Inside this issue:• Snapshot in Numbers

Dece

mbe

r 20

11

“You have cancer.”

No one wants to hear that. But if you do, it’s time for smart decisions. It’s time for a compassionate medical team who collaborate with you for the best treatment and support. It’s time for Cedar Rapids’ only physician-led cancer center.

Choose care focused on you.

877/242-4999

communitycancercenter.org

We’re Ready. Call now.

(L to R) Dr. J. David Cowden; Dr. John Vander Zee; Rita Packingham, cancer survivor; Dr. Thomas Warren and Dr. James Renz.

Table of ContentsArticle ..................................................................Page

Featured Member of the Month ..................................5ImpactCR ....................................................................6Members In Motion ....................................................7New Members .............................................................7Calendar of Events ......................................................8America’s Small Business Summit ............................9Snapshot in Numbers .......................................... 10-11Champions at Work ..................................................12Chamber Business Success Initiative .......................13Priority One – Economic Impact Analysis ......... 14-15EDC ...........................................................................16Good Morning Cedar Rapids ....................................17November PM Exchange Recap ...............................18PM Exchange ............................................................18Sales Roundtable .......................................................19

December 2011Volume 81 No 4 (uSPS558-200)

Chamber Report (ISSN 108-50775) is published monthly by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, 424 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Subscription price of $35 per year is included in an annual chamber membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Postmaster: Send changes to:Chamber Report Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce424 First Ave. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

Chair: Nancy KasparekInterim President: Dee BairdEditor: Kari Stillman

Contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission.

2011-2012 Board of Directors

OfficersNancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, ChairRob Frederick, Transamerica Companies, Chair-ElectChuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, Immediate Past ChairBill Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce,

Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, Inc., DirectorTom Anderson, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, DirectorDee Baird, CR Area Chamber of Commerce/Priority One,

President P1Todd Barker, Todd Barker Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorDavid Benson, CR Community School District, DirectorBarry Boyer, Chair, Priority One, Honorary DirectorScott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorLijun Chadima, Thorland Company, DirectorRon Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary DirectorJeff Elgin, J & T Elgin LLC, DirectorJim Ernst, Four Oaks, DirectorGary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, DirectorRon Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency (retired),

DirectorKristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, DirectorScott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company Inc., DirectorVern Gebhart, Alliant Energy, DirectorBernard Gill, Ascott Transportation Service, DirectorShannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary DirectorBrad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, DirectorTom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., DirectorTim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, DirectorChristine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern IA, DirectorRobb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, DirectorStephanie Neighbor, Chair, Marion Chamber,

Honorary DirectorCurt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center,

Honorary DirectorDoug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District,

Honorary DirectorRon Olson, Paulson Electric Company, DirectorJeff Pomeranz, City Manager, City of Cedar Rapids,

Honorary DirectorJohn Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, DirectorDavid Sorg, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary DirectorTim Spain, United Fire Group, DirectorMichael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, PC, DirectorBill Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, DirectorBrandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc., Director

December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

“You have cancer.”

No one wants to hear that. But if you do, it’s time for smart decisions. It’s time for a compassionate medical team who collaborate with you for the best treatment and support. It’s time for Cedar Rapids’ only physician-led cancer center.

Choose care focused on you.

877/242-4999

communitycancercenter.org

We’re Ready. Call now.

(L to R) Dr. J. David Cowden; Dr. John Vander Zee; Rita Packingham, cancer survivor; Dr. Thomas Warren and Dr. James Renz.

4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

From the Chairman’s Desk:

A year’s work

My time as President of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce started amidst efforts by the Downtown District, The Chamber and Priority One to merge their organizations into a strong, unified organization. Those efforts rose to a crescendo pitch November 1 with Stronger Together: a joint annual meeting. Much work is left to be done as we work to put together the structure and organization that will produce the results we all desire.

