Times Citizen Progress 02_15_2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION • SECTION A

The Greatest

Resource

BY SARA KONRAD BARANOWSKI | skonr ad@iafalls.com

T

his year our annual business section, Progress, is focused on what many businesses call their greatest resource: People.

We hear it all the time. Local businesses brag about their people. They’re the most dedicated, the most tenured, the most hard-working. They put their time and effort into making customers happy, or manufacturing the best product.

In this special section you’ll find stories about businesses that keep employees for decades. Maybe they offer special incentives, or they’re just a great place to work. There are a number of those here in Hardin County – too many to feature all of them.

In this section you’ll find those features, as well as stories about the challenges businesses in rural Iowa – not just Hardin County – face when it’s time to hire someone new, or expand, or open a new business. There aren’t enough people here to meet the demands of employers. So economic development officials, state agencies and educators are doing what they can to meet those needs, through recruitment, education and retention.

The success of our communities is tied to the people who live and work here. We hope you’ll enjoy this section and its stories of the dedication of our neighbors and friends and the good work that results from that loyalty. n

More than half of Hardin County Savings Bank’s employees have worked there for 10 years or more.

The bank is the sixtholdest in the state of Iowa and a cornerstone in the community.

Page 2

Russ Banzhaf is typical of many small-town coaches.

His first and only job has been in Ackley. Banzhaf is nearing the end of his 31st season at the helm, and 39th overall in the school district. He cites community as a big reason why he’s stayed.

Page 5

Todd and Scott Sietsema returned home to Iowa Falls to go into their family’s business. They are third-generation funeral directors at Surls Funeral Homes, which is a mainstay in the Hardin County community.

Page 8

While some may expect a fast-paced environment such as a convenience store chain to have a high turnover rate, Casey’s General Store in Alden has been able to hold onto not one, but two long-time store employees.

Page 10

TIMES CITIZEN / ACKLEY WORLD JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017

2 / A • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora is full of familiar faces. The majority of the bank’s 40 employees have worked there for more than 10 years, and seven people have exceeded 30 years at the bank. With low turnover, customers find friendly, recognizable faces every time the visit the bank.

Family away from home Hardin County Savings Bank shows its appreciation

are family-owned and that we have this longevity, so I think that means a lot,” said Vice President and Marketing Director Christie Pence. “It means a lot to me to be involved with an organization that’s been

BY MARISSA VANWINGEN | mar iss a@iafalls.com around for a long time and has a lot of history. And I think that our bank leadership has always been ardin County Savings Bank is an Eldora family-orientated, so as a result they’ve always been staple. The main branch – on the north really good to the staff.” side of the town square – has been in One of the things HCSB does is offer competitive the same family for three generations. salary and benefits to its employees. It’s the big The bank itself is the sixth-oldest bank things, like health insurance, paid time off and in Iowa, and will celebrate its sesquicentennial in retirement plans. But something else that’s also December 2018. important is offering them a nice community in which to make a home.

“It’s important that it’s a nice community, so that’s a lot of the reason we do the extra things,” said HCSB President David Vander Wilt.

The bank supports every aspect of the Rick Titus of Clarion started his business, called “The Country Store”, in 1975 and even community. When it though he has moved into town now, he has no intention of retiring any time soon. “l enjoy and comes to the youth, they love doing this,” said Titus. “I’ve covered every corner of the state because I’m an expert, and help out with activities, that is not meant as a boast. I don’t think anyone else in the state does exactly what I do.” What sports, at the schools (the he does, is sell and install the Fuego Flame (brand name) fireplace insert, which he believes elementary, the middle are the most efficient inserts on the market, for the money. However, it took him awhile to find – photo by Les Houser, Wright County Monitor school in Hubbard and out about that brand. “I was living in Littleton, Colorado, and came across a brochure for the Heatilator fireplaces, which were made at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa,” said Titus. “When we moved the high school) as well back here 3 years later, I decided I was going to call them and become a dealer.” Titus was soon displaying the units at county fairs and got some business. as working to make the But then in checking back with his customers, to his amazement, he found out they were sending most of the heat up the chimney. parks attractive.

HCSB was involved in “I then tried selling other brands of fireplaces like Preway, and Majestic and found they were no better. These were touted to be energy efficient, having updating the diamonds fans and adjustable dampers, but they still were not burning like a wood stove, so I just kept looking. I was selling wood stoves, but not everyone wants a for the Little League, wood stove in their home. Then I found out about the Fuego Flame Fireplaces, which were as close to wood stove efficiency as you will find. This company and it helped with the made Zero Clearance fireplaces and also made four different sized inserts, so now I could offer my customers a super-efficient fireplace, or install one of swimming pool project. the inserts inside of their existing wood-burning fireplace, no matter how large or small,” Titus said. But then it wasn’t long before he found a fireplace that has an unusual shape, like a two sided, or see-through or arched opening, and these inserts would not fit. So he decided to just make the inserts from “We care deeply scratch to fit these unusual fireplaces. He even built an insert to fit a four-sided fireplace for Bill Knapp in Des Moines. about the success of the community. That’s why The Fuego Flame fireplace inserts can make any fireplace burn up to 70% efficient, and needs no electricity while keeping 99% of the heat in the home. you see us at basically It burns slow like a wood stove while keeping the beauty of the fireplace’s overall appearance and fun of watching the fire. Once the insert is installed, the everything. All the average fireplace can heat 1,000 to 1,500 square feet of a well-insulated home, while using 2/3 less wood, and protects the home from runaway fires. It can parades, the fundraisers,” burn most of the night on just 3 or 4 hardwood logs, leaving you a nice bed of hot burning coals to ignite new logs come morning. “Some of my customers Vander Wilt said. “We use the fireplace 24/7 all winter long, and rarely hear their furnace kick on. Thus they save a tremendous amount of fuel each month. These inserts litergenerally support most ally pay for themselves by saving the customers fuel,” Titus says. The inserts are made using 12-guage steel, which Titus said transmits the heat quicker because it’s lighter. Cool air from the house enters underneath the insert, and is then circulated up the back of the fireplace with the heated air exiting out worthy causes to some the top, all without the use of a fan. The temperature of the air coming off this insert varies from 200 to 1000 degrees. Titus says,“You bake in your oven at extent, whether it’s man350, and you can feel that kind of heat coming out of the top of the fireplace’s heat opening. Most heat-circulating fireplaces do not come close to putting power, volunteering or out that kind of heat, for they send all their heat up the chimney.” money.”

The opportunity to be The Fuego Flame inserts are installed using an insulated ceiling, which prevents the stove heat from going up the fireplace’s chimney. The insert dampan active member of the er control is on the insert’s face plate, so you can close the doors and then close the damper. The inserts also burn with their damper 95% closed, thus community is something making the wood burn nice and slow. The twin glass doors are made using ceramic glass, which will take 1400 degrees temperature, so you never have to worry about breaking the glass with heat, and you get to enjoy watching the slow-burning logs inside. These twin doors are easy to clean with very little that long-time employee effort. “Remember when you were a kid sitting around the campfire, or at a family reunion, how much fun it is to sit around the campfire? Well, you can Kathy Balvanz enjoys. have that same fun in your home with a real wood-burning fire in your fireplace all winter long, and enjoy the romance of the flames; and everyone could “We have an use more romance, right? It is actually mesmerizing to watch the flames, and you don’t even have to say a word as you watch the fire. Now you can have opportunity of the romantic comfort of a campfire and enjoy all that warmth in your home safely and efficiently,” said Titus. participating in community events and it’s highly For those who can’t or don’t wish to burn wood,Titus offers super-efficient gas logs as an option. He started selling those in 1991, and they offer the recommended from our same nice flame effect, but without the work and cleanup from real wood. “I’ve got people who bought a fireplace from me in the ‘70s and ‘80s that are now bank management. And having me put gas logs in those same fireplaces,” said Titus. These gas logs are capable of heating up to 1,000 square feet of the average well-insulated home, so if you have a power outage, these gas logs will keep you toasty warm, and keep the pipes from freezing in your home. they don’t only suggest you participate in these Titus has covered a large area of the Midwest in his sales and installation travels. “I have built and installed units in fireplaces from Minneapolis to Kancommunity events sas City and all over Iowa,” said Titus. “I’ve learned that if I go to a county fair, I get business from that area.” He also feels that word of mouth has been his and them not, they’re best advertising, and that the personal attention he can offer gets the sales. “I do all the work myself,” said Titus. “I don’t even charge for estimates when right out there with I come into your home. I feel an in-home visit is the only way I can know exactly what the customer needs.” Titus is also not afraid to tackle, or at least us participating,” said look at, any chimney problems including a cracked chimney. “I’ve fixed one of those many times for someone,” said Titus. “I installed a stainless steel liner Balvanz. “I’ve never felt inside the chimney and made it safe and efficient.” Titus explained that these inserts are not like others that you can buy, and that it takes some time to that they felt that they install them. “This is not a quick-fix job,” said Titus. “I don’t just shove it into your existing fireplace, collect a check and leave. Most of the other inserts on the market make your fireplace look like it has a wood stove shoved into it, and they change the whole look of the fireplace by putting a big metal shroud were more important than around the insert. It takes me from six to eight hours to do this, but it will be done right and you’ll never need to do anything more with it.” Titus has even me when it came to work.” thought of people who like to cook food over a wood fire. “I’ve developed a barbecue grill that will fit inside there,” said Titus. “You can grill steaks or bake To encourage potatoes. It will work great for putting a dutch-oven in the fireplace too.” Feel free to contact Rick at The Country Store for more information. Call 515-532community service, HCSB

H

The original group that started the bank came from Dubuque in 1868. In 1917, a group of railroaders from Alden, Iowa Falls and Eldora - worried about the future of the bank in light of World War I - bought out the original owners. The new owners kept the bank solvent and never closed its doors. It remained stable, even during the Great Depression.

The Brown family has owned the bank for three generations, starting with Bob Brown, then Jim Brown and now Jim’s son-in-law David Vander Wilt.

“I know it means something to the staff because we talk about it a lot. They are well aware that we

Rick Titus in his 4 QG year of selling and installing more efficient fireplace inserts.

3881 or 515-293-2455, or visit his website at: www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com. “We don’t know what the future holds for our electrical system in this country,” said Titus. “If someone wants to control us, they could cut off the electricity, food supply, or disrupt our fuel. Everyone should have a way to heat their home without electricity.”

515-532-3881 or 515-293-2455 • www.fireplacesatthecountrystore.com

The Greatest Resource

2/15/2017 • A / 3

David Vander Wilt is the son-in-law of long-time Hardin County Savings Bank Owner and President Jim Brown.

Hardin County Savings Bank has been in the Brown family for three generations.

PHOTOS BY MARISSA VANWINGEN / TIMES CITIZEN AND SUBMIT TED

While there are some new faces in the company, the majority have been there for at least a decade or more. Employees cite benefits and the family atmosphere as reasons they’ve stayed.

Kathy Balvanz has worked at Hardin County Savings Bank for 30 years. She said she stays because the work environment feels more like a family than an employer. She also enjoys the fact that the bank is an active member of the community and encourages volunteering throughout Hardin County.

Whink Products Co.

offers apparel points. When employees do something outside the bank and go above and beyond, they are rewarded with points that can be used by the employee to buy company branded gear.

