CHAMBER NEWSLife With a River View

Volume 30+May 2018+Number 5

A Message from your President

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Maureen MillerPresident & CEO

As I write this, it seems as though Spring may finally come to Clinton! Mother Nature can be a fickle lady, but with any luck she’s finished toying with us. The sunshine revives the weary winter spirit and brings positive attitudes that help get things done.

We received great news from the state that brought sunshine to the dreary early spring. Chamber member Bob Simpson, president of Big River Packaging Company, was honored as

Iowa’s 2018 SBA Small Business Person of the Year. Iowa SBA Director Jayne Armstrong met Simpson late last year when she presented the company a different award. She was impressed with Simpson’s business philosophy, namely, that the success of the company is attributable to the employees. As one of 52 winners from around the United States, Simpson will be honored for his accomplishment in Iowa, and has a chance of being named 2018 National Small Busi-ness Person of the Year in Washington, DC.

We are proud of Bob and Big River Packaging, and will be rooting for him to win the award at the national level. Congratulations Bob and the Big River Packaging family!

Perhaps by the time you read this the Iowa legislature will have adjourned. For now, however, we are waiting for the end of the session and hoping that the hotel-motel tax amendment will pass the Senate and become law. There has been a great deal of effort put forth by many people from the City, the Chamber and the CVB to make this happen and we are cautiously optimistic that this could be the year.

The start of spring brings with it activities all around. May will blow by with Mother’s Day and graduation celebrations. The Chamber’s next Biz After 5 will be May 10th at Zirkelbach Home Appliance on 5th Ave. S. The Chamber’s 146th Annual Meeting follows, on June 8th at the Moose Lodge. Mark the date for the meeting, awards presentation, and a casino night.

On the evening of June 15th, a representative from Gateway Travel and CIE Tours will be here to talk about the upcoming Chamber trip to Ireland in September. It promises to be a wonderful tour, so think about getting together with a group of travel buddies and joining the fun on this 8-day, 7-night, inclusive tour of the northern part of the Emerald Isle.

July 27th is the date for the Chamber’s Annual Golf PlayDay, and August will be busy with “last of the summer” activities. In the meantime, Finally Fridays, Music on the Avenue and Market Music will be filling the summer nights with a variety of musical genres for the community’s enjoyment.

Don’t forget to get your tickets and make your reservations for the Showboat Theatre’s terrific line-up of shows. The box office opens May 22nd and Jesus Christ Superstar will be the open-ing show on June 5th. Check the lineup at www.clintonshowboat.org and “don’t miss the boat”!

Please keep us informed of your events and activities. We love to share our members’ informa-tion on our Facebook page and in our weekly emails. There’s a lot to do and we want to make sure people know what’s happening!

As always, as you enjoy all our community has to offer, remember to be a good ambassador for the city you call home.

Don’t forget to always Celebrate Clinton!

Maureen

CHAMBER STAFFMaureen MillerPresident & CEO

Karen FriisAdministrative Services Coordinator

Stacy KelleyMember Engagement Coordinator

Mary SeelyCVB Director

Ari LewerenzCVB Marketing Coordinator

Timiri DethmannAccountant & Business Manager

A Message from your President...

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30+ years Brown’s Shoe Fit 30 Timken Drives LLC 30 Witt’s Small Engine Clinic, Inc. 30

20+ years O’Donnell Ace Hardware 28 Prince of Peace Catholic School 28 RK Dixon 21 Gateway State Bank 20 Genesis VNA & Hospice 20 Total Truck Service Center 20

10+ years Gateway Door Company 19 Rittmer, Inc. 19 Sedona Staffing Service 19 Midwest Vision Clinic 18 Clinton Art Association/River Arts Center 17 Fareway Stores Inc. 16 Clinton Harley-Davidson, Inc. 15

Dental Offices, LLC 15 George Curtis Mansion/Clinton Women’s Club 15 Foster’s Creations 14 Kohl’s Department Stores Inc. #565 14 Advanced Business Systems 11 Goodwill Stores 11 Good Samaritan Society Services @ Home 10 Legend’s Sports Bar & Grill 10 Pizza Ranch 10

1+ years Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape Maintenance 9 Gateway Contemporary Ballet 9 730 Enterprises 5 Russell Construction Company 5 Downtown Clinton Alliance 4 Bush Construction 3 Brand Safway LLC 1 The Landing of Clinton 1

The Chamber would like to thank the following members for renewing their Chamber memberships in April 2018.

