Business & Community Solutions Magazine: Vol. 3, Issue 2
Wilder
1625 Hwy. 150 S.
Calmar, IA 52132
844.642.2338, 1399
Town Clock
680 Main St., Ste. 100 Dubuque, IA 52001
844.642.2338, ext. 3100
Cresco Center
1020 Second Ave. S.E. Cresco, IA 52136
844.642.2338, ext. 4700
Dubuque Center
700 Main St.
Dubuque, IA 52001
844.642.2338, ext. 3100
Iowa’s Dairy Center
1527 Hwy. 150 S. Calmar, IA 52132
563.534.9957
Manchester Center
1200 ½ W. Main St. Manchester, IA 52057
844.642.2338, ext. 7700
New Hampton
710 W. Main St.
New Hampton, IA 50659
844.642.2338, ext. 7104
RAMS/Oelwein Center
1400 Technology Drive
Oelwein, IA 50662
844.642.2338, ext. 6700
National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) 8342 NICC Drive Peosta, IA 52068
888.844.6322
Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
900 Jackson St, Suite 110 Dubuque, IA 52001
563.588.3350
Waukon Center
1220 Third Ave. N.W., Ste. 102 Waukon, IA 52172
844.642.2338, ext. 6100
UPCOMING CLASSES
Fused Glass Art Wed., Oct. 16, 5:30-7:30 pm Course: 97717, Manchester
Ceramic Fall Pumpkin Class Tues., Oct. 22, 5:30-6:30 pm Course: 99202, Waukon
Coaching Authorization
Various dates and times
Courses: 97816, 97810
Calmar/Dubuque
Kids in the Kitchen Ghoulish Treats Tue., Oct. 29, 3:45-4:45 pm Course: 99200, Waukon
Craft Cocktails: The Art of the Perfect Drink Mon., Oct. 31 Course: 99267, Dubuque Mon., Nov. 18 Course: 99268, Dubuque
Make a night of it! Grab your friends for a fun night out and learn something new.
CHECK OUT ALL OUR
Earn Your HSED
Did you leave high school before graduating?
The High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) and the High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET) certifies that your academic knowledge is equal to a high school graduate.
What’s the best part about earning a High School Equivalency Diploma at NICC?
+ No Cost! You don't pay for study materials or exams.
+ $500 credit to use toward an NICC credit course to continue learning at NICC!
When to Enroll: Every other Month
How to Attend: In-person or Online
Locations: Calmar, Dubuque, Manchester & Oelwein
ENROLL TODAY OR LEARN MORE!
caret-right nicc.edu/beagraduate
844.642.2338, ext. 3600 ael@nicc.edu
UPCOMING CLASSES
Sharpen your Skills to be a Well Rounded Professional
Elevate the Everyday with Black Tie Moments: Business Summit
Wed., Oct. 30, 9-11 am Course: 99237, Calmar Campus
Mindful Workplaces Beyond Stigma: Brain Health Summit
Building Resilience: Your Own and Your Workplace’s Thu., Nov. 14, 9-10 am Course: 95262, Virtual Live
ServSafe® Food Protection Manager Certifications
Various locations, dates and times Courses: 96473, 96474, 98277, 98278
Mindfulness Basics in the Workplace
Tue., Dec. 3, 9-10 am Course: 95345, Virtual Live
REGISTER FOR THESE OR VIEW MORE COURSES!
caret-right nicc.edu/solutions
WAUGH Spotlight INSTRUCTOR
Who
is Sinikka Waugh?
Sinikka Waugh
“I’m the daughter of a U.S. Naval pilot and flight instructor, so I grew up moving with my family to a new place worldwide every nine to 18 months. When I chose Iowa from Colorado to attend Central College in Pella, I decided to put down roots. My husband and I chose Grinnell and Indianola as home in 1999, and we started a family here for the amazing education system. In 2008, I started a business called Your Clear Next Step and we’ve raised our two daughters here. My educational background in languages and literature prepared me to teach, and my first couple of jobs introduced me to the wonderful world of project management. By the time I started Your Clear Next Step in 2008, I was bringing together my love for developing leaders, helping others get work done and bringing people through periods of change and transition.”
