August Chamber Report by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

rs hip

August 2010

e t i n Ig

e M r u o Y

e b m

Inside this issue: â&#x20AC;˘ Ignite Your Membership

2______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ August 2010

Table of Contents Article

Page

Featured Member of the Month – Port ‘O’ Jonny................4 Leadership for Five Seasons.................................................5 Legislative Agenda................................................................6 Advertising and Sponsorships..............................................6 Chamber Academy................................................................7 Calendar of Events................................................................8 Business Expo.......................................................................9 Value of Membership.................................................... 10-11 Annual Meeting..................................................................12 New Members.....................................................................13 EDC.....................................................................................14 Breakfast of Champions.....................................................15 Members in Motion............................................................16 Champions at Work.............................................................17 July PM Exchange Recap...................................................18 PM Exchange......................................................................18 Marketing Roundtable........................................................19

August 2010 Volume 79 No 12 (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 Commerce 424 First Ave. NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196 Chair: Brad Hart President & CEO: Shannon Meyer Editor: Kari Stillman Contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission. ©2010 Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

2010 Board of Directors Officers

Brad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Chair Chuck Peters, Gazette Communication, Chair Elect Allen Witt, Hall & Hall Engineers Inc., Immediate Past Chair Nancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Secretary William Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer Shannon Meyer, Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, President

Board of Directors

Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Director Dawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, Director Thomas Anderson, Merrill Lynch, Director Todd Barker, Todd Barker, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, Director Christopher Blake, Mount Mercy College, Director Barry Boyer, Van Meter Industrial, Inc., Chair Elect Priority One Ray Brown, The ESCO Group, Chair Marion Chamber of Commerce Scott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, Director Lijun Chadima, Thorland Company, Director Ron Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary Director Chris DeWolf, Lil’ Drug Store Products, Inc., Director Jeff Elgin, J & T Elgin, LLC, Director James Ernst, Four Oaks Inc. of Iowa, Director Gary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, Director Ronald Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency, Director Kristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, Director Rob Frederick, AEGON Insurance Group, Director Marc Gullickson, Ryan Companies, US, Inc., Director Eric Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary Director Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., At Large Director Beth Houlahan, Mercy Medical Center, Director Tim Kiesey, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary Director Tim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, Director Christine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc., Director Robb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, Director Katie Mulholland, Linn-Mar Community School District, Director Curt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center Inc. Honorary Director Doug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary Director Ron Olson, Paulson Electric Company, Director Hazel Pegues, Diversity Focus, Honorary Director Mark Seckman, Priority One, President Priority One John Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, Director Kyle Skogman, Skogman Realty, Chair Priority One Tim Spain, United Fire Group, Director Paul Treangen, Alliant Energy – Interstate Power & Light Co., Director Monica Vernon, Vernon Research Group, Honorary Director William Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Director Brandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc, Director

August 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

From the Chairman’s Desk:

The Chamber - Truly A Champion for a Greater Cedar Rapids This is my last article for the Chamber Report as the Chamber’s Board Chair, so it is appropriate to reflect, at least briefly, on the Chamber’s fiscal year that began last September 1, 2009. It has been another busy and eventful year for the Chamber. I am more convinced than ever of the key role the Chamber plays for its members and for this community as the voice of business. The Chamber is asked to participate and to help in almost every important initiative this area faces, and responds by providing the assistance and the collaboration needed to address the issue at hand. In the past year, the Chamber has improved its programming for members, held its second international trade summit, attended the U.S. Chamber’s Small Business Summit, expanded the programs, membership and services of ImpactCR, our young professionals group, expanded and improved the Leadership for Five Seasons programs, established the Business Long Term Recovery Program, and was a catalyst, primarily through our Small Business Task Force, in bringing millions of additional dollars to our business community for flood recovery. In March, the Chamber completed a re-branding process that more accurately reflects “The Chamber, Champion for a Greater Cedar Rapids.” Also, the Chamber Board just completed its strategic planning retreat and is well on the way to finalizing a strategic three-year plan. The Chamber, this community and the Corridor have a great future. The Chamber will continue to collaborate with our key partners: the City, the County, EPRC, the State and Federal Governments, as well as the many business and civic organizations that make our lives so rich. As I said last September at our annual meeting, we are poised for growth and the sky’s the limit. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the Chamber’s Board Chair. With Shannon Meyer in the lead, a dedicated and talented staff, committed Board members and volunteers and a clear understanding of our collaborative powers, the Chamber’s place in this community as that voice of business has never been more important. Finally, yes, these are my old hands holding this sheet of paper. The Chamber board will be in great hands during the next year and beyond with Chuck Peters of SourceMedia Group as Board Chair and Nancy Kasparek of U.S. Bank serving as Chair-Elect. Thank you for ongoing support of the Chamber. Thank you for the opportunity I’ve had to serve.

