NEWS LINE 2 THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES

319.385.3101
October 2014
NEWSLINE
THE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES
STEM: The Foundation for Greatness
IN THIS ISSUE...
By Melissa Flowers
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The
CHAMBER
NEWS
MAIN STREET
NEWS
ADC NEWS
CHAMBER
NEWS
HyVee Foods
1700 E. Washington St.
Mount Pleasant, Iowa
Wednesday, Oct. 1st
5:00-7:00 p.m.
FEATURED INVESTOR
Governor’s Southeast Region STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
Advisory Board held its monthly meeting at the
Mount Pleasant Middle School on Thursday,
September 11. The Middle School Principal,
Jason Martinez and community representatives
from the AEA, extension office, school board, and
Chamber office, welcomed the advisory board.
The Southeast Region STEM Advisory Board
is made up of 15 members from businesses
and schools all over southeast Iowa, including
Rockwell Collins, and Grant Wood AEA, The
University of Iowa College of Engineering, and
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics.
The visitors started their meeting with a tour
of the Middle School and spent time with the 8th
grade students in Mrs. Laura Fernandez’s new
science classroom. In 2013, Mount Pleasant
Middle School was one of four schools in the
state of Iowa to receive a STEM grant, to assist
with the creation of a TILE (Transformation,
Interaction, Learning, and Engagement)
classroom. The TILE classroom has amenities
that assist students with interactive learning,
including: circular tables topped with dry erase
boards, iPads and computers at each work
center, color-coordinated chairs that shelve
books on the bottom and swivel to allow for easy
movement among group members, TV monitors
at each work center, and one large 3D monitor.
Mr. Link Davis mentioned he enjoyed a recent
teacher externship at Lomont Molding. The
Middle School hopes to have more externships
and form partnerships within the business
community. The purpose of externships is to
give teachers the opportunity to go out in the
community and get real world experiences they
can take back and share in the classroom. This
partnership is a win-win for both sides involved.
Jason Bender, President of Lomont Molding
quoted, “The community and its businesses
can benefit by getting involved with the STEM
program in our local schools. This type of
program can prepare students more effectively
for both post-secondary education and direct
workforce experience. As a community we are
fortunate to have many businesses that are
in these fields, along with IWC that can aid in
the development by working together with local
schools and bridge the gap of skilled labor, thus
helping to provide a path for all students.”
I have had the privilege of visiting this TILE
classroom multiple times in the past few weeks.
Pictured above: Students use the technology in
Mrs. Fernandez's TILE classroom.
Photo credit to Amy Becker Photography
See FLOWERS page 2
CHAMBER NEWS
FLOWERS
Continued from page 1
On September 10 when I visited Mrs. Fernandez’s students were
participating in a research day. I witnessed the TV monitors go
from blank Excel spreadsheets to full, as each group added their
research data. Multiple groups are able to make changes to the
spreadsheet at the same time. This data is visible to everyone in the
room, which allows the teacher the opportunity to monitor what is
going on in multiple groups without having to walk around.
The MPCSD is looking for local businesses interested in sharing
their expertise in the area of Robotics, Game Design, App. Design
or Multimedia with the school district. The new TILE classrooms
are the key differentiator for Mount Pleasant employers seeking
to recruit talent in the workforce. The Chamber office is here to
serve as a liaison between business and education. Please contact
our office if your business could benefit from a partnership with the
school district.
CONNECTING BUSINESS WITH EDUCATION
B
st
berfe
o
t
k
ar
Pictured are members of the Governor's STEM Advisory
Board visiting the Middle School's new TILE classrom
Project Dogway
Show Begins at 2:00 pm
FREE Registration from 1:00-2:00 PM
Prizes for top 3 in each category:
Best Dog Costume * Look Alike Contest * Pet’s Got Talent
2014
Sunday, October 19
1:00-5:00 PM
East Lake Park (Softball Diamonds)
Vendor Show * Agility Course
Henry County
Veterinary
Hospital PC
www.hearthnhome.com
PAGE 2
WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTIOWA.ORG
319-385-4600
www.walmart.com
CHAMBER NEWS
Making it Happen
“There’s
nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.”
