CHAMBER NEWSLife With a River View

Volume 28 August 2015 Number 8

The Bingo Tent is hosted by the Camanche Committee of the

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerceand proceeds fund scholarships for

Camanche High School Seniors and other projects benefiting the

Camanche community!

A Message from the President...By Nathan Sondgeroth, Chamber President

Dear Chamber Members,

Our name is the Clinton AREA Chamber of Commerce.That “area” word is something we take very serious andit impacts how and why we do the things we do. Formany years, we have operated a Camanche Committeeof the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce.

If you are reading this in early August, consider comingto Camanche Days starting August 13th and continuingthrough August 16th. If you do, play a few games ofbingo at the bingo tent and you will be witnessing theChamber's Camanche Committee in action.

Each year, Camanche Days is a fixture of the summer time in Camanche. Platt Parkis filled with the sights and sounds of carnival rides, great food, live music, friend-ship, and bingo. Camanche Days doesn't just happen and neither does the bingotent. Both take dedicated volunteers to give of their time and talent during mid-August to create a great time for not only the residents of Camanche but the entirearea as well.

The bingo tent supports scholarships for seniors at Camanche High School.Proceeds from the tent also support other projects that benefit Camanche. Mostrecently, the Camanche Committee partnered with the City of Camanche to promotethe City as a great place to live and raise a family. Without years of people playingbingo, this partnership would not have been possible. If you have never been,please make a point of checking us out. It is a tradition like none other and some-thing you will enjoy each year.

Also, don't forget the rest of our monthly themes for our community image campaign:“Celebrate Clinton.” Please give consider writing a letter to the editor or making aFacebook post to help spread the good news here in the Clinton area.

The themes for the rest of 2015 are:

August - “Why Our Schools Are Amazing”

September - “Labor Day…Jobs You Don't Know Are Here”

October - “My Plan for Make A Difference Month”

November - “What I am Thankful For in the Clinton Area”

December - “Shopping Local…The Best Thing (or Things) I Ever Bought Which I Could Only Find in the Clinton Area.”

As always, if you would like to meet in person, I would be happyto come to your place of business to introduce myself. You caneither email me at nathan.sondgeroth@clintonia.com or call mycolleague, Karen Friis, at 563-242-5702 to set up a time.

Until next time, I'm at your service,

Nathan

CHAMBER STAFF

Nathan SondgerothPresident

Joni KrogmanDirector, Chamber Operations

Karen FriisAdministrative ServicesCoordinator

Jennifer RogersBusiness Manager

Carrie DonaireDirector, Convention & Visitors Bureau

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Clinton Harley-Davidson

As Harley-Davidson motorcycles have evolvedover the years, so too has Clinton Harley-Davidson. In March 2002 The Fuller family pur-chased Clinton Cycle Sales. After thirteen yearsof business, Clinton Harley-Davidson's originalowners have now passed management andoperational responsibilities to the 3rd generationof owners.

New leadership brings changes. For 2015the dealership is focusing on forming partner-ships with local businesses. The goal is sim-ple: offer activities that draw current and newcustomers to the dealership while showcasingbusinesses in the Clinton area community.

Local partners include:• Mac 94.7. Get The Street on the street. Duringthe summer, the dealership will host monthly work-shops and storewide sales where customers canenter to win Harley-Davidson's newest model, theStreet 500. The winner will be drawn during the2016 Model Year Open House, scheduled forSaturday, September 12th. KCLN will promote thesummer's events leading up to the September bikedrawing.• Lyons Tap & Grill. Beginning May 29th, LyonsTap will host Clinton Harley-Davidson's first seriesof Bike Nights held on the Final Friday of every month from May to September.• Clinton LumberKings. Clinton Harley-Davidson is proud to sponsor our local team.• Fulton Dutch Days. The dealership will showcase Harley's newest bike Model, the Street, while staffing a vendor boothduring the festival.• Hillbilly Jack's. Pork and Torque Saturdays feature one of Clinton's newest restaurants. Their mobile catering will offersandwiches for purchase at the dealership two Saturdays per month.• Holly's Dogs. Dogs & Demo Days features our local hot dog vendor and gives customers the opportunity to try outfirsthand the smooth ride of the Harley-Davidson brand.

