CHAMBER NEWSLife With a River View

Volume 28 April 2015 Number 4

CHAMBER STAFF

Nathan SondgerothPresident

Joni KrogmanDirector, Chamber Operations

Karen FriisAdministrative Services Coordinator

Jennifer RogersBusiness Manager

Carrie DonaireDirector, Convention & Visitors Bureau

Arlanda BaxtonCVB Assistant

A Message from the President...

April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com2

By Nathan Sondgeroth, Chamber President

Dear Chamber Members,

Last month, I wrote my article during a winter storm. I was sure the snow would bebehind us by the time I wrote this article for April…except I happen to be writing iton March 23, 2015…during a snowstorm. It's all the more fitting because ourtheme for April 2015 is ““The Local Spot I Have Waited ALL Winter to Revisit.”

For me it has to be the Riverfront and/or Eagle Point Park. Since moving to town insummer of 2012, those have been two of my family's favorite spots to spend time.While you can enjoy both year round, I can't wait for the final spring warm up sowe can fully use all they have to offer.

Spring is also the time for our Father/Daughter Dance. This event is entering its third year and continues to grow. Ilove that the Chamber is part of forming the memories and stories of those families that live here now and will livehere in the years to come.

Both natural wonders like Eagle Point Park and events like the Father/Daughter Dance help bond families to thisarea. Especially in May and June, the themes for “Celebrate the Clinton Area!” - An Initiative of the Clinton AreaChamber of Commerce to Have the Positive Voices of Our Community Heard focus on how different generationsexperience Clinton differently, but ultimately also make it their own and pass it along.

As a reminder, the monthly themes are:

Themes for 2015:

May - “A Mother's Perspective on the Clinton Area”June - “A Father's Perspective on the Clinton Area”

July - “My Plan to Get Out And Meet My Neighbors”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 happy tocome to your place of business to introduce myself. You can eitheremail me at nsondgeroth@clintonia.com or call my colleague, KarenFriis, at 563-242-5702 to set up a time.

Until next time, I'm at your service,

Nathan

3

New Member SpotlightBUSH CONSTRUCTION

At Bush Construction, building is our passion.

Not only are we building quality projects, we are building careers, communityinvolvement, and long-term customer relationships.

Bush Construction is proud to be a Davenport-based commercial building enti-ty of the McCarthy-Bush Corporation family of companies. McCarthy-BushCorporation has a storied history spanning well over 100 years. Patrick F.McCarthy started the McCarthy Improvement Company in 1897. Their earlyprojects included construction on notable Quad Cities icons such as theCentennial Bridge and the upper floors of the Blackhawk Hotel. Other landmarkprojects followed like the construction on Lock and Dams No. 21, No. 10, No. 13,No. 11 and No. 19 as well as construction on the Clinton Bridge.

Bush Construction has followed in the footsteps of Patrick F. McCarthy by build-ing landmark projects that will stand the next 100 years. The success of theseprojects all starts with the integrity of our people. Our tagline “Building on afoundation of Integrity” is how we conduct ourselves each and every day. AtBush Construction, we impose the highest ethical standards upon ourselves. Weare fair to our clients, our subcontractor and supplier partners, and our employ-ees.

The strong foundation upon which Bush Construction was built has led tomany company successes. Now one of the top commercial contractors in thegreater Quad Cities market, Bush Construction has also been named the 3rdfastest growing private company in Iowa by Inc. Magazine and was awarded theBetter Business Bureau's Integrity Award in 2014.

We provide Construction Management, Design-Build, General Contracting, Pre-Construction, and LEED services in many market sectors including: Civic &Government, Education, Healthcare, Industrial/Manufacturing, Office,Retail/Mixed-Use, Multi-Family Residential and Hospitality.

The SBDC helps unlock the potential of any business by providing business expertise normally reserved for large, established companies.

SBDC Services

• Free, confidential, customized business counseling in all 99 Iowa counties;

• Assists business with up to 500 employees;• Serve both existing businesses and start-ups;• Conduct low cost workshops that teach practical skills and

techniques to business owners and entrepreneurs;• The only nationally accredited entrepreneurial development

organization in Iowa

Counseling

We provide free one-on-one confidential business counseling by trainedstaff professionals and volunteer business analysts with experience as business owners or executives. The SBDC offers counseling on a broad list oftopics including, but not limited to:• Start Up Issues• Writing a Business Plan• Loan Applications Process• Licensing and Permits• Marketing• Hiring and Managing Employees• Financial Management and Bookkeeping• Legal and Tax Issues• Home-based Business Opportunities

Sessions available in Clinton on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Call Kathy at 563-336-3401 for details and appointments.

www.iasbdc.org

Free Business Counseling in Clinton

April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com4

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

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

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

Clapper Award MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

The Chamber would like to thank the following members for renewing their memberships during the month of March 2015.

