Happy Blue Year!

We wish you a Happy Blue Year in 2016 in honor of Mason City’s continuing status as a Certified Blue Zones Community®. Putting health and wellness as a top priority in 2016 will help you, your employees, and your business have a year to remember.

According to the results in the 2015 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index®, the state of well-being in Mason City is improving. We believe the Blue Zones principles are a contributing factor to this improvement. Let’s make an even stronger commitment to health and well-being in 2016.

Below are a few Blue Year Resolutions to help you get there:• Designate one meeting each week as a walking or standing meeting• Swap out one office treat with fruit, vegetables, or other Blue Zone food• Post a walking route in your office (ex: 1 lap around office = 48 steps)• Establish a campus-wide tobacco-free worksite policy• Take the Healthways Well-Being Assessment (found on the Blue Zones Project website) this

month. Take it again in December and compare your scores.

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

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

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected] Fax 641.423.5725

Vision. Leadership. Advocacy.

Happy Blue Year!

Time: 4:30-6:30PM

Date: Thursday, January 21

Location: Historic Park Inn Ballroom 15 W State St Mason City

Sponsored By:

2016 Chamber Bowl - February 2 & 3It’s two nights of bowling, networking, and prizes! Our annual Chamber Bowl event is taking place February 2 and 3 at Mystic Lanes. Chamber members can choose to register teams of six players to bowl on one or both nights. Dinner is included, and lots of prizes are awarded each night! Get your registration form in soon - this event fills up fast!

Time: Registration from 3:30-3:50PM | Bowling begins at 4PM | Meal at 7PMDate: Two Nights of Fun! Tuesday, February 2 or Wednesday, February 3Place: Mystic Lanes | 2571 4th St SE, Mason CityFee: $180 per team of six (includes meal, three games, and shoe rental)

Don’t forget! We present a “Best Dressed Team” award each night!

Contact Colleen at the Chamber to register, or fill out a registration form online at www.masoncityia.com.

Thank you to this year’s Chamber Bowl Sponsors:


New Members

Chamber Alliance Legislative Luncheon

ou probably noticed this month’s newsletter is a little thicker! We’ve added some pages with a goal of providing additional information about North Iowa business for our members. Beginning this month, we’ll include one-page updates from the North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corporation

and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center/Small Business Development Center.

Pages from Main Street Mason City and Visit Mason City have been published in the Chamber newsletter for some time, and our staff has received favorable feedback concerning the value of having this information readily available in a single printed piece.

In addition, in honor of the Chamber’s 100th Anniversary, we’ve dedicated one page of the monthly newsletter to highlight the history of commerce and industry in North Iowa. Beginning next month, we’ll feature long-time member businesses. I think you’ll especially enjoy some of the photos we’ve found in the archives. In fact, we may need some help identifying some of the people!

As we enter a new year, North Iowa has much to celebrate! Best wishes to you and your business for a safe and prosperous 2016.

From the President

Y

Robin AndersonPresident & CEO

Iowa Speaker of the House Linda Upmeyer and Assistant Minority Leader Rep. Todd Prichard were featured panelists at the Iowa Chamber Alliance Legislative Leadership Luncheon on December 9. They are shown here with Chamber Board Member Julie Valencia and President Robin Anderson.

Central Holidays WestKent Van RoekelMidwest Regional Business Manager14028 County 18Park Rapids, MN 56470(762) [email protected] centralholidayswest.comA tour operator specializing in group travel since 1972. Selected travel company for the Chamber’s Egypt trip.

Mason City BrewingArian Schuessler - Owner28 East State StMason City, IA 50401(641) [email protected] masoncitybrewing.comMicro-Brewery making and selling craft beer.

McKesson CorporationChristopher Van NormanDirector of Operations2101 12th Ave SClear Lake, IA 50428Mckesson.comDistributor of goods to hospitals, retail stores and independent pharmacies.

Place 2B!Roger Waner - Owner116 N FederalMason City, IA 50401(641) [email protected] serving specialty shots, martinis, appetizers consisting of bone in/boneless wings, onion rings, corn bites, and mac-n-cheese bites.

