Dec_Report

Page 1

December 2011

Inside this issue: • Snapshot in Numbers


We’re Ready. Call now. “You have cancer.” No one wants to hear that. But if you do, it’s time for smart decisions. It’s time for a compassionate medical team who collaborate with you for the best treatment and support. It’s time for Cedar Rapids’ only physician-led cancer center.

Choose care focused on you. 877/242-4999

communitycancercenter.org

(L to R) Dr. J. David Cowden; Dr. John Vander Zee; Rita Packingham, cancer survivor; Dr. Thomas Warren and Dr. James Renz.


;

December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

Table of Contents Article ..................................................................Page Featured Member of the Month ..................................5 ImpactCR ....................................................................6 Members In Motion ....................................................7 New Members .............................................................7 Calendar of Events ......................................................8 America’s Small Business Summit ............................9 Snapshot in Numbers .......................................... 10-11 Champions at Work ..................................................12 Chamber Business Success Initiative .......................13 Priority One – Economic Impact Analysis ......... 14-15 EDC...........................................................................16 Good Morning Cedar Rapids ....................................17 November PM Exchange Recap ...............................18 PM Exchange ............................................................18 Sales Roundtable.......................................................19

December 2011 Volume 81 No 4 (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: Nancy Kasparek Interim President: Dee Baird Editor: Kari Stillman Contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317 for reprint permission.

2011-2012 Board of Directors Officers

Nancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, Chair Rob Frederick, Transamerica Companies, Chair-Elect Chuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, Immediate Past Chair Bill Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer

Board of Directors

Jill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Director Dawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, Inc., Director Tom Anderson, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Director Dee Baird, CR Area Chamber of Commerce/Priority One, President P1 Todd Barker, Todd Barker Iowa Realty Commercial, Director David Benson, CR Community School District, Director Barry Boyer, Chair, Priority One, Honorary Director Scott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, Director Lijun Chadima, Thorland Company, Director Ron Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary Director Jeff Elgin, J & T Elgin LLC, Director Jim Ernst, Four Oaks, Director Gary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, Director Ron Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency (retired), Director Kristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, Director Scott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company Inc., Director Vern Gebhart, Alliant Energy, Director Bernard Gill, Ascott Transportation Service, Director Shannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary Director Brad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, Director Tom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., Director Tim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, Director Christine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern IA, Director Robb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, Director Stephanie Neighbor, Chair, Marion Chamber, Honorary Director Curt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center, Honorary Director Doug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Honorary Director Ron Olson, Paulson Electric Company, Director Jeff Pomeranz, City Manager, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary Director John Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, Director David Sorg, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary Director Tim Spain, United Fire Group, Director Michael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, PC, Director Bill Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Director Brandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc., Director


4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

From the Chairman’s Desk: A year’s work My time as President of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce started amidst efforts by the Downtown District, The Chamber and Priority One to merge their organizations into a strong, unified organization. Those efforts rose to a crescendo pitch November 1 with Stronger Together: a joint annual meeting. Much work is left to be done as we work to put together the structure and organization that will produce the results we all desire. In the condensed fiscal year in which I have had the opportunity to serve the Chamber, I feel that we brought to fruition the vision of many of our past and present business leaders in the community as we took steps to unify our voices and efforts. As we transition into the new organization: The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, we do so with the support and energy of many who recognize the benefits this organization will bring to our region. I am personally thankful for the visionary work of many who have helped lead this process and for those who are able to see past the immediate changes and see the bigger picture: a region that will succeed and thrive in the future. As the 2011 calendar year comes to a close, we will look back on this year as a year of change that is going to impact this community in a positive way for years to come. As your Chamber, we have served businesses small and large. We have helped our members connect with each other and provided opportunities to connect through events and programs designed to expand networks and serve the community. Most importantly, we have looked forward, anticipating the needs of business into the future. Although my term as president was shortened by the creation of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, I am proud of the things we have accomplished together and look forward to being a part of what is yet to come. Stronger together,

Sincerely, Nancy Kasparek Chair, Board of Directors


December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Featured

WHY PAY MORE At Work TO PRINT?

Cartridge World has long been actively finding ways to help save our environment and, at the same time, help our customers save money. By refilling ink and toner cartridges, not only are we keeping cartridges out of landfills, but we are also saving you, the consumer, up to 40% off the price of buying a brand new cartridge!

