Time: 4:30-6:30PM

Date: Thursday, February 18

Location: Main Event

112 2nd St SE Mason City

Sponsored By:

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com Fax 641.423.5725

Egypt Info Session - February 9Join us for a special travel presentation on our next big trip! The Chamber will be traveling on a 9-day exotic tour to Egypt, November 9-17, 2016. There will be a no-obligation information session at 5PM on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at the North Iowa Regional Commerce Center. Stop by and get more information about the Land of the Pharaohs! Please RSVP to 641.423.5724.

Land of the Pharaohs Itinerary9 Days, Seven Nights Featuring The Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, Valley of the Kings, Cairo, and The River Nile

Trip cost: $2,999* per person (double occupancy)Single supplement: $599

• Round Trip Airfare from Minneapolis• 7 Nights Hotel Accommodations• Licensed English speaking guides• 10 Meals - (7B, 5L, 4D)• Sightseeing listed in itinerary

*Early bird special if registered by April 29, 2016. The price increases by $100 per person ($3,099) after this date. Final payment is due July 31, 2016.

Optional Alexandria Extension: $599 Double Occupancy or $798 Single

Please contact Robin at the Chamber for more information.

Our state’s role in vetting presidential candidates is a responsibility Iowans take seriously. It was wonderful to witness North Iowans of all ages and walks of life coming out to hear the candidates speak over the past several months. As they move on to New Hampshire and other early primary states, it is time for us to turn our attention to what is happening in Washington, DC, at the state capitol, and our local governments—which are in the midst of the budgeting process.

In the coming weeks and months, several issues are likely to arise that will affect our business climate. Periodically, the Chamber will issue “Action Alerts” to update you, as well as brief surveys seeking your input on pending measures that will affect you and your business.

Please keep in mind, the Mason City Chamber of Commerce does not have a PAC (Political Action Committee), and never endorses political candidates. However, we do take positions on issues and weigh in on measures to promote economic growth and free enterprise. In addition, we value our working relationships with our elected officials and they frequently seek our input. This advocacy is one of your most important membership benefits.

Government Advocacy

SAVE THE DATE!

Business Leaders LuncheonOpen to all Chamber Members & NI Corridor EDC Investors Noon – 1PMFriday, March 4, 2016Commerce Center9 N Federal Ave, Mason City$5 includes lunch

Officials from the Iowa Chamber Alliance and Professional Developers of Iowa will share their thoughts on the state legislative session.

February 2016The mission of the Mason City Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote progressive

community and economic development to benefit Chamber members and the North Iowa region.Vision. Leadership. Advocacy.

SteakhouseBU

TCHER’S

We’re looking forward to three fun nights of networking and bowling! This year, our annual Chamber Bowl event is so popular we had to add another night. Teams of six are bowling February 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at Mystic Lanes. There are prizes for high and low scoring teams and individuals, an award for best dressed team, and lots of fantastic items up for grabs in our nightly raffle drawing! Each night of bowling is followed by a delicious dinner, catered by Hy-Vee East.

If your business would like to bowl, please contact Colleen at the Chamber to sign up or be placed on a waiting list. You can email her at cfrein@masoncityia.com.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

I’m a little BLUE…Ever since Mason City embarked on the Blue Zones Project® certification process, I’ve been trying to adopt a wellness lifestyle using the BZ Power 9 Principles®. I’m not there yet, but I have managed to increase my natural movement, go to church more regularly, and make meeting for coffee with my “moai” a calendar priority. What’s more, I do have an increased sense of well-being.

I hope a Gallup pollster will call me this month as they begin collecting input for Mason City’s 2016 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. I am eager to share all the positive changes in our community thanks to the Blue Zones project. Here’s a sampling:

•Work sites have made positive changes to enhance the well-being of employees. •Our city council has made a huge commitment to improving our recreational trail system. •Community gardens are flourishing—and are even providing fresh produce for the Community Kitchen and Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank. •Local restaurants offer Blue Zones menu selections to help us make healthy choices. •Our schools are more intentional about teaching and modeling healthy habits for our youth.

If you get a call from Gallup, I hope you’ll share your own positive Blue Zones experiences. In the meantime, I’m going to keep on working toward a darker shade of BLUE!

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com Fax 641.423.5725

New MembersJEFFREY AUTO REPAIR SERVICEBrian Jeffrey - Owner2071 15th St SWMason City, IA 50401(641) 423-1310Brian@Jeffreyrepair.comwww.Jeffreyrepair.comKnowledgeable, trustworthy, highly trained staff takes care of your needs by efficiently diagnosing and repairing your vehicle.

SPECIAL KIDS SPECIAL LOVE/SENSORY WORLDVictoria Ries - Co-President100 S Federal, PO Box 1703Southbridge MallMason City, IA 50402-1703(641) 424-8693specialkidsspeciallove6@gmail.comwww.specialkidsspeciallove.orgOffers year-round support and events that are hosted specifically for special needs families in North Central Iowa. Sensory World is free and open only to families with special needs children.

