CHAMBER NEWSLife With a River View

Volume 30

Beach Party!

Saturday, January 27, 2018 7-10 p.m.

Clinton Moose Lodge 1936 Lincolnway ~ Clinton

Join the fun in the Iowa winter sun!

Chamber members ~ $15 Not-yet members ~ $20 Hors d'oeuvres - Pizza

Games ~ Prizes ~ Cash Bar

Beach Attire Optional!

January 2018 Number 1

A Message from your President

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Maureen MillerPresident & CEO

A New Year Celebration!

Happy New Year!

As I write this, we are a few days from Christmas and the last days of 2017. While it hasn’t been a year of as many firsts as 2016 it has been an eventful year, nonetheless.

Our team is in place and ready to rock 2018. Our newest team member, Stacy Kelley, has enthusiastically jumped into the Member Engagement Coordinator position. In her first three weeks on the job she reinstituted Biz After 5 and already has agreements with three busi-nesses to host. The events will be held the second Thursday of the month, and are open to all employees of Chamber businesses. Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase YOUR business! Contact Stacy to see about available times.

We’re always looking for people to invest in Chamber membership. We understand that, for some busi-nesses, a single-pay membership is difficult. To make it easier, we have implemented options for monthly, quarterly and semi-annual payments through auto-pay. If you prefer to go that route, you can authorize payment through a debit or credit card, or through auto-deduct from a checking account through ACH. Businesses with 5 or fewer employees typically pay about $30 a month for all the benefits of membership.Another new benefit we’re introducing this year is Member Plus. In the past, you may have noticed a voluntary investment option. Some of you have paid it without knowing what it was about. Frankly, I wasn’t sure what it was, either, until I started asking questions. When it was first implemented, those funds were earmarked for computer upgrades. That’s an ongoing expense for all of us as technology continues to change at the speed of light!

It just seemed to me that you should all receive some benefit for the little extra investment you are making or may consider making. Consequently, in future statements, you will notice a change to the wording from voluntary investment to Member Plus. And, you will begin to see the tangible benefits to being a Member Plus:

1. You’ll be acknowledged as a Member Plus in each monthly newsletter (free name recognition advertising to all member businesses and others!)2. 10% discount on purchase of Chamber membership lists and advertising in the weekly Chamber e-news.3. 10% discount on admission to select events throughout the year.4. Business listing on sponsor boards for events and activities throughout the year.

Your support helps us accomplish our mission of sustaining, improving and promoting the Clinton economic area. Thank you! January 23rd will find the Grow Clinton County coalition at the State Capitol. Our 4 priorities this year are: maintaining the backfill, increasing demo reserves, an amendment to the hotel-motel tax, and addressing mental health and pension funding. Other people will be representing healthcare, education, economic development, transportation, environmental and low incoming housing concerns. It promises to be a busy and productive day! In the coming year we’ll also be working on a trip to visit our legislators in Washington, D.C. in March, tour-ism activities, events and educational opportunities, creating a Clinton Impact Coalition to bring everybody to the table to prioritize the activities that promote economic development in the community, and whatever comes our way. Every day is a new adventure and a chance to do what we can to support and improve the quality of life in the Clinton area.

We have much to celebrate in 2018. I invite you to be an active participant in what is happening in our Chamber and in our community and celebrate the good things to come!

I, and the staff of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce, wish you and your families a Healthy, Prosper-ous and Happy New Year!

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...

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS -

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60+ years Clinton Herald 66 50+ years The A.C. Root Agency, Inc. 55 40+ years Sarah Harding 42 30+ years Homer’s Deli/Sweetheart Bakery 34 7G Distributing, LLC 31 Air Control, Inc. 30 20+ years Colony Brands, Inc. and SC Data Center, Inc. 29 Clinton Area Showboat Theatre 27 Subway 26 Fulton Corporation 24 Necker’s Jewelers 24 Wild Rose Casino & Resort 24 Snyder & Associates, Inc. 20

10+ years Hartz Lock Co. 18 Jacobs Field Services 18 Lyons Tap & Grill 13 Miss Clinton County Scholarship Program 12 1+ years Make-a-Wish Foundation of Iowa 9 McDonalds - No. 2nd Street 7 Young Living Essential Oils 7 Johnson Oil Company 6 Laundry Max 6 Phelan Management Consulting 6 Francie Hill 5 Community Housing Initiatives, Inc. 4 Brad Florence 3 Tupperware 3 Deanna’s Java Station 1

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

Thank you for renewing your membership!

