2021 CB Chamber Annual Report

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ANNUAL

REPORT

2021

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MISSION STATEMENT

VISION STATEMENT

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce will work to enhance the economic growth and prosperity of its members and the Council Bluffs area.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce is the premier business leadership organization providing “Leading Edge” programs and services to its members, new and existing business and industry, and local governments having the desire to make a positive impact on the area.

From the President

Drew Kamp President & CEO

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STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce strongly supports the freedom all individuals have to express themselves in a respectful and tactful manner. The CB Chamber believes embracing our differences makes us stronger as a community and as an organization, and allows the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion to grow and expand throughout the Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County community.

The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce will ensure our staff, leadership, programming, events, and communications all embody and foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for the common good of our members and stakeholders alike.

On behalf of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce, we thank you for your continued support of the CB Chamber and our amazing community!

The past two-years have brought countless new challenges and opportunities to our doorstep, but we have continued to grow and increase the valuable resources we provide our members and the community at-large.

From expanding our workforce development and policy programs and offerings, to diversifying and growing Impact CB, to adding Women Inspiring Women and the Executive Women’s Partnership, to bringing community stakeholders together on a regular basis to continue to move our community forward, the CB Chamber and our staff have been exceedingly busy, and we do not plan on slowing down anytime soon!

Opportunities abound for the CB Chamber and our community, and we look forward to continuing to grow our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, our policy and advocacy efforts, our workforce and young professional offerings, and continuing to provide valuable, meaningful resources to our members and the community.

We continue to innovate and grow with the ever-changing times, and now is truly the time for the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce to be a driving force for continuous improvement and progress for the Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County community. We have such a critical role to play in bringing community stakeholders together on a regular basis to discuss opportunities for generational change for our community, and we are happy to do so on behalf of our members and the community.

As we look ahead to 2022, we know Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, and Southwest Iowa will be building on a significant amount of positive momentum with a very strong foundation. Local public, private, and nonprofit partners all have a role to play in our future success, and we know each will do their part to capitalize on the unique set of challenges and opportunities being presented to us now and going forward.

In closing, thank you for your continued support. The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to serve as the voice of the Southwest Iowa business community, and we can only do that effectively and meaningfully with your continued buy-in and participation.

If there is anything we can ever do to be of service, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Sincerely, Drew Kamp President & CEO Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce

149 W Broadway • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 (712) 325-1000 COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

2021 Chamber Events • Briefcase Open Golf Tournament • Business After Hours • Candidate Acadamies • Candidate Forums • CB Ambassadors • Chamber Annual Meeting • Chamber Mid-Year Luncheon • Chamber Restaurant of the Month • Coffee & Contacts • Council Bluffs Business Connections • Council Bluffs Legislative Reception • Emerging Leaders Training • Executive Women’s Partnership • Groundbreakings • Impact CB Young Professionals • Inclusive Job Description • Laborshed Presentations • Leadership Council Bluffs • Legislative Roundtables • Next Level Leadership • New and Emerging Leaders • State of the City • State of the County • Policy & Pints

Membership & Programming The CB Chamber is dedicated to serving our members with extensive marketing and advertising support, valuable programming, networking opportunities and cost-saving services, ensuring a positive and lasting return on your membership investment.

CB Chamber members include approximately 720 local businesses led by a strong, diverse board of directors and dedicated staff.

• Ribbon Cuttings • Small Business Showcase • Total Resource Campaign • Women Inspiring Women • Workforce Lunch & Learns • Work Ready Communities Celebration • Youth Leadership CB • #WeNeedEmployees

MEMBERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS: • 79 New Members • 100 Chamber Events • 50 Member Benefits • 85% Retention Rate • Women Inspiring Women – New Program DRIVING FORCE • www.councilbluffsiowa.com

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CB Ambassadors

Sugar Makery Ribbon Cutting

Visible Signs Ribbon Cutting

Our CB Ambassadors are our public relations arm of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. CB Ambassadors attend ribbon cuttings, GrowCB, beautifications, grand openings, and other chamber related activities for local businesses.

• 40 Ribbon Cuttings • 2 Groundbreakings • 5 other events • 2021 Barb Murphy Ambassador of the Year Award was awarded to John Dresher with American Family Insurance • 2021 Beautification Award was presented to Rasmussen Mechanical Services

Rasmussen Mechanical Services, 2021 Beautification Award

CB Ambassadors Executive Committee John Dresher, President Sara Porter, Vice-President Jan Hopper, Treasurer Jennifer McCord, Past President Kim Buthe, Liaison

John Dresher American Family Insurance CB Ambassador of the Year

TRC Campaign The Total Resource Campaign (TRC) is the COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER’s annual fundraiser. The purpose of the Campaign is to connect businesses with all of the sponsorship and advertising opportunities that are available through the chamber for the next calendar year. This effort allows chamber staff to focus on delivering quality programming and gives members the opportunity to strategically plan their investments in the CB Chamber.