SEARS HOMETOWN STORENate Angel - Store Manager507 4th St SWMason City, IA 50401(641) 512-0809gjproductionsinc@hotmail.comSears Hometown is a retailer that sells home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, sporting goods and tools.

NORTH IOWA CHRISTIAN SCHOOLSteve & Tracy Vandenberg811 N Kentucky AveMason City, IA 50401(641) 423-6440nicschool@mchsi.comwww.northiowachristian.com Christian based school with quality teachers and a classroom ratio of 1:7. Offers a warm environment, good discipline, quality academics, and communication with close ties between parents and the school.

From the President

Robin AndersonPresident & CEO

Lunch & Learn Sponsored by iWireless

We had two great Lunch & Learns in January!

Adam Frederick with WebWise Solutions Inc. offered essential information about building a business website, and Clint Craft from iWireless had some great tips for utilizing smartphones to their fullest capacity.

Chamber Bowl - February 2, 3, 4

Downtown Coffee HourIt’s a great way to get a jumpstart on your Tuesday morning! The Mason City Jaycees are taking over hosting duties for the weekly get-together formerly known as Coffee at the Chamber. “Java with the Jaycees” will be every Tuesday morning from 7:30-8:30AM at CoffeeCat. All Chamber members are invited to attend this informal gathering. We hope to see you there!

he 34th Annual Ag Breakfast is scheduled for 7AM on Wednesday, March 16th. Once again, this event is taking place in the All Seasons building at the North Iowa Events Center. The Chamber Agribusiness Committee organizes the breakfast program, and you’ll see those committee members serving omelets to the 400+ people who attend.

This year’s keynote speaker is a familiar voice to many in North Iowa. Ty Higgins is the host of “Farm and Country”, a nationally-syndicated radio program which airs on KISS Country every Saturday morning. Ty has spent 20 years bringing together country music and agriculture news in a way no one else can! He’s passionate about educating the next generation about the importance of connecting farm and business, and is looking forward to passing that message along at this year’s Ag Breakfast.

Tickets are available in books of 8 ($75 for Chamber Members, $85 for non members). Individual tickets may also be purchased for $11 each, and you can help a local student attend by purchasing a youth ticket for just $5. Please contact Colleen at the Chamber for more information or to purchase tickets.

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com Fax 641.423.5725

New Members(cont.)

Ag Breakfast - March 16

Be Our Guestune in Friday mornings to the Chamber “Be Our Guest” program at 8:40AM on KRIB 1490 AM. Alpha Media (formerly Digity) provides

this benefit to Chamber members free of charge. If you would like to schedule a spot on the show, please contact the Chamber. Listen in for February’s guests!

February 5 Jeffrey Auto Repair Service Brian Jeffrey

February 12 Special Kids Special Love/Sensory World Victoria Ries & Jessica Dodge

February 19 North Iowa Christian School Steve & Tracy Vandenberg

February 26 Sears Hometown Store Nate Angel

TUpcoming 2016 Lunch & Learns

Continuing education is an important part of our mission at the Chamber, and February’s Lunch & Learns offer two very unique ideas for improving your workplace.

February 9: “2016 is the year I discover the benefits of a diverse workforce!”This session, presented by Opportunity Village, aims to educate employers about the benefits of hiring people with different abilities. The Chamber hears from many local employers who say they are struggling to find qualified, dependable workers. This is an opportunity to widen your hiring pool by breaking down any barriers that might prevent a great candidate from applying for a job.

February 23: “2016 is the year I move to a standing workstation!”Tired of sitting at your desk all day? Why not stand instead! Chad Kozitza, of Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa, has all you need to know about transitioning to a standing desk. If it’s something you’re thinking of trying, this is a great chance to learn about the health benefits, and consider some options for converting your current desk.

Registration is just $10 for Chamber members. To register for these sessions, or for more information on any of the Chamber’s upcoming Lunch & Learns, contact Colleen Frein.

T APPLIED INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIESWade Busch - Account Manager1319 18th St. SWMason City, IA 50401(641) 421-0410wbusch@applied.comwww.applied.comApplied Industrial Technologies is a leading North American distributor of industrial products and services.

NORTH IOWA PERIODONTICS, PLCGene Fortman - Owner1010 4th St SW, Ste 300Mason City, IA 50401(641) 424-0301www.northiowaperiodontics.netSpecializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease as well as oral inflammation and its effect on systemic health.

Ty Higgins“Farm and Country”

Several businesses that joined the Chamber in the 1960s continue to thrive. We appreciate their loyal support.

