February Chamber Report

Inside this issue:• Prosperity Agenda

Febr

uary

201

1

2 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

©2011 Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

2010-2011 Board of Directors

OfficersChuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, ChairNancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Chair ElectBrad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Immediate Past Chair Rob Frederick, The AEGON Companies, Secretary William Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, President

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, DirectorThomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, DirectorDee Baird, Priority One, President Priority OneTodd Barker, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorDavid Benson, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Director Barry Boyer, Van Meter Industrial, Inc., Chair Priority OneScott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorLijun Chadima, Thorland Company, DirectorRon Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary DirectorChris DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc., DirectorJeff Elgin, J & T Elgin, LLC, DirectorJames Ernst, Four Oaks Inc. of Iowa, DirectorGary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, DirectorRonald Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, DirectorKristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, DirectorDon Garland, Chair Marion Chamber, Honorary Director Scott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company, Inc., DirectorBernard Gill, Ascott Transcription Services, Director Shannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary Director Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., At Large DirectorBeth Houlahan, Mercy Medical Center, DirectorTim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, DirectorChristine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc., DirectorRobb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, DirectorCurt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center Inc. Honorary DirectorDoug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary DirectorRon Olson, Paulson Electric Company, DirectorHazel Pegues, Diversity Focus, Honorary DirectorJohn Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, DirectorTim Spain United Fire Group, Director Vernon Squires, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary Director Michael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C., Director Paul Treangen, Alliant Energy – Interstate Power & Light Co., DirectorMonica Vernon, Cedar Rapids City Council, Honorary DirectorWilliam Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, DirectorBrandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc, Director

Table of ContentsArticle PageFeatured Member of the Month ...........................................4ImpactCR .............................................................................5Resources for an Innovative Culture ...................................6Signs of Progress .................................................................7Calendar of Events ...............................................................82011: Resolve to Commit to Wellness.................................9Leading a Prosperity Agenda for the CR Area ............ 10-11Priority One ........................................................................12Chamber Academy .............................................................13Legislative Update .............................................................13EDC ....................................................................................14Business Success Initiative ................................................15New Member .....................................................................16Champions at Work ............................................................16New Frontiers That Change Everything ............................17December PM Exchange Recap ........................................18PM Exchange .....................................................................18Igniting Innovation in Communities Today .......................19

February 2011Volume 80 No 6 (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: Chuck PetersPresident & CEO: Editor: Kari Stillman

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

From the Chairman’s Desk:

Prosperity Agenda

Your Chamber has been discussing, debating and describing our Prosperity Agenda for over six months now. I am happy to report that your Board of Directors has approved the first three year plan for achieving that Agenda. More details about the plan are in this issue, starting on page 10.

As you all know, the Chamber has been instrumental in flood relief for area businesses, and for programming to get those flood impacted businesses back on their feet. We must continue that work.

But that alone will not bring us prosperity. We need to accelerate our innovation efforts. Some have told me we only talk about innovation to promote a new building. Regardless of a building, innovation and regional collaboration are essential for any local economy in the world. The science and techniques of innovation are way ahead of the culture of innovation.

Within this region we have the qualities to make us an innovative, effective economic engine. However, we have many skills to learn, and techniques to practice. So, whether we build a building or not, we need to research effective regional innovation hubs and implement best practices. That will entail discussions, connections and events that we can start today, without a central physical presence.

We are very happy that we were able to schedule Sarah Miller Caldicott to be with us for lunch on February 22. Sarah is the great grandniece of Thomas Edison, and has researched his methods extensively, and counseled many large and small organizations on how to adopt those techniques to improve their ability to innovate. She shows us how many of the best techniques that built our industrial economy have fallen into disuse, and can be learned and practiced again. You can read more about Sarah at www.powerpatterns.com. There is an announcement on making arrangements to attend this very informative luncheon presentation in this issue, at page 19.

The research clearly shows that thriving innovation networks need physical gathering spaces, designed for that purpose. We are determined to develop the best plan for such a physical space, or spaces, in our service area, which may or may not include building the Innovation Center on our current site. This is something we want to get right, and are going to take the time to do it right.

Chuck PetersChairman, Board of Directors

February 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

4 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Milestones Adult Day Health Centers provide a cheerful and nurturing environment, specifi-cally designed to provide opportunities to challenged adults. When elderly and other health challenged adults can no longer stay at home safely during the day, Milestones Adult Day Health Centers provide an affordable alternative to nursing home care or assisted living arrangements. The Milestones in Marion center will soon be expanding to serve more participants and to add a Special Care Unit specifically designed to serve individuals with dementia and related brain disorders. More information: www.MilestonesCR.org.

Milestones In Marion to Expand

Aging Services, Inc. is a private, not-for-profit agency dedicated to providing services that help seniors remain in their own homes in the community. With locations in Cedar Rapids and Marion, services are provided in Linn, Benton and Jones counties.