Steve KruseCommunity Supporter 10 Charlestown SquareMason City, IA 50401(641) [email protected]

Chamber Concierge CardThe Chamber has a unique tool to help connect people with service providers in our area. The Chamber Concierge Card features Chamber members including chiropractors, attorneys, and financial planners, who offer a free consultation or visit to card holders. This gives people the opportunity to find the best fit for them. The card is $100, and can be used at your choice of five different providers from the Concierge Menu.

Please contact Colleen Frein at the Chamber at 641-423-5724 for more information.


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

(formerly Digity) provides this benefit to Chamber members free of charge. If you would like to schedule a guest spot on the show, please contact the Chamber. Listen in for January’s guests!

January 8 Hospice of North Iowa Connie Bleile

January 15 River City Society for Historic Preservation Sandy Ringstrom & Nancy Sweetman

January 22 Club Personality-Ville Kimberly West

January 29 Healthy Harvest of North Iowa Jan Libbey

T

The Chamber’s annual Ag Breakfast is set for 7AM on Wednesday, March 16th in the All Seasons Building at the North Iowa Events Center.

This annual appreciation event is attended by 400-500 people, bringing together farm and business for an early morning breakfast hosted and served by the Chamber’s Agribusiness Committee.

This year’s speaker is Ty Higgins, host of “Farm and Country” -- a popular nationally syndicated radio program. Ty’s career is fueled by his passion for agriculture and his love of country music. He has spent almost 20 years in the broadcasting industry, and brings together country music and farm knowledge in a way no one else can.

“Generation after generation, more and more Americans are learning less and less about farming and food production. I can’t think of a better way to get them reacquainted than through country music,” he says.

Tickets are available in books of eight for $75 dollars for Chamber members, and $88 for non-members. Individual tickets are $11 each.

Please contact Colleen at the Chamber for more information, or to purchase tickets: 641-423-5724 | [email protected]

Thank you to the Ag Breakfast Sponsors:

Save the Date - Ag Breakfast - March 16 Membership Renewals

Ty Higgins

Travel to the Land of the PharaohsExplore the land of the Pharaohs with the Mason City Chamber of Commerce on our Global Familiarization Tour to Egypt, November 9-17, 2016!

Follow in the footsteps of the ancient pharaohs with this exotic tour. Uncover ancient myths, mysteries and monuments so grand they will be engraved in your memory forever. The mystique of Cairo, Pyramids and Museum of Antiquities, a Nile cruise on a 5-star ship, exploration in Aswan, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings – all with a private Egyptologist.

Nine Days, Seven Nights Featuring The Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan, Valley of the Kings, Cairo, and The River Nile.

Trip cost: $2,999* per person (double occupancy) Single supplement: $599Optional Alexandria Extension: $599 Double Occupancy or $798 Single

• Round-trip airfare from Minneapolis• 7 nights hotel accommodations• Sightseeing with licensed English speaking guides• 10 Meals

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

Please contact Allyson at the Chamber for more information: 641-423-5724.

Congratulations to the following members who are celebrating membership anniversaries in January.

One Hundred Plus YearsCoca-Cola Bottling Company (108) Wells Fargo Bank of Iowa (104)

Ninety Plus Years Locher Law Firm (96) 1st Insurance (95)

Seventy Plus YearsBank of America (80)Heiny, McManigal, Duffy, Stambaugh & Anderson PLC (78)Arnold Motor Supply (77)US Bank (75) Allied Purchasing (74)Mason City Tent & Awning (74) Henkel Construction Co. (72)Hosmer Honda (71)Masters Chiropractic (71)Petroblend Corp. (70)RSM US LLP (73)

Sixty Plus Years WHKS Engineers, Planners & Surveyors (68) Culver-Hahn Electric Supply (65)KIMT-TV, MY3.2 TV (62) Pepsi Beverages Company (61) Plumb Supply Co. (61)

Fifty Plus YearsCerro Gordo County Farm Bureau (59) Ted Enabnit (58)

2016 marks the 100th anniversary of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce. To commemorate this milestone, we’ll devote one page of the monthly newsletter to the history of business and industry in North Iowa. Next month, we’ll feature some local businesses which joined the Chamber of Commerce in the 1960s.

