FuseNews_December 2021_FuseDSM Your Chamber of Commerce Online Publication

YOUR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GIVING THANKS FOR OUR COMMUNITY | DEC 2021

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

BY FUSEDSM

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON HEALTHCARE

BY EXEMPLAR CARE SEASON OF GIVING

BY ARL OF IOWA

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday Dec 9, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Monthly Luncheon- Defining the 2022 Workplace Presented by ATW Training Solutions

Wednesday Jan 5, 2022 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CST

FuseDSM Economic Development Committee Meeting

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Friday Jan 7, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST

RIBBON CUTTING - EveryStep's Kavanagh House

Monday Jan 10, 2022 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM CST

Greater Des Moines Partnership's 2022 Opening Night Legislative Reception

Tuesday Jan 11, 2022 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CST

Chamber.edu

Thursday Jan 13, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon - Jayne Armstrong of U.S. Small Business Administration

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Tuesday Jan 18, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Feed Your Mind - "Get What You Want From Your Business"

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Tuesday Jan 18, 2022 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST

RIBBON CUTTING - Señor Tequila

Wednesday Jan 19, 2022 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM CST

FuseDSM Non-Profit Forum: FOR IMPACT

Wednesday Jan 26, 2022 8:15 AM - 10:00 AM CST

MOXIE presented by East Village Spa

Thursday Jan 27, 2022 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CST

Firestarter Meeting - Baratta's Restaurant

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EVENT SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

DECEMBER MONTHLY LUNCHEON DEFINING THE 2022 WORKPLACE Today's work environment has gone and will continue to go through, significant change as we continue to come out of the pandemic. Living through constant change, DEI and the hybrid workplace are just some of the issues that will define what 2022 looks like. At this luncheon, we will review local, national, and global issues that can help us prepare and make the most of the new normal...until it changes again!

The FuseDSM Monthly Luncheon will typically be held on the 2nd Thursday of every month, however, this month due to Veteran's Day, the date is moved to a Wednesday. Each month the Chamber invites a dynamic speaker to provide timely information affecting our community, insight on issues concerning the community, or inspirational stories which resonate within the community.

There is networking time prior to the start of the program and lunch being served. This is the monthly event you do not want to miss to maintain those important relationships with your fellow members.

Learn More About the Morning Luncheon Sponsored by:

Todd McDonald is the President of ATW Training Solutions which he found in 1999.

ATW provides live virtual and in-person training to organizations on a local, national and international level. Todd is an author of two books, one on leadership and one on productivity. He serves on multiple boards including the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and the Waukee Betterment Foundation.

Embassy Suites Downtown 101 E. Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309

Thursday Dec 9, 2021 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CDT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEC 2021

DECEMBER CONTENT MEMBER NEWS //

SPOTLIGHT: PREMIER PAYEE GET INVOLVED IN THE CHAMBER SPOTLIGHT: GRAZING TABLE SPOTLIGHT: COPYCAT PRINTS HYVEE DIETICIAN DES MOINES PARENT SPOTLIGHT HOT DEALS SPEAK UP STORIES

IN THE COMMUNITY // NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT RETAIL SPOTLIGHT RESTARAUNT SPOTLIGHT

DECEMBER EDITION //

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE FIRESTARTER HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FUSEDSM GIVING TUESDAY MEET POTATO - SEASON OF GIVING ARL BEYOND HOMELESSNESS WITH ANAWIM ORCHARD PLACE NEEDS YOU

p.26 Food Spotlight: Grazing Table

IN THE CHAMBER //

CHAMBER UPDATES PAGE NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT PAGE HEALTHY HABITS AFFILIATE BENEFITS MEET THE BOARD

p. 28-29 Exmplar Care: How to Save Money on Healthcare

DEC 2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Welcome to the 4th quarter of 2021. The fourth quarter….the time when businesses begin to look forward, build budgets and record their dreams for the upcoming year.

As businesses, we continually look to finding ways to reduce our expenses, without impacting our customers (and employees) experiences.

We know our staff is the most important investment we make in our business – period. And, we also know that we need to provide our employees with wages and benefits that care for their family. And, we understand the number of benefit requested by employees is health benefits 1 when they are looking to stay or go from your employment. AND, LASTLY we know it is nearly impossible to find team members to move our business forward – so when we have one, we need to find ways to keep them and we need to listen to what they need.

This year, I am more confident in my ability as a business owner to do such with the help of FuseDSM’s UHC Chamber Health Plan. Through the leadership of FuseDSM working to find ways our local business owners can provide their employees with a robust health plan was a game changer. As we review our budgets, and our efforts to recruit and retain employees, we need to hear what is important to our work family and FuseDSM is committed to finding ways to help you meet those needs.

p.2-3 Don't Miss: Upcoming Chamber Events

p.18 Get to Know Members: Non-Profit Spotlight

p.22 Get to Know Members: Restaurant Spotlight

p.23 Get to Know Members: Retail Spotlight

Thank you and the very best wishes for your budgeting season!

Randy Sackett

RANDY SACKETT FUSEDSM CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, Yellow Cab

1 U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. “THE BEST EMPLOYEE BENEFITS FOR KEEPING WORKERS HAPPY.” MARCH 12, 2019. USCHAMBER.COM/CO/RUN/HUMAN-RESOURCES/TOP-EMPLOYEE-BENEFITS

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ANNUAL DINNER

20 ANNUAL 22 DINNER Join FuseDSM for a night of Reflection, Recognition, and Renewal at the 2022 Annual Dinner.

Enjoy a meal, time with fellow FuseDSM members, and words from our Speaker, Beth Shelton, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

7401 SW 9th St, Des Moines, IA 50315

February 24, 2022 REGISTER

EM

WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER

DEC 2021

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

PAWS AND PINTS Paws and Pints is a modern dog park and bar for pet owners and dog lovers alike. Set to open in spring of 2022, it is sure to have something for everyone

STREET PLANT BRAND INC Street Plant Brand Inc is an Independent and family run skateboarding shop that focuses on supporting and empowering skateboarders.