How did your relationship with NICC first come about, and what have you enjoyed the most about it?
“I was so grateful to get a call from Bailey Kloft (Career Development/Business Partnership Leader at NICC). She’d heard about Your Clear Next Step, and now that we had a fleet of trainers, she’d asked if we had someone from the team who could fill in at NICC. Our team has a range of specializations, but we’re all anchored around the same foundational mission of helping people have better work days. It’s been so great to work with NICC as a partner, as every NICC team member is equally committed to lifting up your customers and your communities. “
What would you say is the most rewarding part about what you do?
“The most rewarding part is connecting with a business owner or a leader and seeing what they’re struggling with. I can feel the challenge; I can relate to the pain; I can hear the topic or idea they’re wrestling with and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we’ve got a piece of curriculum, a toolset, a trainer, a coach…an answer…something that will help them hurt less. The most rewarding part by far is lightening someone else’s burden.”
What would you say to someone considering taking a class you're instructing?
“Sometimes people get turned off by the idea of project management, change management, emotional intelligence or anything like that. These are some of the areas my team and I teach, and sometimes they sound dry or dull or like they’re going to be a theory-heavy snooze-fest. But you have to know that I have no patience for that kind of thing. If I’m not having fun and if you’re not, then we know that the learning isn’t going to stick, so it’s a waste of time and money.”
Just a fun question to wrap it up - what is the most interesting/surprising thing people don't know about you?
“I have an iPhone SE because it has a home button, and if given the choice of dessert options, I’ll almost always pick the corner piece of cake with the extra frosting.”
Safety: Don't Take it for Granted
Safety protocols in the workplace help protect employees from harm or injury. Taking just one shortcut could lead to a disaster. That's the story Brad Livingston knows all too well being involved in back-to-back explosions in the workplace. He’ll share those experiences and more during the Northeast Iowa Community College Safety Conference in December.
Livingston is a living example of how everything can change. Over two decades ago while working at a natural gas pipeline company, a shortcut was taken at work and it cost him two and a half months of unconsciousness, 18 surgeries, two years of rehab and nearly his life.
“The incident I was involved in was 100 percent preventable,” Livingston said, “and that’s a hard pill to swallow when you are laying in a hospital bed running it over and over in your head - Why? How? Me? All for a shortcut, to save three minutes.”
His journey back following the incident wasn’t easy. Besides having 18 surgeries and completing two years of rehab, Livingston dealt with inner demons that wore him down emotionally and mentally.
“Physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain was my enemy, and we were in constant battle,” he said. “The second hard pill to swallow was what I did to my family. They didn’t give me their permission to go along with a shortcut on the job. They expected me to come home that day and take them to the high school football game. Instead, they were told they should not expect to see me alive ever again.”
Now, more than 21 years later, he is a motivational speaker, a husband, father and grandfather who lives in southern Colorado. Livingston isn’t afraid to talk about his incident and share it with others to help them realize it could happen to anyone.
He has a message for those who think it won’t happen to them. “Good for you. You’re a human being. Now grow up,” he said.
“Testosterone-driven boys and men will think this, and some women do too.”
He says preventing accidents in the workplace is as easy as being diligent, owning the safety culture and each individual accepting responsibility. Livingston encourages safety to become part of people’s DNA, not just something you can turn on and off.
UPCOMING CLASSES
Career Pathway Certificates (CPC) are short trainings that level-up your career and they are low - to no cost.
“No one is special,” he said, “so I know what it’s like to have to work every day to feed and clothe and house my family. Unfortunately, I also know what it’s like to believe it can’t happen to me, and lose sight of ‘why’ I need to work safely.”
Learn more about Brad’s story and how safety in the workplace matters during the upcoming Safety Conference. Experience various breakout sessions providing valuable insights into OSHA updates, active aggressor responses and practical strategies to reduce workplace injuries. You'll have the opportunity to learn from leading experts such as Lisa Schaefer, Ty Hill and others and engage in interactive demonstrations and real-world solutions addressing today's key safety challenges.
Don't miss the Safety Conference, this premiere event that promises to transform your approach to safety and empower you with the tools to foster a safer, more productive workplace.
