January Chamber Report

Inside this issue:• 2011 Policy Agenda

Janu

ary

2011

2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

©2011 Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

2010-2011 Board of Directors

OfficersChuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, ChairNancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Chair ElectBrad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Immediate Past Chair Rob Frederick, The AEGON Companies, Secretary William Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, President

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, DirectorThomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, DirectorDee Baird, Priority One, President Priority OneTodd Barker, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorDavid Benson, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Director Barry Boyer, Van Meter Industrial, Inc., Chair Priority OneScott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorLijun Chadima, Thorland Company, DirectorRon Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary DirectorChris DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc., DirectorJeff Elgin, J & T Elgin, LLC, DirectorJames Ernst, Four Oaks Inc. of Iowa, DirectorGary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, DirectorRonald Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, DirectorKristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, DirectorDon Garland, Chair Marion Chamber, Honorary Director Scott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company, Inc., DirectorBernard Gill, Ascott Transcription Services, Director Shannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary Director Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., At Large DirectorBeth Houlahan, Mercy Medical Center, DirectorTim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, DirectorChristine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc., DirectorRobb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, DirectorCurt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center Inc. Honorary DirectorDoug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary DirectorRon Olson, Paulson Electric Company, DirectorHazel Pegues, Diversity Focus, Honorary DirectorJohn Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, DirectorTim Spain United Fire Group, Director Vernon Squires, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary Director Michael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, P.C., Director Paul Treangen, Alliant Energy – Interstate Power & Light Co., DirectorMonica Vernon, Cedar Rapids City Council, Honorary DirectorWilliam Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, DirectorBrandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc, Director

Table of ContentsArticle PageFeatured Member of the Month ...........................................4ImpactCR .............................................................................5Steps to Innovation ..............................................................6Regional Branding Research Information Points ................7Community Resource and Business Guide .........................7Calendar of Events ...............................................................8Conquer the Corridor ...........................................................92011 Chamber Alliance ............................................... 10-11CR Chamber Issue Statements 2011 .................................12Government Affairs Events 2011 .......................................13EDC ....................................................................................14Business Long Term Recovery ..........................................15New Member .....................................................................16Creating a Center for Youth Innovation .............................16Good Morning CR on Ice ..................................................17December PM Exchange Recap ........................................18PM Exchange .....................................................................18Futurailla ............................................................................19

January 2011Volume 80 No 5 (uSPS558-200)

Chamber Report (ISSN 108-50775) is published monthly by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, 424 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.

Subscription price of $35 per year is included in an annual chamber membership.

Periodicals postage paid at Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Postmaster: Send changes to:Chamber Report Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce424 First Ave. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

Chair: Chuck PetersPresident & CEO: Editor: Kari Stillman

Contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission.

From the Chairman’s Desk:

2011 is a pivotal year for this community, and this Chamber.

In 2011 we will establish our path on developing a culture of innovation.In 2011, we will develop a common vision for the Cedar Rapids

metropolitan area, shared by the cities, Linn County, educational institutions, human service agencies, economic development organizations and cultural entities. That vision will be linked with visions throughout the region under a common regional brand.

In the first few days of 2011, your Chamber board will determine if the Innovation Center building, for which we have already received $4.5 million

of funding, is the proper means by which to pursue our Prosperity Agenda.In 2011 the new City Manager of Cedar Rapids, Jeff Pomeranz, will partner with Doug

Neumann, the President of the Downtown District, Dee Baird, the President of Priority One, this Chamber and many others to develop the vibrant, urban environment on the river that is desired by so many as a key attribute of this region.

We are sorry that we will not have the leadership of Shannon Meyer in 2011. As she told us, she made the “hardest decision of her life” to accept the offer of the Fox Cities Chamber in Appleton, Wisconsin to become their President and CEO in 2011. We thank Shannon for all she has done in our community to help us recover from the flood and set us on the path for our Prosperity Agenda, and wish her all the best as she develops another node on the innovation network.

Your Chamber staff is fully engaged, and making progress on our Prosperity Agenda. We will be using the first weeks of 2011 to step back, determine the course of the Innovation Center, reaffirm the critical tasks that need to be accomplished, and then search for exactly the skills needed to lead us.

This region needs to be a player in the global, knowledge worker economy. To do that, we need to learn new skills, organize in new ways and pursue new ends. Developing a culture of innovation is critical to our success.

Thank you for participating in this effort.

