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Fort Dodge,

ICCC board approves $14 million in bonds

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Loans to fund Storm Lake Learning Center, project renovation

By BILL SHEA gernews.net bshea@messen and Wayne Megan Secor in Tuesday’s Mason prevailedCity Council Fort Dodge election and 7 vote special primary in the Feb. on the will face off term to fill an unexpired council. field of eight Secor led thewon 292 votes, She candidates. percent, according or 30.42 election results by to unofficial released Webster County Auditor Doreen Pliner. “That is really great and makes very me feel she supported,” said Tuesday night. are “There Megan great a lot of t e s Secor candida I and I’m gladshe met them,”“I’m added. to really grateful who the people me. supported really I’m just be a proud to our member of community.”won Wayne Mason Mason or 157 votes, to according 16.35 percent, results. those unofficialthat I’m moving “I’m happy continue to a chance on and get Mason said. in the process,” was disappointed He said he turnout, which in the votervoters. totaled 960 you have to expect “I guess “People aren’t that,” he said. voting in the thinking about winter.” of the special The purpose was to trim primary electionfield to two the crowdedfor the general candidates vote ended other six election. Tuesday’s bids of the the council

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Saturday, Jan.

7, 2023 | Sunday,

Jan. 8, 2023

‘My Dad’s Jokes’

Iowa

2023

THEIR SAY VOTERS HAVE , Jan. 11, Wednesday

WINGERT By KELBY engernews.net kwingert@mess Community The Iowa Centralof Trustees general College Board sale of two approved thebonds totaling $14 obligation Tuesday. million on of the loans are to The bulk of a new fund the construction Learning Center. Storm LakeStorm Currently, students Lake in take classes photos -Messenger separate three by Hans Madsen the locations — AEA building, ABOVE: Dawn High Fort Storm Lakeon the Larson, of School and Buena Dodge, contemplates campus of her Fort Dodge special Stacy Vista University.is City Council “Our goal Mentzer primary election to get everyone ballot Tuesday central will the into one morning in this building location anddo that,” said Stacy Council Chambers allow us to vice president of in the Municipal Mentzer, at Iowa Central. Building. The instruction Storm Lake Learning eventual winner the seat 323 W. The new will occupy man be built at Central Center will the Iowa behind the right. that 20th St., near standing at Training Center Industrial 2021. opened in Julyapproved the sale LEFT: Election The board tax-exempt worker Bruce of of an $8,000,000 bond to McCullough, shares general obligation Scott, of Fort Dodge,his at an Janney Montgomery treats with Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, of 2.9999%. The fellow election rate interest workers Tuesday general obligation the board tax-exemptbe used for the Storm morning in Fort bonds will room at the Center. Lake Learning have a maturity Dodge Community The loan will School District’s 2034. e June of submitted date Administrativ of the to Five other financiers Offices. Many sale, accordingvice have bids for the senior election workers together Maggie Burger, been serving bringing for years and is a share Page 6 treats to See ICCC, election time-honored day tradition.

Fort Dodge,

Iowa

Life Section C

Why did the cookie go to the doctor?

Because he was feeling crum my!

Fort Dodge resident and Keenan Schuur co-owner wrote and published of Coldwell Banker Associated a children’s Realtors book titled Sometimes “My Dad’s Jokes.” Dad and sometimes Jokes bring out kids’ laughter, from teenagers,they elicit annoyed groans author, they’re but for one local with his kids. a tool to connect

Recently, Fort and Coldwell Dodge resident Banker Realtors co-owner Associated wrote and publishedKeenan Schuur Jokes,” a children’s “My Dad’s book. Maddie Lind, owner of Dodge Graphix in Fort the book. The Dodge, illustrated characters illustrated of on Schuur and the book are based 15-year-old his eldest daughter, Anelise, as well rest of the Schuur family-- as the wife Lydia, his 7-year-old Liam and 3-year-old Gwen. “I’m always telling cheesy trying to embarrass dad jokes, The characters them in front their friends illustrated of were based and by what not, on author Kennan Maddie Lind, of Dodge so it was just Graphix, Schuur and Schuur said. something I was going his daughter, to do for them,” Aneliese. Story & photos Initially, Schuur by Kelby Wingert just planned kwingert@mes to be much to make the sengernews.net bigger than candidates. were: book for his that. kids, but then Those candidates “There’s not 99 votes, he realized a whole lot n Richard Higgins, it needed of dad-focused The book is 10.31 percent. 94 votes, books for kids,” about the relationship n Jim Seward, he said. of “dad jokes” between a dad has created 9.79 percent. named Nell, and his daughter after Anelise. a bond throughout the Page 6 and how just felt fit Some of the years. The See ELECTION, with the story. daughter in his telling anecdotes children. the book is are personal The inspiration and some parts overall comes Schuur “When it starts, from his relationships [Nell] is a young with his to help her kid and she feel a little loves the jokes, comfort,” Schuur nervous, so he tells her so she looks said. “It’s a joke to kind to As the daughter of lighten her her first day of school the jokes and she’s up a little bit.” and embarrassin gets older and becomes g. But as she a teenager, become a comfort she transitions Ireland. to college and starts to find the jokes again. Hozier, dinner with: adulthood, The book ends Vacation destination: like to have her dad’s dad silly with the dad MS People I would it’s jokes Arabic Siken. continuing to Nell’s children. Richard I’ve been taking 4. the tradition Brian Sella, ARTS PROGRA people that: in Arabic of telling dad The story is It would surprise year and I am now OF FDSH FINE jokes, but this chock-full of JOHNSON time since my freshman me: Hozier. dad jokes. BEING PART By CHRIS gernews.net “They’re all that inspires Ms. Krug. pretty good,” Performer sports@messenarts has given Dominic BERRY ENJOYS Krug’s room role model: Schuur said. in fine shell. sitting in Ms. My everyday The Schuur “The cheesier Being involvedto break out of his Senior High day without: kids I can’t go a the better.” practice. times,” he said. love the book, he said. Hopefully still Berry the chanceinvolved at Fort Dodge I don’t have “They’ve made even when in 10 years? Before beingshied away from things. because I see myself in the community. me read it to Writing and Where do be involved School, Berry them quite music and involved Rainbow Kitten publishing the for me to Berry said. a few involved with listening to: “Hide” by me a lot,’’ and shy, Local artist book was quite “It’s important “There was have helped quiet a process, What are you a lot the children’sMaddie Lind, owner of these programs them I was really comfortable Schuur said. show Finding a publisherof tweaking and whatnot, Dodge book written Surprise. I am a lot more “Before I joined ABBA marching Masters.” and published Graphix, illustrated was a challenge and getting “Ink Dream piece: publishing and and after participating by Keenan Schuur. input here in marching binge watch: because self-publishi A show you speech around people.” Berry is involved ng so he could he wanted to go with and there,” he said. page design Schuur then As a Dodger, band, jazz band, orchestra,of high by, Favorites... a hybrid retain the rights connected Outside Front Bottoms. Michelle Colshan with Lind to to his book. of traditional Musical: “Falsettos.” band, symphonicin the fall play. “She did great or “Crush” to Me” by The illustrate the and has been participates in 4-H. baritone Song: “Be Nice for Alaska” by John Green with all the book. plays fortheyour artwork,” Schuur school, Berry violin in “My Dad’s Jokes” side, Book: “Looking your forinBerry said. band and the On the musical Richard Siken. ensemble acting is available n and byPerformance: available as and mallets Our dedicatio saxophone an E-book and on Amazon, Barnes the class and n your for sometimes Room.” their & Noble, Archway through the love dedicatio shelves. orchestra.for being your in both, as said. “But I ent titled “Marvin’s Indie. Ingram Catalog Publishing. “It is hard commitm and days,’’ Berry ent used by bookstores It’s also Musical genre: being in them.”a Violin. commitm andimaginennot periods alternate through can’t to stock Instrument: and dedicatio dedication Theory. both classes to share thoughtsto of sharing.