Eastern Iowa Senior Olympics May 13-14, 2010

Aging Services, Inc. has partnered with the Cedar Rapids Metro Area Rotary Clubs and the Iowa Senior Olympics to establish the Eastern Iowa Senior Olympics. To qualify for Olympic sanctioned events, participants must be age 50 or over by 12/31/11. Inter-generational events are open to all ages. Coe College will host the two day event along with a Health & Wellness Fair which will provide health information and screenings. Watch for more information coming soon! Proceeds from the Eastern Iowa Senior Olympics will support the programs and services of Aging Services, Inc. Booth space and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Contact Kathy Horan for more details at (319) 398-3644 or [email protected].

Aging Services, Inc.

317 7th Ave SE, Ste. 302B Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-2003

(319) 398-3644

February 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

2274-A1.indd 1 1/12/11 11:01 AM

BLT with Jeff Pomeranz

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10 Chamber Boardroom

Free for ImpactCR members $5 for Future Members

ImpactCR’s Bigwig Lunch Talk series continues in March with Cedar Rapids City

Manager Jeff Pomeranz.

Jeff Pomeranz — On September 20, 2010, Jeff Pomeranz became the new city manager for the City of Cedar Rapids. During his 25-year career, Mr. Pomeranz has served as city manager for three other cities, including the City of West Des Moines, Iowa from 1998 to 2010, the City of Port Angeles, Washington from 1990 to 1998 and the City of Del Rio, Texas from 1985 to 1990.

STAY IN THE GAMEJoin or Renew Today!

ImpactCR, recognized as the Corridor’s Best Networking Group, is taking renewals for the 2011 calendar year. Renew today at www.cedarrapids.org/events

Becoming an ImpactCR member is one of the ways to demonstrate your commitment to this area and engage in opportunities to be involved and make your mark!

Annual Membership Costs: $35/individual or $50/family. Corporate memberships also available, contact Kelly Slaughter for details at [email protected]

Stay connected with the hundreds of other alumni that have participated in the Leadership for Five Seasons program. Your $50 annual alumni fee provides access to participate in alumni events throughout the year, supports the alumni program and allows you to keep current with other leadership graduates. Let the tradition continue—pay your alumni dues at www.cedarrapids.org/events

6 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

“The biggest thing is trust.”

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

“Bankers Trust is very open, very flexible.

They suggest the best option for us and

don’t push. And it’s so easy, we just call

Elizabeth for anything we need. It’s a matter

of trust when you’re dealing with finances.”Member FDIC

Sandeep MunjalM.D., Orthopaedics

Ritu MunjalM.D., Family Practice

BANKERS TRUSTprivate banker:Elizabeth Dalytrust officer:Randy Petsche

Community: The Structure of Belonging –Peter Block

Modern society is plagued by fragmentation. The various sectors of our communities —businesses, schools, social service organizations,

churches, government—do not work together. They exist in their own worlds. As do so many individual citizens, who long for connection but end up marginalized, their gifts overlooked, their potential contributions lost. This disconnection and detachment makes it hard if not impossible to envision a common future and work towards it together. We know what healthy communities look like—there are many success stories out there, and they’ve been described in detail. What Block provides in this book is an exploration of the exact way community can emerge from fragmentation: How is community built? How does the transformation occur? What fundamental shifts are involved? He explores a way of thinking about our places that creates an opening for authentic communities to exist and details what each of us can do to make that happen.

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? –Seth GodinA linchpin, as Seth describes it, is

somebody in an organization who is indispensable, who cannot be replaced—her role is just far too unique and valuable. And then he goes on to say, well, seriously folks,

you need to be one of these people, you really do. To not be one is economic and career suicide.

In his book, Godin doesn’t tell you how to be a linchpin. Instead, he gives you an aggregate picture of who linchpins are, what they do, and why they’re so coveted.

Linchpins that don’t work for companies are indispens-able, too. They provide something so economically valuable that they’re changing their industry. Many affect large num-bers of people in a positive way. Like your favorite barista at the coffee shop—the one you look forward to seeing every time you visit. Whether corporate or not, because of their unique abilities, no linchpins want for contacts or jobs.

In his new book, Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, Seth Godin makes the case that the world needs more linchpins. He gives you background on why linchpins are so valuable right now. He makes it clear how linchpins operate, who they are, and why you need to be one.

Resources for an Innovative CultureThe Chamber has been a driving force around a common theme: creating a culture of innovation. As we ask the

community to become informed, involved and motivated to move this initiative forward there are many resources supporting these discussions. Below are two books Chamber staff and many others have read and we encourage you to do the same.

February 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Signs of Progress, a multi-media campaign hosted by the Economic Planning and Redevelopment Corporation, launched Saturday, January 22 during a special recognition event held at Theatre Cedar Rapids in downtown Cedar Rapids.