Chuck PetersChairman, Board of Directors

January 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

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January 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

ImpactCR’s Annual Celebration:

Diamond and IceLate Afternoon, Saturday, February 5th

The Suites at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

It’s a whole new ballgame this year!

Behind the seen.Image matters. You want customers to

see you looking good. What they don’t

see is how easy CITY can make it for you

to put your best face forward. We offer

a wide range of rental uniforms and mats

with a program tailored to your needs.

Want a customized solution that fi ts you

to a tee? Call us today and we’ll iron out

the details.

www.cityuniformsandmats.com319-283-5621800-798-5621

WORKPLACE UNIFORMS & MATS

Cle� �d simple.

ImpactCR is planning its biggest event to date: a fun, informal, indoor “tailgate” just a few hours before that night’s RoughRiders hockey match.

We’ll be celebrating right across from the Stable in the suites of Veteran’s Memorial Stadium.

Plenty of food and drink will be on hand and we’ll toast this year’s COTY award winners: we’ll recognize an ImpactCR Member of the Year as well as a local group,

business or organization who’s helped support our mission in 2010.

And, what’s an ImpactCR event without networking, activities, and prizes?

Our crack fun squad is planning the event as we speak, so check our website and facebook page for all of the information.

Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact Kelly Slaughter for details at 319-730-1411 or [email protected].

6 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

STEPS TO INNOVATIONThe Chamber will be developing a series of programming and events designed to create a culture of innovation in our region. These collaborative events will engage the community into a new level of thinking to achieve our highest poten-tial. Many of these new events and programming will take place in late February/early March.

Upcoming Event: Sarah Miller Caldicott, a great grandniece of Thomas Edison, will be visiting our region and sharing her expertise on innovation initiatives. Sarah spent three years researching Edison’s innovation methods, working with Edison experts and original, archived material. Her latest book, Innovate Like Edison: The Success System of America’s Greatest Inventor, Sara reveals the masterful innovation system that enabled Edison to develop world-changing innovations over more than 60 successful years.

Sarah Caldicott, Keynote SpeakerIgniting Innovation in Networked Communities Today:

5 Timeless Lessons from Thomas Edison

Although today we readily recognize Thomas Edison’s mastery for transforming ideas into commercial success, few realize that Edison was also an inspirational leader who believed in creating knowledge networks. Edison’s 10,000 vol-ume library – housed in his famed West Orange Laboratory – made his personal collection one of the top 5 largest librar-ies in the U.S. at the turn of the 20th century. Edison, America’s great innovator, allowed every employee free access to this library, and he heartily encouraged his people to learn through reading and experimentation.

The power of his knowledge network resonated across the more than 150 companies within Edison’s global empire. These same networks also enabled Edison to navigate tremendous complexity in his business affairs. Connected by diverse linkages to the worlds of science and manufacturing, Edison’s passion for networked structures led to extraordi-nary breakthroughs. Of the six industries Edison pioneered, all still exist today.

Edison’s project teams were intentionally designed not only to provide continual learning for every member, but to develop and train new innovation leaders for his diverse enterprises. Edison’s creation of learning organizations at his Menlo Park and West Orange labs reveal what it takes to drive an innovation culture today, and to embed a lifelong love of learning.

Learn how Edison’s Five Competencies of InnovationTM offer us a timeless guide for success as business leaders and developers of innovation talent in the 21st century:

• Why Edison’s work environments offers insight for driving a culture of innovation today.• Discover the factors that encourage an organization to function collaboratively.• How Edison developed a vibrant and flexible workforce.• What it takes to think like an innovator and develop new markets.

The Chamber will share details on this event and others as soon as they are finalized.

January 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Advertising opportunities

still remain!!The Chamber is updating its Community

Resource and Business Guide for 2011. The Guide is a high-quality publication highlighting the assets of our community in a multitude of sectors. Those sectors include business, transportation, education, health & wellness, neighborhoods, arts & culture, shopping, sports & recreation and much more. In addition to community information a full member directory and buyers guide is included. The Chamber sends the guide to individuals seeking relocation information and used by many employers as a recruitment tool.

The Community Resource and Business Guide is the perfect opportunity to get your organization’s message to key decision makers and those with purchasing power. Whether you want to promote a product, build your brand or show community support participating in this publication will provide you with the value you’re seeking for your advertising dollar. For advertising information call the Chamber and ask for Jeff Schamberger, Julie Lane or Kari Stillman at 319-398-5317.

2010 Community Reference Guides are still available to receive a free copy email [email protected].

Community Resource and Business Guide

Regional Branding Research

Information Points

In 2010, the Corridor Business Alliance (CBA) con-ducted a regional branding initiative conducted by North Star Destination Strategies to conduct a community research and branding initiative for our region.

