Volume 27 I August 2014 I Number 8

In this issue...Greetings . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Member Spotlight . . . .3

Renewing Members . . .4

Chamber Calendar . . . .5

New Members . . . . . . . .6

Biz Bits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CVB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Event Wrap-Up . . . . . .12

ACCREDITATIONUNITED STATES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBERNewsCHAMBERNewsLife with a river viewLife with a river view

CLINTONAREACHAMBEROFCOMMERCECLINTON CAMANCHE FULTON

The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC),Clinton Regional Development Corporation (CRDC),

and DeWitt Chamber & Development Company (DCDC) represent the business and professional community in Clinton County.

All three organizations are non-partisan and committed to fostering the growth of our members,investors, and communities throughout Clinton County and our region.

Our organizations believe strongly in the need for public participation in the electoral process leading up to the general election scheduled on November 4, 2014. As a courtesy to our members, investors, and communities,

the three organizations are organizing a series of candidate forums which will raise issues and concerns central to the economic and community vitality of Clinton County.

The following are important dates in the public discourse during the process to select our elected officials and beyond:

County Candidate Forum #1Thursday, September 18, 2014 • 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

City of Clinton City Hall - 611 S. 3rd Street, Clinton, IA 52732

State Candidate Forum #1Thursday, September 25, 2014 • 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

City of Clinton City Hall - 611 S. 3rd Street, Clinton, IA 52732

County Candidate Forum #2Thursday, October 16, 2014 • 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

DeWitt Community Center - 512 10th Street, DeWitt, Iowa

State Candidate Forum #2Thursday, October 23, 2014 • 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

DeWitt Community Center - 512 10th Street, DeWitt, Iowa

General Election DayTuesday, November 4, 2014For More Information Contact: Clinton County Auditor &Commissioner of Elections,Eric Van Lancker at www.clintoncounty-ia.gov.

Clinton County Day in Des MoinesThursday, February 5, 2015 • All DayIowa Capitol Building - Des Moines, Iowa

CHAMBER STAFF

Nathan SondgerothPresident

Joni KrogmanDirector, Chamber Operations

Karen FriisAdministrative Services Coordinator

Jennifer RogersBusiness Manager

Carrie DonaireDirector, Convention & Visitors Bureau

Karolyn KruseCVB Assistant

A Message from the President...

August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com2

By Nathan Sondgeroth, Chamber President

Over the summer, both Joni Krogman (our Director of ChamberOperations) and Carrie Donaire (our CVB Director) received special recog-nitions in their industries. I wanted to take a moment to congratulate (andbrag on) Joni and Carrie.

In June of 2014, Joni attended her 2nd Year of Chamber Institute from theUnited States Chamber of Commerce. The training occurred in Athens,Georgia the last week of June. Joni won a full tuition scholarship from theIowa Chamber of Commerce Executives (ICCE) organization, our statewideChamber organization.

We all find our way into Chamber work differently and often times after a career in a non-Chamber relat-ed industry. The educational foundation of Chamber work comes through the Institute. Joni came backfrom this experience full of cutting edge Chamber ideas to serve our members here in the Clinton Area.She is half way done with the Institute's four year program. Great job Joni!

Also in June, our CVB Director, Carrie Donaire, was named a director at large for the Eastern Iowa TourismAssociation (EITA). EITA is a trade association of CVB and tourism related organizations throughout east-ern Iowa. As an EITA director, Carrie will help influence tourism policy for our entire region and the Stateof Iowa. Congratulations Carrie!

Both Joni and Carrie prove that service to the Chamber and CVB industries in general also help bringnew and fresh ideas home to serve our area and members. Along with Karen Friis and Jennifer Rogers,you have a team of professionals at the Chamber and CVB dedicated to helping this region grow andprosper.

We are here to help you. As always, if you are interested in me visiting your business, please never hesi-tate to email me at nsondgeroth@clintonia.com

Until next time, I'm at your service,

Nathan

Adcraft Printwear

In 1974, Terry and Barb Sullivan set up shop in the Lyons district, 40 years later, theSullivans' are keeping it all in the family. In its 40th Anniversary year, Dan and ColinSullivan have big plans for the home grown company. Taking what was originally asign shop, into a nationally recognized screen printing and embroidery “One StopShop”.