But first, let’s take a look back at the Chamber’s origin.

In 1916, life in America was very different. There was no income tax, no radios, no TVs, and very few cars. Women could not vote, and U.S. senators were appointed by state governors. Federal spending was $690 million, unemployment was 4.6%, and a first-class postage stamp cost two cents.

Mason City’s population stood at 17,712. Half of those aged 14-16 had jobs. Canned goods were just beginning to appear on grocery shelves. The industrial revolution, a youthful population, a flood of immigrants, vast natural resources, and a strong spirit of entrepreneurism were propelling Iowa, and the rest of the nation, forward at a dizzying pace.

It was 1916 when local business leaders, who had loosely banded together as the Mason City Commercial Club, made the decision to form the Mason City Chamber of Commerce to spearhead additional growth and prosperity for the region.

Today, we are an independent organization operated by a small group of paid staff and hundreds of volunteers. The Chamber is not supported by tax dollars and has no power to impose taxes or other measures that would directly increase the cost of living for the citizens of our community. The Chamber is simply a private business with a vested interest in activities to grow the local economy and improve the business climate.

Joining the Chamber is a good thing to do, but what exactly does an active chamber membership say about you or your company? Studies show that being active in the local chamber of commerce is a good strategy for businesses to use in communicating to consumers that their company

uses good business practices, is involved in the community, cares about customers, and is reputable and trustworthy.

As the Chamber enters its second century, we are more committed than ever to help propel North Iowa to even greater heights.

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

Cele

bratin

g 100

Yea

rs

Get my business onlineAdam Frederick, WebWise Solutions, Inc.

Lunch & Learn

2016 is the year I....

Make my smartphone work for meClint Craft, iWireless/OmniTel Communications

Discover the benefits of a diverse workforceOpportunity Village

Move to a standing workstationInstructor TBD

Take our worksite wellness program to the next levelBlue Zones Worksite Wellness Committee

Accept, advocate, and employ those with autismOpportunity Village

Boost my online salesAdam Frederick, WebWise Solutions, Inc.

Improve my social media presenceSara Broers, Social Connections LLC

Learn to balance my home and work lifeWellSource

Commit to setting and meeting my goalsAndy O’Brien, ActionCOACH of North Iowa

Pack nutritional lunches for workHy-Vee West Dietitian

January 12

January 26

February 9

February 23

March 8

March 22

April 12

April 26

August 9

August 23

September 13

Time: 12-1PMCost: $10 (includes lunch)Location: Commerce Center

Call 641-423-5724 or email [email protected] to register!

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com

[email protected]

Armour Resigns from Visit Mason City Visit Mason City recently announced that Executive Director, Sue Armour, will leave her post at the organization. Armour has served in this position for nearly 20 years. Her last day at Visit Mason City will be January 8th. Armour will leave the organization to join the Marketing Department for Mercy Medical Center ‐ North Iowa. "I am proud of the accomplishments Visit Mason City has achieved, none of which could have occurred without the help of so many people including a great staff, community leaders, tourism partners, an extremely supportive board of directors, and countless volunteers," Armour said. "Visit Mason City has achieved incredible results due to teamwork and support from the entire community."

“I am extremely proud and grateful for what Armour has accomplished during her tenure with Visit Mason City,” said TJ Just, Visit Mason City Board President. “The City of Mason City, our business community and the North Iowa area have profited from her dedication, enthusiasm and passion for her profession and those she served. She will be greatly missed. We will work to have a transition plan in place very soon. In the interim period, the board and staff will assume leadership of various positions until a candidate is hired."