Sincerely,

Brad Hart chairman, board of directors

4______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ August 2010

Featured

At Work Events Port ‘O’ Jonny, Inc 2740 Stonegate Court Hiawatha, Iowa 52233 (319) 378-8900 1 877 378-8900

Port ‘O’ Jonny, Inc. is one of the largest portable sanitation companies in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. We offer the cleanest and best in portable sanitation. Port ‘O’ Jonny, Inc. has everything from sinks to an air conditioned or heated trailer that will take the place of 30 units. Our experienced technicians service the units with pride and strive to exceed your expectations. Port ‘O’ Jonny has been a family and locally owned business for over 15 years.

New

Why Port ‘O’ Jonny, Inc.? v v v v v v v v v v v v

The best line of portable sanitation equipment in the area! Our fleet consists of over 800 units Deluxe Flushable Units with Sink/Soap/Paper Towel Dispenser and Mirror Portable Hand Wash Stations New Portable Hand Sanitizer Wipe Stands New Portable Hand Sanitizer Foam Stands Handicap Accessible Units Stand-Alone Baby Changing Station Double/Triple Weekly Service Available Low Cost Optional Damage Waiver Available Air Conditioned/Heated Luxury Trailer We now offer Septic Tank Pumping

August 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

In any other situation this could be considered embarrassing.

Leadership for Five Seasons 10th Annual Alumni Golf Outing

NEW THIS YEAR:

Friday, September 10th Airport National Golf Complex

ork

11:00 a.m. Lunch and Check-In 12:00 p.m. Shotgun Start

Cost

$50 for dues paying alumni (through Sept. 3rd) $60 for dues paying alumni (late registration) $75 for non-dues paying alumni

Register and pay on-line at www.cedarrapids.org Payment includes grilled lunch, green fees, cart and sales tax. (When registering for the outing, please include your golf partners within the comment section of the on-line registration form.) All proceeds to benefit the Youth Leadership for Five Seasons Program. Hole sponsorships are available please contact Kelly Slaughter at kslaughter@cedarrapids.org or 730-1411 for more information.

The class with the highest number of participants will receive complimentary beverages throughout the day.

Welcome the 2011 Leadership for Five Seasons Class: Carter Baldwin Options of Linn County

John Carney Kirkwood Community College

Andrew Johnson Clifton Gunderson

Scott Schaapveld RSM McGladrey

Jon Bancks Merrill Lynch

Catharine Cashner Mt. Mercy College

Barbara Klein Rockwell Collins

Karen Schumacher Van Meter Industrial

Todd Barker Iowa Realty

JuLee Combs Diamond V

Brandy Lindsey Nordstrom Direct

Diane Seelau St. Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital

Molly Baynes Rockwell Collins

Tiffani Conrey ImOn Communications

Ronald Maxa Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

Rebecca Shoop Linn County

Michelle Bell Rockwell Collins

Cody Crawford Hills Bank & Trust

James Swanson Genencor

Jace Bisgard Shuttleworth & Ingersoll

Jody Donaldson Kirkwood Community College

Jeffery McGinness Simons Perrine Moyer Bergman

Stephanie Bredman Kirkwood Community College

Katie Geiken CR Public Library Foundation

Carla Brems Destinations Unlimited

Shawn Gerdes Van Meter Industrial

Michael Butterfield HDR, Inc.