Adcraft is a design, embroidery, and screen printing company; that is driven by thedesire to exceed customer expectations. Specializing in hitting those impossibledeadlines, all while providing “best in class” service. Servicing clients in corporatework wear, event shirts, team uniforms, organization fundraisers, and logodesign…the Adcraft family takes great pride in making sure the experience and finalproduct is the best in the industry!

With plans for a new production facility, diversifying their sales channels, and addingan additional market entity, a large expansion is in the works. Plans for a fall comple-tion date will allow for growth in the art, sales, and production arenas, in an effort tomeet the demands of the high volume/quick turnaround requests. In addition to thephysical expansion, Adcraft has made its presence in the cyber world, owning andoperating over 10 t-shirt and apparel sites. Working with big name clients, such asthe New York Yankees, Iowa Hawkeyes, and obtaining licensing for Iowa State, UNI,and Drake; Adcraft hopes to take their business to the next level.

In 2013, Dan and Colin Sullivan purchased the company from their parents, Barb &Terry; whom remain active on the Board of Directors. Although a far cry from thesmall shop up on Main Avenue, the roots, ideas, and concept seem to have come fullcircle for the Sullivan Family. Adcraft would like to thank the Clinton community forall of the support and encouragement throughout the years…Stay tuned!

www.adcraftusa.com

Member SpotlightPatricia Fuller, Dale Carnegie Training

Dale Carnegie Training, a worldwideleader in professional development, cur-rently partners with business leaders inmore than 80 countries. Here in Iowa,Dale Carnegie Training professionalsfocus on Leadership Development,Employee Engagement and SuccessionPlanning. Specifically, Dale Carnegie helpsorganizations overcome challenges asso-ciated with Change Readiness, Partneringin a Matrix, Virtual Teaming, Non-Traditional Selling, Mid-Level Leading,Sales Force Transformation, andDealer/Distributor Effectiveness. Teammembers are coached to improve communication, presentation, human relationsand process management skills.

As a Client Development Associate, I am a member of the Norman and Associatesconsulting team which offers Dale Carnegie Training in Iowa and Minnesota. TheNorman franchise was recently recognized for being the top producing DaleCarnegie Training franchise in North America five straight years.

It's a privilege to be able to work with organizations in the Clinton area, as well asDe Witt, Maquoketa, and the Quad Cities. Building leadership, people, and commu-nication skills, along with increased self-confidence and the ability to managestress and worry allow people to meet challenges and create opportunities forthemselves and their organizations that drive measurable results.

To reach me and the Dale Carnegie Training team, call 563.249.5364, or emailpat.fuller@dalecarnegie.com, or visit our website www.iowa.dalecarnegie.com Welook forward to partnering with the community!

New Member Spotlight

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August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com4

Do you know of an employee at an area business who goesabove and beyond in the area of customer service?

Nominate that person for the Clapper Award by contacting The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

at (563)242-5702 or chamber@clintonia.com.

Clapper Award MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The Chamber would like to thank the following members for renewing their memberships during the month of July 2014.

60+ yearsMcEleney Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Toyota 63Pinney Printing Co. 63

50+ yearsTurner Electric Co. 59Clausen Supply Trucking & Warehousing 57

40+ yearsService Oil Company 49The Insurance Group 49Abstract & Title Guaranty Company 48Pauls Discount Store 48Guzzardo's Hallmark 47Mercy Medical Center - Clinton 47The Oaks Golf Club 46Clinton Community School District 452JR Pizza Ebnterprises, LLC (Pizza Hut) 44Clinton Community College 44Lectronics Inc. 43Ashford University 40Domestic Plumbing Co. 40

30+ yearsSarah Harding 39Sethness Products Company 39Skyline Center, Inc. 39Clinton Engineering Co., Inc. 38G. Baker Distributing, Inc. 38Kelly Heating & Oil Company, Inc. 38Petersen Hagge Furniture 37Cedar Heights, Inc. 35Clinton LumberKings 35Leslie Electric Services, Inc. 35Medical Associates 35Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS 34Frey, Haufe & Current, PLC 33United Way of Clinton County, Iowa 31Bridgeview Community Menal Health Center 30