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS - December

Biz after 5

Thursday, January 11th 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Slop’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill1015 13th Avenue North

FREE and open to all Chamber Members and their employees!

Welcome New Members

Chamber WebsiteInformation

Did you know that your membership includes

the following:

Job PostingsHot Deals

News Releases

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

Like us on facebook look for Clinton Area Chamber

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3D Trailer & AutoWe are a used car dealer. We buy and sell used vehicles. We have a large variety of new trailers, enclosed and open. We carry Heartlands, MTI, Cross, Stealth & Discov-ery. Visit us at 1510 10th Avenue in Fulton. Call us at 815-589-9985 or check out our website at www.3D=autosales.com.

Richard Jaeger ServiceRich Jaeger provides PA and Sound Systems. He offers sales, service, installation and rentals. He works with all types of sound systems, big and small. Call him for a free estimate at 563-243-5382.

Welcome... NEW MEMBERS!

Lunch and LEARN!

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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2JR Pizza Enterprises, LLC3D Trailer & AutoAaron’s Sales & LeaseAdcraft Printwear Co.ADM Corn ProcessingAegis Credit UnionAgri-King Inc.Air Control, Inc.Albert’s JewelersAlverno Health Care FacilityAmerican Family Insurance - Joe Leonard Agency, Inc.American Heart AssociationArea Business Women’s ConnectionAshford University- Clinton CampusB & E Machine Company, Inc.Barnes and Noble at Clinton Community CollegeBeckwith Commercial Roofing, Inc.Best Lifestyle - ShakleeBickford CottageBig Brothers Big Sisters of ClintonBig River PackagingBillion AutoBodine Services of Clinton LLCBrad FlorenceBrand Energy SolutionsBrinkman Building CenterBrocolo Design & AdvertisingBrown’s Shoe FitBuffalo Wild WingsBuild to Suit, Inc.Bunge North AmericaBurger KingBurger King (West)Bush ConstructionCandlelight InnCardiovascular Medicine, P.C.Carpetland USA of Clinton, Inc.Charles L. Duax Insurance & Financial ServicesChild Care Resource and Referral of Southeast IowaCindy Kiester - Norwex Independent ConsultantCity of CamancheClassic Bodyworks, Inc.Clausen Supply Trucking & WarehousingClinton Area Showboat TheatreClinton Art Association/River Arts CenterClinton Auto GroupClinton Back and Neck Family WellnessClinton Builders ClubClinton Council PTAClinton CountyClinton County Area Solid Waste AgencyClinton Engineering Co., Inc.Clinton Family DentalClinton Floral ShopClinton HeraldClinton Humane SocietyClinton JayceesClinton Landlords Association, Inc.Clinton Occupational Health & Midwest Therapy Centers

Clinton Regional Development CorporationClinton Rotary ClubClinton Symphony OrchestraClover Hills Appliance CenterClysar, LLCCollis Inc.Collis Toolholder CorporationColony Brands, Inc. and SC Data Center, Inc.Community Health Care, Inc.Comprehensive Rehab Inc.Core-Vens & Co., Inc.Corner Deli & Ice Cream ShoppeCornerstone Wellness CenterCulver’s of ClintonCutting Edge Lawn & Landscape MaintenanceD and S MovingDaBo, LLCDan SrpDanisco - DuPont Nutrition & HealthDarling Ingredients Inc.David RoseDeanna’s Java StationDeja Vu Furniture & AccessoriesDental Offices, LLCDependable Drain & PlumbingDuTrac Community Credit UnionEagle Point Health Care CenterEagle River LiquorEast Central Intergovernmental AssociationEastern Iowa Light & Power CooperativeEastern Iowa Propane & Petro, Ltd.Eastern Iowa TireEconomic Growth CorporationEdith PfefferEdward Jones - Tom Timion, Investment RepresentativeEmployer’s Council of Iowa (ECI)Employer’s Service Bureau, Inc.Essentials4uEstes ConstructionFamily Resources, Inc.Farm Bureau Financial ServicesFarwell & BruhnFinally Friday at the RiverFirst Baptist ChurchFirst Wealth Financial GroupFisher House Bed & BreakfastFocus ServicesFrey, Haufe & Current, P.L.C.Fulton Meat MarketGabel ChiropracticGood Samaritan Society Services @ HomeGrand Mound Cooperative TelephoneGreat River ThreshersH&R BlockHappy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream ParlorHinkle Engineering & Surveying, L.L.C.Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.HomeGrown GraphicsHonkamp Krueger & Co., PCHowes & Jefferies Realtors, LLPIndependent Energy Systems Inc.Independent Investment ServicesIndiana, Illinois and Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting

Infinity Medical GroupIowa-American Water Co.J.T. Cullen Co., Inc.Jacobs Field ServicesJacqueline A. Rutledge, CPAJEG Enterprise LLC, dba Imperial LanesJenny Rice Graphic DesignJohnson Oil CompanyK&R Public Scale IncKeeping You SewingKelley Girls Woodfire PizzaKelly Heating & Air ConditioningKen Kroemer InsuranceKiwanis Club of ClintonKohl’s Department Stores Inc.#565Lectronics Inc.Legend’s Sports Bar & GrillLeslie Electric Services, Inc.Lloyd’s Plan Inc.Lockhart & Law Insurance AgencyManny’s TooManpower Inc.Mary Kaster Independent Beauty Consultant - Mary KayMcClure Engineering Associates, Inc.McDonalds - N 2nd StMcGraw Accounting & Tax ServiceMediacom CommunicationsMercy Medical Center - ClintonMidwest Business ProductsMidwest Pets For LifeMiner Gilroy & Meade CPAs, PCMorrison Institute of TechnologyMuddy River Camera ClubNadi Yoga CenterNAPA Premier Parts, Inc.Necker’s JewelersNelsonCorp Wealth ManagementNestle Purina PetCare CompanyNew Choices, Inc.New DirectionsNutrition PlusOld Town Family RestaurantPadgett Business ServicesPape Funeral Home, Inc.Park Vista Senior Housing ManagementPeaceful River CreationsPetersen Hagge FurniturePetersen Sanitary CleaningPhelan - Management ConsultingPizza RanchPlanet AutoPrairie Hills at Clinton, LLCPrince of Peace Catholic SchoolProperty Development Assoc.Quad City Area Realtor AssociationQuality Concrete Co.Rail.OneRay’s Time Out Sports Bar & GrillRegency Retirement ResidenceRepublic ServicesRittmer, Inc.River Cities Tennis AssociationRiver City Fencing Co.RK Graphics

Rock Valley Physical TherapyRockin Rhoni’s Unique BoutiqueRuden-Forrest Chiropractic PCRussell Construction CompanySarah HardingSATO Enterprises, Inc. d/b/a Domino’sSauk Valley MediaSedona Staffing ServiceService Oil CompanyServiceMaster of ClintonSethness Products CompanyShoe Sensation #632Sloan ImplementSnell-Zornig Funeral Homes and CrematorySnyder & Associates, Inc.Steines Construction LLCSterling Federal Bank -- ClintonSue RaaymakersSukar & Sons of Iowa, Inc. d/b/a Cricket WirelessSummit Lake Coffee Co.Susan P. TuganaTaco John’sTegeler MusicTEMP AssociatesThe A.C. Root Agency, Inc.The ArchThe Bicycle Station & Jensen Oil Co.The Carpet CleanerThe Healing PlaceThe Insurance GroupThe Salvation ArmyThe Sherwin-Williams CompanyTimber Lake PlayhouseTimken Drives LLCTom DetermannTom McManus Backhoe & Truck Service, Inc.Tri-City Building & Construction Trades CouncilTriple PlayTupperwareTurner Electric Co.TYCOGA Vineyard & WineryUFP TechnologiesUltimate Practice SolutionsUnion Pacific RailroadUnity Christian SchoolVibrant Credit UnionVictory Center MinistriesVillage CooperativeVista GrandeVisual Imaging, Inc.Voss Brothers Plumbing and Heating, Inc.Wagner PharmacyWal-Mart SuperCenterWalgreensWalgreensWendling Quarries, Inc.WestRockWide River WineryWild Rose Casino & ResortWindmill RealtyWinkel, Parker & Foster, CPA PCWolfe Beverage Company, Inc.YWCA ClintonZirkelbach Home Appliances

This is a list of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce members who have attained Member PLUS status during the calendar year of 2017!