In the condensed fiscal year in which I have had the opportunity to serve the Chamber, I feel that we brought to fruition the vision of many of our past and present business leaders in the community as we took steps to unify our voices and efforts. As we transition into the new organization: The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, we do so with the support and energy of many who recognize the benefits this organization will bring to our region.

I am personally thankful for the visionary work of many who have helped lead this process and for those who are able to see past the immediate changes and see the bigger picture: a region that will succeed and thrive in the future.

As the 2011 calendar year comes to a close, we will look back on this year as a year of change that is going to impact this community in a positive way for years to come.

As your Chamber, we have served businesses small and large. We have helped our members connect with each other and provided opportunities to connect through events and programs designed to expand networks and serve the community. Most importantly, we have looked forward, anticipating the needs of business into the future.

Although my term as president was shortened by the creation of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, I am proud of the things we have accomplished together and look forward to being a part of what is yet to come.

Stronger together,

Sincerely, Nancy Kasparek Chair, Board of Directors

December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Savings Quality Environment

One per customer. Not valid with other offers.Expires 01/31/2012. Code Chamber Offer

Cartridge World Cedar Rapids2210 Edgewood RoadCedar Rapids, IA 52404www.cartridgeworldusa.com319-396-9600

OFF TONER REFILL

OFF INK

REFILL

$10$3

WHY PAY MORETO PRINT?Cartridge World has long been actively finding ways to help save our environment and, at the

same time, help our customers save money. By refilling ink and toner cartridges, not only are we keeping cartridges out of landfills, but we are also saving you, the consumer, up to 40% off the price of buying a brand new cartridge!

Businesses can also take advantage of Cartridge World’s FREE pickup and delivery service for qualifying orders! We offer the opportunity to set up a charge account which can save your business both time and money.

The great news is there is not, by any means, any risk to using a refilled cartridge, because refilled cartridges in no way void your printer warranty (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). Once you purchase a refill from Cartridge World, you will not notice any difference in the print quality as compared to a brand new cartridge. All cartridges are filled in-house by our specially trained technicians; while at the same time, all the inks and toners used by Cartridge World are specifically designed for each individual cartridge, and the worn out parts are replaced in every laser cartridge, ensuring you the best possible print quality. Cartridge World backs all its cartridges by a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

As an effort to help our local schools, Cartridge World offers them an opportunity to raise money by participating in our cartridge recycling program. By collecting empty cartridges and turning them in to Cartridge World, local schools can earn funds for projects and programs!

Cartridge World has always strived to help local communities in the best possible way. We are locally owned and operated, community oriented, and environmentally driven. We are here to offer our community a better, less expensive way to print.

For more information contact our Cedar Rapids location at (319) 396-9600.

6 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Big Wig Lunch Talk (BLT) with Jack Evans

Tuesday, December 1312:00 - 1:00 PM

Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Jack Evans is president of The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His expertise

in the area of leadership is illustrated by his involvement with several organizations in the Corridor.

This lunch will give guests the opportunity to hear Mr. Evans speak to the importance of leadership, and will tell you the path and decisions he

made to become a strong leader for our community.

Mind your business.You’ve got plenty to keep you busy –

no spare time to fret about basics that

should be hassle free. That’s where CITY

comes in. We offer a wide range of rental

uniforms and mats to meet your unique

needs. It’s the clean and simple way.

Want a customized solution to let you

focus on what really matters? Call us

today and we’ll sweat the small stuff.

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December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Linn County Juvenile Justice Center November 9

Granite City Food & Brewery Remodel November 14

Windstream Communications November 16

Fairfax State Savings Bank KioskNovember 11

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Hands in Harmony LLC1615 32nd Street NECedar Rapids, IA 52402Wahneta Dimmer, OwnerPhone: 319-366-5454 Website: www.myhih.comEmail: handsinharmony@mchsi.com

Hands in Harmony LLC is a therapeutic massage therapy office with a splash of spa. We specialize in injury recovery, relaxation & maintenance massage. We also offer couples massage, private & small group yoga and meditation classes.