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LEARN MORE

DES MOINES HERITAGE CENTER Des Moines Heritage Center is a historic wedding venue located in the heart of the Historic East Village LEARN MORE

160 DRIVE ACADEMY 160 Driving Academy is a truck driving school centered around providing learning to develop new careers and opportunities.

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SENOR TEQUILA'S Senor Tequila's is a kitchen, folklore cantina located in Des Moines providing an authentic Mexican border dining experience LEARN MORE

FUSEDSM FIRESTARTERS

DEC 2021

FIRESTARTER HOLIDAY TRADITIONS FUSEDSM

Tricia Rivas - A family tradition in our household is to have oyster stew on Christmas Eve, go look at Christmas lights and each of the children would get to open up a gift. Xo Rachel Summers - For the December holidays, we do a white elephant gift exchange and ugly sweater days with a staff nominated prize for the voted winner of the "ugliest" sweater! We also do a staff celebration of some sort (COVID has changed that a bit the last couple of years) - potluck, catered lunch, holiday after-hours celebration, etc.

Laura Gibson - Christmas always feels frantic to me but I love waking up Christmas morning, having breakfast,

and

watching

my

family

enjoy

the

morning.

Terry Ebke - On Christmas Eve Day, we attend our church service and then the family gathers for a gift exchange and more visiting. Family times together are the best!!!

Lisa Treptow - My favorite holiday tradition is being with my loved ones and eating as much as I can.

Annually, for the past 20 years, I have been hosting cooking baking, and candy-making day with friends.

We spend the entire day and well into the night baking cookies to share.

Holiday Gift Guide!

Hydration + Sustainability

Nutriplenish Light Gift Set $60 ($76 value)

Hydrate with the power of nutrients for lush, visibly healthier hair.

Replenish and restore with lightweight fast-absorbing oils.

Limited-edition set features shampoo, conditioner, leave-in conditioner and a limited-edition detangling comb

Aveda Holiday Gift Guide Trixies Picksies for the Season

TIP: Save 20% on your other Aveda faves and reserve limited quantity items by placing a presale! Details here.

Gift sets are already discounted and sale does not apply.

FREE FROM: Silicone Sulfate Cleansers Parabens Gluten Mineral Oil & Petrolatum

This year Aveda truly brought their A game with the Holiday collection.

It features a first ever collaboration with designer Philip Lim, and we are in love with the beautiful packaging. We have Aveda limitededition gift sets or you can customize your own.

We're excited to share our musthave lists for this year!

Inspired by an awe of nature, we love this silky scrunchie trio ($22.50) featuring an exclusive Aveda x 3.1 Phillip Lim design.

Pair these with your favorite products packaged in a complimentary Aveda gift box for a great gift at any price point!

Shop our boutique for more holiday gift ideas at ShopTrixies.com

Trixies Xoxo

Learn more about the collaboration story here!

Let's Sparkle This Holiday Season Save 20% off products with our Holiday Presales

Stocking Stuffers and Other Delights

Tis the Season to Sparkle

Feed My Lips Shimmer Duo, $26.00

Shampure Body Mist is back!

Shampure Pure-fume Body Mist, $38

This pairing is a classic favorite of ours!

Features two shimmery shades of gloss.

Vegan and cruelty free.

Limited-edition shampure™ pure-fume mist™ nourishes skin and calms the senses with essences of certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang-ylang.

Click here to submit your presale online!

Mix and match your favorite travel sizes at $10 each for a gift thats sure to please!

Don't miss our Holiday Open House... RSVP here!

We're Celebrating in Style Please Join Us for our Holiday Open House

ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE

DEC 2021

MEET POTATO - THE SEASON OF GIVING ANIMAL RESCUE LEAGUE OF IOWA

Happy holidays from all of us at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. It’s the season of giving, and when you give to help homeless pets you truly change lives.

Potato is just one pup whose life was changed this year thanks to the support of our amazing community. At just 12 weeks old, this little round puppy arrived at the ARL in pain with a badly broken leg right near his elbow joint. We quickly gave him pain medications and stabilized his leg, then got him into surgery with a specialist. He had a screw and surgical wire put in place, and his healing began. After a couple of weeks under the care of our surgical team, Potato was placed in a foster home, and it wasn’t long before his foster family fell in love. Once Potato was healthy, they made the adoption official and their home became him forever home.

There are so many pets just like Potato who come to the ARL in need of medical care, food, comfort, and love. Check out some of the ways you can make a difference in their lives!

MIRACLE MEDICAL FUND: Be the miracle for pets who arrive at the ARL with urgent medical needs. Learn more: ARL-Iowa.org/Miracle.

TREE OF LIFE: Put a gift under our Tree of Life during the month of December to help supply the shelter with items the animals depend on every day. We have dropoff locations throughout the metro so it’s easy to give! Learn more: ARLIowa.org/TreeofLife.

FULL BELLIES FOOD FUND: Ensure a consistent, high-quality diet for the pets at the ARL while making your donation go further. Learn more: ARL-Iowa.org/Food.

PAW IT FORWARD FUND: Help us keep families together by making essential pet services available to those who love their pets but just need a little help right now.

Learn more: ARL-Iowa.org/PawItForward.

LOYAL FRIENDS CLUB: Make a lasting impact on the animals with a monthly donation to ensure we’ll always be there when pets need us most. Learn more: ARLIowa.org/LoyalFriends You can learn more about the ARL, find more ways to give, and see our currently adoptable pets at ARL-Iowa.org.

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TIE INVESTOR

DEC 2021

MEET ARTISAN MANAGEMENT GROUP FUSEDSM TIE MEMBER

Artisan Management Group is the business behind

More than a place to live, Artisan strives to create a

The Village @ Gray's Lake, but so much more.

home with soul. They are fueled by good coffee and

We had the chance to learn a little more about

inspired to be authentic; to be genuine. Where it's

their organization and are happy to welcome the

okay to embrace change and be better than you

group to the chamber as our newest Influence

were yesterday. To feel welcome and appreciated.

Investor!