Area attractions featured on Iowa Culture app

Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced the launch of Iowa Culture, a new interactive mobile app that puts the largest, most comprehensive statewide collection of Iowa arts, history and cultural destinations in the palm of your hand. The Iowa Culture app includes more than 3,500 historic sites, arts experiences and cultural destinations, including sites on the National Register of Historic Places, museums, historic schools and theaters, performing art centers, public art, and science and

nature sites. More than 35 local attractions are featured on the app. Through the app, people can plan vacations, weekend getaways and daytrips all across Iowa with a

simple search by category or subcategory, keyword, or destinations in their immediate vicinity. Users can also filter their search by town and view destinations as far as 50 miles or as close as one mile to the chosen town. They can also create their own tours or explore featured tours included in the app.

The Iowa Culture was developed by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and is free and compatible with most iPhones and Android Smartphones. It is available for download by searching “Iowa Culture” in the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Iowa Culture app will continue to grow and evolve as more destinations are identified and added. Iowans are encouraged to suggest a place, submit photos, provide feedback and get more information by visiting www.iowacultureapp.com.

VMC announces 2016 Internship opportunity Visit Mason City is seeking candidates who are interested in an

internship in a fun and rewarding office environment. Our 2016 Summer Internship will offer hands-on experience in the marketing and business field including: event planning, development of marketing materials, social media management, general office duties, staffing the visitor information center, website maintenance and more! Compatible majors / minors for this internship include marketing, business management, public relations, communications, and graphic design.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Lindsey James at 641-422-1663 or [email protected].

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com [email protected]

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com

[email protected]

Armour Resigns from Visit Mason City Visit Mason City recently announced that Executive Director, Sue Armour, will leave her post at the organization. Armour has served in this position for nearly 20 years. Her last day at Visit Mason City will be January 8th. Armour will leave the organization to join the Marketing Department for Mercy Medical Center ‐ North Iowa. "I am proud of the accomplishments Visit Mason City has achieved, none of which could have occurred without the help of so many people including a great staff, community leaders, tourism partners, an extremely supportive board of directors, and countless volunteers," Armour said. "Visit Mason City has achieved incredible results due to teamwork and support from the entire community."

“I am extremely proud and grateful for what Armour has accomplished during her tenure with Visit Mason City,” said TJ Just, Visit Mason City Board President. “The City of Mason City, our business community and the North Iowa area have profited from her dedication, enthusiasm and passion for her profession and those she served. She will be greatly missed. We will work to have a transition plan in place very soon. In the interim period, the board and staff will assume leadership of various positions until a candidate is hired."

Area attractions featured on Iowa Culture app

Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced the launch of Iowa Culture, a new interactive mobile app that puts the largest, most comprehensive statewide collection of Iowa arts, history and cultural destinations in the palm of your hand. The Iowa Culture app includes more than 3,500 historic sites, arts experiences and cultural destinations, including sites on the National Register of Historic Places, museums, historic schools and theaters, performing art centers, public art, and science and

nature sites. More than 35 local attractions are featured on the app. Through the app, people can plan vacations, weekend getaways and daytrips all across Iowa with a

simple search by category or subcategory, keyword, or destinations in their immediate vicinity. Users can also filter their search by town and view destinations as far as 50 miles or as close as one mile to the chosen town. They can also create their own tours or explore featured tours included in the app.

The Iowa Culture was developed by the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs and is free and compatible with most iPhones and Android Smartphones. It is available for download by searching “Iowa Culture” in the Apple and Google Play stores.

The Iowa Culture app will continue to grow and evolve as more destinations are identified and added. Iowans are encouraged to suggest a place, submit photos, provide feedback and get more information by visiting www.iowacultureapp.com.

VMC announces 2016 Internship opportunity Visit Mason City is seeking candidates who are interested in an

internship in a fun and rewarding office environment. Our 2016 Summer Internship will offer hands-on experience in the marketing and business field including: event planning, development of marketing materials, social media management, general office duties, staffing the visitor information center, website maintenance and more! Compatible majors / minors for this internship include marketing, business management, public relations, communications, and graphic design.