“It’s good, too, because then they wear them out in the community and they tie that to the bank. It’s a little perk,” Vander Wilt said. “You have to wear a dress shirt to work anyway. It helps when the bank kind of takes some of that and I know some people appreciate that.”

They also do fun things whenever they can. If someone is celebrating something special, management will ask them how they’d like to celebrate. They may buy coffee from the coffee shop for all of the employees. The bank may pay for the women employees to go out to dinner when someone leaves, and they celebrate that person for their last week at the bank.

If tragedy strikes in an employee’s personal life, everyone pulls together to make meals and cover that person’s hours at work.

“I would say it’s definitely a family atmosphere where we take care of each other,” Pence said. “Sometimes I think we have to stop and appreciate it because we take for granted this is a great place to work. I hear of family or friends that work at different places and they are sometimes surprised to hear what all we do for our staff.

We have to stop and count our blessings from time to time.”

When it comes to working at the bank, management strives to make it an enjoyable work environment for the entire staff. During the summer they have Summer Fun, which includes an activity every other week. It can be as small as buying everyone coffee from the local coffee house – thus, supporting that business – or having a massage therapist come in to offer massages for employees. When the offices are closed for holidays, the bank uses that time for continuing education, as well as fun, team-building activities.

HCSB CONT’D ... Page 4

Activities For All Ages

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• Youth Soccer • Youth Golf And Tennis Lessons • Flag Football • Volleyball • Punt, Pass & Kick

648-2527

4 / A • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

HCSB

CONTINUED FROM P3

“I would say we work hard and we play hard too,” said Vander Wilt.

“I want it to be a place that they can work hard and also enjoy. It’s more enjoy the people you work with. A lot of times the work is kind of ... it’s not exactly fun to do. Some of the number crunching and whatever else may be needed. But, we try to find fun and add those things.”

Every year HCSB conducts reviews and they ask employees a question. This year, they asked “What makes you feel appreciated?” Vander Wilt said the answers displayed each employee’s uniqueness. Some people like cash bonuses, but for others it’s a simple thank you note. Some enjoy coffee, while others mentioned staff meals.

“We try to see what each individual staff member really feels appreciated with,” said Vander Wilt.

“You have to have strong benefits and competitive salaries, but outside of that I think people just want to feel appreciated and we try to do that. We care about them. We care about them just not as employees, but as people.

“I think what it comes down to is people want to be appreciated, they want to be cared for and they want to know that they’re valued,” Vander Wilt added. “I think if we can continue to do that, we’ll have success keeping our staff around.”

The retention rate at HCSB is strong, with very little turnover. Of the bank’s 40 full- and part-time employees, more than half have worked there for at least 10 years.

Twelve have put in more than 25 years; seven have been there 30 years; and one employee at the Union branch has worked for HCSB for 45 years.

Many of the bank’s newest employees are filling roles in new departments.

Balvanz has been through all three generations, and started as the marketing and education director 30 years ago. Now, she is the Vice President, Trust Officer and newlyappointed BSA officer.

“To be appreciated, that’s

Employees of Hardin County Savings Bank are encouraged to volunteer throughout the communities they serve. Whenever the schools (Eldora-New Providence Elementary, South Hardin Middle School or South Hardin High School) have a project or an activity planned, the bank wants to be there to help.

SUBMIT TED PHOTOS

The bank strives to offer fun and interesting activities for its staff, including a wine and canvas night. In annual reviews, the bank asks employees how it should show appreciation.

Hardin County Savings Bank and its employees can be found at of all the summer town festivals and parades. One of the biggest reasons the bank is so active is because its wants the communities it serves to be the best they can be.

everything. If I felt like I wasn’t appreciated, I have enough education and licenses that I could have gone somewhere else to work. But, I chose to be here because of that. I don’t feel that they (the owners) are selfish, they are very generous,” said Balvanz.

It’s not always easy to find and keep people in a rural community. That’s why what HCSB is doing is so important.

“In order for the bank to survive, we want our customers to do well,” Pence said. “We truly believe in investing locally and investing in local business. We want to help them be

successful, and in turn, that promotes our success as well.”

With so many long-tenured employees, the bank will face a number of retirements in the near future. That means there will be openings throughout the bank.

“We usually try to hire more based on their character than their work experience. We found that it is a better predictor of their longevity with us and their ability to do their job well,” said Vander Wilt. “We feel like we can train our staff to do the job, we look at the individual and their character and if they are going to be a good fit.”

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The Greatest Resource

2/15/2017 • A / 5

For Love of Sport Coaches credit kids and district for longevity

BY COREY MEINTS mmeint s @iafalls.com

C

Things COREY MEINTS / TIMES CITIZEN

Russ Banzhaf has had other opportunities, but he’s remained at Ackley-Geneva and AGWSR because of the school, community and player support. He recently retired from teaching, but stayed on as the head boys basketball coach.

oaching isn’t exactly synonymous with longevity. College and professional teams routinely rotate entire staffs based on records and booster support.

But at the high school level, especially in small-town Iowa, coaches aren’t just coaches. More often than not, they are in the classroom teaching the students who, that night, become their athletes. They are active members of the communities in which they coach.

Then there’s AGWSR’s Russ Banzhaf. Three years after stepping out of the classroom in favor of “retirement,” he remains the head boys basketball coach - a position he’s held since 1987.

He hasn’t stuck with coaching because he needs the money. After all, coaching at a small school doesn’t make anyone rich. Banzhaf kept coaching because he loves it. He kept coaching at AckleyGeneva, and later AGWSR for 39

years for the same reason.

Ackley was Banzhaf’s first and last stop as a teacher and coach.

He was a typical small-school athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball and running track at Janesville. He went on to run track at Ellsworth Community College back when it had a program.

He went on to the University of Northern Iowa, graduating with a science education degree. His first job was at Ackley-Geneva, beginning in 1978.

In addition to his teaching duties, Banzhaf was head track and assistant football coach. He coached the latter for three years, then moved to basketball as an assistant.

It was evident early on that Ackley was going to be Banzhaf’s home. He bought a house and got married to Bonnie a year after first coming to town. They soon had kids and that was that.

Banzhaf kept his job as the head boys track coach until his father died in 1995 and he and his brother took over the farm operation. The head basketball job opened up to him in 1987.

Since then, he’s built a record approaching 400 wins with two State trophies to show for it.

COACHES CONT’D ... Page 6

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6 / A • 2/15/2017 COACHES

CONTINUED FROM P5

Banzhaf said he never thought he’d still be coaching after taking the head job 30 years ago. But it’s something he loves, and he never thought about not doing it.

“I had the opportunity here and it’s been good,” Banzhaf said. “I don’t know that being a coach was ever a goal. Way back at the time, I originally was going to be a dentist. Then I got to UNI and I gravitated to education.”

Part of it was that he didn’t really want to go to school for seven years.

Another part was he enjoyed kids.

“I taught science because I had a lot of science classes under my belt for being in pre-dental at Ellsworth,” Banzhaf said.

“I knew then that I wanted to coach if I was going to teach.”

After 36 years of teaching, Banzhaf now substitutes on occasion. But coaching isn’t something he’s thought about giving up yet.

“My wife still works and I still wanted something to do,” Banzhaf said.

“I wanted to keep in touch with the kids. I thought coaching basketball was something that I could still do. I thought if it was OK with everybody, I’d keep coaching. At the time, I didn’t really want to go and get a job. And I still do a little farming.”

By everybody, Banzhaf meant longtime assistant coaches Brad Hames and Jason Berkey. Berkey started working at Aplington-Parkersburg around the time of Banzhaf’s retirement in order to teach, coach and be the activities director. Banzhaf said both Berkey and Hames would have been great head coaches, and he wanted to make sure both were on board with him staying.

“Both were very supportive,” Banzhaf said. “At one time, I told them that if they wanted it, it’s theirs. They left it to me and told me they were happy with what they were doing.”

Hames probably could have been a head coach well before now, but chose to stay at A-G and eventually AGWSR. He’s had his own success as the head boys golf coach for 21 years, twice taking the team to the State Meet. Most recently, that happened last spring.

But instead of going for the spotlight of more glamorous basketball jobs, Hames stayed put – something he plans to do for some time yet. He has been with Banzhaf on the bench since coming to

2017 PROGRESS EDITION Ackley in 1995. With his wife Tracy also teaching in Ackley, Hames’ roots were transplanted and began to grow deep.

Hames graduated from Webster City High School in 1990, and went on to UNI where he played baseball for four years.

He was well rounded in high school, playing baseball, basketball and golf all four years. He also played football for two years and ran cross country for another.

Hames coached baseball at his alma mater for a season before coming to Ackley.

His first year, 1995-96, he was a volunteer coach for golf and basketball. He’s grown since then, and most recently added assistant baseball coach to his resume.

Coaching, Hames said, has always been a joy. He loves working with kids and being able to stay close to the sports he loved at their age. Though he’s had opportunities to go elsewhere - perhaps even as a head coach for basketball or baseball at bigger schools - he chose to stay at AGWSR. “I have stayed at AGWSR because of the people in the community and the school district. I don’t think people understand how good our kids have it at AGWSR,” Hames said. “The simple answer is the kids. We have great kids.

We have a good thing here at AGWSR.” Hames said the most rewarding part of his job as a coach is working with those kids. Helping them learn and appreciate and succeed in athletics always brings a smile to his face.

“Watching kids grow from their freshman year to senior year and just watching their skill set develop over the years and seeing them have success after all the hours they have put in practicing,” Hames said. “That’s the most rewarding thing.”

Both Banzhaf and Hames credit many factors for their longevity, the kids and the school district chief among them.

“AGWSR is a great community, a very supportive community,” Banzhaf said.

“I think small schools have more of a community sense than big schools, and we have an excellent support system from administration all the way down to the community. We’ve always had great crowds and parental support. It’s a lot of fun here.”

That - the school district, the people in the community and other things - all kept Banzhaf here, he said.

“This is a great place to raise a family,” Banzhaf said. “I always wanted to have my kids go through a small school

Though he’s had some bad seasons, it’s always the players and the community that get Russ Banzhaf through. He credits those things for keeping him in the district for the last 39 years.

PHOTOS BY COREY MEINTS / TIMES CITIZEN

Brad Hames has been an assistant on the boys basketball team for some 20 years. While he’s had offers to coach at bigger schools, he’s found no reason to change because his roots have grown in Ackley.

Hansen Family Ho I

t is the physician and provider. It is the nurse, the lab tech, the surgery tech, the imaging tech. It is the health coach, the physical therapist, the rehab therapist, the behavioral health counselor.

The one who greets you, schedules you, registers you.

The dietitian, the health education coordinator, the dietary team, the housekeeping team, the facilities team, the supply team. The one who codes the service, who works the patient’s claim, who navigates the chart.

The caregiver in the morning, the one in the evening, and the one through the night. The Trustee, the Director, the Volunteer.

The one helping in our community, the one advising your family, the one holding your hand.

It is our people who: l Care for 38,968 patients per year in our clinics from the greater Hardin County area. l Perform more than 750 Surgeries/Endoscopies in a year. l Administer 72,621 medications per year through the hospital alone. l Welcome approximately 100 babies to our world each year. l Serve the employees of more than 100 businesses in our community through business health. l Conduct over 110,000 lab tests annually. l Give 130 units of blood per year. l Visit 8 nursing homes each week. l Provide over $2.2 million in charity and uncompensated care (2015). l Serve over 9,000 individuals through health and wellness services above and beyond patient care such as community flu shots (300 in 2016), clinical environment for ECC nursing students (52 in 2016), and help for 20 patients/ month finding appropriate health care coverage.