• Edwards-Brandt & Associates – 1960• Fred T. Fenchel Entertainment Agency – 1960• Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel – 1960• Holtz Realty – 1960• McDonald’s Restaurant – 1960• Pappajohn, Shriver, Eide & Nielsen, P.C. – 1960• Birdsall’s Ice Cream — 1961• Blazek Electric, Inc. – 1965• Hy-Vee West – 1965

Fred Fenchel and his wife, Ila Mae, are pictured here with country music legend Johnny Cash in Nashville. Fred was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for his service to the state’s entertainment industry. Among his many volunteer efforts, Fred has served as a Chamber Ambassador for 56 years and

has been active on the North Iowa Band Festival Committee.

Chuck Hogan and Al Bremer merged the former McCauley-Bremer Funeral Home and Hogan’s Colonial Chapel in 1968, utilizing this original building (shown as it appeared in 1940). David Moore purchased the business in 2001 and currently operates Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel locations in Mason City, Clear Lake, Manly, Northwood, Nora Springs, and Memorial Park Cemetery, Crematory & Funeral Home. The business is expanding in 2016 and will introduce a lunch room to its Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel location in Mason City.

Mason City Chamber of CommerceHere to Serve for 100 Years and Counting

Cele

bratin

g 100

Yea

rs

2015-2016 YIELD Graduates

Since 2003, the Mason City Chamber of Commerce has provided leadership training for area youth. The YIELD program (Youth Investing Energy in Leadership Development) is an investment in our future citizens and leaders that will surely yield huge benefits for North Iowa. This program has become a model for youth leadership programs and has been replicated in other communities, including some in our region.

In Mason City, YIELD participation is limited to high school juniors from Mason City High School, Newman High School, and the Alternative School. These students were identified as good students and good citizens who are likely to emerge as future community leaders. Thank you to Principals Dan Long, Tony Adams, and Dave Ciccetti for their continued support.

Special thanks to this year’s YIELD supporters who provided the professional expertise and financial resources necessary to continue this important program.

Business SponsorsAg Processing, Inc.*Allied Purchasing*Cerro Gordo County Independent Insurance Agents*Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co.*Diamond Jo Casino - Worth Co.Dr. Judith G. Demro, P.C.*Eternity Wireless*Family Dentistry*Farmers State Bank*First Citizens Bank*Harley Davidson of Mason City*Heartland Asphalt, Inc.*Heiny, McManigal, Duffy, Stambaugh & Anderson PLC*Henkel Construction Co.Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel*Kaplan UniversityMajor Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory*North Iowa Community Credit Union*North Iowa Eye Clinic, P.C.*NSB Bank*Overhead Door Company of Mason City*POET Biorefining - HanlontownStadheim Jewelers*Stoney Creek Hospitality CorporationThe Law Offices of Timothy L. Lapointe, P.C.*The Nettleton Dental Group, PC*Wells Fargo Bank of Iowa

Guest SpeakersAnn Beasley, NIACC J Brooks, North Iowa BroadcastingBob Fisher, Alpha MediaKatie Huinker, KIMT News 3U.S. Congressman Steve KingAshley Miller, Globe GazetteDiane Murphy, Girl Scout Council of North IowaSteve Noto, Stoney Creek Hospitality CorporationAndy O’Brien, ActionCOACH of North Iowa Kim Pang, Diamond Jo Casino - Worth CountyJessica Prazak, Mason City Youth Task Force Karen Ries, CurriesMary Schissel, Mason City Youth Task Force

FacilitatorsMason City Chamber of Commerce:Allyson Krull & Robin Anderson

*Denotes multi-year sponsor

Meredith Armstrong

EvanHaskins

Jacqueline Rier

TreyWiegmann

KatrinaCornick

ElijahHosmer

ThomasRowe

JasmineDana

NathanielJanssen

Dillon Strommen

RandyDavenport

StephanieLapointe

MeghanSullivan

MorganLuecht

KaitlynVaith

DrakeHadacek

Lauren Noto

DylanVoves

Sydney Eaton

Anna Hernandez

KaitlinO’Neill

AbigailWhite

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com

cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com

We want to promote your

events!

Did you know that VisitMasonCityIowa.com is home to the most comprehensive listing of visitor-friendly events in our area?

Nearly 3,500 travelers access the Visit Mason City website each month. The Calendar of Events is the most viewed page on the site and we take great pride in being the “go-to” source for events and entertainment in our community. Let us share your event with visitors who are planning their visit to Mason City! To have your event considered for listing on the web, please complete the online submission form on our events page at www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com.

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com

Get your game on with help from the North Iowa Sports Authority

Enhancing Mason City’s presence on TripAdvisor Did you know that 76% of travelers cite travel review websites as the “most

useful” sources of information when researching and planning a trip? Online travel reviews are more influential now than ever before and travel planning is dominated by online

resources. Recognizing this trend, VMC recently enhanced Mason City’s presence on TripAdvisor®, the world’s most popular

and largest travel community, by claiming Mason City’s “Destination Overview” within the TripAdvisor site. This sponsorship opportunity enables VMC to maintain control of the content being presented to users who are considering a visit to our community.

