Inside this issue:• International

Business SymposiumMay

201

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2__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________May_2011

©2011 Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

Table of ContentsArticle.................................................................. PageFeatured.Member.of.the.Month...................................4Leadership.of.Five.Seasons.........................................5Impact.CR....................................................................5Collaborative.Workspace.............................................6Maximize.Your.Membership.......................................7Calendar.of.Events.......................................................8Chamber.Academy.......................................................9CEO.Roundtable..........................................................9International.Business.Symposium...................... 10-11Breakfast.of.Champions............................................12Call.for.Volunteers.....................................................12Priority.One................................................................13EDC............................................................................14Business.Success.Initiative........................................15New.Members............................................................16Champions.At.Work...................................................17April.PM.Exchange.Recap........................................18PM.Exchange.............................................................18Gala.Winners..............................................................19

May 2011Volume 80 No 9 (uSPS558-200)

Chamber.Report.(ISSN.108-50775).is.published.monthly.by.the.Cedar.Rapids.Area.Chamber.of.Commerce,.424.First.Avenue.NE,..Cedar.Rapids,.IA.52401..

Subscription.price.of.$35.per.year.is.included.in.an.annual.chamber.membership..

Periodicals.postage.paid.at.Cedar.Rapids,.Iowa..

Postmaster:.Send.changes.to:Chamber Report Cedar.Rapids.Area..Chamber.of.Commerce424.First.Ave..NE.Cedar.Rapids,.IA.52401-1196

Chair:.Chuck.PetersEditor:.Kari.Stillman

Contact.the.Cedar.Rapids.Area.Chamber.of.Commerce.at.319-398-5317.for.reprint.permission.

2010-2011 Board of Directors

OfficersChuck.Peters,.SourceMedia.Group,.ChairNancy.Kasparek,.U.S..Bank.NA,.Chair.ElectBrad.Hart,.Bradley.&.Riley.PC,.Immediate.Past.Chair. .Rob.Frederick,.The.AEGON.Companies,.Secretary. .William.Vincent,.Clifton.Gunderson.LLP,.Treasurer.

Board of DirectorsJill.Ackerman,.Marion.Chamber.of.Commerce,.....Honorary.DirectorDawn.Ainger,.Genova.Technologies,.DirectorThomas.Anderson,.Merrill.Lynch,.DirectorDee.Baird,.Priority.One,.President.Priority.OneTodd.Barker,.NAI.Iowa.Realty.Commercial,.DirectorDavid.Benson,.Cedar.Rapids.Community.School... District,.Director. .Barry.Boyer,.Van.Meter.Industrial,.Inc.,.Chair.Priority.OneScott.Byers,.NAI.Iowa.Realty.Commercial,.DirectorLijun.Chadima,.Thorland.Company,.DirectorRon.Corbett,.Mayor,.City.of.Cedar.Rapids,.Honorary.DirectorJeff.Elgin,.J.&.T.Elgin,.LLC,.DirectorJames.Ernst,.Four.Oaks.Inc..of.Iowa,.DirectorGary.Ficken,.Bimm.Ridder.Sportswear,.DirectorRonald.Fielder,.Grant.Wood.Area.Education.Agency,.DirectorKristie.Fisher,.Kirkwood.Community.College,.DirectorDon.Garland,.Chair.Marion.Chamber,.Honorary.Director. .Scott.Gasway,.J.P..Gasway.Company,.Inc.,.DirectorVern.Gebhard,.Alliant.Energy.–.Interstate.Power.&... Light.Co.,.Director.Bernard.Gill,.Ascott.Transcription.Services,.Director. .Shannon.Hanson,.ImpactCR,.Honorary.Director.. .Tom.Hobson,.Rockwell.Collins,.Inc.,.At.Large.DirectorBeth.Houlahan,.Mercy.Medical.Center,.DirectorTim.Kintner,.Bankers.Trust.Company,.DirectorChristine.Landa,.Junior.Achievement.of.Eastern.....Iowa,.Inc.,.DirectorRobb.Loftsgard,.Wells.Fargo.Bank,.DirectorCurt.Nelson,.Entrepreneurial.Development.Center.Inc.....Honorary.DirectorDoug.Neumann,.Cedar.Rapids.Downtown.District,.....Honorary.DirectorRon.Olson,.Paulson.Electric.Company,.DirectorHazel.Pegues,.Diversity.Focus,.Honorary.DirectorJohn.Sheehan,.St..Luke’s.Hospital,.DirectorTim.Spain,.United.Fire.Group,.Director. .Vernon.Squires,.Leadership.for.Five.Seasons,.....Honorary.Director..Michael.Sundall,.Physicians’.Clinic.of.Iowa,.P.C.,.Director. .Monica.Vernon,.Cedar.Rapids.City.Council,.Honorary.DirectorWilliam.Vernon,.Simmons.Perrine.Moyer.....Bergman.PLC,.DirectorBrandt.Worley,.Worley.Warehousing,.Inc,.Director

