nails Removal .................. $11.00 Nails Take off W/services ................... $5.00 Shellac Gel Polish Removal ............... $5.00 Line between nail tips ........................ $3.00 Nail Cut Down......$3.00, Toes ............ $5.00 10 Zebra Nails Designs ...................... $10.00
COLOR TIPS COLLECTION We have all different kind of color tips from design tips to plain on color tips. It’s classic, shinny under gel powder with Gel top coat if optional.
Color Tips Full Set ......................$36.00 & up Color Tips Fill-Ins........................$16.00 & up
GLITTER POWDER Glitter powder are like Pink and White, It is a type of glitter mix with clear crystal gel power. Formula is done in a double process with Glitter power for the free edge & Clear crystal gel for the nail bed. It can also be apply with your whole nail bed glitter rather than just the tip only.
2 Tone Glitter powder Full Set..............$46.00 Whole Nail Glitter Powder Tips ...........$36.00 Glitter Powder Fill-Ins .................$21.00 & up We will re-perform the service if your Shellac Gel Polish is chip off for any reason. Please call or E-mail us if any comments or complaint you might have.
We wish to say
Thank You! to all our loyal friends and customers for voting LA NAILS SALON “Best of the Best”
EVERY YEARS
PROFESSIONAL NAILS & SPA FOR LADIES & GENTLEMEN THE UNIQUE TREATMENT YOU DESERVE
Monday-Friday 9:00-8:00 Saturday 9:00-6:00, Sunday-CLOSED
319-236-4464 1403 Flammang Dr., Waterloo, IA Email: LanailsNspa@yahoo.com
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
The Other Place
Roth Jewelers
First Place: Pizza
Honorable Mention: Jewelry Store
The Other Place of the Cedar Valley wants to say thank you for voting us Best of the Best for pizza this year. This honor has been bestowed upon The OP now for seven years. A locally owned and operated business for more than 40 years, The OP strives to produce a quality pizza made from scratch each and every day. Every pizza is made to order using homemade sauce, dough, loaded with fresh ingredients and topped with 100 percent real mozzarella cheese. In addition to mouth-watering pizza, The Other Place serves oven-baked subs, sandwiches, pasta, salads, chili and a variety of other selections which may vary between the locations in the Cedar Valley. People often ask how to describe The Other Place, and it can be summed up like this: “We open doors each day in effort to provide great service, quality food and a great atmosphere that keeps people coming in.” At The Other Place, the game is always
★ 4214 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 268-1655 ★ 2214 College St., Cedar Falls ★ 277-9720 ★ 360 E. Ridgeway, Waterloo ★ 287-9400 ★ 821 W. Bremer Ave., Waverly ★ 352-4742 ★ 3904 Lafayette, Evansdale ★ 232-3536 ★ Open daily at 11 a.m. ★ www.theotherplace.com
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on, featuring your favorite college and professional sports on several high-definition televisions. Doing the same thing for 40 years may be looked at as repetitive, but we look at it as perfecting what we do best — making great pizza and providing a great time for our customers.
Roth Jewelers is owned by Mr. Milton E. Roth, whose father founded the company in 1931. They specialize in diamonds, diamond engagement rings, watches, watch repair, appraisals, in-house custom design and jewelry repair, gift items and pearls. Roth Jewelers is celebrating its 80th anniversary downtown this year. Roth Jewelers goal is to provide exceptional customer service with a family- friendly atmosphere. “We are on our fourth generation of customers, and we know how important customer service is to our loyal customers,” general manager Kevin Schreiber said. “Our customers are first, and we are so proud of our staff as they pay attention to every detail from the selection of just the right engagement ring to complete renovations of existing jewelry.” Roth’s has received numerous awards and recognitions such as Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year awarded by the local Chamber of Commerce, and has been selected Best of the Best Jeweler every year by readers of The Courier.
★ 229 E. Fifth St., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-6479 ★ 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Friday; 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday ★ www.rothjewelers.com
Throughout the years, Roth’s has refined its brands with the changing times and are one of a very few Rolex watch dealers throughout the state of Iowa. Roth’s also offers many other fine watches such as Citizen and Swiss Army. There are two watchmakers in-house daily, one of which is a Rolex trained technician. For the collectors, Roth’s offer Swarovski crystal with everything from collectible art pieces to fine jewelry. One thing that has never changed is Roth’s knowledge of diamonds, fine jewelry and exceptional service. Roth Jewelers is a member of the American Gem Society, which requires completion of a complicated regimen in order to achieve this high status among jewelers.
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Placing Your Future In Our Hands...
WO-102011081 WO 102
Downtown Waterloo Since 1931 WO-102011046
Expires 1 11/30/11
229 E. 5th Street • 319-234-6979 www.RothJewelers.com
www.wcfcourier.com
Petersen & Tietz
First Place: Greenhouse
★ 2275 Independence Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-6883, (866) 280-4084, (319) 234-6884 (fax) ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday ★ www.petersenandtietz.com
our techniques for floral design and growing, as well as new plant varieties. If you’re looking for high quality and great customer service, you’re looking for Petersen & Tietz Florists & Greenhouses.
Waterloo Golf Headquarters First Place: Golf Equipment
Carl Ericson has been in the real estate business for nine years. “I was always interested in real estate growing up and decided to major in management at the University of Northern Iowa with a real estate minor,” Ericson said. “I like to work with a wide range of clients including first-time buyers, move up buyers, investors and new construction clients.” Ericson was named the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Board of Realtors Rookie of the Year
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g e st G olf L a r c ti o n S ele e In T h a r Va l l e y ! d e C 04
Enjoy Golf at it’s best with all the right En at highly competitive prices! eequipment qu • Golf Simulator Open All Year Long • Same Day Re-Gripping • Custom Fitting • Trade-Ins Accepted • Gift Certificates Available • Travel Bags Available • Expert Staff To Help You • Junior Clubs Available • Loft And Lie Machine • Golf Lessons Available
Come meet our knowledgable staff today. From “beginner to pro” we can help you!
WATERLOO GOLF HEADQUARTERS
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Locally Owned and Operated by Mike Schuchmann
2020 Bopp St., Waterloo • 232-3979
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Mike Schuchmann, 2010 Regional Ping ★ 2020 Bopp St., Waterloo Club Fitter of the Year, has owned Water★ (319) 232-3979 loo Golf Headquarters for eight of its 28 ★ 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 years. The business, managed by Troy a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Estill, is known for offering the largest Sunday selection of golf equipment, accessories Schuchmann said. and clothing. “We have great customer service with “We try to treat each customer with the same respect and customer service if they very competitive pricing and a large selecare buying a bag of tees or new clubs,” tion of items in stock.”
Oakridge Realtors
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Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 11-5 Golfing Has Never Been Better Come See Us Today!
Honorable Mention: Realtor — Carl Ericson
★ 3313 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 504-3640 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (office); Carl is available by phone 24 hours
and recognized in The Courier’s 2010 Best of the Best “Customers and clients are priority No. 1. My job is to put my clients in a position to make the best real estate decision for them. I love helping people make their home ownership dreams come true.”
FOR VOTING ME WO-102011069
Celebrating 77 years in business, Petersen & Tietz Florists & Greenhouses Inc. is owned by Heidi Tietz De Silva, a thirdgeneration florist/grower. This is eastern Iowa’s largest retail greenhouse with our own full-service flower shop, garden center and interior plantscaping. With 2 acres of greenhouses on site, it gives real meaning to “locally grown.” Good personal service the old-fashioned way is a trademark at Petersen & Tietz. We are very creative and constantly updating
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
09 -10
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
SearchTheCedarValley.com
CARL ERICSON 504-3640
Around the clock coverage, continuous updates daily as well as photos, videos and more. Make WCFCourier.com your go-to for local news. T H E
C E D A R
V A L L E Y ’ S
DAYTIME M E D I A
O F
C H O I C E
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Kimball & Beecher First Place: Dentist — Dr. Beau Beecher | Honorable Mention: Dentist — Dr. Eric Kimball
Dr. Eric Kimball and Dr. Beau Beecher both have had family and very close friends in the dentistry business who served as role models for them. “Growing up, I had the opportunity to meet my uncle, David Beecher, and Brian Bouck,” Dr. Beecher said. “Both these guys explained how dentistry was fulfilling while offering the opportunity to be productive at home with family and in the community.” Dr. Kimball earned his dental degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry after obtaining his bachelor’s degree from Wartburg College. His numerous postgraduate education courses include specific training in cosmetic and implant dentistry to offer you a smile of your dreams. A recent course in laser dentistry allows him to provide periodontal treatment without scalpels or stitches. Dr. Beau Beecher graduated from the University of Iowa and went on to earn his dental degree from the school’s College of Dentistry. His commitment to lifelong education means that he is constantly evaluating emerging dental methods and technologies to provide his patients with the best results and a high emphasis on comfort. Some areas of study include cosmetic and laser dentistry and sleep apnea. Dr. Brian Bouck graduated from the University of Northern Iowa and went on to graduate from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Bouck holds a general dentist license as well as a sedation license, which allows patients to comfortably sleep during their dental procedures. He also has been involved with implant dentistry since 1985. Dr. Brian Andersen was born and raised in Marion, Iowa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish while also playing football for UNI. He went on to earn his master’s in biology from the University of Northern Iowa, focusing on aquatic toxicology projects in Northeast Iowa. After working for several years, he went on to earn his doctorate from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2008 and enjoys providing dentistry for all ages. Dr. Andersen strives to provide customized care and values the personal relationship with each person he meets. Dr. Andersen believes strongly in con-
COURTESY PHOTO
tinuing education and maintains active membership with the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry uses the latest technology to create beautiful and healthy smiles and is pleased to offer patients the following services in a friendly and comfortable environment: cosmetic dentistry, porcelain veneers, dental implant, tooth-colored fillings, metal-free crowns, dentures and partials, gum care, root canal, TMJ, braces, teeth whitening and infection control. Our office has one licensed sedation dentist, which is not common. We have the ability to comfortably put patients asleep while we finish all their dental work.
We also include the following services: implants, oral surgery, short-term ortho, cosmetics, root canals, crown/bridges and partials/dentures. We keep up with all the latest technology when it comes to new dental procedures and equipment. We have TVs in our operatories and an all-digital office with extended hours. And we offer free nitrous oxide to our patients who are anxious. The secret to our success, honestly, is to treat others as you would want to be treated. The patients always come first to us, and we take every step possible to make your mouth perfect. Kimball & Beecher Family Dentistry has been recognized as Best of the Best in pre-
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st ★ 3217 Cedar Heights Drive ★ (319) 277-6921 ★ 4015 Hurst Drive ★ (319) 235-6287 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ www.cedarvalleysmiles.net vious years. We strive to offer a great service, stand behind it and be available to provide it. We take care of a lot of people and follow up with our customers so they can return, and try to find out how to improve the patient experience. We strive to be available and educate patients about what we do. It is important to take care of patients with urgent concerns promptly.
Thank You for Voting Us Best of the Best Dentist Two Years in a Row! st
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4015 Hurst Drive Waterloo Iowa 50701 (319) 235-6287 3217 Cedar Heights Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 (319) 277-6921 WO-102011022
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
Don’s TV — Maximum Sight & Sound Honorable Mention: Electronics Store Don’s TV — Maximum Sight & Sound has served the Cedar Valley for 58 years. In addition to selling TVs and sound systems, they design and install custom home and commercial audio-video systems. They are able to integrate TV, sound, surveillance cameras, heating and cooling, alarms, lighting and shades into a single control system. Don’s has its own service technicians and installers. The employees do not “talk down” to customers, but patiently explain how to operate new technology. In 2010, Don’s Maximum Sight & Sound was named one of the top 40 custom
★ 4017 University Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-0344 ★ 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday ★ www.maxss.com
installing CE retailers in the country by CE magazine. Don’s does all things electronic for the home and business — audio, video, telephone, computer network wiring, satellite, lighting and shade control, home automation, security cameras and alarm systems.
Enjoy Your Home.