Thank you for renewing your membership!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS - April

Drink SlingersDrink Slingers provides an upbeat atmosphere on the avenue, offering a wide variety of mixed drinks & beers – including 11 beers on draft. We offer drink specials daily. Visit us at 92 Main Avenue. Free Spirit Yoga Fitness, LLCFree Spirit Yoga Fitness is located at 127 6th Avenue South in Clinton. We are a non-traditional yoga studio that focuses on fusing yoga and innovative fitness practices. Our mission is to help women, children and men heal from the inside out in order to reach their goals. We provide a variety of classes that help connect the mind and body to reach goals such as mental clarity, increased strength, increased endurance, flexi-bility and weight loss. Give Kelli Jahn a call at 563-570-3120 or visit the website at www.fsyogafitness.com. Hook’s PubHook’s Pub is an Irish pub and has established itself as a live music venue featuring 27 beers on draft (the most taps in Clinton County!). Visit us at 318 North 4th Street. KT3Our mission is to help people grow physically, mentally and emotionally – reaching their fullest potential through means of fitness, motivation and the love of God. Visit us at 900 4th Street in Fulton or call us at 815-208-7287. www.kt3fitness.com

Luigi’s Woodfire PizzeriaLuigi’s Woodfire Pizzeria is a family owned business that offers home-made sauces and garden fresh veggies. We have salads, soups, wings, sandwiches, calzones, pizza and specialize in fish & shrimp on Friday and Saturday evenings. Visit us at 208 Main Avenue or give us a call at 563-219-8558.

On the Go Too! TAXIWe specialize in Contracted Taxi and Pharmacy Prescription Delivery Service and Two Vehicles in Service At All Times. We provide Taxi services, Medical Transportation, Cab Services, Short and Long Trips. We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Cash, Debit Cards, All Major Cards Accepted. Call us at 563-219-3303 or visit www.onthegotootaxi.com. Party Times DJ & Karaoke Service by Michelle MitchellI am passionate about providing personalized music for your event or party! I have been in business for 24 years, and love what I do! “Let my music bring your party to life”. Call me at 563-210-7570. Teen Resources of America, Inc.We are an organization that builds community-based partnerships provid-ing teens with vital resources, programs and opportunities that are essen-tial for the development of life skills, in a safe and positive environment. We are located inside the Gateway Area Community Center at 1850 So. Bluff Blvd. Call Lisa Shuman at 850-303-4356 for more information.

Welcome... NEW MEMBERS!

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2JR Pizza Enterprises, LLC Aaron’s Sales & Lease Adcraft Printwear Co. ADM Corn Processing Aegis Credit Union Agri-King Inc. Air Control, Inc. Albert’s Jewelers Allstate Insurance Alter Trading Corporation Alverno Health Care Facility American Electric Inc. American Family Insurance - Joe Leonard Agency, Inc. American Heart Association Area Business Women’s Connection Ashford University- Clinton Campus B & E Machine Company, Inc. Barnes and Noble at Clinton Community College Beckwith Commercial Roofing, Inc. Bent Business Marketing Best Lifestyle - Shaklee Bickford Cottage Big Brothers Big Sisters of Clinton Big River Packaging Billion Auto Bodine Services of Clinton LLC Brad Florence Brand Safway LLC Brand Energy Solutions Brinkman Building Center Brocolo Design & Advertising Brown’s Shoe Fit Buffalo Wild Wings Build to Suit, Inc. Bunge North America Burger King Burger King (West) Candlelight Inn Cardiovascular Medicine, P.C. Carpetland USA of Clinton, Inc. Charles L. Duax Insurance & Financial Services Child Care Resource and Referral of Southeast Iowa Cindy Kiester - Norwex Independent Consultant City of Camanche Classic Bodyworks, Inc. Clausen Supply Trucking & Warehousing Clinton Area Showboat Theatre Clinton Art Association/River Arts Center Clinton Auto Group Clinton Back and Neck Family Wellness Clinton Builders Club Clinton Catalyst, LLC Clinton Council PTA Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency Clinton Engineering Co., Inc. Clinton Family Dental Clinton Floral Shop Clinton Herald Clinton Humane Society Clinton Jaycees Clinton Landlords Association, Inc. Clinton Moose 363/474 Clinton MS Support Group Clinton Mutual Plate Glass Clinton Occupational Health & Midwest Therapy Centers Clinton Rotary Club