Highly targeted banner ads, photos, videos, direct links to the VMC website and more allow VMC to tell Mason City’s story in an easy-to-navigate format. VMC staff will maintain the page with regular content updates, providing users with immediate access to valuable and relevant information – including the Mason City Travel Guide.

This content, placed alongside the unbiased reviews and opinions posted by more than 32 million unique monthly visitors on TripAdvisor, allows VMC to best reach an engaged and passionate travel audience while they actively consider traveling to our community.

During the first month of this campaign, the Mason City community overview page received 164 views. Mason City’s destination overview page on TripAdvisor can be viewed at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-

g38147-Mason_City_Iowa-Vacations.html Visit Mason City also recently hosted a TripAdvisor education session for local tourism partners. 18 attendees

representing Mason City attractions, restaurants and hotels learned about the importance of peer-to-peer reviews. Guest speakers Crystal Shellhart from the Holiday Inn Express and Jack King from Stoney Creek Hospitality were provided with helpful advice from others who have become very active in managing their own business’ TripAdvisor presence.

The variety of sport venues and facilities, combined with the convenience of getting to and around North Iowa bring a great share of visitors and sports participants to our area.

Sporting events in Cerro Gordo County provide a major boost to the local economy. In Mason City alone, Visit Mason City worked with 40 sporting events during FY 2014-2015, which resulted in an estimated 49,538 visitors to the community, leaving behind over $4.1 million in visitor spending!

The North Iowa Sports Authority, a partnership between Visit Mason City / Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, is seeking area coaches, sport event coordinators and sport facility operators who are interested in learning more about grant funding (up to $50,000) available to help fund sporting events that attract tourists to the area.

The focus of the North Iowa Sports Authority is to promote sports in Cerro Gordo County by attracting and supporting quality athletic sporting events that generate visitor spending in the area. More specifically, the objective is to attract, retain, and expand area-sporting events that attract visitors to the area and generates visitor spending. A visitor is an individual that lives beyond 90-

miles of Cerro Gordo County.

"We're looking for partners from the sporting community – coaches, travel teams, sports facilites – anyone who’s interested in sports to contact us to learn more about this grant opportunity and how they may be able to benefit from these services," said Lindsey James, Visit Mason City Project Coordinator. "We can help them turn an idea into reality and get a new event started or help them find money to grow an existing event. Ultimately, the goal is to generate revenue for the event and increase visitor spending in Cerro Gordo County. It's a win-win for both parties."

Past sports grant partners include Midstates Horse Shows, Indoor Amateur 3-D Archery, Bike Criterium Road Race, Iowa State LeMans Snowmobile Race, and Throwdown River City Softball Tournament.

To learn more about the upcoming Sports Blitz, what the North Iowa Sports Authority can do for you and how we can help ensure a successful sporting event contact Visit Mason City at cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com / 641-422-1663.

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com

cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com

We want to promote your

events!

Did you know that VisitMasonCityIowa.com is home to the most comprehensive listing of visitor-friendly events in our area?

Nearly 3,500 travelers access the Visit Mason City website each month. The Calendar of Events is the most viewed page on the site and we take great pride in being the “go-to” source for events and entertainment in our community. Let us share your event with visitors who are planning their visit to Mason City! To have your event considered for listing on the web, please complete the online submission form on our events page at www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com.

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com

Get your game on with help from the North Iowa Sports Authority

Enhancing Mason City’s presence on TripAdvisor Did you know that 76% of travelers cite travel review websites as the “most

useful” sources of information when researching and planning a trip? Online travel reviews are more influential now than ever before and travel planning is dominated by online

resources. Recognizing this trend, VMC recently enhanced Mason City’s presence on TripAdvisor®, the world’s most popular

and largest travel community, by claiming Mason City’s “Destination Overview” within the TripAdvisor site. This sponsorship opportunity enables VMC to maintain control of the content being presented to users who are considering a visit to our community.

Highly targeted banner ads, photos, videos, direct links to the VMC website and more allow VMC to tell Mason City’s story in an easy-to-navigate format. VMC staff will maintain the page with regular content updates, providing users with immediate access to valuable and relevant information – including the Mason City Travel Guide.

This content, placed alongside the unbiased reviews and opinions posted by more than 32 million unique monthly visitors on TripAdvisor, allows VMC to best reach an engaged and passionate travel audience while they actively consider traveling to our community.

During the first month of this campaign, the Mason City community overview page received 164 views. Mason City’s destination overview page on TripAdvisor can be viewed at http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-

g38147-Mason_City_Iowa-Vacations.html Visit Mason City also recently hosted a TripAdvisor education session for local tourism partners. 18 attendees

representing Mason City attractions, restaurants and hotels learned about the importance of peer-to-peer reviews. Guest speakers Crystal Shellhart from the Holiday Inn Express and Jack King from Stoney Creek Hospitality were provided with helpful advice from others who have become very active in managing their own business’ TripAdvisor presence.