Artisan ventures to create space that is unique - to

Below is a small collection of their properties that

offer something better, be a part of something

you may or may not be acquainted with, but we

bigger. They love the community and value

invite you to learn more by visiting their main website. You're going to love the diversity in their portfolio!

neighbors.

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DES MOINES PARENT

DEC 2021

TOP 6 EVENTS TO KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON IN DES MOINES

BY ERIN HUIATT OF DES MOINES PARENT

Des Moines is the place to be during the holiday season. Des Moines and its surrounding communities offer so many fun events, activities, and more every year. I have decided to break down my personal favorite events and/or things to do to get you in the spirit of the season.

Visit Santa Santa is busy, busy this time of year. Not only making toys and deciding who is on the naughty or nice list. He is also running around town meeting all the children! There are several places to meet Santa, eat brunch, sing songs, and more with him. Bookmark this gigantic list.

Cut Down a Christmas Tree So, you have kicked off the season welcoming Santa and visiting him, but is your house decorated for the season? The first big step is grabbing the entire family and cutting down your very own Christmas Tree! We visited Howell’s last year and had an amazing experience. We picked out our all-time favorite tree. Take a list of our ultimate guide to tree farms.

Go See the Nutcracker A holiday classic, and one of my favorites. The Des Moines area is very fortunate to have several places that have The Nutcracker including the Des Moines Civic Center, Hoyt Sherman, and Stephens Auditorium. If you don’t want to go to the Nutcracker there are some other great shows all over.

DES MOINES PARENT

DEC 2021

Visit Beautiful Lights There are so many great places to catch beautiful, twinkly lights in Des Moines. Bookmark our giant list of Christmas Lights in Des Moines guide. Every year, we get our pajamas on, grab some snacks, and hop into the car and drive around looking at all the lights.

Interested in seeing beautifully decorated trees? Don’t miss out on the Festival Trees of Lights at the Veteran’s Memorial Center. Every year, tons of trees are decorated, Santa stops by, and there are tons of activities. All proceeds go towards the Blank Children’s Hospital.

Shopping, Shopping The holiday season is a time for shopping! Buying locally is a great way to support your community. The Historic Valley Junction hosts Jingle in the Junction several Thursdays beginning in November through December. This is a great opportunity to see the town lit up with beautiful Christmas lights, shop at some great small businesses, see Santa, and much more. Keep in mind all of the wonderful ways you can give an experience while supporting locals too.

Attend Christkindlmarket Explore the Christkindlmarket Des Moines. Christkindlmarket is a German-inspired Christmas Market. Vendors will sell old-world, handmade products from wooden vendor stalls. There will also be music and fun activities for children. You do not want to miss this one-of-akind event.

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NON-PROFIT SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

PREMIER PAYEE For years central Iowa has seen the generosity provided by Premier Payee and all that they do to serve individuals with special needs.

With over 125 years of combined staff experience, they are consistently striving to improve the lives of Iowans with disabilities.

"Premier Payee's mission is to provide services to persons with disabilities that foster independence through education and empowerment with a team-centered approach."

Their

values

are

centered

around

compassion,

learning,

independence, empowerment, knowledge, trust, and safety. All of these values have their client's goals and wellbeing in mind.

At this agency, all those involved can expect a rewarding, valued and supported experience through the efforts that are done here. Not only are the lives of Iowans being impacted in a positive way, but the community is also thriving through the donations of those who are passionate about supporting this cause.

They are continuously striving to meet the unmet needs of the community, and are grateful for all of the donations made. If you are looking for an opportunity to give this holiday season, Premier Payee, Inc is able to help make life-changing strides forward in the lives of many individuals.

CONTACT

MARKETING COLUMN

DEC 2021

DECEMBER MARKETING TIP CREATIVE DSM | DIGITAL & SOCIAL MARKETING

Are you a Tik-Tok'er? It's ok to be honest ;). For the longest time I wasn't because I thought I was too old and it was focused on dancing videos. But alas I finally found my niche of businesses to follow, and I am now a TikTok believer.

You can find business tips, health you name it. Which leads me to my point: November Marketing Tip: Short Form Video is Here to Stay

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Tik Tok isn't the only place for short form video though, you can also reuse these assets for Instagram reels, YouTube, Facebook, even messaging apps! It's a fun way to share your expertise while adding a personal flair into your marketing. Best part yet, you do it once, and repurpose for multiple platforms. So stop waiting for perfection and just get out there and do it!

Let's make marketing human again.

Want some free marketing advice? We're always down for a discovery call: creativedsm.as.me/marketing-discovery-call

CREME CUPCAKES DECEMBER FLAVORS The Eggnog cupcake is a vanilla cake filled with a rum mousse, topped with an Eggnog buttercream (made from AE dairy eggnog) and dusted with nutmeg.

White chocolate Peppermint is a chocolate cake filled with peppermint mousse, topped with white chocolate buttercream and crushed peppermint candies. Both are available all month long in December

FuseDSM Presents

LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

We are back with more local favorites for your last-minute holiday shopping! Our FuseDSM Chamber is full of businesses that make for great gifts for all the loved ones in your life - check out these ideas!

Who doesn't love flowers? Have a new bride in your family check out Lavender Blue Floral

For the friend who loves to cook or host, gift some world famous pasta sauce from Graziano Brothers

Calling all adventure lovers! Gift a membership or gift card to the Blank Park Zoo - Iowa's Wildest Adventure!

For the person in your life who loves switching up their decor - gift a canvas print from Copycat Prints

Gift the runner in your life a new pair of quality shoes from Fleet Feet

Treat the dog or dog parents in your life to a membership to Paws & Pints

For the family comedian get them a night out for some stand up at TeeHee's Comedy Club

Wine and Dine with a night out at Baratta's

Garden lovers alike will love a gift card to the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden

Spice up date night with a trip out to Coa Cantina

#SHOP LOCAL

DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS

DEC 2021

AN UNDERRATED EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY GIFT DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS

As we’re in the thick of the gift-giving season, I wanted to share an

But when meetings are run ineffectively, they decrease

employee gift idea that is highly underrated and often overlooked.

productivity, employee morale, and can create more confusion

And one you probably won’t see on any holiday gift guides for the

than confidence.

workplace.