To learn more about this opportunity, contact Lindsey James at 641-422-1663 or [email protected].

641.422-1663 / 800.423.5724 www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com [email protected] 9 N Federal Ave | www.mainstreetmasoncity.org | 641.494.0003

Main Street Minute

PresidentT.J. JustSouthbridge [email protected]

Vice PresidentCally PetersonMoorman [email protected]

TreasurerChris DroschaClear Lake Bank & [email protected]

SecretaryMindy KlapperichFirst Citizens National [email protected]

The CulTure & CharaCTerOf Our COmmuniTy

IS OUR DOWNTOWN!

Our mission is to enhance, promote

and preserve downtown Mason

City as a diverse business, cultural

and residential destination, for

the benefit of the entire community.

uPCOminG eVenTS:

feb. 27, 2016 WinTer fundraiSer

3rd fri in June, friday niGhT liVeJuly, auG, & SePT

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

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

Directors

Steven Van SteenhyusePartner Liaison - City of Mason City

Joy HaaveKush Spa & Salon

Eric LevenhagenProWise Tax & Accounting

Hal BerdingCL Tel

Katie WoldMarket 124

Austin PehlWaggoner & Wineinger Architects

StaffTanner O’BrienExecutive [email protected]

January 2016Meet Your Neighbor - Art on the Plaza

Meet Art on the Plaza, located at 11 S Federal Ave!

Art on the Plaza is an artist owned art gallery located on the plaza in Downtown, Mason City (inside Bergo’s Mini-Mall). The gallery started with 8 creative women and has grown since opening in mid November to a total of 22 artists! Pam Bergo Coffey, organizer for Art on the Plaza, has a strong history with Downtown and is very excited to have the new Art Gallery open. Pam is the daughter of R. Lyle Bergo, a gentleman who has had a great impact on our Downtown. The family legacy lives on with the Bergo’s Mini-Mall which lies in the heart of our Downtown and is now home to Art on the Plaza.Looking to the future, Art on the Plaza plans to have education as a part of the gallery and will feature individual artists each month. Make sure you stop in the gallery, meet Pam and Christina Blum (gallery Director) and check out the amazing art on display!

Happy New Year from Main Street Mason CityThe new year is finally here and with that we wish everyone a happy and fruitful 2016! We are looking for another great year in Downtown. Keep your eye out for details related to our events this year. A few dates to keep in mind: Saturday, Feb 27 - Main Street Winter Fundraiser, 3rd Friday in June, July, August, and September - Friday Night Live, and Sept 17 - Great River City Festival.

CHAD SCHRECKPRESIDENT & CEO

[email protected]

SHAUN ARNESONVP, EXISTING BUSINESS & PROJECT

[email protected]

KEN BALESDEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

[email protected]

HUNTER CALLANANCOMMUNICATIONS & WORKFORCE

[email protected]

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

HAPPY 2016 from the North Iowa Corridor!

W E WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE the Mason City Chamber of Commerce on their 100th

Anniversary in 2016. We applaud the chamber on their community leadership and continued success in shaping the community into a wonderful place to live and work.

To kick off this new and celebratory year for the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, the North Iowa Cor-ridor is excited to join the monthly newsletter to provide updates on our activities as well as economic and development news for the region. The North Iowa Corridor is the regional economic development organization serving Mason City, Clear Lake and the greater Cerro Gordo County area. Our mission is to support business and industry with retention and expansion projects and attract new business and industry to Cerro Gordo County, Mason City and Clear Lake, ultimately facilitating job retention, job growth and private investment for our area.

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The North Iowa Corridor is guided by 18 Board of Directors, which is composed of members appointed by the three governments we serve as well as a nominating committee. The organization draws strength from partner organizations including but not limited to: North Iowa Area Community College including the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Cen-ter, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, IowaWORKS, the North Central Iowa Marketing Alliance, the school districts of both Clear Lake and Mason City, the chambers of commerce in both Clear Lake and Mason City, and the business and in-dustries within Cerro Gordo County.