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FDFORD.com

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1st Grade, Feelhaver Elementary

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Antonyo is genuinely kind to his peers in and out of the classroom. In the lunchroom he goes out of his way to help a peer set up his lunch daily. He puts his best foot forward each day and is a in demonstratingtrue leader expected classroom behaviors.

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Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is published monthly by The Messenger in cooperation with The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

All rights reserved. Copyright 2025. Reproduction in part or in whole without the expressed written permission of Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is strictly prohibited. Unsolicited manuscripts must be accompanied by return postage. Fort Dodge BUSINESS CONNECTION is not responsible for unsolicited photographs, artwork or manuscripts. The opinions expressed in editorial material are not necessarily the opinions of Fort Dodge Business Connection.

2 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

CONTENTS December 2025

INSIDE:

In your Messenger

Note from the CEO

Board Member Spotlight: Bemrich Electric

Q&A: Memories of Mayor Bemrich

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Newsletter

City Connect

College Connect

County Connect

United Way

Artist Spotlight: Kim Wankum

Shining Star: Emma Davis

Financial Focus

Community Events

To advertise in the Business Connection Contact your Messenger Sales Consultant! December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 3

DECEMBER 2025 Our mission is to unify and coordinate accountable economic and community development to enhance the quality of life in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and the region.

UPCOMING EVENTS: MEMBER MEET & EAT JANUARY 15, 2026

12 -1 P.M. AT FORT DODGE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 109 N 25TH ST, FORT DODGE, IA 50501 $25 FOR MEMBERS & $35 FOR NON-MEMBERS

COFFEE & CONNECT FEBRUARY 13,2026

GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE 24 NORTH 9TH ST., FORT DODGE, IA, 50501 FREE EVENT: PLEASE REGISTER

24 North 9th Street, Suite A Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Staff • Astra Ferris - CEO astra@greaterfortdodge.com • Jill Nelson - Vice President jill@greaterfortdodge.com • Jefferson Fosbender - Economic Development Director jefferson@greaterfortdodge.com

GFDGA ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER FEBRUARY 26,2026

The Cardiff Event Center at Fort Frenzy 3232 1st Ave S, Fort Dodge, IA 50501 Doors open at 5, Dinner, and Ceremony start at 6. KEYNOTE SPEAKER: JOEY COLEMAN

NEVER LOSE A CUSTOMER AGAIN WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 27, 2026

Featuring Joey Coleman 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Iowa Central Community College BHS Auditorium $25 TO ATTEND

DON’T MISS OUT

At the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, our

• Katy Grobe - Marketing Specialist katy@greaterfortdodge.com • Emily Mikos - Operations Coordinator emily@greaterfortdodge.com • Kamisha Mosley - Administrative Assistant kamisha@greaterfortdodge.com

events are more than just gatherings—they’re opportunities to connect, collaborate, and elevate our community. Whether it’s networking at a Meet & Eat, celebrating new businesses with ribbon cuttings, or engaging in professional development through programs like Leading Ladies and Leadership Fort Dodge, each event strengthens our local economy and fosters meaningful relationships. By participating, you gain visibility, forge partnerships, and stay informed about the latest initiatives shaping our region. Join us in making Fort Dodge a thriving

place to live and do business!

4 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

INTRODUCING OUR NEWEST MEMBER TO THE GROWTH ALLIANCE

WHY SHOULD YOU BECOME A MEMBER OF THE GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE?

1. Meet your House of Colour Fort Dodge Heartland team: Alissa Nelson, Jenny Condon, and Jeremiah Condon — owners, certified personal stylists, and your new hype squad in great lighting. We help you discover the colors that make you shine — the ones that brighten your face, boost your confidence, simplify your closet, and make getting dressed feel effortless instead of exhausting. From seasonal coloranalysis to style guidance, we show you how to use color and clothing to communicate who you are with clarity, ease, and undeniable confidence.Serving Fort Dodge & the surrounding areas, we’re here to help you step into your most authentic, magnetic, head-turning self. Three best friends. One passion: helping YOU discover the confidence color brings.

2. 3. 4.

Tjaden Electric brings 48 years of trusted expertise to every project, delivering the dependable service custom-

BUSINESS GROWTH AND ECONOMIC VITALITY

Your membership is an investment to support our mission of community growth and prosperity.

MAKE CONNECTIONS

We offer a variety of programming and opportunities to foster networking and relationship building such as our member lunches, Leadership Fort Dodge, and our Leading Ladies program.

VISIBILTY FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Included in your membership are promotional & marketing tools to increase your advertising reach and assist in growing your business.