Events

Businesses can also take advantage of Cartridge World’s FREE pickup and delivery service for qualifying orders! We offer the opportunity to set up a charge account which can save your business both time and money. The great news is there is not, by any means, any risk to using a refilled cartridge, because refilled cartridges in no way void your printer warranty (Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act). Once you purchase a refill from Cartridge World, you will not notice any difference in the print quality as compared to a brand new cartridge. All cartridges are filled in-house by our specially trained technicians; while at the same time, all the inks and toners used by Cartridge World are specifically designed for each individual cartridge, and the worn out parts are replaced in every laser cartridge, ensuring you the best possible print quality. Cartridge World backs all its cartridges by a 100% satisfaction guarantee!

New

As an effort to help our local schools, Cartridge World offers them an opportunity to raise money by participating in our cartridge recycling program. By collecting empty cartridges and turning them in to Cartridge World, local schools can earn funds for projects and programs! Cartridge World has always strived to help local communities in the best possible way. We are locally owned and operated, community oriented, and environmentally driven. We are here to offer our community a better, less expensive way to print.

Savings

Quality

For more information contact our Cedar Rapids location at (319) 396-9600.

$3

OFF INK REFILL

$10

OFF TONER REFILL

Environment

Cartridge World Cedar Rapids 2210 Edgewood Road Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 www.cartridgeworldusa.com

319-396-9600

One per customer. Not valid with other offers. Expires 01/31/2012. Code Chamber Offer


6 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Big Wig Lunch Talk (BLT) with Jack Evans Tuesday, December 13 12:00 - 1:00 PM Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Jack Evans is president of The Hall-Perrine Foundation, a private philanthropic corporation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His expertise in the area of leadership is illustrated by his involvement with several organizations in the Corridor. This lunch will give guests the opportunity to hear Mr. Evans speak to the importance of leadership, and will tell you the path and decisions he made to become a strong leader for our community.

Mind your business. PLAY HERE

You’ve got plenty to keep you busy – no spare time to fret about basics that should be hassle free. That’s where CITY

Shape their future.

comes in. We offer a wide range of rental uniforms and mats to meet your unique needs. It’s the clean and simple way. Want a customized solution to let you focus on what really matters? Call us today and we’ll sweat the small stuff.

www.cityuniformsandmats.com 319-283-5621 800-798-5621

WORKPLACE UNIFORMS & MATS

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCA

Cle� �d simple.

www.crmetroymca.org

chamber ad 1108.indd 1

6/17/2011 2:22:39 PM


Events December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

New

Hands in Harmony LLC

1615 32nd Street NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Wahneta Dimmer, Owner Phone: 319-366-5454 Website: www.myhih.com Email: handsinharmony@mchsi.com

Linn County Juvenile Justice Center November 9

Hands in Harmony LLC is a therapeutic massage therapy office with a splash of spa. We specialize in injury recovery, relaxation & maintenance massage. We also offer couples massage, private & small group yoga and meditation classes.

Kennections Plus, Inc.

Matt Kenney, President Phone: 319-804-9010 Website: www.kennectionsplus.com Email: matt@kennectionsplus.com

Fairfax State Savings Bank Kiosk November 11

Communications Management firm whose dual purposes are to reduce communications cost and improve customer service for our clients without changing carriers. Our savings and service standards are unconditionally guaranteed. No risk. No catch. No gimmicks. No hassles. No downside.

Cono Christian School

3269 Quasqueton Avenue Walker, IA 52352 Ray Vasser, Advancement & Athletics Officer Phone: 319-651-5815 Fax: 319-448-4397 Website: www.cono.org Email: ray.vasser@cono.org

Granite City Food & Brewery Remodel November 14

Cono Christian School is a not-for-profit residential and day school. We work with distressed teens who come to Cono for a fresh start and help in emotional healing, maturation and resolving behavioral issues resulting from adoption, traumatic experience and/or family breakdown.

Not just a great local printer!

We also offer:

Windstream Communications November 16

• In-house Design • High Speed Digital Print • Variable Data Printing • In-house Mailing Services

319-378-4451


8 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Events Calendar December ❖ Tuesday, December 13

❖ Saturday, December 3

A Preview of 2012 ❖ Legislative Update

Big Wig Lunch Talk with Jack Evans 12:00- 1:00 p.m.

Friday, January 20 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

7:00- 9:00 p.m.

Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Boardroom

Dublin City Pub 415 1st Street NE

Join us to hear Jack Evans speak on leadership, and the path and decisions he made to become a community leader.

Sponsored by

ImpactCR Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Admission is free; An optional $5 participation fee for “Best of Ugly” competition.

Brought to you by ImpactCR.

❖ 2012 Sales Roundtable Kickoff Tuesday, January 24 12:00- 1:00 p.m.

❖ Thursday, December 15

For more information on the Fire & Ice Festival activities, visit www.downtowncr.org.

PM Exchange Mount Mercy University 5:00- 7:00 p.m.

❖ Tuesday, December 6

The University Center Commons 1330 Elmhurst Drive

Breakfast of Champions 7:15- 8:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

❖ Chamber Academy Green Workplace Presented by Shelia Samuelson Tuesday, February 7 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

Member Event

Chamber Boardroom A light breakfast and coffee will be available. Space is limited. Registration is required. Sponsored by

Complimentary

❖ Wednesday, December 28 Regional Sustainable Business Alliance Round Table

Chamber Boardroom

❖ Corridor Day/Kolache Day at the Capitol Wednesday, February 15 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

12:00- 1:30 p.m.

The University of Iowa 1 W Prentiss Street

ImpactCR Events

ImpactCR hosts a number of committee meetings each month. To learn more about the organization’s various committees or find out when the next committee meeting is visit impactcr.org for details.

For additional information, and to RSVP, please call (319) 398-5317

Des Moines

❖ Legislative Update Friday, February 17 11:30 a.m. Chamber Boardroom

❖ America’s Small Business Summit May 21-23

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

Sponsorship opportunities are available for most Chamber events. Contact The Chamber at chamber@cedarrapids.org

Washington, DC

Community Calendar As a Chamber member, businesses can login at www.cedarrapids.org and submit their own event. Visit www.cedarrapids.org/events to view the numerous events being held by Chamber members throughout the community.


December 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

America’s Small Business Summit May 21-23, 2012 Washington, DC Standing Up for American Enterprise Cost is $1,500 per person which includes two nights hotel, conference registration and multiple meals. Airline travel is the responsibility of the attendee. Recommended flights will be provided.

Attendee Registration: Name _________________________________________________________________________ Organization ___________________________________________________________________ Title __________________________________________________________________________ Contact email __________________________________________________________________ Contact cell phone ______________________________________________________________ Attendee Business Address to be used on registration materials: ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Additional contacts for communication including title and email: ____________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ Payment method:

 Check

 MC

 Visa

 AmEx

For credit card only: Name on card _____________________________________________ Card number ______________________________________________ Exp date __________________ VIN _________________________ Billing Address ____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ Hotel Room Preferences ___________________________________________ Please return to Sara Mentzer Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance 424 1st Avenue NE Cedar Rapids IA 52401 smentzer@cedarrapids.org Phone: 319/730-1404 Fax: 319/398-5228


10 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

A Snapshot i

T

2011

he 2011 calendar year was a year that saw much change in our local and national economies, in flood recovery and in organizational change. Through it all, we’ve focused our attention on day-to-day interaction and support of our local business community while reaching out, through our members, partners and investors, to work for the greater good of our community. During a year of economic struggle, our region has experienced strength and growth in economy. With development projects in the works from the Amanas to Hiawatha, it paints a picture of the resilience and innovation that are the hallmarks of this region.

15

Provided 15 sustainability programs

Hosted 12 PM Exchanges with approximately 200 people in attendance – a factor in the Chamber being named the Corridor's Best Networking Organization

12 x 200

2400

1

The Chamber, Priority One and the Downtown District merged operations and focus and became one organization: the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

Cedar Rapids

4

Held 4 events for international visitors

20

Gave members more than 20 opportunities to connect with state officials

4

Hosted more than 40 networking events


December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

t in Num3erS Cut more than 100 ribbons

100

100 Provided more than 100 programs for professional growth

apids Metro Economic Alliance

8

Promoted the region at 8 international conferences

nts for al

30

Launched 30 new alumni from Leadership for Five Seasons, bringing the alumni total to more than 1000

40

ore than 40 g events

BEST OF THE

CORRIDOR

1300 Served 1300 business members

37

Highlighted 37 flood recovery projects in the 2008 flood footprint through the successful Signs of Progress campaign


Featured

12 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

At Work Events New

Ambassador of the Quarter Paul Schultz with Per Mar Security was awarded Ambassador of the Quarter by Keith Rippy, Area Ambulance Service & Chairman, of the Chamber Ambassadors. Keith is presenting Paul with a thank you gift in recognition of Paul’s volunteer efforts in the Chamber during this past quarter.