Member PLUS

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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 NewYear’sDay–ChamberofficeCLOSED

3 Des Moines Day Planning Meeting, 3:30 p.m., Clinton Municipal Airport.

4 Legislative Preview Breakfast, 7:00 a.m., Mercy Medical Center North Campus Conference Room. Leadership Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. ABC’s of Essential Oils, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

5 DCA Marketing Committee, 8:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

8 Miss Clinton County Scholarship Program Board, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce. 9 Lunch&Learn:HumanTrafficking,12:00Noon,ChamberofCommerce.

11 Business Park Corporation, 10:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Local & Government Affairs Committee, 12:00 Noon, Location TBD. Events Committee, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. BIZAFTER5!,5:00–7:00p.m.,Slop’sNeighborhoodBar&Grill,101513th Avenue North. 13 Young Living Essential Oils Event, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce.

16 Tri-City Building & Construction Trades Council, 9:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Young Living Essential Oils, 6:30 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

17 Clinton County Development Association, 7:30 a.m., Wild Rose Casino. Gateway Area Foundation, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 18 CVB Board, 12:00 Noon, Chamber of Commerce. 19 Clinton County Coordinating Council, 10:00 a.m., DeWitt County Building.

23 Clinton County Day in Des Moines.

24 CRDC Board of Directors, 11:30 a.m., Rastrelli’s Avanti Room.

25 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Ambassadors Meeting, 12:00 Noon, Location TBD. Clinton Landlord’s Association, 6:00 p.m., Chamber of Commerce.

27 Legislative Coffee, 9:00 a.m., Chamber of Commerce. Chamber Beach Party, 7:00 p.m., Moose Lodge. (reservations required)

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

CHAMBER CALENDAR - JANUARY

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News from the CVB

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Clinton, Iowa & Fulton, Illinois

8:30 a.m.—2:30 p.m. Eagle Watching at Lock and Dam #13, Fulton, IL., five miles north of Fulton, IL. off Highway 84.

9:00 a.m.—2:00 p.m. Free Educational Programs & Exhibits

Clinton Community College, 1000 Lincoln Blvd., Clinton, IA.

9:20 a.m. Welcome—Daniel Clark, US Corps of Engineers,

Pam Steinhaus US Fish and Wildlife Service

9:30 a.m. “Live Birds of Prey” - Bald Eagle and other raptors

Kay Neumann and Terrie Hoefer—SOAR, Dedham, IL

10:45 a.m. “Falconry” - Ryan Anthony, Eagle Biologist - USFWS , Rock Island, IL

11:30 a.m. Who Lives with Eagles? David Stokes, Naturalist - New Berlin, WI

1:00 p.m. “Live Birds of Prey” - Bald Eagle and other raptors

Kay Neumann and Terrie Hoefer—SOAR, Dedham, IL

Programs and Exhibits will feature: Live Animals, Exhibits, Puppets, Song, Food and Drinks. Speakers are sponsored by Lyondell—Basell and Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge

Free Courtesy Bus Service from the College to Lock and Dam 13 viewing area. (Wiersema Charter Bus Service)

Refreshments available at the Dam.

Stan Bousson Saturday, January 6, 2018

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CALL: US Fish and Wildlife Service (815)273-2732 US Army Corps of Engineers—(815)259-3628

News from the CVB

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

The AlvernoThe Alverno is proud to be the State of Iowa’s first recipient of the American Health Care Association’s

Gold Quality Award! The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors were there to help the Alverno’s staff celebrate this honor!

Mercy Specialty ClinicMercy Specialty Clinic recently celebrated a Ribbon Cutting for the remodel of the specialty clinic offices. The new physicians that are associated with the specialty clinic were also on

hand for the celebration.8

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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LEGISLATIVE COFFEES!