WORKFORCE ATTRACTION AND RETENTION TOOLS

From roundtable discussions, a job openings board, and a personalized community concierge program for new community members, we offer a veriety of tools to assist you in finding and retaining the best employees.

ers have relied on for generations. Built on a foundation of integrity and craftsmanship, Tjaden Electric is known for showing up, following through, and getting the job done right the first time. From residential upgrades to complex commercial installations, the team combines proven experience with modern solutions to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-lasting performance. With nearly five decades in the industry, Tjaden Electric con-

ADVOCACY

Collaboration is the name of our game. We work closely with local, state & federal officials to make our region an excellent place to do business, coordinating economic growth for business of all sizes.

tinues to set the standard for quality work and reliable results—earning the confidence of clients who expect nothing less than excellence. December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 5

CEO Corner: A Season for Local Strength As we settle into the holiday spirit and the year winds down, I think we can all agree it’s easy to let the “busy-ness” of the season guide our decisions. Between family commitments, school performances, year-end deadlines, and the rapid pace of daily life, we often choose convenience, which usually means the quickest possible way to holiday shopping: online.

choosing this area because of our people, our infrastructure, and, yes, our community spirit. When companies are evaluating where to grow, they want to see a place where businesses of all sizes thrive. Local shops and businesses do so much more than sell goods. They shape our culture, reflect our character, and offer the kind of thoughtful, in-person service you can’t buy online. They’re where new ideas get tested, where relationships are built, and where people feel welcomed, not just as customers, but as neighbors.

But this season, I’d like to challenge us all to pause and think about the impact of our holiday purchases. When we choose to make local shopping purchases, we aren’t just crossing items off a shopping list; As we walk into this season of celwe’re investing in the very heart- ebration, I encourage you to see beat of our community. your holiday shopping as a reminder of the kind of community Every dollar spent at one of our we’re building together. Choose local retailers, restaurants, or ser- the boutique gift, the handcrafted vice businesses does so much gift, or the meal at a locally owned more than give a gift; it circulates restaurant. Pick up a gift card from through the region, supporting jobs a local salon or support a fresh new and fueling critical resources like start-up. It’s meaningful not only to street improvements and public the recipient but also to your comservices. That isn’t just a statistic; it’s munity. how we build a stronger, more resilient Fort Dodge region. On behalf of the Growth Alliance, thank you for believing in our comThis year at the Growth Alliance, munity, for shopping local, supwe’ve seen real momentum: ma- porting each other, and helping jor investments coming to life, new us build a region full of opportunity, housing starts, workforce partner- resilience, and heart. ships expanding, and employers

ASTRA FERRIS, IOM

Chief Executive Officer, Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

HAVE YOU LISTENED TO OUR PODCAST YET?

6 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

Upcomin� Ribbo� Cutting� & Celebration� January 14, 2026 ~ The Betterway Project Open to the Public: 4:00 p.m. 1003 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA, 50501

January 27, 2026 ~ Frontiers Day Kick-Oﬀ Celebration Open to the Public: 4:30 p.m. 1 Museum Rd, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

February 11, 2026 ~ Heath Family Eyecare Open to the Public: 4:30 p.m. 1511 1st Ave South Fort Dodge IA 50501

February 17, 2026 ~ House of Color Meet & Greet Open to the Public: 4:00 p.m. Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Community Room 24 N 9th St A, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

March 5, 2026 ~ Investionista with Signe Lonholdt Open to the Public: 4:00 p.m. Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance Community Room 24 N 9th St A, Fort Dodge, IA 50501

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 7

FACES & PLACES

8 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

FACES & PLACES

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 9

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

If you’ve lived, worked, or even just driven through the Fort Dodge region at any point in the last four decades, chances are Bemrich Electric & Telephone has had a hand in powering something around you. The company’s roots reach back to April 1, 1984, when Jim and Pat Bemrich made the bold leap to start a business out of their spare bedroom, complete with an old ’72 Ford pickup and a whole lot of determination.

Their team of more than 30 licensed electricians, certiﬁed technicians, and apprentices handles everything from wiring new commercial buildings to restoring historic courthouse clocks (yes, that really happened), and from designing modern network systems to installing ﬁber optics and communication lines. They’ve worked in gypsum plants, ethanol facilities, medical centers, retail developments, and just about every corner of the community

10 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

DECEMBER 2025

Flash forward 40 years, and that small family dream has grown into a regional electrical and communications powerhouse led today by third-generation President Matt Bemrich alongside Vice President Jamie Bemrich.

A Company Connected to Community Even as their service oﬀerings have expanded, from traditional electrical work to full-scale IT solutions, network design, ﬁber installation, and phone systems, one thing hasn’t changed: their commitment to Fort Dodge. Bemrich Electric has donated labor to Habitat for Humanity homes, supported My Happy Haven renovations, sponsored youth sports, and encouraged employees to volunteer as coaches and mentors.

Looking Ahead As Bemrich Electric celebrates more than 40 years in business, the company is far from slowing down. With increasing demand for electrical upgrades, data infrastructure, ﬁber connectivity, and smart technology, the Bemrich team is positioning itself for the next generation of service and growth. Knowing their history, you can expect them to approach it the same way they always have: with integrity, craftsmanship, and a whole lot of teamwork. For a company that began with one truck, one garage. One bold decision, Bemrich Electric & Telephone continues to prove that when you build something with heart, and power it with dedication it lasts.

BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

That attitude extends to their dedication to staying skilled and up-to-date. Their electricians complete a four-year apprenticeship and must pass Iowa’s electrical licensing requirements, and continual training keeps them sharp as technologies evolve. Whether it’s smart lighting, energy-eﬃcient systems, industrial automation, EV charging stations, or complex network infrastructure, Bemrich continues to push forward with the same determination Jim and Pat started with.

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 11

DECEMBER 2025

Q&A

In Their Words: Community Memories of Mayor Bemrich

Astra Ferris – CEO of Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance It’s clear that Mayor Matt Bemrich has been a driving force behind the forward momentum of this community for many years. His leadership, vision, and commitment to collaboration have shaped meaningful progress across our region, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him through the Growth Alliance. His dedication to strengthening Fort Dodge will continue to inspire the work we do every day to elevate our community.

David Flattery - 2026 Fort Dodge Mayor After 16 years of being mayor of the city, I want to let Matt know that I appreciate his dedicated service to the city. He stepped into the role as mayor at a young age with a level of commitment and professionalism that earned the respect of the entire community and beyond. His leadership helped drive economic development and enhance the quality of life we enjoy today. Thank you, Mayor Matt. It was an honor working with you.

Dennis Plautz I met Matt in his first City Council term in my office and after I commented one day about when I took parking meters out of the Downtown the first time, he responded with, “gee, I would have been 3 years old”. Well, I have since become a friend that really respects his growth, commitment,enthusiasm, and belief in Fort Dodge and Webster County. We have been fortunate to see him step up and I am happy to have worked with him and to call him a friend.