Clinton Symphony Orchestra Clover Hills Appliance Center Clysar, LLC Collis Inc. Collis Toolholder Corporation Colony Brands, Inc. and SC Data Center, Inc. Community Health Care, Inc. Comprehensive Rehab Inc. Core-Vens & Co., Inc. Corner Deli & Ice Cream Shoppe Cornerstone Wellness Center Culver’s of Clinton Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape Maintenance D and S Moving DaBo, LLC Dan Srp Danisco - DuPont Nutrition & Health Darling Ingredients Inc. David Rose Deanna’s Java Station Deb Wiese’s Bookkeeping & Tax Service Deja Vu Furniture & Accessories Dental Offices, LLC Dependable Drain & Plumbing Determann Asphalt Paving, LLC Downtown Clinton Alliance DuTrac Community Credit Union Eagle Point Health Care Center Eagle River Liquor East Central Intergovernmental Association Eastern Iowa Light & Power Cooperative Eastern Iowa Propane & Petro, Ltd. Eastern Iowa Tire Economic Growth Corporation Edward Jones - Tom Timion, Investment Representative Employer’s Council of Iowa (ECI) Employer’s Service Bureau, Inc. Essentials4u Estes Construction Family Resources, Inc. Fareway Stores Inc. Farm Bureau Financial Services Farwell & Bruhn Finally Friday at the River First Baptist Church First Wealth Financial Group Fisher House Bed & Breakfast Focus Services Frey, Haufe & Current, P.L.C. Fulton Meat Market Gabel Chiropractic Gil’s Bar & Grill Grand Mound Cooperative Telephone Association Great River Threshers H&R Block Habitat for Humanity of Clinton County, Inc. Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream Parlor Hinkle Surveying, LLC Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. HomeGrown Graphics Honkamp Krueger & Co., PC Howes & Jefferies Realtors, LLP Independent Energy Systems Inc. Independent Investment Services Indiana, Illinois and Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting Infinity Medical Group Iowa-American Water Co.

J.T. Cullen Co., Inc. Jacobs Field Services Jacqueline A. Rutledge, CPA JEG Enterprise LLC, dba Imperial Lanes Jenny Rice Graphic Design Johnson Oil Company Julie Allesee K&R Public Scale Inc Kaplan University Keeping You Sewing Kelley Girls Woodfire Pizza Kelly Heating & Air Conditioning Ken Kroemer Insurance Kiwanis Club of Clinton Kohl’s Department Stores Inc.#565 Lectronics Inc. Legend’s Sports Bar & Grill Lemke Funeral Homes Leslie Electric Services, Inc. Lloyd’s Plan Inc. Lockhart & Law Insurance Agency Manny’s Too Manpower Inc. Mary Kaster Independent Beauty Consultant - Mary Kay McClure Engineering Associates, Inc. McDonalds - Lincolnway McDonalds - N 2nd St McGraw Accounting & Tax Service Mediacom Communications Mercy Medical Center - Clinton Midwest Business Products Midwest Pets For Life Midwest Vision Clinic Miner Gilroy & Meade CPAs, PC Morrison Institute of Technology NAPA Premier Parts, Inc. Necker’s Jewelers NelsonCorp Wealth Management Nestle Purina PetCare Company New Choices, Inc. New Directions Nutrition Plus Old Town Family Restaurant Padgett Business Services Pape Funeral Home, Inc. Park Vista Senior Housing Management Peaceful River Creations Pelham, Inc., d/b/a Plaza Bowl Petersen Hagge Furniture Petersen Sanitary Cleaning Phelan - Management Consulting Planet Auto Prairie Hills at Clinton, LLC Prince of Peace Catholic School Property Development Assoc. Quad City Area Realtor Association Quality Concrete Co. Rail.One Ray’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill Regency Retirement Residence Republic Services Rittmer, Inc. River Cities Tennis Association River City Fencing Co. RK Dixon RK Graphics Rock Valley Physical Therapy Rockin Rhoni’s Unique Boutique Ruden-Forrest Chiropractic PC Russ & Karen Wiersema Scrap Iron & Metal Russell Construction Company