60+ yearsClinton National Bank 63

30+ yearsMediacom Communications 39Ascentra Credit Union 30Wendy's Old-Fashioned Hamburgers 30

20+ yearsInformation, Referral & Assistance Services 29Iowa-American Water Co. 28American Speedy Printing Center 24

10+ yearsSusan P. Tugana 19City of Fulton 15Central Bank Fulton 14BeautiControl Director - Carissa Evans 13Clinton Art Association 13Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor 10

1+ yearsHabitat for Humanity of Clinton County, Inc. 8Wee School for Little People 6The Sawmill Museum 4Jennifer Graf 1

Congratulations to Chris Remrey of Hy-Veewho was the recipient of the Clinton Area

Chamber of Commerce CLAPPER AWARD forExcellence in Customer Service. Chris was

nominated by the staff at Clinton Urgent Carewho gave several reasons for their nomination.

Here are a few:“because he goes above andbeyond, puts his heart and soul into his cook-ing and his job, is always very polite and dedi-cated, and always has a smile on his face. Chrisis very dedicated to HyVee. It shows he cares

about his customers in the quality of his work. ”

Thank you to Ashford University for being the sponsor of this award.

To nominate someone for the CLAPPERAWARD, please contact the Chamber at

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

Dr. Charles Minnick

Dr. Charles Minnick currently serves as Vice President/Campus Director for the AshfordUniversity Clinton Campus. Previously he served for 8 _ years he served as Dean of theForbes School of Business at Ashford. Before Ashford he spent ten years at Saint AmbroseUniversity in Davenport, Iowa. His last position there was Associate Director of the Mastersof Organizational Leadership program. Minnick's Bachelor Degree and MBA are both fromSaint Ambrose and his Ph.D. is in Management and Decision Sciences with a concentrationin Leadership and Organizational Change from Walden University in Minneapolis. He has

done consulting work in the areas of employee motivation, business ethics, improving team performance, strategic planning,and conflict management, and has presented at conferences across the United Sates. In July of 2015 he was appointed by IowaGovernor Branstad to serve on the Iowa Commission of Volunteer Service.

In 2009 Minnick was recognized for excellence in teaching by the Commission for Accelerated Programs. He was one of threeaward recipients from across the United States. In 2010, he received Bridgepoint Education's “Best in Class” award. This is pre-sented to Bridgepoint Education employees who best exemplify Bridgepoint Education's commitment to Quality, Caring, andInnovation. He is also co-author of a textbook entitled”The Five Functions of Effective Management.”

Meet Our Board Member...

T hank you!

April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com

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

Nate KreinbrinkNelsonCorp Wealth Management1st Vice Chair

Tom MoserMedical Associates2nd Vice Chair

Jennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurer

Sara MisiewiczClinton National BankCVB Board Chair

Dr. Mark SchroederIowa State University ExtensionPast Chairperson

Board of DirectorsShane BuerMercy Medical Center

Dean BrainerdADM Corn Processing

Diane ChristensenThe Insurance Group

Gerry FreudenbergIowa-American Water Co.

Lori FreudenbergSisters of St. Francis

Eric HeldingNestle Purina PetCare Co.

Daniel HousengaLyondellBasell

Charlie MinnickAshford University

Rich PhelanNelsonCorp Wealth Management

Mike RastrelliRastrelli's Restaurant

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

Breton WilliamsFirst Wealth Financial Group

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

5

2 Chamber Board Planning Session, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

3 CVB Technology Committee, 11:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

7 Women in Business Committee, 8:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Leadership Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

8 Community Image Task Force, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Local & Government Affairs Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.

9 Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.ABC's of Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

11 Legislative Coffee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

12 Father-Daughter Dance, 2:00 p.m., Vista Grande (reservations required)

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

14 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center.CVB Wayfinding Committee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.ABWA, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

15 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino.Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Ribbon Cutting, 1:30 p.m., for River City Resume at the Chamber of Commerce.