Maggie Smith-Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald, Smith and Associates

We extend our sincere thanks to Mayor Matt Bemrich for more than 20 years of working closely together at the Iowa Capitol on behalf of Fort Dodge. Throughout that time, Mayor Bemrich was consistently accessible, engaged, and thoughtful, always keeping the best interests of Fort Dodge and its residents at the forefront. His willingness to listen, collaborate, and advocate made him a trusted partner and an eﬀective leader. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside him and appreciate his steady commitment to strengthening Fort Dodge and ensuring its voice was heard at the Capitol. 12 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

Niki Conrad – Webster County Supervisor Matt Bemrich and I have known each other most of our lives since even before our St. Ed’s days in the early ’90s. Even back then it was clear he had a deep love for and sense of pride in Fort Dodge. Over his 16 years of service, he brought a terrific blend of fierce advocacy, intelligence, and out-of-the-box thinking to every challenge. One of my favorite things about Matt is how he confidently speaks truth to power while still keeping the conversation open, friendly, and focused on getting things done for a shared goal. Our community is better because he never stopped pushing for progress, and he never stopped believing in what Fort Dodge could be. I am eager to see what he does in the future and am sure that if a voice of reason needs to be employed, he'll continue to offer his wisdom

Q&A DECEMBER 2025

issue no

Josh Porter – Superintendent for Fort Dodge Community School District Mayor Bemrich has shown tremendous support for Fort Dodge Public Schools. His willingness to listen, collaborate, and problem-solve has been invaluable to me in my role as superintendent. Because of his partnership, the bond between the City of Fort Dodge and our schools is stronger than ever, a connection that will continue beneﬁting our students, families, and community for years to come. On a personal note, one memory that will always stick with me is the mutual frustration we share for the trains that seem to run right through town every morning from 7:30 to 8:00 AM — perfectly timed to disrupt work, school, and just about everything else. It’s a small thing, but it’s also a reminder of the honest conversations and real-world challenges we’ve tackled together. Thanks For Everything, Mayor Bemrich, from all of us at Fort Dodge Public Schools.

Luke Hugghins – Business Partner McClure Engineering I will always remember our local delegation spring trips to Washington D.C. lobbying for federal funding as an example of Mayor Bemrich’s ability to exercise his unique vantagepoint for progress. Washington D.C. is a complicated place so we have been fortunate to have a mayor who understands the political nuances and can seamlessly fill our limited meeting times with the most critical soundbites of every local initiative from small business support to billion-dollar economic development initiatives. When the group needed to split duties due to overlapping meetings, Mayor Bemrich has always stepped up to speak just as confidently about Webster County or education initiatives because it meant helping the City’s economic development partners. These are examples of Mayor Bemrich’s approach to selfless leadership no matter where he is representing this region. He utilizes his wide range of expertise to build relationships with potential stakeholders and promote our entire region, despite constant headwinds. He has been a great mentor and will continue to be invaluable for this region!

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 13

Kerrie Kuiper- Visit Fort Dodge The Visit Fort Dodge staff extends our deepest appreciation to Mayor Bemrich for his support of the Fort Dodge Convention & Visitors Bureau and Visit Fort Dodge. His many years of leadership have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that have strengthened and elevated tourism throughout our community. From championing major events and development projects that attract visitors, to supporting our organization’s rebranding efforts, as well as representing Fort Dodge at the state and national levels, Mayor Bemrich has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to our city’s growth. His dedication, vision, and advocacy have made a lasting impact, one that Fort Dodge will continue to benefit from for years to come. His service has been a meaningful gift to his hometown, and we are sincerely grateful for the time, effort, and expertise he has invested in our community.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Mayor Bemrich on a large number of projects over the past 16 years. To identify one memory over any other would be a disservice to Matt’s overall body of work that has positively inﬂuenced the renaissance of Fort Dodge these past 20 years.

Q&A DECEMBER 2025

Wade Greiman - Transportation Business Unit Leader at Snyder & Associates, Inc.

I will instead attempt to encapsulate a holistic summary of my experiences with him. Matt’s knowledge of everything municipal government including finance, housing, public infrastructure, economic development, urban revitalization, workforce development, etc. has served Fort Dodge well. One thing that stands out to me is his inherent leadership. Mayor Bemrich has led the City of Fort Dodge through numerous important initiatives, some that were controversial, that will serve as a solid foundation for the future prosperity of the region. He is a man of his word and he is convicted to do what’s right for the greater good. I have seen him in action in Washington, D.C. working with our federally elected officials to advance the Greater Fort Dodge region with poise and precision. I have also seen him in a room full of his constituents addressing questions about a project that may impact their property short-term, but benefit the community for decades to come. He can relate to nearly anyone and do so with care and sincerity. The one thing I value the most is his friendship. I have had the privilege of sitting in his office at Bemrich Electric and chatting about our families, sports, and life in general. He is a grounded person with high moral character. I will miss him in the capacity of civil servant (for now???), however I am grateful I have made a life-long friend that I can call on at any time and I know he’ll be there for me in times of need. Congratulations on an outstanding 20 year career with the City Council and as Mayor of the great city of Fort Dodge. I hope you have more time to enjoy your family and friends. Well done, Mr. Mayor!

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First Interstate BankI have appreciated and admired Mayor Bemrich’s accessibility and common sense. I witnessed ﬁrsthand his selﬂessness. When we worked together on the Albert Habhab Veterans Memorial Bridge. It was at Matt’s request that we rename the Bridge to Albert Habhab Veteran’s Memorial Bridge (from Veteran's Memorial Bridge) in honor of Mayor Habhab for all his tenure and contributions to the city as well as the bridge construction that has been so integral in enabling our community to prosper. Thank you for all you have done for our community and your service Matt.

Q&A DECEMBER 2025

Mike Larson - Market President at First Intersate Bank

issue no

Matt Cosgrove- Director of Webster County Conservation I’ve had the great pleasure of knowing Matt for most of my life, from attending school together, participating in sporting events and raising children of similar ages, but it has been a true honor and privilege to work with him for the past sixteen years. Matt knows the value in building relationships and working with a variety of partners to accomplish goals. He has been an amazing partner to the county in helping to improve the region’s quality of life. Matt’s commitment and dedication to improving the lives of our residents and image of Fort Dodge and Webster County are second to none. He has a great ability to listen to a wide variety of opinions and educate himself on a topic before making a decision. He has represented himself and Fort Dodge well across the state and the country by taking an active role in state and national issues. I’m extremely grateful for the time Matt has dedicated to serving our community and appreciate his life-long friendship.