The following points were gleaned from the research that North Star Destination Strategies conducted from August to December 2010.

• There is a desire to work more as a region, with 88% of respondents indicating that leaders and stakehold-ers in the area should collaborate and support region-al efforts.

• There was a strong desire to provide input into the research process. More than 1000 people provided input into this research from completing online sur-veys to one-on-one meetings to phone call to under-cover interviews.

• We validated that our region is a great place to live and work, but not many people outside the area are aware of this. Quality of life was identified as our region’s biggest strength.

• The residents of our region rank us well below the national average when it comes to being a good place to visit. There appears to be lack of broad under-standing of all of the visitor related amenities throughout our region.

• The Corridor’s footprint is primarily defined by the area between its anchor cities – Iowa City and Cedar Rapids, but surrounding communities are also includ-ed.

• There is a strong sentiment that increased collabora-tion between corridor Governments as well as eco-nomic development organizations would be benefi-cial.

• There is a fear that individual communities may lose their own identities in a regional branded approach.

• The term “Corridor” has a strong internal / regional awareness but almost no awareness outside the area.

• There is strong individual value, both cultural and economic, in all parts of our region, but there is a strong sentiment that collectively, the sum of those parts working as a single region can create a stronger, more vital environment.

The complete research will be posted by the end of January. To learn more about the Corridor Business Alliance visit corridor2020.com

8 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

Events Calendar January February

❖ Wednesday, January 5

ImpactCRSiren Wednesday

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Irish Democrat

3207 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

❖ Tuesday, January 11

Sales Roundtable Kick-OffNoon – 1:30 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Registration information available on-line

❖ Thursday, January 13

ImpactCR- BLT with Mike Sundall12:00 p.m. -1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

ImpactCR Bigwig Lunch Talk Series (BLT)

Complimentary

Sponsored by


Political Parley with Representative Renee SchulteNoon – 1:00 p.m.

Participate in on-line discussions with elected officials at shapecedarrapids.com

❖ Friday, January 21

Legislative Lunch11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Join The Chamber as we provide a legislative update on the current session with our Corridor Legislative Delegation.

Complimentary

Sponsored by


Political Parley with Representative Tyler OlsonNoon – 1:00 p.m.


Upcoming Signature Events

❖ Ag Business Luncheon The Hotel at Kirkwood Center March 9, 2011

❖ The Gala Theatre Cedar Rapids April 29, 2011

❖ Intl. Business Symposium May 11, 2011

❖ Wednesday, February 2

Political Parley Noon – 1:00 p.m.


❖ February 5

ImpactCR’s Annual Celebration “Diamond and Ice”The Suites at Veteran’s Memorial Stadium

A fun, informal, indoor “tailgate”







❖ Friday, February 18


Chamber Boardroom

Join The Chamber as we provide a legisla-tive update on the current session with our Corridor Legislative Delegation.

Complimentary

Sponsored by





Corridor Day at the Capitol8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Des Moines

Join a delegation to Des Moines and participate in face-to-face meetings with legislative leaders.

Sponsored by

March

For the latest listing of events or to register and pay on-line please visit

www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship opportunities are available for most Chamber events. Contact Candy Nanke for details at

[email protected]

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❖ Wednesday, March 2

ImpactCR Siren Wednesday

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Visit www.impactcr.org for location

❖ Wednesday, March 9

Ag Business LuncheonNoon – 1:30 p.m.

The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

Keynote Speaker, Lowell Catlett, is a Regent’s Professor in Agricultural Econom-ics and Agricultural Business and Extension and the Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences.

Presenting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

❖ Thursday, March 17

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

University of Iowa Community Credit Union

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Friday, March 18


Chamber Boardroom

Complimentary

Sponsored by

January 2011 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

“Very much a can-do attitude.”

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

“Elizabeth very much has a can-do attitude.

She guides us to financially sound opportunities.

When you need access to money or if you need low

interest rates or creative financing, it’s easy.