CB Chamber uses these dollars to: • • • •

Provide quality programs and events for members Help with existing business retention and expansion efforts Develop our future workforce Advocate for pro-business legislation

TRC Volunteers and Staff, from left to right: Terry Oldenburg (Beacon Vactions), Therese Hoff (Beacon Vacations), Andy Murray (TS Bank), Kim Buthe (CB Chamber), Amy McDermott (Black Hills Energy), Erin Johnson (TS Bank), and John Dresher (American Family Insurance).

TRC Accomplishments:

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• Exceeded goal of raising over $210,000 in sponsorships for the 2021 year • Six volunteers assisted the CB Chamber in reaching the 2021 TRC goal COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Leadership Council Bluffs • LCB Class 33 graduated 16 participants • LCB Class 34 kicked off in September with 20 participants • LCB Alumni Association awarded Arian Haddix with the 2021 Doug Goodman Alumni of the Year Award LCB CLASS 33

Leadership CB Alumni Association 2021 Board of Directors

LCB/YLCB 2021 Curriculum Committee

Cindi Keithley, Past-President Chris Laferla, President Patrick Garcia, Vice-President Patrick Coghlan, Treasurer Phil Taylor, Secretary BJ Dreyer Michelle Kaufman Judd Knispel Lonny Kolln Shannon Mahnke Matt Wilber Kari Zimmerman Lori Shields, Ex-Officio

Leigh Bagshaw Patrick Coghlan Donna Dostal Brandon Garrett Tim Hamilton Shane Hoss Clarrissa Newman Cara Trede Jessica Vanderpool Warren Weber Matt Wilber

Front Row, left to right: Theresa Edwards, Nikki Rauth, Cara Trede, Mia Laustrup, Susan Opperman. Middle Row: Sue Pitts, Katie Fourney, Doug Reed, Malena Rousseau, Gina Klein. Back Row: Kim Riebe, Kenneth Mueller, Josh Kallsen, Matt Saar, John Flaten, Abby Showers.

Youth Leadership Council Bluffs • Youth Leadership Council Bluffs Class 15 graduated in May with 22 participants from six area schools • Youth Leadership Council Bluffs Class 16 kicked off in September with 25 participants from six area schools Youth Leadership Council Bluffs Class 15

Impact CB Board Sarah Beth Ray, Chair Mia Laustrup, Vice Chair Cara Cool-Trede, Secretary Katie Fourney Matt Saar Jailey Simpson Jacey Kallsen Adam Keup Rachel Schott Brean Bartlett

Impact Council Bluffs Young Professionals • Grew membership by adding over 100 new registered members • Eliminated Impact CB membership dues structure, so that Impact CB membership is free for all CB Chamber members ages 18-40 • Hosted 10 events in 2021 focused on networking, professional development, and volunteering • Awarded Impact CB Young Professional of the Year to Turner Morgan

DRIVING FORCE • www.councilbluffsiowa.com

Turner Morgan Young Professional of the Year

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Ag Committee Executive Committee Matt Saar, Chair Evan Summy, Past Chair Rick Killion, Treasurer Rita Lausen, Chamber Liaison

Public Policy Committee

Ag Committee The primary purpose of the CB Chamber’s Ag Committee is to promote the agricultural industry in the greater Council Bluffs area.

• Awarded a scholarship to Marissa Oestermann of Woodbine • Recognized Lammert Farms as the winner of the 2020 Yield Contest • Hosted the 2021 Yield Contest (winner to be announced in the spring of 2022} • While committee meetings were put on hold for the year, the members remain heavily involved in the ag sector with a focus on supporting those involved in agriculture

The mission of the Public Policy Committee is to educate Chamber members and general public about key public policy issues and to represent their best interests before local, state and federal governments and agencies. The CB Chamber’s Public Policy Committee reviews public policy issues and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as needed.

Public Policy Efforts • • • • • • • • •

Legislative Roundtables Legislative Kick-off Virtual DC Fly-in Candidate Forums Candidate Academies State of the County Mayor’s Breakfast Get Out the Vote campaign UNiteCB campaign

Public Policy Annual Events • Held 13 policy related events with elected officials from the local, state, and federal level • Reinitiated the Public Policy and Transportation Committees to advocate for key policy issues • Lobbied to ensure 32 priority pieces of legislation passed in the 2021 State Legislative Session • In 2021, brought community leaders and stakeholders together for 10 meetings to have open discussions and facilitate coordinated efforts at the local, state, and federal level • Assisted in bringing community leaders together to successfully advocate for the City of Council Bluffs receiving Congressional community project funding for housing near South Expressway • Advocated for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law in November 2021, which will provide an estimated $5 billion to meet Iowa’s infrastructure needs • Hosted candidate forums, meet and greets, and Policy and Pints to provide opportunities for Chamber and community members to meet and learn more about the candidates seeking to represent them on the City Council and local school boards • Organized and hosted four Candidate Academies to educate new and emerging leaders currently serving in or seeking elected office

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Photo provided by Iowa DOT/Photo taken by HDR, Inc

Transportation Committee With the immense amount of investment in infrastructure over the past year, the CB Chamber has re-established a committee to focus on the transportation infrastructure impacting our community.