The variety of sport venues and facilities, combined with the convenience of getting to and around North Iowa bring a great share of visitors and sports participants to our area.

Sporting events in Cerro Gordo County provide a major boost to the local economy. In Mason City alone, Visit Mason City worked with 40 sporting events during FY 2014-2015, which resulted in an estimated 49,538 visitors to the community, leaving behind over $4.1 million in visitor spending!

The North Iowa Sports Authority, a partnership between Visit Mason City / Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, is seeking area coaches, sport event coordinators and sport facility operators who are interested in learning more about grant funding (up to $50,000) available to help fund sporting events that attract tourists to the area.

The focus of the North Iowa Sports Authority is to promote sports in Cerro Gordo County by attracting and supporting quality athletic sporting events that generate visitor spending in the area. More specifically, the objective is to attract, retain, and expand area-sporting events that attract visitors to the area and generates visitor spending. A visitor is an individual that lives beyond 90-

miles of Cerro Gordo County.

"We're looking for partners from the sporting community – coaches, travel teams, sports facilites – anyone who’s interested in sports to contact us to learn more about this grant opportunity and how they may be able to benefit from these services," said Lindsey James, Visit Mason City Project Coordinator. "We can help them turn an idea into reality and get a new event started or help them find money to grow an existing event. Ultimately, the goal is to generate revenue for the event and increase visitor spending in Cerro Gordo County. It's a win-win for both parties."

Past sports grant partners include Midstates Horse Shows, Indoor Amateur 3-D Archery, Bike Criterium Road Race, Iowa State LeMans Snowmobile Race, and Throwdown River City Softball Tournament.

To learn more about the upcoming Sports Blitz, what the North Iowa Sports Authority can do for you and how we can help ensure a successful sporting event contact Visit Mason City at cvb@VisitMasonCityIowa.com / 641-422-1663.

9 N Federal Ave | www.mainstreetmasoncity.org | 641.494.0003

Main Street Minute

PresidentT.J. JustSouthbridge Malltj.just@am.jll.com

Vice PresidentCally PetersonMoorman Clothierscally@moormanclothiers.com

TreasurerChris DroschaClear Lake Bank & Trustcdroscha@clearlakebank.com

SecretaryMindy KlapperichFirst Citizens National Bankmklapperich@firstcitizensnb.com

The CulTure & CharaCTerOf Our COmmuniTy

IS OUR DOWNTOWN!

Our mission is to enhance, promote

and preserve downtown Mason

City as a diverse business, cultural

and residential destination, for

the benefit of the entire community.

uPCOminG eVenTS:feb 25, 2016:

main STreeT SOCial hOSTed by arT On The Plaza

feb. 27, 2016: main STreeT SPeakeaSy - annual

fundraiSer

3rd fri in June, July, auG, & SePT: friday niGhT liVe

Thank You To Our Investment PartnersMain Street Mason City is a stand alone organization that relies on donations from the community to continue their work to promote, preserve and grow the downtown district. Thanks to the following investors who have committed to assist in our mission. Platinum: First Citizens National Bank Gold: Mercy Medical Center - North IowaSilver: Metalcraft Inc. | Clear Lake Bank & Trust | Petersen Plaza | North Iowa Oral Surgery | Farmers State Bank | Moorman Clothiers | Central Park Dentistry | Henkel Construction

Friends of Main Street: Haines Insurance | Southbridge Mall | Jim & Amanda Ragan | Cerro Gordo Abstract Co. | Alliant Energy | The Historic Park Inn | Tierney Properties | Reflections Salon | NSB Bank | McGladrey LLP | Edwards Brandt & Associates | Waggoner & Wineinger Architects | Louis Althof - Thrivent | Veenstra & Kimm | Zilges Appliance Center | Brick Furniture | J & J Welding | Kristy Marquis - State Farm Insurance | Furniture Mattress Outlet | G8 Development Inc./Philip Chodur | Byron & Ann Beasley | Good Shepherd | Ermer Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. | Bergland + Cram Architects | Jones, Lemon, Meier Partnership | The Holiday Inn Express | Kent Apartments - City Center

Directors

Steven Van SteenhyusePartner Liaison - City of Mason City

Joy HaaveKush Spa & Salon

Eric LevenhagenProWise Tax & Accounting

Hal BerdingCL Tel

Katie WoldMarket 124

Austin PehlWaggoner & Wineinger Architects

StaffTanner O’BrienExecutive Directordirector@mainstreetmasoncity.org

February 2016

tickets are available through Evenbrite and can be accessed via Facebook event page, or through the Main Street website. if there are any complications call