So as a manager or leader in your company, I ask you to consider I’m talking about the gift of effective meetings.

the gift of effective meetings for your employees beginning now and throughout the New Year!

I get it, this isn’t your typical employee gift that can be neatly displayed on a desk; but it’s a gift that lasts all year round and

To give this gift, follow these 5 simple steps:

shows your employees how much you value them and their time.

1. Identify the Purpose There’s no shortage of feelings towards meetings. You’re likely

Before even thinking about scheduling a meeting, identify the

familiar with many of the following thoughts surrounding meetings:

purpose. What outcome do you want? Is this purely informational?

The meeting marathon

Is there a specific decision that needs to be made? Is this a one-

The meeting that could have been an email

time meeting or does it need to be recurring for a long-term

The meeting where nothing new was discussed

project?

The meeting where you ended up more confused I’ll be the first to say that meetings are very important . . . but only if done effectively. .

Communication is one of the most important foundational pillars to a healthy organization, so being able to hold effective meetings is important for the flow of communication and keeping people on the same page and progressing forward.

DYNAMIC TALENT CONSULTANTS

DEC 2021

2. Identify the People

5. Identify Effectiveness

Once you’ve identified the purpose, identify the people who need to be a part of this meeting based on that purpose. This can be

It will take time to get your meetings to a point of effectiveness.

difficult, as oftentimes many people want to join meetings, but it’s

It’s a healthy habit to reflect on the meetings to assure they are

more important to identify the essential individuals to fulfill the

effective or headed in that direction. Especially if you have

purpose. Be intentional with who you identify as necessary to the

recurring meetings. Review if the purpose is on track, the right

meeting.

people are still in the meetings, and if the schedule or frequency is still good.

3. Identify the Agenda (and Send Invites) Preparation is the key to effective meetings. Prepare an agenda

While it may seem like more work than you’re doing now for

with the key topics and time allotted. Identify and assign who will

meetings, I encourage you to reflect on the current effectiveness

be speaking on each item. Send out to the identified invitees 24-

of your meetings as well as the employee engagement within those

48 hours in advance of the meeting. This will allow participants to

meetings. Are you getting the results you want? Do you have to

be prepared and avoid surprises and distractions.

schedule more meetings about the same topic? Effective meetings are mostly in the preparation and with intentional thinking and

As the leader or meeting, you will then take this agenda and

planning, your meetings will become easier, more effective, and

expand it for yourself, identifying the 1-2 keynotes for each topic.

more engaging in no time!

These should be on the purpose of that topic and the outcome you want to achieve

To learn more about workplace health and effective prescriptions, contact Danielle and schedule a 15-minute free workplace

4. Identify Roles Roles during the meeting not only increase engagement but also assure respect for both time and content. There are three main roles that should always be fulfilled:

1. Meeting Facilitator/Organizer: This is who leads the meeting

2. Time Keeper: This is who makes sure to stay on track and respect the time allotted for the meeting.

3. Note Taker: This is who takes notes during the meeting of follow-up action items and decisions made

diagnosis, click here!

FOOD SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

GRAZING TABLE CHARCUTERIE Grazing Table Charcuterie is bringing one of the latest trends to central Iowa. They specialize in curating one-of-a-kind charcuteries platers to enjoy, ranging from sweet, savory, and everything in between.

Grazing Table is a unique feature that is becoming ever more popular among events such as weddings, as couples are taking advantage of the design aspect that these platters are able to bring to their big day.

With multiple factors to consider when creating a charcuterie board, colors, flavors, and more can be a fun way to mix up wedding catering.

They are currently offering a variety of charcuterie box sizes, including Picnic Mini, Small Graze, Medium Graze, Large Graze, and Ultimate Graze. They also offer different seasonal options such as hot cocoa bombs, smores boards, and more.

"My commitment to you with these custom-made charcuterie boards is to provide fresh and ethically sourced goodness, from every detail.

Let me help set the stage for many memorable memories gathered around by those you love." - Amanda

A tradition that is right around the corner for

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RETAIL SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

Spice Up Your Wall Decor Save on shipping & support local Shop Now

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“ HELPFUL AND KNOWLEDGEABLE STAFF, WILLING TO HELP FIND SOLUTIONS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT. ” — EDWARD WOLLNER

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON HEALTHCARE

BY EXEMPLAR CARE Over the past fifty years, healthcare and insurance costs have

is also accepted for urgent care to provide a 24/7 service to the

continued to rise. However, there is a new way for people to access the

community.

healthcare they need, at a price they can afford, with a personal service.

In 2019, Dr. Jon Van Der Veer opened Exemplar Care, a direct primary care practice. To provide an additional service to their members and provide a much-needed off-hour community resource to the public, they also opened a 24/7 urgent care clinic in February 2021.

“We wanted to make this kind of care accessible, affordable, and personalized to you,” Dr. Jon says. Unlike traditional sick care in fee-for-service medicine, the goals and incentives of health and wellness align for the patient and clinician.

They are conveniently located at 7300 Westown Parkway, Suite 330, West Des Moines.

Fewer Patients More Time “It was very appealing to me to have more face-to-face patient time to

Direct primary care is not health insurance. It is a plan that provides real

focus on you as a patient, rather than having a big health system tell me

care. It differs from standard health insurance for several reasons:

how long I can spend with a patient,” he says.

One of the significant advantages of direct primary care is that it gives

Alternative Payment Model

patients more time with their clinicians. Some studies have shown that

Exemplar Care members pay a monthly membership ranging from $29

43 percent of clinicians spend more than one-third of their day on data

for children and $69 to $89 for adults. With direct primary care, claims

entry and other administrative tasks in the traditional system. That’s a

are not sent to insurance companies. This avoids insurance contracts

lot of time taken away from patients. To generate revenue, they must

and third-party billing, allowing direct primary care clinicians to spend

see more patients. This means less time with each one.

more time with patients and provide customized services.