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
KJ & Kompany Honorable Mention: Receptionist — Lindsay Taylor Lindsay Taylor was born and raised in Waterloo. Lindsay has always had a passion for style and design. She has had several years of experience in retail sales and the customer service industry. L i n d s a y worked as a salon coordinator (receptionist) at KJ & Kompany when she was a senior in high school. After high school, Lindsay attended Hawkeye Community College Lindsay Taylor and received a degree in interior design. Lindsay rejoined the KJ & Kompany team one and a half years ago. Besides her receptionist duties, Lindsay uses her interior design skills to create the
★ 2060 Crossroads Blvd., Waterloo ★ (319) 232-9177 ★ 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday ★ www.kjandkompany.com
displays for KJ & Kompany’s large variety of professional hair care products. In 2010, she designed the display which took first place in the Aquage Susan G. Komen for the Cure Contest. This was a nationwide contest between salons raising breast cancer awareness through display and product sales with part of the proceeds going towards breast cancer. Lindsay is a great asset to the KJ & Kompany team. She greets all guests with her big smile and enthusiasm. Congratulations, Lindsay! We are proud of you.
QUALITY RELIABILITY SERVICE
THE BEST IN HOME THEATER & HIGH DEFINATION. • Home Theatre • TVs • Security Systems • Lighting Systems • Service Department • Central Vac
“Thank You” Cedar Valley for voting KJ&Kompany and Lindsay Taylor for “Best of the Best” iends
234-0344 4017 University Ave. Waterloo, Iowa dtvmaxss@aol.com www.maxss.com WO-102011072
our fr y m o Fr at
-91 Crossroads Center • 319-232
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
Famous Dave’s
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
First Place: Ribs
Famous Dave’s is very proud of its histo★ 6222 University Ave., Cedar Falls ry. Founder Dave Anderson spent 25 years ★ (319) 266-0200 traveling the country perfecting his reci★ 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through pes. The company has received more than Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday 500 awards. ★ www.famousdaves.com Famous Dave’s will have a Guest Appreciation Day on Oct. 27. As part of the Kids Feeding Kids proRegister to win a backyard barbecue for 15 people and enjoy an all-you-can-eat gram, any child 12 and younger who brings wing platter with two sides and a corn in a canned food donation for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank that day will eat free. muffin for $9.99.
Sears
Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. 62222 University Avenue Cedar Falls, IA 50613 • 319-266-0200 famousdaves.com cedarfalls@famousdaves.com Customers simply get more with Kenmmore®
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★ 2060 La Porte Road, Waterloo ★ (319) 235-8700 ★ 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday ★ www.sears.com
Dave says “Thank you” for making our Ribs Famous.
LEGENDARY PIT BAR-B-QUE ®
First Place: Appliances, Lawn Mowers Travis Weepie is the manager of Sears and has been in the business for 21 years. “We strive to provide best-in-class service, and we offer the largest assortment of appliances of any retailer,” Weepie said. Sears has received The Courier’s Best of the Best recognition in previous years.
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2060 Crossroads Blvd. lvd. Waterloo, IA 50702 02
FRENCH DOOR STAINLESS STEEL REFRIGERATOR
319-235-8742
Kenmore Elite 31 cu.ft.
w w w. s e a r s . c o m
Cedar Falls Farmers Market The Cedar Falls Farmers Market has been ★ West Third Street between Franklin and offering fresh produce for a quarter century Clay streets, Cedar Falls and specializes in a wide variety of seasonal ★ 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays from early May through goods grown by vendors and their families. October Baked goods, crafts, plants, flowers, meat, popcorn, eggs and more are available. Joe Bohr, market master, said the secret the products. “We are there to serve them to the market’s success is customer ser- every Saturday, rain or shine, from early vice and satisfaction and the freshness of May through October.”
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Honorable Mention: Fresh Vegetables and Fruit
www.WCFCourier.com
anytime. anywhere.
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Best of the Best 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURsday, OCTObER 20, 2011
Thank You Cedar Valley For Voting Dan Deery M "Best of the Best" Automotive Dealers
All New Look Coming Summer 2012
Dan Deery
Toyota-Scion
7404 University Ave., Cedar Falls
277-4500
www.dandeery.com WO-102011092
THURsday, OCTObER 20, 2011
Motors ship
www.wcfcourier.com
Best of the Best 2011
THE COURIER
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WATCH US GROW
Dan Deery Motor Co. www.dandeerymotors.com
3900 Alexandra Dr., Waterloo 233-5000 University & Main, Cedar Falls 266-5500
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Mauer Eye Center First Place: Eye Doctor — Dr. Amy Hartmann, Optical Honorable Mention: Eye Doctor — Dr. Richard Mauer “My career path in ophthalmology was first ignited when I realized this specialty could really make a huge difference in peoples’ lives,” said Dr. Richard Mauer. “The medical, optical and microsurgical options that exist to restore vision are truly moving. I just cannot imagine another place that I could be where I could have as much fun and be making a difference.” An Iowa native, Dr. Mauer has been head of the Mauer Eye Center for more than 19 years. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist who graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor’s degree and attended the University of Iowa College of Medicine for his doctorate in 1984. In 1994, he became certified by the American Board of Eye Surgery in cataract/ implant surgery, as well becoming a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Mauer and the Mauer Eye Center have been a staple in the Cedar Valley community, providing state-of-the-art eye care since 1990.
★ 2515 Cyclone Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 433-3000 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ www.mauereye.com
“I always knew I wanted to be in a field of taking care of patients and helping to make a positive difference in their health and lives,” said Dr. Amy Hartmann. “I never knew the eye care profession would be so dynamic and ever changing. But it is, and each day continues to be truly rewarding.” An Iowa native, Dr. Hartmann has been in the field of optometry for more than 14 years. She is a board-certified examiner in optometry who graduated from the University of Iowa bachelor’s degree in psychology. Dr. Hartmann also attended the Illinois College of Optometry and obtained her doctorate in 1995. Dr. Hartmann has been with Dr. Mauer and the Mauer Eye Center for almost 15 years. She continues to offer her patients the best one-on-one care for their individual needs.
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
State Farm Insurance Honorable Mention: Insurance Agent — Brad Jacobson “I got into this business because I enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives,” said Brad Jacobson of State Farm Insurance. “We are committed to building relationships with our clients. “We help people manage the risks of everyday life and recover from the unexpected.” Jacobson, who has been in the insurance business for 19 years, has earned the Chartered Life Underwriter designation. “We work together as a team to provide for the insurance and financial needs of our customers,” Jacobson said. “Our current team includes Susette Musch, Andrew Westendorf and Jessica Hilbert.”
★ 4919 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-4134 ★ www.bradjacobson.biz ★ 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday
Thanks to you ...
Brad Jacobson, Agent 4919 University Ave Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Bus: 319-277-4134 brad.jacobson.g94g@statefarm.com
… I’m where I am today. Thank you for voting for us in The Best of the Best in the Cedar Valley. I appreciate the opportunity to serve as your agent. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. ®
1001015
State Farm, Bloomington, IL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Crandall Inc. First Place: Remodeler Voted Best of the Best Remodeler 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and now 2011. At Crandall Inc., also known as Crandall Construction, we are excited to offer you many products along with our existing addition, remodeling and insurance claim services. Our Starmark cabinetry line offers a variety of styles and more than 100,000 combinations of doors, finishes and woods. Go to www.starmarkcabinetry.com for more information. Visit our showroom and get a first-hand view of the many cabinetry displays. We offer a large variety of cabinet knobs and pulls by Top Knobs and Richelieu. We have a large selection of laminate countertops from Wilsonart and Formica. On display in our showroom are Corian, Zodiaq, Silestone, Hanstone, granite and more. Milgard fiberglass and vinyl windows are custom made to order to exact specifications. Visit www.milgard.com for more information and to view the patio doors.
★ 1800 Commercial St., Waterloo ★ (319) 236-3336 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, after hours by appointment ★ www.crandallinc.com
Customers and potential clients should know that, first and foremost, we care about their property and their satisfaction. Our courteous, dependable and wellliked employees make our company the Best of the Best. It takes a whole team from the owner, management and crew members to make an award-winning team. Crandall Inc. also owns Servpro of Waverly/Independence. Servpro franchise professionals help the needs of insurers and property owners whenever you have a water loss, fire, storm damage or just need your carpets cleaned. Make the right choice the first time and call Crandall for all your construction and restoration needs.
Thanks for the Votes!
THE COURIER
PAGE 35
Greater Des Moines Visitor’s Bureau First Place: Best Day Trip
For memories that will last a lifetime, pack your bags and head to Des Moines. Our affordable, safe and friendly city is the perfect destination for a weekend with the family or entire week packed with fun. ■ Affordable attractions: You’ll find family-friendly attractions including Blank Park Zoo, Adventureland Park, Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater, the Iowa Speedway and the world-famous Pappajohn Sculpture Park. ■ Dining: Enjoy options from Italian to Thai to barbecue, as well as top-notch service and the dining atmosphere you’re looking for. ■ Get around: Navigating the city is easy with access to the entire metro area within a 20-minute drive and four miles of climate-controlled skywalks downtown. ■ Outdoor fun: Spend the day outdoors on a beautiful golf course, picking out the
★ 400 Locust St., Suite 265, Des Moines ★ (800) 451-2625 ★ visitdesmoines.com
perfect pumpkin at Center Grove Orchard or exploring more than 100 miles of trails. ■ Shopping: During your visit, make time to explore some of the area’s unique shopping districts, including Historic Valley Junction and the Historic East Village, and stop in at well-known favorites like Bass Pro Shops and Jordan Creek Town Center. ■ Sports: With Iowa Cubs AAA baseball, Iowa Barnstormers arena football and Iowa Energy NBA D-League basketball, this is the place to be for thrilling sports action. Des Moines is a centrally located, affordable and friendly destination where you’ll discover, laugh, explore and create lifelong memories.
VISIT DES MOINES
Thanks for voting us BEST DAY TRIP! Pack your bags and visit today!
BEST REMODELER 1st Place
Get a Handle... Call Crandall 1800 Commercial St. I Waterloo (319)236-3336 www.crandallinc.com
For memories that will last a lifetime
VISITDESMOINES.COM | (800) 451-2625
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Oakridge Realtors ★ 3313 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-5005 ★ Office: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; agents work seven days a week ★ www.oakridgerealtors.net
organizations that are important to our clients and their communities,” said Lyons. An area of interest to both home sellers and buyers is the technology changes that have impacted the ways in which residential real estate is marketed. Page has directed the deployment of technology at Oakridge. “Social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, virtual home tours and our interactive website are all tools that Oakridge agents utilize to facilitate making that buyer-seller connection,” Page said. As the Best of the Best real estate firm for the fourth consecutive year, Oakridge Realtors has made their case: In the Cedar Valley, they “Trust the Leader.”
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Life 101.9 KNWS Radio
First Place: Real Estate Firm Approaching their 30th year, Oakridge Realtors is the Cedar Valley’s largest real estate brokerage. Local broker-owners Dan Berregaard, Brian Page and Ann Lyons have continued a tradition of excellence that has earned them The Courier’s 2011 Best of the Best designation. Oakridge leadership attributes the company’s success to their 45 dedicated and highly trained agents. Oakridge associates participate in rigorous ongoing professional development programs to ensure that their clients benefit from working with the most knowledgeable agents in this market. Oakridge is highly visible in the Cedar Valley. The company views community involvement as a marketing strategy but more importantly as a key component of corporate citizenship. “We encourage and support involvement of our agents in the communities we serve,” said Berregaard. “And we direct our corporate sponsorships and contributions toward events and
www.wcfcourier.com
Honorable Mention: Radio Station
“I went into radio because I liked it and it was fun,” said Doug Smith, manager at Life 101.9. “But as I’ve stayed in Christian radio all these years, I see it more as a calling. Christian radio has a unique ability to bring comfort, encouragement and a sense of God’s presence to people across a wide area. Life 101.9 is a Christian music station with a 100,000-watt signal covering all of eastern Iowa. “We select music that is uplifting and encouraging, to help listeners realize how much God loves them and how they in turn can share that love with others,” Smith said. “We have a great staff, everyone is truly focused on the ministry. And we have wonderful listeners, too. As a non-commercial station, we rely on our listeners to donate to the station to keep us on the
★ 4880 Texas St., Waterloo ★ (319) 296-1975 ★ www.life1019.com
air. And every year they come through for us!” In the most recent ratings, Life 101.9 remains among the top 10 stations in eastern Iowa, as it has been for many years. And this year, the morning host Brent Manion was among six finalists for Air Personality of the Year among stations in similar-sized markets. “We are focused on our listeners and our community,” Smith said. “Programming our music is a collaborative effort, as we take the opinions of our Life 101.9 Music Team into account. And our community engagement initiatives are designed to help people, or to help our listeners to help others.”