From the Chairman’s Desk:

As.I.mentioned.in.last.month’s.letter,.flood.protection.is.on.everyone’s.mind..We.have.a.critical.vote.May.3..Brad.Hart,.last.year’s.Chair.of.your.Chamber,.sent.out.a.compelling.email,.which.I.asked.to.quote:

“I’m.asking.you.to.vote.yes,.to.ask.all.your.family.and.friends.to.vote.yes,.and.to.use.your.influence.to.ask.everyone.you.know.to.vote.yes..If.you.will.take.the.time.to.study.the.issue.carefully,.if.you.will.have.some.faith.that.those..supporting.this.are.genuinely.concerned.about.our.community,.I.think.you’ll..see.there.is.no.other.choice.for.us.in.our.recovery.from.our.$4-6.billion.disaster..

Some facts supporting a yes vote include:v. the.$375MM.flood.protection.system.will.protect.billions.of.dollars.of.land.and.

improvements,.many.made.since.the.flood.with.the.expectation.of.flood.protectionv. the.plan.is.to.get.$65M.from.the.feds.and.convince.the.Iowa.legislature.to.allow.us.to.keep.

$200M.in.sales.tax.increases,.with.the.balance.coming.from.our.sales.tax.revenuesv. without.the.sales.tax.extension.we.get.flood.protection.only.on.the.East.side.of.the.river.

and.it.includes.only.permanent.walls….walling.off.the.river.from.our.view.and.use.as.an.attraction.of.any.sort..Even.then.we.still.must.come.up.with.$35M.because.the.feds.only..pay.for.$65M.of.that.$100M.plan

v. little.or.no.additional.private.investment.will.be.made.downtown.without.flood.protectionv. 25.to.35%.of.the.sales.tax.revenue.is.paid.by.people.visiting.our.community.and.using.our.

streets,.attractions,.etc.v. the.other.choices.to.raise.the.needed.funds.are.to.significantly.raise.property.taxes.and/or.

raise.the.fees.on.utilitiesv. if.we.don’t.protect.our.assets,.especially.the.ones.being.built.with.FEMA.funds.from.the.

2008.flood,.we.will.get.no.help.again.from.FEMA.as.it.only.pays.once.for.a.flooded..facility--that.means.no.help.again.with.the.Paramount,.the.new.Library,.City.Hall,.the.Convention.Center,.etc.

v. 40%.will.be.used.for.streets,.which.will.help.make.up.some.of.the.revenue.the.state’s.antiquated.road.use.tax.formula.takes.from.metropolitan.areas.

Our.future.is.very.bright.if.we.pass.this.vote.”

Thank.you.for.your.support..

Chuck.PetersChairman,.Board.of.Directors

May 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

4 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

Featured

Ulteig, a multidiscipline engineering and design firm with expertise spanning nearly 70 years, provides surveying, consulting, and

engineering services to clients across the country. In addition to Cedar Rapids, the company has offices in Bismarck, Grand Forks and Fargo, ND; Detroit Lakes and Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO; and Sioux Falls, SD.

