Locally Owned - 2015

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2015

Local

Local FIRST

FIRST SHOP THE C E D A R VA L L E Y

INSIDE:

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

13 reasons to think local, buy local and be local

1.

5.

Choosing to patronize locally owned, independent businesses benefits our community. Think local first!

Create more good jobs

Shopping local retains our

communities

Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our community, provide the most jobs to residents.

People don’t like losing shops and services in their communities but don’t equate this to how they spend their money. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations and those without transportation.

2.

Get

6.

Buy local

better

service

Local businesses often hire people with a better understanding of the products they are selling and take more time to get to know customers. Local shops and businesses value their customers.

3.

More products,

affordable prices

Local shops sell a wide range of great p ro d u c ts at affordable prices.

M a n y people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and a re t h e n surprised by the range of products and gifts available.

and support yourself SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS

4.

Shopping local saves you money

Marketers have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.

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Several studies have shown that when you buy from an independent, locally owned business, rather than nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

Local FIRST

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Dear Cedar Valley, A little over 30 years ago Cal and I felt a calling to start a private, locally owned practice that would allow us to utilize both our physical therapy skills and servant hearts for helping people. We started our practice in downtown Cedar Falls in 1986 and now offer our services in 4 locations.

Over the years you entrusted us with your care and wonderful relationships have developed. As our mission statement explains: People are our priority. We help them achieve their best through personalized care and clinical excellence.

With that mission in mind, we developed our business to include multiple sites, broader services, and an integrated care model. Our Access Care Model integrates three phases of care that we coin as: rehab, restore, reclaim.

Patients transition through these phases with an access to work with a team of professionals. Most importantly, the ultimate goal of The Access Care Model is to equip a person with individualized

tools so that they can continue to better manage their health.

I always tell patients to “stay away but send your friends”. That is because we want you to feel good and continue on your path to health.

However, many people don’t know what physical therapy can do for them, let alone what a clinic that takes an integrated approach can do. Experience is a great motivator, so as patients have positive results, I encourage them to send their friends so they can have the same experience. As the saying goes, “you don’t know what you don’t know”. It’s very important for people to know that they have a choice where they go for therapy. Patients can advocate for themselves and request where they go for treatment.

Another term I always find myself explaining to patients is “direct access”. Direct access means a patient may not even need a doctor’s order to come in for therapy. They can simply call us to schedule an appointment. As long as their

319.277.3166

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insurance policy allows it, this allows a faster track to therapy treatment.

Cal and I started Agape Therapy (Agape: meaning God’s love or unconditional love) to help people. The stories from the last three decades tell of lessons we learned, relationships we built, involvement in community projects, and amazing success stories. We have seen God work in and through those who walk through our door, and have strived to show others the love He shows us.

We hope and pray for the opportunity to provide decades of care for The Cedar Valley. Thank you for 30 years!

Sincerely, Deb (and Cal) Iehl

Owners and Physical Therapists of Agape Therapy Since the beginning, 1986

www.agapetherapy.com

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7.

Local FIRST

Support

community groups

Non-profit organizations receive an average 250 percent more support from smaller business owners than they do from large businesses.

I DO.

8.

Keep our

community unique

Where we shop, where we eat and have fun — all of it makes our community home. Our one-ofa-kind businesses a re a n integral part of the distinctive character of this place.

Our tourism businesses also benefit. “ When people go on vacation they generally seek out destinations that offer them the sense of being someplace, not just anyplace,” says Richard Moe, president of the National Historic Preservation Trust.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

9. 11.

Reduce

environmental impact

Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

Put your taxes to good use

Local businesses in town centers require comparatively little infrastructure investment and make more efficient use of public services as compared to nationally owned stores entering the community.

12.

10.in Buy

Invest

community

Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.

what you want

A marketplace of tens of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. A multitude of small businesses, each selecting products based not on a national sales plan but on their own interests and the needs of their local customers, guarantees a much broader range of product choices.

13.

Encourage

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local prosperity A growing body of economic research shows that in an increasingly homogenized world, entrepreneurs and skilled workers are more likely to invest and settle in communities that preserve their one-of-a-kind businesses and distinctive character.

Think local first + Buy local when you can = Being a local!