641.494.0003

FUNDR

AISERANNUAL

main street

t i c k e t s

1920’S - 30’S themed event

HEAVY HORS D’OEUVRES LIVE AUCTION / items to be announced CASH BAR

LIVE MUSIC / the hats “DONATE” T0 - PLAY CASINO GAMES / no real gambling

SATURDAY, FEB. 27 MUSIC MAN SQUARE7-10 PM

$40 / individual

$360 / table10 tickets

tickets

CHAD SCHRECKPRESIDENT & CEO

cschreck@northiowacorridor.com

SHAUN ARNESONVP, EXISTING BUSINESS & PROJECT

MANAGEMENTsarneson@northiowacorridor.com

KEN BALESDEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

kbales@northiowacorridor.com

HUNTER CALLANANCOMMUNICATIONS & WORKFORCE

SPECIALISThcallanan@northiowacorridor.com

North Iowa Corridor EDC 9 North Federal Mason City, Iowa 50401 NorthIowaCorridor.com

NORTH IOWA CORRIDOR EDC LAUNCHES 2016 BRE PROGRAM

T HE NORTH IOWA CORRIDOR Economic Development Corporation has launched its annual Business

Retention and Expansion (BRE) program. The North Iowa Corridor is committed to assisting and supporting existing business within the region and this program continues to be a leading objective in the organization’s overall strategic plan.

The BRE program is used to identify opportunities for growth and any impediments that discourage

local expansion. Shaun Arneson, Vice President, Existing Business and Project Management said “Based on research, existing business and industry account for over 70% or more of new jobs and capital investment. It is important that we show our appreciation for their investment and contribution to our regional economy and be a resource for them to remain competitive in our global economy.”

Photo caption here, occus et odelli molorro

vitatem exerum dolorem porporem

explici endant nimilit

Arneson and other North Iowa Corridor staff will be conducting in-depth interviews with major

employers in manufacturing, ag-related and service-related business in the region to gather information. The same questionnaire will be used for each company visit to help identify individual business needs, concerns and suggestions about the local business climate. The North Iowa Corridor has done similar interviews in past years. By utilizing the Synchronist Business Information System, a software tool to organize, analyze and report company information, the Corridor will gain invaluable insight into the dynamics of the local economy.

Any and all company information gathered will be kept strictly confidential and results will be

in an aggregate form. An annual report will be compiled and distributed to the companies which will track trends over time.

IN THE

FEBRUARY 2016

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gary Schmit, Chairman of the Board Henkel Construction Company

Dan Varnum, Vice Chairman Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa

Tim Esbeck, Treasurer Manufacturer’s Bank & Trust

Jay Urdahl, Secretary Cerro Gordo County Board of Supervisors

Mark Hewitt, Past Chairman Clear Lake Bank & Trust

Mayor Eric Bookmeyer City of Mason City

Mayor Nelson Crabb City of Clear Lake

Dr. Steven Schulz North Iowa Area Community College

Tom Drzycimski Cerro Gordo County

Scott Flory City of Clear Lake

Brent Trout City of Mason City

Nate Carney Dean Snyder Construction

Deb Blaser Gretillat NutriQuest

Travis Hickey City of Mason City

Arthur Jones International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 238

Nicole Rognes Olson Thrivent Financial

Terry Peterson AmericInn Clear Lake

Troy Swanson Cargill Kitchen Solutions

Officers:

Ex-Officios:

Directors:

NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the North Iowa Corridor have partnered with Technology Association of

Iowa to bring TechBrew to North Iowa. TechBrew is an informal gathering that brings entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and funders together to talk over a beer (aka “Lubricated Serendipity”).

Whether rain or shine, ice or snow, you can count on these entrepreneurial mixers to be held like clockwork in Mason City or Clear Lake every

third Tuesday of the month. Networking be-gins at 5pm, and as always, your first brew is on TAI.

The next two TechBrew’s will be held on Feb-ruary 16 and March 15 at Mason City Brewing.

For more information or to RSVP go to TechnologyIowa.org.

500 College Drive, Ste 120 · Mason City, IA 50401 Visit us online @ www.niacc.edu/pappajohn 1-888-GO-NIACC or 641-422-4111

February Start Smart Workshops February 3—6:00-8:00 pm; Wednesday, Charles City NIACC , 203 Brantingham Street, Charles City February 10—6:00-8:00 pm; Wednesday, Mason City NIACC Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr.

Call 641.422.4342 to register for the sessions

North Iowa Tech Brew February 16—6:00-8:00 pm; Mason City Brewery, 28 E. State St., Mason City

Launch & Grow Your Business February 18—April 21, NIACC Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr.

“NIACC does not discriminate in employment or education. See http://www.niacc.edu/about/non-discrimination-statement/ for additional information.”

MicroEnterprise Program

The Pappajohn Center is the administrator for a unique economic development program offered by the City of Mason City. A qualifying small business occupying commercial real estate in Mason City will receive a minimum of $1,000* the first year of participating in the MicroEnterprise Program. The three-year program offers a prorated commercial real estate property tax rebate of up to half paid on the property for the business occupant (leased or owned). The tax rebate must be spent to improve the business or commercial property and must be spent with other Mason City businesses. Let the Pappajohn Center help build your Mason City small business sales and business success. Call the Pappajohn Center for further details and conditions at 641-422-4111 or lavalann@niacc.edu.