Love. Hope. Family. Thank you to our many clients, associates, and friends who have again selected Oakridge Realtors as the Best Real Estate Office in the Cedar Valley. We understand the significance of decisions involving the purchase and sale of a home. It is deeply gratifying to know that our clients are pleased with the results when they put their trust in Oakridge. We look forward to another successful year serving YOU! Our thanks go out to the entire Cedar Valley for selecting Oakridge Realtors as the Best of the Best Real Estate Office for the fourth consecutive year.
Thank you for your support of Life 101.9!
WO-102011023
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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Green Effect First Place: Landscape Service Green Effect, founded by the late Jeremy Richardson, has been in business for five years. When Jeremy was a boy, he started following and helping his mom and dad in their yard. When he was 5 years old, he put a short, brick sidewalk in their backyard. Green Effect specializes in quality, complete yard maintenance, landscaping and snow removal, and stands behind their work. Their secret to being Best of the Best is Jeremy’s pride in his work and always leaving his job with self satisfaction. He is honest with all his clients. His knowledge comes from his dad, Steve Bell and other associates he met along the way who were willing to share their knowledge with him. Jeremy’s dream was to be the biggest and best for all your outdoor needs. He always says no job is too big or small as long as the end results are the best. Jeremy taught his Green Effect supervisors, Steven and
PONDSCAPES
★ 1625 Michigan Drive, Evansdale ★ (319) 269-8881, (319) 961-5800 ★ Phone answered day or night 24/7
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Ryan, his way of doing business, and with his dad Dean, being in the business for the last 31 years, Jeremy’s family and crew are all here to make his dream come true.
LANDSCAPE
COURTESY PHOTO
RESIDENTIAL
COMMERCIAL
SNOW REMOVAL • SANDING • SALTING FULL LANDSCAPING AND LAWNSCAPE
FOUNDER OF GREEN EFFECT THE LATE JEREMY RICHARDSON WO-102011027
GREEN EFFECT TEAM
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Veridian Credit Union First Place: Credit Union | Honorable Mention: Bank, Bank Teller — Kim Eastland
In 1934, John Deere Employees Credit Union was founded in Waterloo by a handful of John Deere employees who wanted to offer their fellow co-workers an alternative to commercial banks and other for-profit financial institutions During the tough economic times of the mid-’80s, we expanded our membership to the community and changed our name to John Deere Community Credit Union. In 2006, at the request of Deere & Company, we discontinued using “John Deere” in our name to avoid trademark confusion. We chose Veridian, derived from the words “verdant,” which means green and growing, and “veritas,” which means truth. Veridian is very proud of our heritage. It has provided a strong foundation upon which to build our future. We are continuing to grow with 25 branches throughout Iowa and more than 500 employees. Veridian is an Iowa original. We are an Iowa-based, nonprofit credit union owned by our members. Any profit we make is returned to members in the form of high-
er dividends, lower interest rates on loans and new services. Every member benefits, regardless of the size of the balance in their account. We help members reach their financial goals through individual attention and a welcoming atmosphere. These goals range from buying a home or vehicle for the first time to preparing for retirement. Our staff is able to provide knowledge and guidance for these goals and every goal in between. We know that each member has unique needs and we enjoy working with them to find services that will be the right fit. Veridian is pleased to have branches throughout Northeast Iowa. Members can visit us at any of our 13 branches located in Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Waverly, Independence and Oelwein. Membership at Veridian is open to people living or working in 35 Iowa counties and their family members; employees of Veridian’s business partners and their family members; and Iowa residents with disabilities as defined by the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990. We are a full-service financial institution that offers an assortment of financial services. Our traditional services include checking, savings and money market accounts, and auto, home equity and mortgage loans. Members are able to access their Veridian account online with home banking and through a mobile device with Veridian Mobile Banking. Statements are available to view online with eStatements. Veridian also offers guidance for investments, insurance and retirement planning thanks to partnerships with organizations such as MEMBERS Financial Services, Veridian Insurance and First Community Trust. As a part of our vision for the future, Veridian is committed to making members feel important and responding to their changing needs. Our staff creates relationships with members that help us understand what is going on in a member’s life so we can meet their needs. In every interaction, we want to exceed members’ expectations.
Veridian recognizes that being accepted is important. We embrace this by recruiting, educating and retaining employees who represent and value the members we serve. Our diversity and inclusion efforts continue to grow, throughout the organization, as we discover new opportunities and gather member feedback. On Sept. 7, Veridian received The Principal 10 Best Companies for Employee Financial Security 2011. This award is given to companies that are committed to helping employees with their physical and financial wellbeing. These commitments are shown through the company’s benefit package. Our mission is to partner with members to create successful financial futures. Besides our accounts, loans and other financial services, Veridian is pleased to help enrich the community by providing grant funding to organizations that provide financial education or help create an inclusive community, forming partnerships with many local organizations and sponsoring various events and scholarships for college students.
we’re honored ®
Veridian Credit Union would like to thank everyone who voted us Best of the Best. First place: Best Credit Union
Honorable mention: Best Bank
Enriching Iowa communities since 1934.
Honorable mention: Best Teller, Kim Eastland WO-102011079
AN IOWA ORIGINAL.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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PAGE 39
Community United Dan Berregaard Child Care Centers Oakridge Realtors First Place: Day Care Provider
Community United Child Care Centers is proud to be honored as the Best of the Best. We would like to thank our families for spreading the word about our high-quality child care and preschool. CUCCC is a nonprofit organization that has educated our community’s children since July 1993. Our teachers and education assistants provide a nurturing environment for each child, infant through school age, to learn and grow at Valley Park, Westridge and Nordic Child Development Centers. A creative curriculum is implemented in our infant through preschool classrooms. It is a research-based curriculum that is specifically designed for early childhood programs. It focuses on helping teachers to observe children more purposefully and to use their observations to plan for each child and the whole group. CUCCC teachers make a commitment to ongoing learning to
★ Nordic Chid Care Center and Preschool ★ 510 Nordic Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-4477 ★ Valley Park Child Care Center and Preschool ★ 1026 E. Seerley Blvd., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-7303 ★ Westridge Child Care Center and Preschool ★ 3610 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-5920 ★ www.cuccc.org
guide the decisions they make in their classrooms each day. CUCCC partners with Waterloo and Cedar Falls schools to provide high-quality preschool. Scholarships through Cedar Valley’s Promise also are available for CUCCC families.
First Place: Realtor Dan Berregaard has been in the real estate business for 12 years. “Prior to real estate, I was in retail sales and management. I realized that the two things I enjoyed most were working directly with the client/customer and helping them, but also working with other sales agents to help them learn and grow in their abilities to help their own customers/clients,” Dan said. “Making the transition to being a real estate agent and broker gave me a great opportunity to practice both of the things I enjoyed most. My work hours are split between working with my own real estate clients, helping them purchase and sell residential real estate and helping to lead our team of 45 licensed Realtors at Oakridge. “For me, it’s a great balance of those things that give me the most satisfaction,” he said. “I really enjoy what I do. I feel well-placed WO-102011071
and Preschool
Community United Child Care Centers, Inc. Valley Park 277-7303 • Nordic 266-4477 Westridge 234-5920 WWW.CUCCC.org • 3 locations to better serve you .
“Partnering with families to nurture and educate tomorrow’s leaders.”
★ 3313 Terrace Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 269-1549 ★ DanBerregaard@aol.com
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in my profession. When you love what you do, it comes across to your clients and in the service you provide. I care very much about my clients and the agents who work at Oakridge. I consider all I get to do a real privilege. “Life, and business, is about building quality relationships. My tag line is ‘Your Friend in Real Estate.’ “My goal is always to provide outstanding communication and professional counsel to my clients. At the same time, it is my hope that it is more than just a business transaction. My hope is that I truly become their friend in real estate.”
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Sherwin-Williams st st
1 365 SEVEN
★ 5212 University Ave., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-1034 ★ 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday ★ 1411 E. San Marnan Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 234-6138 ★ 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday ★ www.sherwin-williams.com
stains, coatings, wall coverings and associated supplies, plus sundry items. With more than 3,000 stores in North America, the company is dedicated to supporting the do-it-yourself consumer with specialized products and superior technical service that’s focused on the do-it-yourselfer’s unique project needs. The area Sherwin-Williams stores have been voted Best of the Best for several years.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR COLOR WITH THE VERY BEST PAINT. 5212 University Ave CEDAR FALLS 319.277.1034 1411 E San Marnan Dr WATERLOO 319.234.6138
©2011 The Sherwin-Williams Company. WO-102011007
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
TWENTY-FOUR
First Place: Paint/Wallpaper
Whether it’s sprucing up a room with a fresh coat of paint or dramatically transforming a living space, the local SherwinWilliams stores have more options in decorating products than ever before. Customers can choose from a huge array of choices in textures, patterns and colors. Sherwin-Williams is a one-stop source for everyone’s decorating needs. Its secret to being the Best of the Best is attributed to the employees being true experts in the business who really understand the product they sell. As a result, customers can get reliable how-to advice. Sherwin-Williams also provides customers with useful tools, such as a broad selection of easy-to-use, coordinated color scheme cards that help customers choose the perfect palette of hues for interiors and exteriors. The Cedar Valley is fortunate to have two Sherwin-Williams locations. The Cedar Falls store opened its doors in 1954. Founded in 1866, Sherwin-Williams is the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paints,
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • MOVIES • LIVE MUSIC
All of us thanking you. Thank you for voting U.S. Bank as the number one bank in the Best of the Best competition.
Thank you for voting us the BES T paint store!
Congratulations Matthew Martin -voted – voted the area’s best teller the region’s top bank teller!
We strive for Trad emark Customer Service and we’re glad you no ticed!
usbank.com Member FDIC WO-102011085
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Priority 1 Automotive Services
Jiva Lifestyle Salon & Spa First Place: Massage
Honorable Mention: Auto Services Priority 1 is prepared to assist customers with all the mechanical and maintenance needs of their vehicles. Priority 1 also has quality used cars for sale. Priority 1 is a locally owned and operated business. Local meaning the owners live and work in the Cedar Valley. The owners work side by side with their technicians so you can be sure of our commitment to the people of the Cedar Valley. In business for 16 years, Priority 1 has received awards/recognition over the past several years. Priority 1 appreciates the recognition, kind words and referrals from our customers. The customer is Priority 1.
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★ 1607 La Porte Road, Waterloo ★ (319) 232-0351 ★ 3819 University Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 236-1111 ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
Jiva Lifestyle Salon & Spa has been in business for nine years and is owned by Stephanie Bardal and Allison Longnecker. “We love the atmosphere and energy on Main Street and enjoy providing a relaxing spa atmosphere as well as an upbeat cutting-edge hair floor.” Jiva is a full-service salon and offers the latest in color and cuts using Aveda color and products. The spa is like no other in town — plush robes, a cozy fireplace and, as the vote showed, amazing massage therapists. The secret of Jiva’s success is the phenomenal staff. “We are a team of professionals who are dedicated to giving 100 percent to our guests every day. We also have a lot of fun together, even though we’re ‘working.’”