“They really go to bat for us.” Mike Daniel CEO, HR Green Inc.

BANKERS TRUST commercial banker: Pierre Kisting

“Bankers Trust has a real willingness to get us what we need and make connections to others who can help. They know our business and have worked with us every step of the way. You get local flavor, local service, local relationships – with big bank capabilities.”

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


December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

Helping Flood Affected Businesses Improve Financial Position Cedar Rapids flood affected businesses have experienced some relief in recent months as disaster assistance has been dispersed and programs have been restructured. Since June 2011, $15 million has been awarded by the program administrator. A total amount of $44,872,876 has been committed to Cedar Rapids businesses in federal disaster recovery dollars through the current programs. Scott Swenson, senior case manager with the Chamber’s Business Success Initiative, said disaster assistance is helping flood affected businesses alleviate some of their debt and allowing room for growth. “Instead of worrying about the next six weeks, businesses are better able to focus on their plans for the next year. Elimination of long-term disaster debt is a critical need and these programs are providing some relief to that situation,” Swenson said. Eligible businesses have received up to $400,000 in equipment and inventory reimbursement. Currently 148 flood affected businesses have received flood insurance reimbursement. Mike Monahan, owner of The Blue Strawberry Coffee Company, said the assistance his business received was

welcome relief. Monahan used the funds to maintain cash flow during difficult times in addition to purchasing equipment for his business. “I feel really positive about the future and the things going on downtown. I’m very hopeful that more businesses will come to the downtown area to add to the vibrant nature of what downtown needs to be,” Monahan said. Chamber case managers have been working with the program administrator as well as city and state officials to determine how the process could be improved to get money to flood affected businesses. Additionally case managers have helped flood affected businesses become compliant with program requirements, helping with documentation and paperwork. The Business Success Initiative is continuing to work with flood affected businesses on business growth strategies, continuity plans, and other flood related issues. Case managers are available to facilitate disaster planning with businesses and provide other services through the end of the year. Contact Bob Harschnek, Case Management Team Leader, at (319) 731-5844 for more information.

Suspend TV talent upside down from Panchero’s ceiling at 2:15 AM? Been there. Done that.

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319.364.8900


14 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

Economic Impact Analysis Fiscal Year 2011 was a continued year of growth and recovery in the Corridor region, with a variety of local and global influences at play. Data regarding the fiscal year return on Priority One’s FY2011 investment is gathered accomplishments include by NCDS’ Economic 17 “wins” representing Strategy Center, in 17 different companies. Atlanta, GA. It offers Of the total, 15 were us an objective snapshot expansions and of how the organization attractions of businesses garnered a return on the located in the Cedar Rapids investment in our comarea and two retentions. munity. To view the –NCDS Annual Report report, visit www.Priority1.com. The crux of what we do—economic development—is the motivation behind many of our investors contributions. As investors and stakeholders, you see the value to business, the community and the regional economy that economic development brings. Projects related to Business Development in FY2011 include: ✦ 17 projects including two new companies— Ag Sugar International & mCube ✦ $218,168,336 total capital investment including $57,870,691 of taxable investment ✦ 714 new jobs with an average wage of $33.95 ✦ 289 retained jobs with an average wage of over $35/hour

✦ The generation of $26,776,837 of financial assistance benefits for area companies $8,393,111 of direct financial assistance (State of Iowa) $5,505,192 of local property tax rebates/ exemptions (Local Cities) $5,126,621 of investment tax credits (State of Iowa) $4,583,816 of R&D Tax Credits (State of Iowa) $1,918,249 of sales tax refunds (State of Iowa) $1,000,000 of Brownfield/Grayfield Redevelopment Tax Credits (State of Iowa) $249,848 of job training funds (Kirkwood/ State of Iowa) ✦ Visited 26 corporate headquarters of area companies ✦ Completed 29 Synchronist Surveys ✦ Identified 58 new company prospects ✦ Attended five tradeshow conferences related to wind, food, industrial biotechnology and unmanned systems. ✦ Met with 49 site location consultants ✦ Piloted an Industrial Biotechnology/Food Processing Roundtable