In addition to a full calendar of events, Clinton Harley-Davidson strives to do what it has always done best: exceptionalcustomer service. Chris Fuller, co-owner and General Manager of Clinton Harley-Davidson explains it this way.“Purchasing a Harley-Davidson should be a fun, life changing experience. No one wants to be sold or pushed into asale. Our goal is to help customers find the bike that best suits their individual style and their riding needs. If we accom-plish that, we have done our job well.” The new generation of Fullers invites you to visit the dealership. Visit www.clin-tonharleydavidson.com for a complete listing of the summer's activity line up. Visit often and you may just walk awaywith a Street 500 on September 12th.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

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CLAPPER AWARDThe Chamber would like to thank the following members forrenewing their memberships during the month of July 2015.

60+ yearsAlliant Energy 64Culligan of Clinton 64Howes & Jefferies Realtors, LLP 64McEleney Chevrolet-Buick-GMC-Toyota 64Darling Ingredients Inc. 62Turner Electric Co. 60

50+ yearsCore-Vens & Co., Inc. 59Clausen Supply Trucking & Warehousing 58Albert's Jewelers 56Service Oil Company 50The Insurance Group 50WestRock (formerly Rock-Tenn) 5040+ yearsDetermann Asphalt Paving, LLC 49Pauls Discount Store 49Guzzardo's Hallmark 48LyondellBasell 48Mercy Medical Center - Clinton 48Valley Oaks Golf Course 47Clinton Community School District 462JR Pizza Enterprises, LLC (Pizza Huts) 45Clinton Community College 45Gateway Travel & Cruise 44Lectronics Inc. 44Domestic Plumbing Co. 41Mediacom Communications 40Sethness Products Company 40Skyline Center, Inc. 40

30+ yearsG. Baker Distributing, Inc. 39Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning 39Petersen Hagge Furniture 38Clinton Printing Co. 36Leslie Electric Services, Inc. 36Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS 35United Way of Clinton County, Iowa 32Midas Auto Service Experts 31Pollard Investment Services 30

20+ yearsADM Corn Processing 27Burkert Chiropractic Center 27

Carpetland USA of Clinton, Inc. 27D&D Auto Service LLC 26NelsonCorp Wealth Management 26Quad City Times 26Data Dimensions Corporation 24Mike May Electric 24Van Scoy & Kross, P.C. 24Banner Home Furnishings 23

10+ YearsAegis Credit Union 19Camanche Chiropractic Center 19Clinton Alignment Brake & Muffler

Center Inc. 19Custom-Pak, Inc. 19Tom McManus Backhoe & Truck

Service, Inc. 19RK Dixon 18Country Inn & Suites 17Wolfe Beverage Company, Inc. 16East Central Intergovernmental

Association 11Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center 11Old Town Family Restaurant 11Estes Construction 10

1+ yearsGifts Galore 9Genesis Helth Group, DeWitt 7Genesis Medical Center, DeWitt 7Genesis Occupational Health 7Kiwanis Club of Clinton 6Petersen Sanitary 5Thrivent Financial 5Burger King 4Burger King West 4The Arch 4Virdi Eye Clinic of Iowa 4River Bluff Community Foundation 3T2 Productions, LLC 3Vibrant Credit Union 3Dale Carnegie Training - Stephanie Hurley 1Essentials4u 1UnleashStrengths 1

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALSDo you know of an

employee at an area business who goes above

and beyond in the area of customer service?Nominate that person for the Clapper Award

by contacting The Clinton Area Chamber

of Commerce at (563)242-5702 or

chamber@clintonia.com.

Watch this spacefor the next

award winner!

Cheryl S. McCullohCheryl has served for over 20years as Executive Directorwith the United Way of ClintonCounty, Iowa. Her previouswork experience is in volunteermanagement, senior programsand with juvenile delinquentsand retail management.

Along with serving as a Directoron the Chamber Board, she also serves as aUnited Ways of Iowa board member, ClintonRotary member, former Clinton County Foster

Care Review Board member, former Family PlanningCouncil of Iowa Advisory Board member, former Council ofSocial Agencies Board member, former Coalition for theHomeless President and Board member and former UnitedWay of American Regional Advisory Council member.

Cheryl has a B.A in Psychology from the University of Iowaand an M.B.A. from St. Ambrose University. She is marriedto Waylyn who is an Assistant Director for the SeventhJudicial District and an instructor at St. Ambrose University.She has a daughter, Kristine, who is an Administrative LawJudge and a son-in-law, Jason, who is a NationwideInsurance Underwriter and two grandchildren, Blake andNora.