Lance Choi- CJ Bio It is with both admiration and heartfelt appreciation that I congratulate Mayor Matt Bemrich on his retirement after twenty years of dedicated service to the City of Fort Dodge. From the earliest days of the CJ BIO America project, Matt and I worked closely together, and that collaboration only deepened during my tenure as CEO. Matt was not only a steadfast partner to our company and a strong advocate for local economic development, but also someone who consistently sought practical solutions and shared in a long-term vision for the community. Beyond our professional work, I will always remember the many experiences we shared— whether traveling together to Washington, D.C., promoting the City of Fort Dodge, or simply exchanging ideas about how to make our community stronger. These moments built more than a business partnership; they built a genuine friendship. While I am saddened to see Matt step down as mayor, I am truly excited for the next chapter in his life. I have no doubt that he will continue to succeed in whatever he chooses to pursue, and I look forward to many more years of friendship. Congratulations, Matt, and thank you for everything you have done for Fort Dodge and for all of us who have had the privilege of working with you.

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 15

Celebrate the momentum of our region at the

GREATER FORT DODGE GROWTH ALLIANCE

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER

F E B R U A R Y

2 6 ,

2 0 2 6

An evening ﬁlled with connection, community pride, and big ideas for the future. Enjoy a great meal, meaningful conversation, and the presentation of our annual awards.

5-8 P.M. CARDIFF EVENT CENTER Doors open at 5 p.m. and Dinner begins at 6 p.m.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Joey Coleman

This year’s keynote features Joey Coleman, bestselling author and nationally recognized expert on creating unforgettable customer and employee experiences. Get ready for insights that spark action and energize your team.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! $500

$1000

16 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

$2500

$5000

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 17

BUSINESS CONNECTION • DECEMBER 2025

CITY CONNECTION

Incoming City Council members

We’re welcoming three incoming City Council members, each bringing their own perspective and commitment to serving Fort Dodge. Below is a short Q&A with two of them — one stepping into public service for the first time, and one returning to the Council after time away, ready to serve again. We look forward to sharing more from all three as they settle into their new roles.

Terry previously served on the City Council from 2014 - 2023 Looking back on your previous time on City Council, what’s one accomplishment or moment you’re especially proud of? Several key projects have improved our community over the past decade. The introduction of Terry Moehnke Fort Dodge Fiber ranks near the City Council top simply because it connects us Member Elect, At-Large to the world with up-to-date, reliable, affordable technology that is so important in business, school and our personal lives.

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How did your time away from the Council shape the way you see city government or community needs now? Stepping away for a short time enabled me to see which projects would be continually monitored and improved. Some projects were pushed aside, including continued upgrades at Oleson Park, development of Expo Park, and a plan for abandoned and nuisance properties. As a Council member, it is easier to track obstacles and offer solutions to move them aside so progress can be made. What led you to decide to run again and return to the Council? A combination of events led me to re-run for Council. I knew there would be changes at the table: Matt retiring after 16 years, Lydia and Quennel announcing they weren’t running, and Dave announcing his campaign for Mayor. It signaled an opportunity to look at our problems with fresh eyes and new ideas. I have a good relationship with City staff and other Council members, and I think now is the time to take a hard look at issues that have been shelved in the past.

Terry Moehnke (cont.)

What do you wish the public would better understand about what it’s really like to serve on City Council — especially as someone who chose to come back? City Council members do much more than attend a couple of meetings every month. Several commissions and Boards have Council representation; we regularly meet with our friends from

projects, where I’ve seen firsthand how local decisions impact everyday life. I decided to run because I wanted to be part of the solution and help make thoughtful, practical decisions that keep Fort Dodge moving forward.

the County to discuss projects that affect both agencies, and we address concerns from the Community. The interaction with the Growth Alliance, business owners and taxpayers is time-consuming and rewarding.

What are you most excited to work on or learn about during your term? I’m excited to better understand how city government works behind the scenes and how departments collaborate to serve residents. I’m especially interested in learning more about longterm planning, infrastructure, and how we balance growth while maintaining the quality of life people expect.

What motivated you to run for City Council? I’ve spent most of my adult life working in Fort Dodge in business, real estate, and community

What strengths or perspectives do you hope to bring to the Council table? I bring a practical, business-minded perspective, along with experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. I value listening, asking questions, and working toward solutions that make sense financially and functionally for the whole community.

Todd McCubbin

What inspired you to run for City Council? Fort Dodge has given me a lot over the years — friendships, opportunity, and a place to raise a family and build a career. Serving on the City Council felt like a natural way to give back and contribute in a meaningful way.

City Council Member Elect, Ward 3

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 19

Serving The Region ONE SKILL AT A TIME Iowa Central’s Career and Technical Programs & Community Education Strengthen Communities Across Nine Counties

Across Iowa Central Community College’s nine-county region, career and technical education isn’t confined to classrooms or labs. It shows up in the meals served at a Thanksgiving table, the trucks navigating winter roads, and the snowplows clearing streets after another heavy snowfall. From culinary kitchens to transportation simulators, Iowa Central’s programs are meeting community needs in real time—training students while directly supporting the people, businesses, and cities they serve. As the holiday season arrives and winter settles in, two programs in particular highlight the impact of this hands-on, community-centered approach: Culinary Arts and CDL/Transportation. Together, they demonstrate how education and service can work side by side to strengthen an entire region. Every Thanksgiving morning in Fort Dodge, something remarkable happens inside the showroom of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota. Tables replace vehicles, volunteers fill the space, and thousands of community members gather for a warm meal and shared conversation. What began 17 years ago as a family idea has grown into one of the area’s most meaningful holiday traditions—one made possible in large part by Iowa Central Community College’s Culinary Arts program. In partnership with Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, Iowa Central Culinary Arts students prepare and serve the community Thanksgiving dinner, applying their classroom training to an operation on a truly impressive scale. In 2024 alone, students prepared nearly 2,500 meals—using more than 1,800 pounds of turkey, 500 pounds of potatoes, and hundreds of pounds of vegetables and side dishes. Meals were served onsite and delivered to homebound residents, law enforcement officers, and emergency room staff at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center. .

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For Culinary Arts Program Coordinator Chef Michael Hirst, the event is more than a meal—it’s an unmatched learning opportunity. Preparations begin months in advance, with students managing ordering, food safety, large-scale production, and teamwork. From rolling out hundreds of pie crusts by hand to plating meals on Thanksgiving Day, students gain realworld experience that mirrors professional culinary operations. “It’s an excellent training tool for the students,” Hirst said. “They’re learning how to work under pressure, scale recipes, and serve a community—all while producing food they’re proud of.” The partnership also speaks to the spirit of service that defines Iowa Central’s mission. More than 120 volunteers show up each year—many without being asked—choosing to spend their holiday giving back. For students, it’s a powerful reminder that their skills can make a difference beyond the kitchen. As co-owner Casey Johnson of Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota noted, the collaboration has become essential to the event’s success. “The culinary kids do all of that work for us,” Johnson said. “Iowa Central and Chef Michael are a key part in helping us prepare the meal.” What makes the day especially meaningful is the sense of connection it creates. Some guests come for the meal; others come for companionship, conversation, and community. Through their training, Iowa Central students help deliver all of it.