16 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce.Program of Work Committee, 2:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.Historic Preservation Commission, 4:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.Brinkman Building Center, 5:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

21 Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Executive Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of CommerceYoung Living Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

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

23 Clinton Landlord's Association, 6:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

24 Budget & Finance Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of CommerceAmbassadors, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce

28 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center.Essentials4U, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce/

29 Ribbon Cutting, 10:30 a.m., Barnes and Noble at Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Blvd.Toot Your Own Horn, 6:00 p.m., The Tuscany (reservations required)

30 Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.Thomson Prison Task Force, 2:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

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

Camanche, Iowa and Fulton, Illinois.

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

E-Mail:chamber@clintonia.com

Web Address:www.clintonia.com

6 April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com

New MembersW elcomeW elcomeChamber Website

Information

Did you know that yourmembership includes

the following:

Job PostingsHot Deals

News Releases

Call for more informationon how to put this on

our website.

Like us on facebook –look for Clinton Area

Chamber

Awesometown Music/Video Production

Awesometown Music is a not-for-profit business located on the corner of 4th Street and 10th Avenue, 1001 4th Streetin the old Fulton Township building. This music/art studio does double duty, providing a place for musicians andartists to work. We basically provide a platform for musicians and artists to pursue their passion. People of all ages areinvited to get involved. If you want to help draw a mural, record your band, learn to plan an instrument, be an instruc-tor or participate or volunteer for one of our workshops, retreats or festivals, we have a spot for you. Contact BobWhitten at 563-613-3236.

Economic Growth Corporation

Economic Growth Corporation is rebuilding communities block by block, improving quality of life, creating jobs andcreating a positive economic impact. Celebrating over 30 years and $160 million in leveraged resources, we have per-severed as one of the nation's best community-based development corporations. Since its beginning, EGC has beendirectly involved in downtown revitalization and management, historic preservation, housing renovation, neighbor-hood stabilization, new construction, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention and intervention that continue tobuild a better future. We are very excited about the Wilson Building project in downtown Clinton and are looking for-ward to working with the community. Call us at 309-788-6311 or check out our website at www.liveRI.com

First Baptist Church

Located at 2020 North 3rd Street, First Baptist Church is a multi-generational Christian fellowship focused upon 'lov-ing God and sharing His love with our community'. 'Not a religion, but a relationship'. Contact Lead Pastor Ron Lott orAssociate Pastor Jerry Danzinger at 563-242-0811. Check out our website at www.clintonfbc.net.

Fox Legal Support Service, LLC

We offer private investigation, legal investigation, process service, court runner/document retrieval, notary/mortgagesignings and related services. Give Kenneth Fox a call at 563-613-1829 or email foxlegal1@yahoo.com

Ribbon Cuttings

Clinton HeraldCelebrating a progress award for receiving 28 state awards.

7

First Baptist ChurchWelcome to the church and congregation for joining the Chamber.

Clinton’s Getting Ahead in a Just- Getting’-By-WorldCelebrating their membership to the Chamber.

Awesometown Music/Video ProductionsCongratulations on your new business and joining the Chamber.

Fox Legal Support ServicesCongratulations on your new business and joining the Chamber.

Thrivent FinancialWelcome to Chris Wilkinson for joining the Clinton team.

April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com8

2015 Chamber Events

Father/Daughter DanceSunday, April 12

Women in BusinessSpring Dinner with

SpeakerThursday, May 14

142nd Annual Meetingand Awards Dinner

Thursday, June 4

Family Night at theBallpark

Wednesday, July 15

Chamber Golf PlaydayFriday, July 31

Girl’s Night OutThursday, October 22

The Elf BeforeChristmas Mixpo

Thursday, November 19

Joni Krogman Director, Chamber Operations

Spring is that time of year to freshen up inside and out our businesses, homes, cars andthings around us. We also have a fresh look to our Member Information Center. On April 13,2015, we will be switching to our new version. See below Q&A from ChamberMaster onwhy the upgrade is important and helpful to you our members.

Member Information Center Upgrade v4

Q: What is the Member Information Center?

A: The Member Information Center (MIC) gives your members easy access to pay their bills, update their contact information,post jobs and deals, and provides other member benefits depending on the version that you have.

Q: Why are we upgrading to Member Information Center version 4?

A: We are committed to providing the best experience for your members, better tools for you and your staff, and a platform thatis feature-rich. We believe the updated Member Information Center (MIC) version 4 provides that experience, and we don't wantyou to miss out

Q: Do you suggest I notify my members?