“There’s another study that shows that patients in direct primary care The fee covers routine comprehensive primary care, as well as unlimited

clinics will often engage four to six times more frequently through the

access to their 24/7 urgent care and access to reasonable, reduced

course of a year than those in traditional clinics, and it ends up costing

prices on lab work, medications, and radiology services.

them less money. So, you get more care with less cost. It is astounding how much more engaged people become in their own health when they

DPC clinics are built on transparency and even Exemplar’s Urgent Care

frequently connect with a primary care clinician who knows them well,”

clinic posts a cash pricing guide. However,

Dr. Jon says.

insurance

According to a 2020 study by actuarial firm Milliman, direct primary care patients have 41% fewer emergency room visits than patients in traditional insurance plans and 20% lower hospital admissions.

Reduced Cost of Care One of the most significant advantages of direct primary care is that it reduces the cost of care for patients and the business itself under an employee plan. Healthcare in the U.S. is so expensive because third-party insurance carriers obscure the actual cost of healthcare.

No Insurance Hassle Direct primary care is not insurance. This assists the direct primary care clinician in offering predictable costs and transparent pricing for patients.

The traditional insurance system makes it difficult for patients to predict their medical expenses and clinicians to practice at their full capabilities.

Eliminating insurance contracts also eliminates third-party billing, feefor-service payments, and insurer relationships. Because of this, direct primary care clinicians can see fewer patients and provide better care.

Fewer patients mean they get to spend more time with each patient.

tired of insurers changing which drugs they covered, a lack of transparent prices, and cumbersome coding and billing. “I kept banging my head against the wall and not getting anywhere,” said Dr. Jon. typically

carry

high-deductible

health

insurance,

as

recommended, for significant hospitalizations. Others have regular insurance or health shares, and some are uninsured.

Quality Care Since direct primary care clinicians spend more time with their patients, they provide a more tailored approach to care than a traditional clinician.

This also makes it easier to access care since the doctors have fewer patients and are more readily available for appointments. Having more time for each patient also makes direct primary care clinicians an excellent option for chronic diseases. They can better monitor and direct health care for these patients. “I wanted to get back to spending time with patients and knowing them and their stories rather than feeling like I was a hamster on a wheel,” stated Dr.Jon.

spend on healthcare.

“The goal is to care for the patient and provide the care they want and need. This type of model also allows you to take care of yourself as a clinician. So, the triple aim is better outcomes, lower cost, and better patient experience.”

There is no silver bullet for the rising cost of healthcare and insurance premiums. However, direct primary care is an excellent

Dr. Jon was responsible for many patients in previous clinics, and he grew

Patients

Direct primary care can reduce the amount employers or individuals

option for many people. It offers an opportunity to cut down on healthcare over-utilization, save money, and improve your health. If you are interested in learning more, contact Exemplar Care.

JOLLY HOLIDAY LIGHTS

DEC 2021

JOLLY HOLIDAY LIGHTS

BY JOLLY HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Make-A-Wish® Iowa’s Jolly Holiday Lights is back Friday, November 26, 2021, through Sunday, January 2, 2022, at Adventureland Resort in Altoona. This year marks 26 years of raising funds to grant life-changing wishes for Iowa children with a critical illness. You will see new festive light displays along with holiday favorites among the 2.5-mile ride through over 100 displays.

Jolly Holiday Lights has become a symbol of giving and generosity but began as an idea from a group of dedicated volunteers to creatively raise money for wishes while spreading holiday cheer to the Des Moines community. What began as a small event in 1996 grew to Make-A-Wish Iowa's largest fundraiser. This event has funded over 1,000 wishes to date, which is a quarter of the total wishes granted by Make-A-Wish Iowa.

A wish is more than a gift or a single moment in time. It is an entire experience created specifically for each child. A wish helps a child replace fear with strength, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope.

The experience not only transforms the life of the child receiving it but also transforms the lives of the wish family, volunteers, support systems, medical professionals, and entire communities.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, over 350 children are waiting for their wishes. You have the power to light up a child’s life by attending Jolly Holiday Lights this season! Purchase tickets at www.JollyHolidayLights.org or participating HyVee stores for $20 or at the front gate for $25. Jolly Holiday Lights will be closed on December 24, 25, and 31.

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

MANAGING HOLIDAY BURNOUT

BY KAYLA BELL-CONSOLVER, LMHC

The holidays can be a time of happiness; filled

If you feel you are prone to experiencing

with social gatherings, activities, and rejoicing.

holiday burnout, consider the following ten

But for some, it can be a period of painful

tips to help manage your stress and emotions

loneliness, recognizing grief and loss, anxiety,

this holiday season:

or depression. It is often a time of high emotion and demands and a time when family

Acknowledge your feelings. It's OK to

and

often

take time to cry or express your feelings.

surface. Even people who love the holidays can

You can't force yourself to be happy just

experience sadness.

because it's the holiday season.

Feeling overwhelmed because of pressure

Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated,

from others or one’s own expectations

seek out a comrade. Lean on friends,

associated with the holiday season is often

family, religious, or other community

referred to as “holiday burnout”. Holiday

groups.

other

interpersonal

conflicts

burnout can be influenced by the stress and overwhelm throughout the year, adjustments

Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be

in your schedule around the holidays, family or

perfect. Families, traditions, and rituals

interpersonal conflicts, and other previous

often grow and change. Be open to

mental health concerns. People with a prior

finding new ways to celebrate.

mental health condition are more likely to experience holiday burnout or depression.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 64% of people with an existing mental illness report that the holidays make their condition worse. Holiday burnout may look like exhaustion from the tasks associated

with

the

preparation,

giving/volunteering, and even spending time with family.

.

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

Set aside differences. Try to accept family

Seek professional help if you need it. Despite

members and friends as they are, and try to

your best efforts, you may find yourself

be compassionate to any holiday stress or

feeling persistently sad, anxious, or hopeless.

depression they may be experiencing as well.