The Signs of Progress project focus is to illustrate the flood recovery and economic development project progress accomplished to date. This collective resource will serve as a central hub for multiple audiences to receive information about new and existing projects —providing location, community investment, and status updates. More than 35 projects will be featured during the launch of the project, summarizing initiatives and overall funding towards project completion of $778,201,000.

Members of the community and beyond will be able to view project progress through multiple outlets over the next several weeks, including:

■ Recognition Event held on January 22, recognized individuals and organizations for their outstanding roles in Flood Recovery during a Signs of Progress launch event on Saturday, January 22 at Theatre Cedar Rapids. Honorees received a “Work of Progress” sculpture, created by local artist Tom Newport and Dean Dunkel. (A full list of honorees can be found at www.cedarrapids.org/news)

■ Project Maps will display geographical locations and the project summaries. A brochure with the map will be included as an abisert in the January 23 edition of the Gazette. Additional hard copies of the map will be distributed in various high traffic locations including The Chamber.

■ Physical Signs with the SOP emblem will be installed by February 13 throughout the Cedar Rapids area to highlight projects cited on the map. Upon installation patrons will be able to follow the Map and tour various project sites. Physical signs will continue to be installed as projects progress.

■ Website and Printable Map will be available for download and project updates post-launch at www.SignsOfProgressCR.com. A link to this site will be available through project coordinator websites including the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, City of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Linn County, and the Cedar Rapids Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Signs of Progress project is financed by donations from AEGON USA, Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, City of Cedar Rapids, CRST Inc., Source Media Group, Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Hall-Perrine Foundation, Lil Drugstore, Linn County Board of Supervisors, Mainstream LLC, Rockwell Collins and Skogman Companies.

Kirk WatsonNew Member Recruitment & Program Support

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Kirk Watson as part of our team in New Member Recruitment & Program Support. Kirk has more than 16 years of experience as a sales professional with expertise in the non-profit and private sectors. He most recently was the Product Sales Director with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois and previously a Program Director with Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services at Kirkwood Community College. Kirk is a graduate of Wartburg College, a Learning Resources Network Certified Program Planner and a past member of the Cedar Valley Chapter of the American Society for Training & Development.

We are excited to have Kirk join our team. His direct contact information is 319.730.1417 and [email protected].

8 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

Events Calendar

February ❖ Wednesday, February 2

Political Parley with Representatives Nathan WillemsNoon – 1:00 p.m.

Participate in on-line discussions with elected officials at shapecedarrapids.com

❖ Saturday, February 5

ImpactCR’s Celebrate the Community: Diamond and Ice4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.The Suites at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

ImpactCR is planning its biggest event to date: a fun, informal “tailgate” in the Kernels suites.

$20 ImpactCR members$30 future members

Sponsored by

❖ Tuesday, February 8

Chamber Academy – Marketing Series11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

This marketing series event will be pre-sented by Jen Neumann and Heather Smith of deNovo Alternative Marketing.

$35 for members$50 for future members

Sponsored by


Cedar Rapids PrevailPresented by Garrison Wynn, author of The Real Truth About Success

Two Showings: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. or1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Theatre Cedar Rapids

A motivational and educational event for flood affected businesses.

Complimentary

Presenting Sponsor

❖ Wednesday, February 9

Political Parley with Representative Nick WagnerNoon – 1:00 p.m.



Chamber Academy – Business Series11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

This business series event will be

presented by Gerard Estella from North Forty

$35 for members$50 for future members

Sponsored by


Political Parley Noon – 1:00 p.m.


❖ Thursday, February 17

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.University of Phoenix Cedar Rapids Student Resource Center

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Friday, February 18

Legislative Lunch11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

Join The Chamber as we provide a legisla-tive update on the current session with our Corridor Legislative Delegation.

Complimentary

Sponsored by


Igniting Innovation in Communities Today – Sarah Caldicott12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

Presented by the great grand niece of Thomas Edison, become innovation literate and build innovation across your organiza-tion and community.

$40 for members, Table of ten, $400

Presenting Sponsor


Political Parley Noon – 1:00 p.m.



Corridor Day at the Capitol8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.Des Moines

Join a delegation to Des Moines and participate in face-to-face meetings with legislative leaders.

Sponsored by

March

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 Candy Nanke for details at

[email protected]

{00150245.DOC} {00150245.DOC}

❖ Wednesday, March 2

ImpactCR Siren Wednesday

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Visit www.impactcr.org for location

❖ Wednesday, March 9

New Frontiers That Change Everything, Dr. Lowell CatlettNoon – 1:30 p.m.The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

Several trends in education, agriculture, bioscience, healthcare and technology are merging in ways that create phenomenal opportunities to prosper and grow amid chaotic change.