Local FIRST

Sunday, July 26, 2015

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Your dollar counts

Local businesses provide employment, support community

MELODY PARKER melody.parker@wcfcourier.com‌

E

very time a bell rings as a customer walks through the door, it’s a welcome sound for locally owned businesses. From retail stores to restaurants, supporting locally owned business keeps communities alive and thriving.

“When you patronize a local business, it’s a win-win. It creates local employment, and local sales taxes support local schools and other community endeavors,” says Julie Shimek, owner of Vintage Iron, a shop in downtown Cedar Falls.

About half of all private sector workers are employed in small businesses, according to the Bureau of Labor.

The truth is, your money does matter, no matter how small the amount. And it can actually be easier to make a quick trip downtown for a purchase instead of walking through a big box store for the same item.

That’s because choosing locally owned stores for your shopping needs generates almost four times as much economic benefit for the surrounding region compared to shopping at a chain, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

If shoppers tell themselves “a couple of local purchases won’t make that big a deal, or it’s easier to go to the big box store, or I can save time shopping online,” those are the thoughts small businesses are up against.

Experts say it’s time to flip the script.

Local businesses can cater to their customers’ tastes and preferences, better catering to their individualized needs than a national chain store.

Marilyn Bartels, owner of Tnk Health Food Store, says her business offers something discount and grocery stores can’t: Knowledge and experience.

“You can’t get the informa-

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tion we can give our customers.

They can come in and ask questions, and we will talk with them openly and honestly about their concerns,” Bartels explains.

Bartels has be at the store 18 years, and employs staff with about 40 years of collective experience. Her prices are competitive, and an e-newsletter keeps

customers informed about special offers and events at the store.

“Showrooming” — visiting a story or stores to see a product or try on a garment before tracking it down online for a lower price — is a challenge for locally owned retailers.

Online sources make competition tougher, Bartels agrees, but

“when a customer walks into our brick-and-mortar store, they can leave with the product they want in their hand. There’s no waiting.”

According to national statistics, local restaurants re-circulate about 79 percent of their revenues locally, compared to 30 percent for chain eateries.

More money staying local also means more funding for important organizations such as charities and fundraiser events. Small business owners are more likely to make these types of social investments in the community, according to research by The American Small Business Coalition.

From local art groups to youth sports teams, small business owners are quick to offer their sponsorship and money to help support community groups.

This helps create customer buyin for business owners, as well as a reputation for genuinely caring about their communities.

“We live here, too,” says Shimek. “We care about our communities. We enjoy supporting and participating in community events, and bringing people into our stores to shop. Holiday Hoopla (Cedar Falls’ community-wide holiday celebration) is funded by local merchants, for example.”

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Business-to-business purchases are vital STEVE DUST

— a supply of paper or pens or

Chief Executive Officer office furniture or computers Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber‌

Today, you need to buy something for your business, or personally. You need a replacement belt (machinery or clothing!)

— a building must be designed or constructed — or a gallon of milk — a piece of equipment for the shop or field — more life insurance — a car — or maybe a tooth needs repair.

You’re spending your money.

There are lots of choices. When we make our choices of where to spend our money from our business or personally — we always need to buy in the Cedar Valley first.

Vitality is the state of being strong and active; energy. Your Alliance & Chamber’s mission is, in part, to “Increase Economic Vitality and Wealth… .”

An important part of our work, in tandem with our investormembers and local economic development/chamber partners, is to ensure vitality in our regional retail and services business.

nesses should buy from each other when we can, no matter what type of business we’re in, for all the same reasons we encourage individuals to shop in the Cedar Valley.

Businesses buying from each other in the Cedar Valley can be among the most powerful forces in building our regional economic vitality. It only makes sense. You’ll buy in larger volumes. You’ll benefit from the new and stronger connections and exchange of ideas with people in other Cedar Valley businesses.

Everyone uses online tools

store/place of business. They will likely compare products and buy while they’re standing in your store, according to MIT research. ‌42 percent want to check in store availability online — then go to the store so they don’t waste a trip. Buyers want to see your business and the product online and available for local purchase. Be there! ‌37 percent want to be able to return products to a physical store. ‌23 percent don’t want to wait for delivery. Why wait a couple of days when we can have it in a couple of hours?