The Greatest Resource

2/15/2017 • A / 7

Brad Hames, pictured here with his son Alex at last spring’s Class 1A State Meet, is the head coach of the AGWSR Cougar boys golf team. He has held coaching positions in Ackley since arriving more than 20 years ago. He recently took on baseball as an assistant coach. where they could participate and be active in things.

Over the years it’s become sort of a comfort thing.

There were times when you maybe thought about looking, but it always came back to ‘if it ain’t broke.’”

Because he’s been at A-G and AGWSR for more than 20 years, Hames’ list of favorite memories isn’t lacking. Two trips to State for basketball and two for golf would be enough.

“Two favorites are looking up at our crowd before our semifinal game at Vet’s in 2001 and seeing the whole side filled with our fans, and Evan Willms hitting a buzzer beater against South Hamilton to send us to State,” Hames said. “There’s lots of other great memories, too, dealing with teams and individuals in golf and basketball.”

Hames and Banzhaf share many of the same memories. Banzhaf remembers the State Tournament games first and foremost.

“Going in for the first time as AGWSR to the State

Tournament and winning our first two games to get to the finals - and how we got there with Adam Viet in foul trouble and making, like, 12 or 13 free throws down the stretch against PCM,” Banzhaf said. “That was a highlight. Some of the games we played in the old Hubbard gym. You had to get there early or you didn’t get a seat. Lots of memories.”

Both coaches plan to create more memories for the foreseeable future. Banzhaf admits that the future is probably longer for Hames. With other coaching offers coming and going, for Hames to remain at AGWSR says a lot about him and the district and community, said Banzhaf.

“That’s about his character and his love for the school, the kids, the district and the people in the community,” Banzhaf said. “I’ve been extremely fortunate. A lot of my success is because I’ve been able to surround myself with quality people. I’ve been very blessed over the years to have some great

assistant coaches that have been willing to put in the time and a school district that supports what we do.”

Hames’ tenure will only end when he doesn’t like what he’s doing anymore. That time is nowhere in site right now.

“It is something I enjoy doing and we have great kids to work with,” Hames said. “Once I stop enjoying what I am doing, I will stop coaching.”

Because of the community and school district support, Banzhaf has been afforded the opportunity to do what he’s loved for the better part of five decades.

He continues to find gratification in what he does.

“I think seeing kids be successful on the court and off the court is rewarding,” Banzhaf said. “Seeing kids graduate and go on to be coaches, teachers, doctorsjust seeing them be successful is probably the biggest reward. I’ve been blessed to have great assistants. I’ve been blessed to have a talented group of kids over the years. I’ve been blessed to have great support.” n

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8 / A • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

It’s a Family Thing Sietsemas carry on a multi-generational family business

BY MARISSA VANWINGEN | mar iss a@iafalls.com

T

he funeral home business is a family business passed down from generation to generation.

The Surls Funeral Homes in Iowa Falls, Alden and Williams are a mainstay in the communities with owner Randy Sietsema at the helm. Now, coming up behind Randy are his sons, following in his footsteps.

Scott Sietsema, who is the older brother, didn’t know what he wanted to do after college, so he started shadowing his dad.

“Even though I grew up living in the funeral home, I really never knew what he did because it was never an interest of mine at the time,” Scott said. “Then, after shadowing him and seeing the impact he had on the community and helping families out, I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

Todd said his path was similar.

“People coming up to Dad and saying thanks and everything was so nice and just being able to be there for people during those tough times and being able to be there to help them through it and trying to make a difficult situation go as smooth as possible for them,” he said.

Randy Sietsema graduated from high school in Hampton, and from the Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science (the same school his sons would later attend). In 1984 Randy bought Surls Funeral Homes in Iowa Falls, Alden and Williams and then BrandtFritz Funeral Home in Ackley in 1989.

In April 2000, the Sietsemas built a new facility in Ackley and named it Sietsema Funeral Home.

Randy and sons Scott and Todd aren’t the only Sietsemas in the funeral business.

The boys’ grandfather and his brothers were in the businesses as well. Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Homes in Hampton, Dumont and Allison are run by their grandfather and uncle.

“Keeping the business in the family is

Scott (left) and Todd Sietsema are third-generation funeral directors for Surls Funeral Homes in Iowa Falls, Alden and Williams. Neither knew they wanted to go into the family business right out high school, but they felt a calling to come back to their hometown and continue the family’s legacy. really important. Dad really enjoys it (even) if he doesn’t really express it out loud. He never pushed us,” said Scott.

“He let us choose our own path,” Todd added. “It was never, ‘you’re going to do this,’ which made it easier because you weren’t feeling any pressure to come back here and take over.”

Both brothers left Iowa Falls but eventually came back.

Their family has roots here. Their grandpa graduated from Ackley, their dad from Hampton and them from Iowa Falls.

“It’s a great community to raise a family,” said Todd, who is married to Adrienne Sietsema. “We just had a baby boy last June, so after growing up here . . . it’s a small town, but it’s close enough any direction will get you anywhere, but it’s a nice size to raise a family where you can let them go around the neighborhood.”

The biggest thing people are looking for when they contact the Sietsemas is information. It’s a lot to take in, especially if they’ve never experienced the funeral process.

“We try to help them out because a lot of times if they haven’t been through it before, they don’t even know what questions to ask, because they’ve never dealt with it,” Todd said. “We just try to walk them through the process of what’s all going to happen, the possibilities and options for them.”

The Sietsemas offer everything the family may need, and will do anything from a traditional funeral service and visitation to cremation services, celebrations of life or any other unique situation a family may want.

“We’re just here to serve,” said Scott.

During their busiest months, the Sietsemas could

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Kathy Bengtson (18 years), Michelle Meints (32 years), Calli Soesbe (1 year), Doug Truex (20 years), Vergilee Mott (29 years). Back Row: Jan Heiden (31 years), Lee Eagleburger (1 year), Jocelin Fonseca (1 year), Linda Oberender (1 year), Cathy Shogren (1 year), Abby Haverkamp (1 year).

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Through the years the way funeral directors do business has changed, and it’s gotten more personal.

When Randy started he relied on a print shop to produce the service folders. If there was a change or someone wanted a custom picture, it was more difficult.

Even today’s caskets and urns can be customized with pictures printed on the paneling. They can be shipped the same day.

While the work isn’t easy, it’s all about the families for the Sietsemas.

“I like just being there to help the families. It’s a tough time even if it’s expected, it’s never really easy and nobody is really ready for it,” Todd said. “It’s nice to be there and take the stress off for the families and to get everything they wanted to get done. Basically get all the ideas from them and all the work for them to make everything as easy as possible.”

One of the hardest parts is working in a small community and knowing most of the grieving families.

The work is never done. There’s really no down time and the Sietsemas are never “off the clock.” Calls can come in on Christmas Day or at 3 a.m. It’s a little more difficult for Todd, who lives in the funeral home with his family.

“Scott will come in on a Saturday morning or Mom and Dad will come in and get some work done and we’re sitting there trying to watch cartoons with our baby,” Todd said. “It’s hard to get away from work.

Even if I’m not really working or on call, I’m still there and live here so I’ll get the phone call to do something quick because I’m already here.”

Birthdays and basketball games have been missed because of business, but it comes with the territory.

While that can be hard for some, it’s all the Sietsemas have ever known. They grew up in the same house where Todd and his family now live.

“It wasn’t a funeral home, it was home,” said Scott.

“That’s one thing I think is neat, just growing up in the business is, it is a funeral home and it serves the community, but it is a home. Whereas if you go to Des Moines or the bigger cities, it’s more a business than a home. Small town stuff, it’s real personal.”

2/15/2017 • A / 9

Surls Funeral Home is just that, a home. The Sietsema brothers (Todd and Scott) grew up in the house and Todd lives there now with his wife and young son. Being in the funeral business means the Sietsemas are never off the clock.

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2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Two long-time employees at the Casey’s General Store in Alden have been key in creating a family-type atmosphere for co-workers. Sandy Cearley (left) has been at the store for 30 years, and Lucretia “Lou” Caplan has been there for 28 years. Both said they’ve seen a lot of changes and a lot of customers in that time.

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BY JUSTIN ITES | ites@iafalls.com

A

convenience store chain such as Casey’s General Store is likely to see employees come and go, as the job is fast-paced and often more suited for individuals seeking part-time work.

But the Alden store has become more of a familytype atmosphere, in large part to two long-time

employees who make its customers feel welcome and warm.

Lucretia “Lou” Caplan and Sandy Cearley have spent the better part of three decades making friends, listening to customers, and providing the best service they can.

It’s a unique relationship that has passed 28 years for Caplan and 30 years for Cearley. Alden Casey’s Store Manager Kristy McDonald said it’s rare to see one employee - let alone two - approach 30 years of service in a convenience store job.

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“It doesn’t happen a lot and we tend to see a lot of turnover with employees. There’s a lot of kids who apply and some don’t like putting in the hours.

These two (Caplan and Cearley) are more old-school, and I mean that as a compliment. They both have found their niche here. Lou likes making the donuts and would rather be back there. Whereas Sandy loves being behind the register and interacting with customers that way,” McDonald said.

Originally from Latimer, Caplan moved to Alden in 1972 when she married husband Ben. During

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Through the years, Casey’s has offered more products on its breakfast and lunch menus, which has added to the tasks Caplan must complete every morning.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ITES / TIMES CITIZEN

Caplan is back to her primary role of making donuts at the Alden Casey’s General Store location. Her day typically begins when she wakes up at 2:15 a.m. and arrives at work by 3.

her college years, she decided to study fashion merchandising. She spent five years working for JC Penny’s in Iowa Falls, and later moved on to Schultz’s Department Store and Boyt (Brands Inc).

But a familiar pattern of business closings left her looking for an additional part-time job to pair with her Boyt job. She found that job at the Alden Casey’s in September 1988, and a long-term relationship began to blossom.

“I wasn’t really sure how long I would stay here. The reason I wanted to leave Boyt is I wanted to get back in front of people and have more of a customer service experience,” Caplan said. “I love our customers. You get to know them and they are just as concerned about us. You see the same people come through the doors for coffee at 7 a.m. Some get the same food. Some of them it’s just automatic every day and I love that.”

When she began working at Casey’s, Caplan’s main task was to learn how to make donuts. She eventually moved out to the cash register, but found

that she preferred making food. Eventually, she added pizza baking to her skills. Back in 1988, there were no breakfast items made by store employees.

Caplan also had a stint as assistant manager, but when her mother became ill, she found the demands of the job to be too much.

“I liked assistant manager but the downfall is I missed a lot of my kids’ activities. A lot of times you are on call 24-7,” Caplan said.

Today, Caplan is back to her primary role of donut making. A routine week for her is working five days (Monday through Friday). Caplan wakes up at 2:15 a.m. and she’s in the store by 3. There are several things on her work list. Cake donuts have to be mixed up from scratch and done correctly or they won’t rise.

Her shift typically ends between 10 and 11 a.m.