If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

Make a budget. Decide how much money you can afford to spend, then stick to your

If you need support with your mental health

budget. Happiness cannot be bought.

during the holidays, Broadlawns Medical Center is here to help. Broadlawns offers the most

Make a Plan. Map out specific days for

comprehensive delivery system for mental health

shopping, baking, and other holiday activities.

services in Central Iowa. Our professionals are

Find ways to create efficiencies – make

dedicated

shopping lists now, save time by shopping

personalized care. Individual therapy is available

online, divide responsibilities, etc. This will

in-person and virtually for patients of all ages. To

help

learn more or schedule an appointment, visit

prevent

stressful

last-minute

to

excellence,

compassion,

and

scrambling.

www.broadlawns.org or call (515) 282-5695.

Give yourself permission to say no. If saying

Kayla Bell-Consolver (she/her/hers) is the Director of the

yes will leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed, give yourself permission to say no.

Make time for your health. Don't let the holidays become an excuse to neglect yourself. Make time for exercise, sleep, and activities that contribute to your physical and mental health

Drake University Counseling Center. Kayla has worked in the mental health field since 2016. She completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at Drake University in 2016 and received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Drake University in 2019. She has training in EMDR Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy, and Trauma FocusedCognitive Behavioral Therapy, but utilizes person-centered therapy to remain present with the individual and determine which treatment approach feels most helpful for them. Kayla specializes in trauma informed practices, especially as it relates to LGBTQ+ and BIPOC experiences

Take a break. Find calm. Try spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, clearing your mind, slowing your breathing, and restoring inner calm.

.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

FUSEDSM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING

Pelds Design Services 2323 Dixon Street Des Moines, IA 50316

Wednesday, Jan 5, 2021 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM CDT

Learn More About the Economic Development Committee: Sponsored by:

REGISTER

SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS TO FUSENEWS! Are you looking for a great way to get noticed online? FuseNews boasts readership beyond just our members, extending to the whole community.

The cost is very minimal when you are a member of the chamber, and links live forever within the publication.

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Best part yet, unlike traditional print media, these ads are all actionable and can be clicked straight to the destination of your choice! Talk to Trish today about getting you news in FuseNews!

CONTACT

4-6 Paragraphs with 2 photos Full Page Spread: 6-10 Paragraphs with 4-6 photos

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

DEC 2021

CHEERS TO THE HOLIDAYS As the holidays are here and the last minutes of 2021 tick away, most people will happily toast to a new year and new beginnings. If you want to toast with drinks that don’t include alcohol, try mocktails. They’re nonalcoholic versions of popular cocktails and can help you enter the new year well hydrated. Even better?

They’re kid-friendly, so people of all ages can join in the fun.

Staying hydrated is important to keep you feeling well from head to toe. After all, your body is approximately 60 percent water. Good hydration helps with everything from digestion to immunity. As you reflect on your health and wellness goals for 2022, consider if your hydration habits could use a tune-up.

Developing habits around hydration is a good way to incorporate it into your normal routine. Here are some tips for giving your daily fluid intake a boost: Start your day with a glass of water.

BY: ANNE CUNDIFF, RD, LD, FAND CORPORATE HY-VEE DIETITIAN

Carry a water bottle with you when you’re on the go. As a bonus, it’s cheaper and better for the environment to refill the bottle than to buy disposable ones.

Don’t like plain water? Try sparkling water without any added sweeteners.

Include water-rich fruits and vegetables in your diets, such as watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cucumber, bell peppers, and tomatoes.

If you need some inspiration for mocktails, start with the recipes below. Or simply make versions of your favorite spirited drinks but leave out the alcohol. And remember that presentation matters. Just like their alcoholic counterparts, these drinks deserve to be served in fancy glasses and topped with colorful garnishes.

If you need more tips for improving your hydration or want help with your health and wellness goals, reach out to a Hy-Vee dietitian. Not sure where to start? Schedule a Discovery Session to explore which service is the best fit for you Discovery Session: Are you looking to improve your personal health or the health of your family? By scheduling this FREE session, you will meet with a Hy-Vee dietitian to discuss your health goals and explore which services best fit your needs. To learn more, visit https://www.hy-vee.com/health/hy-veedietitians/default.aspx.

Hy-Vee Healthy Habits: Our dietitian-created menu program includes balanced meal plans and snack ideas, convenient grocery lists and simple recipes. You also receive one-on-one support from a Hy-Vee dietitian to track progress, ask questions and stay motivated. For more information or to register, visit https://www.hyvee.com/health/hy-vee-dietitians/default.aspx.

VISIT

HY-VEE DIETICIAN

DEC 2021

Nutrition Store Tours: Your Hy-Vee dietitian will help you navigate the aisles during a FREE store tour.

Choose from a variety of topics, such as general wellness, heart health, diabetes, food allergies, and more. Plus, get shopping tips and product recommendations to help add more nutrition to your cart.

Tours are available virtually and in-person at select locations. Go to www.hy-vee.com/health for more information and to register. Tours in Spanish are also available

Bloody Mary Mocktail Serves 4 All you need: 3 cups spicy low-sodium V8 juice 3 oz freshly squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes) 1½ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons) 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning Celery sticks for garnish All you do: 1. Combine all ingredients together in a cocktail shaker and mix well.

2. Serve over ice and garnish with celery stalks.

Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipesideas/recipes/bloody-mary-mocktail

LaCroix Jubilee Mocktail Serves 1 All you need: 2 oz LaCroix cran-raspberry sparkling water, chilled 2 oz LaCroix lime sparkling water, chilled 2 oz 100% cherry juice, chilled Fresh cherry, for garnish All you do: Combine cran-raspberry and lime sparkling water with cherry juice in a cocktail glass.

Garnish with a fresh cherry, if desired.

Recipe source: https://www.hy-vee.com/recipesideas/recipes/lacroix-jubilee-mocktail The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

DEC 2021

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

MEET RYAN ANDERSON OUTGOING BOARD SPOTLIGHT Dr. Ryan Anderson is the founder of No Coast Consulting in Des Moines, Iowa. The mission of No Coast Consulting is to help businesses and employers help bring the best to them or their organization. This is done through a variety of career services, business and start-up services, as well as training and development.

SAY HI

Dr. Anderson is also highly involved in the community in Des Moines and is part of many different groups, including serving on our board at FuseDSM. He is also an Associate Professor of Business at Grand View University, teaching courses related to helping students in different financial and strategic management subjects.

