biz news… - Altoona Chamber of Commerce

Sept/Oct
Newsletter 2014
biz news…
San Francisco, CA (July 22, 2014) – NerdWallet, a
consumer advocacy website, recently conducted a
study to find the best places for homeownership in Iowa – and Altoona
ranked among the top ten.
As renting becomes less affordable, NerdWallet wanted to give
potential homebuyers a look at the current housing market. NerdWallet
based its rankings on the following criteria:
Homeownership rate
Selected monthly homeowner costs
Monthly household income
Population growth
NerdWallet ranked Altoona as the sixth best place in Iowa for
homeownership. The area has a homeownership rate of 74%, and median
monthly homeowner costs are $1,395. Altoona grew by 5.9% between 2010
and 2012.
Altoona is a great place for all kinds of fun with Adventureland and
Prairie Meadows Racetrack, but it’s not all play in Altoona, where the
unemployment rate of 3.3% is well below the national average. Facebook
took notice of Altoona when it decided to make the city the site of a 476,000square-foot data center. For more information about NerdWallet, visit
nerdwallet.com/cities.
In this Issue:
President’s Letter Pg 2
Events Pg 3
Biz Tips Pg 4
Welcome to Royal Flooring, Ryan Smith! Ryan, a sales manager, is
a 1991 SEP Graduate and is excited about connecting back with his
hometown.. His creative nature makes him an ideal problem solver for just
about any situation or design challenge. Royal Flooring is EXPANDING! In
mid-late October, the owners of Royal Flooring will be opening their new
showroom at 9850 Douglas in Urbandale.
Lori Slings has joined Altoona branch of Bankers Trust as Vice
President, Mortgage Loan Originator. Her new contact information is
lslings@bankerstrust.com.
Register TODAY for the Fall Membership Luncheon featuring
guest speaker Brice Towns of Facebook. Thursday, September 25 from
11:30am-1:00pm at the ZaGaZig Shrine. Cost is $20 pp. Meal catered by
Fireside Grille. Reservations not kept will be billed. (see flyer)
Altoona hosts the SEP Homecoming Parade, Thursday, September
25. Line up begins no earlier than 5pm at the Sam Wise Youth Complex. If
you’re interested in registering your business go to
www.altoonachamber.org click on the Events tab and go to Community
Events to download your registration form, rules and route. (see flyer)
38 High School Seniors Receive Prairie Meadows Scholarships
Each spring, Prairie Meadows offers two $2,500 scholarships to every public
and private high school in Polk County. Prairie Meadows also offers two
scholarships to graduating high school seniors that are children of Prairie
Meadows employees, or who are employed by Prairie Meadows. Since 2001,
Prairie Meadows has awarded 506 scholarships to central Iowa students to
help them further their education in Iowa. The following Bondurant and
Southeast Polk seniors were awarded: Christina Dimit, Shelby Hormann,
Nathaniel Collins, Sidniann Rummans, Baylie Cooper and Stacia Tinker.
Happy Birthday to Adventureland—40 years and Bass Pro-5 years!
Biz Spotlight I
Pg 5
Biz Spotlight II
Pg 5
Photo Gallery Pg 6
Executive Board:
President’s letter…
Customer Service vs Consumer Behavior
Our role as consumers in a customer service world
By Mattia Hansen, President
Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce
Customer service is always a hot topic! There are many
business seminars teaching those in the service industry
the importance of customers service, as managers we
constantly remind employees to provide excellent service,
and there is always a new quote that motivates those in
the service industry to provide service with a smile.
Mattia Hansen,
AACC 2014 President What about consumer behavior and the importance of
being excellent consumers. Consumer service isn’t
something that is discussed that often. The emphasis is placed on customer
service – which, do not get me wrong - is very important, but so is being a
good consumer.
Cell phones have taken a toll on consumer behavior and those in the service
industries are taking the brunt. Taking a phone call, texting, checking
e-mails or updating your social media status while someone is trying to
assist you is ill-mannered and uncomfortable. You see this happening
everywhere; the nail salon, checkout lines, dealerships and restaurants – in
fact, Subway has now put up a sign that says “please do not use your cell
phone while ordering,” but of course you have to look up from your phone to
see it.
It is time that we focus on providing excellent consumer service. Make eye
contact, shake their hand, learn the person’s name and say thank you.