Britt Hutchins Linn County

Wendy Nielsen Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Jennifer Peden Area Ambulance Jennifer Pickar American Red Cross Ryan Sawyer Lynch Dallas PC

Dave Thielen YMCA Christoph Trappe SourceMedia Group Stacy Woodson Howard R Green Company

6______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ August 2010

Advertising & Sponsorship Opportunities

Legislative Report – Member Input Requested Preparation for the 2011 legislative session is already underway by The Chamber. The Linn Area BizPAC is currently gathering information to include in its survey questionnaire that will be distributed to candidates following the filing deadline for House, Senate and County Supervisors in mid-August. Candidates will be asked to complete and return the questionnaire by early September and candidate interviews will take place mid-September. All BizPAC contributors are invited to attend the interviews. By late September, the BizPAC will announce its endorsements. Candidate answers to the surveys will be available as well. If your company has specific issues that you would like the Chamber to add to The Chamber’s legislative agenda for 2011, please contact Sara Mentzer, VP of Public Affairs at smentzer@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1404.

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is your direct route to the region’s business audience. Our more than 1,300 member companies include executives, young professionals and top businesses and community organizations. More than 3,500 business professionals receive the various chamber publications and offer a direct opportunity to connect with other members. Ways to Advertise: • Monthly Chamber Report • Weekly e-connection • Chamber Wall Testimonials • Web site, Cedarrapids.org • Featured Member of the Month

For additional information on advertising opportunities contact Kari Stillman, VP of Marketing & Communications at kstillman@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1410. Sponsorships: The Chamber offers a wide variety of options for members looking to increase their presence and support The Chamber’s mission to promote economic vitality and quality of life in Linn County. We can help you plan a year-round sponsorship program that brings even more awareness to your business, its products and services. For additional information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Candy Nanke at 319.730.1417 or cnanke@cedarrapids.org for more information.

Chuck Hammond President / CEO, Raining Rose, Inc.

BANKERS TRUST commercial banker: Dave Parmley

“They’re just good, decent people trying to fill a niche. They treat people the way they’d like to be treated. The big banks have absolutely bailed out. Bankers Trust is local and they act like it. You can get decisions made.”

221 Third Avenue SE 319-896-7777 400 Blairs Ferry Road NE 319-221-1230 www.bankerstrust.com Member FDIC

August 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Present at a Chamber Academy The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Chamber Academy was created to provide an easy and reliable way for Chamber members to get advice, learn concepts and garner information on a variety of important topics. Academy courses are carefully planned to meet the needs of our members. The Chamber is seeking professionals to provide educational sessions applicable to a diverse area of business, from marketing, strategic planning to human resources and many topics in between.

Why present at a Chamber Academy? t Work • • • • •

Heightened Communication: Leverage the Chamber’s audience. Your name and logo is attached with The Chamber’s marketing materials promoting the Academy. Outstanding Sales Climate: Project a positive image and connect with attendees. This method of visibility proves much more impactful than traditional marketing methods. Community Roots: Advocate for community growth and overall goodwill for our region. This method of “outreach” creates a give back mentality for your business automatically projecting a positive image to potential clients. Build Connections: Entertain key accounts or clients at your academy. This level of interaction and positioning creates a platform to create new client relationships. Drive Sales: Consider creating special offers for attendees. This provides extra mileage from your speaking engagement which is critical in today’s business climate.

Presenter Guidelines: • • • • •

Presenter(s) must be current members of the Chamber. Chamber Academy sessions are educational, non-commercial forums. A speaker cannot use the Chamber Academy speaking engagement as an opportunity to promote their own product or service. Presenter(s) will be limited to one session every twelve months, with the exception of series sponsors. Presenter(s) must possess the expertise, ability and skills to cover the subject matter to the Chamber’s diverse audience. Proposed session must be balanced to serve a variety of knowledge and skill levels.

The Chamber is always interested in “new faces” to lead a session throughout the fiscal year, if interested contact Julie Stow at jstow@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1400 for more information. A Chamber Academy presenter application can be found on-line at www.cedarrapids.org under Programs & Services of The Chamber.