FIRESTARTER SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

MEET RACHEL SUMMERS FIRESTARTER Rachel Summers is a new member of the Firestarters and has already become a welcoming and enthusiastic part of the experience.

Rachel is the Chief Operating Officer at the Blank Park Zoo here in Des Moines. Her favorite part of being a part of FuseDSM and the Firestarters is the connections she is able to make in and out of work. She enjoys making new friends through the different Firestarter events.

LEARN MORE

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

DEC 2021

MEMBERSHIP PERKS JOB LISTINGS

DID YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN POST A JOB TO BE PROMOTED THROUGH THE CHAMBER? It’s simple, just log into the “Members” menu, and select “Member Login”. Once logged in, click “Job Postings” in the left side menu tabs, and then choose “Add a Job Posting”. Add in an engaging title, category, contact information, and an image is a great addition.

From there, FuseDSM will promote on our social channels, it will be listed in member portal, and it is then shared with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Just another way we are #FusingTheCommunityTogether https://youtu.be/RxUYn-pv3Bo Reach out today and ask us how you can get more involved!

REACH OUT

CATCH DSM

DEC 2021

CATCH DSM COUPONS STAY IN THE KNOW WITH THE BEST DEALS IN DES MOINES

Catch DSM is your go-to guide for local deals around Des Moines! Check out their website for all of the hottest links - including $5 off a 515 hat by KSH Design Studio!

$5 OFF ONE 515 HAT KSH Design Studio

SEE DEALS

REDEEMABLE UNTIL FRIDAY, DEC. 31, 2021

APPLY

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP

DEC 2021

GREATER DES MOINES PARTNERSHIP'S 2022 OPENING NIGHT LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION

MONDAY, JAN. 10, 2022 5 - 7 P.M. The Greater Des Moines Partnership, Affiliate Chambers and partner organizations invite you to the annual Opening Night Legislative Reception, welcoming the 89th Iowa General Assembly

REGISTER LOCATION: DES MOINES HERITAGE CENTER 120 E. 5TH ST. DES MOINES, IOWA

to the 2022 Legislative Session. Meet Iowa Legislators, sample hors d'oeuvres from restaurants and vendors from the Regional Affiliate communities and enjoy the Des Moines Heritage Center. The event is hosted in partnership with Affiliate Chambers, Young Professionals Connection, the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and Capital Crossroads.

Parking Options: Metered street parking is available around the building.

The City of Des Moines paid parking garage is located on E. 3rd Street and is three blocks form the venue.

CONTACT INFORMATION: RYAN MOON SEND AN EMAIL

FEES/ADMISSION: $25 FOR PARTNERSHIP INVESTORS AND AFFILIATE MEMBERS $25 FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CONNECTION MEMBERS $25 FOR GREATER DES MOINES LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE MEMBERS $25 FOR CAPITAL CROSSROADS CHAIRS $40 FOR NON-MEMBERS

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

THE PRESENT OF PRESENTATIONS

BY ERIK DOMINGUEZ The holidays are a time of generosity. We carefully think of our loved ones and what gift might bring the greatest joy to their heart. Giving is a two-way street; when we give, we are showing that we listened and observed their likes and desires, and it fills us up to be able to serve them and make their day just a bit better. The very same concept is true of speaking Self-Center Communication Most of the time, people are nervous about speaking in front of others because, as humans, we are self-centered creatures. So we sit in the dreadful questions of: "What will they think of me? What if they think I am wrong?

What if I make mistakes?" These are natural and default questions that we focus on when preparing to speak. Communication is an act of survival; we know that what we say impacts our well-being.

Amy Cuddy refers to this as "The Spotlight Effect." When we are the center of attention, we feel that everyone scrutinizes and deconstructs everything we do and say. As a result, our adrenaline skyrockets into a fight, flight, freeze, or faint response. However, her research states that our audience does not think about us as much as we think they do. They are processing your information through their lens, not through yours.

Thus, when we focus OUT and focus on being generous with our audience, we can release a lot of the anxiety that comes with public communication.

Generous Communication Stepping away from the dreaded self-centered mindsets and anxieties looks a lot like finding the perfect holiday gift for that loved one.

First, you listen. When speaking to an audience, set the context for what you will speak on by asking your audience what they know or don't know about a topic. For example, one of my keynotes begins with the simple prompt to complete the following sentence: "Public speaking is..." Then, I listen to their shares and can determine what would serve them best.

Allowing space for your audience to be heard will then mirror how they will hear you!

Second, be thoughtful about your presentation. We wrap our gifts in certain ways to add an element of surprise! The same is true of speaking. Creating a clear, creative, and novel context will keep your audience wanting to know more. This can look different for different audiences! Some will require creative gift wrapping, and some will want you to give them the gift directly.

Next, we accept that we may not have gotten it right! Have you ever been given a gift that...was not well received? We may have heard incorrectly or not quite been connected to what that person needed at the time. And that's okay! Generous communication is not about getting it "right" or being "perfect" - it is much more about the intention you set with your gift-giving.

DEC 2021

Finally, generous communication is not about us, even if it is about us. I often coach my clients to share their stories as a model for what is possible. Even though I am sharing my experiences, I am doing it to model for them what is possible.

In other words, while my content might be about me, my audience sees themselves in my context and is able to follow my lead.

Generous speaking is impacting our audience so that their day is a bit better. It releases our internal nerves and reminds us that we are given a gift when we speak. After all, it is no coincidence that present and presentation have the same root!

To find that perfect little something requires that you listen carefully to what they say and who they are

EXPERT ARTCILE

NEW MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

DEC 2021

PAWS & PINTS INDOOR 7 OUTDOOR DOG PARK

Paws & Pints is the next big up-and-coming dog park that is sure to be a new craze in the Des Moines area.

Set to open up this coming spring in 2022, Paws & Pints is an indoor and outdoor dog park that will serve a variety of features for central Iowa dog owners and dog lovers.