2015 was an exciting year for the region with numerous new proj-ects and developments in almost every sector; new retail expansions/announcements, new hotels, the downtown revitalization project, huge tourism revenues, and major industry projects such as the McKes-son and Alliant facilities. The county unemployment rate has dropped

from 4.5% last year to 3.3% as of No-vember, and average county wages have risen 4.17% from Q3 2014’s $38,436 ($18.48/hr) to Q3 2015’s $40,039 ($19.25/hr). We look forward to the great news and positive trends to continue through 2016, as several potential projects remain.

The 2016 strategic emphasis for the North Iowa Corridor falls into three categories:

• Existing business retention and expansion• New business and industry attraction• Workforce attraction, retention and talent pipeline strategies.

We look forward to sharing more about our activities in the year ahead, and wish the chamber and commu-nity an even more prosperous and successful 2016.

For more information about the North Iowa Corridor, please visit: NorthIowaCorridor.com

IN THE

JANUARY 2016

WIN UP TO $10,000 FOR YOUR BUSINESS! www.dreambiggrowhere.com

Capital is a necessary component to starting and growing your business. Thousands of dollars in cash have been awarded to business owners like you, through Dream Big Grow Here. Dream Big Grow Here runs from December through May. It starts with an online application and voting, followed by an in-person industry specific pitch-off for a chance to earn $5,000. Industry winners then become eligible to further compete for a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize to be announced at EntreFEST 2016. Participating in Dream Big Grow Here will give your business wide-spread publicity and enhance valuable skills including social media, promotion, and business planning. How the Contest Works STEP 1: APPLY From December 1-January 30, we will accept online applications for the Dream Big Grow Here contest. Participants can submit an application to one of the following six industries: Ag Innovation, Hospitality/ Restau-rants, Manufacturing/BioScience, Information Technology, Pre-Revenue, and Retail/Professional Services. Applications consist of a few short answer questions and a required 1-2 minute video.

STEP 3: APPLICATIONS JUDGED AND INDUSTRY FINALISTS ANNOUNCED Five finalists from each industry will advance to the Industry Pitch Offs. The entry with the most online votes in each industry will automatically advance. The remaining four finalists will be decided on based upon the quality of their applications through a judging team at UNI. An announcement will be made on who the industry finalists are, one week after voting has ended. STEP 4: PITCH COACHING Industry finalists will have two months to prepare a 6 minute pitch about their business. In April, each finalist will attend a practice pitch session and get critiques and feedback from Venture Net Iowa. STEP 5: INDUSTRY PITCH-OFFS Industry finalists will pitch off at EntreFEST, for a chance at winning a $5,000 or $2,000 grant for their business. This event will be open to the public. STEP 6: WINNERS SELECTED AND AWARDS CEREMONY First and Second place winners from each industry will be announced at EntreFEST during an Awards Ceremony. This event will be open to the public. TIMELINE • DBGH Overview & Tips to Apply Webinar: Nov 12 • Application Period: Dec 1 - Jan 31 • Voting Period: Feb 8 - Feb 22 • Pitch-Off Coaching: April • Industry/Statewide Pitch-Offs & Winners Selected: May 18 - 20

500 College Drive, Ste 120 · Mason City, IA 50401 Visit us online @ www.niacc.edu/pappajohn

1-888-GO-NIACC or 641-422-4111 “NIACC does not discriminate in employment or education.

See http://www.niacc.edu/about/non-discrimination-statement/ for additional information.”

