Business Monthly - April 2009 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

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CEDAR VALLEY BUSINESS MONTHLY

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Volume 3 ● No. 5

BUSINESS MONTHLY COLUMNS Page 7

Jim Offner Local businesses ﬁnd strength in numbers

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University of Northern Iowa Getting good publicity a step-by-step process

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Cedar Falls Main Street Main Street advantage is easy to see

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Wartburg College Outsourcing isn’t always the way to go

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Silos and Smokestacks Heritage area brings history to life

BUSINESS MONTHLY STAFF DIRECTORY

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

EDITORIAL CONTENT Nancy Raffensperger Newhoff nancy.newhoff@wcfcourier.com (319) 291-1445

ADVERTISING Jackie Nowparvar jackie.nowparvar@wcfcourier.com (319) 291-1527

Jim Offner jim.offner@wcfcourier.com (319) 291-1598

Sheila Kerns sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com (319) 291-1448

Cedar Valley Business Monthly is published monthly. It is a free publication direct-mailed to more than 6,500 area businesses. For distribution, call Courier Communications at (319) 291-1527. Contact Cedar Valley Business Monthly at P.O. Box 540, Waterloo, IA 50704.

Bob Justis, president of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, confers with administrative assistant Kassie Foster at the chamber’s Cedar Falls ofﬁce.

Home-ﬁeld advantage Chamber intensiﬁes its buy-local strategy By JIM OFFNER Courier Business Editor

BUSINESS MONTHLY ON THE COVER BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Bob Justis, president of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, emphasizes a strength-innumbers aspect of chamber membership.

WATERLOO — From “Strictly Business” to “Strictly Local.” The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce has always promoted local businesses, as evidenced by the chamber’s annual “Strictly Business” expo April 2, which this year drew 65 exhibitors to the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. But this year, perhaps more than ever, the chamber is pushing the assets and advantages of entrepreneurs close to home, as the recession digs in.

“We’ve found it’s a terriﬁc business-to-business opportunity,” Bob Justis, the chamber’s president, said of the annual showcase event. “Not only do you have those that are exhibiting there looking at other exhibitors, but you have the business community that’s not exhibiting coming in.” Organizers also tie in a social hour, for a networking component, Justis said. “It’s really an opportunity for anybody who wants to come out and ﬁnd out what new services or what existing services there are,” he said. This year, he added, it also

helps to punctuate the chamber’s redoubled efforts on buying local. And that, in itself, isn’t anything new, Justis acknowledged. “All chambers over the years have had a buy-local campaign,” Justis said. But buying local has taken on even more importance during times like the current recession. “The economy now is putting even greater emphasis on that, and that’s why we did what we did with the holiday campaign in ’08,” he said. See CHAMBER, page 5

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CHAMBER From page 3

Local merchants these days have more than Des Moines, Minneapolis or other out-of-town rivals with whom to contend, Justis said. “There is such an increase now in Internet purchasing,” he said. “An awful lot of people buy their gifts or whatever on the Internet. Unless it’s a local vendor or business, none of that money hits the local economy. It’s going out of town and, in some cases, out of state.” Internet purchases only add to the pain local merchants can suffer when customers buy elsewhere, Justis noted. “We don’t see any beneﬁt in that,” he said. “It doesn’t employ people. It doesn’t boost the economy in any way. None of that happens when you’re shopping on the Internet.”

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The chamber launched the ﬁrst salvo in its buy-local attack over the Christmas holidays. “Starting in the holiday campaign, our effort was to remind people of that and the fact that when they’re buying from someone local, they’re supporting their friends, their family, their neighbors, the local economy, the schools,” he said. “We all win. That’s why there’s a greater emphasis now on a buy-local effort.” Organizers are calling it “There’s No Place Like Home: Shop, Dine and Entertain.” Cedar Valley businesses are encouraged to display the campaign’s logo prominently. “This is the chamber’s effort to remind the members and, quite frankly, the non-members, that we’re helping them be successful,” Justis said. “And to our non-members that with their participation as a chamber member, we’ll be building a stronger

Cedar Valley.” Small businesses are particularly important in the chamber’s promotional efforts, Justis said. He cited a ﬁctitious local gift shop as an example of a business

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that can beneﬁt from chamber membership. “Most of those local gift shops, it’s tough for them to get away to a national convention, where they learn more about successful

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retail business,” he said. “The chamber can help them with that by doing seminars at the business expo that address customer See CHAMBER, page 6

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CHAMBER From page 5

service or various issues. That local gift shop probably doesn’t have a lobbyist that is looking out for the local small business in terms of legislation pending either in Des Moines or Washington, D.C. As a chamber member, they have a voice in Des Moines and Washington, D.C., that’s looking out for the businesses in the Cedar Valley.” The shop can be showcased in the chamber’s annual directory, Justis said. “There are some members of the chamber that will be listed in that directory, and we know that it’s probably not driving people to their door front because of the nature of their business,” he said. “But an awful lot of those businesses that are in that directory, from what we hear, an awful lot of people use that directory as much as, if not more than, the phone book. And that’s great because that’s the whole purpose of it: Buy from chamber members.” Chamber members are encouraged to get active in the business community, Justis said. “The more they get involved, the more they ﬁnd membership beneﬁts them,’’ he said. Bette Wubbena, the chamber’s director of membership retention, said it’s an effective philosophy. “Our chamber is really blessed with people that become involved and help us plan our events and volunteer,” Wubbena said. “A lot of chambers struggle with that. We put out a call for help, and people step forward. They realize that by joining that, they’re going to be networking with other business individuals. Membership starts at $315 and goes up, based on the size of the company. Contact Jim Offner at (319) 291-1598 or jim.offner@wcfcourier.com.

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Local businesses ﬁnd strength in numbers Life teaches some valuable lessons, especially where numbers are concerned. For instance, one of the most basic maxims is that an army generally is more formidable than one or two people armed only with a principle. The Greater Cedar Valley Coalition recently took that idea and carried it all the way to Washington, D.C., looking for some federal help for some important investments in our region. The group, headed by Waterloo Mayor Tim Hurley, met with U.S. Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, U.S. Rep. Bruce Braley, Jim Offner is the Courier and representabusiness editor. tives from the Contact him at U.S. Depart(319) 291-1598 or ment of Agriculjim.offner@ ture and sundry wcfcourier.com. other federal bureaus about securing important funds that could add some steel to our business community’s future. The coalition’s shopping list includes projects like TechWorks that provide a direct link to the future economic vitality of this area. It also went looking for help in funding some key infrastructure projects that would knit the Cedar Valley business community ever more closely. That’s just one effort. Groups like the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and its auxiliary, the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, operate on the same philosophy. The chamber, for instance, binds area merchants with a purpose and function that serves the community at large in immeasurable ways. The recent Christmas holiday shopping season is a prime illustration of what the chamber is trying to accomplish. The chamber launched its buylocal “Home for the Holidays” campaign during the holidays, strongly urging area consumers that the best way to support their

homes and families is to support the businesses that serve them day in and day out. Chamber President Bob Justis said it worked. “I’ve heard from a number of businesses that said thank-you for doing this and we need more of it,” Justis said. “When we launched the Home for the Holidays last fall, I had a mini-focus group with seven businesses over breakfast at the chamber of commerce office. I said this is what’s coming out. They all agreed it was terrific. One said, ‘Don’t stop there,’ that we need more of this type of emphasis and visibility. That’s when we decided to come up with something else.” So, the chamber launched another buy-local initiative, “There’s No Place Like Home.” Merchants large and small are encouraged to display the campaign logo prominently and spread the word that what is spent in the Cedar Valley stays here. “Is it going to make everybody buy local? Of course not,” Justis said. “But over time, we’re hoping that it becomes second nature.” This month, more than 60 local businesses were scheduled to set up displays at the chamber’s annual business expo at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in downtown Waterloo. The chamber says the number of participants is increasing. No doubt, there’s something to the strength-in-numbers approach, particularly when the alternative to consumers is long, costly drives to Minneapolis, Des Moines or other major shopping venues. In this month’s Cedar Valley Business Monthly, chamber members and non-members who are nonetheless valuable members of the business community will share some insights on how banding together as one can provide a needed injection of financial health into everybody’s businesses. Their stories may vary, but the theme is universal: Buying local helps everybody.

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Companies encourage employees to serve as mentors In today’s business climate, it is more important than ever to find creative, effective ways to reward and engage employees. “Fringe” benefits such as health insurance and retirement benefits are now considered standard and expected by employees. Many companies are now reaping their own benefits by allowing their Maria Benham employees to more is executive director become of Big Brothers involved in the Big Sisters community as a of Northeast Iowa, part of their job. Waterloo. Contact her We know that at (319) 235.9397 or mentoring chilwww.iowabigs.org. dren is good for their development and growth. However, allowing employees to be child mentors during the work week also has been shown to have a positive effect in the workplace. The Iowa Mentoring Partnership states that employees who

mentor have improved morale, stronger work ethic and more pride in their company. Their companies beneﬁt from the increased job satisfaction, but also experience heightened community awareness, improved employee camaraderie and a stronger community. “Mentoring has been one of the best investments of my time I have ever made,” said Christy Justice, a child mentor and president of the board of directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa. “I am grateful and fortunate that Lincoln Savings Bank/LSB Financial not only allows, but encourages each of us to give back to the communities we serve. ‘Passionate Community Stewardship’ is not only a core value at LSB, it’s a way of life.” Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa provides businesses a way to engage their employees in mentoring. With one hour each week, an employee can mentor a child in his or her school. They may play games, tackle homework or just visit.

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It is little sacriﬁce for the company’s bottom line, yet that time can do wonders for the “big” and for the “little.” The 1995 study “Making a Difference: An Impact Study of Big Brothers Big Sisters” indicates that children mentored in a Big Brothers Big Sisters program are 46 percent less likely to begin to use drugs, 52 percent less likely to skip school, are more conﬁ-

dent and get along better with their families. The Cedar Valley is fortunate to have strong businesses that support the community in which we live and work. Local nonproﬁt organizations provide countless possibilities for partnership in which employees and companies can beneﬁt. With Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Iowa, businesses

can build teamwork by forming teams in the annual Bowl for Kids Sake, organize a crew to volunteer at a special event, or coordinate an internal fundraising event to allow everyone a chance to participate. For more information on the business beneﬁts of mentoring, visit www.iowamentoring.org, or to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters, call (319) 235-9397.

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Coatings key part of day-to-day lives Coatings have a much bigger impact in our day-to-day lives than many realize. Nearly every object used on a regular basis has been coated either for a protective or decorative purpose, or maybe even both. Many small businesses in Iowa, from manufacturing to collision repair, conduct coating operations on a daily basis as a pivotal part of their production. Unfortunately, the coatLea Schellhorn ings process is program assistant is incredibly at the University wasteful and of Northern Iowa hazardous. — Iowa Waste Many factors Reduction Center. She can be reached go into this process for it at (319) 273-8905 or leaann@uni.edu. to be effective, and every step is critical to its success. One of the most critical steps in spray application is technique. Even with the best coatings and equipment, if a technician’s techniques are incorrect, results can be wasted coatings, defective parts and unnecessary time spent repainting the part. This all adds up to costs on the business side that can be avoided. A few of the main techniques to watch for are the distance, overlap and control. Different spray guns require different distances from where the spray gun is held, to the part. Spraying too close could result in defects on the part from too much coating, while spraying too far could mean uneven coating. Overlap is also an important technique; technicians should be spraying a 50 percent overlap on each spray pass to ensure an even finish. A technician’s control is also essential. While spraying, the spray gun should be held perpendicular to the part with minimal or no arcing of the wrist. The best way to be sure your technicians are producing the best product is through train-

ing. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center’s trained staff members have become experts in the coatings process and recently released the LaserPaint Complete Training Package. This package provides spray technicians with an inclusive training certification offered completely online. There is no need to send painters to a multiple-day course across the nation; all you need is a computer with an Internet connection and your technicians can become certified painters within one day. This certification also meets the training requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations impacting surface coating operations. Aside from improving the finished product, effective technique training also offers multiple ‘‘green’’ benefits for your business. Spraying coating is an incredibly hazardous process for the worker and the environment. Improving technique means the technician is able to spray less coating, while still covering the part. Less sprayed coating results in reduced generation of hazardous materials and a lower health risk due to these materials being released into the air. In today’s economy, all businesses, especially small businesses, have to tighten budgets while still producing quality materials. Training can be an inexpensive and large step toward ensuring that your business is continuing to put out products you are proud of. The Iowa Waste Reduction Center is a program of the University of Northern Iowa’s Business and Community Services division with over a decade of experience in the painting and coatings industry through training programs, research, curriculum development and training products. For more information about LaserPaint training, visit www. sprayitright.com.