Just a phone call and she can set it up.”Member FDIC

Lisa CoesterOrthopaedics,Physicians’ Clinic of IowaBANKERS TRUSTprivate banker:Elizabeth Daly

When: Tuesday January 18, 8AM-9AM

Where: Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce (424 1st Avenue NE)

RSVP: [email protected] or 319-730-1427

Cost: FREE-Light breakfast and beverage provided

www.conquerthecorridor.com

Our community is filled with things to do and ways to get involved, but where should you go to find it all? Join Kari Lammer (Priority One) and Quinn Pettifer (Cedar

Rapids Downtown District) as they share their stories of resource triumph through Conquer the Corridor-an inter-active presentation designed to get you familiar with everything Corridor. Discover the where and how of cul-ture, nightlife, events, the downtown scene, volunteer opportunities, and more! Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here your entire life, this FREE guide through our community will open your eyes to what the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area has to offer! Attendees will be given a resource packet along with a calendar of upcoming Corridor events!

Can’t make it to the January 18th event? Contact us and we will arrange a time to present to your company, absolutely free. No catch-just our way of spreading the word about the place we are proud to call home!

ConquerTheCorridor

O n e C o m m u n i t y . E n d l e s s O p p o r t u n i t i e s .

The Iowa Chamber Alliance provides leadership on key issues most important to growing Iowa’s economy and encourages state government initiatives that are innovative and original. The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber is part of the non-partisan coalition that represents 16 Chambers of Commerce and economic development organizations throughout the state.

For 2011, the Alliance has identified four major state-wide priorities with key issues in these areas, as well as federal issues important for Iowa’s growth. Included among these key issues are: promote economic growth through a public/private partnership, focus on 21st century government, improve Iowa’s education system to meet the workforce needs of Iowa’s economy and continue to invest in a sustainable and green economy.

Statewide PrioritiesPromote Iowa’s Economic Growth:• Public/Private Partnership – recommending a

public/private partnership for state economic development efforts. This model can help renew focus on economic growth and business development in the state by utilizing expertise in both the public and private sector, developing a business model focused on seizing opportunities and implementing programs that provide a greater return on investment.

• Innovative and Transformative Government – today’s government needs to be more innovative and responsive and demand transformative government to deal with the challenges of the 21st century. Iowa may want to consider strategies cited in a report by the IBM Center for the Business of Government titled “Four Strategies to Transform State Governance.” State expenditures must be reviewed and strategically evaluated based on best practices, the impact and return on investment.

• Business Climate – Iowa’s business foundation must be protected. The Alliance supports Right-to-Work and the current workers’ compensation system. The alliance opposes mandatory wage rates, adding items that can be negotiated to Iowa’s public employee collective bargaining as well as the adoption of a combined corporate income tax structure in Iowa.

• Property Tax – provide tax relief for commercial and industrial properties. A potential consideration is to establish a Commission to redesign Iowa’s property tax system allowing the legislature and governor to either accept or reject the plan but not modify it.

• Income Tax – simplify the tax system. The state should flatten and adjust the current income tax structure. The change would allow the state to main-tain its income tax revenue stream while eliminating confusion by removing the federal tax deductibility.

• Entrepreneurship – restore venture capital tax credits. The Alliance supports extending the Seed Capital Fund Investment Tax Credit (expired in 2008) and replenishing the tax credits. Continuing the tax credits offset the risk involved in investing in high-tech, cutting-edge businesses. Research Activities Credits has proven effective in generating and retaining high-paying technical positions in innovative companies throughout the state and support maintaining these credits.

Attract and Retain a Highly Skilled and Educated Workforce:• Workforce Development – the Alliance supports

legislative solutions to better equip students to compete in the global marketplace and strengthen accountability. Economic and budgetary challenges provide the ideal time to improve student achieve-ment. Strengthen workforce training, retention and recruitment to meet future workforce needs.

Rebuild and Improve Iowa’s Infrastructure: • Road Use Tax Fund – implement TIME-21

(Transportation Investment Moves the Economy in the 21st Century) The Alliance supports full funding of the TIME-21 formula to raise revenue specifically for road infrastructure. Revise the current Road Use Tax Fund to allow a larger percentage of road tax dollars to be allocated to the primary state road system.

• Rail Service – continue to expand rail infrastructure. Expanding rail service and investing in the freight rail system provides critical infrastructure for transporting people, commodities and commercial goods.

Sustain and Revitalize Iowa Communities: • CAT and RECAT Programs – continue funding

and remove caps on CAT and RECAT. A matching fund supporting visionary community projects or destination attractions is important to grow local economies, attract visitors and retain businesses and workers. The caps are limiting the program’s impact and should be removed.

Iowa Chamber Alliance 2011 Agenda

10 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

Iowa Chamber Alliance 2011 AgendaRollback Impact

Property Tax 2007

• Great Places Program – fund the Great Places program at $3 million. An economic impact study completed in 2010 by Iowa State University found the majority of Iowa Great Places out-perform their peers in Iowa and across the Midwest.