Sponsored By:

v Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce Local & Government Affairs Committee

v Clinton Regional Development Corporation

v Clinton Education Association

v American Association of University Women

Have coffee with Sen. Rita Hart, Rep. Norlin

Mommsen and Rep. Mary Wolfe and hear their

views on items making their way through the

legislature.

This will be followed by a question and answer

period. Questions may be filled out by those in

attendance. The Moderator will then direct

them to the respective legislator

Saturday, January 27th * Saturday, February 17th Saturday, March 3rd * Saturday, April 7th

9:00 a.m. Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce

721 South 2nd Street Free and Open to the Public

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RIBBON CUTTINGS

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Meet Stacy Kelley…..

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I am thrilled to take on the position of Member Engagement Coordinator here at the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. I look forward to all the challenges and the endless opportunities that come with this career. My first few weeks have been utterly fabulous. Everyone in the Chamber office and in the community is giving me such a warm welcome to the Cham-ber family.

I am very proud to have been born and raised in Clinton, Iowa. I have worked for various businesses in Clinton and I have received all of my education here, as well, from preschool all the way to college. First, I graduated from Clinton Community College and then went on to receive my Bachelors of Arts degree from the Clinton campus of Ashford Univer-sity. I do intend to further my education in the future.

I am a third generation Clintonian with many close family members in town and the surrounding areas. Please ask me about my family, they are a great group of people on all sides and I love to talk about our many family gatherings, adven-tures, meals, and reunions. We are fortunate to spend a lot of time together. My only child is a freshman at the Universi-ty of Iowa and I am thankful to currently have him home for winter break. He has even been to the Chamber office a few times to help me move things around and get settled in.

I have been out in the community introducing myself and distributing gifts to many of our current and not-yet members. I will be happy to visit your business; just call me at (563)559-2199, otherwise, I will stop in soon. I would love to meet all of our members and make sure that they are all current on what is new and going on at the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce. I am making an effort to contact every member in our chamber so that I can communicate any suggestions, concerns or happy comments that you may have, to our office and our board. I believe that communication is of the utmost importance between the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and our members to ensure that our community that we all love continues to thrive.

One suggestion that I have received from multiple businesses is that I revive our networking event, Biz After 5. Our mem-bers have enthusiastically responded and four events are booked already. On the second Thursday of every month from 5-7 in the evening, a different chamber business will have the opportunity to host this event. Slop’s Food & Spirits has committed to being our first host on Thursday, January 11, 2018 and Billion Auto will host on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Please encourage all employees of chamber businesses to attend and be on the lookout for information to see who will be hosting every month. If anyone is interested in hosting, contact me at (563)559-2199 or skelley@clintionia.com.I have also been busy coordinating another important fundraising event-our first ever Beach Party!! We have a very gracious donation of a one week vacation on a warm beach at a time share in Cabo San Lucas that we will raffle off that night. This event will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 from 7-10 pm at the Clinton Moose Lodge. Our events committee is doing an excellent job of planning a fun night and gathering many door prizes and items for our other big raffle, a giant Treasure Chest, that you won’t want to miss out on. We will have a DJ playing hot music and hot pizza that is generously being donated and delivered by many of our Chamber members all night long. Sponsorship opportunities at different levels are still available for this event; contact me so that I can help you decide how to best benefit your com-pany by being involved in this event. Please make sure to spread the word to the whole community as everyone will be invited to this fun event!!

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BUSINESS BITSLumberKings become weather-ready AmbassadorNOAA welcomes their newest memberThe Clinton LumberKings are excited to announce they have been named the newest Ambassador of the Weather-Ready Nation, a program run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative is an effort to formal-ly recognize NOAA partners who are improving the nation’s readiness against extreme weather, water, and climate events. As a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador, the LumberKings are committing to work with NOAA and other Ambassadors to strengthen national resilience against extreme weather.

In July of 2017 Ashford University Field experienced rather severe flooding while the team was on the road in Lake County. The ballpark was inundated with seven inches of rain over 24 hours, causing the entire field to flood. Thanks to the work of the LumberKings grounds crew and field drainage system not a single game was missed due to the flooding.