$35 for members, Table of ten, $350

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

❖ Thursday, March 10

ImpactCR- BLT with Jeff Pomeranz12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

ImpactCR Bigwig Lunch Talk Series (BLT)

No cost for ImpactCR Members$5 for future membersComplimentary

Sponsored by

❖ Friday, March 18

Legislative Lunch11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

Complimentary

Sponsored by

❖ Thursday, March 24

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.University of Iowa Community Credit Union, 405 S Blairsferry Crossing, Hiawatha

Member Event

Complimentary

February 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

2011Resolve to Commit to Wellness

Employers creating a healthy environment for their employees are on the rise and in this atmosphere of post New Year’s Resolutions Linn County Board of Health and its wellness partners would like to honor those companies who make the healthy choice the easiest choice. 2011 marks the third year for the annual Linn County Board of Health Healthy Worksite Wellness Award. Beginning February 1 through March 28 Linn County businesses will be competing against each other in five categories based on size to hold the award for 2011.

Boosting productivity is the fuel behind the global trend towards more employer sponsored wellness programs. Research shows that wellness programs can lead to healthier, safer, and more productive work environments, as well as a decrease in health insurance premiums, a benefit to the employer and the employee. Awards are based on an assessment developed by the Center for Disease Control that includes vending machines, break rooms, wellness programming, and access to physical activity. All participating businesses will receive a free evaluation report and guides on how to increase wellness supports in the work environment. In addition businesses interested in considering a tobacco-free campus policy can receive free technical support, signage, and two weeks of free Nicotine-replacement therapy for all employees living in Linn County through 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

Businesses can send in their nominations to [email protected] or fax to (319) 892-6930. Nomination forms can be found at www.facebook/LinnCountyPublicHealth. Winners will be announced on April 13th, 2011 7:30am at Elmcrest Country Club sponsored by Health Solutions and hosted by local personality Tim Boyle.

2009 Winners: ❖ United Way of East Central Iowa ❖ Quintrex Data Systems ❖ True North ❖ Pearson ❖ Rockwell Collins

2010 Winners: ❖ Witwer Center ❖ CarePro ❖ Midwest Metal Products ❖ Schneider Electric/Square D ❖ Aegon

2011 Healthy Living Coalition Worksite Wellness Committee: ❖ CarePro ❖ Health Solutions ❖ ASAC ❖ St. Luke’s Worksite Wellness ❖ Mercy Corporate Wellness ❖ Midwest Metal Products

• SWEAT • APPLES • JOGGING • YOGA • BROCCOLI • PROTEIN • HEALTH • PILATES • ORANGES • FIBER • WELLNESS • WALKING • BANANAS • CARBS •

BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas

BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas

Objective 1: Achieve organizational excellence to best serve members.

Chamber members are the primary focus and driving force of the Chamber. It is essential that the Chamber oper-ate at the highest levels of excellence and efficiency in order to address the ever changing dynamic needs of our members.

Strategy 1: Create a culture of innovation that rewards risk-taking and entrepreneurship.

❖ Establish a center for youth innovation committee to develop physical space needs and programming that will center on youth innovation and entrepreneurial development to create a national model of excel-lence.

❖ Establish an on-going, sponsored, recognition pro-gram to celebrate member accomplishments and innovation. Create an Innovation of the Year award to be announced at The Gala and based on monthly award winners.

❖ Establish an in novation advisory council to lead the business creation initiative.

❖ Research regional innovation hubs and implement best practices.

❖ Include measures for innovative thinking and appro-priate risk-taking in Chamber staff performance eval-uations/reviews.

Strategy 2: Assess and prioritize our program of work to maximize member return on investment.

❖ Staff and committees will undertake annual review of all programs and services to determine whether to continue, change or eliminate programs.

❖ A full membership survey, including satisfaction with all programs and services, will be developed and conducted annually.

❖ Develop innovative programs based on best practices and member feedback.

Strategy 3: Restructure Chamber Board for Success.

❖ Adopt and implement a governance model (John Carver model) which empowers the CEO to lead the organization based upon policies set by the board. Implementation may include changes to the size of the Board, frequency of meetings, Board composi-tion and the Board agenda format.

❖ Review the Board commitment statement. Track and report Board members engagement and performance.

❖ Complete an annual self evaluation.

Objective 2: Create jobs, attract investment and foster confidence.

The Chamber’s top priority is to create jobs, attract investment and foster confidence in the Cedar Rapids area. This requires the Chamber to boldly and effectively lead economic development initiatives. Specific strategies include:

Strategy 1: Re-invent economic development for the region to compete in today’s global economy.

❖ Develop a five year economic development plan for the Cedar Rapids area. Through collaborative part-nerships this development plan will identify organi-zational roles to determine appropriate investments and strategies to keep, find and grow business. For an example of how a five year regional plan works and is funded, see Opportunity Austin or Greater Spokane Incorporated.

❖ Develop a formal business retention program for the region implemented by the Chamber that both retains businesses and feeds the Chamber’s policy agenda including headquarter visits, focus groups, etc.