December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Workforce development goes hand in hand with regional growth and remains a strong focus as we move into the future as the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. Programs such as MyTernNow and our strategic partnerships with our local colleges and universities help ensure that we are training and reaching out to the next workforce to find the talent the Midwest is renowned for. In FY2011, Priority One: ✦ Worked with Kirkwood Community College on the Skills 2014 report, that engaged 241 employers from the region on their workforce skill sets. ✦ Launched MyTernNow.com, a collaborative digital project that saw 9,000 visitors in its first year. ✦ Attended more than 20 career fairs reaching 1,000 students, promoting theMyTernNow.com initiative. ✦ Engaged 100 students and new grads in the MyLifeNow program. ✦ Distributed nearly 400 recruitment packets to area employers. Through the multiplier ✦ Supported the effect, investments in Priority National Career One initiative supported the Readiness Certificate creation of 1,707 total jobs and Consortium with in the region. This total job Kirkwood Community impact yields a multiplier of 2.30. That is, for every direct job created as a result of Priority One’s attraction and expansion efforts, an additional 1.39 job is created in the region’s economy. –NCDS Annual Report

Marketing, Communications & Research were a key focus in Fiscal Year 2011, as a direct request of our stakeholders and investors to not only generate awareness publicly about the organization, but to provide insight and information to our internal audiences as well. As a result: ✦ A comprehensive media policy was developed resulting in 22 stories across multiple media outlets and over 40 separate mentions. ✦ Priority One transitioned to e-newsletter communication and increased outreach from 400 investors every two months to more than 1,300 subscribers every two weeks. Additionally, e-communications saves the organization more than $4,000 annually in printing and mailing costs. ✦ Launched a featured article in the Chamber’s monthly Chamber Report, expanding the message reach and audience for Priority One activity. ✦ Partnered with the Downtown District on presenting the Conquer the Corridor program to 1,500 community members. ✦ Revised demographics report to reduce the time spent on data collection and to make the report more relevant and concise. As a result, time spent on data gathering was reduced by two months; the report was scaled back from 65 pages to 38. ✦ Developed a process for maintaining building and land data and LocationOne Information System (LOIS) and provided LOIS training to local commercial brokers and agents. ✦ Developed a communications plan for city/county partners and one-on-one meeting were held with Belle Plaine, Benton County, Center Point, Lisbon, Mt. Vernon, North Liberty, Robins, Jones County EDCO and MEDCO.


16 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNER BIG Lesson in “Big”

Curt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC) Recently I happened to catch most of the movie “Big” with Tom Hanks. I hadn’t seen it in a long time and had forgotten its timeless marketing lesson. In the story, a toy company’s executive team has clearly lost touch with their true business identity, and Tom’s character – an eight-year-old in a 30-year-old body if you never saw it – reminds them by simply being their target demographic. The company CEO appears to understand that they are off track, but the competitive executive team is obsessed with developing new toys without quality input from those that play with them or those that purchase them. Every day this scenario is played out in business after business. From newly formed start-ups to decades-old establishments, leadership comes to believe that they are the experts in understanding what their consumers want. The painful lesson learned by many is that the consumers, not the business, are better equipped to understand their own needs. Few companies take the time to understand the actual business they are in. In the movie, the company is not in

Where do

the toy business, but rather in the business of making children happy through toys. That means they must provide a toy that children will want and a parent will purchase at a price that will allow them to make enough money to continue the process. They must understand the wants and desires of both the children and their parents and react accordingly. When businesses decide they know better, when they decide to generate facts and figures that mislead rather than lead, they fail to maximize their value to the marketplace and all parties lose. Businesses reach their greatest success when they truly understand what they provide and for whom, and deliver such at a price, place and manner that works for both. However, when businesses determine that what they provide is earnings for shareholders, they have completely missed the mark. Take the time to truly understand what you provide and for whom and maximize your success. For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at (319) 369-4955 or visit us at: www.edcinc.org.

you want to go?

Abe Tubbs Chief Executive Officer Cascade & Monticello

Member FDIC

We work hard to find unique solutions for individual customers. Whatever you need. Long-term or short. For people and businesses who truly value a bank they can trust. Relationships based on mutual respect. Making a positive impact. For you. And your financial life. Let us take you where you want to be.