8______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ August 2010

Events Calendar August ❖❖ Wednesday, August 4

September ❖❖ Thursday, September 2

❖❖ Tuesday, September 14

ImpactCR - Siren Wednesday

Breakfast of Champions

Chamber Annual Meeting

Members & Mixers Committee

7:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Networking Event

$20 members, $30 Future Members

$40 per person, $400 table of 10

Sponsored by

On-line registration and payment available

Toocan’s Tiki Bar

Cedar Rapids Marriott

Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, Ballroom

❖❖ Thursday, September 16 ❖❖ Thursday, September 2 ❖❖ Tuesday, August 10 Chamber Academy: ROI on IT Spending Chamber Board Room

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. $35 Members, $50 Future members Sponsored by

ImpactCR – All aBoard

Marketing Roundtable Kick Off Chamber Board Room

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Join a group of marketing and sales professionals to gain practical knowledge from shared experiences. Application information available on page 19

❖❖ Thursday, September 9 Unlocking Your Chamber Membership Chamber Board Room

❖❖ Thursday, August 19 PM Exchange Modern Piping

1919 Dodge Rd NE, Cedar Rapids 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Member Networking Event Complimentary

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Designed to give you the keys to getting started, this is our orientation to all of our events, programs and initiatives. Lunch provided. Complimentary Sponsored by

Airport National Golf Complex

11:00 a.m. Lunch Shotgun start at Noon $50 Dues paying alumni $75 Non-dues paying alumni

Upcoming Signature Events

Downtown Cedar Rapids

The Fireball Run Adventurally is coming to Cedar Rapids Oct 1st and departs Oct 2nd. Consider becoming part of an event striving to recover America’s missing children. Special Event Sponsored by Randy Kuehl Honda More Sponsorship Opportunities Available

$10 ImpactCR members, $20 Future Members, $5 Full-time Students

❖❖ Thursday, September 23 Business Expo – Hitting Business Out of the Park

Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Stadium 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. EXPO Special Event Sponsored by More Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Leadership for Five Seasons – Alumni Golf Outing

2010 Fireball Run Adventurally Road Race

Targeted to educate young professionals interested in serving the community through leadership

Connecting People with Technology

❖❖ Friday, September 10

❖❖ October 1-2

Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

❖❖ November 4-12 Business Leaders Trip to Brazil

Brazil was the top country in upward evolution and competiveness in 2009 among the BRIC economies. Join The Chamber to experience Brazil and learn of a vast amount of business opportunities in this fast-growing market. Contact Jeanne Brandes, jbrandes@cedarrapids.org, for more information. Registration Now Available!

❖❖ Thursday, September 23 PM Exchange Cedar Rapids Veterans Memorial Stadium 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Member Networking Event Complimentary Sponsored by

For updated information or to register for events please visit www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship Opportunities Available Contact Candy Nanke for details 319-730-1417 or cnanke@cedarrapids.org

August 2010_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

Chamber EXPO Trade shows are the most efficient way to meet, engage and entice sales prospects and the most cost-effective way to close sales. The Chamber’s annual one-day business trade show will be held at the Veterans Memorial Stadium in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Kernels on Sept. 23rd.

Why participate? •

Be a part of a very powerful marketing medium that brings together a diverse group of exhibitors and over a thousand potential customers.

•

Develop profitable business relationships with area businesses include lead and sales generation.

•

Unveil a new product or service (or a new company) creating awareness and visibility.

•

Conduct cost-effective market research and information gathering that the expo offers and/or product testing.

Exhibit Space Details available onine at www.cedarrapids.org:

Basic Booth: $485 Chamber Members, $795 Future Members MVP Booth: $700 Available only to Chamber Members Registration information and on-line payment can be made at www.cedarrapids.org or contact Julie Stow, VP of Special Events at jstow@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1409. Sponsored by:

Schedule of Events on September 23:

9:00 am – 5:15 pm — Community Softball Games 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm — Vendor Appreciation and Networking Exchange 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm — EXPO 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm — PM Exchange

Media Partners include:

Additional sponsorship opportunities still available

Taking

care of families.

The Rollinger family – Cascade Ohnward services: mortgage, savings, checking, CDs, kids’ CDs

Member FDIC

With the bank since Adam was 14. “The service is great.” He and Traci went there for their first home. “It was incredibly easy.” Second home? Ohnward. “They were wonderful and watched out for our family. It all fell into place.” Closing at the bank? 7pm on a Tuesday. “The only time that worked for all of us.”

Where do you want to go?