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Supervisors’ Club has long history in area By CASIE MILLER

The Supervisors’ Club has been around for more than 60 years and serves as a place for John Deere salaried employees and retirees to relax and network with other Deere employees in the Waterloo area. Currently club membership is around 700 members and growing each year. In addition to club functions, the Supervisors’ Club also opens its doors to a variety of events within the community. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to be a member of the club nor a John Deere employee to utilize the club’s facilities. In 1942 a group of 40 charter members of the John Deere Tractor Supervisors’ Club began meeting in the Black’s Tea Room (eighth floor of the Black’s Building). Founders of the club were A.G. “Al” Slade, factory production superintendent, and H.A. “Harley” Waldon, division superintendent (first president of the club). The club quickly grew in membership and soon became too large to hold meetings in available downtown locations, so it was decided to obtain land between Waterloo and Cedar Falls, south of University Avenue, and to build a new clubhouse. The first business meeting was held in the new clubhouse in November 1949. This was the same year the club’s name was changed from the John Deere Tractor Supervisors’ Club to the current Supervisors’ Club. Various activities held at the club during this time were member business meetings, Friday member nights, bridge sessions, dance classes, monthly teenage dances, monthly cabaret dinner dances with live orchestra, Christmas parties and annual family nights. All of the meals were prepared and dishes hand-washed by club members. By 1957, the club had grown to 490 members and more groups within the community had begun booking their events at the facility, making it necessary to hire parttime help in the kitchen. The club continued to grow over the next few years, and by 1963 a building committee was formed to plan

a new club in a new location. In 1970, construction was complete at the new clubhouse in its current location, 3265 Dewitt Road, Waterloo. Throughout the history of the club, its existence has relied heavily upon the volunteerism of its members and community use and support. Members volunteered to be on crews for bartending, kitchen help, building maintenance and house management. Today volunteerism from members is still a vital component to keeping the club running smoothly for member functions. Each year a Spring Fling fundraiser is held as well. This event is open to the public, and all funds raised are put back into the club to help with updates and maintenance to the clubhouse. This year’s Spring Fling theme is “Welcome to the Wild, Wild West” and includes dance performances by the Kinetic Energy dance studio, line and barn dancing lessons by the Just Gotta Dance Club, a vocalist performance by Jonathan Donahue, an old-time photo shoot and much more beginning at 4:30 p.m. April 24. Aside from member events, the club is dedicated to hosting a variety of contracted events including, but not limited to, business meetings, weddings, reunions, holiday parties, receptions, luncheons and special events. The Supervisors’ Club has attracted an ever-growing list of clients with its affordable prices, in-house catering, fullservice meal options and cordial service. Tours of the club’s bar, dining and dancing facilities are welcomed and encouraged. Casie Miller is rental events coordinator for the Supervisors’ Club. Contact her at (319) 233-4202 or millercasie@johndeere.com.

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Generating good publicity is step-by-step process Good publicity is relatively easy. This is why I’m always surprised when I see it done poorly, or when organizations think they must have large budgets and staffs to accomplish their publicity goals. There are four steps to successful publicity that can be completed by almost anyone at almost any price. It is important to keep in mind what Dennis Clayson denotes publicis a professor ity. It is defined of marketing at the as unpaid, posiUniversity of tive, mass comNorthern Iowa. munication. To publicize well, keep these four things in mind: 1. A hook. Sources of communications are successful when they attract communicators. A newspaper can stay in business as long as it can attract readers. It will attract readers as long as the newspaper contains material that readers want to see. It must contain INFORMATION. Information in marketing is defined as something that changes or affirms what a person knows. A newspaper will use stories that attract readers. If you supply that story, they will print it. The Internet is a good example. Look at a site such as the Drudge Report. That page must contain something that will attract a reader almost every day, something that the viewer does not know or something that affirms what they do know. Information supplied to any media that brings customers to that media will be utilized by that media. This strange sentence is the bottom line. Provide customers to the media and they will always take your material. 2. Gentle rain. There are two ways nature could give 5 inches of rain to an Iowa farmer. It could come in an afternoon, or it could be drawn out over a month. The same amount of rain will fall, but the first will not yield a corn crop and the second will. Publicity should never be a thunderstorm, it should be a drizzle. Publicity should be done constantly. Don’t make big pushes and then back off. Spread your promotions

out. It is better for a customer to see part of your message each day than being exposed to everything you ever wanted to say, all delivered in one day. 3. Goal consistency. Promotion should have a purpose and a goal. Publicity should ﬁt into a well-planned promotional strategy. Each aspect of promotion (advertising, personal sales, sales promotions, and public relations) should be designed to maximize the advantage of each in a utilitarian approach to achieve the goals of the business. Too often, publicity is seen as something apart from the promotional efforts of the organization. Different segments of the promotional mix can appear as if they were generated by several organizations instead of one. As an example, consider a university that aims its advertisements and sales efforts at academic achievement, while almost all of its publicity efforts are centered on quarterbacks and basketball players. Or the company that promotes the quality of its products, while its publicity is centered on the environment. This looks attractive, but it violates the concept of goal consistency. Unless the other aspects of the promotional mix also are mentioning the environment, the publicity effort should emphasize quality. 4. Who do you think you work for? In terms of management, it is crucial that the public relations people, who conduct publicity, know exactly who they are working for. If they think they work for the management, they will begin to promote the managers. This is almost universally a mistake. It is very tempting for management to allow public relations to work for them, i.e., promote them. Publicity is habit forming, and some people can be become severely addicted to it. The public relation persons work for the goals of the organization. There should be constant reminders and reinforcements of that fact. Good publicity can be done with a limited budget and with limited personnel. It requires intelligence, not money and large organizations. It is something even the smallest

of organizations can do well. Bring a customer to the media

and the media will promote you. Do it consistently and constantly,

and remember who works for whom and you will be successful.

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The Main Street advantage is easy to see The uncertainty in today’s economy challenges us to think about the future and the way forward. We’re asking some important questions about meaning and value in our lives and rethinking some of the assumptions about the future. It’s back to basics, back to the importance of family, community and juggling our personal uniqueness within those familiar groups. We make personal choices in juggling our dollars as well: MaraBeth choosing local, Soneson is executive director i n d e p e n d e n tof Cedar Falls Main owned businessStreet. Contact her at es for our needs (319) 277-0213. benefits each of us individually and contributes positively to the development of our community. In the last year, we’ve heard a lot about “Main Street vs. Wall Street.” In this public discussion, the term “Main Street” has taken on new meanings. No longer does “Main Street” define a stretch of asphalt or a collection of quaint stores and services in the center of town. “Main Street” is now common parlance for “everyman,” “everywoman,” “the quintessential American community.” The expanded use of the term “Main Street” couldn’t be more appropriate to what today’s Main Street is all about — it’s about us! The synergistic dollar relationship between individual and community is well-documented and growing stronger. Supporting locally owned Main Street businesses and choosing to think “Locally First” with your dollars is an action in your own self-interest. In Cedar Falls over the last two decades, the community — public and private, groups and individuals — has significantly invested in the revitalization of the Main Street district. The result is delightful mix of shopping, cultural opportunities, services, dining and entertainment. But such a treasure is an ongoing process to be renewed continually by us as individuals and collectively as a community.

Here are seven good reasons to support Cedar Falls Main Street and its locally owned, independent businesses: ■ More money stays in the community — Studies show that 68 cents of every dollar spent locally stays in the community in the form of wages, profits, and taxes. Comparatively, only $0.43 of every dollar spent at nonlocally owned establishments remains in the community. The impact of “local dollars staying local” is further amplified through the multiplier effect in many positive ways. ■ Greater choice is maintained — Locally owned businesses offer unique products and services. Supporting these businesses is a choice for diversity of goods and services. We know what we’ll get at big-box stores, Main Street has much more to offer — and with an uncommon flair! ■ Creates jobs for the community — Main Street is currently a significant center of employment and holds the potential for additional job growth. Choosing local vendors builds local employment based on your dollar choices. ■ Offers an entrepreneurial context — As we transform and remake our economy, Main Street provides a “ready-made” context for aspiring entrepreneurs with business-friendly spaces, a collaborative environment and a loyal following. The economic recovery, in large part, will be spurred by Main Streets all over the country. ■ Investment in the community is greater — The U.S. Small Business Administration reports that locally owned businesses give back to their communities at a much higher rate than nonlocally owned businesses. By definition, local business owners are individuals involved in their community, vested in the outcomes of decisions and motivated toward community sustainability. ■ Recycles resources and promotes a sustainable community — Renovation of existing buildings and historical locations recycles physical and cultural assets while contributing to construction employment. Smart redevelopment of existing assets saves Iowa’s most precious and least renew-

able of resources, fertile land. ■ Connects our community through time and space — Far beyond physical quaintness or mere nostalgia, historic preservation connects our community with the principles and values that have brought us to this point. Appreciating not only the physical space, but the heritage of ideals inspires us with a context for living and doing business in today’s

economy. Grounded on Main Street with a sense of place and community while also being connected globally is truly the best of all worlds. Historically, Main Street has been the community’s meeting point for both commercial and social goings-on. Main Street was the centerpiece of the community’s economy. It was the place where a person with an idea and ambi-

tion could make a go of it. It was and remains the original business incubator, where foot trafﬁc and neighboring businesses provide a ready-made microcosm of entrepreneurial success. The historical characteristic of opportunity and personal service remains the kernel of today’s Main Street — a center of vibrant activity, eager entrepreneurs and an important meeting place for our community.

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Going ‘green’ a sign of times at Nagle By SCOTT KANE

Here at Nagle Signs Inc., not only are we helping customers go “green” with energy-efﬁcient LED lighting and message centers, but as a company, we are doing things that way. For starters, we pay for an extra trash receptacle for all our cardboard waste from incoming freight and crates, which in turn is picked up weekly and recycled. Speaking of freight, have you ever wondered what to do with all those packaging peanuts? We save and reuse them. When we ship signs out across America, we use the packing peanuts supplied from other companies. Sometimes we look at our balcony and wonder why we are wasting valuable space, then usually an order comes through and we use them up. Not only did we reuse these, but we saved money at the same time. Another way of being green is that we recycle all of our ﬂuorescent lamps and H.I.D. bulbs. Each lamp and bulb contains a small

amount of mercury that is harmful to the environment. We have a recycling company come once a month to pick up our lamps and bulbs that come out of serviced signs and lot lights along with what are removed from salvaged signs. Every now and then, we need the recycling company to properly dispose of old ballast that contains PCBs. Yes, we are conscientious enough to verify the dates on old ballasts to comply with regulation. We just can’t toss any old ballast away. As for the salvaged signs, we separate the wire, steel and aluminum and take these directly to the scrap yard, which the scrap yard separates even further down to good recyclable material. The last thing we are going to mention is our new computer software. We have bought a system that links all departments together. From accounting, production, sales and estimating, this one system has greatly cut down our use of paper. The stacks of accounting data are gone, along with the

printout of estimate figures. This system has even linked our Waterloo office to our Marshalltown office, while at the same time, connects us to our sister company, Eagle Signs in Des Moines, which is a division of Nagle Signs Inc. As for what Nagle Signs can do for their customers, that’s a simple answer. With technology changing so rapidly, we offer alternatives to signage applications and lighting techniques. The biggest savings for new and existing customers is the use of LED lighting. The advancement of LED technology for the sign industry has greatly helped the end user with an energy efficient alternative to the old school standard of fluorescent and neon for sign illumination. LEDs are energized by low-voltage power supplies that draw a fraction of traditional ballasts and transformers. For example, one LED power supply can power about 90 feet (pending brand) of white LED building border tubing with the power supply capable of being mounted up to 200 feet

away from lighting. Compare the same application using 15mm white neon, it would take (3) 7,500 volt-60MA transformers mounted directly behind the wall. Neon application would pull 12 amps as compared to the 3 amps for the LED. This is a total of 66 percent less energy usage. The same is true for another popular application, electronic message centers and time/temps. Within the last 10 years, the LED revolution has produced message centers that have lowered the energy consumption to such a low power requirement that the savings alone will pay for the difference in cost of a full color or larger message center. For example, we are currently upgrading a unit for a bank in Northeast Iowa. The old unit was 2 feet tall by 15 feet long and installed in 1999. The unit consumed about $1,514 of electricity per year to operate. A new full-color LED unit would cost about $430 per year with a savings of $1,084 per year. The customer chose a full-color unit

and upsize to a 4 x 15 feet, twice the size of the old unit and still saving $625 per year. Not only can Nagle Signs help you save energy cost, but when there is a problem with any of your signage, you can count on reliable service. Our service technicians have attended support classes from various top manufacturers of LED displays. Along with knowledgeable service department, we also take pride in offering three fully stocked service trucks for a majority of onsite repairs. This cuts down on repeat trips to customers business which in turn saves fuel and service costs. You can feel good knowing that when you hire Nagle Signs Inc., whether it be for building a sign or service, you are hiring a company that not only is helping you “go green,” but also hiring a company working on “being green.” Scott Kane is production manager with Nagle Signs Inc., Waterloo. Contact him at (319) 233-4604, (800) 728-4604 or at www.naglesigns.com.

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APRIL 2009

Help available for grieving workplaces By MARY ALFREY

Does your business have employees who are caring for someone who is elderly or ill? Do you employ anyone who is seriously ill? Have any of your employees experienced the death of a loved one in the past year? Do your employees know the importance of making future health care decisions? These are important questions for businesses to examine because of the ﬁnancial impact associated with caregiving, grief and serious illness. As the Baby Boom generation ages, the effects and costs in the workplace will continue to increase signiﬁcantly. End-of-life issues (such as caregiving, serious illness, grief and loss, and advance care planning) can have a far-reaching effect in the workplace, not only on individual employees, but also on an organization’s bottom line. According to a recent survey (AARP/NAC, 2004), there are 44 million Americans, or about 16 percent of the population, providing unpaid care to an adult relative or friend. Additionally, nearly 60 percent of those caring for someone 50 or older are employed. The majority of caregivers are full-time employees — 48 percent, according to the survey, and 11 percent work part-time. The study also reports that 29 percent of the employed caregivers need assistance with balancing their work and family

responsibilities. End-of-life issues can be extremely costly for employers. U.S. businesses lose from $17.1 billion to $33.6 billion per year in productivity for full-time employees with caregiving responsibilities, (MetLife/NAC, 2006) while the annual cost of grief in the workplace is estimated to be $75.1 billion. (Grief Recovery Institute, 2003) Business owners and administrators can be challenged when serious illness or death enters the workplace. Flexibility and communication are crucial in balancing the responsibilities of the business while at the same time extending compassion to the individual. The company’s attitude and action, along with the example administration sets, are critical to how the staff react. It is important for managers better to understand the experience of grieving to know how to support and work with someone who is grieving. Remember that everyone grieves differently and everyone needs time to adjust to the loss. These tips from the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization may help you and your co-workers if and when tragedy strikes the work environment. Supporting your employees will be essential to the grieving and healing process and maintaining a healthy workplace. ■ Know the company’s bereavement policies and ways the company can provide support.