That quote by Lt. Col. James Doolittle is very fitting for Mount
Pleasant, Iowa. Volunteers have historically been, and continue
to be, the heart of our community. Volunteers work tirelessly to
make positive things happen.
For example, consider Mount Pleasant’s largest event of
the year. Old Threshers is a successful tourism attraction that
directly benefits our economy. This event’s success is attributed
to the Old Threshers staff and the hundreds of volunteers
donating thousands of hours. Everyone works together for a
common cause.
Old Threshers is an annual event, but that same volunteer
spirit continues throughout the year. Consider the renovation of
the Union Block Building. When the building was damaged by
fire, community leaders realized that action had to be taken to
save this historic building. A group of volunteers spearheaded
that project, and raised the funds needed to revitalize this
significant landmark. Not only is Union Block a vital part of our
community and nation’s history, it also plays an important role in
the future of downtown Mount Pleasant. Whether you volunteer
for special projects like Union Block, or the many other worthy
causes and organizations in our county, volunteers truly are the
heart of our community and make positive things happen.
Elizabeth Andrew gave a perfect description of volunteers
when she stated, “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time;
they just have the heart.” This is true across all organizations,
but I’d like to specifically focus on the Mount Pleasant Chamber
Alliance. The staff at the Chamber is second to none, but they
are a staff small in number. This is why volunteers are essential
to fulfilling the mission of the Chamber Alliance. The individuals
who volunteer have busy lives; however, they still make time
to create a positive impact on our community. The boards of
the Chamber of Commerce, Area Economic Development, Main
Street and Tourism each consist of
members who volunteer their time
and talents to move our community
forward. They work toward the
Chamber Alliance mission to enhance
the quality of life through economic
growth.
I have personally experienced this
quality of life. I grew up in Mount
Pleasant and I feel fortunate to live,
work and raise my family here. There
are many in our community who feel
this same way. Whether you grew
Shelley Doak
up in Mount Pleasant or moved
Chamber Board
here later in life, we all take great
President
pride in this community and want to
see it grow and thrive. Volunteering
with the Chamber is one way to have an impact on the future
of our community. By working together through the Chamber,
we positively affect the quality of life for residents through
economic growth. To have a successful Chamber Alliance, we
need volunteers to grow the influence and reach of Chamber
programs. So I encourage you to contact the Chamber and
ask how you can get involved to make a positive impact in our
community.
The importance of volunteerism was summed up by
Anthropologist Margaret Mead who said, “Never doubt that a
small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the
world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” We are fortunate
that Mount Pleasant has a long history of thoughtful, committed
citizens whose volunteer efforts have made a difference. Let’s
continue that tradition of volunteerism and make positive things
happen for our community.
New Members
Weight Loss Center of Southeast Iowa
407 South White Street, Ste. 26
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
319.385.6500
WeightLossCenterSEIA@gmail.com
Make an investment in your health by reaching your ideal
weight. We can help. The Ideal Protein program works! We
are located in the Henry County Health Center Medical Center
Office Building. Call us today to learn how this program can
work for you.
Your diet coach, Marsha Laux, has lived with weight issues
and can show you how the Ideal Protein program provides
weight loss success. We will be there in your personal
transformation-partners in your personal weight loss journey.
Chuck & Linda Albright
Chuck & Linda Albright
Associate Members
Chuck and Linda Albright are citizens of Mount Pleasant and
our newest associate Chamber members.
Chuck recently retired from nearly 20 years of education, as
Agriculture Program Coordinator/Instructor at Southeastern
Community College (SCC).
Linda is the past Director of Community Health from Henry
County Health Center (HCHC) and helped with the formation of
Healthy Henry County Communities.
ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER
PAGE 3
MAIN STREET NEWS
Union Block Ribbon Cutting
August 28, 2014
October 23, 2014
Main Street, Mount Pleasant
5:00-7:00
Games, Bouncy House, Hayrack rides
PAGE 4
October 16, 2014
Central Park
5:30 to 7:00
Pick up entry forms at the Chamber Alliance Office
WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTIOWA.ORG
ADC NEWS
SAVE THE DATE!
Henry County Supervisors Debate
Candidates Marc Lindeen and Mary Hoyer
Saturday, October 25th
9:00-10:00 A.M.
Iowa Wesleyan College Chadwick Library
International Room
The statue of U.S. Senator James Harlan is
home in Mount Pleasant, after more than a
century in the United States Capitol Building.
Photos of the statue unveiling ceremony
at Iowa Wesleyan College were taken on
Thursday, August 28, 2014. Special guests
included Governor Branstad, Lt. Governor
Reynolds and representatives from the the
Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs.
Mount
Pleasant's
Got Talent
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Stay tuned for details!
ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER
PAGE 5 5
PAGE
CHAMBER NEWS
LUNCH & LEARN
Customer Service
Get Ready for the Holiday’s!
Wednesday, October 15
11:30 am-12:30 pm
Guest Speakers:
Tim Egli
Access Energy Cooperative Conference Room
1800 West Washington Street, Mount Pleasant
Karl Schaefer
RSVP by Oct. 8 for lunch ($5 charge) at 319.385.3101
AMP met at Garrels Elk Ranch on
Thursday, September 11. Over 15 in
attendance enjoyed talking with guest
presenters, Mayor Steve Brimhall and
City Administrator, Brent Schleisman.
Liz & Rich Garrels were great hosts and
provided a campfire so all could enjoy
s'mores and hot dogs over the fire.
319-385-2261
www.shottenkirktruckstop.com
PAGE 6
WWW.MOUNTPLEASANTIOWA.ORG
All the
comforts
of home
... without
the worry!
CHAMBER NEWS
Cheers to 36 Years!
By Ambassador, Alicia Yocum of Two Rivers Bank & Trust
A
sign reading “Grand Closing” hangs
above the front doors of one of Mount
Pleasant’s main street businesses. After
36 years, the Mount Pleasant community
must say goodbye to a service oriented
sales business known as Bezoni’s
True Value. Buzz taught science for
13 years before deciding to fulfill a
lifelong dream of owning a hardware
store. So in 1978 Buzz and Barb
Bezoni purchased Coast to Coast, sight
unseen, to start their new adventure.
From the beginning, Buzz’s goal was
that his hardware store would have
something for everyone. He definitely
reached that goal because True Value
always had something for everyone. From
paint to plumbing to small engine repairs
to vacuums Buzz could fix you up. Buzz
built his business by knowing how to use
his product and how to teach people how
to use it. Everyone who walked into True
Value could trust Buzz to get them the right
product and to teach them how to use it.
Buzz’s business plan was rather
simple; he thought a businessperson
needs to know two things—they must
know what they have and how to use
it. If they do that, word of mouth will
bring people in. He thought that word of
mouth was the key ingredient to being
successful. Word of mouth always
brought Buzz good customers that he built
relationships with and networked with.
As a former employee of Buzz’s, I can
tell you Buzz holds teaching and learning
dear to his heart. He must have taught
by example because he was always one
of the crew. From unloading the truck
in 100 degree weather to shoveling the
sidewalks when it was ten below, you
could always find him right there. Many
times there was at least one of his family
members there as well. I remember
working with Barb, his children, and
grandchildren many times. Everyone
lent a hand when it was needed. After 36
years of business, I’m sure Buzz will be
happy to finally be able to relax because
Buzz didn’t ever really take a day “off.”
I will always appreciate Buzz and
the opportunity to work for him. Buzz
gave me my first “real” job and taught
me about hard work and dedication
by being a good example. I will be sad
when he locks the doors for the last time.