Cedar Rapids

Marion

MOVE FORWARD

Monticello

Cascade

Onslow

Baldwin

OhnwardBank.com

10 �� August 2010

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is fortunate to have dedicated members that continue to invest in this region through membership renewal. Our membership retention rate of 91 percent far exceeds the national average. However, The Chamber never ceases to increase member benefits and services. As a Chamber member, every individual in your company receives the same member benefits. Maximize your investment by engaging multiple employees within your organization. Determine ways to grow, advance and expand your own business by involving employees in the various chamber programming opportunities As The Chamber reaches the end of its fiscal year in August and you once again make the choice to renew your membership please review the list of member benefits and learn about new ways to maximize your benefit. In fiscal year 2010, a number of additional programs and services were provided to our members. Below is a list of highlighted programs available to you in fiscal year 2011. v Chamber Institute – This one-of-a-kind group mentoring program designed to help organizations and individuals take talent to the next level. It helps its participants: 3 Achieve necessary perspective to be effective company leaders. 3 Emphasize application of current business thinking and strategies. 3 Understand business on a larger scale, focusing on the customer, employee, owner mindset and you, the individual. 3 Network and embrace diverse thinking with peers. 3 Receive actionable items at each session. 3 Reinforce development throughout the series. 3 Every type and size of organization will benefit from enrolling current and future leaders in The Chamber Institute.

August 2010_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

v The Gala – Held at Theatre Cedar Rapids, The Gala offers members a unique opportunity to celebrate our community’s successful businesses and Chamber volunteers honoring Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. The Howard Hall recipient is also announced during this premiere event. v Breakfast of Champions – A new option for networking and programming combined together in a monthly program for our members. Speakers presenting at the Breakfast of Champions ranged from community issues to motivational discussions. In 2011, the Breakfast of Champions program will shift to a quarterly program. v Manufacturing & Sales Roundtable – These two programs were added to the established list of Roundtables for CEO’s and Marketing professionals. Members exchange practical ideas and advice for the benefit of each others’ business in a “brainstorming” atmosphere. The confidential process enhances decision-making, provides sound advice, increases objectivity, and develops leadership skills. Each group consists of 12 to 14 individuals from noncompeting businesses. v International Business Mission Trip – In November, The Chamber will take a contingency of business members to Brazil. Experience first-hand the country’s business practices, economic assets, communication approaches, its history, and culture. The Business Leaders Trip is seen as the first step towards building business relationships abroad. Throughout the trip we provide our business travelers with the opportunity to expand their views of culture and the interdependency that exists between companies and countries around the world. v Enhanced Chamber Web Site – the updated Web site provides members an easier way to be informed of upcoming events as well as the option to register and pay online. More importantly the improved member directory will heavily promote our members to consumers.

As a Chamber member you join more than 1,300 other members allowing the Chamber to be an advocate for business in our region. The Chamber works relentlessly to unite businesses, amplify the voice of our members and ignite opportunities that power a thriving community. We welcome the chance to work with you on the important issues that will shape our region’s future prosperity — from legislative to small business growth, and from downtown revitalization to community development. The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and staff are dedicated to facilitating community leadership to create economic prosperity. That leadership begins with you, our members.

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

Vision: The Chamber is the leader of economic and community initiatives and improvement in Linn County. The Chamber is the force, the advocate and the voice for businesses in our communities. We will continue to be faithful stewards of the resources entrusted to us, look for solutions to strengthen our business community and strive to create, foster and maintain strong partnerships.

10 �� August 2010

August 2010_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

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

12 �� August 2010

2010 Annual Meeting

Join the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at its 92nd Annual Meeting, September 14th. The annual luncheon provides the forum in which our business and community leaders come together to receive a recap of the extensive activities accomplished by The Chamber during fiscal year 2010.