Caplan said she knows a lot of customers depend on being able to stop by the store in the morning to pick up a donut or two. But she’s never worried about ALDEN CASEY’S ... Page 12

Welcome to Heritage Care Center We are a long-term skilled nursing facility where it is not where you live, but HOW you live that matters most. Our mission is providing “Dignity in Life” to all who enter our doors.

During a recent January day, Caplan turned her attention to breakfast pizza after finishing the donuts. Her shift ends between 10 and 11 a.m.

Keeping food stocked in the warmer is a primary function for Casey’s employees who work in the kitchen.

Caplan has a routine that works for her.

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completing her tasks on time.

“I was never worried about deadlines.

I had some good training. The key to a good system is having a routine that works for you,” Caplan said. “As I’ve gotten older, I think I’ve done a better job about managing my time. Once the donuts are on the rack, I start cooking breakfast sandwiches and other items.”

Personality shines at work A Williams native, Cearley moved to Alden with her husband Frank. She started working at the Alden Casey’s store 30 years ago.

When she was first hired there, Cearley said she would spend four hours a day cleaning the shelves. She admits she was shy and not as talkative with the public. That’s one reason she’s grateful to her Casey’s family. Now, she’s much more outgoing with the customer base.

“I love my customers. You come across thousands of people in the store on a pretty day and being located in a small community, we’re a busy store because there’s no other option here,” Cearley said. “I like to say that I walked in one day and never left. I was really timid and never talked to anybody. This job has brought out my personality and I’m more comfortable talking to people.”

After six months on the job, Cearley moved to full time and worked a night shift for 10 years. Then she switched to added weekend work for 20 more years.

Now she’s come full circle and is back to part-time employment.

Like Caplan, Cearley said it’s unique to know so many customers and also be aware of their preferences. She said forging a relationship with the customer base is one of the joys of her job.

“If I can make someone laugh before they leave the store, that makes my day.

They are my most important priority other than doing my job well. I like to keep it like a family store. Because of that, we are a small town where everyone knows everybody,” Cearley said. “While I’m behind the register, someone may say ‘I just heard so-and-so died.’ I’m upset too and it hits you so hard you cry. Then the next customer, you get your bearings and go on. There have been times I’ve heard news and I just had to go home.

That’s how close we get to these people.”

Many things have changed since

JUSTIN ITES/ TIMES CITIZEN

Unlike her long-time co-worker Lucretia Caplan, Sandy Cearley developed a strong love for working at the cash register during her lengthy tenure at the Alden Casey’s store. Cearley said the job has helped her overcome her shyness, as she looks forward to quick daily chats with routine customers who come through the store every day.

Cearley joined the Alden Casey’s team, including a brand new store that was built more than 10 years ago. That change also expanded the store’s registers from one to two.

While that may not seem like a big deal to those outside the operation, it was vital to the internal operations.

“We used to get longer lines. I tried to never look up to see how many were there. You can panic really badly. It’s hard because they want to get through quickly. But you have someone that wants to talk while they write out their check.

There’s a happy balance of not being grouchy but you need to move the line along,” Cearley said. “The register has built my self-esteem so much since I’ve worked here. I’ve worked with so many different co-workers. I’ve seen a lot of people come and go. Managers included. It’s way over 100 people I’m sure.”

While Caplan admitted she would like to stay at least one more year to make it to 30 years, she sounds like a person content to push that number to 35 years. That will not be happening for Cearley, who recently let McDonald know that she will be retiring in four months.

“I think it’s time to hand it over to the young ones. I’ve already given my notice of four months. In four months, I’ll have my 30 years in. A lot of people already know it. I can’t stay until I’m 100 years old. I have no doubts that it will be hard to walk out of those doors as an employee for the last time,” Cearley said. “My boss has been very good to me.

I’ve learned to have better patience. That’s what this is all about. Those who have stayed with us longer have become family.”

McDonald herself has a long tenure at the Alden Casey’s, serving as the manager since 2000. She said employees like Cearley and Caplan are irreplaceable, but she knows that no one can work forever. As she explained, there will always be a place in the workforce for stores such as Casey’s General Store.

“I’ve had people tell me if it wasn’t for Sandy (Cearley), they may not come in here as often. When she leaves, that will be a big loss,” McDonald said. “We (Casey’s) offer an important service. There’s always going to be a place for stores like us.” n

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2017 PROGRESS EDITION • SECTION B

The Greatest

Resource While a school building’s culture may influence how long a staff member chooses to stay in a school district, teachers like Carol Wiese in Alden say they choose to stay because of their love of the profession.

Page 2

When the Fraziers bought Ibeling Insurance in Ackley, they worked to grow it through careful additions.

Today, the company is thriving, in part, because of the people who work there and the relationships they’ve cultivated.

Page 4

Fareway in Iowa Falls and Eldora gives its employees a family-friendly atmosphere, including Sundays off.

That’s one of the factors that’s kept Cheryl Klosterman at the store for 27 years.

Page 6

Ashley Danger, Michelle Oliver and Brooke Gillespie don’t have easy jobs at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls, but all three agree it’s rewarding work for those suited for it.

They said it takes special people to fulfill the daily around-the-clock duties of taking care of people.

Page 8

TIMES CITIZEN / ACKLEY WORLD JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017

2 / B • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Iowa Falls-Alden High School Band Instructor Mary Jean Nederhoff directs students through rehearsal during a recent class. A native of Ackley, Nederhoff’s 19th year at IF-A will be her last, as she is planning to retire at the end of the current school year.

Planting Educational Roots Good support, dedicated staff keep teachers at local schools

BY JUSTIN ITES | ites@iafalls.com

E

xperienced teachers are, on average, more effective at improving students’ performance than those in their early years of teaching.

Typically, teachers consider a number of factors when they’re making a decision to stay at a school. Those factors may include salary, working conditions, alternative job opportunities and family considerations.

There is no shortage of experienced, quality staff members in the Iowa Falls and Alden school districts.

According to Alden Elementary Principal Kim Nelson, a school building’s culture can influence teachers to stay with one school district for longer stretches.

“I think overall, when people are happy, they want

to stay. When they are in a culture that is caring, they like coming to work. Sometimes, it has to do with family situations or spouses’ careers. Also the community plays a big part. I feel like our school gets huge community support. Obviously, we need teachers who are quality and good at what they do,” Nelson said.

Dr. John Robbins - superintendent for the Alden and Iowa Falls school districts - said the state average for teacher retention was 86 percent during the last school year.

Looking at the buildings in Alden and Iowa Falls, Iowa Falls-Alden High School had an 87 percent retention rate, Riverbend Middle School 79 percent, Rock Run Elementary 93 percent and Pineview Elementary 98 percent. Alden Elementary had a 90 percent retention rate.

“The numbers tend to fluctuate from year to year, because if a school district has multiple teachers ready to retire or that could accept an early retirement

package, your numbers will obviously go down as far as the retention rate,” Robbins said. “Typically, there are educational areas that school districts have more trouble finding teachers. Those include secondary math and science courses to name a couple of examples.”

Two staff members at Alden Elementary - art instructor Michelle Evans and special education teacher Carol Wiese - have been key members of the Alden staff for decades, and remain committed to their jobs.

Evans moved to Alden with her husband Dean in 1982. She interviewed for an art position just days before the couple were married.

“Alden was the only place I interviewed. My goal was to get into a school district. Actually, I was an Art and English double major in education, and history minor. I had a lot of subjects I could have taught, but art is my favorite,” Evans said. “I just love kids of all ages. The little ones are adorable and funny. They are the huggers. The middle grades are willing to

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For the past 35 years, Alden Elementary School art instructor Michelle Evans has been employed in the district. She said art education has changed a lot in that time. Today, she has standards and benchmarks to meet.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ITES / TIMES CITIZEN

Another fixture at Alden Elementary School, Carol Wiese has served in a special education teaching role for several decades. The reward of helping students reach their potential is just one of the reasons Wiese enjoys her job. do more. They are more mature. You experience a little of everything.”

Evans has been employed at the Alden school for 35 years, and realized early on in her career that the stay could be a lengthy one. One benefit was having her children attend the same school where she worked. While she has some hobbies, Evans said it is still difficult for her to see retirement in the

near future.

Through her 35 years, Evans has seen many changes come through art curriculum. Some of those changes have been enjoyable, while others have not.

“Regarding art curriculum, we used to do more supplemental and holiday stuff. If the teachers were teaching their kids about the pilgrims, then

we would do something in art class to reflect the Thanksgiving holiday.

It was more seasonal. Now I’ve got standards and benchmarks, and Iowa Core and Fine Arts. Mine are all based on National Art Standards. They have to do with elements of design and fine motor creativity,” Evans said.

Evans sees her classroom as a second home, as it holds memories for her and former students who may return to the room as parents themselves. That is also a unique connection she has with the community.

“It can be odd to talk to a parent that I used to teach years ago, but it’s also enjoyable. You can see the talent develop in their children that I saw in them when they were younger,” Evans said.

Another fixture on the Alden staff, Wiese moved to Iowa Falls in 1978.

There was a stint teaching in Mason City at a residential treatment center for behavioral kids before she applied for a special education teaching role in the Alden School District. At that time, she worked out of the Popejoy school building.

“Actually, I had a degree in elementary education and wanted to be either a first grade or kindergarten teacher. The Mason City job didn’t require that I have special education degree. I eventually was able to get my specific endorsements that I needed,” Wiese said.

Wiese and Evans have both seen plenty of administrators come and go, as well as the whole-grade sharing agreement with Iowa Falls.

Now, Wiese assists kindergarten through fifth-graders, students who have learning disabilities, behavioral disorders and developmental delays.

She works closely with the teaching staff to help them within their own classrooms. But mostly, she works oneon-one with students who come to her classroom for a portion of the day.

“It’s rewarding, we do progress monitoring and you do see the growth.

It’s always challenging and continues to be a challenge. I love research and reading and finding new ideas and strategies. It’s never boring and I love the kids. They are wonderful,” Wiese said.

While there was a brief 2 1/2 year stretch where Wiese left the school district, she returned in January 1984 and stayed. She credits her comfortability with having good

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And the band played on The Iowa Falls School District also has a number of long-tenured teachers, but they will be losing one of those faculty members at the conclusion of the 2016-17 school year.

Mary Jean Nederhoff’s 19th year serving as the high school band instructor will be her last, as she has opted to retire.

Prior to her current position, Nederhoff taught at WellsburgSteamboat Rock. She lives in Wellsburg, but is an Ackley native.

“The most appealing part of this job was it was a high school position and not a fifth through 12th grade position. It’s fun to have other band colleagues to work with. I knew I was their (Iowa Falls) fifth band director in five years. At end of the year, I had a lot of kids ask me if I was coming back the next year,” Nederhoff said.

“I loved my high school position. Just teaching high school was really fun to concentrate just on that level. But it also created a new challenge to take someone else’s students coming up from junior high. I had been used to having the student at the lower grade levels so I knew what to expect when they reached high school.”

Nederhoff said while she wasn’t fully ready to quit her full-time teaching job, she chose to do so in order to free up her schedule to spend time with family. She said the band students have kept her young and she will miss the interaction with them and watching them improve in the band room.

“I also have great friends on the faculty here, so it will be tough to say goodbye,” Nederhoff said. “But it’s time to give someone else a shot at it.”

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Denise Sprain, Marilyn Rutzen, Denny Lutz Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9-5 or by appointment 641-648-2379 800-238-1902 (In Iowa)

administrators.