Bezoni’s True Value is a place that has
helped Mount Pleasant through the years
and it will truly be missed by the local
contractors, the do-it yourselfers and the
regular customers. It was a place you
could go for the odd pieces or the unique
items no one else had. I just want to say,
“Thank you, Buzz for everything! Enjoy
your time with your family! Here’s to the
end of an era and a great Grand Closing!”
NEWSLINE
CHAMBER BOARD
President
Treasurer
VP Business Dev.
VP Community Dev.
VP Organizational Dev. Shelley Doak
Carla McNamee
Jason Bender
Paul Dennison
Shelley Doak
Mike Anderson
Diane Barton
Matthew Donnolly
Mallory Henderson
Chad Hudson
Jeff Fedler
Kat Niemann
Jean Spiesz
Regan Stoops
Chris Van De Berg
Ronda Whitney
AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
President
David File
Vice President
Dan McCabe
Mike Anderson
Steve Brimhall
Teri Bockting
Robert Meyer
Michelle Rosell
JD Schimmelpfennig
Brent Schleisman
Gary See
Robert Swindell
Tom Wenstrand
MAIN STREET BOARD
President
Schleisman
Josh Maher
Diane Barton
Roger Beckman
Ryan Duffie
Elizabeth Garrels
Morgan Hoenig
Brian Jones
Holly Jones
Paula Kinney
Brent
STAFF MEMBERS
Lisa Oetken, CMSM
Main Street Director
Pictured above is Buzz Bezoni,
of Bezoni's TrueValue
Melissa Flowers, CMA
Membership & Small Business Growth
Coordinator
319-385-3196
www.goodyearep.com
ALLIANCE NEWSLETTER
PAGE 7
Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance
124 South Main Street
Mount Pleasant, IA 52641
office: (319)385-3101
www.mountpleasantiowa.org
PRST STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MOUNT PLEASANT IA
PERMIT NO. 25
Health & Small Business
Expo
Wednesday, November 12
2-7pm at the Union Block
Registration forms will be in the
mail soon!
Entry is $25 for members and $50 for
non-memers.
ALLIANCE CALENDAR
October 2014
Wednesday, October 1
Alive After Five at Hy-Vee Foods,
5pm
Wednesday, October 8
Ambassadors, 8am
Look Local, 9am
Wednesday, October 15
Lunch & Learn on "Customer
Service" at Access Energy
Cooperative, 12:00-1:00 pm
Wednesday, October 15
Main Street Board Meeting, 5pm
Thursday, October 16
Chamber Board Meeting, 7:30am
Thursday, October 16
Main Street Chili Challenge, Central
Park, 5:30-7:00 pm
Sunday October 19
Barktoberfest & Healthy Henry
County Communities 15th
Anniversary Healthy Halloween
Walk, East Lake Park, 1:00-5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 21
Area Development Commission
Board Meeting, 11:30am
Thursday, October 23
Trick-or-Treat on Main, 5:00-7:00pm
Wednesday, November 5
Alive After Five at the Union Block,
hosted by Evening Rotary & Iris
Dental, 5:00pm
Wednesday, November 12
Healthy & Small Business Expo at
the Union Block, 2:00-7:00pm
Citizen of the Year
The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of
Commerce will recognize the 42nd Citizen
of the Year for Mount Pleasant at its annual
banquet on January 22, 2015.
Now is the time to nominate deserving
individuals for this prestigious distinction.
Nominees should be citizens living and or
working in the Mount Pleasant area who have
contributed selfless service to the community
and whose service and charitable activities
bring distinction and quality to everyday life.
If you wish to nominate a potential Citizen of
the Year, submit an application via our website
www.mountpleasantiowa.org, click on Mount
Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce (under
About Us Links) and then click Citizen of the
Year to connect with the list of past nominees
and current nomination form. You may also
simply stop by at the Chamber office to pick
up an application. Nominations are due by
November 30th.