These simple tasks will improve the experience for both parties and will
ensure great customer service for you and the next person.
Mattia Hansen/President
The Altoona Campus
Elaine Castelline/President-Elect
Prairie Meadows
Bill Grund/Secretary
Central State Bank
Cindy Metge/Past President
Coldwell Banker
Board of Directors
Desirae Sanford—Altoona Auto Body
Brett McAllister—Fireside Grille
Lynn Kooker—Insight Wellness
Bill Ludwig—Royal Flooring
Jason Truman—Bass Pro Shops
Matt Haberman—Jimmy John’s
Jill Colbert—Prairie Vista Village
Kim Bailey-Kim & Karen’s Quality Cleaners
Board Liaisons
City of Altoona-Mike Harmeyer
Fred Hollister—East Polk Regional Development
Craig Menozzi—Southeast Polk Schools
AACC Staff
Melissa Horton—Executive Director
Beth Van Ryswyk—Event Planner
Amy Foust—Admin Assistant
Mattia Hansen, President 2014
Membership & Marketing Director – Altoona Campus
Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce President’s Club 2014
Silver Members
Gold Members
Adventureland of America, Inc.
Altoona Living Magazine
Bank Iowa
Bankers Trust Company
Bass Pro Shops
City of Altoona
Great Western Bank
Hy-Vee Food Store
Legacy Bank
Prairie Meadows
Skinner Law Office, PC
Superior Roofing, LLC
Wal-Mart Supercenter
Ziegler, Inc.
Altoona Herald – Mitchellville Index
Altoona Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Community Choice Credit Union
Community State Bank
Deery Bros. Chevrolet, Inc. Dealership
Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, DART
Edward Jones Investments/Adam Kline, Luke Sibley, Lori Baldwin
Facebook
Fareway Stores, Inc.
Gilcrest Jewett Lumber Co.
Great Southern Bank
Helena Industries, Inc.
Iowa Realty
Jethro’s BBQ and Jake’s Smokehouse Steaks
Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse
Luther Care Services
Neumann Brothers, Inc.
Shive-Hattery, Inc.
2
Snyder & Associates
Timmins, Kroll, Jacobsen LLP
Turner Construction
US Bank
…
September:
2-Noon Networking at the HyVee Club Room 11:45am-1:00pm
3-Government Affairs Comm Mtg - Noon at Sam’s Bar & Grill
4-Ambassador’s Comm Mtg-Noon at Sugar Shack
10-Community Development Comm Mtg-Noon at Jethro’s
15-Economic Development Comm Mtg-Noon at Johnny’s
16-Noon Networking at HyVee Club Room 11:45am—1:00pm
14-Prairie Vista Village Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting 11:00am4:00pm Ribbon Cutting at Noon
14-Fall Fundraiser and Garden Gathering at the Enabling Garden,
2:00pm-4:00pm
15-Registration OPEN for 2nd Annual Nippy Hippie 5K Run/Walk
17-Small Business Forum with State Representative Joe Riding at
Terrace Hills Golf Course 5:30pm-7:00pm
17-AAYP Bring a Friend to Lunch-Noon at Uncle Buck’s
18-Regional Business After Hours 5:00-7:00pm Tailgating Party at
Country Inn & Suites in Clive
25-Fall Membership Luncheon, Company Culture with Brice Towns
of Facebook. 11:30am-1:00pm at the ZaGaZig Shrine. Cost $20 and is open
to the public. Reservations not kept will be billed. Register TODAY by
emailing Amy at info@altoonachamber.org. *See flyer.
25-SEP Homecoming PARADE! Line up at Sam Wise Youth Complex
at 5:00pm. *See flyer.
27-SEP Dollars for Scholars Banquet at Prairie Meadows
28-Music in the Park—Haines Park, 2:00pm with Bob Michaels
www.bankerstrust.com
events & committees
515.957.8989
515.957.8989
Located at
3820 8th St. SW.
Altoona!
Commercial – Residential
Septic Systems
Geothermal
Bonded*Licensed*Insured
515.967.1616
www.dickersonmechanical.com
(515) 699-7000
www.altoonaherald.com
October:
1–Government Affairs Comm Mtg-Noon at Village Inn
2-Ambassador Committee Mtg-Noon at Uncle Buck’s
7-Noon Networking at Bianchi Boys Pizza 11:45am—1:00pm
7-AAYP Trivia Night at The Brewhouse No. 25
8-Community Development Comm Mtg-Noon– Sugar Shack
13-Membership Marketing Mtg-Noon-Pizza Ranch
16-TASTE OF ALTOONA! 5:00pm-8:00pm at Prairie Meadows!