20+ years1st Gateway Credit Union 29Voss Brothers Plumbing and Heating, Inc. 29Burkert Chiropractic Center 26Carpetland USA of Clinton, Inc. 26D & D Auto Service LLC 25NelsonCorp Wealth Management 25Data Dimensions Corporation 23J.T. Cullen Co., Inc. 23

Maloney Equipment, Inc. 23Van Scoy & Kross, PC 23Lloyd's Plan Inc. 22

10+ yearsAegis Credit Union 18Camanche Chiropractic Center 18Chemical Credit Union 18Custom-Pak, Inc. 18Great River Threshers 18RK Dixon 17ARC Appraisals 16Clinton Decoy Co., Ltd. 16Country Inn & Suites 16Clinton Builders Club 15Wolfe Beverage Company, Inc. 15Iowa State University Extension and Outreach 12Cornerstone Wellness Center 11East Central Intergovernmental Association

(ECIA) 10

1+ yearsEstes Construction 9Krumpets 9Mar-Gee Plastics & Trophies 7Genesis Health Group, DeWitt 6Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt 6Genesis Occupational Health 6Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape Maintenance 5Candlelight Inn 4Lighthouse Travel 4Petersen Sanitary Cleaning 4McDonalds - Lincolnway 3Virdi Eye Clinic of Iowa 2Hawkeye Steam Cleaning 2Sue Raaymakers 2D's Smokin BBQ & Catering 1Elaine Barreca Communications 1

Congratulations to Matt Marburger of PizzaRanch who was the recipient of the Clinton

Area Chamber of Commerce CLAPPER AWARDfor Excellence in Customer Service.

Matt was nominated by Jim Clark who said,“Matt is a 2013 Clinton HS graduate and

has been employed at the Clinton Pizza Ranchfor several years. He is a great worker, interactswith all the guests and one of Matt’s neatestqualities is he always has a joke to brighten up your day. He is a table busser but has theability to see what job needs to be done and

takes the initiative to do it. He is a young man that should serve as a model for

employees in every restaurant.”

Thank you to Yellow Book for being the sponsor of this award.

Pictured: Matt Marburger holding the plaque and his manager holding the balloons.

Also pictured the Chamber Clapper committee,Pizza Ranch employees and friends and

family of Matt.

T hank you!

August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com

August Chamber Calendar 2014 - 2015Executive CommitteeDr. Karen VickersClinton Community CollegeChairperson

Nate KreinbrinkNelsonCorp Wealth Management1st Vice Chair

Tom MoserMedical Associates2nd Vice Chair

Jennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurer

Dr. Mark SchroederIowa State University ExtensionPast Chairperson

Board of DirectorsShane BuerMercy Medical Center

Dean BrainerdADM Corn Processing

Diane ChristensenThe Insurance Group

Gerry FreudenbergIowa-American Water Co.

Lori FreudenbergSisters of St. Francis

Eric HeldingNestle Purina PetCare Co.

Daniel HousengaLyondellBasell

Sara MisiewiczClinton National Bank

Rich PhelanManagement Consultant

Mike RastrelliRastrelli's Restaurant

Kevin SteinesHonkamp & Krueger & Co., P.C.

Breton WilliamsFirst Wealth Financial Group

Meetings are subject to change. Watch your mail for details or check with Karen at (563) 242-5702 before attendingany regularly scheduled Chamber event. Reservations are required for most noon meetings held at the Chamber office.

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1 CVB Technology Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Golf Playday, 11:00 a.m.; lunch & registration at The Oaks.

2 & 3 Iowa Tax Free Weekend.

5 Women in Business Committee, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Leadership Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.American Red Cross, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

6 CRDC Workshop “An Introduction to Workplace Organization”, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.(reservations with CRDC at 563-242-4536)

7 Ribbon Cutting, 10:30 a.m., for Pampered Chef Consultant Shannon McManus, Chamber of Commerce.

7 - 10 Camanche Days Bingo Tent, Platt Park in Camanche.