Purpose can make or break company The Associated Press

Southwest Airlines Co. is selling freedom, BMW AG is selling joy and Walt Disney Co. is selling imagination. The success of these companies is rooted in their clearly articulated purpose, according to Roy M. Spence Jr., author of the recently published book “It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For.” “I think that when the dust settles on this economic Armageddon, the only companies and

brands that will be left standing are the ones that stand for something,” said Spence. “The only organization in America that is in the business of making money is the federal government, at a plant that prints dollars. Businesses have to improve life and make a difference to make money.” Does your business have a purpose? Spence advises asking yourself if your customers would mind if you ceased to exist, and what you can give that your competitors can’t. “It’s all about the thrill,” he said.

■ Respect conﬁdentiality and avoid gossip. If the deceased’s family is private about the details, set that example for co-workers or employees. ■ Be ﬂexible and support one another. What someone needs today may be different tomorrow. ■ Attend the funeral or memorial service of the person who died. ■ Create a memorial board. Encourage co-workers to post messages or memories that remind them of the co-worker ■ Consider holding a memorial service of remembrance at the workplace. Time set aside for employees to acknowledge the unique relationships with the coworker are extremely helpful. ■ Remember the person at staff meetings or annual events. These are times when grief reactions can resurface for your employees. ■ Hold or join in a fundraiser for a special cause in memory of the deceased.

■ Stay in touch with the deceased’s family. Send a card or note to let them know they are not forgotten. ■ Listen. Co-workers and employees may need to talk about the person who died for weeks or months to come. Supporting your employees will be essential to the grieving and healing process and maintaining a healthy workplace. Employers should evaluate and enhance current programs and policies to ensure that employees are supported when faced with a serious illness, grief and loss, caregiving responsibilities or making future health care decisions. Be prepared to offer counseling resources, information on community resources and suggested reading materials. Cedar Valley Hospice works with individuals and families before and after a death and is experienced in helping with workplace grief issues, regardless if the person was served

by the agency. Our professionals can provide important services to your employees such as: ■ Lunch and learn programs. ■ Trainings for managers. ■ Grief support groups or individual sessions. ■ Debrieﬁng for unexpected or sudden deaths. ■ Support for families coping with serious illness. Businesses and organizations may schedule Cedar Valley Hospice staff to come to their workplace to talk about these issues by contacting Chris Olds, community outreach representative, at 272-2002. Remember, serious illness, death, caregiving and making health decisions are tough topics — but facing the problems and discussing the issues will help you and your staff survive these difﬁcult times. Mary Alfrey is director of advancement for Cedar Valley Hospice, Waterloo. Contact her at (319) 272-2064 or www.cvhospice.org

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Sunnyside offers true retreat for members By JAMES NADEAU

The golf course at Sunnyside is considered one of the ﬁnest and most challenging courses in Northeast Iowa. On Nov. 12, 1919, Sunnyside applied for a corporation charter. The ﬁrst clubhouse, located on Newell Street, was furnished with a coal stove due to the high cost of gas connections in 1920. Sunnyside Country Club’s roots go back to 1919, but in 1967 the board of governors announced the go-ahead for a new clubhouse — designed by Thomas H. Flinn of Flinn and Saito Architects — along with an Olympic-size pool, two hard-surfaced tennis courts and the 18-hole championship golf course located at 1600 Olympic Drive. The course was designed to be a par-72. The original length of the course was 7,140 yards from the championship tees, 6,610 yards from the regular tees and nearly 6,000 yards from the ladies tees. Today the length of the course is 6,756 from the championship tees, 6,451 from the regular tees and 5,284 from the ladies tees. The course is still a 72 par course. Since then we’ve become a fullservice country club, open to all of our club members who appre-

ciate the intimate setting of our facilities, ease of use and unique value. Last July we reopened the newly renovated clubhouse, which was redesigned by Invision Architecture. At Sunnyside Country Club, no detail is overlooked. No feature is taken for granted. It is a true retreat—reﬁned and elegant. Our amenities include 18 holes of championship golf, fabulous tennis and swimming facilities, and a new ﬁtness center. Fine dining, an active social program and a luxurious newly renovated clubhouse make for a truly complete club lifestyle. For details on the various memberships we offer, visit our Web page www. sunnysidecountryclub.com. The 18-hole course challenges golfers of all levels. Tee times are readily available, the course is often “wide open,” and players can complete a round within four hours. We offer leagues for men, women and couples, as well as a summer program for youngsters. There are many golf events throughout the season that draw scratch players and high-handicappers. Every summer the pool is a center of relaxation and fun — now even more so with our newly renovated pool. Children of various ages enjoy swim les-

sons here, diving boards, and pool parties with certiﬁed lifeguards on staff. Sunnyside’s gradual entry pool is great for all ages. Our club staff offers group lessons, private lessons and Auqa Trim. The membership also enjoys the use of three modern surface tennis courts, which are lighted for that late-night game. Tennis pros are available by appointment for all your tennis needs. We offer lessons for individuals or the whole family. The new clubhouse offers members a gracious, yet relaxed retreat for dining, unwinding, meeting and entertaining. With a varied menu to appeal to all appetites, families and friends can enjoy each other’s company over a sumptuous meal or a light snack. Our culinary team is just waiting to prepare that next tantalizing meal. Dining at Sunnyside represents some of the best food in the Cedar Valley. Our newly renovated Bistro Cafe welcomes families and friends

for a relaxed, social atmosphere. For more formal dining, we offer a lovely experience in our ﬁrstclass dining room and Veranda. From business meetings, holiday parties, birthdays, anniversaries or whatever your special occasion is. We at Sunnyside can help you make it perfect. Our newly renovated ballrooms offer sound-resistant dividers; audio equipment and screens are also available. We also offer an extensive banquet menu. Let our French-trained pastry chef create an elegant dessert or wedding cake. If the facilities are the heart of a club, then the membership is the soul. At Sunnyside Country Club you will ﬁnd an unpretentious, congenial and inviting environment where young and old, families and singles enjoy sharing their pursuit of recreation, relaxation and friendship. James Nadeau is executive chef at Sunnyside Country Club. Contact him at chefjimnadeau@yahoo.com.

APRIL 2009

Tips to aid job-seekers The Associated Press

Job hunts are stretching even longer for the growing number of unemployed. Try not to be ashamed of losing a position, urges Jamaica Eilbes, a recruiter for staffing company Manpower Inc. “Everybody knows somebody who’s been let go,” she said. Friends and family can help ease the anxiety of a long search for work, said Eilbes, whose husband looked for ﬁve months before ﬁnding a job. Don’t nag a loved one who has been laid off, or ask him what he accomplished that day. Instead, reiterate that things will eventually get better, let the job-seeker vent and try to bring up other subjects to distract anxiety. She urges someone on the job trail to spread the news of unemployment long and far. Friends and family should get involved also.

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State Bank & Trust Co. in Waverly celebrates 120 years By JIM OFFNER Courier Business Editor

WAVERLY — A lot has changed at State Bank & Trust Co. since it was organized and opened for business on Sept. 16, 1889. New branches have been established, services have expanded, and staff have come and gone, but the bank’s ofﬁcials say their commitment to their community and their customers has remained unchanged throughout the years despite the changing times. One of the most apparent changes in the history of the bank has been the name change, which occurred in January 2007. State Bank & Trust Co. was formed as a result of the merger between State Bank of Waverly and Iowa Savings Bank. “Since our beginning, the bank has provided a ﬁnancial institution that individuals can trust,” Fred Hagemann, president and

chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Now, with trust in the bank’s name, we stand even more clearly and honestly behind this attitude.” Currently State Bank & Trust has six locations in Waverly, Dike, New Hartford and Janesville. “We take a special interest in providing the very best in banking for our customers,” Hagemann said. “Products, services, location and convenience are all a big part of that equation.” The bank’s newest addition, the South 218 branch, opened in November 2007. Enhancing the customers’ financial experience is a key to the bank’s longevity, Hagemann said. “We are committed to staying on the cutting edge of the financial industry and want to offer our customers the very best in banking products and services,” he said. State Bank & Trust recently

Find all your latest news in

launched its “BankEasy” line of services, which include banking

by phone or online and e-statements, as well as transactions.

Contact Jim Offner at (319) 291-1598 or jim.offner@wcfcourier.com.

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Some help desks are no help at all There is a growing trend among some businesses, including IT-based ones, to outsource customer service to third-party providers or Web-based solution-providers. Such moves are couched in providing better customer service, reducing costs and increasing efficiencies. To be clear, there are advantages to such Bill Withers moves. But, call is Grant L. Price Chair me old-fashof Communication ioned, I prefer Arts and assistant director or Wartburg’s those Cedar ValInstitute for ley businesses Leadership that have someEducation. one on location providing customers with one-to-one and/or “F2F” service. The downside is it may appear to be expensive. Yet Cedar Valley businesses should exercise caution when considering IT-based solutions to customer service, especially when it is “camouflaged” in the form of attempting better or more efficient service. My wife, Linda, recently entered the help desk/call center service abyss for a cellular phone service available in the Cedar Valley. After experiencing too many dropped calls and service failures in a primary cell area for the company, she went online to what turned out to be a third-party service-provider for the company. After being placed on hold for 20 minutes, then navigating the many automated phone prompts — and don’t they digitize those voices to sound real? — she finally pressed “zero” to connect to a human. As you might expect, the service representative “wasn’t authorized” to really assist, so a manager came on the line, and

Linda had to explain it all again. And remember, most of these calls are monitored and recorded, so it all appears transparent at the time. Finally, she reached her destination — and the issue was addressed. However, the customer service damage may have already been done. Fortunately, her retail service provider in the Cedar Valley stepped in after following the “trail of service crumbs” and personally called to apologize. Nice touch and, yes, we will likely stay with our provider — for now. The bottom line is this: Before you delegate service to someone else — or something else — make sure it doesn’t compromise your customer-stakeholders and/or their sense for your brand or reputation. If your brand and reputation are such that “just about anyone” can represent it, I doubt you will be in business long. There is nothing like speaking with another well-trained human being fully empowered to assist you. And while it may seem like an anchor on the expense side of your ledger, trust me, it is addedvalue to us, your customers. For larger companies in our region, let me further warn you about outsourcing offshore. Both India and Mexico are hosting what appear to be cost-efficient service call centers — India specializing in IT and software solution-providers in particular. No matter how well-trained the person appears to sound, or how clean the fiber-connection is you run the risk of language and/or culture barriers affecting your customer interactions. Well, office supplies are running low today, and my office coordinator needs to call our supply representative to discuss a few things. Where is that call headed? Nope, Nova Scotia. True story.

For breaking news coverage, photos and video updated all day

APRIL 2009

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WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM

Ribbon Cuttings

Cedar Falls Public Library 524 Main Street, Cedar Falls

Goodwill Center 4318 University Avenue, Cedar Falls

The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber would like to say

THANK YOU to those who have renewed their Membership for 2009. We appreciate your support! For a complete list of Membership Renewals, please visit www.greatercedarvalleychamber.com and click “Resource Documents.”

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Welcome New Chamber Members

Build Buy or Sell Homes 2809 University Ave. P.O. Box 506 Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-553-1457 Fax: 319-553-1460 Website: www.buildbuyorsellhomes. com Contact: Craig Fairbanks Category: Contractors-General Building

Carlson Contractors 1601 S. Union Rd. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-429-4337 Fax: 319-243-2764 Website: www.carlsoncontractors.com Contact: Erik Carlson Category: Contractors-General Building Cedar Valley Orthodontics 1704 W. 1st St., Ste. C Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-277-7121 Fax: 319-266-3778 Website: www.cedarvalleyorthodontics. com Contact: Chris Holahan Category: Dentist/Orthodontists Computer Sense, Inc. 421 Olive St. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-266-8310 Fax: 319-266-1124 Contact: Glenda Wilson Category: Computer Services Cottage Glass 2628 Cottage Row Rd. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-429-5803 Website: www.karenscottageglass.com Contac: Karen Armentrout Category: Stained Glass

Hyde Telecom Partners, Inc. 9001 Hickman Rd., Ste. 310 Des Moines, IA 50322 Phone: 515-331-1994 Fax: 515-331-3021 Website: www.hydetelecom.com Contact: Doug Postel Category: Telecommunications Equipment JLL Extended Stay Inn 4410 University Ave. Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Phone: 319-277-1550 Fax: 319-277-8947 Contact: Taunda Thomas Category: Hotels & Motels The Samuels Group 311 Financial Way, Ste. 300 Wausau, WI 54401 Phone: 715-841-1905 Fax: 715-848-8088 Website: www.samuelsgroup.net Contact: Susan Samuels Category: Contractors-General Building Sulentic Fischels Commercial Group 3510 Kimball Ave., Ste. H Waterloo, IA 50701 Phone: 319-234-5000 Fax: 319-291-7000 Website: www.sulenticfischels.com Contact: Jim Sulentic/Chris Fischels Category: Real Estate Wartburg College 100 Wartburg Blvd. P.O. Box 1003 Waverly, IA 50677 Phone: 319-352-8200 Website: www.wartburg.edu Contact: Saul Shapiro Category: Colleges-Universities

APRIL 2009

2009 Premier Members

The Greater Cedar Valley Chamber Extends a special thank you to our 2009 Premier Members.