Keynote Speaker: Stephen Jordan

Senior Vice President and Executive Director

92nd Annual Meeting Tuesday, September 14th

Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, Ballroom 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. $40 per person or $400 for a table of 10. On-line registration and payment available at www.cedarrapids.org This year’s keynote speaker is Stephen Jordan, Senior Vice President and Executive Director of the Business Civic Leadership Center. In addition, newly hired Cedar Rapids City Manager, Jeff Pomerantz will make a few remarks at the annual meeting. Sponsored by:

Need Printing or Mailing? Call Chuck at

Cornerstone Press

378-4451

One Great Name in Real Estate

Stephen Jordan runs the Business Civic Leadership Center of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which has been called “the coordination hub for corporate disaster response” by the Public Affairs Council, and the private sector’s alternative to FEMA by the Wall Street Journal. Jordan and his team of leading national experts have been at the forefront of promoting public-private partnerships for sustainable development, community resilience, and disaster recovery. He has stories to share stemming from his experiences assisting with recovery efforts in Haiti, the Gulf Coast, southern California, and 9/11. Perhaps even more importantly, he can provide insight into the opportunities and challenges that will affect the future community and economic development of Eastern Iowa and the U.S. We are facing dramatic changes due to technology, globalization, and other factors, and we are very pleased to have Stephen Jordan join us and share his experiences on the front lines of community and economic development.

Ask about our C om m ercial Discounts!

Full line of COMMERCIAL cleaning products for ANY business • Commercial Vacuums • Air Purifiers • Floor Machines (carpet & bare floor) • Floor Sweepers W e cater to all types of businesses, including restaurants, offices, small businesses and more T em porarily located at W estdale M all 319-365-7022

Something for EverYone

Everything I Touch Turns to SOLD!

CathyHillRealtor.com

Helen G. Nassif Marion Stoney Point YMCA Camp Wapsie

350-8521 Call Me First!

The

makes it possible

www.crmetroymca.org

August 2010_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13 Leap Frog Graphics

New Best Western Longbranch Hotel & Convention Center

809 Rockford Road SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Mike Moellers, President/Owner Phone: 319-261-3764 Web: www.leapfroggraphics.com Email: mmoellers@q.com

We design and print signs on media including paper, vinyl, plastics, metal, wood, and glass. We can design and produce almost any marketing materials from business cards to vehicle graphics and wraps. We also design and host web sites.

90 Twixt Town Road NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Douglas Delong, Chief Financial Officer Phone: 319-377-6386 Web: www.thelongbranch.com Email: twixt2@aol.com

Medicap Pharmacy

The Best Western Hotel & Convention Center is a full service Business Plus Hotel commited to providing the best in customer service. Recently renovated guest and banquet rooms! Complimentary WiFi, continential breakfast, and cable with HBO. Indoor pool, whirlpool, 8000 square foot fitness club, 13 banquet rooms, restaurant and lounge!

We are a full service retail pharmacy offering drive thru, compounds, over the counter products, and immunizations.

Criterium – LeTellier Engineers 222 Third Street SE, Suite 600, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Lance LeTellier, Principal Phone: 319-981-1049 Web: www.criterium-letellier.com Email: lance@criterium-letellier.com

As an affiliate of Criterium Engineers with offices throughout North America we provide our local clients with extensive building science expertise. We are devoted to helping building owners and contractors evaluate existing facilities through comprehensive building inspection and plan review services.

Esthedontics, Inc. 3800 River Ridge Dr NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 John Doubet, President/Owner Phone: 319-365-4621 Email: office@esthedontics.com

2030 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 Sam Zoske, Owner Phone: 641-752-7139 Email: szoske@hotmail.com

Skogman Realty: Vestweber/Byers & Sellers VB&S 411 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411 Jason Vestweber, Realtor Phone: 319-551-0373 Web: www.jasonvestweber.com Email: jcvestweber@skogman.com

Earlier this year I joined forces with Sue Byers and Skogman Realty. After over 15 years in enterprise sales in the technology, the industrial markets, and financial services industries I have chosen to leverage my customer service skills on behalf of my own clients in real estate. Please let us open a door for you very soon.

Team Iowa PO Box 8600, Cedar Rapids, IA 52408 Greta McChesney Phone: 319-396-5681 Web: www.teamiowa.net Email: Darrell@teamiowa.net

Crown and Bridge Dental lab working for local area dentists as well as dental practices nationwide.

We specialize in corporate branding through the use of recognition products, apparel and banners. Online stores, service award programs and custom projects are also available. Full service consulting in all areas.