★ 223 Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 268-0772 ★ 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday ★ www.jivasalonspa.com
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Jiva was recognized as a national Salon Today Top 200 winner. “Not only do we take our work to the top level, we also do our best to give back. Locally, we have helped to raise more than $100,000 for the Beyond Pink Team through the Pink Ribbon Run. Nationally, we have donated, with the help of our guests, more than $18,000 to the Audobon Society to support Mississippi River cleanup efforts.”
11 voting us one of the Best of the Best in Automotive Services!
WO-102011034
LET NATURE WORK WONDERS. 1607 LaPorte Rd.• Waterloo
3819 University Ave. • Waterloo
1/2 Block from McDonald’s & Taco Johns
In front of Hobby Lobby
Experience breakthrough botanical formulas that deliver powerful therapeutic benefits. Aveda spa facials, massages and body treatments reconnect you to the Earth through the power of touch and the life force of plants. Book your personalized spa treatment today.
319-232-0351
319-236-1111
223 Main Street | Cedar Falls | 319.268.0772 | www.jivasalonspa.com
WO-102011082
Thank You Cedar Valley for
© Aveda Corp. © Aveda Corp.
®
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
Facets by Susong
1
First Place: Jewelry Store At Facets by Susong, we understand that each ring, pendant or pair of earrings holds distinct and special meaning. We are ever mindful of our responsibility to our clients to create exceptional pieces that reflect the emotion and excitement that comes with giving fine jewelry. We are passionate about jewelry, revealed in each piece we create. The designers and craftsmen at Facets by Susong are recognized industry leaders in custom jewelry design. What began as a wholesale manufacturing business in 1935 has transformed into a progressive custom design company owned and operated by Dave, David and Aram Susong. Every Facets piece is designed and handcrafted in-house through a balanced blend of old world skill and state-of-the-art technology. All materials are of the highest quality to assure the best possible products for our clients. In addition to our custom pieces, we also carry a variety of unique jewelry in our showroom. Each piece is available as shown, or cus-
WO-102011031
sstt
★ 201 E. Town Park Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 233-5357 ★ 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday ★ facetsbysusong.com
tomizable to meet your specific needs. Our salespeople are experts and will equip you with the education and tools needed to make an informed purchase. We strive to create a positive experience for each and every Facets client. Through our unique abilities, knowledgeable staff and endless variety in merchandise, we hope to exceed every expectation.
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Old Chicago
Valley Park Family Dental P.C.
Honorable Mention: Place to Have a Beer
Honorable Mention: Dentist — Dr. Eric Adams
is Pizza Slice Night from 8 to 11 p.m. when Valley Park Family Dental P.C. opened pizza is $1 per slice. in March 2010, and owner Dr. Eric Adams And every Thursday, Old Chicago is has been practicing his profession for home to Panther Sports Talk with Mark seven years. Farley at 6 p.m. “Many of the people in my family are in healthcare or education, and I always ★ 3217 Cedar Heights Drive, knew I Cedar Falls wanted to ★ (319) 277-6921 be in a pro★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and fession that Wednesday through Friday, allowed me 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday to help people if I could,” Adams said. “To me, dentistry was the perfect blending of the two. “I am grateful for the ability to create lasting friendships with people.” Valley Park Family Dental P.C. is a com-
Old Chicago’s College Square location has been open for two and a half years. It has 36 beers on tap and two happy hours daily. They specialize in beer and pizza, boasting 118 different beers from around the world, and they offer the World Beer Tour. Try 110 different beers and win prizes along the way. The Pizza Buffet is available from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every day, and every Tuesday
THANK YOU
★ 1915 Valley Park Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-1454 ★ 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to noon on the first Friday of each month ★ www.valleyparkdental.com ★ Follow Valley Park Family Dental P.C. on Facebook
prehensive family practice that provides preventative and cosmetic dentistry. Other services include crowns, bridges, root canals and a whitening program. They have recently added soft tissue laser for gum treatment and cold sores. Valley Park Family Dental P.C. focuses on patients’ needs and offers a relaxed and caring atmosphere. Most insurance is accepted; now accepting Care Credit.
TO THE
CEDAR VALLEY FOR VOTING US BEST OF THE BEST!
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JOIN OUR HOME TOWN WORLD BEER TOUR TODAY! WO-102011062
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1915 Valley Park Drive Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
319.277.1454
PAGE 44
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
Scratch Cupcakery ★ 111 W. Second St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-7855 ★ 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
2011 Beers to You and Gourmet Too event. This year we add a first-place for Best of the Best dessert and honorable mention for Best of the Best bakery. When Scratch Cupcakery opened in 2010, there was no way to know our tiny space would instantly become too small. We love our cozy atmosphere, but it’s no longer realistic for us. Our customers have allowed us huge flexibility as we stretched through major growing pains, and for that we’re so grateful. But this fall, we’re moving. We’re adding more indoor seating, more flexibility, more flavors of both cupcakes and gelato, a full-fledged party room, online ordering and more. We’re so excited about the move, and we hope the transition is smooth. We’ll announce our official moving date soon.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Chapala Mexican Restaurant
First Place: Dessert Honorable Mention: Bakery Natalie Brown, owner of Scratch Cupcakery, has been catering since college, but Scratch was her first venture into a cupcakes-only business. Scratch Cupcakery specializes in just cupcakes. We offer 14-20 flavors of cupcakes each day, from our six everyday flavors like Chocolate Chip and Oh Happy Day! to specialty flavors like Wedding Day and Salty Dog. We also serve nine flavors of gelato and sorbet, fresh-squeezed lemonade, fruit smoothies and frozen blends. Scratch Curbside delivers cupcakes three days each week and will start showing up all over the Cedar Valley soon. “Do what you know,” Brown said. “For me, it’s that simple. We could do all sorts of things and expand the menu a hundred ways. But we know we’re good at cupcakes, so why fix something that isn’t broken?” Scratch has placed in the Best of the Best for bakery in 2010, placed for Best Bakery 2011 in KCRG’s A-List awards and won the best food made with beer award at the
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Honorable Mention: Chips and Salsa, Margaritas, Mexican Restaurant Chapala Mexican Restaurant, owned by Sergio Areco, has been in business four years. Areco has been in the restaurant business for 24 years. Chapala is a family business offering authentic Mexican food, good service and great margaritas. ★ 900 La Porte Road, Waterloo ★ (319) 287-8005 ★ 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Thank You!
Thank you Cedar Valley for voting us
WO-102011078
#1
in Dessert and an honorable mention Bakery!
for voting us “Best of the Best” for Mexican Restaurant and Margaritas.
SCRATCH
CUPCA K ERY
111 W 2nd Street (MOVING to 315 Main in November!) Open Monday – Friday 9am-7pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Closed Sundays
gelato, sorbet, fruit smoothies and fresh lemonade 14-20 cupcake varieties each day. Special orders are welcome! CALL 319-277-7855 to place an order or visit us online at www.scratchcupcakery.com
900 La Porte • Waterloo, Iowa • (319) 287-8005 WO-102011021
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Newton’s Paradise Cafe Honorable Mention: Locally Owned Restaurant, Sunday Brunch Newton’s Paradise Cafe, owned and operated by Blake Landau, opened in downtown Waterloo 14 months ago. It is a third-generation family business. Newton’s uses quality ingredients that are locally grown and only the freshest products. We put a lot of love in it and really care about making the best food. Newton’s was the winner of Beers to You and Iron Chef of Waterloo and will be competing for the best tenderloin in Iowa. Potential customers need to try it. You won’t regret it.
★ 128 E. Fourth St., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-0280 ★ 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday
Stuff Etc. First Place: Consignment Store “I worked as the accountant for Stuff Etc. for more than eight years,” said John Claassen, co-owner of Stuff Etc. with Nancy Claassen. “When the franchise opportunity came up, we saw it as a good investment and a chance to get back to our home area” of Grundy Center and Aplington. Stuff Etc. is a department store of quality consigned goods. What makes us different from the average consignment/resale shop is that we accept a wide variety of items from furniture to books, clothing to appliances, jewelry to home decor and so much more. We are 23,452 square feet of used items, many of which are one-of-akind or have never been used. Our inventory changes every day. We currently serve more than 3,000 consignors. Being a part of a franchise gives us an advantage and an opportunity to learn from the best. Stuff Etc. Inc. has been in operation since 1985 and has refined their processes and procedures. One of our best features is our comput-
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*Offer valid Oct. 21-23rd, 2011 Not valid with any others or coupons. Certain conditions may apply. See store for details.
OFF
★ 1210 Flammang Drive, Waterloo ★ (319) 233-8009 ★ 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
erized inventory system. This allows every consignor to have an individual account that keeps track of all their consignments. Each item consigned is ticketed with a bar code, and when their items sell, the money is automatically applied to their account. This allows the consignor to collect their money as soon as their items sell, and they can view their account online. We also pride ourselves in merchandising all the items in the store in a manner that is visually appealing and inviting as well as organized in easy-to-shop departments. Our employees go to great lengths to ensure our consignors’ items are handled professionally and are secure while in our store and that customers have a fruitful and enjoyable experience while shopping.
20
%
OFF
House Wares and Wall Art
*Offer valid Oct. 21-23rd, 2011 Not valid with any other offers or coupons. Certain conditions may apply. See store for details.
Waterloo (next to Menards) 1210 Flammang Drive 319-233-8009 www.stuffetconline.com WO-102011032
“Dowtown Waterloo”
M-F 9AM-8PM • Sat. 9AM-5PM • Sun. Noon-5PM
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Den Herder Veterinary Hospital First Place: Veterinarian Jerry Den Herder, owner of Den Herder Veterinary Hospital, has been a veterinarian for 39 years. “We are all created with a purpose,” Den Herder said. “This is ours. “We have a wonderful staff and clientele.” Den Herder Veterinary Hospital specializes in preventative medicine and surgery, orthopedic and eye surgery, stem cell transplants, direct digital radiographs and exotic animal medicine and surgery. “We feel being accessible to our clients and patients 24 hours a day is vital to
★ 974 Home Plaza, Waterloo ★ (319) 232-5292 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturday ★ www.denherdervet.com
their well-being,” Den Herder said. “We accomplish this through our 24-hour oncall service, website, Facebook and our new blog.” Den Herder said the secret to their success is not losing the vision — to love and care for our clients and patients — in the midst of constant change.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Moment in Thyme First Place: Catering Moment in Thyme, owned by Len and Betty Swiatly, has been serving the Cedar Valley for eight years. “After spending 38 years in pre-press and graphics arts, I needed a change,” Len Swiatly said. “I took a job managing Indulgence in Cedar Falls and would make hors d’oeuvres for the wine tastings. At that time I also started providing the stuffed olives for the Stuffed Olive in downtown Cedar Falls. I still provide the olives today. I’m not sure I was thinking of catering as a profession at that time but one thing kind of lead to another and people starting asking me if I would prepare hors d’oeuvres for special events, wine tastings, open houses, etc. I have always had a passion for food. So I took my passion and cooking talents to the next level and created Moment in Thyme Catering in 2003. Moment in Thyme’s specialty is highend hors d’oeuvres, like Chilled Pea Shooters with Flying Shrimp, Wild Mushroom Crostini and Broccoli with White Truffle Oil.
★ 819 Longview, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 269-6658 ★ www.momentinthyme.com
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“I also come into people’s homes and prepare five-course gourmet dinners,” Len said. “These are the kind of hors d’oeuvres and dinner events that are the backbone to the success of Moment in Thyme. Aside from the hors d’oeuvres, I also specialize in preparing hand-stuffed gourmet olives, chocolate-covered strawberries and sweet and hot Italian sausage. “I think in the catering business, whether you’re serving hors d’oeuvres or preparing a multi-course dinner, it’s extremely important to create a dish that is visually appealing. Presentation is the key first ingredient. It’s a very important part of the eating experience. It makes the person think that if it looks elegant, it has to taste just as good as it looks. As a caterer, I have to make sure that it’s equally appealing to the palette. I want each individual’s dining experience to be as memorable as possible.”