American Red Cross Ameriprise Financial Services Beacon of Hope Hospice BioLife Plasma Services Terry L. Butz Creative Incorporated dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;vine Medical Spa Europa Cycle & Ski Family YMCA of Black Hawk County Farnsworth Electronics, Inc. Griffith Construction Co. Levi Bros. Jewelers Lockard Development, Inc. Main Street Waterloo

Matt Parrott & Sons Company Nelson Properties RE/MAX Cedar Valley Restoration Services, Inc. River Plaza Athletic Club Royal Limousine Rydell Chevrolet Mitsubishi Ross Schoonover Schumacher Elevator Company United First Financial Urban Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. David Vorland, D.C. Waterloo Jaycees

Courier Ad

APRIL 2009

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Cedar Valley Coalition Conducts Washington Visit By Steve Firman Director, Government Relations The Cedar Valley Coalition sent a delegation of local government, business and education leaders to Washington DC on March 2-3, 2009. The group presented information supporting funding requests for 25 projects and programs that benefit the greater Cedar Valley. They also discussed five priority policy issues important to the citizens of the Cedar Valley. The Coalition delegation held individual meetings with Senators Grassley and Harkin and Congressman Braley. In addition, Congressman Braley, accompanied by Congressman Peter DeFazio of Oregon, Chairman of the House Subcom-

mittee on Highways and struction of U.S. 63 through the Coalition is the Cedar Transit, joined the Coali- Waterloo. This project will Valley TechWorks Project. tion for its annual luncheon improve traffic operations TechWorks is a regional March 3. The majority of and capacity while correct- bioeconomy campus fothe time was spent in exten- ing the negative impacts cused on connecting intelsive discussions with key on adjacent low income lectual property, technology members from the Iowa and industry innovators Senators’ and Congressto commercialize and man Braley’s staffs. Each manufacture bioprodof the projects and proucts. While there are grams, as well as the polmany phases and facets icy issues, were presented to the TechWorks iniby members of the Cedar tiative, this year’s disValley group and then cussions centered on were explored in depth funding for two aspects, with the appropriate staff improvements in the Cedar Valley representatives speaking members. Presentations TechWorks Technology Congressman Bruce Braley during were also made to offi- with Center and the creation their visit to Washington D.C. cials from the US Departof the Agritech Center ment of Agriculture and and Bioeconomy Mart. the Small Business Admin- and minority populations. The latter will be a new istration. While several segments of venue housed in a building The Coalition identified this project have been fund- to be built between the two two top priorities for 2009 ed in previous years, there is TechWorks towers that will among the projects and pro- still more work to be done extend interest in the nagrams on its 2009 agenda. to complete the project. tion’s agricultural past to its The first of these is reconThe second top priority of future in the bioeconomy.

This was the twelfth consecutive year that the Coalition has made such a trip to the nation’s capitol. The members of the Cedar Valley Coalition include the cities of Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, INRCOG, the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, Cedar Valley TechWorks, UNI, Hawkeye Community College, the Waterloo and Cedar Falls Community Schools, AEA 267, Cedar Falls Utilities, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Black Hawk County, Cedar Falls Community Main Street, Main Street Waterloo, the Waterloo Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Silos and Smokestacks National Heritage Area.

April Calendar of Events April 2 April 7 April 10 April 10 April 14 April 14 April 15 April 23 April 23

Spring Golf Classic Task Force, Waterloo office, 7:30 a.m. Strictly Business, Park Place Event Centre, 1521 Technology Pkwy., Cedar Falls, 3-7 p.m. Government Relations, Waterloo office, 7:30 a.m. Cedar Falls Ambassadors, Cedar Falls office, Noon My Waterloo Days Chair Meeting, Screaming Eagle Bar and Grill, East 4th Street, Waterloo, Noon My Waterloo Days Exec Meeting, Screaming Eagle Bar and Grill, 4 p.m. Waterloo Ambassadors, Waterloo office, 4:30 p.m. Board Meeting, Beck‛s Sports Brewery, University Avenue, Waterloo, 11:30 a.m. Power Networking, Holiday Inn - Cedar Falls, University Ave., Cedar Falls, 4:30 p.m.

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“Go Green” Panel: Facilitator: Tony Dicecco University of Northern Iowa

THANK YOU! “Go Green” Sponsor:

Committee: Co-Chairs: Tammy Bedard Advanced Systems, Inc.

“Park” Sponsors:

“Earth” Sponsors: Allen Health System Community National Bank Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo StruXture Architects

Media Sponsors: Courier Communications KFMW/KOKZ/KXEL/KWLO KKHQ/KCRR/KOEL-AM KNWS/Life 101.9 KWWL TV 7 Mix 96/1650 The Fan Signs and Designs

Sheri Purdy Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

Committee: Bridget Bryson, Barmuda MMC; Dave Buck, Matt Parrott and Sons; Janet Buls, Hawkeye Valley Area Agency on Aging; Steve Burrell, RE/MAX Cedar Valley; Todd Carlson, Shaklee; Jessica Crouch, Organized for You!; Shannon Farlow, Waterloo Center for the Arts; Sandy Formanek, Laser Design & Graphics, Inc.; Mason Fromm, Signs & Designs; Grant Gubbrud, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo; Mo Hardy, Visions Hair Studio; Ellen Heuer, Manpower, Inc.; Debbie Hottle, Heartland Midwest Management, Inc.; Alan Jessen, United First Financial; Stef Moudry, Sartori Memorial Hospital; Jackie Nowparvar, Courier Communications; Brenda Salisbury, Matt Parrott and Sons; Corey Schatz, RE/ MAX Cedar Valley; Jean Vaux, Cedar Valley Coaching Alliance

Panel Speakers: Daniel Channer, StruXture Architects Galen Howsare, Hawkeye Community College Mike Massina, MidAmerican Energy Pete Olson, Cedar Falls Utilities

2009 Exhibitors: ACES Advanced Systems, Inc. Allen Health System Bankers Advertising Company BankIowa Barmuda MMC Business & Community Services Cedar Falls Utilities Cedar Valley Community Healthcare Cedar Valley Hospice Comfort Suites Community National Bank Copyworks Cover All Advertising & Promotion Crescent Electric Cumulus Media Dalton Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. Express Employment Professionals Family Health Chiropractic, P.C. Hawkeye Community College Hellman Hyde Telecom Partners, Inc. Iowa Hospice Iowa Waste Exchange Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo Kaplan University KFMW-KOKZ-KXEL-KWLO KWWL Television Liberty Bank

Life 101.9 (KNWS-FM) Lincoln Savings Bank Lockard Development, Inc. Manpower Maple Lanes Matt Parrott & Sons Mauer Eye Center/ d’vine Medical Spa MidAmerican Energy Mount Mercy College Nagle Signs Inc. Next Generation Wireless Principal Financial GroupAgency Office Qwest The Samuels Group Sedona Staffing Services Shaklee Signs & Designs St. Ambrose University StruXture Architects The Supervisors’ Club U.S. Bank US Coffee & Tea Company Veridian Credit Union Visions Hair Studio Wartburg College Waste Management Waterloo Center for the Arts Weber Paper Company Wells Fargo Western Home Communities Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare

APRIL 2009

My Waterloo Days Activities in Need of Sponsors The My Waterloo Days executive committee is currently recruiting sponsorships for the 2009 festival, “Party on the Plaza,” taking place May 28-31, 2009. All events will be in the downtown Waterloo area from Lincoln Park to the new Riverloop Exposition Plaza. The sponsorship committee has been meeting with area businesses seeking their support for several high-exposure events, enabling the committee to seek a variety of entertainment and family fun for visitors to enjoy. The committee is still recruiting sponsorships for several events, including the fireworks display. “Without

sponsorships from our local businesses, these events cannot occur,” said Rob Camarata, Chair of the 2009 festival. “Sponsors of the My Waterloo Days festival will enjoy an excellent marketing opportunity throughout the four days. All major sponsors will see their name and logo on a 5’ X 7’ digital sign at the Riverloop Exposition Plaza.” “Businesses who sponsor a community event of this type expect and deserve maximum exposure to the public,” commented Jay Stoddard, Executive Director of My Waterloo Days. “The 2009 My Waterloo Days sponsors will be heav-

ily promoted throughout the four-day event, which promises to set record attendance levels with the new venue of the Riverloop Exposition Plaza.” As the committee continues to make progress and finalize plans for the 2009 festival, additional information such as entertainment and location specifics, will be released to keep the community well informed of what to expect in 2009. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact Jay Stoddard, My Waterloo Days Director, at (319) 233-8431.

20th Annual Spring Golf Classic

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The Spring Golf Classic of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17 at Gates Golf Course. Opportunities for Chamber members include:

There are two shot-gun starts for this four-person best shot: 7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Cost for the 7:30 tee time is $240 per foursome and 1:00 is $300 per foursome. Price includes cart, green fees, continental breakfast, lunch, and social.

PROMOTE!

We have several opportunities for you to promote your company or organization: 1. Hole Sponsorship - $350 (Golf included - $555 morning /$615 afternoon) 2. Donate Prizes (in groups of four) 3. Donate a Raf le Prize To register your foursome, sponsor a hole, and/or donate prizes, call Bette Wubbena at 233-8431 or email bette@greatercedarvalleychamber.com.

My Waterloo Days Fundraising Opportunities My Waterloo Days 2009 will be held on May 28-31 at the Riverloop Exposition Plaza in downtown Waterloo. Once again there are fundraising opportunities available to local service groups, organizations and churches. Although many of the slots are filled, there are still

several available in beer pouring, ID validation and clean-up. The shifts for beer pouring and ID validation are 3 hours long; clean up projects are targeted at 1 hour. For more information, please contact Jay Stoddard, My Waterloo Days Director at (319) 233-8431.

POWER

Networking Thursday, April 23 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Holiday Inn - Cedar Falls 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls Attendees will have the opportunity to network with MANY businesses in one hour. Bring your business cards! Call 233-8431 or 266-3593 for a reservation. Limited to two representatives per member and fifty attendees.

Sponsored by:

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IT services help clients weather economic tempest Like businesses everywhere, the current economic situation is causing Aces, a professional information technology engineering firm, to examine what its staff members can do to help clients reduce expenses without reducing the level of service, security, and reliability they depend on. Especially now, the IT services Aces provides are Wendy Knapp beneficial to is marketing small business consultant with Aces in Cedar Falls. as they seek to Contact her at (319) protect invest266-9800, ext. 111, ments made (319) 553 0841 or in technology, wknapp@acesiowa. and increase com. their efficiency and productivity. Aces proactively partners with clients to find solutions that reduce costs and help them run more efficiently. To help clients improve their marketing effectiveness, Aces launched a new Web division in 2008 called theWEBCentric. TheWEBCentric delivers next-generation Web develop-

ment and marketing strategies to strengthen their clients’ relationship with customers and position their brand in the marketplace. In addition to creativity, theWebCentric offers a high level of security and compliance in comprehensive Web solutions. As a strategic addition to Aces capabilities and client portfolio, in December, Aces acquired the Starken Group, an IT consulting firm that serves the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids/ Waterloo corridor. The acquisition of Starken is evidence of the health and stability of Aces. Based in the Cedar Falls Industrial Park, Aces specializes in building, protecting and maintaining server-based computer networks. In 2002 Aces was purchased by current owner Phil Kenealy and his Waverly-based company Computer Pros Inc. Since that time Aces has more than doubled revenue, and profitability has increased approximately 5 times. Aces provides highly tailored, rapidly deployable solutions to customers in the county and city government, financial services, manufacturing and other industries

including technology solutions from Microsoft, Citrix, Fortinet, and HP. Aces offers online backup solution and provides web development and hosting services. Aces was awarded Microsoft Gold Partner Status once again this past January. Aces partnership with Microsoft is invaluable in helping clients with support and consultancy for their IT systems. At this level, Aces has access to the resources and support including a technical services coordinator, access to the Partner Knowledge Base, other toplevel benefits not available to all IT companies. Microsoft gold-certified partners represent the highest level of competence and expertise with Microsoft technologies and have the closest working relationship with Microsoft. Microsoft considers the number of Microsoft-certified systems engineers, qualified engineers employed, the quantity of references from satisfied cli-

ents and depth of knowledge of Microsoft products before awarding gold-level partner accreditation to a solutions provider. Aces specialist competencies have been recognized by Microsoft in these fields: ■ Advanced infrastructure solutions. ■ Networking infrastructure solutions. ■ Small business specialist community. Aces is also a member of the Heartland Tech Group, a peer group of IT solutions providers in the Midwest. The group meets together to share best practices, prepare for the future of the industry, navigate small business issues particular to the technology industry. Kenealy is optimistic about 2009 “Aces success is founded on great people providing exceptional service. We don’t just say we go the extra mile. Our people go as far as it takes to bring the best solution to every situation. The decisions

we’ve made in the last year regarding hiring and expansions, including the Starken merger, reflect that on every level. As a company we seek to be proactive rather than reactive. We are fortunate to work in an industry that gives us an opportunity to help our clients navigate through difficult times. The tragedies of 2008 have spawned new opportunities for Aces to assist our clients in developing disaster recovery and business continuity solutions. Aces joined the Safeguard Iowa Partnership. As a member of this partnership, we are committed to prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from potential catastrophic events in Iowa. Other strategic partnerships in the Cedar Valley will soon be announced. Aces has a proven reputation for quality and customer focus. For more information on Aces, visit www.Acesiowa.com, or call (319) 266-9800 ext. 111.