Sarah Harding SATO Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Domino’s Sauk Valley Media Sedona Staffing Service Service Oil Company ServiceMaster of Clinton Sethness Products Company Shoe Sensation #632 Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa Sloan Implement Slop’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes and Crematory Snyder & Associates, Inc. Soderstrom Skin Institute Steines Construction LLC Sterling Federal Bank -- Clinton Sue Raaymakers Sukar & Sons of Iowa, Inc. d/b/a Cricket Wireless Summit Lake Coffee Co. Susan P. Tugana Sweet Woodruff Taco John’s Tegeler Music TEMP Associates The A.C. Root Agency, Inc. The Arch The Bicycle Station & Jensen Oil Co. The Carpet Cleaner The Healing Place The Insurance Group The Landing The Salvation Army The Sherwin-Williams Company Timber Lake Playhouse Tom Determann Tom McManus Backhoe & Truck Service, Inc. Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council Triple Play Tupperware Turner Electric Co. TYCOGA Vineyard & Winery UFP Technologies Ultimate Practice Solutions Union Pacific Railroad Unity Christian School US Cellular/Clinton Vibrant Credit Union Victory Center Ministries Village Cooperative Vista Grande Visual Imaging, Inc. Voss Brothers Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Wagner Pharmacy Wal-Mart SuperCenter Walgreens Walgreens Wendling Quarries, Inc. WestRock Wide River Winery Wild Rose Casino & Resort Windmill Realty Winkel, Parker & Foster, CPA PC Wolfe Beverage Company, Inc. Women’s Health Services YWCA Clinton Zirkelbach Home Appliances

Member PLUSThis is a list of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce members who have attained Member PLUS status during April 2018!

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Meetings 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.

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1 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center. 2 Annual Meeting Planning Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 3 Ribbon Cutting, 9:30 a.m., Skyline Center, 2604 No. 4th Street. Leadership Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. ABC’s of Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 4 DCA Marketing Committee, 8:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. 5 Coffee with the Candidates, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. 8 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center. Des Moines/DC Trip Wrap-Up Meeting, 2:00 p.m., Clinton Municipal Airport. 9 Annual Meeting Planning Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. CVB Marketing Committee, 12:00 Noon, Clinton National Bank. 10 Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Local & Government Affairs, 12:00 Noon, Rastrelli’s. Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. Ribbon Cutting, 2:00 p.m., for Brocolo Design & Advertising at Riverview Drive. Biz After 5, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Zirkelbach Appliance, 225 5th Avenue South. Vision 8 Committee, 7:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 14 Miss Clinton County Scholarship Program Board, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 15 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center. Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m, Chamber of Commerce. Young Living Essential Oils, 6:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 16 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino. Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. Annual Meeting Planning Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 17 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Location TBD. Ribbon Cutting, 1:30 p.m., DuTrac Community Credit Union, 2900 So. 25th Street, Suite A. 21 Ribbon Cutting, 10:00 a.m., Beckwith Commercial Roofing, 1801 So. 21st Street. 22 Leadership Institute, 8:00 a.m., CCC Tech Center. Executive Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 23 Mercy Medical Center, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. CRDC Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m., Rastrelli’s Avanti Room. 24 Ambassadors, 12:00 Noon, Location to be determined. Ron Lott’s Pastor Group, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. Clinton Landlord’s Association, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 25 Budget & Finance Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 28 Memorial Day – Chamber Office CLOSED. 29 Essentials4U, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 30 Annual Meeting Planning Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 31 Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

CHAMBER CALENDAR - May

Meetings 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.