“You acclimate yourself to people you work with. We get a lot of accomplishments from AEA (Area Education Agency) people or substitute teachers. I attribute that to the administrators that have worked here.

They set the tone for the culture here,” Wiese said.

Like Evans, Wiese said she can’t see herself retiring any time soon, but she knows she won’t be able to work forever.

“I can’t see ever stopping. I know reality-wise I will have to. But as long as I love my job, I don’t see why I would want to stop. I’ve not even come close to that,” Wiese said.

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520 Washington Ave. Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126

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Grand JiVante Green Belt Bank & Trust Hansen Family Hospital Hardin County Hardin County Tire & Service Heartland Asphalt High, Bowden, and Stockdale Hoversten-Colwell-Hoversten Hy-Vee Iowa Falls Community School District Iowa Falls Heating/AC/ Plumbing Iowa Falls State Bank Iowa Power Products Iowa Select Farms ITC Midwest Jennings Real Estate

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4 / B • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Relationships power growth BECKY SCHIPPER | news@iafalls.com

F

inding and keeping excellent quality staff in a small town is often one of the most difficult issues facing small businesses. Successful local entrepreneurs are finding a way to entice individuals to choose their business and, more importantly, keeping those staff they have worked so hard to find.

For Jeff and Joan Frazier of Ibeling Insurance Services in Ackley, the key is how and who they hire.

In 2007, the couple purchased an established insurance agency, Ibeling Insurance, owned by George and LaVern Ibeling. Their adventure began with just the two of them to serve their customers. In order to protect their assets and grow their business they relied upon their personal intuition and their vision to grow their dream.

Joan had worked in marketing and public relations with Jeff in the insurance industry since 1995. By 2006 he was in a management position in St. Paul, Minn.

The couple dreamed of getting back to their rural roots and began a search to find an independent agency to purchase.

Joan explains, “Jeff was with Farm Bureau, which only sells their own lines of insurance. We were looking for an independent agency which would allow us to sell from various carriers.”

Today, they’ve added four employees and the business continues to grow and change.

“We learned a lot from George and LaVern,” said Joan. That included honoring the Ibelings’ ideal of community support. Jeff sits on the Ackley Development Commission Board and the pair are active in the Chamber and Chamber Board, Joan is an EMT and their employees are coaches, assist with Sauerkraut Days, volunteer and organize for the Curtis Benning Wrestling Tournament and more.

“We encourage our employees to give back to the community, and allow flexible schedules to do so,” Joan said.

Finding their staff – which includes Krista Dieken, a retired teacher; Heather Harms, HR and Marketing background; Jenifer Kuper, banking; and Betsy Harms – Ag and Risk Management, was not an easy task, though each has helped the business grow.

Each remains there for their own reasons, but all agree that the flexibility offered by the Fraziers is one of the most valued benefits.

Kuper, who has five children, not only appreciates being able to work in town, but loves that the flexibility allows her to be a very involved mother.

“I can take part in the kids’ school activities – from parties to birthday lunches,” she said. “I work, but I can still be Mom.” She adds that not only do the Fraziers allow employees to spend time with their children during such activities, but also encourage them to do

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ITES / TIMES CITIZEN

Jeff and Joan Frazier (back row center and right) bought Ibeling Insurance from the previous owners, George and LaVern Ibeling. Since then, they’ve added four employees: (front row, left to right) Heather Harms, Krista Dieken, Betsy Harms and (back row) Jennifer Kuper. so. And that encouragement includes the countless community activities that they and their employees volunteer for throughout each year.

The camaraderie of the team is also something that more than one of the employees counted as a benefit and is something that they treasure.

One of the ways that this camaraderie is fostered is through the team’s daily interactions. They are encouraged and each enjoys spending time with the others – whether in daily conversations and sharing, or in meeting the goals of the agency and the rewards that come along with meeting those goals.

Joan explains that Jeff initiated the idea to reward the staff for their efforts.

“It’s fun and positive motivation with smaller

goals met awarded monthly and quarterly with monetary recognition and two levels of annual goals,” explained Joan.

The bonuses are sometimes used by employees as they are received, still others hold them an entire year, using the funds for holiday purchases, family vacations or other needs.

Each year there is an agency outing which includes a nice meal with spouses. These have been taken to Galena and other locations, and if the super goal is met – it could mean a trip to a warm, southerly location with the entire staff and spouses.

That’s something that has happened more than once since the program began in the office.

“We want our employees to reach their personal and professional best. To reach their dreams and we

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2/15/2017 • B / 5

PHOTOS BY BECK Y SCHIPPER / TIMES CITIZEN

Ibeling Insurance employees Jennifer Kuper (seated), whose expertise is small business, restaurant and liquor liability, works with the company’s Administrative Assistant, retired teacher Krista Dieken. Ibeling gives its employees goals with incentives to reach those goals.

Betsy Harms talks with Ibeling Insurance co-owner Joan Frazier in the business’ Ackley offices. Harms specializes in ag, crop and ag technology for the company. provide lots of opportunities to do so,” said Jeff. He notes that he and Joan encourage each of their staff members to become a specialist and become a resource for the entire company.

“Betsy, for example, is our go-to for agriculture and crops – her degree is in ag and she knows what she is talking about,” Jeff said. “That’s her passion and she’s stepped up and taken that passion to another level in her position with us.”

She started with the company in June 2010, wanting to move back to Hardin County to raise a family. Her passion is for ag and in providing farmers with resources and knowledge to manage risk and she understands that by doing what she loves, it doesn’t feel like work.

“The relationships are close and I like being around my coworkers. Everyone is very much involved in each other’s lives – inside and outside the office. This is a culture that Jeff and Joan began and it is blossoming.”

Along with allowing each staffer to excel in their own area of expertise, the Fraziers explain that the insurance industry has excellent resources and there are always continuing education courses required to keep licensing in the industry. Those courses are provided by the company and each of the staff members are constantly learning more about their particular area. With a better trained staff, the Fraziers can provide better service to their customers and keep their business growing.

Still, the group shares a lot of fun together, and has established much more than a working relationship.

“Think about it,” Joan said. “You spend more hours with your work family than you do with your home family. Establishing

Ibeling Insurance co-owner Jeff Frazier looks on as employee Heather Harms, whose expertise is home/ auto/umbrella and flood insurance, works at her desk at the company’s offices in Ackley.

and keeping these relationships helps to make work . . . well, less work.”

It’s a win-win situation for employee and employer. As the Fraziers watch their business grow they are also watching their employees grow and invest themselves further in their positions.

Another way to keep and grow employees is by prioritizing, preserving and cultivating customer service. The Fraziers allow fun in the office but still preserve the customer as the priority.

Of course, there are times when things don’t go as hoped or planned in a given situation. Jeff explains that while that is not the norm, he points his employees in the right direction rather than correcting them.

“I may just ask what we need to do for the customer and things have always turned out just fine,” he said.

What the Fraziers do is working for them and their employees. They are each independently motivated and can take their individual expertise in the direction they wish to grow the business and the relationships that go along with it – both their customer relationships and individual relationships within the office.

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6 / B • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Family Atmosphere

BY JOE BENEDICT jbenedic t@iafalls.com

I

n the present day business environment, not many people do what they did when Fareway came to Iowa Falls in 1955, that’s get a job with a company, work there 40 years and retire. People are much more mobile now. So why does Fareway still have so many long-term employees?

Iowa Falls Fareway Store Manager Jason Snyder has been with the company for 23 years.

Almost five of those years have been spent in Iowa Falls. Overall, his Fareway career has taken him to seven locations.

“I started when I was 16,” Snyder said. “I graduated high school and shingled houses for a year and thought ‘That’s not what I want to do.’”

He went back to Fareway and has been given opportunities for advancement that have kept him working for the company for more than two decades.

Market Manager Jim Hoover had a similar story about getting his start with Fareway. He’s been with the company about 18 years now, with six of those years being in Iowa Falls.

“I got out of the military and was looking for a job and went in and applied,” Hoover said. “I was going to college and was going to go to UNI and Fareway asked if you would rather stay with us.”

The company made Hoover an assistant manager.

“Fifteen years later, here I am,” he said.

It was during those college years when Hoover saw that Fareway was an accommodating place to work. The store did a good job of working around his college schedule. He said he was going to school full time and working full time.

“I thought I would have to

Every resident of Iowa Falls and Eldora must be familiar with the yellow and red Fareway sign. The store’s employees say the company creates a family atmosphere by working around employee schedules and being closed on Sundays. take night classes,” he said.

But management told him to let them know when he needed to be at school, and they worked around his college schedule.

“They were pretty accommodating,” he said.

While there are several employees that have been at Fareway for a number of years, it is also a place where some get their first job. Snyder was one of those. He said some of those employees will come and take up a few hours

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during college breaks, once they are out of high school.

“It just shows they enjoyed their time here,” he said.

Snyder and Hoover said they can look at the other end of the spectrum as well to realize people enjoyed their time at Fareway. They say former Iowa Falls store manager Dennis Beadle comes into the store often just to talk.

“It’s nice to have him around to run questions by him,” Snyder said.

He said Beadle enjoys talking to the

employees when he comes in.

“It’s like he never left the store. He’s a part of the family,” Snyder said.

The Iowa Falls store has been in its current location since the late 1980s.

While Iowa Falls has enjoyed Fareway for well over half a century, another town in Hardin County also gets to see the Fareway shield every day.

Eldora’s store is located at the corner of Edgington Avenue and 14th Street and also is no stranger to employees enjoying their work and making a career out of

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The Greatest Resource working for Fareway.

One of those employees is Cheryl Klosterman. She has been with the company for 27 years, all of them at the Eldora Store.

It has been a good place for the Eldora native to work. She said she’s lived in the city all her life and before coming to the company, worked out of town. A commute starts to wear on a person, however, so she found herself looking for employment closer to home. She filled out the Fareway application and was hired as a part-time checker. Eventually she moved up to full time.

“It’s a great company to work for,” she said. “There’s a great family atmosphere.”

Klosterman said since she is from Eldora, she already knew a lot of the customers that come into the store, but has met many more. It’s the public, she said, that she enjoys the most about the job.

“I like what I do. I do like working with the public, that’s why I stay here,” she said.

And while checking groceries may look from the outside to be the same thing every day, Klosterman said there’s always something new.

“I learn something new every day,” she said.

Klosterman, like Hoover, said the store has been accommodating for her schedule.

The employees from both stores mentioned how it is also nice to have Sundays and most holidays off. That has been a philosophy of the Fareway company and is another reason employees feel the family atmosphere at the company.

“I’m blessed to have Sunday off,” Klosterman said.

Fareway as a company came into being in 1938 in Boone when the first store opened there, according to the company’s website at www.fareway.com. At that time, the idea of a self-serve grocery store was something new. Generally shoppers took a list to the store and a clerk packaged everything for them.

Founder Paul S. Beckwith was a meat supervisor for a large grocery chain, but started to see customer service losing ground, so he wanted to again have happy employees serving happy customers. He and Fred E. Vitt got the company going and opened corporate headquarters in Ames.

Expansion then began with stores opening in Webster City, Fort Dodge, Estherville, Carroll and Oelwein.

The name comes from the old phrase “Bill of fare,” a term that used to be commonly used for grocery list.

According to the website, the name “also symbolized the idea of treating employees and customers fairly - where hard work deserved a fair wage, customers could expect to pay fair prices and the store could expect to earn a fair profit.”