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Tradition of service lives on at Droste In 1989 Rich Droste started a local windshield repair business in hopes of making a full-time job of it. His peers told him he was crazy and that there was no way that repairing windshields could be a fulltime job. At the time, there was little knowledge of this craft in this area. For seven years he steadily built his business by only repairing rock chips and cracks in windshields. Rich credited his success to his relentless explanation to his clientele Brad Droste about how they is with Droste Auto would benefi t & Glass. The from repairs. company’s Web He didn’t use site is print ads, telewww.drosteauto. com. vision, radio, or sit around and wait for the phone to ring. He talked with local insurance agents and made an immediate impact on them in his territory. He educated them with how the repair process was done, and how successful the repaired damage would be. He explained how it would not only benefit the insurance company, but the policyholder as well by saving money. His real success came from his business philosophy though, “To do what is in the best interest for the insured and the insurance agent.” Shortly after he started, the insurance industry started waiving policyholders’ deductibles if the insured decided to have their windshield repaired rather than replaced. Agents immediately started recommending their policyholders to Rich for repairs. His business grew as he began visiting businesses with a large amount of vehicles in their fleet. These included construction companies, city/county/state vehicles, school bus garages, utility companies, rental car companies, used car dealers, etc. Word of mouth spread and business grew more with little or no advertising, just himself.

His success led to several inquiries about replacing glass as well. In 1996, I joined him to replace windshields only. It wasn’t long and people began asking us to replace other windows as well. By 2000, we had our ﬁrst storefront and became a full-service auto glass shop. Rich also opened a second store in the same location offering auto care services such as paint touch up, truck accessories, spray in bed liners, and remote car start systems. In 2006, he built a stateof-the-art facility where we are today and combined the two businesses to become Droste Auto & Glass. His entrepreneurial mind was still looking to expand further. Unfortunately, Rich tragically passed away in 2007. His philosophy, however, lives on. Despite the auto glass industry facing huge cutbacks and stores closing nationwide, we continue to build toward the future. We do it by being honest, educating everyone we talk to, the quality of work and service we provide, and mostly our unselfishness. We follow Rich’s “Do what’s in the best interest for everyone involved” attitude, and not “How much money

can we get out of this person?” Could we make more money? Yes! But we wouldn’t have the relationship with our clientele that we do now. People trust us because they are treated like they want to be treated. We are not robots or clones. We don’t interact with customers by how some seminar or textbook taught us how to treat them. We welcome advice and attend educational seminars regularly, but we simply use our own personalities and knowledge. We treat people as if they are our friend or relative, just the way Rich had intended. Shortly after Rich died, my uncle, a successful businessman in Los Angeles and a business consultant across the U.S., met with me to help in the transition without Rich. He told me that we needed to be more uniform from our attire to the way we answered the phone. He also suggested that the hillbilly character in our TV commercials be removed because he thought it made us look like a second-rate service center. After consulting us for the next year, he rescinded his remarks and said that from what he observed, people trusted us for who we

are. While most organizations and big business may beneﬁt from having uniform standard operating procedures, our success is by being true to who we are. We don’t get caught up running the same type of commercials everyone else does. We don’t advertise about how great our staff is, or how many awards we have won. We don’t use gimmick sales or falsely lead people to our business. This is our 20th year now

and we have never run a gimmick sale. We rarely have sales at all. It’s also nice to know that you can speak with the same employee you dealt with ﬁve years ago, ﬁve years from now. We just do it the old fashioned way (Rich’s way): Integrity, hard work, educating people and a dedicated staff. Your visit to Droste’s will be unique; we simply treat people the way they want to be treated.

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Kirk Gross offers variety of services to area ﬁrms By ELLEN WOODS

Kirk Gross Co. is a multi-disciplined organization with professionals providing planning, architectural, design, construction and furnishings solutions to financial and commercial environments in a total One Source process. Most companies in our area recognize the name Kirk Gross Co. for our years of experience in providing design and product to commercial furniture and finishes projects. We are proud to call many of you our partners and friends. Most companies outside of the Cedar Valley recognize the name Kirk Gross Co. for our expertise in designing, constructing and furnishing financial institutions. We take pride in our vast number of disciplines and in the number of clients whose expectations we have exceeded. We have been providing these services to the metro area and

the Midwest for more than 72 years. Our dedicated employees are the basis and strength of our company. Being a part of the Cedar Valley has also added to this strength. Personal and professional growth and teamwork are supported as a means to provide an enthusiastic workplace and job satisfaction. We strive for responsible profit and manageable growth in order to maintain our financial stability and longevity for the benefit of our employees, our customers and our community. Kirk Gross Co. believes in the importance of community leadership, commitment to family, fairness, honesty, integrity and respect for individuals. It is our purpose to incorporate these principles into our daily actions. Ellen Woods is sales director for Kirk Gross Co. Contact her at (319) 234-6641.

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Tips for wading through pool of possible interns By ERIN CONROY AP Business Writer

If the applicant pool for this year’s summer internship at your business is overwhelming, that may be because it has become more difﬁcult to land an entrylevel job. Deborah Levy, vice president of talent recruitment at communications ﬁrm MS&L Worldwide, offers these tips to see which potential intern has the dexterity to work with you. ■ Give candidates a pop culture quiz to test their knowledge of current events. It will help give you a sense of their ability to translate current trends into business ideas and opportunities for the company. ■ Make them earn that acceptance letter. After the applications are screened, hold a “Challenge Day” for candidates to compete against one another in a simulated assignment for a coveted intern slot. ■ Look for digital prowess and visual presentations that demonstrate creativity, poise and strong communication skills. ■ Recruit staff members from varied departments and levels of

experience — human resources, technical support, new employees and senior executives — to conduct short interviews of the candidates. It’ll give the applicants several opportunities to leave an impression and demonstrate their eloquence.

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Reﬁlled ink cartridges prove environmentally friendly By SCOTT PETERSON

Cartridge World is an international company specializing in the remanufacturing of ink and toner cartridges for both business and personal printing. The company originally started in Australia in 1991 and expanded to the United States in 2002. Recently, the international headquarters relocated to Emeryville, Calif. Cartridge World is run under independently owned franchises and has more than 1,700 franchise locations in 45 countries. Cartridge World provides consumers with a way to save money while at the same time helping to preserve the environment. Every cartridge refilled means one fewer cartridge in our landfills. Did you know that it can take up to 450 years for one cartridge to decompose in the landfill? And it takes more than three-quarters of a gallon of oil to produce a new laser cartridge. All cartridge refilling is done in-house, using special equipment and trained technicians. The inks and toners are specifically designed for each individual cartridge and the worn-out parts are replaced in every laser cartridge. Cartridge World ink and toner cartridges are also backed by a full guarantee. Along with refilling cartridges, the company also sells some compatible cartridges and specialty printing accessories. In August 2006, Cartridge

Get your money’s worth Advertising in the Cedar Valley Business Monthly is an efﬁcient way to spend your advertising dollars. If you want to place a display ad, call an account executive at 291-1497 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our account executives will help you establish a campaign.

World opened in Waterloo. While business has been good, we hope to make more people aware of our business. In today’s economically challenged times, everyone is concerned about saving money. Under such circumstances, causes such as saving the environment can get pushed by the wayside or forgotten about all together, and here at Cartridge World we’d like to do both — help save the environment and save our customers’ money. One way we can do this is to offer our customers the chance to save money by reﬁlling their ink and toner cartridges, which keeps the cartridges out of our landﬁlls. Cartridge World offers schools and other community organizations a chance to raise money and save the environment too. As an independently owned business, Cartridge World offers the chance to help local schools and organizations by implementing programs that help raise money and save the environment. By collecting empty cartridges and returning them to Cartridge World, organizations can earn funds to help support programs for local organizations. Cartridge World in Waterloo also offers business customers free pick-up and delivery with

orders over $100. Qualifying businesses also have the opportunity to set up a charge account for their business saving both time and money. Some frequently asked questions about using remanufactured cartridges are: 1. Is there a risk to using a refilled cartridge? Not at all. There will be no difference in the print quality after the cartridge is refilled. 2. How much money will I save by using a refilled cartridge? The savings varies depending on cartridge but by using refilled cartridges you can save up to 50 percent of the price of buying new cartridges. 3. How much time does it take to refill my cartridge? In many cases it only takes a few minutes. Cartridge World has several cartridges on hand already filled and only takes the time to test print the cartridge, trade in your empty, and you’re on your way. 4. How many times can a cartridge be refilled? Cartridges can be refilled several times but vary depending on the particular cartridge and how well the cartridge has been taken care of. 5. Will using a refilled cartridge void the printer manufacturer? No, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act prohibits the manu-

facturer of the printer you are using from voiding the warranty because you use a reﬁlled or remanufactured cartridge. This is the same principle as buying a new car and being able to take the car wherever you want to have the oil changed without voiding the warranty. Printer manufacturers will almost always advise you against

refilling because they want you to purchase their more expensive replacement cartridges and accessories. You should feel confident that cartridges refilled or remanufactured by Cartridge World will meet or exceed your expectations, and our satisfaction guarantee is a sign of our confidence and removes any risk from trying our services.

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Temporary staffing still a great idea for employers, job seekers Sixty years ago, two Milwaukee attorneys, Aaron Scheinfeld and Elmer Winter, had to solve a daunting problem quickly. An important project was due the next day, and nobody among their firm’s small staff was available to help. So they called a former employee to come in and help meet the deadline. After their staffing shortage problem had been resolved, the partners thought that other businesses facing similar circumstances could use the services of a firm to provide temporary help. With that, Jill Katuin Manpower was is branch manager for Manpower in born. What was Waterloo. a good, innovaContact her at tive idea in 1948 (319) 233-8473 turned out to be or jill.katuin@ a great idea in na.manpower.com. the long run, as nearly 3 million people a day in the U.S. now work for employment services firms, according to the American Staffing Association. The old adage “time is money” is as true today as ever. Employers with a short-term, urgent need for personnel simply don’t have the time to recruit and screen people to fill vacant positions. In addition, unfilled positions can lead to expensive overtime costs and lost productivity as an employer’s existing staff is stretched to perform additional tasks. The ASA has found that 80 percent of employers who hire temporary workers use them to fill in for absent employees or fill short-term vacancies. Employers in a growth mode often find that a third party can fill new positions faster and more efficiently than their own human resource departments. And as employers of all sizes are closely watching operating expenses, it can be advantageous to have an employment services firm manage payroll and insurance costs related to additional personnel. In addition, employers have discovered that they can retain the knowledge of their most experienced staff by having retir-

ees serve as temporary or contract employees administered by an employment services firm. The flexibility of temporary staffing is valuable to job seekers because it provides exposure to many different employers at once while giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills for a permanent job. According to ASA research, 80 percent of companies that use temporary staff say it’s a good way to find permanent employees while 77 percent of temporary employees polled say it’s good way to find a permanent job. For example, 40 percent of Manpower’s temporary associates are permanently hired by its clients. Many people prefer temporary and contract work as an employment option because they like having the ability to select work schedules and choose among a variety of employers and assignments. Most employment services firms provide free training so temporary and contract workers can increase their skills — and become more valuable to employers. The leading firms offer innovative, Web-based training in a wide array of topics such as technology, marketing, accounting and human resources. In addition to helping an

employer choose the people who will ultimately contribute to its success, an employment services firm can be an important business partner. Factors that go into making this partnership successful include: ■ Geographic footprint — The employment services firm is knowledgeable about the nuances of the local market, including skills availability and pay rates. If an employer needs staff in multiple cities, it should consider working with a firm that has offices in each of those locations. ■ Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting — The war for talent is escalating every day. The wider an employment services firm is able to cast the net, the more likely it will find the right person for the job. If a position requires an individual with a specialized skill set, the firm should be equipped to recruit on a local, regional and national level. ■ Doing the homework — A reputable employment services firm will verify the skills and experience an employee claims to have. ■ Matching employees to the assignment. A conscientious employment services firm is able to take into account a person’s skills and personality when plac-

ing someone on assignment. It is recommended that an employer research and contact at least three employment services ﬁrms, consider a potential partner’s local longevity and community participation, ask for a list of current references and never make a decision based only on price. Whether it’s helping an

employer seeking skilled staff or assisting an individual in the hunt for a great job opportunity, employment services ﬁrms play a key role in the changing world of work. For more information about Manpower’s approach to today’s world of work, contact our Waterloo Manpower ofﬁce at (319) 233-8473.