The LumberKings join just a handful of teams in the Midwest League to have the Weather-Ready Nation distinction. The initiative of the NOAA brings added commitment to protect life and property at the historic Ashford University Field, which will celebrate its 81st season of baseball in 2018.

Timber Lake Playhouse Receives Mount Carroll Foundation Grant to Support Summer Apprenticeships Program for Teens at TLPThe Mount Carroll Foundation awarded Timber Lake Playhouse a grant for their Summer Youth Employment in the Arts project. This project created paid apprentice positions for area teens interested in pursuing careers in the theatre arts. TLP hired four paid teen apprentices this past summer. Timber Lake Playhouse, operating in its 56th Season, hires performers, di-rectors and designers from around the country each year. The apprentice program is designed to immerse pre-college teens from Northwest Illinois in all aspects of professional theatre production. Rather than volunteering time, the grant provides an hourly pay rate comparable to other summer work. The program provides immersion in theatre design, costuming, sound and lighting, directing, management and marketing. “It is important for TLP to offer programming to area teens.” said TLP Executive Director Dan Danielowski. “The support from the Mount Carroll Foundation is very much appreciated.” As a part of the Summer Appren-tice Program, TLP also produced an All Area Teen Production of Grease. Gift Certificates and Subscriptions for next summer’s 57th season Sub-scription Series are now on sale. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. The Box Office special Holiday Hours are Tuesday through Friday from noon to 5:00 pm. The playhouse is located at 8215 Black Oak Road in rural Mount Carroll AlvernoHostsOpenHouseinHonorofGoldAwardThe Alverno Health Care Facility in Clinton, Iowa is proud to be the first long term care facility in the state of Iowa to achieve a Gold Quality Award from the American Health Care Association (AHCA). In honor of this achievement, The Alverno hosted an open house on Thursday, December 7, 2017. A brief presentation took place.

As part of an elite group of only 34 facilities across the country to have re-ceived this level of recognition, The Alverno is excited to celebrate with the community and thank them for their support. According to Alverno Adminis-trator, Libby Goodman, “Receiving this award has been a testament to The Alverno’s dedication to continue to learn and grow and constantly look for ways to improve the lives of our residents.” The journey to gold has been a process that has taken several years and has allowed the facility to learn

and grow from formal feedback from the AHCA quality team, promote innovation, provide positive clinical outcomes and ensure high levels of satisfaction and engagement with customers and employees.

Participating in the AHCA Quality Program has helped The Alverno identify what is important to their organization. This has led to the development of systems and processes that effectively support day-to-day operations as well as opportunities for feedback from all stakeholders. The Alverno prides itself on offering numerous input opportunities for all custom-ers. Part of the quality journey for The Alverno has involved integrating people-centered care, focusing on individual preferences and ensuring the residents’ voice is heard. “Becoming involved with this formal quality process takes a strong commitment from senior leaders and staff, but is well worth the journey and has helped make our facility even stronger over the years,” said Goodman.

For further information about The Alverno’s Golden Journey celebration on December 7, please contact 563.242.1521 or email AlvernoInfo@mercyhealth.com.

Neidert, Dugger center pieces in Dee Gordon tradeThe hot stove is heating up and again it’s Seattle Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto who is front and center in the biggest move of the Major League Baseball offseason to date. Miami Marlins All-Star second basemen Dee Gordan was sent to Seattle along with $1 million dollars in international pool money in exchange for former Clinton LumberKings Nick Neidert and Robert Dugger. Mariners, number seven prospect infielder Christopher Torres, was also included in the trade to the Marlins.

Gordon, 29, has connections to Clinton. While coming up through the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, Gordon played for the Great Lakes Loons becoming a Midwest League All-Star in 2009, when the LumberKings last hosted an All-Star Game. Gordon made the most of his All-Star game selection by winning the Skills Competition before eventually making his Major League debut in 2011.