• Sustainability – A Green Economy – Fund the Iowa Brownfield Redevelopment Program at $3 million per year and raise the cap on the tax credit program. Create state infrastructure and incentives for locating and growing companies involved in the production of and utilize various types of renewable energy in Iowa.

Federal IssuesThe Alliance has identified six key areas important to

Iowa’s economy at the federal level. All of the following issues impede economic progress in Iowa and require action by Iowa’s Congressional delegation.

• National Flood Center – The Chamber Alliance supports the federal designation of the Iowa Flood Center at the University of Iowa as the National Flood Center as well as funding for a national flood program enabling states and communities to

minimize flood losses through better prediction and protection methods.

• Immigration – The Alliance welcomes immigrants who want to contribute to the economy, politics, culture and society in Iowa.

• Energy Policy – The Alliance supports a comprehen-sive approach to meeting the current and future energy needs of the United States.

• Transportation – The Alliance thinks Congress should take immediate action to provide adequate revenue to the highway trust fund and to implement a new multi-year surface transportation authorization to provide sufficient, predictable and stable funding of a surface transportation system capable of sustaining strong economic growth.

• International Trade – The Alliance supports efforts to eliminate trade barriers abroad and ensure that markets at home remain open.

• Federal Regulation – The federal government must resist imposing regulations that do little more than impede business and thus employment growth.

To read the comprehensive 2011 Iowa Chamber Alliance’s Agenda visit

www.cedarrapids.org/advocacy and select Chamber Alliance.

January 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

Before Rollback Utilities4% Agriculture

13%

Residential 63%

Commercial & Industrial

20%

After Rollback Utilities7%

Agriculture19%

Commercial & Industrial31%

Residential 43%

Stay Informed In addition to our weekly e-mail legislative

updates sent to members provided during the legislative session, the Chamber will be providing e-mail notifications in the following targeted areas:

• Economic Development• Education• Natural Resources• Taxes• Transportation

Updates in these targeted areas will be sent as necessary throughout the legislative session and at times the e-mail may request a call to action such as providing business feedback and insight. If you would like to receive targeted updates on any or all of these areas please provide your name, title, e-mail address and organization name along with the areas of interest please contact Sara Mentzer at [email protected].

12 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

Streamlining Government❖ The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce urges government at all levels to streamline through lean pro-cessing and other means that save the taxpayer money.

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce encourag-es streamlining of governments to improve efficiencies and maximize cost effectiveness by simplifying processes and reducing costs and duplication of effort. With the help of business partners, several state departments have made strides in process improvement. This can be expanded to other departments and all levels of government and should include comparative consideration of privatization. The State of Iowa’ current budget situation encourages this process sooner rather than later.

Commercial Property Tax Reform❖ Efficiencies in government is also a way to address the burdensome property taxes paid by commercial and indus-trial taxpayers. While it is not the objective to switch this burden to other classes of property tax payers there must be a solution offered soon to the continued stumbling block to a welcoming business environment.

Transportation❖ The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce supports local and regional transportation infrastructure improvements to assist in the continued development of the Cedar Rapids area as one of the fastest growing areas in Iowa and to provide connectivity for Cedar Rapids area businesses and the Corridor area at large.

❖ Highway 100 – This project does not require anything from our legislature but we continue to work with the Iowa Department of Transportation and our congressional delegation to see the project funded to completion. This beltway has been a priority of the community for over 30 years and we will work with the coalition supporting the project.

❖ Tower Terrace Road – Tower Terrace Road will span the north side of the metro area from Interstate 380 to Highway 13. The 7.6 mile stretch is considered a regional road and does not require state DOT funding to complete. There may be grants available for certain segments but most will be handled by the local communities. An impor-tant component to the road is an interchange at I380. The request for a study to justify the need is being coordinated with the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)❖ While this is also a priority for the Alliance agenda we want to emphasize the importance of STEM education in our schools. A competitive workforce is critical for an innovative community.

Increasing the Cap on the Hotel/Motel Tax❖ While no organization is for tax increases, the need to let local communities vote to increase their own tax is off the table with the current State of Iowa arbitrary cap. With targeted need in the Cedar Rapids area a discussion of how to deal with the needed funding for matches on federal funding is required. This as a local control option and should not be stopped by the State of Iowa.

GRI❖ We support the proposal by the City of Cedar Rapids as a means to fund the flood protection system on both sides of the Cedar River. This will require some political will on behalf of the Iowa Legislature but with the great need for matching funds that are beyond the means of the local community this is a funding source that only grows as the community’s economy grows.