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News from the CVB

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Clinton Convention & Visitors Bureau721 South 2nd Street, Clinton, Iowa 52733 : 563.242.5702

www.clintoniowatourism.com

News from the CVB

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Mary SeelyCVB Director

2017IowaWelcomeCenterSurveyReportfromTravelIowa.

Whatistheimpactoftourizuminourcommunitee?Howdoesitimpactourlocaleconomy?

HereareafewFUNFACTS.

2017IowaWelcomeCenterSurveyReportfromTravelIowa.

Whatistheimpactoftourizuminourcommunitee?Howdoesitimpactourlocaleconomy?

HereareafewFUNFACTS.

2017IowaWelcomeCenterSurveyReportfromTravelIowa.

Whatistheimpactoftourizuminourcommunitee?Howdoesitimpactourlocaleconomy?

HereareafewFUNFACTS.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Hook’s PubThe Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated the new membership of Hook’s Pub with a ribbon cutting. Hook’s Pub, located at 318 No. 4th Street, is an Irish Pub, and has established itself as a live music venue, featuring 27 beers on draft. (the most taps in in Clinton County).

KT3 FitnessThe Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors recently celebrated the new membership and

the one-year anniversary of KT3 Fitness in Fulton. Barbara Mask, Fulton Alderman, was present to help celebrate. KT3’s mission is to help people grow physically, mentally and emotionally –

reaching their fullest potential through means of fitness, motivation and the love of God. Visit them at 900 4th Street in Fulton, or call Kyle Huebner at 815-208-7287.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Luigi’s Woodfire PizzeriaThe Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new Chamber

membership of Luigi’s Woodfire Pizzeria. Luigi’s is a family-owned business that offers homemade sauces and garden fresh veggies. They have salads, soups, wings, sandwiches, calzones, pizza and

Fish & Shrimp on Friday & Saturday nights. Visit them at 208 Main Avenue.

Clinton Masonic CenterThe Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting celebrating the Clinton Masonic

Center’s new Chamber membership. Whether you are looking to book a venue for a small group or a reception for 300, the Clinton Masonic Center, 416 So. 1st Street, delivers thoughtful service,

competitive pricing and attention to detail. It is well maintained, clean and perfect for your next meeting, client appreciation event, tradeshow or fundraising gala. Call them at 563-242-4741

to schedule a tour of the venue.

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

Ray’s Time Out Sports Bar & GrillThe Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors presented a Progress Award to Ray’s Time Out Sports Bar & Grill for the recent remodel of their facility. They celebrated with a ribbon cutting to

also mark their new Chamber membership. Ray’s Time Out is open seven days a week from 7am – 2am. The kitchen is open 10am – 10pm. Stop in to visit Ray and his staff at

1815 Manufacturing Drive in Clinton.

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Career Fair Ad - May 1, 2018

Calling Clinton Community College students and alumni, and job seekers from the Clinton region! Clinton Community College will host the 2018 Ca-reer Fair on Tuesday, May 1. The event will be held in the CCC Auditorium from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton. The general public job seekers are asked to attend from 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

More than 35 local employers are expected to be in attendance with information about job opportunities. These employers represent a variety of career fields, industries, and businesses, large and small, including healthcare, manufacturing, customer service, human services, apprentice-ship programs, and more.

Job seekers do not need to register in advance, but are asked to dress professionally and bring copies of their resumes, if possible. Several em-ployment resources will also be available to offer assistance to job seek-ers, including IowaWORKS, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, PurSuits, and more. Job seekers looking for a directory of businesses registered for the fair should contact Rob Schadt at 563-244-7001 or rschadt@eicc.edu.