SPRING LAUNCH & GROW YOUR BUSINESS START HERE with a 1 evening per week for 10 weeks course through the NIACC JPEC Launch & Grow Your Business. This program is designed to teach participants how to research, develop and write detailed business plans. It covers all aspects of launching a business, including licensing, bookkeeping, marketing & how to set up shop. Participants work on their own business ideas throughout the course moving their venture to reality or new levels of growth. It is recommended that participants have a specific business concept they would like to pursue. THURSDAY EVENINGS, 6-9:30 PM February 15 to April 21, 2016 NIACC CAMPUS Pappajohn Business Center - Room #117 Tuition $199 | Course #101690 Call 641.422.4358 to Register If you plan to attend with a friend or spouse and will be sharing materials, it is only an additional $100 for the second person


Thank You Membership Directory SponsorsYou should have received a “North Iowa’s Best Businesses” 2016 Membership Directory in your Operation Thank You packet. We hope you find this to be a useful tool. If you did not receive your copy, please let us know and we will get one to you. Additional copies of the directory are available at the Chamber office.

Thank You to the following businesses for sponsoring our Membership Directory!

GOLDClear Lake Bank & Trust Co.First Citizens BankHenkel Construction Co.Larson ContractingRise Broadband

SILVERAg Processing, Inc.Albert Lea Public WarehouseCountry Landscapes, IncCountry Meadow Place Dean Snyder ConstructionDemro OrthodonticsFarmers State BankGodfather’s PizzaGraham Tire Co.Historic Park InnHoliday Inn ExpressIOOF Home & Community Therapy CenterIowa Heartland Credit Union

SILVER (cont) Johnson Heating & Air ConditioningKaplan UniversityLandfill of North IowaLehigh Cement Company LLCMason City Municipal AirportNIVC ServicesNorth Iowa Area Community CollegeNorth Iowa Collision CenterNorth Iowa Community Credit UnionOtto’s OasisPOET Biorefining - HanlontownRyken Engineering & Land SurveyingWells Fargo Bank of IowaWoodharbor Custom Cabinetry

BRONZE1ST InsuranceBergland + Cram ArchitectsCL TELExpress Employment ProfessionalsFederal Fire EquipmentHosmer Toyota/HondaHy-Vee EastSchupick & Associates, P.C.Veenstra & Kimm, Inc.WWA-ArchitectsZilge’s Appliance Center

2016 Membership Directory

100th Anniversary 1916-2016

North Iowa s Best Businesses’

Fifty Plus Years (cont)The Nettleton Dental Group, PC (58)Major Erickson Funeral Home (57)McDonald’s Restaurant (56)Pappajohn, Shriver, Eide & Nielsen P.C. (56)

Forty Plus YearsMcGregors Furniture (49) Curries (48)ProBuild (47) Northern Cedar Service Co. Inc. (42)United Way of Central Iowa (42)North Iowa Eye Clinic, P.C. (40)

Thirty Plus Years NIVC Services (36)Trinity Lutheran Church (36)Mechanical Air Systems (34)Ag Processing, Inc. (31) Cinema West Theatre (31)Mason City Tile & Marble (30)

Twenty Plus Years Hampton Inn (27)Kelly Services (27)Jay Urdahl - County Supervisor (27)CENT Credit Union (26)North Iowa Community Action (26)Maggie’s Sewing Center (25)McCloskey Appliance (25) Mason City Parks & Recreation Department (21)Schupick & Associates, P.C. (20)

Ten Plus YearsLarson Contracting (19)Independent Order of Odd Fellows - IOOF Lodge #224 (15)North Iowa Air Service (15)Ironhouse Gym, Inc. (14)The Hungry Mind (14) Kevin Dolphin CPA, P.C. (12)Community Housing Initiatives/ River City Apartments (12)Habitat for Humanity of North Central Iowa (12)Athletico (11)Cabin Coffee Company (11) Nature’s Best Ingredients, Inc. (10)

Five Plus YearsJohnson Sanitary Products (9)Cavalier Coaches, Inc. (9) Rib Crib BBQ & Grill (9)Potter & Brant, P.L.C. (7) Kruger Seed (7) Control Print Creative (6)