Watershed Management❖ Along with flood protection within the communities the Cedar River Watershed needs to continue talks and intro-duce proposals on how to control water management in the Cedar River Watershed. The coalition that has met for a year has some unique proposals and we will continue to be involved in this coalition.

Tax on Effluent Emmisions❖ Currently food processing manufactures are exempt from the tax on their effluent emissions. With double digit tax increases at the Cedar Rapids Water Treatment Facility our high water use manufacturers are seeing uncompeti-tive rates. Many changes have been made to taxes on manufactures to exempt them from processes involved in manufacturing. We are asking that green manufactures like our recycled paper mill be included as exempt with the food processors for their effluent emissions.

Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Issue Statements for 2011Addendum to the Iowa Chamber Alliance 2010 legislative

agenda supported by the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce.

Mission: The Chamber is the catalyst to promote economic vitality and quality of life in Linn County.

January 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Government Affairs 2011 Scheduled Events

January 19 – Noon Political Parley with shapecedarrapids.com Representative Renee Schulte

January 21 – 11:30 am Legislative Lunch Chamber Boardroom Sponsored by Skogman Companies

February 18- 11:30 am Legislative Lunch Chamber Boardroom Sponsored by Bradley and Riley PC

February 23 Corridor Day/Kolache Day Iowa State Capitol Kolache’s Sponsored CIPCO

March 18- 11:30 am Legislative LunchChamber Boardroom Sponsored by McGladrey

April Legislative Wrap UpTBA Sponsored by Paulson Electric Co.

May 22-25 US Chamber Small Business Washington DC Summit, Washington DC Local sponsor: Corridor CoWorks

NEW EVENT - Political Parleys The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber and ImpactCR have

brought our elected officials to you. The on-line chat forums will be held weekly at shapecedarrapids.com. The Political Parley debuts on Wednesday, January 19th with Representative Renee Schulte and will continue on a weekly basis throughout the legislative session.

Corridor Day at the CapitolBusiness leaders are invited to join the Iowa City

and Cedar Rapids Area Chambers as part of a delegation from the region visiting the Capitol on February 23. Take part in this free event as the Chambers arrange a series of meetings and host lunch with legisla-tive leaders, these face-to-face meetings allow our region to advocate for important business issues. Although free, registration is required, contact Sara Mentzer to register or register on-line at www.cedarrapids.org.

Consider contributing to “Made in the Corridor” by donating locally manufactured products for Corridor Day at the Capital - contact Sara Mentzer at [email protected] for details.

America’s Small Business SummitThe Chamber is once again forming a delegation to

attend the 2011 America’s Small Business Summit in Washington, D.C. Join The Chamber and bring the voice of business to Congress. Cost is $2,000 per person and includes three nights hotel, airfare, conference registration and multiple meals. More details on the summit can be found at www.uschambersummit.com and registration can be made on-line at www.cedarrapids.org or contact Sara Mentzer at [email protected]

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERDeveloping an Entrepreneur Eco-System

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at 319-369-4955 or visit us at www.edcinc.org.

14 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area business resources are collaborating to support economic development in the Corridor.We invite you to attend the EDC’s January 11 Networking Event, Developing an Entrepreneur Eco-System and learn what re-

sources are available to area businesses to help them launch and scale. The event will be co-hosted by the EDC (www.edcinc.org), the Corridor Business Alliance (CBA) (www.corridor2020.com) and the Cedar Rapids Downtown District (www.downtowncr.org), and will showcase the support for Corridor entrepreneurs—specifically highlighting members of the CBA.

The CBA was established to create a vital regional economy through the creation and growth of business. Its purpose is to improve and strengthen strategic collaboration among member organizations to achieve its collective vision as well as to recruit and keep talent in the region.

The importance of developing an entrepreneur-friendly environment was high-lighted in a recent article. “More and more, we’re finding that both new startups and ongoing high-growth firms have important roles to play in the labor market,” said Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy Susan M. Walthall. “Fast-growing firms scattered across the economy create a large share of jobs–and because no one can predict which idea will be the next to catch on, it’s important to create an environment in which a wide spectrum can start up and expand.” (http://www.drjeffcornwall.com/2010/03/the-importance-of-small-busine.html)

CBA Members• Alliant Energy • Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce • Corridor 2020 Networking • Entrepreneurial Development Center • Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce • Iowa City Area Development Group • Kirkwood Community College • MidAmerican Energy • Priority One • Kirkwood’s Small Business Development Center • The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa • University of Iowa Research Foundation • University of Iowa Small Business Development Center.