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Salvation Army offers a growing array of services By NIKKI RODRIGUEZ

The mission of The Salvation Army is to meet genuine human temporal and spiritual needs, in whatever form. Our objective is to help the “whole person,” to sense their spiritual as well as their physical needs. The Salvation Army stands ready to assist people of every race and creed, swiftly and compassionately, with kindness and understanding. We are dedicated to caring for the poor, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, loving the unlovable, and befriending the friendless. The Army practices an integrated ministry uniting spiritual, social and physical support. We believe that every individual is valued by God and should be given the opportunity to achieve his or her potential. Aid is given wherever and whenever the need is apparent, without distinction as to race or creed. Social service programs are a practical expression of the dominating spiritual motivation of The Salvation Army. Among the services available: ■ Two emergency shelters — This is an intervention program designed to keep the homeless population from sleeping on the streets. The program includes a 14-bed shelter for single men

and a 32-bed shelter for single women and women with children. Both shelters offer basic needs and social work services. ■ Life skills classes for both women and men. A transitional housing program has a 10-bedroom facility for single men that covers two years and offers several social service aspects to assist in the placement of these men back into their own permanent housing in our community. It also has required lifeskills classes. ■ Free noon meal available for anyone in the community. This is available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers a balanced meal. There is also a giveaway program, featuring bread, produce and other items. There’s a phone in the lobby for client use. A nurse visits twice a month. In addition, there are blood pressure and foot clinics and opportunities to socialize with others. The Sunshine Club for seniors offers crafts, bingo and other diversions. ■ A free clinic from 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday.

■ Emergency assistance — such as energy assistance, help with IDs, water, rent, prescription and eyeglasses, personal products, diapers, four-day emergency food boxes and gas assistance for appointments at the Mayo Clinic and Iowa City. ■ A family activity center, which provides a safe after-school program for children ages 6–14 years old. There is no charge for this program, which operates from 3 to 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. Dinner is provided, in partnership with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. The center also offers assistance with homework and educational/recreational activities. Basketball skills are taught on Thurdays for beginners, as well as advanced players. ■ Camping experiences. In another no-charge program, we sent 69 kids to a camp on 297 acres in Washburn, Ill., in 2007. Each child was given their very own sleeping bag. ■ Disaster services. An emergency canteen is equipped and ready for any disaster or community event. ■ Character-building programs are at 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays. ■ Christmas assistance, through Adopt-A-Family, Toy Shoppe and

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Angel Tree programs. ■ Volunteer Opportunities. Light up your life: give a warm feeling to yourself and others. ■ Thrift store, located at East Seventh and Franklin streets in Waterloo. Free clothing is available to those in need with a voucher, and there are affordable clothing, furniture, books and household items for others.

■ Church services are scheduled on Sunday mornings. Sunday school is at 9:30 a.m., and a Holiness Meeting is at 10:45 a.m. Nikki Rodriguez is business manager with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Salvation Army, 89 Franklin St., Waterloo. Contact her at (319) 235-9358 or nikki_rodriguez@USC. SalvationArmy.org.

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Riding program marks 10th anniversary In our society, materialistic desires seem to be rapidly taking charge of our lives. We become so concerned about satisfying instant pleasures that we begin to lose a sense of value of the natural beauty in life, of which money cannot buy. Where can we go to escape this hectic environment and step back Valery Rahe to find a true with Aspire appreciation of Therapeutic Riding life and nature Program can be in its purest contacted at forms? (319) 296-3096 or The answer aspireintern@aol. is through the com. Aspire Therapeutic Riding Program. Located just outside of the city of Waterloo, Aspire (A Specialized Program Involving Riding and Education), a nonprofit organization, welcomes all individuals to benefit their lives through therapy that only horses can provide with the partnership of various horseback riding techniques. Ten years ago, Marilyn Moore and her daughter, Kelly Burger, made this therapy a possibility in the Cedar Valley. They built Aspire’s foundation with a strong passion of working with horses, assisting individuals, especially those with disabilities, and a true faith in God. These elements have made Aspire a solid and outstand-

Get your money’s worth The Cedar Valley Business Monthly is an efﬁcient place to spend your advertising dollars. If you want to place a display ad, call an account executive at 291-1497 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Our account executives will help you establish a campaign.

ing organization for 10 straight years. Aspire, which is accredited by the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, has witnessed many miracles in the lives of its riders. These riders have improved immensely in their cognitive, emotional, and physical abilities all through the healing talents of the horses. It is truly rewarding to see riders becoming capable of sitting up tall without assistance, riding a bike, swinging on a swing, and walking with both legs straight, all of which were never possible prior to their horseback riding lessons. All of these accomplishments positively affect the riders, their families, the instructors, the

volunteers, and all who are associated with the program. Aspire also stays very active in offering three outreach programs every year. The organization works with youth from an area residential facility by offering horse-related activities that provide necessary lifelong skills for these individuals’ wellbeing, such as trust, respect, communication and caring for animals. Aspire’s miniature horses, Cody and Maverick, also visit area schools, nursing homes, hospitals and group homes, presenting enlightening therapy in the lives of these people. The ﬁnal outreach program that Aspire has to offer is a week-long day camp, Camp Hope, offered to individuals

with disabilities in the community. Many activities are offered at this camp, including arts/crafts, cooking, horseback riding, grooming and a trip to Lost Island Water Park. Aspire has clearly found that the possibilities are endless in what it can achieve as an organization. A true belief

in Aspire’s empowering mission has inspired many volunteers, instructors, parents, staff, board members and contributors to work to create an outstanding impact for the organization. After 10 years of changing lives, it is obvious that their efforts have been a triumph.

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Waverly-based retirement community has grown Jeanne Peloquin is communications and volunteer coordinator at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community in Waverly. Contact her at (319) 352-2001, ext. 102.

Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community started out 55 years ago as the Bartels Home for the Aged. In 1954, Bartels had room for just 11 seniors in a small, brick facility in the northwest corner of Waverly. Today, Bartels is a multi-level retirement community and home to almost 200 senior citizens who take advantage of the Bartels services that best meet their needs. As Waverly and the Cedar Valley have grown and changed, Bartels has grown to meet those needs and exceed expectations. Bartels’ mission, “enriching lives through quality services and Christian care,” is at the heart of its work. Bartels accomplishes this mission by providing levels of service and care that best meet the needs of each resident. For some residents in Eich-

horn Haus independent living, this means simply providing a secure and supportive home base for their busy social, volunteer and spiritual activities. Other seniors need additional care for their bodies or minds and can ﬁnd peace and enjoyment in the Woodland Terrace nursing center or Evergreen Arbor memory care center. For each level of care, Bartels provides living arrangements, supportive services and therapeutic and social activities provided by professional staff to meet residents’ needs. Bartels continues to grow to meet the needs of the changing community with its newest development, Eisenach Village. Eisenach Village, named for Waverly’s sister city Eisenach, Germany, will provide maintenancefree, independent living for active

adults. “At Eisenach Village we say you’re ‘free to be,’” said Bartels President/ CEO Debra Schroeder. “We handle the ‘have to’ tasks of day-to-day maintenance while you pursue the ‘want to’ pastimes that ignite your passion. You have time to explore your interests like never before whether that means socializing in the clubhouse, volunteering at local charities, or pursuing lifelong learning through our collaboration with Wartburg College.” Eisenach Village will meet the needs of active adults who want to stay active, continue learning and keep their ﬁngers on the pulse of the thriving Wartburg College and Waverly communities. It will feature homes designed to be energy-star rated, and homeowners will be able to choose

from six floor plans ranging from approximately 1,100 to 1,800 square feet. Infrastructure construction is slated to begin in April, with the first pre-sold units ready for occupancy in fall 2009 or spring 2010. Charter memberships and preconstruction pricing are currently available, with charter members receiving priority information about development updates at Eisenach Village, details regarding Eisenach Village homes and floor plans, priority consideration for home site choices, and opportunities to purchase homes first and at the lowest price. For more information about Eisenach Village, call (319) 352-1258 or visit www.eisenachvillage.org. For more information about the Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, call (319) 352-4540.

Milroy’s opens new store at Crossroads Shopping Center By DENNIS SCHMIDT

For more than 40 years and three generations, Milroy’s Tuxedos has set the standard for quality tuxedo wear for the Cedar Valley. Over the past 15 years Milroy’s has successfully entered other markets in Iowa by opening new retail stores in Ames, Des Moines and Dubuque, and now the time has come to re-invest in our hometown. After we experienced success with our Cedar Falls store at Fourth and Washington streets (with Varsity Cleaners), we were encouraged to improve our Waterloo retail store. So it is with great pride and excitement that we announce the grand opening of our new Crossroads Mall store. The new Crossroads Mall store (across from Diamond Dave’s) features a larger mannequin display area so you can see, feel and touch what you want to rent, much larger dressing rooms and more of them, better hours for your convenience and a larger, more organized area to sell suits, tuxedos, shirts and

other accessories. Probably most important is that we are closer to you; either the Cedar Falls store or the Crossroads store is easily accessible for your convenience. Our original location near the intersection of 11th and Commercial streets in downtown Waterloo has served as our corporate headquarters and will continue to do so. All administrative offices, wholesale and retail support offices, inventory warehousing and shipping/receiving functions will continue at the downtown location. While the Milroy’s retail stores have been successful in Iowa, most of our tuxedo rentals are shipped to our wholesale catalog accounts throughout 13 states in the Midwest. Some wholesale accounts are as close as A.J. August in Cedar Falls, Love & Lace in Waverly, or as far away as Moliere Bridal in Oklahoma City, or The Wedding Planner in Corydon, Ind. In fact, the wholesale business helped persuade us to move the Waterloo retail store to Crossroads Mall because we needed the old retail area for our new wholesale support

office. Milroy’s continues to grow in both the retail and wholesale markets due in large part to our Cedar Valley roots, the people we employ and the customers who have supported us, and for that we are grateful. Since tuxedo rentals and formal occasions are our main business, we spend a great deal of time learning new trends in our industry and teaching our staff and customers our trade. I’m a longtime board member of the International Formalwear Association and national leader of the industry. I have visited and critiqued hundreds of tuxedo warehouses and retail stores across the U.S. Milroy’s participates in national bridal and prom shows and networks with regional bridal stores to learn new styles, colors and trends for the upcoming prom and bridal seasons. Manufacturers developing new product lines, new colors, and quality testing will use Milroy’s as an endorsement source. It is through the relationships with the bridals, other tuxedo owners and manufacturers throughout the

United States that Milroy’s is able to maintain an up-to-date inventory unmatched by anyone in our market area. We set trends over and over Example: Milroy’s Tuxedos was the first company and was nearly exclusive with developing and introducing the first brown

tuxedo in decades about five years ago, and now the brown tuxedo is one of the top rented fashions in the country. Dennis Schmidt is president/owner of Milroy’s Tuxedos. Contact him at (319)233-5222 or dennis@ milroystuxedos.com.

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KJ & Kompany has long history here KJ & Kompany was one of the ﬁrst tenants in the Crossroads Mall in 1970. When Keith Blum started the salon it was called Crossroads Barber Shop, where he worked the ﬁrst year alone. At that time barbers and cosmetologists were prohibited by law from working in the same salon. By Heather Hosch 1974 he had doubled the size is owner of KJ & Kompany, Waterloo. to six chairs Contact her at and changed (319) 232-9177. the name to KJ & Kompany. By 1983 barbers and cosmetologists could work in the same salon, which helped them grow

to nine chairs and three tanning beds. The salon has continued to grow throughout the years and now has 18 chairs with an average of 25 employees. In 2007, Keith was ready to retire and spend more time with his growing family. On June 30, 2007, he sold the company to Emily Daws, Stephanie Bass, Angie Lashbrook and me. Emily Daws has been associated with KJ & Kompany since 1976 and was a manager for Keith for 16 years. Stephanie Bass was the assistant manager for seven years. Angie Lashbrook had been a stylist for Keith for 12 years and was considering buying the company when Keith began discussing retirement. Angie discussed options with lenders and decid-

ed it was too much for one person. I worked in the accounting industry for 16 years and was hoping to own a business at some point. Upon the news that Keith was considering selling the business, I too began doing my own analysis of the business. I shared my ideas with Emily, who is also my mother. We then met with Angie and Stephanie; together it was easy to see we all had different talents and ideas and we would be a great team. I couldn’t be happier with our decision, nor could I ask for better partners and friends to work with. On July 1, 2007, we explained to our staff that we would keep their vacation and all other beneﬁts intact and do everything we could to make the

Job security high on people’s list of concerns The Associated Press

Plunging stock prices and rising health care costs have Americans fretting, but it’s job security that worries us most. A survey taken in February asked U.S. adults what issues most concerned them, and 38 percent said the state of their job, while 23 percent cited stock market performance, 20 percent said the cost of health care and 12 percent said saving for retirement. However, those concerns varied markedly for people of different ages, race, income and education level. Older Americans — those ages 55 and up — were less concerned about jobs and worried more about how markets were faring, while half or more of people aged 18 to 44 were most worried about their employment status. The ethnic group most concerned about their jobs was non-Hispanic African-Americans, 55 percent of whom worried about job security. While only 11 percent of those who had not ﬁnished high school worried most about the state of the Dow Jones industrials, 30 percent of college graduates cited markets as their top worry. Job security was a top worry for

all household income ranges surveyed, but the number most concerned about the cost of health care spiked higher among those with lower income levels. Only 16 percent of people who said their families made more than $100,00 a year were most concerned about health care costs,

but 30 percent of those who made less than $35,000 said it was their biggest worry. The telephone survey, by ﬁnancial services ﬁrm Edward Jones, polled 1,000 U.S. adults randomly selected from Feb. 6 to 9. The margin of error was 3 percentage points.

transition easy. We have several employees that have been with the company for more than 10 years, the longest being 17, and are always welcoming new graduates. Keith worked many years growing this business. We look forward to building on that foundation. We currently have 20 talented stylists. Continuous education is a high priority for us. We bring in instructors as well as send our staff to various cities for training to remain current and on the cutting edge of the industry. With our onsite wedding coordinator, we are able to handle large wedding parties. We are happy to be open seven days a week to handle all salon needs from cuts, colors, perms, facial wax-

ing, conditioning treatments, make-up application and consultations including skin care. Our retail store continues to be one of the largest in the Cedar Valley. We carry Aveda, Bumble & Bumble, Redken, Aquage and more. Our guests are why we are here and we value their time that they spend with us. Our mission is to provide a fun, creative and energetic atmosphere for our guests as well as our team. We strive for excellence in customer service and education. At KJ & Kompany we work as a team to get to know our guests and ﬁnd the best possible solution to meet their needs. We promise to remain professional, fashion forward and positive.