Help other Cedar Valley businesses and consumers buy from you — make sure your business is online with effective shopping and communication tools. Buyers want to meet you there.

We know that the internet is an attractive place to shop. We Business-to-business can save so much time and conmatters, too! duct a global search for whatUsually, when we talk about ever we need at that moment. local buying in the Cedar Val- We buy with keystrokes. We ley, we’re focused on the retail might save a dime. It’s what we consumer. Let’s start with you, all want as business and perThe Alliance & Chamber is this time — the business owner sonal consumers. Recently, ISU or manager.

Extension published these data: a marketing partner The biggest impact from local ‌46 percent want to see and Your Alliance & Chamber purchases can come from busi- touch a product before buying it. helps you with a number of ness-to-business sales. Busi- Buyers want to come into your important marketing tools.

As an investor-member in the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber, you receive online listings, and you can invest We Make the effectively in additional sponsorships that propel your busiinto ness and products and services an in front of Cedar Valley buyers.

You can talk with large LocaLLy oWned numbers of buyers during our and operated by networking events — further AAron broadening your market. And Johnson that’s not all. and Wesley As I write this, the Alliance PlAtz and Chamber task force is planning a campaign that goes well beyond our recent shop local, holiday-season focused HOME series with even more producEst. 1999 tive year-around methods of getting our investor-members Commercial | Residential | Automotive together as buyers and sellers of products and services. Learn We have nearly 40 years of carpet cleaning experience. more at www.CedarValleyAlliance.com.

SeRving CedAR FAllS And Buy local is important for all the gReAteR CedAR vAlley AReA consumers — businesses as well

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Shop local at unique businesses EMILY EPPENS

freedom and the pride that comes with it.”

Turner’s unique jewelry design inspiration comes from pretty, store-bought items to photos of far away places. One of her necklaces is made out

emily.eppens@wcfcourier.com‌

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hopping local has many benefits. Besides supporting the community, it greatly reduces negative environmental impact and creates jobs and provides better service to customers. Plus, it’s supporting someone’s dream, whether it’s in or out of the store.

Here are a few unique businesses in the area that pride themselves in what they offer customers.

Blessed Hair Boutique Every person is uniquely beautiful, and its the goal of the Blessed Hair Boutique in Waterloo to make sure their clients feel that way.

“I knew there was a need for another hair shop in this area, in the cities, there’s hair shops on every block,” said Vickie Fristo, owner. “We have a lot of products that other places don’t have. When you own a business, you have to have something different to make you unique.”

The boutique sells hair extensions, real and fake wigs, head scarfs and hats and bundle hair sets. Fristo will often call a certified cosmetologist to insure quality service and answer hair questions for the customers. Candace Ferguson, an employee, said that the business is as much a hair business as it is a counseling service.

“We get people with hair issues, cancer patients, people suffering with trichotillomania,” Ferguson said. “We get to help them. It’s a blessing to be here.”

More about Blessed Hair Boutique as well as an online store can be found at blessedhair.wix.com/blessed1.

Sassy Hat Designs Heather Turner has always been a creative individual. She

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Blessed Hair Boutique owner Vickie Fristo, right, shows Michelle Williams, left, of Waterloo, different packages of hair offered at the boutique. can often be found snapping pictures of the beauty that surrounds her and scouring Pinterest for creative jewelrymaking ideas. When she found a piece she deemed satisfactory, she would buy the supplies and wear her creations to work.

Pretty soon, the people at

of painted washers, others are antique. A favorite piece is a photograph of a cross made of scrap metal from the World Trade Center site rubble.

See UNIQUE, page 8

Call today!

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her job were requesting jewelry from her and the idea for Sassy Hat Designs was born.

Focusing on her craft on weekends and during vacation from the weekdays, Turner said she found it therapeutic to sit and make jewelry.

“It’s my stress relief,” Turner said. “I love the creativity, the

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

UNIQUE

workers and the city after Sept. own.”

Currently, Turner’s creations 11, 2001.

From page 7 “When you start your own can be found on a link to her business, you have to think it website, sassyhat.net.