Developing an Entrepreneur Eco-SystemWhen: Tuesday, January 11 from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm Where: EDC’s office (230 2nd St. SE, Suite 212 in the Granby Building in downtown Cedar Rapids) Cost: FreeRSVP: Call 319-369-4955 or visit www.edcinc.org and click on Events

January 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319-364-8900

It’s no coincidence we keep our studio well stocked with these.

As the new year begins, Business Long Term Recovery (BLTR) is changing its focus with flood affected businesses. The group spent the majority of the last year conducting business assessments and assisting with Jump Start funding applications. Now the focus will become growth and progress.

To achieve this growth, BLTR is offering free mentoring services to flood affected businesses. In part-nership with Service Corp of Retired Executives SCORE), and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), BLTR has experienced professionals with expertise in a variety of areas.

Lori Janusz, who became the owner of JL Time and Attendance after the flood, has taken advantage of the mentoring pro-gram and said the experience gave her the chance to bounce ideas off someone with more marketing experience.

“I am not a marketing person – I have a lot of ideas, but I wasn’t sure what would be the best way to make things happen,” she said. “The best part was we

were able to just sit back and talk casually. [The mentors] offered suggestions and ideas that would help the business grow. They kept the customer needs in mind in their suggestions.”

Janusz was mentored by Scott Swenson and Steve Hunter, who also serve as case managers with BLTR. In addition to marketing, they helped with clerical duties such as retrieving customer information from an old backup disk. The company’s client database was lost in flood waters, which left Janusz no way to contact many customers until the backup disk was retrieved.

“The business ran on its name for a long time, and now I have some new ideas to help the business grow,” Janusz said.

For more information on mentor opportunities, contact BLTR at (319) 731-5864. Flooded business stories may also be found on BLTR’s blog: http://crbizcomeback.blogspot.com.

Lori Janusz

16 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

Events

Featured

At Work

New

American Business Women Association Cedar Rapids Charter ChapterP.O. Box 10901Cedar Rapids, IA 52410Misty Frank, PresidentWeb: www.abwacr.org Email: [email protected]

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together business women of diverse backgrounds and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leader-ship, education, networking support and national recognition.

Delta Dental of Iowa 9000 Northpark DriveJohnston, IA 50131Jill Hamilton, Manager Corporate CommunicationsPhone: 515-261-5526Web: www.deltadentalia.com Email: [email protected]

More Iowans smile with Delta Dental than any other dental plan. That’s because Delta Dental delivers more than 90% of the providers in Iowa and consistently retains over 96% of our clients from year to year. For more information on Delta Dental, contact us at 877-423-3582 or visit www.deltadentalia.com.

Select Structural Engineering618 14th Avenue SW, Suite ACedar Rapids, IA 52404Matt Miller, EngineerPhone: 319-365-1150Web: www.select-structural.comEmail: [email protected]

Structural engineering firm dedicated to the success of our clients through innovative ideas, superior service, and optimal designs. Our value engineering, innovative designs, and high tech approach make us the best choice for your next project.

stlukescr.org

St. Luke's Work Well Solutions

,

Could your employees’ health affect

bottom line?your

Reviewing risks, lifestyle choices and laboratory results is the fi rst step in helping your employees take charge of their health. This valuable information can help you target high risk factors that affect the health of your employees and ultimately your bottom line.

Learn how St. Luke’s Health Risk Assessment can help you and your employees. Call Hilary Hurlburt to learn more, 319/369-8154.

Creating a Center for Youth Innovation

The Chamber has initiated conversations with area businesses, nonprofit organizations, high school and college educators, and students to dis-cuss ways in which The Chamber can support and deliver innovative programming to the education sector. The Chamber looks to create collaborative partnerships to develop unique programming designed to provide students with access to innovative and entrepreneurial experiences. The preliminary discussions have generated numerous ideas from both students and educators involved.

The Chamber looks to create a center adaptive to the changing needs of the global economy by providing students with the opportunity to gain valuable experience through a Youth Innovation Center will enable the development necessary to compete in the knowledge-based workplace.

January 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Your all-in-one printer!