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There’s more than meets the eye to ﬁnding the right gem By DAVE CUTLER

Precieux Art Jewelers in Cedar Falls is located in front of Kohl’s on University Avenue by the College Square Mall. We started business a couple of years before we had a storefront in 1979. We recognized a trend that was quickly growing in all business, not just jewelry, and that trend was disappearing quality of both the construction of the ring and the quality of diamonds put in rings. Jewelers used to run jewelry stores and took pride in the quality items they offered. This tradition changed, and jewelry stores more and more converted over to business managers and sales help, and

with with that change went the pride and passion for offering a respectable quality product. The new goal was now quarterly profit, no longer to offer a well-made product, but to cheapen the product as much as possible so you could sell as many as possible in as short of time as possible, without regard or respect to the integrity of the customer. Precieux Art Jewelers found that many people quickly found out fast and cheap service and products initially caught their interest but were visually lacking a quality look or did not prove to be durable, This is where we came in. Call me old-fashioned, but I like helping people get what they want in a piece of jewelry, not what

I can talk them into to make the most profit. This I find in the long run brings you more business, even though in the short run you make a bit less money. Our philosophy is to offer more options than our competition, from high-fashion design to common designs, but made correctly, and offer it at a truly better price than our competition, rather than play the game of lowering the quality so the price seems cheap just to get the sale, which is a huge problem in the jewelry business today. Determining quality when buying a diamond is not easy, with all the fancy lighting systems and salespeople who make the jewelry sound better

Indian, Chinese immigrants head home The Associated Press

More and more young, techsavvy, well-educated Indian and Chinese immigrants are packing it up in the United States and heading back home, says Duke professor and Harvard researcher Vivek Wadhwa. He conducted a survey on why recent returnees elected to go back to India and China for the Kauffman Foundation. “The majority of people like it better back home,” Wadhwa said. “The U.S. isn’t everything anymore. ... This is great for India and China, but what we’ve done is export economic recovery.” He estimates that while 50,000 Indian and 50,000 Chinese immigrants returned home in the past 20 years, there will be 100,00 Indians and 100,000 Chinese

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immigrants leaving the U.S. in the next ﬁve years. The factors driving return were not primarily visa issues, the survey found, but feelings that career opportunities were better at home, a desire to be close to friends and family, and better

quality of life. The survey randomly polled 1,203 Indian and Chinese employees in their home countries who had worked or gone to school in the U.S. and who were members of the social networking site LinkedIn.com.

than it actually is to get you to buy it. However, this rule of thumb really helps: find a diamond in a jewelry store that is goodenough quality to look fine (no eye-visible inclusions, no visible yellow or brown tint in its color, and that sparkles more than any of the other diamonds in the store, due to its good cutting) and then buy the next higher quality, as the artificial lighting environment in the store will make diamonds look better than they really are, and when you get them home you will swear they don’t look as good as they did in the store and you’re right. So if you purchase a lowerquality diamond that is just passable looking in the store

you will be sorely disappointed when you get it home and get it a little dirty and it starts to look like a fake, losing most of its brilliance and becoming darker. There will always be folks who try to find a deal too good to be true, and usually are prime targets for a smoothtalking salesperson, but if you desire a truly medium- to finerquality diamond at a price that will beat any Internet or local store’s price without exception, or misleading sales practices, Precieux Art Jewelers in Cedar Falls takes pride in helping you find jewelry that fits your needs, rather than ours. Contact Dave Cutler at Precieux Art Jewelers, (319) 277-0717.

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Grundy National Bank celebrates 75th anniversary As Grundy County has grown, prospered and diversiﬁed, so has the Grundy National Bank. Thirty-six local stockholders contributed $35,000 in start-up capital for the new institution during the midst of the Depression in 1934. Other Kevin Swalley county banks had failed, and is president of Grundy National Bank a local newspain Grundy Center. per stated “The Contact him at announcement (319) 824-5431 or of the opening (800) 545-0172. of the new bank will be the best news the people of this community have received for many months.”

On opening day, March 16, 1934, the staff of the bank consisted of three employees. Seventy-five years later, there are 60 employees of Grundy National Bank. The number of shareholders has grown to more than 200, with the majority residing in Grundy, Black Hawk, and Hardin counties. Banking offices in Grundy Center and Conrad, as well as an Insurance & Investments office in Grundy Center, provide a variety of financial products and services, with a company-wide mission of ‘‘building lifetime customer relationships.’’ The bank is especially proud of its local ownership and commitment to ‘give back’ to the local communities it calls home. “We’re passionate about this area’s success, and it shows

through the bank’s commitment to loans for agriculture and small business, our financial support for non-profit organizations, and through the time invested by employees to support our communities,” says GNB CEO & President, Kevin Swalley. “These are challenging economic times, and while the public’s perception of big banks these days is not favorable, the nation’s community banks are a bright spot,” remarks Swalley. “Overall,community banks like GNB are safe places for deposits and did not become involved in the shaky lending practices that contributed to the nation’s financial problems.” Two projects currently under way to mark Grundy National Bank’s 75th anniversary both

Tips for building business credibility The Associated Press

As tales of massive fraudsters take over in the news, businesspeople may be increasingly edgy nowadays about ... just about everyone with whom they interact. One expert calls it a “trust crisis.” Human resources consultant Sandy Allgeier has tips on how to maintain and build your business credibility, which she deﬁnes as “what we do and how we do it that causes others to ﬁnd us believable, someone that can be trusted, someone that can be respected.” ■ Don’t be late, don’t reschedule too often and keep your commitments. ■ Nurture your ability to suspend knee-jerk judgments; don’t make immediate decisions. Ask questions and think over situations before offering an opinion, whether in conversation or over e-mail. ■ Be self-aware. Understand how you come across to others and what your strengths and weaknesses are. If you are honest and objective with yourself, you are more able to be open with others, better at building

trust and better able to tell others what they need to work on, Allgeier says. ■ Have humility and acknowledge making mistakes. Ask others how you can improve. ■ Don’t constantly make excuses for negligent behavior

— instead apologize, learn from mistakes and don’t let them recur. ■ Avoid blaming others for mistakes, even if it is justiﬁed; instead seek to rectify a problematic situation without singling out individuals for errors.

‘‘give back’’ to the community. The first effort, a bank cookbook titled ‘‘Local Favorites,’’ is raising money for grants to be awarded to non-profit organizations later this year. The book’s 500-plus recipes were contributed by employees. Cookbooks are available for $12 at the bank, or at local specialty stores. The goal is to raise at least $7,500 from cookbook sales to be distributed this fall. The second project provides $25 gifts to local charities for each new checking account opened at GNB through May 31. Customers may choose to provide a gift to one of several local non-profit organizations in the area of education, library services, and health care when they open the account. In addition,

the customer will receive a $25 gift when they choose a recipient for the donation. We are grateful to our customers for 75 years of success. We are dedicated to our mission of serving the needs of our communities through lending to farmers, homeowners and small businesses, and have remained a safe and sound institution for deposits. Our employees, directors, and shareholders share a commitment to making our communities great places to live and work. The bank’s success and reputation for outstanding customer service is reﬂective of the fact that we live among our customers, have a sincere desire to see them succeed, and know their success becomes the community’s success.

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Heartland Vineyard church rises from humble beginnings In the fall of 1987, a church in the Cedar Valley was being formed in the heart of a couple living in New Mexico. Dan and Roi Lene Paxton, along with their three children, had made their home in the lower Rocky Mountains. Dan and Roi Lene, both born and raised on central Iowa farms and former University of Northern Iowa students, started their careers in teaching Dan Paxton and coaching in 1975. After coaching in Iowa for four years, the quest to coach in a larger high school led them to New Mexico. Dan coached football for ﬁve years at Alamorgordo High School. A major detour took Dan out of teaching and coaching. He was invited to serve as a pastor in a growing non-denominational church. After four years of service, the Paxtons moved to Ruidoso, N.M., to start a church from the ground up. In three years, the church grew to more than 300 members, and Dan and Roi Lene believed this was the place they would raise their family.

Big jump in hiring of accountants seen The Associated Press

Calling all Leo Blooms. The mousy accountant portrayed in “The Producers” may be the poster boy for a booming career in an uncertain economy. Employment of accountants is expected to grow by about 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the 10 percent growth projection for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jeff Thomson, president of the Institute for Management Accountants, says changing ﬁnancial regulations and increased accountability will drive growth for management accountants especially, as more than a quarter million new jobs are expected to be added over the next decade.

In September 1987, everything changed. While gazing out of his ofﬁce window, Dan heard God speak to him. “I’m now going to take you to a place where you speak their language.” The voice spoke softly to his heart. Although not audible, the message was clear. As Dan and Roi Lene prayed together, they came to believe that they were to move back to Iowa and begin a new church in the Cedar Valley. “It started with a few questions in my mind. What would it be like to lead a church where all the members considered themselves ministers? What if every person in the church saw themselves as someone who could take God’s love into their neighborhood and help people ﬁnd their way into God’s will? What would it look like if the pastor was simply the coach, instructing his people to love and serve their neighbors, doing it all out of the abundance of the love they had received from their relationship with Jesus Christ?” Dan says. These questions spurred the Paxtons to move their family from New Mexico to the Cedar Valley in the fall of 1988. “I didn’t have a product to sell. I didn’t have a building to invite

people to. I didn’t even have an income. The only thing we had was a vision of what could be,” Dan comments. “I substitute taught in every school in Black Hawk County for several years to put bread on our table. Our family detassled corn in the summer to provide clothes for the kids. And with every extra minute, we shared our vision with anyone who would listen.” By the spring of 1989, a group of seven people were gathering in the Paxtons’ home for weekly Bible study. In the spring of 1990, the first official worship service was held in a rented suite of what used to be the Chalet Center in Cedar Falls. Twenty-seven people attended the first service. “We did three things that Sunday morning. We worshipped and gave thanks to our God, we taught the Bible in a practical and relevant way, and we invited people to pray for each other.” Nearly 20 years later, those same three things are still being done, only now in three weekend services. “The major difference is that rather than one pastor coaching the team, we have six full- time pastors, with an additional 20

management and support staff. It’s sort of funny how our staff now is as big as the entire church was when it began 20 years ago,” says Paxton. “Over 1,700 people consider Heartland Vineyard their church home.” “Another major difference is that we have more resources to help people. We have ministries to help people escape addictions, ministries to help people through the pain of divorce, ministries that teach men to be husbands and fathers; and women to be wives and mothers. We have a powerful youth ministry and have the joy of teaching 260 children every weekend in our children’s ministry, all the while maintaining a love for the poor.” The ministries are run by lay people who see themselves as

ministers. As the church has matured, leaders have been trained and have gone to other cities to start new churches. “We enjoy the blessing of having seven daughter churches scattered throughout Iowa.” Although much has changed in the past 20 years, the commitment of Heartland Vineyard remains unwavering: we want to know God in a way that makes sense, experience His power in our lives, we seek practical, scriptural answers to everyday problems; we want our children to see that knowing God can be a great experience; we seek meaningful relationships with each other; and we want to be instruments for bringing spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical wholeness to hurting and wounded people.