Ascentra Credit Union Paws it Forward

In the middle of winter, local news broke about a horrific scene of ne-glected and abused pit bulls in Clinton, Iowa that captivated the attention of many throughout the region. The Clinton Humane Society took in the eight dogs right away and have been nursing them back to health, but the non-profit organization needed help as well.

“When something like this happens, it puts a big strain on us financially with vet bills and things like that, we need even more help and more sup-port,” said Jennifer Gerdes, Operations Manager of the Clinton Humane Society. “It can be overwhelming. We’re a 501c3 so we’re non-profit. We rely very greatly on our donations and sponsorships.”

Like many who were moved in the community, Ascentra Credit Union staff felt it was important to do their part, especially during a time of need. As part of a bigger project for International Pay it Forward Day, a group from Ascentra went to the Clinton Humane Society to show the dogs some love, and also brought with them a check for $500 to help offset the mounting costs for the organization.

“While it may not cover all of the mounting costs, we know any little bit helps,” said Jennifer Naeve, Chief Marketing Officer at Ascentra. “This is just one of many ways we are celebrating Pay it Forward Day and on April 28, the whole region will see how these random acts of kindness can have a lasting impact on our communities.”

From Clinton to the Quad Cities and down to Muscatine, Ascentra has been busy surprising shoppers, teachers, students, and organizations by paying for their groceries, coffee, and much more. Inspiration for these kind gestures was from the popular music video “God’s Plan” from Gram-my award-winning artist Drake, in which he gives away all of the money that was budgeted for his video.

These special moments were captured into a lively video that will be released on International Pay it Forward Day, April 28, and will be posted on Ascentra’s social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook and In-stagram. Leading up to April 28, Ascentra has been releasing short, sneak peek videos and behind-the-scenes footage on their social media.

Just as the people at Ascentra were inspired, they hope it sparks a move-ment in the community and encourages everyone to share with them how they are paying it forward by using the hashtags #Ascentra and #PayItFor-ward.

Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors Ranks as Iowa’s Largest Privately-Owned Real Estate Company

Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors has ranked once again as the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. RISMedia’s 2018 Power Broker Report ranks the Top 500 real estate companies in the country according to the number of residential transactions and sales volume. Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors ranks number 1 in Iowa and number 130 nationally based on 5,267 transactions closed in 2017. This places Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors in the top 1% nationally.

RISMedia’s 2018 Power Broker Report ranks companies on residential transactions only. When we add back in farm and land and commercial transactions, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors closed 5,323 sides in 2017. On average, Ruhl agents closed 16.1 transactions per agent in 2017. “We are proud of the care, effort and hard work our agents and staff put in to earn this rank-ing,” said Chris Beason, President of Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. “Our team is honored to help so many local families through such an important process in their lives.”

Rhl&Ruhl Realtors residential sales volume was $868,994,834. When we include farm and land and commercial, the total sales volume was $885,559,275.

Additionally, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, a joint venture with Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, sold $133,044,502 in sales volume in 2017. They have 18 commercial agents. NAI Ruhl Property Management manages just under two million square feet of space.

Ruhl Mortgage, also a joint venture, closed $126,438,295 in loan volume, which was generated from 758 loans. Ruhl Mortgage ranks 14th nation-ally among real estate companies with affiliated mortgage companies according to REAL Trends 500 ranking of Top Firms by mortgage closings.

Citizens First Bank Makes Donation to the Make A Wish Foundation

Citizens First Bank employees recently presented a check to the Clinton County Make-A-Wish representatives at the bank’s Lincoln Way location in Clinton. Citizens First Bank, KROS Radio, Make-A-Wish and the Clinton High School basketball teams all partner to create the Swish for Make-A-Wish program in our community!

Citizens First Bank has been the sponsor of the Swish for Make-A-Wish program for the past 17 years and donates to the Clinton County Make-A-Wish each time the Clinton High School River Kings and Queens make a three-point basket during the regular basketball season. This year, Citizens First Bank provided $330 to the organization to help wishes come true.

Clinton County’s annual Make-A-Wish event is sold out for this Saturday, April 7 at the Vista Grande in Clinton. For any questions about how to get involved with the organization, contact Barb Jacobsen at 563-249-9016 or the state office at 1-800-797-9474.