20-Economic Development Comm Mtg-Noon-Adventureland
21-Noon Networking at Bianchi Boy’s Pizza 11:45am-1:00pm
23-Business Safe Trick or Treat—Herald Index 6:00pm-8:00pm
27-EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION FOR NIPPY HIPPIE 5K ENDS TODAY AT
5:00PM. Get in for $25 NOW or pay $30 after this date and no guarantee of
swag.
For more details or reservations go to
altoonachamber.org or call 967.3366.
501 1st Ave N, Altoona
967-4441/Fax 967-4081
desirae@altoonaautobody.com
www.altoonaautobody.com
Brooke Pulliam
515-988-7257
brooke@
iowalivingmagazines.com
3
www.iowalivingmagazines.com
biz Tips...
Business Readers Best Sellers:
Leaders East Last
by Simon Sinek
The Organized Mind
by Daniel J. Levitin
Essentialism: The Disciplined
Pursuit of Less
by Greg McKeown
Brief: Make a Bigger
Impact by Saying Less
by Joseph McCormack
The Future Of Work: How Millennials Are Changing The Workplace
Jacob Morgan, Contributor for Forbes
Throughout the history of business employees had to adapt to managers and managers had to adapt to organizations.
In the future this is reversed with managers and organizations adapting to employees. This means that in order to succeed
and thrive organizations must rethink and challenge everything they know about work.
The demographics of employees are changing and so are employee expectations, values, attitudes, and styles of
working. Conventional management models must be replaced with leadership approaches adapted to the future employee.
Organizations must also rethink their traditional structure, how they empower employees, and what they need to do to
remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
By 2020 millennials are projected to be 50% of the workforce and by 2025 this number is expected to reach 75%. This
is a group of people that grew up as digital natives meaning they had access to social networks, smart phones, tablets, and
pretty much all of the other pieces of technology that we use today and the new behaviors that go along with them. This is a
generation that doesn’t know what it’s like to get 200 emails a day, sit in cubicles, or use many of the legacy technology
platforms that most organizations use today. In additional, millennials are also bringing new attitudes, values, and approaches
to getting work done. It’s no wonder why organizations around the world are so concerned with this new generation of
worker.
Tips for Managing Millennials:
Susan M. Heathfield, Human Resources Expert
The millennials joining your workforce now are employees born between 1980 and 2000, or 1981 and 1999,
depending on the author. Unlike the Gen-Xers and the Baby Boomers, the Millennials have developed work characteristics and
tendencies from doting parents, structured lives, and contact with diverse people.
They seek leadership, and even structure, from their older and managerial coworkers, but expect that you will draw
out and respect their ideas. Millennials seek a challenge and do not want to experience boredom. Used to balancing many
activities such as teams, friends, and philanthropic activities, millennials want flexibility in scheduling and a life away from
work.
Millennials need to see where their career is going and they want to know exactly what they need to do to get there.
Millennials await their next challenge – there better be a next challenge.
Millennials are the most connected generation in history and will network right out of their current workplace if these
needs are not met. Computer experts, millennials are connected all over the world by email, instant messages, text messages
4
and the Internet.
biz spotlight...
Linda’s Gift of Touch Massage
I heard a song on Christian radio today. In essence the lyrics say, “God, I see so much evil,
devastation, war, poverty, sickness and hopelessness in the world. Why don’t YOU do something? He said, ‘I
did. I made you’.” What a reminder to all of us that, who and what we are, matters. I am the answer to
someone’s prayer, someone’s need.
In my business, Linda’s Gift of Touch Massage, I use appropriate touch to improve my clients’ quality
of life in more ways than they or I will ever know!!!!!
My friend Tony was training for a marathon in August of 2007. One day he felt sick to his stomach and
his feet felt “funny”. Three days later he was in Lutheran Hospital ICU paralyzed from his swallowing muscles to his toes. He had a
disease similar to polio which required him to have 24 hour care in his room. All of us knew it was going to be a long stint in the
hospital. I contacted Dr. Kari Swain, Dr. Alicia Clevenger and Licensed Massage Therapist Andrea Wilson, all of Swain
Chiropractic, here in Altoona. They each gave me pointers on how to help. I worked 3 times a week with Tony. After about 8
weeks he looked at me and said, “When you do this for me I almost feel normal. You need to become a professional.” After 100
days he got out of the hospital and 3 weeks later I was taking classes at The College of Massage and The Healing Arts Center in Des
Moines. I received my Iowa Massage Therapy license in December of 2008.