❖ Establish a common vision with Priority One and their board. Clarify and coordinate organizational roles, identifying and addressing gaps in economic development services and streamlining and enhanc-ing existing economic development programs.

Leading a Prosperity Agenda for the Cedar Rapids AreaThrough a three-year strategic plan developed by our Board of Directors and staff in fiscal year 2010, The

Chamber will lead, leverage and collaborate in order to guide economic and community improvements in Linn County and the region.

Strategic plans don’t create success until the strategic objectives, strategies and tactics are fully integrated into the operations, budget and governance. The Prosperity Agenda is grounded in the recognition that The Chamber has a dis-tinctive role to play in the economic vitality of the region requiring innovation in organizational structure, partnerships and programming. The Prosperity Agenda is an aggressive and ambitious plan; however this is a unique time in our community that requires bold action and big visions.

The Chamber’s Prosperity Agenda focuses on four strategic initiatives that will narrow the organization’s focus to benefit our members and the communities in which we represent.

10 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas

BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas

BusinessGrowth

Prosperity Agenda

Build

Innovate Members

Ideas

Leading a Prosperity Agenda for the Cedar Rapids AreaStrategy 2: Lead business community through flood recovery efforts.

❖ Focus on providing skilled professional counsel to businesses directly impacted by the flood to aid in recovery and success

❖ Support community enhancement activities related to flood recovery in order to a revitalize our core business district.

❖ The Chamber will lead the lobbying efforts at the federal, state and local level for recovery disaster dollars.

Objective 3: Create environment for jobs, growth and confidence through effective public policy.

Creating a climate conducive to growth is necessary to achieve economic prosperity for Greater Cedar Rapids. As the voice of the business community, the Chamber will advocate for policies that promote a pro-business environ-ment while supporting efficient and effective government. An effective Chamber public policy program is the result of three primary interdependent strategies: policy develop-ment, advocacy and political engagement.

Strategy 1: Develop a public policy agenda focused on effective and efficient government policies to make the region attractive for business.

❖ Develop communication tools to educate its mem-bers on policy development implementation, and results

❖ Advocate for investments and policies that support a positive business climate and that enable economic growth. Continue support of major infrastructure investments such as the Iowa Highway 100 Extension as well as ensuring a pro-business tax environment

Strategy 2: Implement a new public policy position strategy.

❖ Create a “grasstops” (opinion leaders) and grassroots (rank and file employees of member firms) system for communicating and engaging members on partic-ular issues, through an email alert system, developing educational materials on issues for use with employ-ees of member firms, publish voting records, etc.

❖ Lobby our developed policy positions at the local, state and national level using professional staff and volunteers.

❖ Influence and educate our local staff and elected offi-cials on critical needs of our businesses to adopt a pro-business climate. This may involve modifications to existing ordinances, heightened communication between public/private entities and increased partner-ship on business development opportunities.

Strategy 3: Support and enhance the Chamber’s role with the Linn Area BizPAC.

❖ Expand and promote the Political Leadership Academy by identifying, training and recruiting pro-business candidates to elected and appointed office and then providing appropriate training.

❖ Develop a statement of Chamber policies to distrib-ute to candidates through Linn Area BizPAC.

❖ Identify BizPAC as a respected participant in the region’s political landscape.

❖ Develop consistent criteria for candidate endorse-ments based on Chamber philosophy, values and pri-orities.

❖ Communicate the benefits of the BizPAC to mem-bers and the public.

Objective 4: Provide regional leadership and regional impact.

The Chamber is the model and leader in regional think-ing and acting. The Chamber recognizes and requests all partner economic development organizations to be ready and able to communicate the benefits of the region first and individual communities second.

Strategy 1: Support Corridor Business Alliance that focuses on regional marketing.

❖ The Chamber will model regional thinking and col-laborative selling of the region and engage in the continuation of the development of the regional brand and implementation of that brand.

Strategy 2: Utilize the Chamber’s experience in coalition building to lead a regional policy agenda that supports a positive business climate for the region.

❖ Convene key private sector only partners to research and identify a game-changing regional asset or initia-tive, for example, airport expansion, foreign trade zone for cargo, new university campus in Cedar Rapids, etc.

Strategy 3: The Chamber will assist in the development of a communications plan that supports regional thinking but conveys the primacy of its services to members in its territory.

❖ Develop a set of key messages around the Chamber’s vision of regionalism and a plan that includes period-ic commentary by the Chamber on regional initia-tives outside of its primary territory and include a regional perspective in existing Chamber communications.

February 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

12 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

You wouldn’t expect your bank to o� er a free checking account that pays 4.00% APY*

and waives all of your ATM fees....but we do.