For businesses located in the Corridor Revitalization Loan (CoRL) area: *CoRL businesses can receive up to a minimum of $2,000. Contact the city for more information at 641-421-3600.

PAPPAJOHN CENTER STAFF

Tim Putnam, Director Brook Boehmler, SBDC Director Daniel Pitts Winegarden, Incubation & Acceleration Services Director Kelley Crane, School Partnership Entrepreneurial Coordinator Anna LaVallee, Administrative Assistant-Incubator Mary Spitz, Administrative Assistant-NIACC JPEC & SBDC

ach year, YIELD students complete a Community Impact Project as a graduation requirement. This year’s class decided to help people in need of clothing, developing a program to place clothing racks around the city – a project they named “Clothe Our Community.” The concept of their project is simple – everyone is invited to donate pre-

washed, gently used items to the cause; anyone in need is welcome to take from the clothing racks.

The students have been collecting seasonal clothing donations since the end of November at the Commerce Center. Thanks to generous contributions from the community and local businesses, students distributed racks of clothing to Lincoln Intermediate and the Community Kitchen of North Iowa as part of their “Clothe Our Community” community impact project in early January.

Representatives at each location will help monitor the racks, and the YIELD group will check in periodically to ensure they are being maintained. The public is invited to come to the two locations throughout the year to add/remove clothing from the racks at their leisure, during open hours. It is the intent that youth sized clothing will be donated to Lincoln Intermediate and adult sized clothing to the Community Kitchen.

YIELD Students “Clothe Our Community”

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com Fax 641.423.5725

Membership Renewals

Congratulations to the members celebrating membership anniversaries in February.

Seventy Plus Years Floyd & Leonard (72)

Fifty Plus Years Winston & Byrne, PC (58) Forty Plus Years Lea Mobile Glass, Inc. (40) Thirty Plus Years Marco Technologies, LLC (38)Mason City By-Products (36)Mason City Community School District (32)Fairway Outdoor Advertising (30) Twenty Plus Years Advanced Systems, Inc. (29)Animal Medical Hospital (24)Clausen Plumbing & Heating (24)Crisis Intervention Service (24)Custom Auto Builders (24)New Dimensions Hair Studio (24)Mantronics Mailing Machines (23) Ten Plus Years Edgar Financial Group (19)Mason City Foundation/The Music Man Square (18)State Farm Insurance-Clint Thomas (16)Corporate Farmer, Inc. (15)Globe Siding Insulation & Window Co (12)McQuaid Agency (12)Greater Mason City Board of Realtors (11) Five Plus Years Edward Jones - Petersen Plaza (9)First Covenant Church (9)Allstate - Brian Randall Agency (8)Jiffy Lube (8)Mason City Noon Rotary Club (8)North Iowa Redemption Center (8)Julie Kim Design (6)Robin Edgar (6)Shred Right (6)Bergo Environmental Services (5) One Plus Years North Central Mechanical Services (4)Roller City (4)Stellar Truck & Trailer (4)River City Morning Kiwanis (3)Woodford Lumber & Home (3)Bark Break Hotel (2)Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Northwood IA (2)Tailgater’s Sports Bar & Grill LLC (2)Winchester Chiropractic PLC (2)JT Mudjacking (1)Pastime Gardens (1)Shelter Insurance (1)

E

Thank you to this year’s Premier members who have gone above and beyond in their support of the Chamber programs, events and the North Iowa Band Festival. These members have made commitments to our Investor Packages or customized their own package from our many events, sponsorships and marketing packages. Premier status gives members special mentions in the monthly newsletter, first chance at events and sponsorships, and special recognition at the Annual Meeting.

Gold ($6,000 & up) : First Citizens Bank

Silver ($3,000-$5,999): Clear Lake Bank & Trust · Curries · Diamond Jo CasinoHoliday Inn Express - Mason City · ITC Midwest · Principal Financial GroupWells Fargo Bank of Iowa

Bronze ($1,000-$2,999): CENT Credit Union · Corporate Farmer · Farmers State Bank · Henkel Construction · Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa · NIACC POET Biorefining - Hanlontown

Premier Members

Senator Amanda Ragan greeted students delivering clothing to the Community Kitchen of North Iowa.

YIELD participants separate new packages of donated socks at Lincoln Intermediate.

Blue Zones Project ®

If you get a phone call…

One of Mason City’s benefits as a Certified Blue Zones Project ® community is the annual survey information we receive. The Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index measures the state of Mason City well-being across five elements:

• Purpose—liking what you do each day and being motivated to achieve your goals

• Social—Having supportive relationships and love in your life

• Financial—Managing your economic life to reduce stress and increase security

• Community—Liking where you live, feeling safe, and having pride in your community

• Physical—Having good health and enough energy to get things done daily

Our city council, community, and business leaders can use the data we receive from the Well-Being Index (WBI) to set priorities that will improve community well-being.