Since that time I have worked out of my Altoona home. I have the privilege of studying massage from Doug
Nelson who developed Precision Neuromuscular Therapy; James Waslasky who teaches orthopedic massage therapy and most
recently, Tina Allen, who teaches infant and pediatric massage therapy. Tina has developed many hospital protocols for infant and
pediatric massage, including Mayo Clinics. All three are authors and international teachers.
All these wonderful people and many more are the reasons that I know my work matters to you! And just as
importantly, you ALL matter to me!!!!
Linda Lawson, Licensed Massage Therapist
Linda’s Gift of Touch Massage, 4070 NE 64th St, Altoona, IA 50009
515-967-4126
The Duerson Corporation was founded in 1986 on one very
simple idea: “We are in the relationship business first and the
roofing business second.”
This idea has served The Duerson Corporation well over the
years, and has allowed Duerson to become a leader for both volume and quality in the commercial and
industrial flat and low slope roofing industry.
We constantly strive to provide our customers with the highest quality, cost-effective and
innovative solutions to their unique roofing needs. We look forward to working with you!
Our Mission is to perpetuate our growth and well being by providing the highest quality in
roofing products and services to achieve 100% customer satisfaction. We sustain the achievement of
this mission through complete dedication to the founding principles of our company: Integrity, Quality and Innovation.
Integrity: The underlying force that binds the people of Duerson Corporation to our customers and to each other is a relationship based on trust,
doing our best and honoring our relationships with loyalty. Integrity demands that this relationship be built on a foundation of high moral and
ethical standards and that we fulfill this demand in an honest, forthright manner towards: our customers, each other and our communities.
Quality: A multi-faceted goal that can only be defined measured and achieved through 100% customer satisfaction. High quality is the end result
of totally committed people utilizing superior technical knowledge and expertise: proven products and systems; indispensable value-added services
– all combined in a proactive effort to create and maintain a totally satisfied customer.
Innovation: A commitment shared by every member of the organization to the continuous improvement of our expertise in servicing our clients.
Innovative change must be consistent with our principles of Integrity and Quality and must be beneficial to our customers and Duerson
Corporation.
Since 2005, Kirk has been actively involved in Habitat for Humanity all over the United States. Habitat builds often become a family
service project as many of his family members enjoy serving those in need together. “I firmly believe we are all called to use the gifts God has given
us for good. It has been an honor to be involved with such a worth organization over the years and I would encourage anyone who is thinking
about joining a build to do so – you won’t regret it.” – Kirk Duer
The Duerson Corporation, 601 1st Ave, N, Altoona, IA 50009
967-8300
5
photo gallery...
Little Free Library and Type Rider II
Event at the Enabling Garden
Our Master of Ceremonies for the
AACC Annual Golf Outing: Ed
Warren surrounded by Mike, Terry,
Brad, Ryan & Trenton—GREAT
day!
Vintage Street Market Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony August 25.
Jeff and Nicole Essink of Farrell’s
helping hand out bags at the SEP
Teacher’s & Staff Breakfast.
119 2nd St. SE, Ste. A
Altoona, IA 50009
(515)967-3366 FAX (515)967-3346
Email: info@altoonachamber.org
www.altoonachamber.org
Another Benefit Brought To YOU
By YOUR Chamber!
We Appreciate Your Partnership!
6
2014 fall
membership & community
luncheon
Thursday, September 25
11:30am-1:00pm
ZaGaZig Shrine
1100 Shriner’s Parkway, Altoona
“Company Culture”
Presented by:
Brice Towns, Facebook Data Center Manager
$20 includes meal catered by Fireside Grille
Sponsored by:
rsvp to info@altoonachamber.org
reservations not kept will be billed
BARN STOMP 2014
SOUTHEAST POLK HOMECOMING PARADE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25▪6:00PM
Register TODAY!