Kettlebell Adantage LLC

Your Deck Medic

5249 North Park Place NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Mark Erickson, Owner Phone: 319-721-7457 Web: www.kettlebelladvantage.com Email: kettlebelladvantage@qu.com

Kettlebell Advantage is the first fitness center in Cedar Rapids to offer RKC Certified Instruction dedicated to Group Kettlebell Workouts. Our RKC kettlebell instructors have undergone the world’s most rigorous of kettlebell instructor certification courses and are fully qualified to help you meet and surpass your goals, be they fat loss, strength and power development or athletic success. Come let our Instructors design and lead you through every workout that can produce twice the results in half the time.

500 West Main Street, Robins, IA 52328 Deborah Balick, Owner/President Phone: 319-558-8104 Web: www.yourdeckmedic.com Email: deckmedic411@msn.com

Your Deck Medic is one of the premier full service wood, concrete and masonry cleaning & sealing companies in the metro Cedar Rapids area. Our services include cleaning and sealing of wood, concrete and masonry. We power wash exteriors of homes/buildings, patios, sidewalks and driveways. We also take care of decks. Our experienced applicators guarantee clean, prompt service.

14 �� August 2010

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNER

Curt Nelson, CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC)

Who Needs Sales Training? Our Products Are Great! Just Let Me Tell You! Do you provide high-value products or services? Are quality selling skills and relationship building required to maximize success? Would you like to close more business in less time? Does your sales team simply represent your products/services – or do they actually sell? Many companies end up with “canned” sales skills training, or worse yet, no sales training at all – but wish they had higher revenues. Their sales staff show up and expect prospects to listen to how wonderful their product or service features are – and buy because of the sheer brilliance of their presentation. In reality, learning how to understand true client needs, taking the time to outline a clear success strategy, and creating a win for both you and your client is what it will take to improve your revenue generation. That cannot be accomplished with a “show up and throw up” approach to selling. I have built and developed many high-performance national and international sales teams over my 30+ year career. I’ve learned that selling isn’t about telling a suspect everything you know about your product and hoping something sparks a purchase. Selling is about understanding prospect needs, determining the ability to solve those needs, and then doing so in a manner that provides great value and leverages additional opportunities. Later this month at the EDC, I’ll be leading a Strategic Selling Coaching Program where participants engage in timely, ongoing help with real prospect opportunities, not just theory. Each sales exec will keep two binders and report at each session on 1) what objections they received that they would like help in addressing and 2) specific wins and losses, outlining the real reasons for those wins and losses. I’ve used this training approach many times over the years, and have yielded great returns with it. (If you’re interested in this training session, contact the EDC.) Selling is a science-based profession that requires constant study. Be sure your company isn’t leaving money on the table and customers unsatisfied by not providing full, qualified training and support for your sales executives. For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at 319-369-4955 or visit us at www.edcinc.org.

Discover a New Way.

www.truenorthcompanies.com

Employee Benefits

Risk Management

Financial Strategies

Individual Solutions

August 2010_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

In fiscal year 2011, The Chamber will transition the Breakfast of Champions to a quarterly program offered in September, December, March and June.

Thursday, September 2nd 7:00 a.m – 8:15 a.m. Cedar Rapids Marriott 1200 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids $20 Members, $30 Future Members September’s guest speaker: Christopher Blake, Ph.D. , President, Mount Mercy Mount Mercy College stands on the brink of a milestone in the institution’s more than 80-year history. After comprehensive visioning and strategic planning and the successful launch and integration of a new core curriculum, athletic scholarships and graduate programming, Mount Mercy’s vision of transitioning from college to university will soon be realized. With over 7.000 local alumni working in professions that range from education to healthcare, civic organizations and non-profits, Mount Mercy’s reach extends to the core aspects of society and helps strengthen local businesses and professions with leaders who are committed to Mercy values of service to the common good, volunteerism, gratitude and hospitality. President Christopher Blake will share with us the path leading to University designation and how this historic milestone impacts not only Mount Mercy, but the greater Cedar Rapids community. Registration is required, on-line registration and payment is available on-line at www.cedarrapids.org. For additional details regarding the Breakfast of Champions, contact Jeff Schamberger at jschamberger@cedarrapids.org or 319-730-1402.

First impressions last.