Gilda’s Club Program Offered Online to Help Young Adults with Cancer Manage Stress

Beginning Saturday, April 21, 2018, Gilda’s Club is offering an online program to help people diagnosed with cancer, including those undergoing treatment, to manage the stress of diagnosis and treatment. Gilda’s Club received a grant from the Iowa Cancer Consortium to address the unique needs of young adults 18-39 with cancer.

This program empowers those living with cancer through weekly group sessions designed to teach effective strategies and techniques

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Business BITS

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to better manage cancer-related stress. Specifically, the young adult version of the program will include topics on autonomy, relationships, communication, finances and healthy behaviors.

Sessions will be held online using GoToMeeting. • Saturday sessions will begin on April 21 and be held from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.• Monday sessions will begin on April 30 and be held from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

This program is made possible by the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Iowa Department of Public Health. The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a part-nership of health care providers, public health professionals, caregivers, researchers, cancer survivors, volunteers, and many other Iowans who work together to reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa.

“I highly recommend the program for anyone going through cancer,” said a past participant. “The series provides helpful information no matter what stage of your cancer treatment you are in.”

Every year in the U.S., more than 70,000 adolescents and young adults between the ages of 15-39 are diagnosed with cancer, which represents about 6 percent of all new cancer diagnoses. Psychosocial and support services available to adolescents and young adults with cancer are limited, although the needs are great due to the many emotional, developmental and transitional changes that occur during this stage in life.

To learn more about this program or to register to participate, contact Kelly Hendershot, 563-326-7504, kelly@gildasclubqc.org.

Timber Lake Playhouse Announces May Shows and Events

Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the premier professional summer theatre of northwest Illinois, is busily preparing for the May 8 opening of the season.

TLP’s Magic Owl Children’s Theatre production of Junie B. Jones, The Musical is based on the book series by Barbara Park. It’s Junie B.’s first day of first grade, and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie’s friend, Lucille, doesn’t want to be her best pal anymore and, on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher, Mr. Scary, thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal,” and first grade has never been more exciting. Junie B. Jones runs May 8 – 11, 10:00 & 1:00 and May 12 at 10:00. All Tickets are $6.

The TLP Jukebox Series opens on May 11 with Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash. From the opening chords of vintage country to rockabilly, rock n’ roll, searing ballads and gentle songs of love and deep faith, Ring of Fire tells the events of Cash’s life and the incredible struggles and triumphs of his life. TLP’s Artistic Director, Paul Stancato, has put together a core group of talented actor/musicians from around the country to celebrate the songs that are such a part of our collective experience. Ring of Fire runs May 11 – 13 & 18 – 20 with performances on Fridays at 7:30, Saturdays at 2:00 & 7:30 and Sundays at 2:00.

On Friday, May 25, TLP opens their Concert Series with Reba ... and Friends featuring Nashville recording artist, Brooke Byam. Join Brooke and friends for an evening of music and fun onstage at TLP. Hear your favorites by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Buck Owens and of course, Reba! Reba ... and Friends will be at Timber Lake Playhouse on Friday, May 25 at 7:00. Tickets are $20.

On June 2, Timber Lake Playhouse welcomes Broadway’s Andrea McAr-dle to kickoff TLP’s First Annual Broadway Concert with the Stars starring Broadway’s original Annie. Best known for originating the title role in the Broadway musical Annie, Ms. McArdle continues to thrill audiences on stages the world over. Andrea brings her award-winning vocal talents to

Timber Lake Playhouse for a one-night only concert experience not to be missed! Tickets are $50.

As an added experience, join TLP for a private and intimate dining experience with “Annie” under the stars on the patio of the Lake Carroll Clubhouse on Friday, June 1. Tickets for this dining event are $75.

Don’t miss all the other exciting events at Timber Lake this summer. For more information, visit the TLP website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or call the Box Office at (815) 244-2035. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 – 3:00.