Group:_____________________________________________________________
Contact
Name:_____________________________________________________________
Phone:_____________________________________________________________
E-Mail (must include):________________________________________________
Return Form By Friday, Sept. 19
To: Altoona Area Chamber, 119 2nd St. S.E., Altoona
Fax: 967.3346
E-mail: info@altoonachamber.org
Thursday, October 16th, 2014 5:00-8:00pm
Tickets will be on sale SOON!
$7 in advance, $9 at the door!
Gold Sponsor- $500

Benefits:
 Have your booth seen first! This sponsorship includes booth placement right
inside the main entrance door, meaning everyone who attends will see you first!
This package also includes your booth registration fee and 10 tickets to the event.
 Logo on all pre-event marketing including flyers, Friday Flash, etc.
Limited to 4 sponsorships.
Silver Sponsor-$250

Benefits:
This package secures you excellent booth placement, right inside the ballroom door!
 Sponsorship includes your booth registration fee and 10 tickets to the event.
 Logo on all pre-event marketing including flyers, Friday Flash, etc.
Limited to 4 sponsorships.
Booth Sponsor- $125


Benefits:
Sponsorship includes your booth registration fee and 10 tickets to the event.
Business name on all pre-event marketing including flyers, Friday Flash, etc.
Limited due to space constraints. *Includes electricity.
Thursday, October 16th, 2014
5:00-8:00 p.m.
Prairie Meadows Events & Conference Center
Member Registration
Includes: 8 ft. covered and skirted table, pipe and drape behind your booth, 10 admission tickets ($7.00 each) and event
advertising. Your extra tickets can be given to your customers, clients or employees as complimentary tickets!
Please read attached guidelines.
Business Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: ________________________________ Booth Representative (s): ________________________________________
(Booth representatives are LIMITED to 2 people. All others will need to have a ticket)
Address: __________________________________________________________City: ____________________ Zip:______________
Phone: _________________________ Fax: ______________________________ E-mail: ___________________________________
* You MUST list the food item and category to be exhibited. Categories: Appetizer, Entrée, Dessert, Soup, Salad
and/or Beverage. Candy is not an acceptable food item. Plan a bite-size portion for approximately 400-500 attendees.
Food Item: _____________________________________________________________ Category: _________________________
*Please supply plates, bowls, forks, spoons, toothpicks, napkins, etc. whatever may be needed to serve guests.
*Electricity is included. You MUST bring your own extension cord(s). Please label yours to ensure you take the correct one home!
Registration Fee Options:
Gold Sponsor ($500) Limit 4
Silver Sponsor ($250) Limit 4
Booth Sponsor ($125)
TOTAL Included:
________
________
________
Registration Fee
$______
Banner Fee (optional) $______
$35 (will be hung for you)
SubTotal:
$______
Registration Deadline: Friday, October 3rd, 2014.
Booth space is limited. Booths will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
RETURN COMPLETED FORM TO:
Altoona Area Chamber of Commerce
119 2nd St. SE, Altoona, IA 50009
Fax: 515.967.3346 or
Email: beth@altoonachamber.org
Guidelines:







No cook tops, fryers, propane tanks or any food cooked with oil are allowed
at the event.
No confetti. If you bring balloons, there will be $35 retrieval fee for any
renegade balloons.
If you would like Prairie Meadows to hang your booth banner for you, there
will be a $35 fee. The banner must be delivered to the Special Events
Office at Prairie Meadows no later than 4 p.m. on Monday, October 13.
Please include the $35 with your registration fee. You may hang your own
banner free of cost.
If you need to utilize the kitchen at Prairie Meadows, you must contact Jan
Sullivan with Prairie Meadows at 967.8583 or
Jan.Sullivan@prairiemeadows.com. A liability form needs to be signed.
Prairie Meadows is a COKE facility. No other products are allowed on site.
Set-up will begin at noon on Thursday, October 16th. You must be set-up
by 4:45 p.m. Use main entrance or back dock. If you would like to unload
from the dock, please contact Beth Van Ryswyk at 967.3366 or
beth@altoonachamber.org to reserve a dock time. All dock times must be
made one week in advance. If you are carrying items through the main
entrance, you may not use flatbed carts.
Tear-down only after program has concluded at 8 p.m. All booth vendors
are required to stay until the duration of the event. Please make sure to have
a back up plan if you run out of food early (ex: different treats, a drawing or
activity to make your booth interactive at all times).
Please note: Cancellations & No-shows will be billed.