Meet Our Board Member

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AUGUST CHAMBER CALENDAR3 Nestle Purina PetCare Co, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce

CVB Legislative/Grant Committee, 2:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

4 Women in Business Committee, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Leadership Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Ribbon Cutting, 5:45 p.m., LBPA/Lyons District, Alley next to Rastrelli's.

5 American Queen docks in Clinton, Noon - 5:00 p.m., Marina area.

6 ABC's of Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

7 Medical Associates, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.CVB Technology Committee, 11:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Ribbon Cutting, 1:30 p.m., Jenny's Diner, 517 No. 2nd Street

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

11 Iowa DOT Public Input Meeting in Burlington.CVB Wayfinding Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.ABWA, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

12 Ribbon Cutting for City of Clinton's Bike Trail @ Chamber of Commerce.National Geographic GeoTourism Meeting, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Community Image Task Force, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Local & Government Affairs Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.CVB Marketing Committee, 12:00 Noon, Clinton National Bank Lincolnway.

13 Leadership Iowa Meeting, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Vision 8 Committee, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

14 Ribbon Cutting, 11:00 a.m., Community Health Care, 925 So. 4th Street.

18 Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Clapper Committee, 12:00 Noon, location to be determined.Executive Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.River City Resume, 12:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.Young Living Essential Oils, 6:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

19 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino.Iowa Arts Council Informational Meeting, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

20 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Brinkman Building Center, 5:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

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

25 Essentials4u, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

26 Eastern Iowa Regional Chamber Meeting, 11:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.CRDC Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m., Rastrelli's Avanti Room.United Way Board, 4:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

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

28 Ambassadors, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

5Meetings are subject to change. Watch your mail for details or check with Karen at (563) 242-5702 before attending any regularly scheduled Chamber event. Reservations are

required for most noon meetings held at the Chamber office.

Welcome New MembersComplete NutritionWe are a nutritional supplement store that specializes in one-on-one customer serv-ice and guidance. Visit us at 1801 Lincoln Way or give us a call at 563-249-8778.

Kunkel & Associates, Inc.Kunkel & Associates, Inc. is a rapidly growing insurance brokerage that providesconsultative insurance services to commercial accounts, both for group benefits andproperty and casualty coverage. Call Brian Barr at 563-542-6660 or email him atbrian.barr@kunkel-inc.com.

Luigi's We are a home-based business doing food service at Clinton Community College.For more information call Lonny Melchiori at 563-593-0803.

MLP Tech, LLCWe sell, install and support hardware and software from major vendors such as HP,Microsoft, Citrix, VMware and Cisco. We also offer network support agreements andcontract management services. Call Mike Pelham at 563-823-8345, email mpel-ham@mlptech.com or visit www.mlptech.com.

Mosaic Chiropractic and WellnessDr. Theresa Spencer offers a gentle approach to chiropractic using an activatoradjusting tool. Visit the office at 1732 So. Washington Blvd. in Camanche. Make anappointment at 563-503-4159.

Speak Out Against SuicideSpeak Out Against Suicide is a non-profit organization based out of Camanche. Ourmission is to help area communities break the stigma of suicide with mental healthawareness and suicide prevention. Call Nicole Carber for more information at 563-3249-2082 or visit www.speakoutiowa.org

Slops Neighborhood Bar & GrillSlop's is a great place to enjoy food from our brand new menu, happy hour and drinkspecials. Slop's sponsors several recreation league teams, enjoys bringing in liveentertainment and hosting different types of tournaments. We are located at 101513th Avenue North in Clinton. Visit us today!

Dan SrpI am a former member of the Camanche School Board and was recently elected aClinton County Supervisor. I strive to have a flexible schedule that allows me to beavailable to constituents.

Chamber WebsiteInformation

Did you know that your membership includes

the following:

Job PostingsHot Deals

News Releases

Call for more information onhow to put this on our website.

Like us on facebook look for Clinton Area Chamber

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JULY RIBBON CUTTINGS

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A Place in Time – Celebrating with a progress award for joining the Chamber – Congratulations!

Clinton Area Chamber Ambassadors – Celebrating the Class of 2015 ambassadors – Welcome!

The Salvation Army – Congratulations on your new store Grand Opening. It’s wonderful!

JULY RIBBON CUTTINGS

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Rotary 100 Year Ceremony – Congratulations to the Clinton Rotary Club for 100 years of service.