The cross beam that stood at through,” Turner said. “Make the site was made from scrap sure you have a good business Events By Josie & Sassy metal found in the wreckage, plan and don’t expect it to take Chic put up as an inspiration to the off overnight. Make it your Josie Petersen has a keen eye for details when it comes to event planning.

After graduating from the International School of Hospitality in Las Vegas with a certification in wedding and event coordination and design, Petersen launched her own event planning service.

Her parents built and own PIPAC Centre on the Lake, where she learned the variables that go into creating weddings and events.

“I love seeing how everything comes together and how happy [the couple] is. I love seeing it all go well,” Petersen said. She is Est. 1898 - Your trustEd mEn’s storE flexible to her client’s vision for that special day, offering three for qualitY clothing + Home of tHe $99.95 tuxedo rental packages that range from full wedding coordination to dayTwo Cedar Valley loCaTions: of planning.

312 Main St. Cedar Falls • 319-268-1958 In 2013, she opened Sassy 2110 Kimball Ave. Waterloo • 319-234-7537 Chic, a boutique on Cedar Falls’ www.palaceclothiers.com Main street that offers trendy home and fashion accessories, art and gifts. It’s the headquar-

What’s in your closet?

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BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Chad and Natalie Mormann, owners of The Finery Bridal and Trend, received a Main Street challenge grant last year to renovate the second floor of their historic downtown building.

LEFT: Josie Petersen photographed in her storefront Sassy Chic in Cedar Falls.

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

ters for her event planning serFinery Boutique vice, as well.

If you are looking for a finMore information on Events ery and fashion boutique that

by Josie can be found at eventstruly cares about your needs, byjosie.com, or at sassychicontry shopping at Finery, a bridal main.com and trend boutique located in downtown Waterloo. Originally began under the title, “Bride’s Corner,” the shop is now expanding its horizons with ready-to-wear clothing.

“I love what we do here, we offer a nice mix of things for our customers,” said Natalie Mormann, owner along with her husband. “We genuinely care about the brides and their wedding parties.”

Wedding and bridesmaids dresses and tuxedos can be bought and rented from Finery, as well as alterations, making it a stress-free and easy process for the brides that shop there.

Clothing for bachelorette parties, honeymoons and everyday wear is located upstairs.

Mormann said she goes to market twice a year for bridal party wear. This season, lace and cap sleeves have been popular.

For more information on Finery, visit fineryfashion.com.

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Teachable moments Make shopping local a family affair

T

a blog or spreadsheet to track spent more locally. The winner gets treated to a $20 gift card to spending.

At the end of the year, see who her favorite small business.

he act of shopping local is not one to be enjoyed by a select few. In other words, the more the

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merrier.

Local business owners are ready to welcome you with open arms.

You should do the same for them by bringing along your friends, family members and neighbors.

Like parent, like child

It’s never too early to pass on the values that drive you to shop local and support your neighbors. The children in your life are impressionable. Make a good impression by explaining the importance of shopping locally.

They may be future entrepreneurs, and it’s never too early to plant that business acumen.

Teach them the basics of starting a business, and introduce them to shop owners. Prompt them to ask questions about being a business owner and then keep discussions going even after you’ve left the store.

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clever social media content.

Helping small businesses with activities like this is not only a sign of solidarity from a veteran businessman or woman, but also a great way to gain free, internlike experience for college students.

Build your clips now by offering to handle all social media accounts for a local business

owner who agrees to put you in charge. You’ll be gaining valuable hands-on experience that will look strong on a resume.

Make it a contest

This year, make shopping a contest with your closest friends.

Start now by tallying up how much money you spend in local businesses. You can even start

‘

The children in your life are impressionable.

Make a good impression by explaining the importance of shopping locally.’

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Give businesses ideas

Do you have a business degree or some kind of training in marketing? Why not lend your expertise to a small business in need of some brand improvement.

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Holidays are extra-special at local shops

S

mall businesses offer around holidays, and we’re not great year-round options just talking Christmas. for gifts and home décor.

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homemade crafts, local shops are churning out amazing products that make great gifts for your friends and family members.

Birthdays

Do you have a car-crazy family member or friend? Are you looking to support local businesses when shopping for their birthday gifts this year? You are in luck. Local mechanic shops need all the local support they can get throughout the year so they are able to pay and retain top mechanics and service professionals. Shop around for deals on custom details or maintenance packages that will leave your special auto enthusiast smiling Check the Courier and www. on his birthday. wcfcourier.com for coupons promoting local travel opportunities.