* Annual Percentage Yield. Rate may change after the account is opened. APY accurate as of November 1, 2010 and is not an introductory rate. Opening deposit requirement of $100. APY is for balances up to $25,000. Balances over $25,000 will earn interest at 0.10% APY. To earn stated APY and ATM fee refunds of $20 per month, the following items are required: minimum of 15 Visa Check Card transactions per statement cycle, enroll in onilne banking, receive eStatements and set up one direct deposit or debit per month. MEMBER FDIC

...but we do.

December 31 marked the end of the Priorities 2010: Focus on the Future campaign, a five-year initiative that included significant projects from ADM, AEGON USA, BioSpringer, Rockwell Collins, Genencor, GE Capital, Whirlpool, and many other Cedar Rapids area businesses. While the flood and the national recession may have affected expansion plans for some companies, Priority One still met its goal of facilitating the creation of 6,000 new jobs and $850 million in capital investment.

Results of Priorities 2010 Campaign(Jan 1, 2006 – Dec 31, 2010)

❖ 6,124 new jobs created ❖ $1.26 billion in capital investment ❖ 66 existing companies assisted ❖ 16 new companies recruited

Priority One President Dee Baird said the results were outstanding considering that the goals were set in 2004 without any foresight of the record flooding in June 2008 and the national recession that hit immediately afterward.

“From the summer of 2008 onward, we just focused on helping businesses through the flood situation,” Baird said.

Priority One will now focus on the goals established in the Priorities 2015: Our Commitment to Growth campaign, another five-year initiative. Priority One recently announced that it had raised over $6.2 million to fund operating expenses for this program.

Goals for Priorities 2015 Campaign(Jan 1, 2011 – Dec 31, 2015)

❖ Facilitate the creation 6,000 new jobs ❖ Encourage $875 million in capital investment ❖ Assist 125 existing businesses ❖ Recruit 40 new companies to the area

According to an Economic Impact Analysis preformed by the Economic Strategy Center in Atlanta, if Priority One’s efforts in the 2015 campaign are successful, the 6,000 direct jobs created by the program could generate over $313 million annually in consumer expenditures from a payroll of $237 million.

February 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Marketing Series 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., February 8, 2011

Chamber Boardroom

$35 members/$50 future members Lunch provided, tax included.

The Chamber Academy – marketing series event will be presented by Jen Neumann and Heather Smith of deNovo Alternative Marketing. For specific details on the topic and more please visit www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsored by:

Business Series 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., February 15, 2011

Chamber Boardroom

$35 members/$50 future members Lunch provided, tax included.

The Chamber Academy – business series event will be presented by Gerard Estella from North Forty. For specific details on the topic and more please visit www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsored by:

Registration is available on-line at www.cedarrapids.org or contact Julie Stow at [email protected]

or 319-730-1409.

Legislative Update

The 2011 legislative session is in full swing. The Chamber strives to keep you connected on topics and issues that pertain to your business needs. If you haven’t received The Chamber’s weekly Legislative Review e-mails and would like to be included please send your name and e-mail address to [email protected]. The Chamber debuted is first Political Parley with Representative Renee Schulte and more than 170 people joined the online discussion. Political Parleys will take place every Wednesday throughout the leg-islative session from Noon–1:00p.m. at shapecedarr-apids.com.

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERThe Art of NegotiatingBy Curt Nelson, President & CEO, EDC

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

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

It is often said that to be a great sales person, you also have to be a great negotiator. And with the term negotiation, comes the mental picture of a tough deal maker, one that “plays hard ball,” or “drives a hard bargain.” But in the high value sales world, where the product or service to be sold is not a commodity, but rather one that will be required to provide a specific level of benefit to the end-user, I would argue that negotiation is far more about the entire value-building process —creating a win/win transaction. If done correctly, the need for either party to drive a hard bargain is significantly reduced or eliminated completely.

The art of negotiation has everything to do with building a level of value that causes the purchase decision to be made without a protracted negotiation process. Identifying needs and matching them with related solutions at a price that justifies the benefit received is the true art of selling. If you find yourself needing to constantly negotiate price, it is likely that you are not establishing a proper benefit/investment relationship or you are talking to the wrong prospects.

If you feel you need to come away from the standard price—here are a few quick tips.1. Don’t make the first offer; let the buyer tell you the price needed. Sales people routinely discount deeper and

faster than the buyer was thinking—causing the buyer to rethink the overall value of the product.2. If you are going to provide volume discounts, make each subsequent volume discount smaller and smaller,

showing the buyer that there is a declining benefit to increasing the volume.3. Make sure you are working with the decision maker so you don’t

have to negotiate twice.4. Don’t be afraid to simply say no. If you have built the proper

level of value and the prospect has the need and ability to pay, they may simply be asking to see what you are going to say, while fully prepared to pay the price proposed.

For the complete, more detailed article on the Art of Negotiating, visit www.edcinc.org/Resources

14 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

February 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319-364-8900

A Sony HVR-S270U 1080P HD Camera,

four CL-655P Softlights,

a Carl Zeiss Vario-SonnarT 1, 6/4, 4 - 52.8 lens

and one refl ector.