11 Miss Clinton County Board, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce

13 Local & Government Affairs Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Parkland Facilities Committee, 4:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.Comprehensive Rehab, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

14 Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

19 Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of CommerceClapper Committee, 12:00 Noon, location to be determinedExecutive Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Young Living Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

20 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino.Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

21 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of commerce.

22 Budget & Finance Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

26 LEAD, 11:30 a.m., CCC Tech Center.Essentials4u, 6:00 p.m. Chamber of Commerce.

27 CRDC Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m., Rastrelli's Avanti Room.

28 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of CommerceClinton Landlord's Association, 6:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

29 Medical Associates, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Ambassadors, 12:00 Noon, location TBD.

CHAMBERNews is published by theClinton Area Chamber of Commerce, anot-for-profit corporation, serving thebusiness communities of Clinton and

Camanche, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois.

Phone: 563-242-5702Fax: 563-242-5803

E-Mail:chamber@clintonia.com

Web Address:www.clintonia.com

6 August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com

New MembersW elcomeW elcomeChamber Website

Information

Did you know that yourmembership includes

the following:

Job PostingsHot Deals

News Releases

Call for more informationon how to put this on

our website.

Like us on facebook –look for Clinton Area

Chamber

Brad Florence

Brad has joined the Chamber as an individual member.

Brian McKenrick

Brian has joined the Chamber as an individual member. He plans to be involved in the Chamber'sLeadership Institute Committee.

Nora's Café

Join us for breakfast or lunch at Nora's Café Monday through Sunday 6am - 3pm. We are a family-ownedand operated business. We enjoy serving our community and look forward to seeing you at 212 South 2ndStreet. 563-243-1009.

Rejuvenation Station Day Spa

Professional massage therapy & spa services. Come relax, renew and rejuvenate. Massage, facials, waxingand more. Available 7 days a week by appointment only. Contact Tricia Petersen, L.M.T. at 563-219-0369 orwww.triciapetersen.com. Conveniently located inside the YWCA, 317 7th Avenue South.

Ribbon CuttingsClinton Community School District EducationFoundation – Celebrating with a ribbon cutting

1st Gateway Credit Union – Celebrating with a ribbon cutting for their new expansion – Looks great!

NelsonCorp – Celebrating with a ribbon cutting fortheir new expansion – Looks great!

Ascentra Credit Union – Celebratingwith a ribbon cutting for their new

retirement and investment programsand representative.

City of Clinton Riverview Bandshell –Celebrating with a ribbon cutting for

their new remodel – Nice touch!

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August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com8

Mark YourCalendars!

August 1Golf Outing

October 2Girls’Night Out

November 13Biz After Hours Expo

Chamber Trends with Joni

Joni Krogman, Director, Chamber Operations

Institute for Organization Management Update

I recently attended my second year of Institute for OrganizationManagement certification program at the University of Georgia, inAthens. This is a four-year nonprofit leadership training program for pro-fessional development by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.I attended required courses and electives throughout the week in areassuch as membership, leadership, advocacy, marketing and finance.

Why is Institute Important?

• We explore cutting-edge ideas and best practices through practical and academic instruction to help strengthen our organization

• Discover if we are doing the right things to take our Chamber to the next level

• It provides an opportunity to benchmark our Chamber operations against industry standards

• And establishes a nationwide network of peers who can provide ideas, answers and feedback

Key Insights for our Chamber

The Chamber industry continues to be at a crossroads. Chambers of Commerce must continue tomodernize to survive. Below are some key areas I learned about that our Chamber must consider:

• Building Organizational Excellence- An example is completing a self-analysis of how we are doing in the Chamber industry.

• Using Data to Grow and Sustain Our Organization- For example, each month when renewal letters are sent to our members include member

statistics that comes from our member system. The stats provide valuable information for our members. (We started this the week I returned.)

• Continually improve customer service to our members- An example is one of our strategic goals for FY 14 - 15 ties in with industry best practices.

I look forward to telling you more next month.