For more information contact: Theresa Leisen
Business Solutions Consultant leisent@nicc.edu
caret-right nicc.edu/safetyconference
Competency-Based programs allow you to move through class and learn skills at your own pace, spending time on more challenging skills or less time on those you've already mastered. They are available in Business Administration and Welding.
CPC: Welding (GMAW) Competency-Based
Flexible start between Jan. 14 - Feb. 7, 2025
CPC: Building Construction & Construction Equipment Operator Starts in Feb. 2025
CPC: Construction Equipment Operator Starts in March 2025
CPC: Intro to Cabinet Making & Casework
Starts in Feb. 2025
LEARN MORE. caret-right nicc.edu/cpc
Customized Training: Solutions to Supercharge Your Team!
Northeast Iowa Community College is your workforce training partner. From cutting-edge tech skills to empowering leadership programs, we design training that fits your needs. This is why hundreds of organizations have tapped into the power of our unique training approach.
Our training solutions address skills shortages, prevent wasted resources, deliver measurable returns and are affordable. In the multi-step approach we use, training is customized and developed to fit your needs. How it works:
Needs Analysis: Our team learns about your business—objectives, delivery methods and outcomes.
Content Identification: We identify topics and content based on those needs.
Training Development: We create customized content, examples, exercises and activities to meet your objectives.
Trainer Preparation: An experienced trainer is hand-selected to lead the course and ensure success.
Delivery & Follow-up: After your interactive training experience, we follow up to ensure your 100% satisfaction.
Consulting Services
Northeast Iowa Community College
Business and Community Solutions understands every organization is unique. To meet your individual needs, we offer customized consulting services, from development to implementation.
We Offer Consulting Services in Three Focus Areas:
Training Areas
Health & Safety: A properly managed safety program is a company’s biggest asset. Our customized solutions can help you reduce costs associated with employee injuries, comply with regulations or improve workplace safety.
Stigma-Free Workplace Certification for Leaders and Peers: This leadership education program focuses on company consultations and tailoring programs to fit the needs of senior-most positions, boards and leadership.
Leadership Development: Improve employee efficiency, productivity, morale and retention with customized leadership training.
Continuous Quality Improvement: These customized, on-site solutions include workplace lean, value stream mapping, Six Sigma and more.
Instructor Webinar Series: Gain valuable expert insights to improve leadership, team management and communication skills. And the best part? It's all available at no cost!
Information Technology: Train your team to troubleshoot security systems, write code and manage complex networks, boosting their technical skills.
“The Supervisor/Manager Training challenged me on a personal level to be better. It used many aspects in my personal life at home and work.”
David Martin Jr. Supervisor/Manager Training Instructor Jon Rotz
Funding sources may be available for new and existing employee training. Ask one of our experts for more information.
Amy Green Director of Program Sales, Contract Training and Outreach 844.642.2338, ext. 3130 greena@nicc.edu
Alison Holten Training Sales Professional 844.642.2338, ext. 4103 holtena@nicc.edu
Bailey Kloft Career Development and Business Partnerships Lead 844.642.2338, ext. 3140 kloftb@nicc.edu
Theresa Leisen Business Solutions Consultant 844.642.2338, ext. 3207 leisent@nicc.edu
Greg Willging Director of Economic Development 844.642.2338, ext. 3128 willgingg@nicc.edu
Learning CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) is a quick and easy way to save a life. Businesses in northeast Iowa are partnering with Northeast Iowa Community College to ensure their employees and customers are prepared in an emergency.
Fidelity Bank and Trust is one of those businesses. Jenni Noonan, Fidelity’s Chief Experience Officer, said,
“Fidelity Bank and Trust’s partnership with NICC to purchase and train staff on CPR and AEDs is priceless. The health and safety of our customers and staff is a priority, always.”
In Feb. 2024, Fidelity Bank and Trust installed AED units in its 31 branch locations throughout northeast Iowa. With over 275 employees, the bank is now equipped to respond to any critical situation that could arise.
The AED will assess the patient’s cardiac condition and deliver an electrical shock to help restore an effective rhythm if the patient is in cardiac arrest. The device is simple to use, walking the user through basic steps. Although the AED does not require special training, training helps improve confidence, proficiency and quality of CPR, translating to improved cardiac arrest survival outcomes.