2/15/2017 • B / 7

PHOTOS BY JOE BENEDICT / TIMES CITIZEN

Cheryl Klosterman has worked at the Eldora Fareway for 27 years. She said she enjoys working with the public every day. She also likes how Fareway feels like it has a family atmosphere that includes working with employees around their schedules and having Sundays and many holidays off of work.

The Fareway Shield is a well-know symbol of the Boonebased grocery company. Here it shows one of the deals being offered for the week in the Eldora Fareway. At right are some of the thousands of items that line the shelves.

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Eldora Economic Development 1442 Washington St. • Eldora • 641-939-3241 www.eldoraiowa.com

Invested In Our Community Cargill is proud to be part of the community of Iowa Falls. We continue to make changes and investments to help us be the preferred destination for locally grown soybeans and the supplier of choice for protein meals, vegetable oils, soy-based biodiesel fuels and pharma-grade glycerin.

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8 / B • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Because They Care

Heritage Care trio stays for people, company

BY COREY MEINTS | mmeint s @iafalls.com

M

ichelle Oliver, Ashley Danger and Brooke Gillespie have a passion for what they do and where they do it. All three said it takes that to care for the people every day.

All three work at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls, and have done so for at least 10 years. For Gillespie, it’s closer to 20.

Gillespie has been a lot of things at HCC, beginning as a CNA. Now she is the Assistant Director of Nursing.

“Basically, I help our Director of Nursing with anything she needs with resident care, charting, making sure that our processes are in place and being followed,” Gillespie said. “I also make sure our nurses and CNAs are following procedures as far as care and making sure treatments are being done correctly.”

In essence, Gillespie can do everything the Director of Nursing does. She got her nursing license in 2003, and then became a charge nurse.

Gillespie said CNAs do all the “front line” care, from helping residents get up and ready in the morning to putting them to bed at night. A charge nurse is a step up in skill, she said. Charge nurses can hand out medication, dress wounds and do more hands on care.

From there, Gillespie became an MDS (Minimum Data Set) coordinator. As such, she collected all the information that Heritage staff would need to know about the resident to properly care for them.

Gillespie said she never really thought she’d be working at a nursing home, period, let alone for as long as she has. When she was in nursing school, she wanted to work in obstetrics. But her beginnings at Heritage as a CNA changed her mind.

“I wasn’t even really thinking about being a CNA, but I was in high school thinking that it would help me pursue nursing,” Gillespie said. “Then I did my clinicals here for my CNA. It’s a very rewarding job and I really feel that everybody who wants to be a nurse should be a CNA. CNAs are our eyes and ears.

They know these residents better than every one of us.”

Gillespie’s favorite part of the job is the residents. Working with the elderly is a fulfilling job, she said. And that, in turn, taps

PHOTOS BY COREY MEINTS / TIMES CITIZEN

Ashley Danger, Michelle Oliver and Brooke Gillespie are in different departments at Heritage Care Center, but said they all work closely in providing care for their residents. They said it takes more than school and training to do what HCC employees do. It requires a love for it, and patience. into the nature of what Heritage looks for in an employee.

“They are the kindest people,” Gillespie said. “How we care for them constantly changes, but they don’t. They are the most important part.”

Because Heritage Care Center is a long-term care facility, every patient need - from a simple cold to a more serious injury or infection - is looked after. In many cases, those residents are there for a short stay while others have been there for a number of years.

There’s even outpatient care when it comes to therapy.

What’s

New

Ackley Area Development?

in

• Through a partnership with the Iowa State University College of Design, the ADC has begun a strategic planning process which will include a community survey, data analysis, and public input events.

And while not technically a Heritage employee, Ashley Danger is a physical therapist assistant and program manager. The company she works for, Select Rehab, is in a close working relationship with Vetter and is in all of their facilities, including Heritage.

Danger runs the therapy department at Heritage. The therapy department offers short term, physical therapy and occupational therapy as well as outpatient care.

Danger said what she does is always with the hopes that the patient returns home. She also does all the

We’ve seen many changes over the last 35 years at Jones Appliance & TV

• Members of the Hardin and Franklin County public safety departments have joined together to research various new uses for the old AGWSR Elementary School building.

• Stay tuned for the launching of the new City of Ackley website in early February!

• At a 2-3% interest rate, the Ackley Revolving Loan Fund is always available to provide gap financing to any new or expanding businesses.

Contact Us For More Information!

C Jefferson Fosbender, Director Ackley Development Commission ackleydevelopment@gmail.com 641-373-0114 739 ½ Park Avenue • Ackley, Iowa 50601 73

Thanks For Doing a Great Job!

But we’re still the same family owned business with the same friendly faces you have grown to know and trust.

We value your hard work Randy Smith – 35 Years Brett Carr – 30 Years Larry Miller – 29 Years Art Hubbard – 12 Years Phil Montandon – 10 Years Richard Long – 4 Years Tim Osburn – 1 Year ♦ Siding in the colors you want ♦ Replacement Windows FREE ♦ Shingling ♦ Flat Roofs ♦ Quality Workmanship No-Obligation In-Home

In business since 1932

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Iowa Falls Roofing Co. Randy J. Smith

133 E. Rocksylvania Ave. • P.O. Box 157• Iowa Falls, IA 50126

Cell: 641-373-1996 • 800-944-2338 • Phone: 641-648-9151

417 Washington, Iowa Falls Don & Lois Jones - Owners

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HOURS: Mon 9am-5pm / Tues-Thurs 9am-6pm / Fri 9am-5pm / Sat 9am-3 pm or by Appointment

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2/15/2017 • B / 9

Michelle Oliver started her career as a CNA and is now in Social Services at Heritage Care Center in Iowa Falls. She’s pictured with a special resident, her grandfather Chub Downing.

Ashley Danger is in charge of the physical therapy department at Heritage Care Center. She cares for several residents every day, and works closely with the nursing department.

Brooke Gillespie has been with Heritage Care Center for 20 years. She is the associate director of nursing and works closely with every other department in the long-term care facility.

scheduling, makes sure each patient’s plan is followed, does home assessments and sees to each patient’s restorative program following therapy.

As one of four therapists, Danger sees upwards of 11 patients a day. Each patient is under a different plan, and each therapist sees each patient in order to assure nothing is missed. Other therapists see a similar number.

Danger said the hardest part of her job is when she has to tell a patient or a family that therapy isn’t enough to send them home. The purpose of therapy for a lot of residents is to return home. For outpatients, the aim is to keep them home as long as possible.

“The hardest part of my job is to tell them, for whatever reason, that they’re not going to be able to go home since that is the goal,” Danger said. “Our goal is always their goal until there is a reason for it not to be our goal. They come in for any reason - from a broken hip to general weakness - the plan is to go home. There are cases where we have to tell them that it’s probably not OK for them to go home.”

The opposite of that is what Danger loves most about what she does. Being able to release people to live in their own home is very rewarding.

“I love sending people home,” Danger said. “It’s amazing.”

Then there’s Oliver who doesn’t exactly fit into any one single mold as the Social Services Director. She was a CNA when she was younger, but has spent the last decade at Heritage doing so many things. Today, Oliver is the social service and admissions director and helps with marketing.

In social services, she provides services to all

residents and their families. In the case of short-term residents, she assists them with home evaluations and services like Meals On Wheels. For admissions, she visits people referred to Heritage from various hospitals. At that point, a team gets together to develop care plans if possible.

Oliver said she will help any department when needed, even with duties that remind her of her days as a CNA. Oliver said she always thought that one day she would be working in a nursing home. She said she always liked visiting them and has taken great joy in talking with and caring for her elders. It took a little while, however, for her to land where she did.

“I started off going to aesthetics school,” Oliver said. “I got my CNA when I was still in high school, then moved away and was going to do my nursing.

When I moved back, I applied here and started working part-time.”

She began as a CNA some 10 years ago, then moved into restorative care working very closely with Danger.

“I really enjoyed that part of my job, and really thought at one point in time I would like to be in physical therapy and work with long-term care residents,” Oliver said. “Then I got offered guest relations here so I did that for a while working very close with all the administrators and leadership. I was everyone’s little assistant.”

Oliver, Danger and Gillespie said their departments - all departments, really - work together. Gillespie said the CNAs are the first-line eyes and ears of patients’ needs. They let the nurses know when there

is a change. Nurses, in turn, tell therapists when there is an issue. Therapists then tell the nurses about issues they find.

Oliver said it’s hard to find people suited to work in long-term care facilities. School and training only go so far. It takes patience, empathy, kindness and more - traits not everybody possess.

“It does take a special person,” Oliver said. “The same things we follow to hire a CNA is the same guidelines we use to hire housekeeping. We have a housekeeper that’s been here 25-plus years and I feel they are all passionate about what they do. They go into residents’ rooms every day.”

In all, there are 80 employees (40 to 50 fulltime) working every day, all day taking care of those residents. It’s not always easy and doesn’t always meet the expectations of some people.

“It can be a very trying job, but it can be the most rewarding job at the same time,” Gillespie said. “We have to advocate for our patients and do what’s best for them as a person. There are people out there who just want a paycheck. Those aren’t the people we want here. When we find good people, they don’t go anywhere unless they move. But sometimes it doesn’t always work out.”

All three women said Heritage is a great place to work. Being a Vetter facility makes it even better. But above all, they said it’s the feeling that the staff and residents are like family that makes it wonderful.

“Any therapist on a given day can get three, four different job opportunities from somebody offering something bigger and better,” Danger said. “But I fell in love with this place - the staff, the residents - and that’s why I’ve been here almost 10 years. It’s a home.

It’s so warming and welcoming. I don’t intend to go anywhere else. I mean, where else can you go and hang out with your ‘grandparents’?”

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The Greatest

Resource Darla Smith, who has been with Campbell Supply Company since 1984, stands with Bob Campbell, corporate officer with the company. Campbell Supply, along with Cam Spray and Iowa Power Products has built a business around being kind.

Page 2

Eighteen years ago, Sherri Windecker made a leap into the unknown and opened her own women’s clothing store. But she didn’t do it alone. She said her employees - her friends - are part of the reason she’s found success on Iowa Falls’ main street.

Page 4

Ryken Engineering and Land Surveying has grown from two employees when it started in the 1950s, to 13 employees today. They said the flexibility of their jobs keep them working in small-town Iowa.

Page 6

As state unemployment rates have declined, existing and prospective Hardin County businesses are finding it more difficult to attract qualified employees to meet their current and growing needs for a skilled workforce.

Page 8

TIMES CITIZEN / ACKLEY WORLD JOURNAL SUPPLEMENT, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2017

2 / C • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

The Golden Rule of Business Campbell family sees employee longevity in its businesses

BY JOE BENEDICT | jbenedic t@iafalls.com

T

hose who enter the three businesses started by the Campbell family in Iowa Falls - Campbell Supply, Cam-Spray and Iowa Power Products - will see on the wall a framed sign that says “Years of Employment” and below that a list of the years employees have worked there. Many have double digits next to their names. That’s one of the companies’ secrets of success.

Bob Campbell, corporate officer for Campbell Supply, said having great employees who stay for a long time helps them create better relationships with their customers. The salespeople at Campbell Supply can develop good relationships with their accounts.

“It’s a secret to our success,” he said. “A customer doesn’t have to explain what they need because the person already knows them.”