We offer Compassionate Care for your pets
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• • • •
General & Orthopedic Surgery Stem-Cell Transplants Grooming & Boarding Exotic Animal Care
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974 Home Plaza, Waterloo • 232-5292 Mon-Fri- 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ; Sat 8 a.m - 11:30 a.m. www.denherdervet.com
WO-102011089
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Cedar Valley Hospice
THE COURIER
PAGE 47
Thank You for Choosing Cedar Valley Hospice
First Place: Home Health Agency, Medical Staff Member — Deb Card Honorable Mention: Medical Staff Member — Dr. Michael Deters Since 1979, Cedar Valley Hospice has been the area’s leader in delivering comprehensive palliative and end-of-life care. The organization’s 135 employees and 450 volunteers provide services based on core values including: compassion, respect, integrity, education, leadership, relationships, quality and excellence. “We are delighted to once again receive recognition as the best home health agency,” said Executive Director Marvin Fagerlind. “Our employees are dedicated to providing the best care to patients and families.” Katie Unland, human resource director, said, “Each and every individual staff member has special gifts that contribute to the mission of Cedar Valley Hospice.” Two employees recognized for their individual efforts are Deb Card and Dr. Michael Deters; both are part of the Waterloo care team. Deb has been an employee of Cedar Valley Hospice since 2003, and Dr. Deters joined the organization in 2008, after retiring from his private practice. “Deb Card goes above and beyond in every area possible,” said Unland. “She absolutely always has the patient and family members in mind every minute of the day. She is very dedicated to Cedar Valley Hospice and is supportive of other managers, co-workers and the patients served.” “Cedar Valley Hospice is so fortunate to have Dr. Deters on our staff because of his knowledge and skill,” Fagerlind said. “Caring and compassion are a major part of who he is.” The focus of the Cedar Valley Hospice team of professionals is the comfort and care of each patient. A team of doctors, nurses, social workers, aides, spiritual counselors and volunteers combine to provide excellent care with emotional and spiritual support emphasizing quality of life, rather than length of life.
★ Hospice Home: ★ 2001 Kimball Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 272-1771 ★ 2101 Kimball Ave., Suite 401, Waterloo ★ (319) 272-2002 ★ (800) 617-1972 ★ www.cvhospice.org ★ 310 E. G Ave., Grundy Center ★ (319) 824-3868 ★ (888) 878-3868 ★ 801 First St. East, Independence ★ (319) 334-6960 ★ (888) 273-8957 ★ 207 20th St. N.W., Waverly ★ (319) 352-1274 ★ (877) 485-7081
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The patient and their family are the decision makers in the care plan provided in the patient’s home, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, the Cedar Valley Hospice Home or wherever the patient calls home. Cedar Valley Hospice services are available to people of all ages who are suffering from any life-limiting illness regardless of age, diagnosis or ability to pay. Grief services for children and adults are available to anyone in the community. Additional community programs offered include palliative care and medical case management to those living with HIV or AIDS. Staff may be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cedar Valley Hospice is honored to provide the best in end-of-life care and grief services to thousands of patients and families throughout Northeast Iowa. With offices in Waterloo, Grundy Center, Independence and Waverly, Cedar Valley Hospice serves Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy, Tama, parts of Benton, Chickasaw, Delaware, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Linn, and Marshall counties.
We are proud to have been voted “Best of the Best” in home health care! Congratulations to medical staff members Deb Card and Dr. Michael Deters for also being voted “Best of the Best.” Since 1979 Cedar Valley Hospice has been Making Each Moment Matter with quality end-of-life care and grief support in your community.
319.272.2002 | cvhospice.org Waterloo | Grundy Center | Independence | Waverly | Hospice Home
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Iowa Community Credit Union Honorable Mention: Credit Union Iowa Community Credit Union is a nonprofit, cooperative financial institution. Established in 1950 in Waterloo, ICCU has been a leader in offering competitive rates, progressive services and our commitment to offering green services. Mark Heth serves as president and CEO of the member-owned credit union. We strive to give great member service quickly and easily. We also strive to offer rates and services that are competitive and are beneficial to the member.
A Step Ahead Therapy Center
Honorable Mention: Electrician
First Place: Physical Therapist — Lewis Benedict, Receptionist — Sandy Marsau Honorable Mention: Physical Therapist — Molly Bohlen
★ 201 E. 22nd St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-5438 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We’re The Best At Putting You In The Driver’s Seat.
www.wcfcourier.com
Stickfort Electric Stickfort Electric Co. has served the Cedar Valley for more than 50 years. Erwin Stickfort started the company in 1957 on the foundation of integrity, quality and trust. After 50 years, we strive to continue that tradition by providing the most reliable products and the highest level of service to all our valued customers. With years of experience, the professional and conscientious service we provide to our customers is what has made Stickfort Electric the area’s premier electrical contractor in the Cedar Valley. We will continue to earn your trust and vote of confidence in the future.
★ 3301 Cedar Heights Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-3940 ★ www.iccu.org
A Step Ahead Therapy Center has served the Cedar Valley for the past eight years. The independent, locally owned clinic has always prided itself in one-on-one patient care with a focus on hands-on treatment. A Step Ahead therapists are on the cutting edge of the most current research in the treatment of neck, back and chronic pain. Being the best is a team effort. From the minute you walk in and are greeted by Sandy (2011) and throughout your therapy with Kris Marcks (2010), Lewis (2011) or Molly (2009, 2011), you will always be working with the best of the best at A Step Ahead. ★ 3606 Kimball Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 234-3736 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ www.astepaheadtherapy.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
BE
HEARD! WANT TO SEE YOUR MUSIC LISTED? E-mail us at amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com. Submissions must be received 10 days prior to publication date.
Thank You! For Voting Us “Best of the Best” in n tthe he Cedar Valley!
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Thank you Cedar Valley for your business and
Voting us 1st Place in Best of The Best!! your world, your tan Experience the Best!
See Us For All Your Loan Needs Today! Cedar Falls Waterloo Cedar Rapids Carroll
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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Sa Salon alo lon nHours: Hour Ho Hours: urs: Salon 8am-11pm MM-Th M-F MF 7am-11pm 7am7a m-11 11pm pm m Fri 8am-10pm Sat S Sa a t 8am-10pm 8am 8a m -10 10p p m Sat 8am-8pm Sun S Su un No Noon on - 8pm 8pm pm Sun 12pm-8pm
Therapy Center, Inc. WO-102011042
Falls, Cedar Ced CCe edCedar ar FFalls,IA alllls,IA IA IA 5925 UniversityAve Ave. 55925 University Ave. e. 319.277.1522 3319.363.6581 Waterloo,IA W Waterloo, IA 33856 HHammond d Ave AAve. e. 3856 Hammond Ave. 331 9.235.8002 319.235.8002 319.235.8002
No AApp Appointments ppoo pp t WO-102011017
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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Cedar Valley Podiatry First Place: Podiatrist — Dr. Ronald Cervetti Cedar Valley Podiatry has been serving the Cedar Valley’s and surrounding area’s foot and ankle needs for more than 33 years. Dr. Ronald Cervetti started his practice on University Avenue in Waterloo in 1978. A state-of-the-art Foot & Ankle Center was designed and completed in August 2008 at 4508 Chadwick Road in Cedar Falls. The Foot & Ankle Center offers our patients a more welcoming space. The new office can now offer modern exam rooms, surgery suite, x-ray and ultrasound all in one convenient location. Also, an MRI machine has been added to do onsite MRIs. But there is one thing that has not changed at Cedar Valley Podiatry, and that is the philosophy that the patients are the reason we are here. “We look at it as a privilege to be able to take care of people, our patients,” Dr. Cervetti said. A podiatrist is a physician and surgeon specifically trained to treat and care for
diseases or conditions of the foot and ankle. Podiatrists treat all aspects of the foot and ankle from skin and bone to muscle. It can be as complicated as an ankle fusion or as simple as an ingrown toenail. Podiatry patients can be any age, from children with flat feet or sport injuries, to grandparents with diabetic foot needs. Most of us walk more than 1,000 miles a year; that’s four times around the globe in a lifetime. No wonder we have foot problems. Dr. Cervetti is joined in the practice by Dr. Phillip Morreale and Dr. Charles Cibula. Dr. Morreale has been in the practice with Dr. Cervetti since 1987. Dr. Morreale takes a special interest in diabetic foot care. “Diabetes affects our feet because they are the farthest from our heart and the small vessels in our feet don’t get the blood supply they need. Our diabetic patients need to be educated and learn about treatment and prevention. A majority of our foot care is conservative and nonsurgi-
cal, allowing our patients to maintain a functional and productive lifestyle. Many studies have shown a large reduction in diabetic foot-related complications with comprehensive foot care,” Morreale said. Cedar Valley Podiatry does offer special shoes for diabetic patients with a need. Dr. Charles Cibula joined Cedar Valley Podiatry in August 2010. He is a Belle Plain native and is excited to be back in Iowa after practicing in Michigan. Dr. Cibula stresses that it is important that patients realize that podiatrists also are highly skilled surgeons. Dr. Cibula does all surgeries related to the foot and the ankle, including the newest ankle replacement procedure. The addition of the MRI to the practice has helped our doctors obtain an accurate and quick diagnosis in treating the patients. Dr. Cibula also has recently had additional training in wound care and has treated many patients this past year with these types of problems. An average
★ 4508 Chadwick Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-4508 ★ 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday
patient day for Dr. Cibula could include patients with callouses, bunions, impressions for custom-molded orthotics or severe ankle injuries from a motorcycle accident. The foot and ankle area is a relatively small area but also is very complex. No matter what the condition or treatment, each patient at Cedar Valley Podiatry is equally important. The entire staff strives to pay attention to the smallest detail for each patient. The doctors and staff continually update their skills and education. They strive to stay on the cutting edge of technology but also realize that nothing is more important than old-fashioned patient interaction. Each patient is an individual with individual needs and concerns and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Cedar Valley Podiatry Foot & Ankle has served the Cedar Valley for over 33 years and continues to strive for excellence in quality foot care for your entire family.
Thank you for your voting us the Best of the Best again. We are proud of the honor and will work hard for all our patients.
319-277-4508 WO-102011008
Toll Free 1-800-362-4180 Offices in Oelwein Sumner Charles City and Independence
Dr Ronald Cervetti
Dr Philip Morreale
Dr. Charles Cibula
4508 Chadwick Rd., Cedar Falls www.cedarvalleypodiatry.com
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Deery Brothers Leer’s Cycle Center Collision Center First Place: ATV | Honorable Mention: Motorcycles
Honorable Mention: Auto Body — Collision
We at Deery Brothers Collision Center would like to say thank you to all our customers, vendors, insurance companies and insurance agents throughout the Cedar Valley. It seems like only yesterday we opened this 36,000-square-foot state-ofthe-art facility, said general manager Glen Hulbert, who has been with the Deery organization for more than 27 years. Currently, we have gone green by changing to a PPG waterborne paint system. This is much healthier for our employees as well as the environment. Deery Brothers Collision Center is the first of two Toyota certified shops in all of Iowa. The other is Deery Brothers in Burlington, which is patterned on our shop. Toyota has only 167 certified shops in the United States. It takes a lot of talented, well-trained employees to keep this size of shop going,
★ 201 E. Seerly Blvd., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-9900 or (800) 263-2414 ★ 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday ★ www.deerycollision.com
and we couldn’t do any of it without our excellent office staff run by Kim Hansen. Our estimators, Mark, Kevin and Kim, and parts manager Charlie have backgrounds in repair and insurance and are more than willing to walk you through the entire repair process. Our top-notch technicians are what really set us apart from the rest. We offer a full line detail shop, run by Greg Azbill, and we also apply spray-in bed liners.
As an authorized dealer for Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, PWC, boats, Can Am ATVs, Spyder motorcycles, Suzuki and Kawasaki, Leer’s Cycle Center provides sales and service to the Cedar Valley. Shannon Rousselow, one of the owners, said: “We have a large array of clothing and accessories in stock. We are always adding new items to our stock to stay up-to-date with our customers’ needs. “We have great employees who go out of their way to take care of our customers’ needs.” Stop in and see our allnew state-of-the-art facility.