Ulteig was founded with the vision of bringing electricity to the rural Midwest. Throughout the years, the company has expanded to meet the needs of clients across the country with an ongoing commitment to high-quality work and superior service. With more than 35,000 miles of distribution lines and approximately 18,000 miles of transmission lines completed,

the company has also designed approximately 4 GW of wind power.

For more than 20 years, Ulteig has served energy clients in Iowa. Recently, the company provided design services for two electrical infrastructure improvement and expansion projects in Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha. The company has designed plans to upgrade the existing Cedar Rapids, IA Water Pollution Control Facility and for a Plant Transformer Replacement for Bridgestone/ Firestone Company in Des Moines, IA.

The company is currently working on additional work in Cedar Rapids that involves substation replacements for facilities destroyed by the 2008 flooding and a flood plain survey for the Bowman Woods neighborhood.

Ulteig’s Cedar Rapids office is located in the Martin Building in the 200 block of 2nd Avenue in downtown Cedar Rapids.

www.ulteig.comCedar Rapids Office

221 2nd Avenue SE, Suite 210Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Tel: 319-286-3000

May 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5

Linda Langston Receives 2011 Community Trustee Award

Leadership.for.Five.Seasons,.a.program.developed.and.managed.by.the..Cedar.Rapids.Area.Chamber.of.Commerce,.has.announced.Linda.Langston.as..its.2011.Community.Trustee.Award.Recipient.

The.Community.Trustee.Award.is.presented.to.a.Leadership.for.Five.Seasons.graduate.representing.the.general.public,.acting.with.genuine.care.and.competence.to.serve.and.lead.the.community..The.recipient.should.also.be.someone.committed.to.hold.the.community.in.trust,.to.both.serve.and.lead.it...

ImpactCR Hosts LOST ForumImpactCR.in.partnership.with.SourceMedia.Group.

held.a.community.conversation.on.April.21st.regarding.the.May.3.local-option.sales.tax.vote..More.than.200.people.attended.the.event.at.Harrison.Elementary.School.to.ask.questions.to.a.panel.representing.both.sides.of.the.debate..The.event.can.be.viewed.online.at.thegazette.com/salestax

From Left:.Vernon.Squires.(LFS.Chair),.Dee.Baird.(Interim.President),.Linda.

Langston.(Community.Trustee.Award.Recipient).and.Bruce.Hamous.(OPN.

Architects.and.award.nominator)

ImpactCR Siren Wednesday Wednesday, May 4

May’s.Siren.Wednesday.is.a.twist.on.a.normal.Siren.Wednesday..Come.out.for.the.game.after.work.and.enjoy.all.you.can.eat.and.drink..Members.of.ImpactCR.can.call.(319).896-7560.to.order.their.discounted.ticket.for.$22.50..This.includes.ballpark.favorites:.hamburgers,.hot.dogs,.brats,.popcorn,.pea-nuts,.soda,.water.and.beer..Plus,.six.sampling.tickets.for.specialty.beers.and.six.sampling.tickets.for.some.great.tasting.wings.and.sauces......

Join the fun from 5:30p to 8:30p

in the Randy Kuehl Honfidence Picnic

Pavilion - look for the ImpactCR banner!

6 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

“They really go to bat for us.”

Mike DanielCEO, HR Green Inc.

BANKERS TRUSTcommercial banker:Pierre Kisting

“Bankers Trust has a real willingness to get us what we

need and make connections to others who can help.

They know our business and have worked with us every

step of the way. You get local flavor, local service, local

relationships – with big bank capabilities.”

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

www.bankerstrust.com

Member FDIC

Chamber Showcases Collaborative Workspace

Thanks.to.Pioneer.Workspace.Solutions,.The.Chamber.has.the.ability.to.showcase.collaborative.workspace.at.its.office..The.key.to.a.collaborative.work.environment.is.to.encourage.individuals.to.work.together.as.a.team.and.that.the.sum.is.greater.than.its.parts..The.furniture.features.a.design.that.is.open.and.flexible.allowing.for.interactive.exchanges.promoting.a.team.atmosphere.