TRAINING THE DRIVERS WHO KEEP THE HOLIDAYS MOVING While Culinary Arts students are busy feeding the region, Iowa Central’s CDL and Transportation program is helping keep it moving—especially during one of the most challenging times of year. As holiday gifts are shipped and winter weather intensifies, professional drivers play a critical role in keeping supply chains running and roads safe. Iowa Central’s CDL program prepares those drivers with training designed for real-world conditions, using both hands-on driving time and advanced simulator technology. This year, the program welcomed a variety of companies, organizations, and municipalities into its facility to train on newly upgraded simulators. These simulators allow drivers to practice navigating icy roads, low visibility, obstacles, and emergency scenarios—before ever encountering them on the highway.

Snowplow training has been especially critical. With nearly 30 inches of snow already falling in our area in December, Iowa Central worked with Webster County and the City of Fort Dodge to prepare snowplow operators for the season ahead. Through simulator-based safety courses, drivers practiced handling winter conditions long before the first major storm hit. “This training helps ensure our city crews are confident, prepared, and ready to keep roads safe all winter long,” program staff shared on a social media shoutout. The CDL program’s reach also extends to the next generation of drivers. High school students from Newell-Fonda recently visited campus to explore CDL career pathways, tour the trucks, and learn about training options—from short ELDT train-andtest courses to comprehensive professional driver programs. For many, it was a first look at a high-demand career that offers stability, flexibility, and strong earning potential.

At the same time, Iowa Central celebrated its newest CDL graduates—students who chose longer training courses with increased drive time, setting themselves up for long-term success and safety on the road.

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 21

COUNTY CONNECTION KEEPING THE BOOKS AND THE BALANCE, MEET KRYSTAL LLOYD Behind the numbers that guide decision-making across Webster County is a job many residents never see, but most benefit from every day. At the heart of that work is Krystal Lloyd, the county’s Budget and Finance Director. Since stepping into the role in July 2025, Lloyd has become a steady hand helping departments, elected officials and the Board of Supervisors navigate complex fiscal waters with clarity and purpose. In a county government that annually manages tens of millions of dollars across dozens of departments, that steady hand matters. Webster County’s latest approved budget for fiscal year 2024–25 totals roughly $59 million, with elected officials carefully balancing services such as law enforcement, road maintenance and human services while moderating local property taxes.

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Lloyd’s path to her current post was built on years of county service. She joined the Auditor’s Oﬃce in 2017 after a stint working in county operations dating back to 2015, and she has served in multiple roles including drainage clerk and election support before taking the helm of county budgeting. Supervisors praised her deep institutional knowledge, strong analytical skills and collaborative approach when naming her director.

COUNTY CONNECTION A Big Job With Many Hats As Budget and Finance Director, Lloyd is the central conduit for fiscal accountability in Webster County. Her responsibilities run the gamut from routine reporting to strategic oversight: • Budget oversight and guidance. She works with every county department to ensure spending aligns with approved budgets, helping managers stay within their financial plans and forecasting where adjustments may be needed. • Collaboration with supervisors. Lloyd is instrumental in discussions involving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and other economic development considerations that require a careful eye on long-term county finances. • Meeting participation. From departmental budget hearings to supervisory sessions, she attends meetings that bear on the county’s fiscal health. • Interoffice coordination. She partners with the Auditor’s Office to create journal entries, handle corrections and transfer funds as needed, ensuring the county’s accounting remains accurate and transparent. • Audit support. When the State Auditor performs annual audits, an important check on public spending, Lloyd provides necessary reports and assists with documentation. • Budget amendments and external assistance. Preparing amendments, processing school and township budgets, and generating financial reports for internal and external stakeholders are also part of her role.

Beyond the Numbers What makes Lloyd’s work truly consequential is how it supports every corner of county government. She runs financial reports for departments, assists in multi-government budget coordination, and serves as a resource during union negotiations and fiscal debates. Her work ensures that Webster County can balance ambition with responsibility, a goal every local government strives toward. In a year where public funding discussions are increasingly complex, Lloyd’s blend of detailed financial oversight and clear communication stands out. “Every number tells a story,” she says, and in Webster County, that story is one of collaboration, accountability and steady fiscal leadership.

• Annual financial reporting. Lloyd prepares the county’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), a key document reflecting the county’s fiscal status, and helps with union negotiations when budget implications arise.

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 23

Fort Dodge Community Foundation and UNITED WAY

UNITED WAY PROGRAMS

HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED Our youth are twenty percent of our population and one hundred percent of our future. Unfortunately, one out of five children and teens in Fort Dodge live in households that are at or below the poverty level. United Way of Greater Fort Dodge is focused on helping these struggling families with children meet their most basic living needs for housing, water in their homes, clothing items, personal hygiene items, and emergency assistance. Most are single parent families headed by the mother who is providing for her family on a single income of $30,000 or less. These working families are facing a financial crisis and need a helping hand. Here are some of our programs that are helping these families. Homeless Prevention: Our homeless prevention fund provides emergency support for families that have fallen behind on their rent and are facing eviction. These funds help families facing this financial crisis so they can avoid becoming homeless. Emergency Shelter: United Way helps families with children that are homeless or have been displaced by a house fire by putting them up in a local motel, so they have safe temporary shelter. We then help them find more permanent housing. Humanitarian Fund: This fund provides assistance for families that are in arrears on their water bill has been disconnected. When this occurs, these families have no water in their homes for toilets, showering, cleaning, and cooking. Personal Needs For children that lack important staples of life, United Way helps meet these needs. Be it coats, shoes and other clothing items, eyeglasses, or personal hygiene items, United Way helps.

Bridging the Gap United Way accepts donated gently used furniture, beds and household items and distributes them to families in need to help make their apartment a home. Hope for Healing Fund United Way helps low-income families with transportation assistance to get seriously ill children to children’s hospitals in Iowa City, Des Moines or Rochester. Food Assistance United Way helps food insecure families by supporting local food pantries and helping individual families in immediate need of food. Wheels for Work Program United Way accepts donated vehicles and gives them to families with children that desperately need a car for work, to get kids to school, and to run family errands. Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels provides daily nutritious meals and safety checks to homebound seniors and individuals with disabilities who lack the ability to cook nutritious meals for themselves. Our United Way campaign is still in action and needs support so we can help these families that can use a caring, helping hand. Be it $50, $100, $500 or more, donations to United Way can make a real difference. Donations can be made by mailing a donation check payable to United Way of Greater Fort Dodge, 24 North 9th Street, Suite B, Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501. Donations can also be made online at the United Way website: www. unitedwayfd.org. Donors who donate $150 or more will receive our United Way Giving Card that offers attractive discounts to over 40 restaurants and retailers in Fort Dodge.