Fulton Plant Sale

Finally looking forward to spring weather, we are all somewhat anxious to get outside into the yard to do some gardening. As you anticipate what changes and improvement you wish to make, consider coming to the annual Fulton Plant Sale on Saturday, May 12. There is always a nice selection of plants to choose from for your seasonal projects. Primarily perennials with some annuals will be available.

This sale operates solely on donated specimens from area gardens. If you have plants you no longer want or need to split, dig them up and bring them to the Fulton Fire Station (near the intersection of Rt 136 and Rt 84) on Friday, May 11 from 1:00-7:00pm. Gardeners will be there to re-pack-age your donations for the sale on the following day. The actual sale will start Saturday, May 12 at 8:00am – noon. Most plants are priced at $2 and up. Come early for the best selection.

Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant-ing tips and recommended plant care. The Fulton Plant Sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Windmill with proceeds to benefit the beautification of the Windmill Area.

If you have questions as to digging and splitting plants, contact Jude at 563-249-6115.

JA of the Heartland Announces New President CEO

Junior Achievement of the Heartland announced today that Dougal Nelson has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the organiza-tion. Junior Achievement (JA) is the world’s largest and fastest-growing organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices.

“We are excited about the appointment of Dougal Nelson,” stated Mike Vondran, Board Chair of the Junior Achievement of the Heartland Govern-ing Board of Directors. “Dougal, has strong management skills and brings a great deal of expertise and enthusiasm for our work,” said Vondran.

“I am proud and honored to be a part of a prominent organization like JA with such an important mission,” commented Dougal Nelson. “JA edu-cates and inspires young people to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives. I will work hard to ensure that more and more students experience JA’s high-quality programs so they can gain the skills relevant to success in their future careers and in their lives.”

Dougal Nelson has extensive experience in management, sales, and business development in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining the Senior Management Team at JA of the Heartland in Novem-ber 2016 as Vice President of Development, he held leadership roles at Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, and Isabel Bloom LLC. He is a Quad City native and Western Illinois University Alum. Nelson and his wife, Pam, reside in Moline.

Business BITS

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2017 - 2018Executive CommitteeDaniel HousengaLyondellBasellChairmanLori SusieSedona Staffing Services1st Vice ChairShane BuerMercy Medical Center2nd Vice ChairJennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurerJennifer WeaverWild Rose Casino & ResortCVB Board ChairGerry FreudenbergAdvantage Point Group - 3M CordovaPast Chairman

Board of DirectorsDean BrainerdADM Corn ProcessingJon CapellaSkyline Center, Inc.Ron DlouhyClysar, LLCEddie DunhamCitizens First BankHeather EvansClinton Community CollegeAmy KerrNestlePurina PetCare CompanyCheryl McCullohUnited Way of Clinton County, Iowa Sara MisiewiczClinton National BankDavid PillersPillers and RichmondMike RastrelliRastrelli's RestaurantChad SeelyHy-Vee Food & PharmacyBecky TemperlyHowes & Jefferies Realtors

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

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Mark your calendars for the Chamber’s 146th Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner

on Friday, June 8th, at the Moose Lodge. Stay tuned for more information on this fun event!

2017 - 2018Executive CommitteeDaniel HousengaLyondellBasellChairmanLori SusieSedona Staffing Services1st Vice ChairShane BuerMercy Medical Center2nd Vice ChairJennifer BoysenClinton National BankTreasurerJennifer WeaverWild Rose Casino & ResortCVB Board ChairGerry FreudenbergAdvantage Point Group – 3M Plant CordovaPast Chairperson

Board of DirectorsDean BrainerdADM Corn ProcessingOpen Seat.Eddie DunhamCitizens First BankHeather EvansClinton Community CollegeAmy KerrNestlePurina PetCare CompanyCheryl McCullohUnited Way of Clinton County, Iowa Sara MisiewiczClinton National BankKelly PenningClysar, LLCDavid PillersPillers and RichmondMike RastrelliRastrelli’s RestaurantChad SeelyHy-Vee Food & PharmacyBecky TemperlyHowes & Jefferies Realtors

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