Stephanie’s Image Designers - Celebrating with a progress award for joining the Chamber and their remodeling project completion – Congratulations!

Gabel Chiropractic – Celebrating with a progress award for their new yoga room and program.

Chamber Trends with Joni

I'm back from the US Chamber Institute 2015 profes-sional training year three in Athens Georgia. There wasso much great information during this five day sessionthat I will use the month of August to distill and see whatwill be most beneficial for our Chamber members.Here's my new class picture with our class theme“Chamber Camp”. Stay tuned!

Chamber Events Committee:July was an action packed month for our members with the Chamber & NewFamilies Welcome Night at the Ballpark on July 15 and Chamber Golf Playday Fun-Raiser on July 31. I can't say enough about our volunteers throughout the year. Theynot only help plan our events but also help that day from start to finish.

If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities we have, justgive me a call at 563 242-5702 or talk to our Event Committee members. We have agreat time planning and executing our events throughout the year.

Event Committee: Abigail Rose, Andy Sokolovich, Angela Reese, Anne Schneider,Ashley Spain, Brett Cornish, Candace Seitz, Chris Streets, Chris Wilkinson, DanielleMiller, Donna Pinter, Heather Evans, Idell Klein, Jim Voss, Mike Price, Paul Vogt,Shelly Davies, Stacy Powers and Sue Watkins

2015 CHAMBER EVENTSGirl’s Night OutThursday, October 22

The Elf Before ChristmasMixpoThursday, November 19

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Clements Earns Certificate from the Iowa School of Banking

Stephen Clements, Loan Officer, of Citizens First Bank,Clinton successfully completed the 2015 Iowa School ofBanking held June 7-12, 2015 at the Courtyard by Marriottin Ankeny.

The one-week, two-year school, offered by the IowaBankers Association, provides a challenging, educationalexperience in addition to peer networking. The challenging,interactive curriculum addresses the functions of bankingdepartments and financial management and the businessof banking. Practical experience is gained through the useof a computer simulation, lectures, case studies and dis-cussion. The school faculty includes active bankers, con-sultants and academicians, all recognized experts in theirfields.

Stephen is an area native and joined Citizens First Bank inNovember of 2011. Stephen also has several years ofexperience as a Credit Analyst. He is a MBA graduate ofthe University of Dubuque.

Fulton Chamber of Commerce Awarded D.S. Flikkema Grant

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors wasgranted $500.00 from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation. A por-tion of these funds will be used for replacements as well asenhancements to the marquees at Fulton's four corners.This will allow for better communication in the communityabout the cultural activities, educational events, and tradi-tional festivals that take place in Fulton, Illinois. Theremainder of these funds will be used to purchase suppliesto light the luminaries set along the river walk, during ourannual Christmas Walk which takes place the first Friday inDecember.

The Fulton Chamber of Commerce currently sponsorsSummer Nights, Culinary Walk, Fall Fest, Shop Hop, &Christmas Walk for the community in addition to providingadditional services to our members. The Board of Directorfor the Fulton Chamber of Commerce would like to thankthe D.S. Flikkema Foundation Trustees for having consid-ered and granted our application request.

Ashford University Students Participate in National Conference

Seven members of Ashford University's Phi Beta Lambda(PBL) organization participated in the 2015 Future BusinessLeaders of America-Phi Beta Lambda (FBLA-PBL) NationalLeadership Conference in Chicago June 24-27.

At the conference, PBL members from across the

United States competed in more than 50 business, technol-ogy, and personal skill related competitive events, coveringtopics such as Financial Analysis and Decision Making,Cyber Security, and Job Interview.

On the second day of the conference, Stephanie Nessling,Byron Needham, and Rebecca Wolfe gave a presentationon the Ashford group's community service project atClinton's Victory Center. The project advanced to the finalround after placing in the top 15, but did not finish in the top10 in the finals.

Ashford student Jacob Hofer, from Henry, Ill., participated inthe final round of competition in two events, Social MediaPresentation and Client Services. He took sixth place hon-ors in Social Media Presentation.