Beds for Kids Over the past 14 years, United Way has distributed over 1,600 beds to children who lack a bed and were sleeping on couches or drafty floors.

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RANDY KUHLMAN C.E.O FORT DODGE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 25

artiststar

Kim Wankum

Age: 44 years old. Hometown: Marcus, Iowa College: Buena Vista University Profession: 9th-12th grade choir teacher at FDSH What role did music and the arts play in your childhood growing up?

Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember! My mom was my first musical influence, singing songs with me from the time I was born. A long-time church member liked to remind me that I used to “coo” along with the church choir/ congregation hymns when I was just a baby. My elementary music teacher, Mrs. Kleis, was magical in my eyes; she made you feel like Mary Poppins was teaching your class every day! I begged my parents to allow me to take piano lessons in elementary school. I used to try to teach myself when I played at my best friend’s house, and I was finally able to begin lessons in 3rd grade with an exacting, but kind teacher, Mrs. Prunty. I participated in just about every music activity offered throughout my schooling (choir, swing choir, madrigal, band, jazz band, solo/ensemble contest, etc.). My 5th grade beginning band teacher, Mr. Bertrand, instructed me throughout my musical education. He started me on alto saxophone, taught me again in 9th-11th grades, and throughout my 4.5 years of college! I had four different high school choir teachers, but my senior year teacher, Mr. Ewing, really encouraged me to start thinking about music as a career.

What is your earliest memory of music/art?

My earliest memory of music is singing with my mom in my parents’ full-sized van to pass the time on trips to visit my grandma or aunt and uncle – childhood songs, Christmas songs and cassette albums (The Chipmunks, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry), and my favorite Bruce “Sting-sting’s” (aka Springsteen) Born in the U.S.A. album. I also have vivid memories of singing and dancing to my The Muppets take Manhattan record and improvising my own songs on Saturday evenings.

At what point did you decide that you wanted to pursue a career educating students in music?

I was fortunate to have excellent music teachers throughout my K-12 and college education. Those instructors instilled a love of music in me that I hoped to pass on to my students each year. I started college as an accounting major with a minor in vocal music performance. My high school band and choir teachers kept telling me that I needed to become a music teacher from my senior year of high school until I finally switched my major to music education at the start of my junior year of college.

What was your college music experience like?

I attended Buena Vista University as an accounting major with a minor in vocal music performance. Paula Keeler was my voice/choir/music education professor, Jerry Bertrand was my band/music education professor, and David Klee was my jazz band/music education professor. My professors were extremely supportive, and we received a lot of one26 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

our school, and our community, and I am proud of their growth and accomplishments throughout each school year!

Who is your biggest role model?

My mom is my biggest role model. She taught high school math for 37 years, setting high expectations for her students, but always making math interesting and fun! She has always been a model of family values and is/was our biggest support for anything my family faced.

What are your long term music/music education goals for you program?

My students and I are working on making sure that they are literate musicians, meaning that they can read music (not just follow the words on the page) and create expressive, artistic musical moments within each piece of music. Ultimately we are preparing our students to be lifelong positive members of society. In order to achieve success at FDSH, it takes ALL of us: students, families, community members, teachers, administrators, and support staff working together. It takes a village, and we cannot do it alone! on-one help/feedback as there were a small number of music majors at BVU. My favorite part of my college experience was meeting and making life-long friends and the music tours we performed! The jazz band went to Hawaii. Our choir took several regional tours, but our big trip was to London and Paris, the highlight of which was singing in Notre Dame Cathedral as a featured quartet/soloist.

How do you spend your free time?

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far in your music education career?

Music education is one of the most rewarding, yet most challenging professions! Make sure to research how a profession in music education is different than being a student. Ask lots of questions and find role models/mentors to help you along the way; education is a profession that cannot be done alone.

Flexibility and adaptability are two important aspects of a music education career that I am still learning. Each day is different! You never know who will be absent from class or a performance, where students might struggle, or when an extra brain-break is needed. Music educators learn to roll with the punches and adapt on the fly!

I LOVE spending time with my nephews, Keegan and Cooper, and my family! I also enjoy reading, baking/cooking, traveling, and knitting.

What would you tell one of your students considering music education as their college major?

In what ways have you been involved in, or supported, arts in the Fort Dodge community?

I support several community organizations, attend events for my students, and explore opportunities and activities offered in our community.

Tell us about some of your music/arts related accomplishments.

My students make me the most proud! Each year is a new adventure for us. They learn new music and techniques for each concert, but also many other skills such as: teamwork, responsibility, self-motivation/ discipline, and analysis/evaluation skills. Seeing students achieve their goals (musical and otherwise) makes me the happiest. Our students are extremely busy and pulled in a million different directions on a daily basis. They amaze me with their commitment to better themselves,

Go to www.fineartsassociation.com for a list of upcoming events and our members... Over 60 events each month! To become a member or let us know about an event contact: Shelly Bottorff, Executive Director • fdfinearts@gmail.com

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 27

shiningstar

Emma Davis

Age: 19 Grade/School: Sophomore, Iowa Central Community Collage Hometown: Fort Dodge

Tell us about some of the cultural experiences you had growing up. (Dance, Singing, Theatre etc.)

Growing up, I was deeply involved in singing and performing. I sang regularly at church and school, participated in plays and musicals, and even performed with artists like Brady O’Brian. I also had the chance to perform at the state fair and won several competitions along the way. These experiences, a mix of school, community, and personal passion, shaped my creativity, discipline, and love for the arts.

Do you come from an “artsy” family?

I don’t come from an ‘artsy’ family and am the only one in my family to participate in shows, competitions, and performances. However, they have always been incredibly supportive of my journey. From the very beginning, they encouraged me to pursue singing, acting, and performing, and to this day, they remain my biggest supporters.

What is your earliest memory performing?

My earliest memories of performing include dance, acting, and singing. As a child, I performed in dance and gymnastics shows on the Iowa Central stage, acted in A Nutcracker Christmas with the Hawkeye Community Theater around age nine, and vividly remember participating in my church’s choir, even singing solos during special services. I loved the excitement of being on stage and sharing my passion with an audience, whether through movement, acting, or song.