Kennections Plus, Inc. Matt Kenney, PresidentPhone: 319-804-9010 Website: www.kennectionsplus.comEmail: matt@kennectionsplus.com

Communications Management firm whose dual purposes are to reduce communications cost and improve customer service for our clients without changing carriers. Our savings and service standards are unconditionally guaranteed. No risk. No catch. No gimmicks. No hassles. No downside.

Cono Christian School3269 Quasqueton AvenueWalker, IA 52352Ray Vasser, Advancement & Athletics OfficerPhone: 319-651-5815Fax: 319-448-4397Website: www.cono.orgEmail: ray.vasser@cono.org

Cono Christian School is a not-for-profit residential and day school. We work with distressed teens who come to Cono for a fresh start and help in emotional healing, maturation and resolving behavioral issues resulting from adoption, traumatic experience and/or family breakdown.

Not just a great local printer!

We also offer: • In-house Design• High Speed Digital Print• Variable Data Printing• In-house Mailing Services

319-378-4451

8 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Events Calendar

December A Preview of 2012 ❖ Saturday, December 3

ImpactCR Ugly Sweater Holiday Party7:00- 9:00 p.m.

Dublin City Pub 415 1st Street NE

Admission is free; An optional $5 participation fee for “Best of Ugly” competition.

For more information on the Fire & Ice Festival activities, visit www.downtowncr.org.

❖ Tuesday, December 6

Breakfast of Champions7:15- 8:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

A light breakfast and coffee will be available. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Sponsored by

❖ Tuesday, December 13

Big Wig Lunch Talk with Jack Evans12:00- 1:00 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce

Join us to hear Jack Evans speak on leader-ship, and the path and decisions he made to become a community leader.

Brought to you by ImpactCR.

❖ Thursday, December 15

PM ExchangeMount Mercy University5:00- 7:00 p.m.

The University Center Commons 1330 Elmhurst Drive

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Wednesday, December 28

Regional Sustainable Business Alliance Round Table12:00- 1:30 p.m.

The University of Iowa 1 W Prentiss Street

For additional information, and to RSVP, please call (319) 398-5317

❖ Legislative UpdateFriday, January 20 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Sponsored by

❖ 2012 Sales Roundtable KickoffTuesday, January 24 12:00- 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

❖ Chamber Academy Green Workplace Presented by Shelia SamuelsonTuesday, February 7 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

❖ Corridor Day/Kolache Day at the CapitolWednesday, February 15 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Des Moines

❖ Legislative UpdateFriday, February 17 11:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

❖ America’s Small Business SummitMay 21-23

Washington, DC

ImpactCR EventsImpactCR hosts a number of committee meetings each month. To learn more about the organization’s various committees or find out when the next committee meeting is visit impactcr.org for details.

For the latest listing of events or to register and pay on-line please visit

www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship opportunities are available for most Chamber events. Contact The Chamber

at chamber@cedarrapids.org

Community Calendar

As a Chamber member, businesses can login at

www.cedarrapids.org and submit their own event. Visit

www.cedarrapids.org/events to view the numerous events being held by Chamber

members throughout the community.

America’s Small Business SummitMay 21-23, 2012Washington, DC

Standing Up for American Enterprise

Cost is $1,500 per person which includes two nights hotel, conference registration and multiple meals. Airline travel is the responsibility of the attendee. Recommended flights will be provided.