Biz Bits

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Do you have a “Biz Bit” to share? Submit your 100-150 word article to Karen Friis at chamber@clintonia.com by the 10th of the month for possible inclusion in the following month’s newsletter. We reserve the right to edit for space.

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN CHALLENGES BUSINESS OWNERSTO UNLEASH STRENGTHSLocal businessman Andy Sokolovich recently completed the Accelerated

Strengths Coaching course through Gallup. Now, he plans to bring thatknowledge home to Clinton through his new strengths training organiza-tion, UnleashStrengths. UnleashStrengths will teach participants to reachtheir personal and professional potential by developing strengths and tal-ents rather than focusing on weaknesses. Sokolovich plans to help localbusiness owners, employees and individuals discover the power of strengthstraining, thereby achieving greater levels of success and personal satisfac-tion in their work and every day activities. Call Andy at 815-441-2219 orcheck out www.unleashstrengths.com

GRANTS AWARDED TO FULTON ORGANIZATIONSFACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) awarded grants tolocal organizations on Tuesday, July 1, 2014. A total of $10,000 was grantedto local organizations by FACE and the D.S. Flikkema Foundation.Representatives from each organization attended the ceremony to acceptthe grant checks. Those organizations awarded 2014 grants are as follows:

• Andresen Nature Center received $600 from FACE for the "ObservationBeehive" program.• Big Brothers/Big Sisters received $400 from FACE for the Fulton communitymentoring program.• Miller Club/Volunteer Millers received $250 from FACE to sponsor a presen-tation by Olympic speed skater Emery Lehman on August 4.• Schmaling Memorial Library received $750 from FACE for the "State of theStates" program.• The Volunteer Educators received a FACE grant for $500 for the Wild WinterWednesday at the Windmill Cultural Center (WWW@WCC) programs.• The Fulton High School science department was awarded $750 from FACEand $3250 from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation for the implementation of theAP Chemistry program.• Fulton Kiwanis Club received $750 from FACE and $250 from the D.S.Flikkema Foundation for the Needy Children at Christmas program.• River Bend Elementary School was awarded $1000 from the D.S. FlikkemaFoundation for library books about individual states in the United States.• River Bend Middle School received $1000 to implement Legos in theClassroom.• EASY (Extracurricular Activity Support for Youth) received $500 from theD.S. Flikkema Foundation for helping children participate in extracurricularactivities at Fulton's schools.

FACE would like to thank all of the organizations who applied for grantsin 2014. FACE is an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Great RiverBend. For more information about FACE and local charitable giving, pleasecontact Connie Koehn at (815) 589-2646.

BRANSTAD APPOINTS ASHFORD UNIVERSITY'SMINNICK TO IOWA VOLUNTEER SERVICE COMMISSIONDr. Charlie Minnick, vice president/campus director of Ashford University, hasbeen appointed by Iowa Governor Terry Branstad to the Iowa Commissionon Volunteer Service. Minnick's appointment was effective July 1, 2014, andis not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.

In February, Branstad created the Governor's Council on National Servicein Iowa. Being led by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, the Councilincludes leaders from state agencies, higher education, and the private sec-tor and will make recommendations on how to expand national service forIowans.

“I am both humbled and honored to be appointed by Governor Branstadto the Volunteer Service Commission,” Minnick said.“I applaud GovernorBranstad for creating this first in the nation Governor's Council and am excit-ed to contribute however I can to engage a new generation of Iowans inmaking a positive difference in the lives of other human beings.”

According to Brandstad's office, the Governor's Council on NationalService in Iowa will complement the national initiative, the Franklin Project,

which is working to develop a national online technology platform, creatinga national service certification system and trying to increase the number ofone-year national service opportunities in the country.

CLEMENTS ATTENDS IOWA SCHOOL OF BANKINGSteve Clements, Loan Officer, of Citizens First Bank, Clinton recently attendedthe 2014 Iowa School of Banking at the Courtyard by Marriott in Ankeny.