The company also focuses on its core values of integrity, following the Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”) and providing a financially secure and stable family environment.

Campbell said those values extend to the company’s other locations in Waterloo, Sioux City and Cedar Rapids. The company’s employees are expected to treat customers, vendors and fellow employees the way they would want to be treated as well.

One of those employees is Darla Smith. She is the assistant sales and marketing manager and has been with the company for about 33 years, after being hired in 1984. She came out of college and started with more of an accounting position with the company.

That evolved to sales and marketing and she has stuck with that.

“The atmosphere and people I work with has allowed me to grow,” she said. “It’s exciting to be part of

The back room at Campbell Supply Company is home to thousands of products upon which businesses and industries across the country and even internationally rely. Bob Campbell, pictured, said the building has been expanded several times. the company and watch it grow.”

Smith said Campbell Supply does a good job adjusting to her needs, too.

When she had twins, she said the company let her go to four days a week for a while and she appreciated that flexibility.

“And I enjoy what I do. That’s a lot of it too,” she said.

The company is all about family.

Brothers John and Jim Campbell formed a partnership in 1959 and bought a business from Manning W. Howell in 1962 to establish Campbell Supply Company. They originally were on East Rocksylvania Avenue, but moved to their

current South Oak Street location in 1968. That building has been expanded several times.

Second-generation family members Bob and Steve Campbell now operate the business. They keep the family atmosphere going.

“We have those core values here, which may not be unusual (for other companies) but it’s kept people here,” Bob said.

Campbell Supply is an industrial distribution company. Bob said a lot of people may not know what that is, but he said industries need someone to supply them with items like tools and

other components that they need to run their businesses.

He said industries also rely on a business like Campbell Supply to be on top of new items available.

Another advantage of having long-term employees is they get to know the products and can quickly learn about something new that their customers may be interested in.

“A company like 3M has new items constantly, our customers want people to show them what’s new,” he said.

Part of being able to find employees that will grow with the company, is finding young people interested in

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Sharon Ites works in the Iowa Power Products and Cam Spray offices in Iowa Falls. She has been with the company for 30 years and said she enjoys coming into the office to be with her “daytime family” every day. the business. Campbell said that isn’t always easy to do, with so many young people interested in technology instead of grinders and cutting discs. But on another note, the company does have a growing IT department to handle thousands of products on the website.

Finding people who want to live in small-town Iowa can also be a challenge, but the company does have opportunities for salespeople to live elsewhere.

Many companies have started out in smaller towns and then moved corporate headquarters to the state’s metropolitan areas. Campbell said this company has stayed where it was created because they grew up here.

They also have people who have moved away, but want to come back home after starting to raise a family, so a company like Campbell Supply in Iowa Falls is a good option for them.

The other two companies operated by the Campbells in Iowa Falls also see longevity of staff at them. Bill Jensen is an example at Cam Spray. Jensen is the product manager there and has been with the company for 35 years.

Jensen said Cam Spray was his first job when he got out of school. It was just getting started in the early 1980s.

“I saw the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of something,” he said.

Jensen said he works with good people and the company gives employees the opportunity to try out new things.

“If we have an idea for something we think we can sell, we get a lot of latitude to make that happen,” he said.

He said the company has a family atmosphere. The people he works with get their work done, but also have fun at the same time.

“It’s pretty laid back,” he said.

Jensen enjoys when new products come along. He said he gets input from coworkers on the project and watches what they can come up with.

Items need to be adapted for various customers’ needs.

Jensen said he plans on staying with Cam Spray until his retirement. As the business brings in younger people, he looks to spend some more time with his grandchildren, and also working on his farm and wrenching on his classic car.

Another business is housed in the same location as Cam Spray. That is Iowa Power Products. That business distributes Honda engines and Hatz diesel engines to the OEM market and through the dealer network.

The first face someone sees when entering the business is often Sharon Ites. She’s been with the company for 30 years. She came to the business after working for a Yamaha dealership. Her sister was working at Campbell Supply and told her about the opportunity. She applied and got the job.

Ites handles office work like payables, receivables, setting up new accounts, keeping track of payroll and vacations and other items similar to that.

Ites said a lot has changed since she first set foot in Iowa Power Products.

“When I started, we had one computer,” she said. “I’ve seen a lot of change over the years.”

Bill Jensen, product manager at Cam Spray has been with the company for 35 years. He said the company has good employees and he was glad to get in with the company on the ground floor around the time it was started.

PHOTOS BY JOE BENEDICT / TIMES CITIZEN

Darla Smith, assistant sales and marketing manager for Campbell Supply, and Bob Campbell said the company’s practice of treating people the way they would want to be treated has created a positive work environment.

As for her longevity at the company, she said the Campbells are a great family to work for.

“I couldn’t ask for a better employer,” she said.

Ites describes the Campbells as a good Christian family that has done a lot to help different organizations in Iowa Falls, including being active in church, with hospital organizations and organizations that make Christmas better for kids.

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Because of that, and her great coworkers, she has never wanted to work elsewhere.

“They are my daytime family,” she said. “I spend as much time with them as I do my actual family.”

Ites said it’s a place she wants to come to in the morning. She said of course there are stressful times, but overall, it’s a nice place to be and she, like Jensen, plans to retire from the business when the time comes.

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4 / C • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Building a Winning Team

BY SARA KONRAD BARANOWSKI skonrad@iafalls.com

W

hen Seifert’s closed its downtown Iowa Falls clothing store in 1998, regional manager Sherri Windecker was devastated.

“It was just a shock. I came back to the store bawling,” she said of the announcement in December 1998. “I just figured I’d work for Seifert’s my whole life.”

But that wasn’t the end of Windecker’s retail story. Not by a long shot. After working 15 years for Seifert’s and rising to the level of regional store manager, Windecker – at the urging of her husband, Terry Windecker – decided to open her own women’s clothing store.

“It was very scary,” she said.

“He was key in kind of pushing me to do it, but I was scared as all get out.”

Just four months later – in April 1999 – Style Works opened in the former Seifert’s location on Washington Avenue in downtown Iowa Falls. This spring Windecker will mark 18 years as a small business owner. But she’s quick to point to the real reason for Style Works’ success: the dedication of employees who have been with her from the beginning.

When Windecker made the move from Seifert’s to Style Works, she wasn’t alone. She took with her two former Seifert’s coworkers: Rita Dreier and Connie Ellingson. Both are still with Windecker at Style Works, Dreier as assistant manager and Ellingson as shipping and receiving manager.

“One person can’t run a business,” Windecker said. “It’s a team effort and I learned that from the get-go. We all have different

PHOTOS BY SARA KONRAD BARANOWSKI / TIMES CITIZEN

Connie Ellingson, Sherri Windecker and Rita Dreier have been working together in the women’s clothing business for more than 20 years. In that time they’ve developed a rhythm to their work, something that benefits themselves and the customers. talents and abilities and the combination of all of them is what makes us a good team.

“We’ve always, just always, gotten along and it’s been a good fit,” she said of Dreier and Ellingson.

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When the decision was made in 1999 and Windecker set off on the process of opening Style Works, she already had a good foundation of knowledge. When the store closed, she was in charge of management of eight Seifert’s

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“The small-town main street stores were the ones keeping them afloat,” Windecker said of Seifert’s. “They made it very attractive for us [to open our own stores], selling us fixturing for pennies on the dollar.”

Windecker drew up a business plan and set to work opening the store as quickly as possible.

“We really felt like the sooner we could get open, the better,” she said. “The longer the store was closed and empty, people were going to start going in other

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Rita Dreier is Style Works’ assistant manager. She picked up a lot of retail knowledge at Seifert’s, and has added to that with her nearly 18 years at Style Works.

Sherri Windecker learned a lot in her time with Seifert’s clothing store. When the store closed in 1998, she took that knowledge and opened Style Works in 1999.

Connie Ellingson is rarely seen on the sales floor at Style Works. Instead, she’s in the back room, taking care of the behind-the-scenes work as the store’s shipping and receiving manager. directions. We had urgency to try to get open and get the word out that something new was coming to this building.�

The plan worked. Seifert’s customers stayed loyal to Style Works, and the store started to draw customers from outside Iowa Falls. Today, Windecker said 75 to 80 percent of her business comes from outside Iowa Falls. She said that while her prices aren’t necessarily the cheapest, customers get more from Style Works than they would from a store at a mall. “We really pride ourselves on our service,� she said. “We help our customers accessorize and take things back to the dressing room for them. Just going that extra mile - people really do appreciate it.�

For Ellingson and Dreier, the difference is a business owner who’s dedicated to the store. “The people you work with is huge, and we have a close relationship here,� said Ellingson. “I came to work here because I like Sherri and the people who work here. I worked for Seifert’s and it’s not the same as working for someone who owns their own business and is on the floor all the time. It’s much more personal.�

Dreier said she’s appreciated that, as an employee, she’s able to have flexibility in her schedule. “We’re just kind of like a family,� she said. “You depend on each other and you know what everybody else is thinking. If one of us forgot to do something, the other one does it.�

But, as Windecker said, it’s “not all roses all the time� as a main street retailer, especially not with the amount of construction that’s disrupted foot and car traffic in Iowa Falls’ main business district over the past few years. “Financially, sometimes it’s very stressful. It’s like any other business – you have your ups and downs and you get through it,� she said. “I was on the streetscape planning committee and I was all for it, but it took a toll on everybody’s business and we’re still kind of building back up.�

Even without the construction projects that closed Washington Avenue and the Oak Street and Washington Avenue bridges, Windecker said the way people shop has also presented new challenges. “People are shopping online and people go out of town,� she said. “We just keep striving to keep that specialty store that has that different thing you don’t see in the malls.�

And, as Style Works continues to strive to grow and change with the demands and the needs of its customers and the community, Windecker, Dreier and Ellingson are sticking together. “As a store owner I feel strongly that you need to be here to be successful. I don’t think we’d be as close as we are if I just said ‘You be here all week and I’ll be off doing something else.’ You have to be dedicated and you have to be here to know what’s going on,� Windecker said. “I count myself lucky that I get to come to work and do something that I love with people that I love.�

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2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Flexibility key in small towns BECKY SCHIPPER | news@iafalls.com

R

yken Engineering was founded in the 1950s by Hollis Ryken. At the time, it had two employees. Today, the company is a thriving business with offices in three locations, including Ackley. Its owner is Lee Gallentine, Professional Engineer and Professional Land Surveyor, and there are 13 employees.

Finding individuals with professional degrees who are willing to work in a rural community is not an easy task, but the company provides incentives that entice employees, and it allows the continuation of the legacy of the business.

Employees have combined experience of more than 150 years.

Approximately 50 percent of the staff is degreed with either two- or four-year certificates.

“It’s very hard for any rural business to attract qualified employees,” said Gallentine, who purchased majority stock in the business in the mid-2000s.

Lee Gallentine (standing) bought Ryken Engineering and Land Surveying in the mid-2000s. His employees - like Dan Moore (seated), who’s been with Ryken for about five years - said they appreciate the flexibility that comes with working in a small company in a small rural town.

PHOTOS BY BECK Y SCHIPPER / TIMES CITIZEN

Ryken Engineering and Land Surveying in Ackley was started in the 1950s with just two employees. Today, it’s owned by Lee Gallentine and employs 13 people, approximately 50 percent of which have certificates.