Cedar Rapids Prevail

Special Event!Cedar Rapids will be getting charged up at Cedar

Rapids Prevail on Tuesday, February 8. Garrison Wynn, author of The Real Truth About Success, will share a message guaranteed to make audience members laugh, learn, and get motivated. His keynote topics will include overcoming obstacles, finding and keeping success, sales and sales management, leadership, communication, and change management.

Attend one of the two ninety-minute events at 9:00 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. at Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St. SE. The event is made possible by Diamond V Mills, ImOn Communications, King’s Material and Armstrong Development Corporation.

Wynn worked with Magnavox and baseball legend Hank Aaron to promote the world’s first video gaming system. By the age of 27 he had become the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company.

His presentations promise no-fluff, high energy humor and motivation customized for his audience. With testimonials from well-known organizations including Chevron, Shell, UPS, Merrill Lynch, NFL, State Farm Insurance, Prudential Financial, Lockheed Martin, and Waterhouse, audience members are guaranteed to feel re-energized and motivated long after the presentation is over.

The event is free to attend, but seating is limited. Make reservations in advance on the Chamber’s Web site www.cedarrapids.org. For questions or further information, contact Jennifer Jentz at (319) 731-5843 or e-mail [email protected].

Cedar Rapids Prevail is graciously sponsored by:

Business Long Term Recovery of the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is starting a new chapter in the year 2011. The organization will now be known as the Business Success Initiative with plans of moving beyond recovery stages from the flood and working for the success and growth of Cedar Rapids flooded businesses.

Moving forward, the Business Success Initiative will continue working with flooded businesses that may be struggling, and will also increase its focus on business advisor services and education. In January the first in a series of monthly seminars was held to assist businesses with beneficial tax information and the effects federal Jump Start funds will have on taxes.

For more information, contact Case Management Team Leader Bob Harschnek at (319) 731-5844.

cable.internet.phone

16 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

Events

Featured

At Work

New

A Touch of Class Banquet and Convention Center5977 Mt. Vernon Road SECedar Rapids, IA 524013Frank Stephen III, OwnerPhone: 319-261-0345Web: www.atouchofclassbanquets.com

Cedar Rapid’s premier “full service” banquet facility. Offering event planning, exceptional cuisine, extraordinary service, elegant banquet rooms and private park facility including pavilion, full bar and gazebo. Catering to your location now available! Locally owned for 10 years by Frank Stephen III.

AlphaGraphics720 Pacha Parkway #1North Liberty, IA 52317Dennis Tallman, OwnerPhone: 319-626-3700Web: www.us639.alphagraphics.com Email: [email protected]

AlphaGraphics is a full service design, printing and marketing communications company. We help business grown and maintain their customer base by producing visual communi-cations and marketing campaigns.

Liz Wellness Spa1957 BlairsFerry Rd NE, Suite 500Cedar Rapids, IA 52402Liz Hinzie, Massage TherapistPhone: 319-389-2203Web: http://lizwellnessspa.com Email: [email protected]

Liz Wellness Spa is about allowing the body to heal itself naturally thru massage, steam, reflexology,and essential oils. Her products are 100% natural. She creates healthy solutions with winning results. Receive the best service in Private, confidential, relaxing environment.

Marketing & Communication Strategies, Inc.2218 First Avenue NECedar Rapids, IA 52402Nancy Garberson, CEOPhone: 319-363-6005Web: http://mcshome.com Email: [email protected]

Marketing & Communication Strategies, Inc., is a full-service advertising agency, public relations firm, and graphic design studio. MCS provides services to clients globally. Our Brand development, advertising, media relations, crisis communications, marketing, website design, social media counsel/implementation and strategic planning are essential advantages necessary for businesses in a competitive economy.

Jon Dusek Named to Midwest Commercial Real

Estate Hall of FameArmstrong Development Company President and

CEO Jon Dusek was recently named one of the inau-gural inductees in Midwest Real Estate News’ Hall of Fame. The honor highlights the careers of “the most accomplished commercial real estate professionals in the Midwest,” and profiled Dusek for his extraordinary assistance during and ongoing efforts since the Cedar Rapids flood of 2008.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa Office Receives National

Award for Local ExcellenceThe local Junior Achievement (JA) chapter has

been recognized by JA Worldwide with the company’s coveted “Platinum Summit Award” for outstanding performance during the 2009-2010 school year. The Summit Award recognizes local Junior Achievement staff and board of directors who have achieved success in financial solvency, program quality, program impact, and overall management effectiveness. This is the organization’s fourteenth consecutive year earning this honor.