The one-week, two-year school, offered by the Iowa Bankers Association,provides a challenging, educational experience in addition to peer network-ing. The challenging, interactive curriculum addresses the functions of bank-ing departments and financial management and the business of banking.Practical experience is gained through the use of a computer simulation, lec-tures, case studies and discussion. The school faculty includes active bankers,consultants and academicians, all recognized experts in their fields.

Steve is an area native and joined Citizens First Bank in November of2011. Steve also has several years of experience as a Credit Analyst andLender. He is a MBA graduate of the University of Dubuque.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKS VOLUNTEERSHabitat for Humanity has been active in the county for the past 12 years,overseeing the construction of eight new homes for families in need.

Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County is in need of volunteers to serveon committees to help in the areas of construction, family selection,fundraising, and public relations. Also needed is a volunteer to coordinatethe development and updating of their website. The organization is alsoseeking county residents to serve on its board of directors. The time youcommit to Habitat will help to make a home for a deserving family in ClintonCounty.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian hous-ing ministry that seeks to eliminate substandard housing from the face ofthe earth. Habitat welcomes all people regardless of race, religion, ethnicityor any other difference to build and repair simple, decent, affordable houseswith those who lack adequate shelter.

The Habitat organization works locally to select and support homeown-ers, organize volunteers and coordinate house building and repair.Homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, their ability torepay a mortgage and their willingness to work in partnership with Habitat.Homeowners and volunteers build or repair under trained supervision.Habitat is able to make housing affordable to low-income families because:• Houses are sold through a no-profit mortgage.• Individuals, corporations, faith groups and others provide vital financialsupport.• Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped build or repairover 500,000 houses and served over 2 million people around the world.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity, call 563-242-4494 or emailto clintoncountyiowahabitat@yahoo.com.

HONKAMP KRUEGER'S CLIENT PATRONAGE APP CON-NECTS EMPLOYEES WITH CLIENTSBusinesses are always seeking ways to improve their relationships withclients, but Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C.(HK) is taking a new approach. Thisspring, HK launched its Client Patronage App, compatible with Android andApple products. When asked what the Client Patronage App has done for hisbusiness, client Drew Siegert of Betty Jane Candies said,“It's been great.More and more people walk into the shop and say they're from HK. We'vealready seen an increase in sales.”

What exactly does this app do? It allows employees to search for clientstores based on category, keyword or location. It then gives them immediatedirections to the client's business. Finally, employees submit their spendingand take pictures of receipts to earn prizes from HK.

The app is just the latest innovation to HK's long-standing ClientPatronage Program in which firm partners reward employees for shoppingat client stores. When the program began in 2010, HK used an internal direc-tory to advertise firm clients, and receipts were submitted via an Excelspreadsheet. In the first three and a half years, over $6 million dollars in

spending was recorded from almost 25,000 receipts.Since the app was released five months ago, reported 2014 spending was

already at $1 million dollars with a 43% increase in monthly receipts. GregBurbach, managing partner of the firm, stated,“Since day one, we havealways encouraged our employees to shop with our clients. Now we'vebrought this program into the mobile age. We are excited to offer this plat-form to our employees and are thrilled with the vast increase in shopping atour clients.”

For more information about HK's Client Patronage App, contact NicoleGantz, marketing manager, at ngantz@honakmp.com, 563.556.0123 or@HonkampKrueger.

RED CROSS: STAY SAFE WHEN THE TEMPERATURESSOARThe American Red Cross reminds every one of the steps they should take tostay safe when the temperatures rise.

“In recent years there have been more deaths related to the heat than toall other weather events,” said Betsy Pratt, Regional Chief Executive Officer.“There are steps people can take to stay safe and beat the heat.”

HEAT SAFETY• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottestpart of the day.• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning,who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affectedby the heat.• Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from theheat. Ensure they have water and a shady place to rest.• Eat small meals and eat more often.• Avoid extreme temperature changes.• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

HEAT CAN BE DANGEROUS Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heatcramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To help avoid problems, stayhydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and limit drinks with caffeine or alco-hol.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, getthem to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscleand replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool waterevery 15 minutes.