The new facility is located on a 7-acre property with a 33,000 sq. ft. facility featuring four canine-inspired businesses Paws & Pints: Indoor & Outdoor dog park that features a full bar, snack kitchen and will feature a 5 Borough Bagels Express Mo'Tail & Spaw: Lodging, Doggie Daycare, and grooming services Dog Trainer offering private training, classes, and specialty training services On-Site Veterinarian

EXPERT ARTCILE

DEC 2021

Paws & Pints is a membership-based facility that combines the community and culture of dog owners with the everyday needs that dogs and dog owners have. We joke around and say its Lifetime Fitness, but for dog owners. One membership provides unlimited dog park use and a discount across the rest of the dog-related services.

"Our new website will be launched at the end of January and the goal is to open our membership enrollment no later than mid-February. We will be rolling out a founding member pricing and once those

slots

are

full,

then

membership prices will go up!"

the

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

THE ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

BY MIKE LARKIN - AMERICAN SOLUTION FOR BUSINESS Why Gratitude Is Important in Business and Life “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou An expression of gratitude acknowledges the importance of people, things, events, and the difference they make to us. Gratitude is a reciprocation of kind feelings. The law of reciprocity is a very powerful motivator in business and life.

Thank you cards – Personalized thank you cards are powerful. It shows you don’t take the employee or customer for granted.

Recognition – Team members and customers love personalized cards and little gifts. You don’t have to wait for 1 year – 5-year etc. awards. Recognize them immediately with a sweet treat or a $5.00 gift card to a coffee shop

Thanksgiving Is a Great Time to Start Gratitude is what Stephen Covey says: ‘Important, not urgent”.

Why is Gratitude Important in Business?

Expressing gratitude is far more associated with personal relationships.

You rarely hear the words gratitude and business in the same sentence, which is sad, because gratitude can play a critical role in creating a healthy company culture and a productive work environment.

Just try this sometime; go out and get your better half or someone close to you, a greeting card expressing your gratitude for just being themselves. Fill in your sentiments and give them the card the next time you see them. For the cost of a $2.00 greeting card and a little bit of your time, you just made someone happier and deepened that relationship. Their reaction is priceless!

This is why during these difficult times, business needs to be concerned with both employee and customer retention. There is very few things worse than a key employee in a small business giving you their resignation and you had no idea they were looking. Alternatively, a key customer leaving you because they found someone else cheaper.

Four Simple Ways to Show Your Gratitude Birthdays – there is no way than the boss recognizes the day that is special to you. You go a step further, you can send out a ½-birthday card. I have to go back to when I was 6 when I kept track of my ½birthday. You can also stand out with your customers.

Anniversaries – Recognizing not only wedding anniversaries but also work anniversaries. Send out a card to your customers on the anniversary of their first purchase with you.

VISIT

Very few people send out Thanksgiving cards. You want to stand out, send a card at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

With automation today, you can execute on these simple steps that build deeper relationships, for much less than you might expect.

For less than a Starbucks cup of coffee daily, you can have an automated birthday system created and set up including artwork and copy.

I love to stay in touch with my readers and send out birthday cards.

If you click here and give me your contact information (please include your birth date), I will send you a card with a gourmet brownie If you are interested in getting started on your first step to a birthday model, please click here to get more information

DEC 2021

CHACHA'S CONFECTIONS ChaCha’s Confections is a licensed home based bakery located on the south side of Des Moines. We currently are offering pick up at our place as well as at crème cupcake!

Baking Des Moines sweet since 2015, you can find our sweets at Tumea & sons, club car restaurant & lounge, coffee cats, and more.

ChaCha’s offers decorated sugar cookies, classic cookies, pies, and cheesecakes.

Some of our most popular flavors for cheesecake include Dutch letter, vanilla mousse & butterfinger.

Stop in to get some tasty treats this holiday season and to ring in the new year!

LEARN MORE

EXPERT ARTICLE

DEC 2021

LOCAL RESTAURANTS PROVIDE PERFECT GIFTS, TASTY ADDITIONS TO HOLIDAY MEAL PLANS

IOWA RESTARAUNT ASSOCIATION

Restaurant gift cards check nearly every box on gift lists this year. They’re simple to buy. They make recipients exceedingly happy. They don’t need a delivery service to be shipped. And, they support local businesses.

Restaurant Gift Cards Desired by Most In fact, a recent study from the National Restaurant Association found that nearly 2 of 3 American adults hope to receive a restaurant gift card this holiday season. Most (62%) would prefer a card from their favorite restaurant, but 20 percent said they would prefer a card from a place they’ve never been. What’s more, 18% hope for cards to places they never would have considered trying otherwise.

Real Help to Local Restaurants Strong gift card sales really do help local restaurant traffic—especially in the weeks and months following the holidays, which are traditionally slow. About one in four consumers redeem gift meals immediately (within a week) while 38% plan to use them within a month. And once they arrive they keep spending. In fact, 72% of consumers spend more than the total gift card value purchasing additional drinks, appetizers, and snacks. Those dollars add up as research shows consumers spend an average of $59 above the value of their gift cards in restaurants.

Supplement Holiday Meals with Restaurant Favorites Beyond providing a fast, simple way to secure the perfect gift for someone, your favorite restaurant can be helpful in alleviating other holiday stressors. Rather than spending hours trying to emulate your favorite restaurant dessert or side dish, just pre-order it and pick it up from your favorite place. Restaurants have become increasingly efficient and creative in the marketing, packaging, and delivery of restaurant favorites. There’s a reason nearly half of every dollar spent on food is spent in restaurants—expand your thinking about how you leverage your favorites!

If you do, you won’t be alone, 22% of consumers plan to buy restaurant food to serve as some part of their holiday meals.

Restaurant desserts are the most popular planned purchase; 46% of respondents intend to order sweet endings. Entrees are next at 41%, followed by sides at 38%.

Send Your Favorite Restaurants Some Love!

Whether it’s giving gift cards to family, friends, coworkers, teachers, and others, or supplementing your holiday meal with restaurant offerings—this is the year to support local restaurants. Many are still recovering from the sales impacts from COVID-19. So go out, shop, eat and enjoy!

DEC 2021

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