Annually, during American Heart Month in February, Fidelity brings in an NICC trainer to certify someone from each branch in CPR and AED usage. Those certified employees then return to their branch and demonstrate to other staff how to use the AED.
“I feel that Fidelity’s investment in AEDs shows the huge commitment to our employees and customers, as well as the well-being of the general public in the communities we serve,”
Terry Harder, SVP at Fidelity in Dyersville and member of Holy Cross Fire and Ambulance, said. “Seconds count when a cardiac event occurs. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), early defibrillation coupled with CPR can dramatically improve an individual’s chance of surviving a cardiac event. From my experience using an AED and performing CPR, there is no better feeling than providing someone and their family more time together.”
The AHA is the leader in research, education and training, providing current information to enhance response time and improve statistics. As an AHA Training Center, NICC can support your in-house CPR instructors or provide instructors to train on-location or at our campuses.
NICC has been a regional distributor of the Zoll® AEDs since 2015. In the last three years, the college partnered with government agencies, school districts, workplaces and nonprofits to train and deliver more than 375 units around the district.
Keep your eye out for AEDs placed at locations near you. Do you know how to use it? Many employers are training their workers to respond to potential emergencies. Don’t wait for your employer. Anyone can learn CPR or use an AED.
UPCOMING CLASSES
CPC: Pharmacy Technician
Flexible Schedule Course: 97599, Online
Medication Aide - Hybrid
Various dates and times Course: 96593, Calmar/Dubuque
Heartsaver CPR and First Aid
Thu., Nov. 7, 6-10 pm Course: 97540, Calmar
Mammography Training for Technologists
Mon.-Fri., Nov. 11-15, 8 am-4 pm Course: 97457, Virtual Live
Basic Life Support
Various locations, dates and times Courses: 97534, 97306, 97307, 97536 or 97308
ENROLL NOW OR SEARCH FOR HEALTHCARE CONTINUING EDUCATION OR CAREER TRAINING.
nicc.edu/solutions
UPCOMING CLASSES
No matter your mode of transportation - our training teaches you to operate it safely.
CDL Semi-Truck Driving: Entry Level Driver Training
Various dates 7:30 am-4:30 pm Course: 99342, Peosta
High School Drivers Education
Equip your new driver with the knowledge, skills and attitude to make them a responsible operator.
Motorcycle - Basic Rider Course
Learn how to maneuver and ride your motorcycle safely. You may be able to use the completion card to get a discount on your insurance.
Moped Rider Course
Before your kid starts riding their moped, make sure they take this class required by the state of Iowa. For those drivers who don’t have a driver’s license.
Defensive Driving
Learn to avoid collisions while promoting mutual understanding, courtesy and cooperation on the road.
ENROLL NOW OR SEARCH
Students Steer to Prairie Farms
A pipeline into the workforce has been created between Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc. and Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) over the last several years. Former semi-truck driving and Commercial Drivers License (CDL) NICC students have completed their education, and quickly got behind the wheel and started a career that guarantees they are home every night, has great benefits and a pension plan.
Over the last six years, Prairie Farms has hired five former NICC students. Joe Kirk, Prairie Farms’ distribution manager, recognized the quality of drivers coming from NICC programs.
“The attention to detail has stood out the most,” he said. “The instructor does a great job preparing the students to be proactive drivers instead of reactive drivers.”
NICC offers Class A and B CDL programs, along with entry-level semi-truck driving courses. The training used by the instructors is a combination of hands-on and classroom work, and it only takes a matter of weeks to complete the courses and start your new job.
“Students in our CDL program have access to simulators, driving ranges, online resources and have a low 3:1 student to instructor ratio for more individualized attention and learning opportunities,” Martin Hemann, Transportation Program Developer at NICC, said.
“NICC offers a very thorough four-week program which gives students a much better opportunity to succeed in the truck driving industry when they complete the program. Not all CDL programs in Iowa offer this with their courses.”
Even though the students are fresh from finishing their education, Kirk said there is still a learning curve. During their first two months with Prairie Farms, the new hire rides with multiple drivers to learn different routes. In the future, Kirk can see Prairie Farms utilizing this relationship to hire other drivers.