Anniversaries You may be able to find a steal of Do you have a local tourism a deal on cabins, bed and breakdepartment in your area? Con- fasts or resorts. sult with the office for your next trip out of town to celebrate your Halloween anniversary. No one knows your Halloween celebrations have area like professionals within become staples of downtown these organizations, and they areas in many American cities. will be able to send you off on an They offer safe environments for excursion to remember. trick-or-treating and give par-

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ents a great opportunity to teach their children about supporting local business.

You also can find Halloweenthemed stores that only open in October to meet all of your costume and party needs. Many of these businesses are run by your fellow community members looking to operate a successful seasonal company, so be sure to support them this Halloween.

Christmas

The biggest push to shop local comes around Christmastime every year — on the last Saturday of November. Launched by American Express in 2010, Small Business Saturday has rapidly become part of the national narrative on Christmas shopping.

Start checking in with your local shops in early November to see what kind of promotions they are offering to draw your business.

Many local stores go all-out in decorating for the holiday, offering a range of seasonal decorations, accessories and ideas for dressing up your home. Children will get wide-eyed gazing at all the glittering, fun ornaments, so why not make it a family outing?

You also can find unique gifts in your downtown shops and support local business the same time — a holiday shopping winwin. And if you’ve purchased the wrong size, it’s much easier to exchange!

Local FIRST

Sunday, July 26, 2015

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Start with local businesses when remodeling

P

lanning a home remodeling project can be a stressful experience.

Why exacerbate that tension by relying on out-of-area distributors for your materials?

Before your project gets started, be sure to include local companies in your search for building materials, design pieces or custom furniture.

Local shop owners are always looking to add more business and projects and can be just as talented and stocked as major manufacturers. Instead of opting for the big box store for lumber, for example, you probably have a family-run operation in your neck of the woods that sells the same type of wood for comparable prices.

We’ve already discussed the financial impact that shopping locally can have on your community. In this case, it also can help you take more pride in your remodeling project knowing your lumber came from right down the road.

Carbon footprint

Shopping local businesses can help you greatly reduce your remodel’s carbon footprint. By choosing nearby companies for materials, you’re cutting down on the energy required for delivery.

‘

We’ve already discussed the financial impact that shopping locally can have on your community. In this case, it also can help you take more pride in your remodeling project knowing your lumber came from right down the road.’

to show off your new remodeling Small companies can offer features knowing that no one else this individualized attention to in the world has something quite complement their craftsmanship and skill. like it.

Design With a Magical Touch Since 1934

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If sustainable flooring has to be shipped from China, is that really contributing to the “going green” movement? Check close to home first to help lessen your remodel’s impact on the environment.

Rapid order turnaround

frames, mirrors or furniture in a quicker time frame.

Many local shops will cut the middleman out of the process to help expedite order turnarounds, meaning you’ll receive your orders days to weeks faster.

No more waiting weeks for far- Truly custom away manufacturers to ship your Working one on one with a remodeling materials. Shopping local design consultant means locally means you can get your you can make something truly custom glass, doors, shower all your own. You can be proud

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Small Business Saturday is set for Nov. 28

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oing up against Black Friday and Cyber Monday is no easy task, but Small Business Saturday continues to hold its own as a national movement.

The effort is celebrated every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, meaning this year’s edition is slated for Nov. 28.

American Express started Small Business Saturday in 2010 and rewards consumers who use their American Express cards on the holiday. In 2013, when someone spent $10 or more at a small business, they were rewarded with $10 of credit.

But is it working? Supporters and coordinators offer a resounding “Yes!” and point to the following numbers.

According to The American Small Business Coalition: ‌There are 23 million small businesses in the United States, representing a 49 percent increase since 1982; ‌Fifty-four percent of U.S. sales hap-

pen at small businesses; ‌Small businesses have created 8 million jobs since 1990; and ‌Franchised small businesses employ roughly 8 million people, and make up 40 percent of all American retail jobs. ‌Small Business Saturday has more than 3.4 million Facebook fans, growing by 100,000 since 2013. ‌Sixty-six percent of small businesses plan to keep spending money on digital marketing. According to the same study from the AT&T Small Business Technology Poll, sixty-six percent could not survive without wireless technology. ‌Online shopping reached an alltime high in 2014, underscoring the importance of offering e-commerce as a purchase option for customers. ‌More than $5.9 billion was reportedly spent on Small Business Saturday 2014, giving the day a $200 million year-over-year growth over the past two years.