Attendee Registration:

Name _________________________________________________________________________

Organization ___________________________________________________________________

Title __________________________________________________________________________

Contact email __________________________________________________________________

Contact cell phone ______________________________________________________________

Attendee Business Address to be used on registration materials:

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Additional contacts for communication including title and email:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

Payment method: Check MC Visa AmEx

For credit card only:

Name on card _____________________________________________

Card number ______________________________________________

Exp date __________________ VIN _________________________

Billing Address ____________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Hotel Room Preferences ___________________________________________

Please return to Sara MentzerCedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

424 1st Avenue NECedar Rapids IA 52401

smentzer@cedarrapids.org Phone: 319/730-1404

Fax: 319/398-5228

December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

10 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

A S n a p s h o t i n N u m 3 e r S

The Chamber, Priority One and the Downtown District merged operations and focus and became one organization: the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

Held 4 events for international visitors

Hosted 12 PM Exchanges with approximately 200 people in attendance – a factor in the Chamber being named the Corridor's Best Networking Organization

Provided 15 sustainability programs

Gave members more than 20 opportunities to connect with state officials

Launched 30 new alumni from Leadership for Five Seasons, bringing the alumni total to more than 1000

Highlighted 37 flood recovery projects in the 2008 flood footprint through the successful Signs of Progress campaign

Hosted more than 40 networking events

Cut more than 100 ribbons

Provided more than 100 programs for professional growth

Served 1300 business members

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

1

4

2040 1300

30

37

100100

15

2400

Promoted the region at 8 international conferences

8

12 x 200

BESTO F T H ECORRIDOR

2011

The 2011 calendar year was a year that saw much change in our local and

national economies, in flood recovery and in organizational change.

Through it all, we’ve focused our attention on day-to-day interaction and support of our local business community while reaching out, through our members, partners and investors, to work for the greater good of our community.

During a year of economic struggle, our region has experienced strength and growth in economy. With development projects in the works from the Amanas to Hiawatha, it paints a picture of the resilience and innovation that are the hallmarks of this region.

December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

A S n a p s h o t i n N u m 3 e r S

The Chamber, Priority One and the Downtown District merged operations and focus and became one organization: the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

Held 4 events for international visitors

Hosted 12 PM Exchanges with approximately 200 people in attendance – a factor in the Chamber being named the Corridor's Best Networking Organization

Provided 15 sustainability programs

Gave members more than 20 opportunities to connect with state officials

Launched 30 new alumni from Leadership for Five Seasons, bringing the alumni total to more than 1000

Highlighted 37 flood recovery projects in the 2008 flood footprint through the successful Signs of Progress campaign

Hosted more than 40 networking events

Cut more than 100 ribbons

Provided more than 100 programs for professional growth

Served 1300 business members

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

1

4

2040 1300

30

37

100100

15

2400

Promoted the region at 8 international conferences

8

12 x 200

BESTO F T H ECORRIDOR

12 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

“They really go to bat for us.”

Mike DanielCEO, HR Green Inc.

BANKERS TRUSTcommercial banker:Pierre Kisting

“Bankers Trust has a real willingness to get us what we

need and make connections to others who can help.

They know our business and have worked with us every

step of the way. You get local flavor, local service, local

relationships – with big bank capabilities.”

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

Member FDIC

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Ambassador of the Quarter

Paul Schultz with Per Mar Security was awarded Ambassador of the Quarter by Keith Rippy, Area Ambulance Service & Chairman, of the Chamber Ambassadors. Keith is presenting Paul with a thank you gift in recognition of Paul’s volunteer efforts in the Chamber during this past quarter.

December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Suspend TV talent upside down from Panchero’s ceiling at 2:15 AM?

Been there.

Done that.

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319.364.8900

Helping Flood Affected Businesses Improve Financial PositionCedar Rapids flood affected businesses have experi-

enced some relief in recent months as disaster assistance has been dispersed and programs have been restructured. Since June 2011, $15 million has been awarded by the program administrator. A total amount of $44,872,876 has been committed to Cedar Rapids businesses in federal disaster recovery dollars through the current programs.

Scott Swenson, senior case manager with the Chamber’s Business Success Initiative, said disaster assistance is helping flood affected businesses alleviate some of their debt and allowing room for growth.