If a person is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale orflushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaus-tion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing andspray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin.Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water todrink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. Ifthe person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE IS LIFE-THREATENING. Signs include hot, red skin whichmay be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high bodytemperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someshows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly coolthe person's body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possi-ble. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the per-son with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

The Red Cross also has steps pet owners should take to keep their furryfriends safe during hot weather.

Red Cross training can give someone the skills and confidence to act inan emergency. For more information visit www.redcross.org.

2014 Officers for the CorporationSteve Howes (Howes & Jefferies), CHAIRRon Gutierrez (Clinton Herald), VICE CHAIRJohn Eisenman (Abstract & Title Guaranty Co.), VICE CHAIRTom Fullerton (Retired), VICE CHAIRBruce Christensen (U.S. Bank), OFFICERSteve Shupp (Alliant Energy), OFFICERBob Simpson (Big River Packaging), SECRETARYBrig Tubbs (Gateway State Bank), TREASURERRich Phelan (Management Consultant), PAST CHAIR

2014 Board of Directors:Curt Allen (Clinton County Farm Bureau)Jeff Beckwith (Beckwith Commercial Roofing)Christopher Cain (LyondellBasell)Terry Callahan (Agri-King)George Chamberlain (Direct Packaging)Pete Clausen (Clausen Companies)Mary Connell (Air Control)Tom Determann (Retired)Lou Egging (Egging Company)Gerry Freudenberg (Iowa-American Water Co.)Rick Gustafson (Leslie Electric)Bill Hare (Clysar)Eric Helding (Nestle-Purina)Thomas Hesselmann (Retired)Bob Holesinger (Quality Concrete)Charlie Minnick (Ashford University)Casey Moore (Union Pacific Railroad)Tom Moser (Medical Associates)Eric Rant (Rock-Tenn)Thomas Soenksen (Citizens First Bank)Steven Thacker (Clinton National Bank)Jon Thoms (Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C.)Ryan Veenstra (Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory)Dr. Karen Vickers (Clinton Community College)Sean Williams (Mercy Medical Center)Jim Woll (ADM Corn Processing)City of ClintonCity of CamancheCity of FultonCity of Low MoorClinton CountyClinton Community SchoolsDavid Rose (Iowa DOT Commissioner)

Ex-Officio'sCity of Low MoorCamanche Community SchoolsIowa State University ExtensionClinton Area Chamber of Commerce

August 2014CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com10

The Age of Disruption

Recently, I read an article by Malcolm Netburn, Chairman and CEO of CDS Global, Inc. about the“Age of Disruption”. If you haven't heard that term before, you're not alone. “It's about thefuture,” according to Sridhar Solur, director of mobility and cloud services at Hewlett-Packard.The convergence of technology, social trends, consumer behavior and an aging population isdriving innovation and change at a pace never seen before in human history. Although thepoint of Mr. Netburn's article was how companies can survive the Age of Disruption, there arelessons to be learned for communities as well.

An example from the article is a wheel maker two years before the Model T disrupted theworld. If you saw yourself as a wheel maker at that time, you became obsolete; if you sawyourself as being in the transportation business, you started building rubber tires and thrived.The nature of business is disruption. And it takes a proactive response to separate successfulcompanies from the rest of the herd.

According to Netburn,“within five steps, companies in nearly any industry can begin the necessary journey to not only survive, butto thrive during times of disruption.” The recent announcement that Evergreen Packaging is closing provides us with an opportuni-ty to consider how these steps may apply to helping COMMUNITIES survive the Age of Disruption. With apologies to the author,here are my thoughts on how each applies to change in communities.

1. Identify what you do great. Don't pigeonhole your community by what's always been done or what companies have “alwaysbeen here” (Which reader remembers the Fish Brothers Wagon Factory in Clinton?). More often than not, our capabilities are trans-ferrable and can solve problems for those outside our typical business segments. Step back and determine what we are really greatat and how these areas of strength can benefit types of companies we haven't traditionally focused on.

2. Truly understand your best asset: your people. Even more important than the community or the companies located hereare the people who live here and make the community work. Knowledgeable, flexible, engaged community members and commu-nity leaders are what make communities great. Recognize that the power of a community to be great is vested in its people.Encourage them to care about their community, engage in their community and have pride in their community. Visitors and neigh-boring communities will notice.