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Locally owned & operated in Iowa

800-622-4536 | www.storeykenworthy.com

Des Moines | Ames | Cedar Rapids | Decorah | Fort Dodge | Marshalltown | Mason City | Spirit Lake | Waterloo

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Get quality products, customer service from local service providers EMILY EPPENS emily.eppens@wcfcourier.com‌

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Wapsie Pines Lawn Care & LandscapingO ned and Operated for 13 Years!

Locally Ow

ften more overlooked than privatelyowned businesses, local services offer much to the community. They can create more local jobs and more service quality

guarantee.

Small businesses are the backbone of communities.

Small business ownership has increased 49 percent since 1982, according to the Small Business Administration. The nation’s 23 million small businesses account for 54 percent of sales.

Local services range from accounting to car dealerships, hardware stores to heating and cooling business, appliance companies to clothing stores.

Donny Salee, owner at Riley’s Floors & More Inc., in Waterloo, said through his 18 years working as an employee before buying the store, he was taught that service was everything. After taking over ownership of the store four years ago, he emphasizes quality customer service to his employees.

“We don’t do a lot of advertising, we usually go by word-of-mouth and regular customers,” Salee said.

TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Call us to have the Best looking Yard in town! 319-277-9400

Brad Jaquith, right, and Zach Osborne, left, of Hudson Hardware Plumbing and Heating finish a furnace installation.

hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30am-5:00pm and Friday 8:30am-3:00pm

“If you don’t have good service, you’re not going to have a good store.”

Riley’s Floors sells any type of flooring a customer could want, Salee said hardwood floors and water-

618 State Street Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 319-277-9400 www.WapsiePines.com

See SERVICES, page 14

BW ContraCtors, InC. • Heated Storage • Millwrights/Riggers • 5,000-80,000lb. Forklifts • Moving/Erecting Machinery

Protective

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• Plant Relocations/Installation • Bridge Crane Erection • Protective Shrink Wrap

Temporary Flooring & Portable Access Roadways For Sale or Rental

BW Contractors, Inc.

Locally Owned and Operated for Over 20 Years Bret & Steve Wrage, Owners

On Site/Mobile Services Industrial Equipment, Outdoor Equipment, Emergency Service, Moving & Shipping, Temporary Material Protection Toll Free: (888) 833-8852 7741 Waverly Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Local: (319) 987-2070 Fax: (319) 987-2754 E-mail: bwcontractorsinc@aol.com

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Homegrown produce found at farmers’ market One of the staple small businesses in America is the farmers market. From the California grape to the Georgia peach and Iowa corn, produce just tastes better

when it’s eaten right where it’s grown.

As demand for locally grown fruits and vegetables has increased, so too has the number of farmers

• Better Supplements • Better Service • Better Prices Stop in to let one of our nutrition specialists help you!

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markets in both rural and urban areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that the number of direct-sales markets increased 9.6 percent in 2012, with California and New York leading the charge.

USDA-registered farmers markets topped 7,800 in 2012. In 1994, there were 1,744.

Catalyzing some of this growth has been the USDA’s work to make the markets accessible to people of all income levels, including by making many of them eligible to accept payments from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps.

Popular options

Fresh fruits and vegetables drive traffic to farmers markets, but other popular items include meats, artisan cheeses, homemade jellies, crafts and live entertainment. You have probably noticed the steady growth of the farmers market in your area. Many across the nation are adding vendors, taking up larger parking lots and drawing more consumers than in years past.

Some markets are so popular that there are long waiting lists

COURTESY PHOTO

for farmers to even sell their products. From your average American shopper to your top chef, farmers markets draw a wide range of visitors.

tional seminars and hands-on presentations to educate consumers about unique varieties of produce and how to prepare them at home.