Other Ashford students competing at the national confer-ence were:• Rebecca Wolfe, Farmington, Iowa - Human Resource

Management• Stephanie Nessling, West Plains, Mo. - Business Law • Byron Needham, Chicago, Ill. - Organizational Behavior• Jessica Jackson, Chicago, Ill. - Business Presentation

and Job Interview• Brittany Acree, Savanna, Ill. - Computer Concepts and

Macroeconomics• Brianna Herin, Chadwick, Ill. - Marketing Concepts and

Macroeconomics

FBLA-PBL is an education and career development associ-ation with a quarter million students preparing for careers inbusiness and business-related fields. It is the largest busi-ness career student organization in the world; its postsec-ondary division reaches more than 11,000 college students.

2015 Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Sales in Fulton, IL

The Annual Lincoln Highway Buy-Way Sales, spanningseveral states, will be held August 14 & 15, 2015. TheFulton event is being sponsored by the Volunteer EducationCommittee of the Windmill Area. Fulton sales will occurfrom 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but sale times may vary.Registration for sales is during the Summer Nights event onThursday, July 9, from 6:00-8:00pm at the Windmill Area inFulton. Additional registration opportunities will be July 20-25 at the Windmill Cultural Center during regular visitinghours. The cost to register a sale is $5.00 (cash only).Sale maps will be available beginning August 5, 2015, atthe Shell Station in Fulton. For questions, contact BettyWiebenga at 815-589-3671. Information about this eventand other activities at Fulton's Windmill Area are availableon the Windmill Cultural Center and de Immigrant WindmillFacebook page. For more information about this multi-stategarage sale event, visit www.historicbyway.com.

BIZ BITS

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Mississippi River Quilt Project

The Mississippi River Quilt Project, "Messipi Threads", willbe on view at the River Arts Center, 229-5th Ave. So.,Clinton, Iowa, through August 23. Exhibits are free andopen to the public.

The word Messipi is a French translation of theAlgonquin/Ojibwa work "Misi-ziibi" or great river. Messipiwas used from approximately 1666 until 1798 whenCongress officially selected Mississippi.

This unique fiber arts exhibit was the idea of Sara Detweilerwho in 2012 invited friends to create art quilts depicting theMississippi River. "Messipi Threads" is a collection of fifty-eight quilts 18x24 inches displayed side by side so that theriver meanders from quilt to quilt using the same fabric torepresent the river. Besides showcasing the quilters' mem-ories and moments on the river, this is also a display of theart of quilting and the infinite application of fiber art, theintricacies and versatility of needle and thread work.

This traveling exhibit has been displayed at several gal-leries along the river, and the River Arts Center is pleasedto host this celebration of our great river. Gallery hours areWednesday through Sunday from 1-4 PM and for groupsby appointment.

Corporations, Citizens and Service Organizations Unitefor Local Project

Gateway area corporations, citizens and service organiza-tions are stepping up and chipping in on a great communityproject - the Rotary Club of Clinton led Eagle Point ParkLodge renovation project.

The Clinton American Legion Post 190 is the latest to jointhe list of area companies, individuals and groups whohave contributed to the project, helping raise over$664,000. The fundraising campaign, which started seek-ing funding the beginning of April, has been endorsed bynumerous local groups including the Chamber ofCommerce, Clinton Convention & Visitors Bureau, ClintonRegional Development Corporation and the Lyons BusinessGroup.

The Celebrate our Heritage, Invest in our Future EaglePoint Park Lodge renovation project committee is hoping tohave the $1 Million raised by September 1st so that con-struction can start in early fall and be completed by spring2016.

The Eagle Point Park Lodge was built in the 1930's byWPA workmen. There have been some additions andupgrades since then, but with crumbling walls, outdated fix-tures and increased usage, the lodge is in need of some

improvements. The $1 million renovation includes levelingout the entrances and updating the bathrooms for ADAcompliance, creating a grand entrance with lodge feel thatcan accommodate buses, expanding the veranda on theriver side to allow for outdoor event space, aesthetic interiorand exterior improvements plus the addition of a smallmeeting/bridal room.

If you'd like to contribute to the “Celebrate our Heritage,Invest in our Future” campaign. Please mail check to:Gateway Area Foundation, PO Box 1024, Clinton, IA 52732or email epplodgeproject@gmail.com.

FACE Grants Awarded to Fulton Organizations

The Fulton Association for Community Enrichment (FACE),an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Great RiverBend, awarded grants to local organizations on Thursday,July 2, 2015. A total of $9,150 was granted to local organi-zations by FACE and the D.S. Flikkema Foundation.Representatives from each organization attended the cere-mony to accept the grant checks.