A: We have heard that MIC v4 is so intuitive that members know how to navigate immediately. The interface is similar to otheronline password-protected environments in that the logout and personal account settings are located in the upper right handcorner under their name. All other commonly used features have buttons prominently displayed on-screen including a Pay Billsbutton front and center if any invoices exist on their account.

A few features for the MIC include:

Clean design The straight-forward layout is built for ease-of-use and finding information quickly.Social networking No need to “friend” or join. Members can interact and share business best practices, build

relationships, share articles and other content of interest with each other immediately.Easily update profile Members can easily update contact information, upload their photo, and choose preferences and

other account settings.

Chamber Trends with Joni

Biz Bits

9

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

Honkamp Krueger Moves Up on AccountingToday's ListHonkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK) moved up eight spots, from 74to 66, on Accounting Today's list of the Top 100 CPA firms in theU.S. HK was also ranked as the eighth-fastest-growing CPA firm inthe nation and recognized as the fastest-growing Top 100 CPAfirm in the Midwest. (Accounting Today, March 2015)

Jon Thoms, CPA, MBA, partner-in-charge of the Clinton market,states,“We have a great staff of over 400 professional that provide40-plus services to our clients. Being recognized as one of thefastest growing firms in the country is a tribute to both our staffand our clients that utilize our many services and refer friendsand business associates to the HK family of companies.”

For more information about HK, please visit the firm's website atwww.honkamp.com.

Family Resources Leadership TransitionThe Family Resources Board of Directors is pleased to announcethat Mary Macumber Schmidt, MCJ, will assume the role ofPresident of Family Resources. Mary has been with FamilyResources for nearly 20 years, and has served in the capacity ofVice President since 2008. As Vice President, her focus has beenthe day-to-day operations of all programs and services and lead-ership roles with key strategic plan initiatives.

Mary's extensive history and leadership with the organization,knowledge of the social service field and passion for FamilyResources and its clients will be pivotal as she leads FamilyResources in the years to come.

Mississippi River Distilling Forms A UniquePartnershipThere are not many flavors more quintessential to the Quad Citiesthan Boetje's Mustard. Now with the help of a local distillery, thisclassic is getting a new twist. This Friday, Boetje's and MississippiRiver Distilling Company will take the wraps off of their new col-laboration. “Boetje's Bourbon Barrel Aged Mustard” has soakedfor over a month in used Cody Road Bourbon casks.

Ryan Burchett, owner and distiller at Mississippi River DistillingCompany, said he didn't have to think twice about the project. “Itwas a total no-brainer for us. We were humbled to have such anestablished brand like Boetje's reach out to us for something likethis. It's an honor to have our name on the same label as one ofour all-time favorites.”

The distillery gave Kropp some oak whiskey casks that had beenused to age Cody Road Bourbon Whiskey. After soaking for morethan 30 days in the barrel, the mustard is ground and preparedfor sale. “It brings a unique sweetness to our mustard along withthe signature Boetje's punch.” added Kropp. “I think this one isgoing to be a big hit once the grills start firing up.”

“Our brand is all about being local.” said Burchett. “Cody RoadBourbon is made from grain sourced directly from local farmerswithin 25 miles of our distillery. So to find a new local partner todo something totally different like this is a ton of fun for us.”

The mustard is being made in small batches. Initially it will onlybe available at the gift shops at Boetje's and Mississippi RiverDistilling Company.

Ashford University Student Group Plans Science FairPart of Ashford University's Ladd Science Building will be trans-formed into a gigantic science laboratory when Ashford's MuSigma Eta organization hosts a Science Fair on Saturday, April 11.

Local students, from third grade through eighth grade, are invitedto showcase their science projects from 10 a.m. until noon. Thepublic is invited to view the students' exhibits and demonstra-tions that, in the past, have included a wide variety of subjects,from volcanoes and astronomy to geology and animal behavior.

The competition will be divided into two divisions - grades 3-5and grades 6-8 - with prizes being presented to the top entries ineach division during an awards ceremony at 11:45 a.m. All entrieswill receive a certificate of participation.

Mu Sigma Eta is a campus group comprised of honor studentsfrom the fields of biology, chemistry, and mathematics. The grouppromotes the scientific development of its members. Admissionis by faculty invitation only.

For more information on the science fair or to obtain a registra-tion form, contact Lee Salazar at 563.242.4023, ext. 7865.