Accomplishments • Recruited Matt O’Reilly to serve as committee chair • Began meeting with community stakeholders to identify key transportation issues • Worked with federal, state, and local officials to ensure incoming funds are maximized to the greatest extent possible • Looked ahead to advocate and facilitate major projects that will have a transformational impact on the community

COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 2021 ANNUAL REPORT

Workforce Development The Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce has pledged to our members and community to address the workforce challenges facing our community. The four areas being addressed include reducing aggregate turnover, increasing our labor pool participation, increasing “brain-gain” of our workforce, and increasing the availability of fully funded apprenticeship programs.

Accomplishments: • Developed UNbelievable Workplaces to help local leaders look at the culture of their workforce • Launched relocation initiatives including expansion of Community Guide and working with community partners to offer relocation incentives for veterans • Offered professional developments programs to improve leadership skills in the workplace that focused on leadership training, ethical leadership, and DE&I • Created two upskilling programs, Career Acceleration Program and YouScience, to offer continued training and educational opportunities to help our residents hit their next level of career knowledge • Redeveloped GrowCB as a program to be a conduit and platform for youth-business partnerships to provide work-based experiences directly to area students

Workforce Training

Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation The Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization formed in 1954 with the main purpose of developing suitable land for industry in Council Bluffs. The Industrial Foundation currently owns and is developing the South Pointe Business Park located at South 19th Street and Veterans Memorial Highway.

Accomplishments: • Finalized sale of ground to MidAmerican Energy for new substation benefiting South Pointe development for current and future electrical demands • Finalized sale and construction of new Dayton Freight service center • Acquired COE Blanket 408 permit for lot(s) along Indian Creek to expedite the permitting process for any developer coming into Lot 5 of South Pointe • Negotiated sale (4 acres) of first development in Lot 5 of South Pointe for expansion of a local growing company DRIVING FORCE • www.councilbluffsiowa.com

Workforce Development Steering Committee Alicia Frieze, President Chad Bartlett, Vice President Leslie Coleman Dr. David Jones Josh Kallsen Debbie Kohl Magdelin Lopez Shalimar Mazetis Shamala Nadason Starlyn Perdue Melanie Smith

Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation Board of Directors Ron Tekippe, HGM Associates, Inc, Chair Tami Doll, Doll Distributing, Inc, Vice Chair Mick McKinley, Past Chair Brett Edwards, Edwards Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, Secretary/Treasurer Mark Andersen, Andersen Construction Co Lyle Ditmars, Peters Law Firm, PC Mitch Lane, Echo Electric Supply Matt O’Reilly, HGM Associates Steve Stone, Black Hills Energy Kevin Stull, US Bank Sam Wagner, MidAmerican Energy

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Finance & Operations • 22.86% increase in revenue from FY2020 to FY2021 • Completed successful audit of 2020 fiscal year • Transitioned to calendar fiscal year to better serve our members, events and programs • Contracted for accounting services and development of new in-house financial procedures • Updated employee handbook

Annual Audit Available Each year, the CB Chamber Board of Directors engages the services of an independent accounting firm to conduct an outside independent audit of the Chamber financial statements. The auditor concluded that the financial statements fairly present the results of the company’s operations and its financial position according to generally accepted accounting principles. A copy of the Chamber’s annual audit on file and available for members to review at the Chamber office upon request.

2021 Chamber Board of Directors Executive Board Brooke Hubbard, The Hub, Chair Evan Summy, Midwest Ag, Chairelect Judd Knispel, State Farm Insurance, Past Chair Dave Zimmerman, Availa Bank, Treasurer Joanie Poore, Omaha Housing Authority

Board Members

Chamber Staff

Drew Kamp President/CEO

Lori Shields VP of Communications & Leadership Development

Kim Buthe Director of Member Relations

Alicia Frieze Workforce Development Director

Sarah Beth Ray Director of Finance & YP Engagement

Rita Lausen Administrative Assistant

Jeannie Aldredge, SilverStone Group Dave Burd, Methodist Jennie Edmundson Christy Chappelear, Tyson Foods Ron Comes, McGrath North Jamie Cox, Willson & Pechacek Dr. Robyn Epley, Vision Specialist of Council Bluffs Mark Hanwright, Heartland Properties Scott Hartman, US Bank Tim Johansen, CharterWest Bank Dr. David Jones, Omni Dental Centre Dan Kinney, Iowa Western Mick McKinley Dr. Vickie Murillo, Council Bluffs Community School District Jim Myers, American Games Thomas Roberts, Harrah’s Casino & Hotel Dan Rutledge, Right Idea Media & Creative Steve Stone, Black Hills Energy Dan Van Houten, NP Dodge Real Estate