The following organizations were awarded a 2015 FACEgrant:• Open Bible Fellowship: $500 "Unite Work Camp"• River Bend Unit District #2: $500 for "Live Online

Streaming Video"• Friends for Charity: $500 for "Refill the Closet at the

Elementary School"• Education Committee of the Windmill Area: $500 for

"Wild Winter Wednesdays at Windmill Cultural Center"• Supporters of Schmaling: $250 for "Family Game Night"• River Bend Ministerial Association: $1000 for "Getting

Ahead in a Just Gettin'• By World"• River Bend Educational Foundation: $500 for "EASY"• Fulton Fire Protection District: $250 for "Christmas

Sharing Tree for Children of• the Community"

The following organizations were awarded a 2015 D.S.Flikkema Foundation grant:• River Bend Unit District #2: $500 for "Who Was, What

Was, and Who Is• Biograry and Historical Events Books"• River Bend Unit District #2: $1000 for "Technology

Conference"• Fulton Fire Protection District: $250 for "Christmas

Sharing Tree for Children of the Community"• Friends for Charity: $500 for "Refill the Closet at the

Elementary School"• Supporters of Schmaling: $250 for "Family Game Night"• Schmaling Memorial Library: $700 for "Connecting with

Our Roots"

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• Fulton Township: $500 for "Ronald Reagan Ancestral Family Plot Enhancements"

• River Bend Educational Foundation: $750 for River Bend First Lego Expansion

• Unity Christian School: $700 for "Improving Physical Fitness"

FACE would like to thank all of the organizations whoapplied for grants in 2015. For more information aboutFACE and local charitable giving, please contact ConnieKoehn at (815) 589-2646.

Citizens First Bank Announces Changes in Leadership Roles

Chairman Bart Baker recently held a meeting with bankemployees to rollout strategic plan initiatives. Setting thestage for the plans he presented, he reminded employeesthe bank was founded 15 years ago to better meet theneeds of the business community in the Clinton area. Bartnoted the board of directors was very proud of the growthand financial success achieved to date. He reported thatduring the period following the 2008 financial crisis whileother banks struggled, CFB was properly positioned result-ing in record financial performance.

In more recent years, Bart noted the board authorized theLincoln Way expansion to facilitate excellent customer serv-ice, the growing need for employee workspace, and toremove obstacles for further growth. Bart emphasized thesuccess of the bank has always been driven in a large partby the quality and commitment of bank staff. To solidify thisposition, and prepare for future success, Bart was pleasedto announce two changes effective immediately:

Tom Soenksen will transition from the President of CitizensFirst Bank to focus on strategic initiatives and businessdevelopment to meet the goals previously shared. Tomwill maintain the CEO title for the bank, in addition toremaining the President of CFB Holding Company. He alsoremains a member of the board of directors and will workmore actively in that role. “The Board and I want to thankTom for his leadership in growing our vision from zero to$175 million in assets during the bank's first 15 years. Welook forward to working with Tom as we position CFB forthe next 15 years of success” stated Baker.

Kathy Forrest will assume responsibility for day to dayoperations and hold the title of Citizens First BankPresident. Baker noted “Tom was a steadfast advocate forKathy to succeed him as President, and the board enthusi-astically agreed with his assessment of her ability to leadus. Kathy has worn a number of hats over the past 15years and has consistently tackled all challenges put before

her in a competent, professional, and can doway.” Kathy's most recent position at Citizens

First Bank was Executive Vice President. She graduatedmagna cum laude from St. Ambrose University with a BA inaccounting and a minor in Business Administration. Beforeworking at CFB, she was Assistant Vice President atMercantile Bank Midwest in Clinton. Prior to that sheworked at Deere & Company, where she was promotedthrough a number of financial positions over her 10-yeartenure.

“Both Kathy and Tom were key executives with CitizensFirst Bank since its inception and integral parts the bank'sgrowth and success,” commented Bart Baker, Chairman ofCitizens First Bank's Board of Directors. “We've come along way in fifteen years and I look forward to their commit-ment to take the Bank even further.”

Gateway Credit Union Receives 5-Star Rating

1st Gateway Credit Union, Camanche, Iowa proudlyannounces it has earned BauerFinancial, Inc.'s highest (5-Star) rating for strength and stability. Achievement of thiscoveted 5-Star Superior rating puts 1st Gateway CreditUnion in an elite category as one of the strongest creditunions in the nation.