One Plus YearsOak Leaf Collectibles (4)North Iowa Community Healthcare (4)Burns Insurance and Financial (3)Mike Hegtvedt Real Estate & Auction Company (3)Navratil Excavating Inc. (2)Advocare Independent Distributor - Sandi Lincoln (2)Theilen Auto Sales (2)Magellan Healthcare (1)Mason City Surgery Center (1)Mercy Home Therapy Shoppe (1)Mercy Women’s Health Center (1)Mercy Urgent Care (1)Mercy Family Pharmacy – Regency (1)Mercy Dermatology Center (1)Mercy Family Clinic – Regency (1)Cupid’s Undie Run (1)Titan Pro SCI (1)

Membership Renewals (cont)

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

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

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

Bronze ($1,000-$2,999): Corporate Farmer · Farmers State BankHenkel Construction · Kaplan University · Mercy Medical Center – North Iowa NIACC · POET Biorefining - Hanlontown

Premier Members

Ribbon Cuttings

NEW OWNERSHIPMason City Buick GMC Cadillac4510 4th St SW

Blue Zones Project ®

Each month, we showcase the best practices of a Blue Zones Worksite®

The Chamber was designated as a Blue Zones Worksite® in January 2015, and has since added a standing Blue Zones Worksite Wellness committee with the goal of sustaining and encouraging wellness initiatives.

You’ll see signs of Blue Zones behaviors if you visit the Chamber for a meeting or another function. The Chamber uses smaller plates and cups to promote healthy portion choices. Standing workstations set up around the building, and walking meetings are encouraged. You’re also likely to see staff members taking part in local service organizations.

The Chamber staff members have embraced the Blue Zones mentality. One of the highlights is the Chamber’s monthly Fitbit contest. Everyone sets their own monthly step and health goals, and they are updated on their progress at the weekly staff meeting. It’s a fun way to promote natural movement. The Chamber is now working with the Worksite Wellness committee to obtain grant funding so other Blue Zones Worksites can incorporate a similar program.


Business Before Hours and Business After Hours are great opportunities to network with fellow Chamber members, and now there’s a new incentive to attend in 2016! At the Business After Hours at the Historic Park Inn on January 21st, all of our 650 Chamber members will be entered into a progressive jackpot, which will start at $25. If no one from the business is present to collect the prize in January, the winnings will be carried over to the next month’s drawing. The pot will continue to grow by $25 each month until the winnings are claimed. It’s just one more reason to attend the Chamber’s most popular event!

Networking Pays Off !

Steckman & Ragan Attend Board Meeting

State Representative Sharon Steckman and State Senator Amanda Ragan attended the Chamber’s board meeting in December. They listened as board members shared their perspective on the local business climate and provided insight regarding the upcoming legislative session.

NEW MEMBERCastle Financial1825 4th St SW

Chamber Leadership

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

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

StaffRobin Anderson, CCE, IOM President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Krull Marketing & Leadership Development Director [email protected] Frein Program Director [email protected] Mason Membership Development Director [email protected] Baker Service & Operations Director [email protected]

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

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

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected]

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

Feb 2-3 Chamber Bowl | Sponsored by Holiday Inn Express & Mystic Lanes

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Tuesday January 5

Leadership North Iowa Begins | 3-5PMThird Floor Event Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

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

FridayJanuary 8

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

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

Wednesday January 6

Thursday January 21

Wednesday January 13

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

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

ThursdayJanuary 14

Lunch & Learn | “2016 is the year I get my business online!” WebWise Solutions, Inc. | 12-1PMBand Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Ribbon Cutting | 1:30-2PMNorseman Trucking/Transportation | 106 E Main St, Lake Mills

TuesdayJanuary 5

Educational Opportunities

Get Involved/Committee Meetings

Tuesday January 12

Lunch & Learn | “2016 is the year I make my smartphone work for me!” iWireless | 12-1PMBand Festival Room | Commerce Center | 9 N Federal Ave

Tuesday January 26

Networking Events

Business After Hours | 4:30-6:30PMHistoric Park Inn/1910 GRILLÉ | 15 W State St

Thursday January 21

TuesdayJanuary 5

Ambassador Meeting | 12-1PMDiamond Jo Casino| 777 Diamond Jo Lane, Northwood

Happy Blue Year!

Documents

Transcript of Happy Blue Year!