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Prairie Lakes Church puts out an invitation By SANDY JOHNSON

We all want to be invited. It doesn’t matter who we are. Whether we are business people, stay-at-home moms or teenagers we have a desire to be invited, to be special to someone. What kid do you know who wants to get picked last for the team or who begs to be ignored on the playground? Or what adult do you know who desires to be excluded as their work team takes a lunch break together or as the guys in the family head out to a baseball game. I can’t think of one. No, even from our earliest days, we all want to be included. An invitation is a tool of signiﬁcant power. It stirs something in us. An invitation tells us someone wants to know us, that they want to spend time with us, or that they care about us. In the past few months, the congregation at Prairie Lakes Church has been rediscovering this very concept. As Iowans

most of us are naturally friendly and authentic with each other. It’s natural to say hello as we pass each other in the store or stand on the sidelines of our children’s soccer games. But an invitation goes beyond this casual acquaintance. Whether it’s an invite into relationship with each other or simply to share lunch, the people at Prairie Lakes Church are being reminded that an invitation has as much power and meaning today as it did centuries ago. Standing in a worship service at Prairie Lakes Church, with its contemporary approach to music and sermons that you can apply directly to your life today, you might not know that the church has a 150-year history. Originally known as First Baptist Church, Prairie Lakes Church was birthed in Cedar Falls and later joined the Baptist General Conference. For years the church stood in the heart of downtown on the corner of Seventh and Main. God blessed the church over

the 150 years of its existence, but in 1998 the church was struggling. It was at that time they decided to call John Fuller as their new Senior Pastor. Building on the prayerful foundation of godly men and women, in the last 10 years God has blessed and grown the church, a church built on the invitational nature of God. In February 2005, a new campus opened so that more people could be invited. Situated on 33 acres of land near Prairie Lakes Park at the intersection of Hudson and Viking Roads, the newly completed building includes a cafe, meeting rooms, a chapel, ofﬁces and a large worship center, with a little under 1,000 seats. An outdoor amphitheatre was carved out of a nearby hill by volunteers. Currently, a balcony project is nearing completion and should be open for Easter services this year. The church will be able to seat just under 1,300. Over the years much has changed, but the commitment

to teaching God’s truth, worshipping together and extending a hand to the Cedar Valley community has remained constant. The mission of Prairie Lakes Church is to point people to God and pursue maturity in Christ. Those who attend say they ﬁrst point themselves toward God so that they can point others! Prairie Lakes Church is ready to meet people right where they are. Everyone is welcome. And everyone is invited. These days, what you’ll often notice ﬁrst is the church’s simple, authentic approach to church. But after you’ve attended a weekend service, you’ll be challenged no matter where you are on your spiritual journey. Prairie Lakes Church is large enough for people to blend in and investigate the claims of Jesus Christ anonymously, but it’s also small in many ways. It’s a church with small groups and Bible study groups where you are invited to participate with others of your age and stage of

life. And the people are serious about serving each other, our community, our nation and our world. In 2008, Pastor Fuller laid out a 10-year vision for the church that includes reaching 10,000 people in the Cedar Valley by 2018 with the message that Jesus Christ is always extending an invitation for a relationship with Him. It’s God’s nature to invite you into relationship with Him. Though the church doesn’t yet know whether this means building a larger venue at the present location, planting churches around the Cedar Valley area, or becoming a multisite church, they are committed to helping each other love God, love people, and inﬂuence the world. Life is complicated enough. Church doesn’t have to be. Jesus kept it simple during His ministry, and Prairie Lakes Church is focusing on how they can too. It is simple church, and it is church that helps you pursue God. You’re always invited.

Cedar Valley Community Healthcare works to meet individual needs Cedar Valley Community Healthcare is the area’s newest health insurance plan. It is a program that specializes in meeting the needs of small employers and individuals, as well as companies who have a desire to self fund their employee beneﬁts. CVCH is the community’s only local health plan that is owned, managed, and controlled by the people who live and work in the Cedar Valley — physicians, hospitals, and local businesses that call Cedar Valley “home” and who want to have a health insurance plan that is based in

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our community. Conceived and developed by former John Deere Health executives, James K. Thomson and G. Mike Hammes — who truly know the meaning of great customer service — CVCH has a distinct local emphasis. The plan is managed from the Waterloo ofﬁce and features local customer service and provider relations staff who live and work in the Cedar Valley. We know

that health care is provided and delivered on a local basis so it makes sense to have your health insurance questions and issues handled by friendly, experienced personnel who really know and understand health insurance and your local community. We are eager to prove that we can provide our community with a health insurance option that is customer friendly and affordable.

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Silos & Smokestacks brings area’s history to life In 1991 a small group of caring citizens, calling themselves the “kitchen cabinet,” met to discuss their hopes of revitalizing downtown Waterloo. Little did they know that their discussions would lead to something much larger. Nearly two decades have passed since the group first met, and Aaron the seed of Steinmann their dream is marketing and has emerged communications as a national manager of Silos treasure. and Smokestacks Designated National Heritage by Congress Area. in 1996 as America’s Agricultural Heritage Partnership, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage now covers 37 counties in the northeast corner of Iowa bordered by Interstate 80 to the south and Interstate 35 to the west. Continuing a longstanding relationship with Main Street Waterloo, the main offices of the Heritage Area can be found in the historic Fowler building, located within the cultural and entertainment district of downtown Waterloo. Silos & Smokestacks is one of 40 national heritage areas in the nation and an affiliated area of the National Park Service. Recognized for their distinct cultural landscapes, each national heritage area works to preserve a part of the American story. With no other region in the United States sharing Northeast Iowa’s rich agricultural legacy, Silos & Smokestacks is the only heritage area designated to preserve and tell the story of American agriculture. Serving as the connecting thread of the region, Silos & Smokestacks provides technical and funding assistance to support the sites and communities of the Heritage Area in preserving their own unique stories. Ranging from dairy

farms and museums to vineyards and tractor assembly tours, Silos & Smokestacks currently has 104 designated partner sites. Within the sites, visitors and residents alike can discover the role the region plays in feeding the world. The personality of the landscape, the richness of the soil, the history of farming and the dreams of the folks who live here all come together in a patchwork quilt of stories. Inside the museums of the Heritage Area, the regions rich history is preserved through diverse collections of regional artwork and artifacts, including many internationally recognized ethnic museums. Vesterheim Norwegian-

American Museum, Decorah, is the oldest and most comprehensive immigrant museum in the United States, with more than 24,000 objects in its collection. At the Grout Museum District, Waterloo, visitors find a wide array of exhibits including a full-scale diorama depicting early pioneer life, as well as the newly constructed Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Local historic districts can be found in nearly every community of the Heritage Area and include many locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Within the Amana Colonies, a group of seven quaint German villages, the Amana Heritage

Society Museums preserve the age-old craftsmanship along with the communal culture of the colonies. At the University of Northern Iowa Museum’s Marshall Center School, Cedar Falls, costumed interpreters immerse visitors in the life of an early 1900s student. At Living History Farms, Urbandale, the region’s unique story is brought to life in a 500-acre open air museum where live interpreters capture the imagination of visitors of all ages. The Waterloo Center for the Arts Phelps Youth Pavilion uses a more high tech approach, where Grant Farm Gallery’s “Milk & Moo Cow” exhibit lets youth milk a virtual cow.

For visitors wanting to experience the real thing, Hansen’s Farm Fresh Dairy, Hudson, provides the opportunity to milk a cow, feed a calf or make butter from cream. While at Farm House Bed & Breakfast, Fredericksburg, visitors are immersed in the life of a family farm, complete with a fully operating winery. Born in the city once known as the “land of 100 smokestacks,” Silos & Smokestacks continues to preserve the culture and heritage of the region that may otherwise be lost. For more information on Silos & Smokestacks, including a complete listing of all of the SSNHA partner sites, visit www.silosandsmokestacks.org or call (319) 234-4567.

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Center for the Arts has something for everyone Explore. Create. Dream. Imagine. Wonder. Learn. Play. Discover. You can experience all of these things (and more!) at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. The center is a remarkable resource and cultural destination in our c o m m u n i t y, with the interactive Phelps Youth Pavilion and wide array of general programming, such as classes, gallery exhibitions, Shannon special events, Farlow live music, is Development/ Marketing Director at room rentals, the Waterloo Center open studio, for the Arts/Phelps ArtHouse Cafe Youth Pavillion. and unique Gift Store. If you haven’t had the opportunity or taken the time to explore what’s inside the Waterloo Center for the Arts, this is your ofﬁcial invitation. Even if you don’t consider yourself an ‘‘artsy’’ person, you’ll be amazed and intrigued with what’s inside. Point in case: lately we’ve had art enthusiasts, farmers, kids and engineers all enjoying the same art exhibit (Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys, a creative, thoughtprovoking exhibit that will have you laughing and pushing buttons to watch the exhibit come to life). The center really does have something for everyone. Check out our impressive collection of artwork, including Midwest regionalist works by Grant Wood and Thomas Hart

Benton, American decorative art, international folk art, and the colorful paintings, powerful metal sculptures, and sequined banners of our Haitian collection. The Waterloo Center for the Arts has the largest public collection of Haitian artwork in the United States. We offer over 100 classes and workshops throughout the year. From toddlers and teens to families and seniors (and everyone in-between), there is something creative for your entire family. Whether you’re hoping to learn a new art form or want to refine your skills, we are a resource for you. There’s digital arts, drawing, ceramics, jewelry making, digital photography, video editing, holiday workshops, 3D animation, woodcarving, painting, fashion, cultural exploration, food art, and more. We host $1/ kid school field trips (thanks to Allen Hospital’s support), group tours and birthday parties. The center also has a unique gift store with great jewelry, pottery, artwork, and kids merchandise. In fact, mention this article on your next visit to our Gift Store and receive 10 percent off your purchase. And we also have great opportunities for your company to explore the Center. Rent one of our rooms for your next meeting, office party, or conference. Take your clients to the ArtHouse Cafe for a business lunch, or maybe have them cater your next event. And ask about discounted corporate admission tickets to the Phelps Youth

Pavilion for your employees. The Waterloo Center for the Arts works in partnership with the community to build a stronger appreciation for the arts and to provide cultural experiences, classes, and exhibitions that appeal to the diverse Cedar Valley community. Consider joining the Friends of the Art Center to get discounts on classes, programs and gift store purchases — it’s an easy way to support the arts and get great beneﬁts in return. Have a suggestion for a new class, program, or event? Let us know — this is your museum and together we can make things happen. Phelps Youth Pavilion is turning one. On April 4 and 5 we will be celebrating the 33,000-plus visitors who have experienced the Phelps Youth Pavilion during our ﬁrst year. In addition to exploring the pavilion’s interac-

tive galleries, you can enjoy fun activities throughout the weekend, including: ■ $1 admission. ■ 10 percent off gift store purchases. ■ 10 percent off Phelps Youth Pavilion Passport memberships. ■ $1 off admission coupon, good for a future visit. ■ Opportunity to win door prizes. ■ Photo opportunities with Art, the Phelps Youth Pavilion mascot. ■ Mr. Nick’s balloon creations. ■ Story time with local celebrities. ■ Guided craft activities. Sing Happy Birthday to Art and help him blow out his birthday candles, enjoy an edible Art cookie and take home a balloon! The ArtHouse Cafe will be open for lunch on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. And the Waterloo Center for the

Arts’ galleries will also be open showcasing its current exhibits: “Spellbound: 30 years of collecting Haitian Art” and “Springs, Sprockets & Pulleys.” Come on, push some buttons! The Phelps Youth Pavilion is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Visit www.phelpsyouthpavilion. org to learn more about its interactive exhibits, and for a full schedule of birthday events on April 4 and 5. So much to learn. So many connections to make. So much work to do. So much fun to be had. We invite you to learn, connect, work and play here — at the Waterloo Center for the Arts. Come and discover the arts, for yourself and for your kids. Visit www.waterloocenterforthearts.org or call (319) 291-4490. As Albert Einstein said: “Play is the highest form of research.”

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Adult children can help parents with life options Funny how life comes full circle. Our parents felt squeamish discussing certain topics with us as we grew up. Now many of us, as adult children, ﬁnd ourselves avoiding a necessary conversation with our parents about fact Millisa Tierney another is CEO of Cedar Falls of life: they’re Lutheran Home. getting older, She can and age brings be reached change. at 268-0401 or Admitting mtierney@cﬂh.org. that our parents have reached “senior” status is not easy. The realization brings a host of questions we may not want to face: Will they stay healthy and be able to enjoy life to its fullest? Should they sell the house and downsize? Or choose an independent living apartment? What happens if one of them gets sick?

The preferable time to talk about the possibilities is before a sudden change in a parent’s health. Be proactive. Initiate a conversation when you’re all relaxed and have time to talk. Focus on your parents’ wishes. Listen to what they want and learn what plans they may have already made. Do they want to stay in their community or move closer to you or a sibling? Do they have a long-term care insurance policy? What ﬁnancial resources do they have available? You can also do some legwork to help your parents make a decision about what’s best. Talk to friends and acquaintances whose parents have moved to a retirement community. They can be a good source of ﬁrsthand information about the experience. Visit Web sites and don’t hesitate to call an organization for more information. Talk to the marketing staff and ask for admissions materials to be sent.

Set up a tour with them. Walking in the doors gives you a feel for the environment that you can’t get from looking at brochures. Basic knowledge of some terminology is helpful as you start the investigative process. For all practical purposes, there are three main types of living offered at retirement communities: independent living, assisted living and nursing care. Not every community offers every option, however. Independent living offers the freedom individuals are accustomed to, but without the hassle of property upkeep. In fact, with no more shoveling snow, mowing grass and ﬁxing leaky faucets, people often experience more of the freedom they desire in retirement. This type of housing is usually an apartment or condominium that a person can buy or rent. Sizes vary from one to three bedrooms, with many amenities typically found in homes.

If your parents have health issues that require a little help for them to stay active and independent, then assisted living may be a good choice. Each organization structures their services a bit differently, but examples of available options include three meals a day, medication management, bathing assistance, housekeeping, laundry service, and more. Be sure to inquire about how a particular choice impacts the monthly bill. The size of assisted living apartments also varies, but most will offer a small kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and living room. Nursing care is an advanced form of care that provides 24hour services and assistance. Today’s nursing care is speciﬁc and tailored for the individual, complete with personal care, activity and nutrition plans. Dementia-specific assistance may also be offered. Each type of senior living option can be a stand-alone enti-

ty or grouped on a campus as part of a continuing care retirement community. The beneﬁt of choosing a community that offers a continuum of care, such as Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, is the security offered even if health needs change. Perhaps a surgery would leave a resident in need of special help for a short time. Skilled rehabilitation is available on campus in familiar surroundings, making recuperation easier. If a permanent health decline becomes apparent, space is guaranteed for your parents in the next appropriate care level. Change is hard for most of us, at any age. Making a move is never easy. But pre-planning helps smooth the transition for everyone. You may actually look back and wonder why you put it off. In fact, at Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, we often hear residents say, “Why didn’t I do this sooner? This is just what I needed.”

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