“Instead of worrying about the next six weeks, businesses are better able to focus on their plans for the next year. Elimination of long-term disaster debt is a critical need and these programs are providing some relief to that situation,” Swenson said.

Eligible businesses have received up to $400,000 in equipment and inventory reimbursement. Currently 148 flood affected businesses have received flood insurance reimbursement.

Mike Monahan, owner of The Blue Strawberry Coffee Company, said the assistance his business received was

welcome relief. Monahan used the funds to maintain cash flow during difficult times in addition to purchasing equipment for his business.

“I feel really positive about the future and the things going on downtown. I’m very hopeful that more businesses will come to the downtown area to add to the vibrant nature of what downtown needs to be,” Monahan said.

Chamber case managers have been working with the program administrator as well as city and state officials to determine how the process could be improved to get money to flood affected businesses. Additionally case managers have helped flood affected businesses become compliant with program requirements, helping with documentation and paperwork.

The Business Success Initiative is continuing to work with flood affected businesses on business growth strategies, continuity plans, and other flood related issues. Case managers are available to facilitate disaster planning with businesses and provide other services through the end of the year. Contact Bob Harschnek, Case Management Team Leader, at (319) 731-5844 for more information.

14 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Fiscal Year 2011 was a continued year of growth and recovery in the Corridor region, with a variety of local and global influences at play.

Data regarding the fiscal year return on investment is gathered by NCDS’ Economic Strategy Center, in Atlanta, GA. It offers us an objective snapshot of how the organization garnered a return on the investment in our com-munity. To view the report, visit www.Priority1.com.

The crux of what we do—economic development—is the motivation behind many of our investors contributions. As investors and stakeholders, you see the value to business, the community and the regional economy that economic development brings. Projects related to Business Development in FY2011 include:

✦ 17 projects including two new companies— Ag Sugar International & mCube

✦ $218,168,336 total capital investment including $57,870,691 of taxable investment

✦ 714 new jobs with an average wage of $33.95 ✦ 289 retained jobs with an average wage of over $35/hour

✦ The generation of $26,776,837 of financial assistance benefits for area companies

� $8,393,111 of direct financial assistance (State of Iowa)

� $5,505,192 of local property tax rebates/exemptions (Local Cities)

� $5,126,621 of investment tax credits (State of Iowa)

� $4,583,816 of R&D Tax Credits (State of Iowa)

� $1,918,249 of sales tax refunds (State of Iowa)

� $1,000,000 of Brownfield/Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credits (State of Iowa)

� $249,848 of job training funds (Kirkwood/State of Iowa)

✦ Visited 26 corporate headquarters of area companies ✦ Completed 29 Synchronist Surveys ✦ Identified 58 new company prospects ✦ Attended five tradeshow conferences related to wind, food, industrial biotechnology and

unmanned systems. ✦ Met with 49 site location consultants

✦ Piloted an Industrial Biotechnology/Food Processing Roundtable

Economic Impact Analysis

Priority One’s FY2011 accomplishments include 17 “wins” representing 17 different companies. Of the total, 15 were expansions and attractions of businesses located in the Cedar Rapids area and two retentions.

–NCDS Annual Report

December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Workforce development goes hand in hand with regional growth and remains a strong focus as we move into the future as the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Programs such as MyTernNow and our strategic partnerships with our local colleges and universities help ensure that we are training and reaching out to the next workforce to find the talent the Midwest is renowned for.

In FY2011, Priority One: ✦ Worked with Kirkwood Community College on the Skills 2014 report, that engaged 241 employers from the region on their workforce skill sets.

✦ Launched MyTernNow.com, a collaborative digital project that saw 9,000 visitors in its first year.

✦ Attended more than 20 career fairs reaching 1,000 students, promoting theMyTernNow.com initiative.

✦ Engaged 100 students and new grads in the MyLifeNow program.

✦ Distributed nearly 400 recruitment packets to area employers.