The trade of Neidert and Dugger mark the fourth former LumberKings to be involved in trades this offseason. Neidert, 21, thrived in Clinton in 2016. In 19 starts with the LumberKings, he went 7-3 with a 2.57 ERA and 69 strikeouts. During the team’s postseason run in 2016, Neidert was the team ace. He earned the win over the Peoria Chiefs in game one of the first round with seven shutout innings, nine strikeouts, and just one walk. In the Western Division Championship Series, Neidert started the series clinching game against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Despite getting a no decision, he again turned in a seven shutout inning performance while striking out nine and walking none. The LumberKings would go on to win the game 1-0 in 11 innings. Neidert’s final start as a LumberKing came in game four of the Midwest League Championship Series against the Great Lakes Loons. He was given a no decision for a 3.2 inning outing in which he allowed four runs on five hits while walking two and striking out three. The game proved to be the series clinching game for the Loons, who toped the LumberKings 9-8 to win their first Midwest League Champion-ship. Neidert split his 2017 season between the High-A Modesto Nuts and Double-A Arkansas Travelers. At the time of the trade he was ranked as the Mariners number 2 prospect, according to MLB.com.

Dugger, 22, was one of four All-Stars for the LumberKings in 2017. The Texas native began the season as a reliever before moving into the starting rotation, where he enjoyed his greatest success as a LumberKing. By mid-July, Dugger was 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA and 69 strikeouts earning him a promotion to High-A Modesto. Dugger’s 2017 success continued in Modesto, where he helped the Nuts to a California League title, earning the win in the championship clinching game.

Dugger joins his 2017 LumberKings teammate Brandon Miller in being

continued.... 11

Business BITS

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BUSINESS BITStraded to the Marlins. The $1 million in international pool money the Mar-iners will receive is rumored to be used in the team’s pursuit of Japanese two-way star Shohei Ohtani. With a Mariners infield that is set at every position, Gordon is expected to move to the outfield and play center field.

OhnwardBancshares,Inc.‘PaysitOhnward’InaBig WayThe Pay it Ohnward campaign and Grilling for Charity initiative were designed to give individuals within our organization the opportunity to use their time, talent and influence to generate change. These initiatives not only showcase our Ohnward culture and values but in turn encourage oth-ers to give back as well. Our goal is for the cycle to repeat and the impact it has on our local communities, to multiply! The process was simple. The impact was substantial.

“Pay It Ohnward” is a pay it forward program with the company fronting the money for employees to use in the manner they see the most need. Ohnward granted each employee $100 to share their hearts, time, and compassion with individuals and organizations within the communities served and around the world. The money given is important, but inspiring others to do the same is what really fuels the Pay It Ohnward concept. 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Pay It Ohnward gifts totaled over $85,935 over the four years since its inception. Ohnward has directly impacted over 200 individuals, families, and organizations each year.

Bank partners also host Grilling for Charity events throughout the summer months. The Ohnward organization provides all of the food and volun-teers and a nonprofit group is selected for each event. The selected group then benefits from these efforts. Donations from individuals and area businesses can range from $2 - $1,000. Grilling for Charity events in 2017 brought the Grilling for Charity total for the past five years to $183,005!

Kendra Fagerland-Beck, Chief Operating Officer of Ohnward Bancshares, Inc. states, “Our organization has always had a tradition of giving back. Our banks focus on the needs of local families, businesses, and farm-ers which has an overwhelming impact on the communities we serve. However, not only do our bank’s and ancillaries support area businesses but we also contribute to our school districts, youth programs, benefits, and fundraisers. Our employees follow that lead by generously donating money and volunteer hours to good causes. We intend to continue to give back within our local communities and look forward to many more years of growth and community impact to come.”

Examples of the gifts given by Gateway State Bank employees include gifts to Glow Walk-Suicide Prevention, YWCA Shelter for Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault, and projects to support kids’ growth and learning. Organizations such as the Clinton YWCA, Humane Society, MS Support Group, Clinton County Autism coalition, and Northeast Athletics were welcome recipients of donations raised by Grilling for Charity.

First Central State Bank employees selected a local community shoe drive, “Kicks for Kids”, along with the Central DeWitt Music Booster Uni-form Fundraiser, for much of their Pay it Ohnward dollars. In addition, the Bridgeview PTA, Central DeWitt Intermediate Sensory Room, Iowa Donor Network, King’s Harvest Pet Rescue, National T.T.T. Society and multiple individuals struggling with various health issues were recipients of a large portion of these employee gifts.