3. We are ALL in the media business. In an age of immediate and expansive communication, everyone has the potential to be amember of the media. Are you skeptical about this concept? Think about the impact that a comment on FaceBook, Twitter orPinterest - or a video on YouTube - can have. What and how we communicate about our community as a place to live and work is asimportant as public infrastructure or community improvement initiatives. Share your expertise to help positively promote theClinton Region through all types of content and across all communication channels. The future of our Region depends on each ofus taking an active role in responding to and countering negative perceptions, thoughts and statements about the place we callhome.

4. Culture trumps strategy. In today's disrupted, consumer-driven world, who you are is more important than what you do. Whatwe make or do for a living in our community may change, but if we have an open, inquisitive, urgent, responsive, and honest culture,we can conquer any disruption.

5. Optimism and a can-do spirit is oxygen - indispensable. To survive and thrive in the Age of Disruption, we MUST look for-ward, recognizing that there is no staying the same. Without exception, all communities are moving backwards or moving forwards.Those places in which community leaders and residents have embraced change with optimism and confidence have taken thewheel to drive their future. Those which have not are just along for the ride, and like a boat without a rudder will arrive at whichev-er destination the currents take them.

May we all have the courage, vision and commitment to not only survive, but thrive in the Age of Disruption!

Mike Kirchhoff, CEcDPresident & CEO

News From the CRDC

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Carrie Donaire, CVB Director

The CVB Welcomes Karolyn Kruse!

The Clinton Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that we have hired a permanent part-time Assistant to theDirector. Karolyn Kruse, a DeWitt native and recent graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, joined our staff on Monday, July14, 2014.

About KarolynKarolyn brings with her a degree in public relations, experience with digital media and communications, and a robust writing portfolio to her new post atthe CVB. She has a well-rounded extra-curricular resume as well, having been involved with 4-H, the Public Relations Student Society of America, FFA, andother volunteer and club experience.

Karolyn will be creating and curating content for the CVB's integrated marketing plan across media. Specifically, she will help manage website content,social media, and print media for a variety of websites and publications. As the CVB expands its marketing plan, Karolyn will orchestrate deadlines anddetails, as well as monitor existing content to maximize our investment to market the Clinton area.

Our Marketing Approach

To give a little more background on the marketing approach, the Clinton Convention & Visitors Bureau works as many destination marketing organizationsdo, by:• Promoting our location through multi-media marketing solutions. Many of you who read this article in the Chamber newsletter have been familiar over

the years with our local print marketing campaigns. But naturally, you would not see the bulk of the CVB's work, which is published outside of the Clinton area.

• Running advertising campaigns that are far enough away, that those who are inspired by the ads and come to visit, are visitors who come for an overnight stay and eventually spend more time and money in our community.

• Improving our presence across digital media, including social media, search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM).

A Digital Environment

In travel and tourism research, it has been shown repeatedly that today's traveler makes his or her decisions (whether mode of transportation, destination,itinerary or which hotel to book) by perusing digital media. Depending on the traveler, they may be inspired by a friend's photos on Facebook, or readinga blog about a destination off the beaten path, or looking at restaurant reviews on Trip Advisor, but they are gathering information online about wherethey want to go and what they'll do when they get there.

So, from the perspective of the CVB, our investment in digital media is more important than ever. Monitoring what we publish online becomes critical forour mission to attract visitors to the area, and as we really extend our reach to new markets, the CVB intends to keep our campaigns fresh and up-to-date.And we will keep Karolyn on her toes with all there is to do! Please help the CVB welcome Karolyn to our team and introduce yourself when you see herat the Chamber/ CVB office.

News From the Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Building our community through membership.CHAMBERNews

Chamber Night at the BallparkWhat a great crowd at our 1st Annual Chamber Night at theBallpark and Welcome New Families event. Thank you to allwho made this a huge success. A big thank you to all oursponsors! The winner of the trip for two to Rivera MayaMexico was Tim Starr, provided by Mac 94.7 and LighthouseTravel.

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