MOVE FORWARD Cedar Rapids

Marion

Monticello

Cascade

Onslow

Baldwin

OhnwardBank.com


December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Thank you to our Good Morning Cedar Rapids attendees and sponsor

For 20 years we have had the privilege of honoring area businesses and ou tstanding communit y leaders. In 2011, we put these four businesses and one community spotlight in the forefront for being in the fast lane of commitment and service to the Cedar Rapids community. We would like to recognize and congratulate these winners in one final victory lap Cedar Memorial- John Linge ImOn Communications- Patrice Carroll Phelan’s Interiors- Paul Phelan Primus Construction- Bart Woods And our community spotlight, Hawkeye Downs

Discover a New Way.

www.truenorthcompanies.com

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions


18 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ December 2011

November PM Exchange Recap

Your next destination ...

the Chamber PM Exchange!

Over 350 Chamber members enjoyed last month’s Chamber PM Exchange at the Marion Hy-Vee on November 3. Located at 3600 East Highway 151, the Marion Hy-Vee showcased their many holiday catering options with a variety of festive appetizers and drinks.

Thursday, December 15 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. University Center Commons

lops!! Don’t forget your flip-f 1330 Elmhurst Drive NE www.mtmercy.edu

Contact the Chamber and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize your marketing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member of the Month, newsletter, on-line and more; The Chamber can help you gain exposure and positively impact your bottom line. Contact Kari Stillman at kstillman@cedarrapids.org


December 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

R O U N D TA B L E

“Everyone lives by selling something.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

What Is A Sales Roundtable?

The Sales Roundtable is an arranged group of noncompeting sales professionals, from all levels who meet once per month for a forum on sales issues. Meetings will follow an agenda of predetermined topics relevant to the sales professional today including lead generation, conversion rates and client retention. Driven by group discussion, participants will receive tips and advice, learn from others and of course, grow their network. Kickoff event for all participants will be January 24, 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the Chamber Boardroom.

Who Can Participate? Sales Roundtables are open exclusively to Chamber members who share a common goal – ensuring the success of their organization by driving sales. Program Facts ❖ Quarterly large group meetings ❖ Small group meetings in months between large group sessions. Groups number between 12-15 participants. ❖ Attendance is required at 75% of meetings. ❖ The annual participation fee is $90. For Questions Or Additional Details: Jeff Schamberger, 319-730-1402 or jschamberger@cedarrapids.org Sessions begin with a Sales Kickoff on January 24, 2012. To ensure your place as a Sales Roundtable participant, please complete this form, enclose the $90 annual fee and send to 424 First Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids IA 52401 by January 22, 2012.

2012 Sales Roundtable Application Name: _______________________________________________________________ Title: _________________________________________________________________ Organization: ___________________________________________________________ Phone:________________________________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________________________________ Web: _________________________________________________________________ Years in current position: __________________ Years in sales: ____________________ Type of business: (check one)  Business-to-Business

 Business-to-Consumer

Industry:  Banking  Manufacturing  Non-Profit  Service  Construction  Media  Retail  Telecommunications  Finance/Insurance  Medical/Healthcare  Staffing  Transportation  Other ________________________________________________________ Description of product/services: _____________________________________________ Employees at organization: (check one)  Fewer than 5  5 – 14  25 – 50  51 – 99  250 – 499  Over 500

 15 – 24  100 – 249

Please check your top two preferred monthly meeting times: (specific meeting time/place to be determined by group members at kickoff)  Breakfast (2nd Wednesday of the month)  Lunch Hour (2nd Wednesday of the month)  Lunch Hour (2nd Thursday of the month)  Late Afternoon (2nd Thursday of the month) Please list any specific topics you would like addressed: ___________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Method of Payment: ($90 annually)  Check (make payable to the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce)  Visa  MasterCard  American Express  Discover Card #: _______________________________________________________________ Exp date: ________________________ V-Code: _______________________________ Name: ________________________________________________________________ Mailing address of card:___________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________


PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

424 First Avenue NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

www.cedarrapids.org

Printed on recycled paper by

Cornerstone Press

Now offering meeting space for 2 to 20 Lease rooms from four hours to a week or longer Meetings Retreats Presentations

Conference Center In the Guaranty Bank Building • Downtown Cedar Rapids corridorcoworks.com

Webinars Luncheons Lectures


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.