“One good deed often times turns into something good for someone else, then the cycle of generosity and kindness sparks a change and a differ-ence in our communities and within ourselves”, says Brigham L. Tubbs, First Central State Bank President and CEO. “Our commitment to the community is integral to our mission. We actively contribute to the overall well-being of our region and those who reside in it. It has been proven that acts of kindness build exponentially in a community. We hope these stories will inspire others to act when they see an opportunity.”

Maquoketa State Bank employees made their contributions to the Maquo-keta Ag Learning Center, Sacred Heart School, City of Preston play-ground, Maquoketa High School Hall of Fame, Jackson County Veteran’s Memorial Fund, Relay for Life, Jackson County Senior Center, Friends of the Caves and the Stuff the Bus Program.

Abram Tubbs, Chairman, and CEO of Ohnward Bank & Trust shared “We are so proud of the creativity and compassion of our team. Their personal generosity matched with our organization’s contributions have made a real impact to many within our Ohnward footprint.”

Ohnward Bank & Trust employees presented monetary gifts to The Monticello Band Boosters, Van Buren Elementary School Library, Monti-cello Downtown Pocket Park, Monticello Food Pantry, Cascade Library, Cascade Booster Club, AMVETS, Onslow Chamberlain Park, Central City Backpack Program and the Baldwin Fire Department.

Alan Tubbs, Chairman and CEO of Ohnward Bancshares, Inc., has long been an advocate for paying it forward in his personal and professional life. By some estimates, he’s been doing so since he started at Ohnward Bancshares and First Central State Bank in 1972. “I commend each and every Ohnward employee for their community support through this initia-tive. I have long been an advocate for paying it forward. One individual can make a difference. When our over 260 Ohnward team members give back within our communities, we create positive change that reaches even further,” says Tubbs. “We are blessed to live in such amazing communities where so much kind-heartedness happens every day. Our goal is for this initiative to encourage thoughtfulness and generosity which, in turn, make our communities better places to live, work and play.”

VentureSchoolProgramisNowEnrollinginIowaThe University of Iowa Venture School, a premier statewide program for entrepreneurs developed by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC), is once again accepting applications from startups across the state of Iowa. The upcoming spring program will host locations in Iowa City, Sioux City, Des Moines, Quad Cities, and Dubuque. In addition to these locations, an online version of the program will also be held to allow innovative individuals across the state of Iowa to participate in the program, regardless of their location. Established in 2013, the eight-week Venture School program is built from a streamlined curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Since its inception, Venture School has helped guide over 240 teams, and has awarded over $150,000 in cash prizes. Many of the participating teams have used these funds to continue their business ventures across the state of Iowa and beyond. Venture School is now accepting applications to participate in its spring 2018 program, which emphasizes real-world entrepreneurship and inno-vation based on leading edge curriculum taught by serial entrepreneurs. Participants will gain marketing expertise and real-world knowledge and skills to help them launch their ideas. Venture School is looking for hard-working teams located in Iowa City, Sioux City, Des Moines, Quad Cities, Dubuque, and across the state that are dedicated to learning and working cohesively to apply. Successful Venture School Alums, Conor Flaherty and Pat Flaherty, founders of Germbot, completed the Venture School program in spring 2017. “We found Venture school very helpful – the class structure and discipline forced us to focus on our product and be accountable to our peers, mentors, and ourselves. As a result of Venture School, we were able to dramatically improve our speed of product design, get quicker customer feedback, and are prepared to take a new product to market in weeks instead of several months as we have done in the past,” they stated.

There will be two application deadlines.January 16, for the Iowa City, Sioux City, and online locations.February 6, for the Dubuque, Des Moines, and Quad Cities locations.For additional information and to submit an application, please visit www.venture-school.com.

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Business BITS

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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The staff would like to thank all of our members for a great 2017, and looks forward to serving you in 2018!

2017 - 2018ExecutiveCommitteeDaniel 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 ProcessingJon CapellaSkyline Center, Inc.EddieDunhamCitizens First BankHeatherEvansClinton 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