Farmers markets empower consumers to become active supporters of their communities. They also can teach you about cooking techniques and the sustainable practices being used by farmers in your area.

Many markets feature instruc-

SERVICES

An education

Store Hours:

Mon. 8AM - 8PM Tues. Fri. 8AM - 7PM Sat. 9AM - 2PM Sunday Closed

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1948

“Where Customers Send Their Friends!”

Make It Mike, A Name You Can Trust!

827 W 5th St. Waterloo, IA 50702 Waterloo: 319-232-0900 Cedar Falls: 319-277-1091 Waverly: 319-352-4099

mikeferedayheating.com

451 La Porte Rd., Waterloo, IA Phone (319) 232-0140 Web - www.peoplesappliance.com

Email - peoplesappliance@mchsi.com

From page 13

proof carpet have been the most popular recently. May through October are the busiest months at the store, and January and February are generally the slowest.

Employees who work in-store often have a design degree to better assist a customer in choosing the best flooring for their home.

Internships are offered occasionally for college students interested in the business.

Another major aspect in home maintenance and upkeep is heating and cooling units. Petersen Hudson Hardware Plumbing and Heating has locations in Hudson and Reinbeck, and aims to give your home that personal touch when it comes to seasonal comfort.

“We do a lot for the community in a small town. Everybody helps each other out,” said owner Tom Petersen. “I get a sense of accomplishment by helping people out and giving back to the community.”

The store is open six days a week. Businesses like Petersen’s also support the community by funding such special events as Hudson Days. The firm also offers apprenticeships to high school graduates.

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www.wcfcourier.com 15

Businesses need websites to attract e-commerce

F

or many in the business community, having your own website seems almost elementary. It provides your customers an online resource to learn more about you and can be a great tool for making more money.

So why do only 45 percent of small businesses have one?

That statistic comes from a 2013 survey of more than 3,000 small businesses conducted by Google and research company Ipsos.

merce platforms that will basically build your online store for you — yet another benefit of today’s technology helping the small business owner.

Live chat immediately gives your website the feel of a bigger operation.

Again, there are free and

909 W W. 23rd St. Cedar Falls 563-543-4935

Easier than ever

If you’re intimidated by building your own website, don’t be.

It’s easier than ever. Think about the time you spend every morning coming in to work, starting the coffee and chatting with your employees.

In that timeframe — say 20 minutes — you could build and launch your own website. There are many online platforms that make it easy and free to create your own online presence.

You don’t need to be a coding genius to figure it out.

Search for a “free website builder” and watch the options come to you.

These platforms come with ready-made templates that you can fully customize with photos of your business and text that

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by UNI Alums COURTESY PHOTO

fits your business strategies.

Website tools

Adding a blog to your website is a great way to build credibility with your audience.

Use the space to give tips and thoughts on your industry, not sales pitches and coupons.

Your readers will appreci-

ate the free information and will remember your expertise when it comes time to make a purchase.

If you’re not collecting money through e-commerce on your site, you’re missing out on the chance to capitalize through online sales.

There are affordable e-com-

FULL MENU DELIVERY anywhere in the Cedar Valley

BUSINESS

FEED THE FAMILY!

From page 6

as individuals.

Let’s work together to get more people through the door of your shop, office or store, and we’ll all celebrate an even more vital Cedar Valley economy.

Our investor-members need to know that it is the policy of the Alliance & Chamber to first buy from people who do business with us — our investormembers, and if the product or service isn’t available, then we purchase from within the Cedar Valley, then Iowa, then the open market.

inexpensive services online that make the process of adding live chat to your site a breeze.

You can designate yourself or an employee to be at the ready for incoming questions from customers or even set up boilerplate responses to frequently asked questions.

12 pieces of Broasted Chicken • 1 pint of mashed potatoes • 1 pint of coleslaw

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Providing All Your Automotive Sales & Services!

ckford, Ill., 1958 3rd & Jefferson Ro

John H. Deery

John & Ma rle Deery ne amily Deery & F i d o J & n Joh

Cedar Falls, Iowa, 2001 6823 University Ave.,

dar Falls, Iowa University Ave. & Main, Ce 3900 Alexander Drive, Waterloo, Iow a, 2009

201 Seerly Blvd., Cedar Falls, Iow a, 2001

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