COURTESY PHOTO
★ 101 Fletcher Ave., Waterloo ★ (319) 235-6453 ★ 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday ★ www.leerscyclecenter.com
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11 Thank You Cedar Valley for Making Us Your Choice DEERY BROTHERS
COLLISION Member of the Cedar Valley Collision Association Member of the IADA (Iowa Auto Dealers Association) Member of Iowa Collision Repair Association
CENTER, INC. OEM PARTS Ask us for the real thing
Original Collision Parts The imitations can never be more than mere imitations
Production Parts Manager Manager
Estimator
Kim Kim Glen Hansen Cummings Hulbert Office Manager
Estimator
Kevin Kerr
General Estimator Manager
Parts
Deery Brothers Collision Center WO-102011067
201 E.Seerley Blvd. • Cedar Falls, Iowa • 266-9900
DODGE
WO-102011049
Mark Chad Charlie Hansen Klobassa Schmitz
LEER’S CYCLE CENTER 101 Fletcher Ave • Waterloo 319-235-6453 www.leerscyclecenter.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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Cedar Valley Electric Rick Dumler and Kevin Juel started their business, Cedar Valley Electric Co. Inc., 13 years ago and have been working in their profession for more than 25 years. Rick and Kevin worked together at another business in town and decided in 1998 to start their own business to provide customers with a solution for their electrical needs in an honest and professional manner. We specialize in all aspects of residential wiring from remodels, updates, new homes, etc. Also, we do commercial projects such as new buildings, remodels, etc. Because we and our employees are from the area, we try to take ownership of the projects we work on. This hopefully comes through to the customer and they know we will be there in the future to help them in any way we can. It’s about creating a great relationship with them.
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First Place: Electrician
★ 5743 Westminster Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-1134 ★ 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
We want our customers to know we are just like them. We want to give the customer a job that is done right and they are happy with, keeping them informed on the progress so there are no surprises at the end of the project.
Let Us Help Create Your Dream With Custom Lighting Design
COURTESY PHOTO
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Lighting Up the Cedar Valley Since 1998
WO-102011064
PROVIDING ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING
Residential & Commercial 5743 Westminster | Suite A | Cedar Falls, IA | 319-266-1134
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Aable Pest Control First Place: Pest Control
Mike Price has been working in the pest control business for 42 years. “I started in this business in 1969 working for a national pest control company,” he said. “In 1981 I started Aable Pest Control out of my basement and it has grown to where it is today. “In 1994, I purchased a Terminix franchise in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Dubuque. The rest of northeast Iowa is my Aable business.” All Aable’s technicians are certified by the state of Iowa. After that, they all have to pass the Purdue entomology course, then the American Institute of Baking course, which is an advanced course in pest control. Besides winning Best of the Best eight years in a row, Aable has been recognized in two national pest magazines, plus earning membership in the National Quality Pro Association. Aable controls ants, spiders, roaches, mice, rats, bed bugs, termites, as well as product fumigation, weed control and bird eradication. Aable also has invested in a bed
★ 1615 Jefferson St., Waterloo ★ (319) 291-7200 ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday ★ www.aablepestcontrol.com
bug dog and handler as well as a heat trailer to eradicate bed bugs. Aable Pest Control has been very fortunate to have been able to service the Cedar Valley area since its inception with the help of some great employees. Tony Wright, the branch manager, has been with Aable for 22 years; Lori Price, operations manager, for 23 years; Myron Engelhart, termite supervisor, 21 years; Dave Jansen, area manager, 16 years; and the list goes on. Mike Price Jr. also has rejoined Aable to carry on with the tradition. Mike Jr. had a successful pest control business in Reno, Nev., until recently when he sold his business to work with Mike Sr. and Aable Pest Control and to carry on the business when Mike Sr. retires. Mike Sr. says that pest control is an ever-
DAVE JANSEN
MIKE PRICE
CRAIG VOCIKER
BILL CORNELL
ILL & Wisconsin
Owner/CEO
Accounting
Service Manager
changing business, whether it’s the way pest control is performed or the insect pressures from year to year. Some years its Asian lady beetles, some years it’s fleas, others it’s boxelder bugs. This year’s insect of choice is bed bugs. They’re extremely hard to get rid of and very easy to transport. When some insecticides were banned that had a very good residual, the bed bugs came back with a vengeance.
We're ready and "Aable" to serve you
Aable has made a choice to invest in the latest equipment and technology to try to stay ahead of the bugs. The heating equipment Aable purchased can heat an entire house to 135 to 140 degrees. Heat over 122 degrees will kill all stages of bed bugs. Mike Price says Aable will be around, hopefully, for another 30 years to be of service for the people of the Cedar Valley and surrounding areas.
MARK WILLMSEN
BLAKE ROSE
DICK SCHOEMAN
MEGAN HALL
Commercial Technician
Technician
Termite Technician & Heat Specialist
Customer Service/ Scheduler
Thank you KYLE KOBLISKA
TONY WRIGHT
MYRON ENGELHARDT
JUSTIN ROUSE
TECHNICIAN
Branch Manager
Termite Supervisor
Technician
Cedar Valley for voting us
APRIL SAUER
JOE NOLTE
Accounts Receivable
Technician & Heat Specialist
MICHELLE O’BANNION Receptionist
CHRIS WALTERS Data Retention
NOT PICTURED Samantha Robbins Technician
BECKY PRICE Data Retention WO-102011080
LORI PRICE Operations Manager
JOHN GREENWALD Sr. Technician
MICHAEL GARRETT Sr. Technician
8th year in a row
Kathy Marold
K-9 Handler
CARYN GARBOWITZ
JOHN PETSCHE
Data Entry
Sr. Technician
DEB BENTLEY Customer Service - Lead Scheduler
Tucker
K-9 Bedbug Specialist
www.wcfcourier.com
Pizza Ranch Pizza Ranch has been around for 30 years. The Cedar Falls location, owned by Scott Davis, Mike Flanagan and Todd Pearce, has been open since September 2010. “We feel the Cedar Valley would be a great fit for our restaurant,” said ??? “We specialize in our pizza and chicken buffets and have a great salad bar.” Pizza Ranch delivers pizza and chicken and also has it to go.
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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★ 4302 University Ave., Ste. B, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-2555 ★ 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday ★ www.pizzaranch.com
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THANKS FOR VOTING US NUMBER
First Place: Chicken
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BEST CHICKEN in the
CEDAR VALLEY
4302 University Ave, Suite B Cedar Falls, IA, 50613 • 319-266-2555
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
College Square Apartments Honorable Mention: Receptionist — Mary Trettin BH Management Services, founded by ★ 923 Maplewood Drive, Cedar Falls Harry Bookey, is in the business of rent★ (319) 277-3138 ing high quality apartment homes. Mary ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, Trettin is the leasing consultant at College 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Square Apartments. “Loving my job creates the desire for me The philosophy of BH Management Serto be the best I can be,” she said. “I especially enjoy finding a way to connect and vices is simple: Provide the highest quality develop a rapport with each person who living environment and resident services to retain satisfied customers. walks through our door.”
Dan Deery Motors Curt McCallum has been in sales for almost 20 years, with more than 11 years at Dan Deery Motor Co. He has earned several sales leader awards. His secret to his success? “Listen to your customers, know their friends, know their families. And take the time to find out what they want to buy, not what you want to sell them,” McCallum said. “When you visit our store, you will get the Best of the Best, whether it’s your first
COLLEGE S QUARE
Apartment Homes
OPPORTUNITY
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First Place: Auto Salesperson — Curt McCallum
(319) 266-5500 1-800-728-4501
Dan Deery
time here or your 100th time. The people of the Cedar Valley deserve the Best of ★ (319) 277-4500 the Best and they or (319) 230will find it at Dan 2034 (cell) Deery Chrysler Jeep ★ curt@dandeery. com Dodge Ram.” Stop in and see Curt at Dan Deery Truck Center, University Avenue and Main Street in Cedar Falls.
You Want
MORE... YOU GET MORE!! MORE
MOTORS 7404 University Ave., Cedar Falls, IA st
1
11
Curt McCallum
Sales Consultant
Thank Yoleuy ! l a V r a d e C
Witham Auto Center Honorable Mention: Automotive Salesperson — Joe Bobst
Joe Bobst Sales Consultant WATERLOO • CEDAR FALLS • LA PORTE CITY WO-102011043
Joe Bobst has certainly earned this rec★ University Avenue and Main Street, ognition. He consistently goes far beyond Cedar Falls the call of duty to ensure total satisfaction ★ (319) 277-8123 on the part of those he serves. Each month ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday Joe produces a customer newsletter and he with his dad. follows up with customers new and old. Joe is honored by this recognition and Joe and his wife have a son in high school in Cedar Falls. They enjoy watching him said it will only keeps him trying harder to play football and pursuing 4-wheeling be the Best of the Best.
EQUAL HOUSING
Joe Bobst
Cedar Falls
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson
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First Place: Motorcycles | Honorable Mention: ATVs Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson/Yamaha has been recognized by The Courier’s Cedar Valley’s Best of the Best for five years in a row. The main store is located at the corner of U.S. highways 63 and 20 with a second location at Crossroads Center, on the lower level next to Scheels. The Crossroads store sells everything but bikes, and its merchandise is different from the main store. 2011 brought a change to the Silver Eagle family with the addition of Yamaha products. “Along with Harley-Davidson, we will now be able to provide the Cedar Valley and surrounding areas Yamaha products including sport ATVs, utility ATVs, off-road motorcycles, side x sides, off-road scooters and Waverunner watercraft. With these new products, we are now able to offer our customers products that Harley-Davidson does not manufacture,” said owner Anthony Lumetta. Owners Anthony and Vince Lumetta believe in two things: customer service and
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community. The focus at Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson and Yamaha is first and foremost its customers. Their belief is when they focus on their customers, they come back time and time again delighted in quality HarleyDavidson and Yamaha products and, more importantly, delighted in Silver Eagle. Part of the mission statement at Silver Eagle reads: “How we achieve our vision of superior customer service will be through our committed team members, extraordinary people doing ordinary things extraordinarily well. … We will, as a team, steadfastly refuse to make any change that does not offer a benefit to our customers.”
★ 4022 Sergeant Road, Waterloo ★ (319) 235-6505 or (800) Harley ★ www.silvereagleharley.com
This customer service concept rings true from the motorclothes, sales and parts department to the award-winning service department with the area’s only HarleyDavidson factory-trained technicians. They also feature Harley-Davidson authorized Express Lane Service: “Roll in and roll out in less than an hour.”
Anthony and Vince also believe that giving back to the community aids in the sense of pride that always accompanies HarleyDavidson riders and employees. These local events include the support of local charities, and they also sponsor countless activities in the Cedar Valley throughout the year. “We believe in the Cedar Valley. And we believe in supporting our community by buying local and giving back to those in need. We aim to make a big difference in our community by supporting local groups such as the Armed Forces, MDA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the NE Iowa Food Bank and the Make-A-Wish Foundation” to name a few, said Anthony. “We would like to thank our great staff for their dedication and commitment, and also our great customers for voting us Best of the Best again in 2011. And remember, the experience starts here. We look forward to seeing you soon, and we invite you to come see why everyone is buying from Silver Eagle Harley-Davidson/Yamaha.”
Thank you for FIVE YEARS 1st PLACE Best of the Best Motorcycle Dealership www.SilverEagleHarley.com
www.SilverEagleYamaha.com
NOW! ATV’s, motorcycles, side by sides and Waverunners! WO-102011035
4022 Sergeant Road, Waterloo 319-235-6505
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
Century 21 LSB Real Estate ★ 212 Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-8080 ★ 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday ★ century21.com
ers and the communities in which they live. In addition to being a leader in industry, we are No. 1 in market leadership for brand awareness and the most recognized name in real estate nationally for the 10th consecutive year. Century 21 is a leader and innovator in the ever-changing field of real estate. We also received the Inman Innovator Award in 2011 for our real estate technology. Working locally with Century 21 LSB, our customers get the best of a large multinational company and the best of a real estate office in their community — the best of the best. Thank you, Cedar Valley, for your recognition!