Gallup will begin collecting data this month through telephone surveys. Although we admit most citizens are weary of all the political surveys and calls we’ve experienced over the past several months, if Gallup calls, we hope you’ll answer the phone AND share how being selected as one of the first Blue Zones Project communities in Iowa has helped to move us in the right direction!

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com Fax 641.423.5725

Ribbon Cuttings

NEW MEMBERNorsemen Trucking106 East Main, Lake Mills

NEW MEMBERNext Level Extreme Fitness935 15th St SW

The Chamber Ambassadors would be pleased to come to your business and assist in making your ribbon cutting, grand opening or ground breaking a special event. Let us know if you have a new location, renovation or other special occasion and we’ll be there!

Leadership North Iowa UnderwayThe 2016 Leadership North Iowa program is underway. Twenty-eight participants from area Chamber member businesses are represented in this year’s class. Participants will experience leadership training, tours of local businesses and complete a community service project during their enrollment. Classes are held once-a-week on Tuesdays for twelve weeks, beginning in early January.

If you’re interested in enrolling an up-and-coming leader in your business, please contact Allyson at the Chamber (akrull@masoncityia.com) to be put on a list for the 2017 program.

Save the Date for Band Festival 2016The 78th North Iowa Band Festival is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend, May 26-30th. The theme for this year’s event is “The Sounds of Music!” The North Iowa Band Festival Committee is working hard to plan another outstanding festival.

Thank you to those who have donated to help make this event FREE for the community! If you would like to learn more about sponsorship opportunities for the North Iowa Band Festival, contact Colleen at the Chamber.

Band Festival Committee | 12:15-1PMBand Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Chamber Leadership

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com chamber@masoncityia.com

Periodical Postage Paid at Mason City, Iowa(USPS 060-350)

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Executive CommitteeSteve Noto, Chairman of the Board Stoney Creek Hospitality CorporationBob Klocke, Past Chair and Treasurer First Citizens BankDave Bergan, Chair-Elect SmithfieldKelly Hansen, Government Affairs Divison Vice President POET Biorefining - HanlontownSherry Becker, Community & Membership Division Vice President NIVC ServicesDr. Steve Schulz, Workforce & Leadership Division Vice President North Iowa Area Community CollegeJulie Valencia, Business Division Vice President Kaplan University

Board of DirectorsJosh Brueggeman, Accord ArchitectureDr. Kyle Burgmeier, Burgmeier DentistryIna Cavin, Hy-Vee West Todd Kirkpatrick, Clear Lake Bank & TrustJerry Knoll, Hawkeye Auto BodyGarett McKiness, McKiness Excavating, Inc.Dr. Paul Manternach, Mercy Medical Center —North IowaDavid Mayberry, Globe GazetteJamie Nelson, North Iowa BroadcastingJeff Nichols, Opportunity VillageKirk Paulson, NSB BankCrystal Shellhart, Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Mason City

StaffRobin Anderson, CCE, IOM President & Chief Executive Officer randerson@masoncityia.comAllyson Krull Marketing & Leadership Development Director akrull@masoncityia.comColleen Frein Program Director cfrein@masoncityia.comBob Mason Membership Development Director bmason@masoncityia.comMikki Baker Service & Operations Director chamber@masoncityia.com

This is a Mason City Chamber of Commerce Publication. Mason City, Iowa 50401 641.423.5724

Publications are monthly for $20 per year by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250. Second Class postage paid at Mason City, IA. Postmaster: send address changes to The Chamber, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250.

March 16 Ag Breakfast

Tuesday February 9

Egypt Info Meeting | 5-6PMThird Floor Event Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Blue Zones Worksite Committee | 12-1PM Band Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

FridayFebruary 12

Agribusiness Committee | 7:30-8:30AMWine Club Room | Hy-Vee West | 2400 4th St SW

Business Resource Committee | 7:30-8:30AM Farrer Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Wednesday February 3

Thursday February 18

Wednesday February 10

Events Committee Meeting | 12-1PMFarrer Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

MondayFebruary 1

Lunch & Learn | 12-1PM“2016 is the year I move to a standing workstation!” | Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa

Band Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Chamber Bowl Mystic Lanes | 2571 4th St SE

Tuesday - ThursdayFebruary 2-4

Educational Opportunities

Get Involved/Committee Meetings

Tuesday February 23

Networking Events

Ribbon Cutting - Great Plains Title Co. | 4:30PMGreat Plains Title Co. | 105 1st St SE, Ste 415

Thursday February 18

TuesdayFebruary 2

Ambassador Meeting | 12-1PMLandfill of North Iowa| 15942 Killdeer Ave, Clear Lake

Lunch & Learn | 12-1PM“2016 is the year I discover the benefits of a diverse workforce!” | Opportunity Village

Band Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

March 24 Business After Hours | Farmers State Bank

Business After Hours - Main Event | 4:30-6:30PMMain Event | 112 2nd St SE