Henry Russell Bruce Names Chief Operating Officer

Henry Russell Bruce (HRB), has appointed David C. Aeschliman as Chief Operating Officer. Aeschliman will assume responsibility for the company’s daily operations and growth strategies. Aeschliman joined the company in February 2010 as Senior Strategist of its new Growth division. HRB will merge the strategic planning capability into all aspects of its current opera-tions, including industry-leading social media solu-tions, Web design/development/optimization, branding, traditional advertising, media planning, public rela-tions, sales training and sales support.

Events

Featured

At Work

New

February 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Need Printing or Mailing?

Call Chuck atCornerstone Press

378-4451

One Great Name in Real EstateEverything I Touch Turns to SOLD!

CathyHillRealtor.com

350-8521

Call Me First!

ENSURE ABRIGHTER FUTURECEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCAwww.crmetroymca.org

First impressions last.The look of your company shapes how

customers feel about you. From their

fi rst step inside to their fi rst look at your

employees, they form opinions. That’s

why clean, durable CITY mats limit dirt

and dust. And why our uniforms are

both practical and appealing.

Want to up your profi le? Call today for a

customized rental solution that will make

a lasting impression.

www.cityuniformsandmats.com319-283-5621800-798-5621

WORKPLACE UNIFORMS & MATS

Cle� �d simple.

Several trends in agriculture, biosciences, education, healthcare and technology are merging in ways that create phenomenal opportunities to prosper and grow amid chaotic change. It’s a world that is green and wireless with one billion tweets per minute and a where a decaf skinny latte with a twist is organic and prescribed by a doctor. The successful organization, individual and community of tomorrow is flexible, creative and dwells as much in the virtual world as in the real world.

Dr. Lowell Catlett, is a Regent’s Professor/Dean and Chief Administrative Officer at New Mexico State University’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. An exciting futurist, his knowledge of technologies and their implications on the way we will live and work is addressed in his varied and upbeat presentations. Dr. Catlett works on behalf of corporate and association audiences inter-nationally, presenting his take on trends in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, education and more.

Dr. Catlett received his doctorate in Economics from Iowa State University, and has twice received the Don C. Roush Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Burlington Foundation Faculty Achievement Award for Outstanding University Teaching. He recently received the College of Agriculture and Home Economics Advisor of the Year as well as Teacher of the Year at New Mexico State University.

He is a consultant to the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, the Interior, Defense and Labor. He has also been a consultant to many Fortune 500 companies.

Event Sponsors:

New Frontiers That Change Everything

Dr. Lowell Catlett

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Wednesday, March 9

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW

$35 per person or table of 10 for $350

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cedarrapids.org/events.

Payment confirms reservation. Nonrefundable, tax included.

That Change Everything

18 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ February 2011

January PM Exchange Recap

Guests enjoyed the networking opportunity provided by January’s PM Exchange host, Business Exchange Center. The Business Exchange Center showcased its premier new office space at 305 Second Ave SE and welcomed the 200 plus guests in attendance.

BuildingRelationshipsfor Business

SuccessPlease join us for the next

Chamber PM Exchange,sponsored by

University of Phoenix.

University of Phoenix Student Resource Center

3726 Queen Court SWCedar Rapids

Thursday, February 17, 20115:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The evening will celebrate theMardi Gras season, complete with

masks, beads and prizes.

Enjoy refreshments while networking with others in the Cedar Rapids

business community.

phoenix.edu

February 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

Igniting Innovation in Communities Today

Sarah Miller Caldicott

Tuesday, February 22

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center7725 Kirkwood SW

For our region to compete in the global, knowledge-based economy it must have an innovative culture. Innovation drives growth and creates jobs. Successful cities attract a talent-rich workforce, are centers of innovation and entrepreneurship and are competitive locations for global and regional headquarters.

Award-winning speaker, Sarah Miller Caldicott, will excite us with her combination of substantive content and dynamic audience interaction. A great grand niece of Thomas Edison and his second wife Mina Miller Edison, Sarah shares years of research in her book Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s Greatest Inventor. Sarah offers step-by-step guidance on how to harness your own innovation potential.

Tickets are also available for purchase online at www.cedarrapids.org. All reservations must be placed by February 17.

$40 per person or table of 10 for $400. Payment confirms reservation. Nonrefundable. Tax included.

Sponsored By:

REGISTRATION FORMIgniting Innovation in Communities Today

___ Reservation(s) at $40 per person ___ Table(s) of 10 at $400 Amount Enclosed $ ___________

Business: _________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________

Name(s): _____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Card: ❑ Visa ❑ Mastercard ❑ AmEx Expiration: _____________________

Card #: ___________________________________________ V-Code: _____________

Card Holder Name: ____________________________________________________________________________

Signature: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address of Credit Card: __________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________________________________ State: __________Zip: __________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Mail registration and payment to: Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce 424 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

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

Be Professional. Be Productive. Be Social.

At Corridor

CoWorks, we are

proud that our

partnership with

the Chamber

enhances the

growth of small

businesses and

the progress of

Cedar Rapids.

February Chamber Report

Documents

Transcript of February Chamber Report