BauerFinancial, the nation's premier credit union and bankrating firm, has been evaluating and rating financial institu-tions since 1983. Earning a 5-Star Superior rating means1st Gateway Credit Union excels in areas of capital, loanquality, profitability and more.

According to Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial,"1st Gateway Credit Union's achievement is a result o itscommitment to the community it serves. By focusing on thefinancial needs of members' families and businesses, 1stGateway Credit Union has in turn, charted its own path. It isa symbiotic relationship: the more success members have,the more success the credit union will have. It is built on acommitment to each other and is what all financial institu-tions should strive for."

1st Gateway Credit Union has been helping members suc-ceed since its inception in 1953. Today, 62 years later, itoperates through five conveniently located offices inCamanche, Clinton, DeWitt, Fulton and Morrison and canalso be found on the internet at www.1stgateway.org.

The American Red Cross Urges Iowans to Prepare Nowfor Severe Weather

The National Weather Service is forecasting severe weath-er and heavy rainfall across much of Iowa today andtonight. The American Red Cross serving Greater Iowaurges residents to take steps now to stay safer whensevere weather threatens.

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According to the National Weather Service the greatestthreat for severe weather will be between 4 pm and mid-night, including a risk for tornadoes, high wind, hail andflash flooding. As with any disaster, preparation can be thedifference between life and death. The Red Cross recom-mends that individuals and families prepare for severeweather by:

Downloading the free Red Cross Emergency App:The Red Cross Emergency App provides people withinstant access to emergency alerts and life-saving informa-tion. Available for smart phones and tablets, it includes con-tent on what to do before, during and after a variety ofsevere weather events. Users can customize more than 35emergency weather alerts based on their location andwhere loved ones live.

Other features include:• “Make a Plan” helps families figure out what to do and

where to go if a disaster strikes;• Preloaded emergency preparedness content is available

in English And Spanish and can be accessed without mobile connectivity;

• “Family Safe” allows people to notify loved ones who are in an area affected by an emergency or disaster; and

• A real-time map with open Red Cross shelter locations and weather information.

The app is available in app stores by searching forAmerican Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/apps.

Making an Emergency Plan: Household members should designate a safe place foreveryone to go in case of severe weather. Pick a locationaway from windows, skylights and glass doors that couldbe broken by strong winds or hail. Plans should includeprotecting pets and having emergency supplies for them.

Creating an Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pack a first aid kit, at least a three-day supply of water andfoods that don't require cooking or refrigeration, a seven-day supply of essential medications, manual can opener,flashlights and a battery-powered radio with extra batteries,copies of important documents like insurance policies, cellphone chargers, family and emergency contact information,maps of the area and other emergency items. Customizethe kit for any household members with special needs.

Heeding Storm Warnings:A severe storm WATCH means severe thunderstorms arepossible in and near the designated area. People in awatch area should keep informed and be ready to act if asevere thunderstorm warning is issued. A severe stormWARNING means severe weather has been reported byspotters or indicated by radar. Warnings indicate imminentdanger to life and property. If you can hear thunder, you areclose enough to be in danger from lightning. Seek shelterimmediately. The National Weather Service recommendsstaying inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Preparing for High Winds:If time permits, secure lawn furniture, outdoor decorations,trash cans, hanging plants and anything else that can bepicked up by wind.

For more information on what to do before, during and aftersevere weather, people can go to redcross.org/prepare/dis-aster/thunderstorm. Iowans are encouraged to call theirlocal chapter of the American Red Cross if they need assis-tance following a disaster. Central Iowa: (515) 243-7681Northeast Iowa: (563) 583-6451North and Western Iowa (712) 252-4081South and Eastern Iowa (319) 393-3500

For more updates, follow the American Red Cross servingGreater Iowa on Twitter at @GreaterIA_ARC and onFacebook at facebook.com/AmericanRedCrossIowa

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News from the CVBPromoting the Clinton RegionCarrie Donaire, Director, Clinton Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Convention & Visitors Bureau has the pleasure of promoting the Clinton area toour visitors year-round. Coming to Clinton can mean different things for different vis-itors. Some are looking for family-friendly fun, others for antiquing or a way to getout and explore the heritage of our community. For almost everyone, though, nomatter from how near or far they've come, a visit to Clinton Iowa means experiencingthe Mississippi River.