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Witham Auto Centers
Honorable Mention: Real Estate Firm/Brokerage Company
Century 21 Real Estate LLC is the franchisor of the world’s largest residential real estate sales organization, providing comprehensive training, management, administrative and marketing support for the Century 21 System. The system is composed of approximately 8,000 independently owned and operated franchised broker offices and 121,000 agents in 73 countries and territories worldwide. In the Cedar Valley, Century 21 LSB Real Estate is owned by Lincoln Savings Bank, with offices in Cedar Falls and Waverly as well as in-branch agents within the bank’s footprint. For Century 21 LSB Real Estate, our greatest assets are our Smarter. Bolder. Faster. agents. We’re fortunate to have licensed Realtors and support people who are passionate about what they do, and they are willing to go the extra mile for their custom-
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Honorable Mention: Auto Dealerships “Our consistent commitment to being Cedar Valley’s No. 1 family-friendly auto dealership continues to earn customer recognition and manufacturer awards. We are humbled by the distinction this Best of ★ 2033 La Porte Road, Waterloo the Best honor bestows on Witham Auto ★ (319) 234-4200 Centers,” said Jay Witham. ★ 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Witham Auto embraces its satisfaction Saturday guarantee with the promise that “Every★ www.withamauto.com thing we do is driven by you!” The Best of the Best spotlight shines on Witham’s sales and service team. It recognizes people who are dedicated to meeting the special and particular transportation needs of each and every customer. Witham Auto Centers of Waterloo, The next time you are looking for a new Cedar Falls and La Porte City offer the area’s best selection and best values in or used vehicle, trust the Best of Best, Ford, Chevy, Kia, Volkswagen and pre- Witham Auto Centers in the Cedar Valley. Thank you for this honor. owned vehicles.
Thank you Cedar Valley!
WATERLOO • CEDAR FALLS • LA PORTE CITY
For naming C21 LSB Real Estate BEST OF THE BEST!
“Thanks For Your Confidence!”
Serving the Cedar Valley with two convenient locations. Waverly 1810 4th. St. SW (319) 352-1157
Cedar Falls 221 Main Street (319) 266-8080
www.C21LSB.com
Scan Me!
WO-102011063
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Koch Construction Potter’s Hearing Honorable Mention: Remodeler
We have one goal at Koch Construction: To create and maintain lifelong customers. We will achieve this goal by ensuring that the delivery and quality of your project is to your satisfaction from the planning stages, throughout the course of the work, at the time of completion and far into the future — no excuses. Koch Construction was founded in 1980 by Karl and Jeff Koch. Karl began his residential construction career in 1955 and is an accomplished homebuilder, finish carpenter and cabinet maker. Karl was born in America but raised in Denmark, returning to the United States in 1950. Koch Construction was founded on the old world values of craftsmanship, work ethic and integrity that Karl brought back with him to America. These are the same values, coupled with modern day technology, that our work today is based on. Karl first instilled the art of construction and customer service in Jeff and then again when Mark Koch joined the business in 1988, as well as longtime employees John Everman and Justin Manifold. In turn, Jeff, Mark, John and Justin continue to pass
First Place: Hearing Service
★ 215 E. Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-0807 ★ 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
along these base values to all Koch Construction staff. Koch Construction continues to see steady growth as demand for our services increases, along with the demand for us to take on new types of projects. At Koch Construction, we take your project seriously. We try to offer the service that we wish we could get but is all too rare in today’s environment. We feel no one works harder to provide you the best communication, accurate up-front pricing and work performed to a schedule that is rarely missed. Whether it is a home remodeling project, commercial roofing or having your gutters cleaned, your work will be completed with the goals and values supporting our philosophy of “Satisfaction … Today and Tomorrow” and “Lifelong Customers.” Our founder Karl Koch has often said, “Service is our business, construction work is just a sideline.”
I wanted to change my profession (previously and insurance agent) and wasn’t sure where I wanted to go. I just wanted to be in the business of helping people. I went through training to be licensed as a hearing aid dispenser. When I wanted to go on my own, I found Gerald Shafer who wanted to retire and was willing to sell me his business. I worked for several years just establishing myself and really loved working with the patients. I decided to build my practice with as much caring as I could. I specialize in personalized care. I really enjoy people and I love to learn abut their lives and needs and help them to realize the value and rewards of good hearing. I make the patient my friend and I do for each as much as I can to make life better. I believe personal caring and a real interest in each person has given me a loyal patient base. I do all I can to make sure each patient has what is needed, what is wanted and what is affordable. My patients know I care about them and that I will work with
★ 1416 W. Fourth St., Waterloo ★ (319) 232-7113 and (800) 974-7113
them until they are satisfied. Years ago, a man from California who I helped on a Saturday morning wrote to Dear Abby and detailed his experience working with me. The wonderful testimony was more valuable than most anything else I could have done at that time. The phones rang continually, emails and faxes came from everywhere, and the mail got delivered to me without even a street address. It was remarkable. I have served on the Iowa Hearing Board for a number of years as president, treasurer and board member. I hold my profession to the highest ethical standard possible. I am a sole proprietor. My business has grown over the years and I have enjoyed every moment. I keep abreast of new developments and explore possibilities for better hearing.
Thanks for voting us Sherry Jaramillo
Brad Becker
Brett Kueker
Karl Koch
Dusty Schlette
Kenny Langston
Ryan Maltas
John Everman
Jason Roberts
James Toulouse
Carrie Buschmann
Suad Murgic
Expect the Best Justin Manifold
Ryan Clark
Quality | Service | Price
Mark Koch
w w w. k o c h c o n s t r u c t i o n . o r g
WO-102011047
215 E. Main St. | Cedar Falls | 319.266.0807
1416 West 4th St., Waterloo, lowa WO-102011090
Jeff Koch
319-232-7113
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
PAGE 57
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Mr. Carpet First Place: Carpet Brad Smith started as the general manager of Mr. Carpet in 2002; he and his wife, Dana, purchased the business in 2006. Brad chose this profession because it seemed like a good field to be in. He stayed with it, and it was a perfect fit for him because it was a great company with strong morals, values and high standards and top quality service. Although our specialty has always been carpet cleaning and where we have built our reputation, we also clean upholstery, tile and grout and are also becoming known as having the area’s premier fine rug cleaning business. We strip and re-wax VCT floors. We have two of the area’s highest certified water damage restoration specialists and have the best knowledge and understanding of the science behind drying out homes and businesses. Brad and Dana were recently featured on CNN’s “Morning Express with Robin Meade,” Yahoo! News, KWWL, WHO TV
and KTIV when they purposely flooded their home with a 1,000 gallon swimming pool to prove that they are so confident in their abilities to dry out a home that they were willing to do it to their own. Consumers can view the news coverage of this event by visiting our website at www. mrcarpet.net. Our secret to success is really not a secret. Instead it’s a bunch of things that are the fundamental building blocks of having the best business around. Not only do we provide the best cleaning and water damage restoration possible, but we also provide people with top notch service delivered by someone that truly cares about their home and belongings. We have four written guarantees that ensure homeowners will be completely thrilled or they won’t have to pay. We also spend a lot of time, energy and resources educating people about carpet cleaning and helping them make informed decisions when choosing a carpet cleaner.
Brad created a free consumer awareness message that spells out 1) Six costly misconceptions of carpet cleaning, 2) Four steps to choosing the right carpet cleaner for you and 3) Eight questions to ask any cleaner before letting them into your home. Consumers can hear this message any time, 24 hours a day by going online to www.mrcarpet.net and clicking on the link at the bottom right on the home page. Consumers also can discover our guarantees, see before-and-after pictures, see what others have to say about the company, etc. by visiting the website. Brad believes there is a big difference between a company that is good, and a company that is great. Good companies can give people what they want. Great companies make cheerleaders that go out of their way to vote for them. You see, we aren’t the biggest company in the Cedar Valley. There are probably several that are much larger. But the difference is we have
★ 3715 Carlton Drive, Cedar Falls ★ (319) 291-8665 ★ www.mrcarpet.net
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created clients that go out of their way to vote. And for that we are humbled and thankful. There is comfort in our 100 percent NoRisk Guarantee when choosing us for your cleaning needs that says if for whatever reason you are not happy, we will return and re-clean the areas for free. If for whatever reason you are still not thrilled, we will refund all of your money. What could be more fair? We are in the business to make lifelong friends and clients. Our reputation has been and will continue to be built on great word of mouth advertising. We have been voted as “Best of the Best” for the last eight years for a reason.
You Get The Most Thorough Ever,Or OrIt’s It’sFREE! FREE! e Most ThoroughCarpet Carpetand andTile Tile Cleaning Cleaning Ever,
8 Years Running! Pick Your Discount! Every 3rd Room Cleaned FREE! or 25% OFF!!
What Your Neighbors Have To Say:
6 Reasons Why You Should Choose Mr. Carpet Cleaning Company:
“I loved it– cleaned the carpets better than any other carpet cleaner I have used before.” -Linnea Chiattello, CF
1. BECAUSE YOU GET AN EXACT APPOINTMENT TIME. None of this “I’ll be there between noon and 5” stuff here. And if we’re ever off of schedule, we’ll call and let you know. 2. YOU GET PROMPT RESPONSE I usually have an opening within a week 3. YOU GET HONEST PRICING No sales sales gimmicks, gimmicks, no is is No no hidden hiddencosts. costs. II charge chargeper persquare squarefoot footsosoeveryone everyone treated equally. equally. no No‘pre ‘perroom’ room’gimmicks gimmicks here. here. Think Think aboutabout I treated it — ifit–I ifcharged charged ‘per room’ wouldn't with room a largebe getting a great deal and ‘per room’ wouldn’t someonesomeone with a large room be getting a great deal and someone with a small someone with a small room be getting a terrible one? room be get ing a terrible one? 4. I DON’T CUT CORNERS– I CLEAN THEM! I take the time necessary to make sure every square inch is cared for. 5. NO PRACTICING ON YOUR CARPETS! Specialist,Lucas Lucashas hascleaned cleanedwell wellover over1 1million million square of carpet, My Specialist, square feetfeet of car so hesowouldn’t be practicing on yours. pet, he wouldn’t be practicing on yours. 6. BECAUSE WE WERE VOTED ‘BEST OF THE BEST’ FOR 8 YEARS RUNNING!! Look– the truth is that I could brag on my company all day long. Most people would expect me to. But when you see that we’ve been voted the Best of the Best now for 8 YEARS RUNNING, wouldn’t you start to believe the hype???
“I found that Mr. Carpet was trustworthy. I was very satisfied with their work.” -Larry & Cheryl Hetherton, CF “It is comforting to work with a company that you trust.” -Pam Bader, Dunkerton “Arrived exactly on time! Personable young men. My carpet looks like new!” -Sandy Truman, Waterloo
COUPON
17% OFF Tile and Grout Cleaning and Sealing g
COUPON
17% OFF FF F Furniture Cleaning WO-102011005
WARNING Don’t Call Any Carpet Cleaning Company Until You Hear This FREE, Recorded Message! You Will Hear: 6 Costly Misconceptions About Carpet Cleaning 4 Steps To Choosing The Right Cleaner For You 8 Questions To Ask Before Letting Any Cleaner Into Your Home Live 24 Hours: 291-2888 or www.mrcarpet.net
Bonus Reason: 7.
YOU GET MUCH MORE THAN A SATISFACTION GUARANTEE I have Four Written Guarantees. This is unmatched in our area. You can view these on my website at www.mrcarpet.net and also see before and after photos, read what others have to say and much more!