St. Ambrose Physical Therapy Department toCollect Mobility Equipment for DevelopingCountriesThe Physical Therapy Department at St. Ambrose University isteaming up with Iowa Wheels for the World to collect and distrib-ute wheelchairs and other mobility equipment to people withdisabilities around the world. Manual wheelchairs, aluminumcrutches and canes, and foldable walkers (and/or any parts relat-ed to these items) can be dropped off Friday and Saturday, April10 and 11, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the St. Ambrose Center for HealthSciences Education, 1320 W. Lombard Street, Davenport. TheCenter may be reached by entering the Genesis Medical Centercampus from Lombard Street and taking the second right.

All mobility equipment will be taken to restoration facilitieshoused in regional prisons where trained inmates will prepare itfor shipment. Mission teams will fit the equipment to recipientsand train them in its use.

Monetary donations will also be accepted to help cover therestoration costs and student expenses associated with subse-quent outreach and delivery trips.

For more information or to make a monetary donation, contactBarr at 563/333-6404 or BarrJohnO@sau.edu.

Citizens First Bank Announces 2014 Results at2015 Annual Shareholders' MeetingCFB Holding Company, the parent organization for Citizens FirstBank, held its annual shareholders' meeting at the bank's mainfacility at 1442 Lincoln Way in Clinton. Attendees were welcomedby Board of Directors Chairman Bart Baker.

Tom Soenksen, President & CEO, provided the shareholders withhighlights of the bank's 14th year in business. Key financial resultsincluded assets at year-ending 2014 of $175.2 million which wasan increase of 7% over 2013. He stated that the bank had solidcore performance even as challenges continue for the financialservices industry. Citizens First Bank held firm and experiencedgrowth exceeding peers in the market. Praises went out to theCFB staff for their hard work and dedication.

Tom Soenksen also remarked that the 2014 expansion projectcompleted at the Lincoln Way facility will help growth continue atCFB. The additional work space and features provide the commu-nity, customers, and employees a better and more engaging serv-ice environment. March 14th marks the banks 15th anniversary inbusiness as a premier locally owned, locally managed communitybank.

Ashford University Faculty Member Pens First BookWhat started off as his dissertation for his Ph.D. in English has cul-minated in the first published book for Dr. Chase Pielak.“Memorializing Animals during the Romantic Period” was recentlypublished by Ashgate Publishing.

“I noticed during a nineteenth-century literature class in graduateschool that animals appeared in a novel by George Eliot whenher understandings of the human and living together were dis-rupted,” said Pielak, who has been teaching English compositionand literature courses at Ashford University for the past fouryears.“Then I started to see them everywhere operating in thesame way. And I wanted people reading my favorite texts to havea way to understand the creatures that they encounter in them,and perhaps also themselves.”

“Memorializing Animals during the Romantic Period” can beobtained from ashgate.com, amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, andother booksellers.

Pielak lives in Bettendorf, Iowa with his wife and four children.

2015 Officers for the CorporationRich Phelan (NelsonCorp Wealth Management), CHAIR

John Eisenman (Abstract & Title Guaranty Co.), FIRST VICE CHAIR

Ryan Veenstra (Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes), VICE CHAIR

Lou Egging (Egging Company) VICE CHAIR

Bruce Christensen (U.S. Bank), MEMBER

Steve Shupp (Alliant Energy), MEMBER

Tom Fullerton (Retired), MEMBER

Bob Simpson (Big River Packaging), SECRETARY

Brig Tubbs (Gateway State Bank), TREASURER

Steve Howes (Howes & Jefferies), PAST CHAIR

Mayor Mark Vulich (City of Clinton) EX-OFFICIO

2015 Board of DirectorsCurt Allen (Clinton County Farm Bureau)

Jeff Beckwith (Beckwith Commercial Roofing)

Christopher Cain (LyondellBasell)

Terry Callahan (Agri-King)

George Chamberlain (Direct Packaging)

Pete Clausen (Clausen Companies)

Mary Connell (Air Control)

Tom Determann (Retired)

Gerry Freudenberg (Iowa-American Water Co.)

Eric Helding (Nestle-Purina)

Thomas Hesselmann (Retired)

Bob Holesinger (Quality Concrete)

Larry Huinker (Rail.One)

Eric Johnson (J.T. Cullen)

Mike Johnson (Clinton Engineering)

Charlie Minnick (Ashford University)

Casey Moore (Union Pacific Railroad)

Tom Moser (Medical Associates)

Gary Saelens (Gateway State Bank)

Dave Sivright (Retired)

Thomas Soenksen (Citizens First Bank)

Steven Thacker (Clinton National Bank)

Jon Thoms (Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C.)