What do you most enjoy about performing?

What I most enjoy about performing is the connection with the audience. After weeks, sometimes months, of preparing a piece—becoming a character or feeling the true emotions of a song—you finally get to share it with complete strangers. In that moment, every refined gesture, every note, every expression becomes a way to reveal a part of yourself. It is an incredibly intimate and vulnerable experience, offering the rare chance to share genuine emotion with people who don’t know you, yet can feel it deeply.

What is your major at Iowa Central Community College? And, what made you choose that program?

I am currently a second year (RN) nursing major at Iowa Central, but I hope to attend a music and performance school next August. I chose this career because I care deeply for people and discovered a love for the profession in high school when I became a CNA. Nursing is an extremely rewarding career, and I am so grateful for the opportunities Iowa Central has provided me. 28 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

Pedersen encourages me to take on challenging pieces and brings so much passion to every rehearsal, which motivates me to grow. Sean Mulvihill, our Theater instructor, helps students prepare for auditions and provides real-world opportunities. These educators have shown me that it’s possible to build a career in the arts while maintaining a true love for music and performance. They are truly all such inspiring people who I am beyond grateful for.

Tell us one word that you would use to describe yourself.

One word I would use to describe myself is resilient. Not every performance goes perfectly, and not every piece is simple. I have learned a lot and have had to constantly grow and adapt. This process has included mistakes, challenging performances, and a lot of hard work, all of which are necessary to improve as a performer and continue learning. At times, I have felt disappointed or inadequate after a performance, but those moments are not reasons to quit—they are just as necessary as

You’re stranded on a deserted island. What 3 things do you bring and why?

the successful performances for growth and learning.

If I were stranded on a desert island, the three things I would bring with me are a water purifier, a thick sleeping bag, and a LOT of flares. The water purifier would allow me to safely drink water, even from the ocean. The sleeping bag would keep me warm when the night inevitably gets extremely cold, and hopefully, the flares would help me signal for help.

What activities/groups/ensembles currently involved with?

are

you

I am currently involved in the Iowa Central Jazz, Pop, and Ensemble choirs. I am also heavily involved in the theater department performing in plays and musicals at the college.

What do you want to do after Iowa Central Community College?

After completing my studies at Iowa Central Community College, I plan to transfer to the University of South Dakota to pursue a major in Musical Theater and Vocal Performance. In addition, I am passionate about healthcare and hope to complete a BSN-to-MSN bridge program online to become a Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Forensics. I am very excited for the opportunities ahead and look forward to combining my artistic and healthcare interests in the future.

Who are some of your role models? Why?

Some of my biggest role models are my teachers. Teresa Jackson, Iowa Central’s Former Musical Theater instructor, has inspired me throughout my performance career, and I still rely on her advice today. Our new Choir teacher, Jacob

December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 29

Edward Jones Financial Focus

INVESTING IN AI: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW Artificial intelligence, or Al, is one of the most exciting developments in information technology today. While the technology itself presents a host of benefits for consumers and businesses, companies producing the hardware needed for AI could also see potential growth.

own. The smarter the algorithm, the more data it requires. HOW IS AN ALGORITHM CREATED? There are two steps to creating an AI algorithm:

WHAT IS AI?

1.Training 2. Inference

A pure definition of Al is the ability to simulate human intelligence in machines through a set of instructional rules, known as algorithms. Al is a way to automate tasks by making machines “smart.”

With AI training, you teach the algorithm a particular skill. Using our fruit stand example, you would show it 10,000 pictures of an apple, teaching it what an apple should look like.

There are two main types of AI:

Inference, on the other hand, uses the trained algorithm. In our fruit stand example, the algorithm is shown thousands of pictures of apples. The next step would be to show it a picture and ask: “Is this an apple?” A correctly trained algorithm will be able to identify whether the picture is of an apple.

Machine learning — teaching the machine a task by giving the algorithm a data set, the key feature being the algorithm can learn from and improve the data set Deep learning — an offshoot of machine learning in which a deep-learning algorithm can learn on its own To illustrate, let’s visit a fruit stand. Normally, workers would sort the fruit from a conveyor belt into appropriately labeled bins — for instance, apples, bananas and oranges. An AI program would automate this task by sorting prelabeled fruit into the correct bins, removing the human component. A machine learning algorithm could sort the fruit without any labels, assuming it has been adequately trained with the right data sets. The algorithm “sees” what apples, bananas and oranges look like and sorts them appropriately.

While this might seem rudimentary, there is a tremendous amount of data, coding, programming and complex math behind the scenes. These complicated tasks are coded into an algorithm that then follows the instructions given to it. Making these algorithms not only work, but work quickly and efficiently, takes an enormous amount of computing power. AI: OFF TO THE RACES Al requires three important components: 1. A correctly tuned algorithm 2. A large amount of computing power 3. A significant amount of data Think of Al as a race car. The car’s body (the algorithm) must be designed correctly to perform. A race car also needs a powerful engine (computing power). But the engine won’t run effectively without the right fuel (data).

Stocks. Bonds. CDs. IRAs. Mutual funds. Ryan C Kent, CFP®, ChFC®, ABFP™ Financial Advisor 1411 First Avenue South Fort Dodge, IA 50501-4950 515-576-2771

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A deep learning algorithm could sort fruit without labels or the fruit being defined. It requires a substantially larger amount of data but can learn and improve on its 30 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • December 2025

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STATISTICALLY SPEAKING

250,000 Bushels of Corn are used at Cargill each day. This is equal to roughly 644 football ﬁelds worth of corn crop per day.

Webster County 9,540,000 bushels of soybeans in 2023.

For 2023, Webster County produced 41,007,000 bushels of corn, ranking among Iowa’s top-producing counties

More than $630 million has been invested in local corn purchases over the past decade.

1.2 M TONS

1.2M tons of product generated to support food, feed, or industrial uses.

Data sourced from a major local value-added agriculture facility.

AGRICULTURE IN WEBSTER COUNTY 907 Farms in Webster County 356,141 ACRES

TOP CROPS IN ACRES

• Corn for grain 174,658 • Soybeans for beans 136,515 • Forage (hay/haylage), all 2,852 • Oats for grain 395 • Corn for silage/greenchop 191

Ranks #9 in the State for fruits, tree nuts, and berries sold. 95% are Family Farms Sources: https://datausa.io/profile/geo/webster-county-ia https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Iowa/Publications/Rankings/ https://www.city-data.com/county/Webster_County-IA. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2022/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Iowa/cp19187.pdf December 2025 • FORT DODGE BUSINESS CONNECTION • 31

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