We offer:• Two graphic designers on staff• High Speed Digital Print• Variable Data Printing• In-house Mailing Services

Call for your estimate now! 319-378-4451

HELPING YOU LIVEBETTERCEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCAwww.crmetroymca.org

The Chamber hosted its 19th consecutive Good Morning Cedar Rapids event at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena on December 1st. The event, sponsored by Guaranty Bank, hosted more than 500 business members gathered to honor homegrown companies and organiza-tions with the 2010 BRAVO Awards and Community Spotlights. The event provided a new, exciting twist by being held at the Ice Arena that provided the audience with not only laughs, but an energized boost to start the day. Attendees witnessed the bold and funny performan-ces of SPT Theatre and cheered as past award recipients presented this year’s awards and spotlights.

The Community Spotlights are given to an organi-zation that demonstrates commitment and extraordinary service to the community. Block by Block and the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders were this year’s Community Spotlight organizations.

Congratulations to the 2010 BRAVO Award winners

Ovation Networks

White Glove Movers

Bimm Ridder Sportswear

Bravo Awards are given to small businesses with unique, local appeal and a history as

a distinguished Chamber member.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor

Creative Talent & Production: SPT Theatre and Mike Humbert

Awards Assembled & Provided by: InTolerance

Video Production: KCRG-TV

Photography provided by Dan Kempf Photography

18 __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ January 2011

December PM Exchange Recap

Guests enjoyed the networking opportunity provided by December’s PM Exchange host, Dublin City Pub. Dublin’s provided plenty of beverages and hors d’oeuvres for everyone in attendance.

Correction: December’s report incorrectly reported the November PM Exchange Host. Hy-Vee in Marion graciously hosted November’s PM Exchange while showcasing holiday décor and shared numerous holiday delights.

Premier office space at

305 Second Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids

Singles to suites & small to large!

Take a Tour!319-899-8018

www.bizexchangectr.com

Join us for the PM ExchangeJanuary 205-7 p.m.

Central. Distinctive. Cooperative.

Green Development Building (former Witwer Building)

January 2011 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

Futurallia 16th International Business Development Forum

This event is coming to the United States for the very first-time and has landed in the Midwest.

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to be a partner and forming a delegation to attend Futurallia 2011 - the 16th International Business Development Forum, held in Kansas City May 18-20, 2011.

More than 53 delegation leaders from 30 counties have already registered for Futurallia KC 2011. Participants expected from Algeria, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Greece, Mexico, India, Nepal, Qatar, Tunisia and many countries will be represented at this event.

Futurallia is a unique and globally-recognized event. Over the course of two days, the international business development event will allow business leaders the opportunity for personalized, prescheduled meetings with partners of their choice. Futurallia is a fast paced event where everything is done to optimize your business development efforts and maximize your time.

If you are a business executive or entrepreneur from any business sector looking to broaden your sales through commercial, strategic, financial or technical partnerships and seeking to research international markets, meet business leaders from global small to medium size enterprises, develop new business relationships and establish new export/import markets Futurallia is for you.

6 Reasons to Participate at FUTURALLIA KC 2011❶ Reinforce your position in the international marketplace ❷ Create new partnerships with different sectors

and countries❸ Look for commercial, financial, strategic or

technical partnerships ❹ Develop new export markets❺ Identify new business opportunities❻ Research and gather information on international markets

FUTURALLIA 2011 by numbers✓ 2 days of professional meetings ✓ Up to 16 personalized pre-scheduled business meetings

for each participant ✓ More than 800 business leaders from all sectors✓ More than 9,000 one-on-one business meetings scheduled

For more information on this event or to register contact Julie Stow at [email protected]

or 319-730-1709.

Jami Henry & Pierre LalondeJami Henry President, Bellewether, Lee’s Summit, USA

Pierre - CEO of Québec City-based Kiwi Technologies Inc.

“Jami and Pierre both first met at Futurallia 2008. They had mutually requested each other, met during one of their scheduled 30-minute meetings and talked another 3 times over the course of the 2-day event. They kept on communicating after the event as well and after 2 years, the two companies developed a for-mal partnership. They launched their first project (an assessment product platform) together in May 2010. “By partnering with Kiwi Technologies, we were able to cut our expenses on this specific product by 70%, and we can now export our assessment and maintain control of our cost and margin” said Jami Henry.”

Jean-Pierre VillégerSales and Marketing Manager, Joubert Plywood –

Auge-Saint-Médard, France

“I totally agree with the spirit of Futurallia. This event allows everyone to be on an equal footing. It doesn’t matter if you are the sole person in your company or in charge of 200 employees. Futurallia encourages meetings between all types of business leaders. It’s really win-win.”

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January Chamber Report

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Transcript of January Chamber Report