✦ Supported the National Career Readiness Certificate and Consortium with Kirkwood Community

Marketing, Communications & Research were a key focus in Fiscal Year 2011, as a direct request of our stakeholders and investors to not only generate awareness publicly about the organization, but to provide insight and information to our internal audiences as well.

As a result: ✦ A comprehensive media policy was developed resulting in 22 stories across multiple media outlets and over 40 separate mentions.

✦ Priority One transitioned to e-newsletter communica-tion and increased outreach from 400 investors every two months to more than 1,300 subscribers every two weeks. Additionally, e-communications saves the organization more than $4,000 annually in printing and mailing costs.

✦ Launched a featured article in the Chamber’s monthly Chamber Report, expanding the message reach and audience for Priority One activity.

✦ Partnered with the Downtown District on presenting the Conquer the Corridor program to 1,500 comm-unity members.

✦ Revised demographics report to reduce the time spent on data collection and to make the report more relevant and concise. As a result, time spent on data gathering was reduced by two months; the report was scaled back from 65 pages to 38.

✦ Developed a process for maintaining building and land data and LocationOne Information System (LOIS) and provided LOIS training to local commercial brokers and agents.

✦ Developed a communications plan for city/county partners and one-on-one meeting were held with Belle Plaine, Benton County, Center Point, Lisbon, Mt. Vernon, North Liberty, Robins, Jones County EDCO and MEDCO.

Through the multiplier effect, investments in Priority One initiative supported the creation of 1,707 total jobs in the region. This total job impact yields a multiplier of 2.30. That is, for every direct job created as a result of Priority One’s attraction and expansion efforts, an addi-tional 1.39 job is created in the region’s economy.

–NCDS Annual Report

16 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERBIG Lesson in “Big”

Curt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC)

Where do you want to go?

Abe TubbsChief Executive OfficerCascade & Monticello

We work hard to find unique solutions for individual customers. Whatever you need. Long-term or short. For people

and businesses who truly value a bank they can trust. Relationships based on mutual respect. Making a positive impact.

For you. And your financial life. Let us take you where you want to be.

MOVE FORWARD

Cedar Rapids Marion Monticello Cascade Onslow Baldwin OhnwardBank.com

Member FDIC

Recently I happened to catch most of the movie “Big” with Tom Hanks. I hadn’t seen it in a long time and had forgotten its timeless marketing lesson. In the story, a toy company’s executive team has clearly lost touch with their true

business identity, and Tom’s character – an eight-year-old in a 30-year-old body if you never saw it – reminds them by simply being their target demographic. The company CEO appears to understand that they are off track, but the competitive executive team is obsessed with developing new toys without quality input from those that play with them or those that purchase them.

Every day this scenario is played out in business after business. From newly formed start-ups to decades-old establishments, leadership comes to believe that they are the experts in understanding what their consumers want. The painful lesson learned by many is that the consumers, not the business, are better equipped to understand their own needs.

Few companies take the time to understand the actual business they are in. In the movie, the company is not in

the toy business, but rather in the business of making children happy through toys. That means they must provide a toy that children will want and a parent will purchase at a price that will allow them to make enough money to continue the process. They must understand the wants and desires of both the children and their parents and react accordingly. When businesses decide they know better, when they decide to generate facts and figures that mislead rather than lead, they fail to maximize their value to the market-place and all parties lose.

Businesses reach their greatest success when they truly understand what they provide and for whom, and deliver such at a price, place and manner that works for both. However, when businesses determine that what they provide is earnings for shareholders, they have completely missed the mark. Take the time to truly understand what you provide and for whom and maximize your success.

For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at (319) 369-4955 or visit us at: www.edcinc.org.

December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

We would like to recognize and congratulate these winners in one final victory lapCedar Memorial- John LingeImOn Communications- Patrice CarrollPhelan’s Interiors- Paul PhelanPrimus Construction- Bart WoodsAnd our community spotlight, Hawkeye Downs

Thank you to our Good Morning Cedar Rapids attendees

and sponsor

For 20 years we have had the privilege of honoring area businesses and outstanding community leaders.