Dr. Karen Vickers (Clinton Community College)

Sean Williams (Mercy Medical Center)

Jim Woll (ADM Corn Processing)

City of CamancheCity of FultonClinton CountyClinton Community SchoolsDavid Rose (Iowa DOT Commissioner)

Ex-Officio'sCity of Low Moor

Camanche Community Schools

Iowa State University Extension

Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

DeWitt Chamber & Economic Development

Riverbend School District

Senator Rita Hart

Rep MaryWolfe

April 2015CHAMBERNews www.clintonia.com10

If you haven't already, check out our new website www.clintondevelopment.com

As you can tell from this excerpt from our homepage, we are proud to promote our strongworkforce and other regional strengths:

Our reliable, skilled workforce makes for an undeniable first impression.

The Midwest was built by men and women who know how to harness the resources andmaintain the quality of life that makes our region the Heartland of this nation. This way of lifeis exemplified by the Greater Clinton Region, comprised of Clinton County, Iowa, andWhiteside County, Illinois.

Our Region's quality of life is maintained through the economic security of our residents andthe growth and prosperity of our businesses, both large and small. Addressing these chal-lenges is the mandate of The Clinton Regional Development Corporation (CRDC), a certified501(c)(4) Economic Development Corporation. CRDC staff works with our members who sharea desire to grow our region's economy, including businesses, non-profit organizations, institu-tions of education, and passionate community leaders.

Successful organizations and businesses choose to locate in a region like ours because theyrequire efficiency for their business and a high standard of living for their employees. TheGreater Clinton Region is capable of providing a business with what it needs to be profitableand successful. Over 37 million people live within a three hour radius of our region, offeringquick access to major metropolitan areas, a robust supply chain and a gateway to internationaltrade.

The Clinton Regional Development Corporation represents our exceptional community.Whether you are an entrepreneur with an exciting idea, a non-profit providing valuable servic-es to the community, a small business looking to expand, or a large business looking for a sta-ble basis of operations, we will be your partner every step of the way.

News From the CRDC

11

Women's Bowling Update

Since the announcement last year that Clinton & Camanche will be hosting the Iowa Women'sState Bowling Tournament in 2016, we have been fairly quiet on the subject. The work has beenongoing, however, and the local bowling associations have moved forward to organize the localtournament for next year.

Work has included: continued fundraising, coordination with the state bowling authorities,inspections of the bowling centers in Clinton & Camanche, preliminary arrangements for hospital-ity, discussions about transportationoptions for the tournament partici-pants, as well as brainstorming forhow to best market our area to the

bowling teams from aroundthe state. Phew! It's been a lotof work, but all very excitingand fun to know that Clinton &Camanche will have theopportunity to host the tour-nament for the first time in 65years!

This year's tournament iscurrently underway inCedar Rapids. The con-vention weekend took

place from March 20 - 22 at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. The Clinton &Camanche Women's Bowling Associations, along with the Convention &Visitors Bureau took special measures to reach out to the bowlers to invitethem to the 2016 tournament.

We gave away promotional items to encourage registrations next year -including bowling ball towels that use the tournament logo,“Clinton &Camanche - we're right up your alley!” The ladies also gave out caramel corn,visitor information and a variety of door prizes. It was a fun way to promote the community and show our potential guests that we are makingpreparations to host them next year. We are confident that we'll have a great turnout for the state bowling tournament in 2016!

As the date approaches, the Convention & Visitors Bureau will be reaching out to area businesses with more information. Stay tuned for how youand your business can get involved and help us welcome the Iowa State USBC Women's Bowling Association to Clinton & Camanche!

News From the Convention & Visitors Bureau

P.O. Box 1024, Clinton, IA 52733-1024

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Presort StandardUS Postage

PaidClinton, Iowa

Permit #3

Building our community through membership.CHAMBERNews

12

ShamROCK 2015 Wrap-UpThanks to everyone that attended and volunteered theShamROCK 2015 event on March 17 at Vinnies. A specialthanks to our sponsors: Title: Vinnie’s Lounge, Platinum:Necker’s Jewelers, Gold: Gateway State Bank, Silver: AirControl, Inc., Banner Home Furnishings, Clover HillsAppliance Center, Déjà vu Furniture & Accessories,Lectronics, Inc., LyondellBasell, McGraw Accounting & TaxService, Richard J. Phelan, and Zirkelbach Refrigeration, Inc.