Flourish to the next step A communit hub through the years, proudly restored so f t re generations may appreciate the joy of cinema.

“The economic end of it, the job itself, may be here but the social end for the family may not be,” Gallentine said. He added that if the person is single, trying to meet someone, or have children they are trying to find activities for, those are the things that often times a position in a rural area cannot provide.

A majority of the company’s employees have Iowa connections. They are in the area for reasons other than work.

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“Different employees require different things,” Gallentine said. Some may have children they need to pick up from school. Others may be caring for an elderly parent. Those things must be factored in.

Gallentine explains that he would never tell those who have committed to his company that they require too much from him.

“I can’t just put an ad out and find someone else. I need their expertise and they need someone who will work with them. That’s how you do business in rural Iowa,” he said.

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Scott Steinfadt lives in Grundy Center and commutes to work at Ryken Engineering and Land Surveying. He said he enjoys the commute and he enjoys the flexibility that he gets - including time spent talking to students about his work.

Sometimes that flexibility comes in the form of schedule changes. Some individuals may work four 10-hour days; others, five eight-hour days. As long as the work gets done, it’s all good for Gallentine.

Flexibility helps keep employees at

the business. Recently, an employee who spent 40 years at the company chose to retire. Several of the team have been at the business since Gallentine purchased it.

Don Moore has been with the company for five years, but has been a

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Moore grew up in a small town and was attracted to a career that makes things better. That same philosophy attracted him to the position at Ryken.

Another employee, Scott Steinfadt, also appreciates the flexibility he found at Ryken Engineering.

“It’s a good fit for me,” he said.

He and his family live in Grundy Center, and he appreciates the drive. He calls it his decompression time and says there is not much that could get him to move.

“It’s hard to keep the younger qualified individuals in the smaller communities,” Steinfadt explains. He notes that while there would be more applications in more metropolitan areas he’s completely content with where he is today.

“I do presentations for Scout groups and to a couple classes in Waverly and St. Patrick’s School where I get to impress on the applications of all those algebra, calculus and geometry classes and help students gain an appreciation for math and science.

“Lee is all about the flexibility needed and is quick to let me borrow equipment to take along and share at the presentations,” Steinfadt said.

The flexibility is a perk that he appreciates.

“I have friends with larger companies and they don’t give them the time to do what I can do here,” he continued.

Employers such as Gallentine and others in the area, are more apt to work with individual employee needs and desires than those in larger or more metropolitan areas to keep their workers satisfied and committed to their jobs. It’s a win-win for both.

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8 / C • 2/15/2017

2017 PROGRESS EDITION

Addressing workforce needs

BY SARA KONRAD BARANOWSKI | skonrad@iafalls.com

W

hen Hardin County businesses contemplate expansion, there are a series of factors that influence the final decision. One factor that’s been weighing heavier in recent years is workforce availability – the ability to fill the new jobs that are created by the expansion, creation or relocation of a business. And for Hardin County, as well as other rural Iowa counties, the news is not good.

“We’re almost in crisis mode and that’s just to retain what we have,” said Jacque Goodman, the assistant dean of economic development for the Iowa Valley Community College District. “I’ve talked to businesses who’ve said they would expand but they don’t have the workforce.”

In December 2016, Hardin County’s unemployment rate was just 3.9 percent. According to Iowa Workforce Development, that month Hardin County’s labor force was 8,640 people. Of those, 8,300 were employed, leaving just 340 out of work.

Iowa Falls Area Development Corporation Executive Director Cindy Litwiller said when she talks with prospective Hardin County Cindy Litwiller businesses, availability of workforce is one of their top two concerns.

“First off, they want to know if the location is conducive to their market,” Litwiller said. “And then workforce is always an issue. Do you have the workforce available?”

Litwiller and Goodman said with unemployment so low, the workforce that’s available sometimes lacks the skills expected by an employer.

Jacque Goodman “What I’m hearing from employers is to get the people that they need with the skills they need – that have even basic soft skills – is difficult,” Litwiller said, referring to the ability to show up to work on time and communicate with a supervisor.

“There’s a shift between the different generations, even from Generation X to Millennials. Every group looks at it differently and you see some of the younger ones want more convenience.”

Goodman said some employers have altered job

Area Shown

Likely to Change/Accept Employment

by Place of Residence (per ZIP Code) 7 - 57 58 - 238 239 - 549 550 - 979 980 - 1,883

Concentration of those likely to Change/Accept Employment in Iowa Falls

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descriptions.

“I met with a manufacturer who said they had to restructure the role for maintenance,” she said. “They now require a high school diploma and a willingness to learn. They need attitude and aptitude. They’ll train them and get them the skills.”

Training is where Goodman and IVCCD are coming in to help. The Iowa Valley District is offering a number of services to companies and businesses in its multicounty area. IVCCD currently offers two jobs training programs. One – Industrial New Jobs Program – is designed to help expanding businesses with the cost of training workers. If a company is adding jobs it can get help from the District with its training.

“We’re not seeing a lot of growth in our area,”

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Goodman said. “We see smaller projects taking advantage of that program.”

The other training program is called the Iowa Jobs Training Program. It is offered to existing businesses that want to offer classroom training.

“We realize there’s a need for leadership training for supervisors because many businesses are promoting from within,” Goodman said. While the Industrial New Jobs Program requires the creation of new jobs and has funding available, the Iowa Jobs Training Program “always has a waiting list,” Goodman said.

Trying to address the workforce issues closer to their roots, Goodman said IVCCD is reaching back in time, to future employees.

“We’re getting innovative and reaching down

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HARDIN COUNTY LABORSHED ANALYSIS: Likely to Change/Accept Employment: (Estimated Total)

Total Population 18-64: 108,391 Total Estimated Labor Force: 89,166

Unemployed Likely to Accept, 3.6% (401) Homemakers Likely to Accept, 3.5% (389)

Employed Likely to Change, 87.7% (9,684)

Retired Likely to Accept, 5.2% (571)

Estimated Total Likely to Change/Accept Employment in the Hardin County Laborshed Area: 11,045

Family Tradition The Campbell The Campb Ca be elllll Family e Famiily ly of ly of Companies Compa paniie es es

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Estimated Labor Force for the Hardin County Laborshed Area: Total Population 18 to 64

Iowa Falls 4,148 Ackley 1,394 Alden 919 Bradford 31 Eldora 1,894 Geneva 267 Hampton 3,172 Hubbard 746 Popejoy 17 Steamboat Rock 277 Williams 402

We’re more than family owned and operated.

To us, being a family oriented company means dedication to our employees and the community that supports us. We encourage our people to actively support their own families and the causes that are important to them.

Total Total Likely Adjusted to Change/ Labor Accept Force Employment*

3,492 1,174 774 29 1,595 251 2,979 628 16 233 315

1,883 549 389 14 718 112 1,330 283 7 106 142

We want employees of Campbell companies to live a full life as well as KDYH D IXO¿OOLQJ FDUHHU

*Total Likely to Change/Accept Employment references the estimated total of those who would be likely to commute into Zone 1 from their home ZIP code for an employment opportunity.

into high schools, and companies are becoming more visible,” she said. “We’re allowing students to job shadow and doing more with internships. We want to keep these students here. If we can show them there are jobs, will they stay?

“It’s about making connections,” Goodman said.

Another of those connections is the connection between education and increased earning potential.

CAMPBELL SUPPLY IOWA POWER Goodman said IVCCD has created “maps” that show COMPANY PRODUCTS CAM SPRAY students the annual salary they can expect if they 1-800-782-5134 1-800-648-5011 1-800-648-5018 embark on a career in manufacturing with a high school diploma vs. a two-year degree.

“We’re getting those maps into the hands of school counselors,” she said.

Litwiller said part of the education is directed at parents, too, who are used to accepting the idea that a student needs a four-year degree to a find wellpaying, fulfilling job.

“Two-year degrees are an excellent way to go,” she said. “And that’s where I think the job force is heading in the future.

Employers constantly have to change – the creation or development of technology and how there’s a constant evolution. They need to make sure they have the workforce they need for the future.”

To address the needs of the largest industries in IVCCD’s area, the After 2-year installment plan • Offer good for new and existing iWireless customers district has formed boards. Currently, there are boards for advanced manufacturing, health care and agriculture. Goodman said a fourth board – concerned with needs in the construction industry (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) will be forming in the near future.

“This is really important work,” she said. “We need to spend our time doing this. It feels really important to be taking care of our businesses and retaining the jobs we have.”

But it’s going to take more than training and education. It’s going to take an whole-community approach.

“As far as quality of life, that’s a huge issue,” Litwiller said. “In my generation you usually 4G LTE DATA ATA PLANS PER MONTH FOR 4 LINES went where the job was.

That’s where you made your home. Now, you see a shift where the younger employees are looking for J & S DETAILING HUBBARD CO-OP TELEPHONE ASSN that quality of life first and then they find the job.

611 South Oak St. • Iowa Falls 306 E Maple St. • Hubbard “We need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to make the www.iwireless.com | 1.888.684.0500 community a welcoming See store for details. Limited time offer. 4G LTE handset and 4G LTE network coverage required to reach 4G LTE speeds. Truly Unlimited place and address the plans require 4 lines to get the $30 per line price. (Line 1 is $50; Line 2 is $30; Line 3 is $20; Line 4 is $20.) Well-qualified customers may needs that businesses can’t get a monthly credit up to $10.42 per line per month for 24 months when you have an active installment plan with iWireless. If you cancel control,” Litwiller added. service, remaining handset balance is due at full price. Installment offer requires a monthly data plan of 6GB or higher. Or, get an instant “That helps them in their handset credit of up to $150 when you bring your number to iWireless. Instant handset port-in credit may not be combined with monthly bill credit. Prices and terms subject to change without notice. Taxes, fees, and other conditions apply. recruitment.”

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Keeping US and YOU running smoothly Thanks to the dedicated service of our long term employees, the new ones, and all in between, Dale Howard Auto Center Continues to be the dealership everyone in Iowa Falls and the surrounding area can rely upon for the best deals and service right here at home.

Gary Roll Service Manager 35 YEARS WITH DALE HOWARD Ford Master Certified Service Manager, Chevrolet Master Technician, GM Certified Service Manager Active in Iowa Jeep Club & Cedar Valley Jeep Owners. Enjoys off-roading out west in Jeep, Geocaching with wife (Dawn), Babysitting grandchildren (Peyton & Lyla)

Tom Johnson Service Technician 24 YEARS WITH DALE HOWARD Brake & Suspension Specialist Avid Hawkeye fan, Enjoys watching & entertaining the grandkids, playing cards, and watching NASCAR

Dave Cellan Service Advisor 22 YEARS WITH DALE HOWARD 33 years in the automotive business, Ford Service Advisor Master Certified Owasa City Council member, Dirt racing fanatic – especially sprint cars, working in the yard, mowing, fishing, flying drones

Mark Inks Service Technician 33 YEARS WITH DALE HOWARD Ford Senior Master Tech, Chevrolet Master Tech Enjoys NASCAR, Collects and restores antique chainsaws, avid hunter and trapper

1975 - 2017

42 AU T O

CENTER

www.dalehoward.com www.facebook.com/dalehowardinc 600 BROOKS ROAD, IOWA FALLS • 641-648-4691 or 1-800-798-1690

YEARS OF EXCELLENCE