NICC offers classes frequently that can land them in a new career in months, and funding options are available to help pay for the course. Take a hold of the wheel and steer towards a stable career with good benefits here.
caret-right nicc.edu/semitruck
Transform Your Career & Life: Flexible Evening Education
Are you looking to advance your career, pivot into a new field, or just kick-start your education journey along with your busy schedule? Northeast Iowa Community College is excited to introduce an innovative, flexible Business Leadership Certificate that provides new opportunities without the stress of rearranging your life.
Hybrid Learning for Real Life: Say goodbye to the traditional education. Our eight-week courses blend online and in-person learning for two hours a week at the Town Clock Business Center in Dubuque. Engage with peers and enrich your experience by connecting classroom knowledge with real-life scenarios. This format ensures that no matter your commitments, there is always time to invest in yourself and your future.
Choose Your Path: This Business Leadership Certificate is meticulously crafted to provide a solid foundation for your career growth. It can stand alone as a certification or build on it to achieve a diploma or degree. Whether you're aiming for an Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Applied Management, Marketing & Digital Media, or planning to transfer within the business realm, we've got you covered.
Tailored for Success: Understanding the complexities of adult lives, we have removed all textbook and materials fees to lower the barriers to your education. Industry-informed faculty teach our evening classes, designed to fit neatly into your bustling schedule, ensuring that pursuing your educational dreams is never out of reach.
Transform Your Career: This is more than just a program; it's a stepping stone to a brighter future. Whether you're a working adult striving to climb the career ladder, a mom gearing up to re-enter the workforce with confidence, or a veteran seeking to capitalize on your skills in the civilian job market, Northeast Iowa Community College is your partner in transformation.
Your future starts here.
Business Leadership Certificate
CHECK-CIRCLE One night a week, two hours
CHECK-CIRCLE Eight-week sessions, with one class per session
CHECK-CIRCLE Class is offered in a hybrid format with sessions meeting online and face-to-face at the Town Clock Business Center in Dubuque
Classes Offered:
• Principles of Management MGT:101
• Public Speaking SPS:112
• Principles of Marketing MKT:110
• Introduction to Business BUS:102
• Macroeconomics ECN:120
With these classes, you could work towards your:
DEGREE:
• Associate of Arts
• Business Administration
• Applied Management
• Marketing & Digital Media
• Business Transfer Major
CERTIFICATE:
• Business Administration Benefits:
CHECK-CIRCLE No textbook or materials fee
CHECK-CIRCLE Evening class with low time commitment
CHECK-CIRCLE Employer Tuition Reimbursement (check with your employer)
CHECK-CIRCLE Short flexible course that meet your needs.
Flexibility
MAKES EVERYTHING EASIER
The College's flexible options allow you to get a quality education at a time, location and method that fits your life. Don’t let time constraints or financial obstacles prevent you from pursuing your college degree or elevating your career. We've got you covered; let us help you reach your goals!
+ Face-to-Face, Hybrid, Online, Day or Night classes - Go to class when and where it works best for you.
+ Earn While You Learn - Get paid for hands-on career training while attending NICC, funding that covers your education costs and training that leads to full-time employment after graduation.
+ Z-Courses - Take a 100% online course with zero textbook costs.
+ NEW Business Leadership Certificate - one night a week, for two hours over eight-weeks. Sessions start every eight weeks, so you can take a break and start back without missing a beat!
+ Career Pathway Certificate - These programs are six months or less, and provide the skills needed for entry-level jobs.
Empower Yourself and Others Through Education
At NICC Business and Community Solutions, we're seeking passionate individuals to join our team of continuing education instructors. If you have expertise and a strong desire to share knowledge in areas including Business, Technology, Healthcare, Trade Skills or Personal Enrichment, we offer the perfect platform to impact lives and support lifelong learning.
As an instructor with us, you won't just teach; you'll inspire a diverse community of learners to achieve their dreams and career goals. Whether you're looking to share your industry experience or cultivate the next generation of professionals, Northeast Iowa Community College provides the resources and support to enrich and impact your teaching experience. Your knowledge, passion and influence shape your future. Apply today to become a