On July 10, Debi Durham, Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority andShawna Lode, Director of the Iowa Tourism Office, made a trek to Clinton for theafternoon - an excursion on their This Is Iowa tour. As the top tourism professionalsin the state of Iowa, Debi and Shawna have seen a lot of places - little diners withprize-winning pies, baseball fields that inspire movies, bacon themed weekendevents, and local farmers markets, just to name a few. But a day in Clinton meansconnecting with the Mississippi River, so that's what we set out to do!

Our contingent also included State Senator Rita Hart;Matt Parbs, Director of the Sawmill Museum andChairperson of the CVB's Legislative and GrantFunding Committee; Carrie Koelker, Director of theEastern Iowa Tourism Association; NathanSondgeroth from the Clinton Area Chamber ofCommerce.

We were hosted at Wide River Winery by proprietorDorothy O'Brien and her family. We enjoyed a pic-ture-perfect summer day overlooking the widest pointin the Mississippi River. The group discussed mat-ters related to tourism and what makes the Clintonarea stand out as a destination. Not surprisingly theriver not only helps to shape Clinton as a destination,but sets our entire region apart. Embracing the riverand what it offers is something we share with ourneighboring communities as well.

After the winery, the group then traveled along theIowa Great River Road to Rock Creek Marina &Campground to enjoy a Blue Heron Eco Cruise.Walt Wickham, Executive Director of Clinton CountyConservation, and Naturalist Mark Roberts hosted usat the Mississippi River Eco Tourism Center and lateraboard the Blue Heron pontoon boat and we took aguided tour of the beautiful backwaters on the riverthat truly defines our sense of place.

The Clinton CVB participates in several regional part-nerships, including: the Travel Mississippi RiverPartnership (hosted by the Quad Cities CVB), theEastern Iowa Tourism Association and the IowaDestination Marketing Alliance. It is through theseregional partnerships that we are able to make thetraveler's experience more robust and meaningful.For Clinton, that means promoting the MississippiRiver and the attractions that highlight the river forour visitors.

Here's to celebrating our community,our region and our river!

Pictured from left to right: SenatorRita Hart; Matt Parbs; DebiDurham; Carrie Donaire; DorothyO'Brien; Carrie Koelker; ShawnaLode.

Group discussion at Wide RiverWinery

View of the Mississippi River fromthe Blue Heron Eco Cruise,Camanche, Iowa

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EVENT WRAP-UPChamber & New Families Night at the Ballpark Wrap-Up 2015Nearly 2,000 people packed Ashford University Field, Home of the LumberKings,on Wednesday night July 15, 2015. Over 100 new family members attended thegame and received a New Family bag that was filled with Chamber member collat-eral and information that will be helpful with their move to the area.

Almost 40 members sponsored a new family this year. Thanks to all our sponsors.Our Title Sponsor - Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center and PlatinumSponsors - Adcraft Printwear Co., Clinton Back and Neck Family Wellness, andTEMP Associates, had dedicated sponsor tables this year and welcomed the atten-dees with information and give-aways.

For a complete list of all oursponsors, go to our website atwww.Clintonia.com<http://www.Clintonia.com>, eventscalendar and search forChamber & New Families Nightat the Ballpark, July 15, 2015.

2015 - 2016Executive CommitteeNate KreinbrinkNelsonCorp Wealth ManagementChairman

Tom MoserMedical Associates1st Vice Chair

Daniel HousengaLyondellBasell2nd Vice Chair

Jennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurer

Andrea WhiteHoliday Inn Express Hotel & SuitesCVB Board Chair

Dr. Karen VickersClinton Community CollegePast Chairperson

Board of DirectorsDean BrainerdADM Corn ProcessingShane BuerMercy Medical CenterDiane ChristensenThe Insurance GroupEddie DunhamCitizens First BankGerry FreudenbergIowa-American Water Co.Lori FreudenbergSisters of St. FrancisEric HeldingNestle Purina PetCare Co.Stewart McCaskillBrown's Shoe FitCheryl McCullohUnited Way of Clinton County, Iowa Charlie MinnickAshford UniversityMike RastrelliRastrelli's RestaurantKevin SteinesHonkamp & Krueger & Co., P.C.

CHAMBERNews is published by the ClintonArea Chamber of Commerce, a not-for-profit

corporation, serving the business communitiesof Clinton and Camanche, IA and Fulton, IL.

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

E-Mail: chamber@clintonia.com

www.clintonia.comwww.clintoniowatourism.com

Look forVisit Clinton, Iowa!& Clinton Chamber

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