Call 319-291-8665 CallMr. Mr.Carpet Carpet Now! Now! 319-291-8665
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
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www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
Texas Roadhouse First Place: Dinner, Steak Honorable Mention: Chili
It all began on February 17, 1993, when Kent Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse in Clarksville, Ind. Kent’s goal was to own not just a family restaurant and not just a steak restaurant, but a place where everyone, of all ages, could come and have a great meal and great fun for a great price. We like to brag about our Hand-Cut Steaks, Fall-Off-The-Bone Ribs, MadeFrom-Scratch Sides, and Fresh-Baked Bread. Everything we do goes into making our hearty meals stand out. We handcraft almost everything we serve. We provide larger portions so you get more food for your dollar. And if you want an ice cold beer or legendary margarita to wash it all down — well, we have those, too. At Texas Roadhouse our team has an incredible sense of pride in everything we do. Our passion ensures you have a Legendary Experience every time. Because of our passion for our guests and our communities, our team members are involved outside the restaurants in their local communities as a way to give back. The Texas Roadhouse story is simple. Legendary Food, Legendary Service — all with lots of legendary fun! Texas Roadhouse opened for business in Cedar Falls 13 years ago. Tim Terhune is the restaurant’s managing partner. “I started with Texas Roadhouse as a cook and quickly moved through the ranks to become managing partner of the Cedar Falls Texas Roadhouse,” Terhune said. “Texas Roadhouse is a terrific company to BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer work for and easy because I truly believe we have the most consistent quality of Texas Roadhouse managers, from left, Billy Howie, Stacey Terhune, Tim Terhune and Jake Osterberg. food and the best employees around.” “We focus on legendary food and service,” Terhune said. “Our staff goes through vigorous training. Every plate is approved by a manager before being sent ★ 5715 University Ave., Cedar Falls out to diners. ★ (319) 266-3200 ★ 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Texas Roadhouse has received previous Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m. Friday, 11 Best of the Best honors and was named a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. the Special Olympics Torch Partner of the to 10 p.m. Sunday Year. ★ www.texasroadhouse.com “We treat our customers as guests, our vendors as partners and our staff as family,” Terhune said. “We are proud to partner with schools and nonprofit organizations in our community as much as possible. “We want our passion to be evident when you walk through our doors.”
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Thank you for voting us Best of the Best!!! Check out what’s new…
1.) MONDAY pick your own steak night! Choose the exact fresh hand cut steak from our display case and we’ll cook it up. We’ll even smother it with delicious sauteed mushrooms and onions for free. 2.) SATURDAY & SUNDAY join us for lunch from 11 3 and dine off our Early Dine menu for only $7.99. 3.) NOVEMBER 2ND THANKSGIVING purchase a $30 gift card and receive $5 off your dinner; buy a $50 and get a bonus gift to give! (while supplies last) 4.) VETERAN’S DAY to thank our heroes for all they have done, on Friday, November 11th, active and retired military personnel will receive a FREE ENTRÉE off our Early Dine menu from 11 3. (military i.d. required) .
WO-102011024
5715 University Avenue Cedar Falls (319)266-3200
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
myVerona First Place: Sunday Brunch, Waiter/Waitress – Amber Keppler Honorable Mention: Business Lunch, Liquor Selection, Locally Owned Restaurant, Place for Lunch, Place to go on a First Date, Wine Selection At myVerona Ristorante Italiano, Russell Wasendorf Sr. blends his love of cooking, fine dining and cuisine. The restaurant, located on Cedar Falls’ Parkade, also is a testament to Wasendorf’s business acumen; he is chairman and CEO of PFGBEST. Wasendorf first entered the restaurant business when he owned Allan’s, one of Chicago’s top 10 restaurants. When he relocated the PFGBEST corporate headquarters to his longtime home in Cedar Falls, he closed Allan’s and focused his fine dining efforts in the Cedar Valley. Wasendorf wanted to bring a similar total dining experience to the Parkade, so he opened myVerona Ristorante in December 2008. MyVerona brings you old world classics presented with contemporary flair. Enjoy an imported wine or spirit at the Italian–inspired lounge. You can then move to the formal dining room and treat yourself to an authentic Northern Italian meal with an innovative twist. All dishes are made in-house from only the freshest ingredients available, including pasta, breads, specialty dishes, desserts, sorbets and gelatos. Executive Chef Jordan Barkow searches out the finest ingredients and hand crafts meals for loyal patrons. The staff works hard to provide the type of customer service that meets Wasendorf’s high standards. A well-traveled and sophisticated diner, Wasendorf pushes his staff to provide a world-class dining experience. In addition to Best of the Best, myVerona has received several awards and other recognition. The restaurant also received Best of the Best honors for its Sunday brunch and honorable mention for its wine list for two consecutive years. Amber Keppler has received Best of the Best server honors two straight years as well. An honorable mention for Best of the Best bartender went to Chad Everly. Other recognition includes the coveted Wine Spectator award for myVe-
rona. Mike Beecher, assistant manager, recently won the Employee of the Year award for the Iowa Restaurant Association. Bartender Jessica Rafoth won the regional mixologist competition and competed at the state competition in Des Moines in September, where she won the coveted People’s Choice award. Chef Jordan also participated in the chefs’ competition. Whether an intimate dinner for two or a banquet for a crowd, myVerona exerts every effort to assure patrons have an extraordinary experience.
Host your celebration at myVerona. Complete with a private bar, myVerona Loft can be sectioned into a comfortable space for large parties. Whether it’s a wedding rehearsal, company party, holiday celebration, bridal shower or family reunion, it’s a great space to celebrate. Private dining for business, or more intimate groups also is available in myVerona Boardroom or Stanza del Vino. The Verona Deli, Pizzeria and Bar serves breakfast items, fabulous deli sandwiches, Northern Italian thin crust pizza and is open late night as well!
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COURTESY PHOTO
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★ 419 Main St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 266-9920 ★ 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday ★ my-verona.com
WO-102011086
$% & "' (" !" ) * "
BEST OF THE BEST! SUNDAY BRUNCH + # WAITRESS , - .. + # BARTENDER % /! 0" " , " WINE SELECTION 0" " , " LIQUOR SELECTION 0" " , " LOCALLY OWNED RESTAURANT 0" " , "
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BUSINESS LUNCH 0" " , " PLACE FOR LUNCH 0" " , " PLACE TO GO ON 1ST DATE 0" " , "
! " #"
, - ..
% /!
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BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
PUBLISHING DATE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 DEADLINE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Veteran’s Day is a day set aside to acknowledge those men and women who have served and are presently serving in all branches of the U.S. Military in defense of our country and in preservation of our freedoms.
4x4
This is your opportunity to recognize a family member or friend for their service with a picture and note of their achievements in the “Honoring our U.S. Armed Forces” feature in the Friday, November 11 Courier. PRICING IS AS FOLLOWS: [COLOR PHOTOS WILL BE PRINTED IN COLOR] 2x2 Picture with up to 30 words - $35. Additional words $5 for each 15 2x3 Picture with up to 30 words - $40. Additional words $5 for each 15 4x4 Picture with up to 30 words - $50. Additional words $5 for each 15 (Note: Providing a larger photo gives better resolution) YOU CAN ALSO SUBMIT YOUR VETERAN ONLINE AT WCFCOURIER.COM NAME ADDRESS CITY
2x3
STATE
ZIP
PHONE 2x2 ($35)
PHOTO SIZE
2x3 ($40)
4x4 ($50)
ADDED COST FOR ADDITIONAL WORDS $ Note: If you are placing multiple family members or friends, take 25% OFF all additional orders.
2x2
PLEASE PROVIDE COPY ON A SEPARATE SHEET AND ATTACH TO FORM. METHOD OF PAYMENT: CHECK
DISCOVER
MASTERCARD
AMERICAN EXPRESS
CREDIT CARD NUMBER 3 DIGIT NUMBER ON BACK OF CARD
EXP. DATE
SIGNATURE
ACTUAL SIZES SHOWN
For more information, contact us at 319.291.1411 or 800.798.1741 MAIL TO: CLASSIFIED DEPT., THE COURIER, P.O. BOX 540, WATERLOO, IA 50704
NEW THIS YEAR:
When you place and sign your order for one of the sizes shown above, YOUR VETERAN’S name will be entered into a DRAWING for a chance to receive a free 5” x 2.5” PLAQUE in the Iowa Veterans Memorial Plaza at the SULLIVAN BROTHERS IOWA VETERANS MUSEUM in Waterloo. The winner will be CONTACTED BY PHONE and will be named in our feature on NOVEMBER 11.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011
www.wcfcourier.com
BEST OF THE BEST 2011
THE COURIER
PAGE 63
Western Home Communities
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First Place: Assisted Living, Nursing Home
It would be hard to come up with a job description that categorizes everything Western Home Communities caregivers do on any given day. “When one resident was hospitalized, our resident assistants made sure his cat was given food, water and plenty of attention,” said Sharon Lukes, director of health services at Windhaven Assisted Living. “They even cleaned the litter box.” Stories like that abound. Amy Frost, assistant director of nursing at Elizabeth E. Martin Health Center, laughs when she recalls how employees scrambled to fulfill the wish of a resident who was craving McDonald’s. Lukes has seen staffers scrape icy windshields and start residents’ vehicles in the winter. “’It’s not my job’ is just not part of anyone’s vocabulary here,” Lukes, a 17-year employee, said. “Everyone does whatever it takes to make a resident’s day the best it can possibly be.” That means residents choose how to spend their day, just like they did all their lives before moving to Western Home Communities. Some get up at the crack of dawn for coffee and a newspaper. Others sleep in. Some socialize often; some prefer more solitude. Employees know the residents well, just like they would a family member, and respect their preferences. “We believe in resident rights, and we want to enrich their lives, not restrict them,” said Sue Weber, director of nursing at Martin Health Center. That culture of going above and beyond for residents exists at every level, and remains a hallmark even as the non-profit organization has seen tremendous growth. When Western Home Communities celebrated its 75th anniversary in 1987, the 240 residents lived within the confines of one building that opened in 1912. Now, with the 100th anniversary approaching next year, Western Home Communities serves 760 residents
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★ 420 E. 11th St., Cedar Falls ★ (319) 277-2141
throughout two campuses, eight buildings and 120 villas and townhomes. A full continuum of care offers active lifestyle living, independent living, assisted living, memory support, rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care and SureCare Services in-home care. Employee longevity helps keep the resident-centered culture in place. It’s not unusual for employees to have a story similar to Amy Frost’s: she started at Martin Health Center 15 years ago as a certified nurse assistant, furthered her education and was recently promoted from nurse supervisor to assistant director of nursing. “I just feel it’s more like a family here,” she said. “It almost doesn’t feel like a job. We have lifetime CNAs who started here decades ago and wouldn’t work anywhere else.” The organization’s mission statement says that, as a charitable Christian service organization, Western Home Communities assertively creates fulfilling lifestyles for seniors, their families and employees. “Everyone truly believes and practices our mission statement,” said Lukes. “That is what makes us best of the best.” The fact that others in the community recognize the quality of care provided at Western Home Communities is a wonderful honor, according to CEO Kris Hansen,
COURTESY PHOTO
Maxine Rasmussen receives a hug from Certified Medical Assistant Amy Ouassou at Western Home Communities’ Martin Health Center. provides affirmation of the quality of life who joined the organization in 1996. “We appreciate the support and trust we strive to provide for everyone who lives placed in us by our residents, their families here, and we greatly appreciate and thank and our employees,” Hansen said. “This everyone for this recognition.”
Western Home Communities Best of the Best in Assisted Living and Nursing Care
Thank you for the vote of conďŹ dence. For 99 years, it has been our mission to provide the best care, the best service, and the best opportunities for adults 55+. Thank you, Cedar Valley, for your support, trust and partnership for nearly a century. Western Home Communities is a charitable Christian service organization that assertively creates fulďŹ lling lifestyles for seniors, their families and our employees.
277-2141
266-5764
420 E. 11th
5300 S. Main
A non-proďŹ t service organization in Cedar Falls since 1912
Active Lifestyle Villas and Townhomes s Retirement Communities s Assisted Living s Short-term Stays Skilled Nursing s SureCare Services In-Home Companion Care www.WesternHomeCommunities.org WO-102011010