In 2011, we put these four businesses and one community spotlight in the forefront for being in the fast lane of commitment and service to the Cedar Rapids community.

18 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

November PM Exchange Recap

Over 350 Chamber members enjoyed last month’s Chamber PM Exchange at the Marion Hy-Vee on November 3. Located at 3600 East Highway 151, the Marion Hy-Vee showcased their many holiday catering options with a variety of festive appetizers and drinks.

Your next destination . . .the Chamber PM Exchange!

Don’t forget your flip-flops!!

Thursday, December 15

1330 Elmhurst Drive NEwww.mtmercy.edu

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.University Center Commons

Contact the Chamber and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize your market-ing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member

of the Month, newsletter, on-line and more; The Chamber can help you gain exposure and

positively impact your bottom line. Contact Kari Stillman at kstillman@cedarrapids.org

December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

2012 Sales Roundtable Application

Name: _______________________________________________________________

Title: _________________________________________________________________

Organization: ___________________________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________

Web: _________________________________________________________________

Years in current position: __________________ Years in sales: ____________________

Type of business: (check one) Business-to-Business Business-to-Consumer

Industry: Banking Manufacturing Non-Profit Service Construction Media Retail Telecommunications Finance/Insurance Medical/Healthcare Staffing Transportation Other ________________________________________________________

Description of product/services: _____________________________________________

Employees at organization: (check one) Fewer than 5 5 – 14 15 – 24 25 – 50 51 – 99 100 – 249 250 – 499 Over 500

Please check your top two preferred monthly meeting times: (specific meeting time/place to be determined by group members at kickoff)

Breakfast (2nd Wednesday of the month) Lunch Hour (2nd Wednesday of the month) Lunch Hour (2nd Thursday of the month) Late Afternoon (2nd Thursday of the month)

Please list any specific topics you would like addressed: ___________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

Method of Payment: ($90 annually) Check (make payable to the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce) Visa MasterCard American Express Discover

Card #: _______________________________________________________________

Exp date: ________________________ V-Code: _______________________________

Name: ________________________________________________________________

Mailing address of card: ___________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

What Is A Sales Roundtable? The Sales Roundtable is an arranged

group of noncompeting sales professionals, from all levels who meet once per month for a forum on sales issues.

Meetings will follow an agenda of predetermined topics relevant to the sales professional today including lead genera-tion, conversion rates and client retention.

Driven by group discussion, participants will receive tips and advice, learn from others and of course, grow their network.

Kickoff event for all participants will be January 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Chamber Boardroom.

Who Can Participate? Sales Roundtables are open

exclusively to Chamber members who share a common goal – ensuring the success of their organization by driving sales.

Program Facts ❖ Quarterly large group meetings ❖ Small group meetings in months between large group sessions. Groups number between 12-15 participants.

❖ Attendance is required at 75% of meetings.

❖ The annual participation fee is $90.

For Questions Or Additional Details:Jeff Schamberger, 319-730-1402 or

jschamberger@cedarrapids.org

Sessions begin with a Sales Kickoff on

January 24, 2012.

To ensure your place as a Sales Roundtable participant, please complete this form, enclose the $90 annual fee and send to 424 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 by January 22, 2012.

“Everyone lives by selling something.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

ROUNDTA B L E

Printed on recycled paper by

Cornerstone Press

424 First Avenue NECedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

P E R I O D I C A L S

POSTAGE PAID AT

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

www.cedarrapids.org

Conference CenterIn the Guaranty Bank Building • Downtown Cedar Rapidscorridorcoworks.com

Now offering meeting space for 2 to 20

Lease rooms from four hours to a week or longer

Meetings

Retreats

Presentations

Webinars

Luncheons

Lectures