Chamber.and.Priority.One.staff.is.encouraged.to.move.outside.of.their.individual.space.and.spend.time.working.in.the.collaborative.space.or.hold.a.meeting.in.a.space.that.doesn’t.require.four.walls.and.a.closed.door..We.encourage.all.members.to.visit.the.Chamber.and.peruse.this.trend.

Special thanks to Pioneer Workspace Solutions for providing the furniture.

May 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

stlukescr.org

St. Luke's Work Well Solutions

,

Could your employees’ health affect

bottom line?your

Reviewing risks, lifestyle choices and laboratory results is the fi rst step in helping your employees take charge of their health. This valuable information can help you target high risk factors that affect the health of your employees and ultimately your bottom line.

Learn how St. Luke’s Health Risk Assessment can help you and your employees. Call Hilary Hurlburt to learn more, 319/369-8154.Phone 800.728.7805

HRGreen.com

Cedar Rapids | Des Moines | Sioux City

HR Green builds business

accountability into every

task we perform for our

clients. We work this way with

every client, whether in the

public or private sector, and

at every step of their journey:

design, construction,

ownership and operation.

Maximize Your Membership

Consider.enhancing.your.online.presence.and.showcase.your.business.by.adding.your.company’s.events.and/or..discounts.and.coupons.online..The.Chamber’s.Web.site.averages.12,000.visits.per.month..The.events.page..consistently.ranks.among.the.top.five.pages.viewed.each.month..Chamber.members.are.encouraged.to.access.the.member.login.feature.to.add.events.to.our.community..calendar..Whether.you.are.planning.an.open.house,..fundraising.event.or.educational.seminar.all.members.have.the.ability.to.post.the.event.online..To.view.a.list.of.all.member.coupons.visit.http://tinyurl.com/mbrcoupon.or..on.the.Chamber’s.home.page.you’ll.see.a.promotion.of.member.coupons.and.discounts.along.the.bottom.of.the.page..Adding.events.and.coupons.online.is.a.free.service..to.all.members..Upon.submitting.your.event.or.coupon.a.simple.approval.process.occurs.before.your.company’s.information.is.online..

Visit.www.cedarrapids.org.and.select.Member.Login.and.begin.maximizing.your.Chamber.membership..If.you.need.member.login.information.for.your.organization.please.contact.Jeff.Schamberger.at.730-1402.or..jschamberger@cedarrapids.org..

8 ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

Events Calendar

May ❖ Monday, May 2

Spring 2011 Welcome Reception5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Bottleworks Lofts & Condominiums 905 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids

Welcome new community members to the Corridor as we strive to be an inclusive community.

Complimentary

❖ Tuesday, May 3

Chamber Academy – Marketing Series: How I Learned to Embrace Social Media11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Hear about 7 ways that social media can be used for business and explore the benefits and risks of adopting or ignoring these new technologies.

Presented by Maureen Osako, Informatics

Sponsored by

❖ Wednesday, May 4

ImpactCR Siren Wednesday at the Kernels

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

A Siren Wednesday twist! Come out to the ballpark and enjoy all you can eat and drink.

$22.50 includes game ticket and food/drink

Sponsored by

❖ May 4 - 5

Investing in Leadership Workshop – Phase IGrant Wood Area Education Agency

4401 6th Street SW, Cedar Rapids

Individuals committed to our community and wanting to participate in a community visioning process will participate in Phase I of a 2 phase workshop. The workshop will be conducted by Inside Results, an affiliate of Pacific Institute. Details are available at www.cedarrapids.org

Registration fee: $350

❖ Thursday, May 5

CEO Roundtable – Kickoff Luncheon12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

The CEO Roundtable Kickoff Luncheon speaker is Jeff Pomeranz, Cedar Rapids City Manager. The Chamber’s CEO Roundtable brings together CEO’s, Presidents, owners and general manager’s for a confidential and invigorating exchange of information, ideas and insights.

Annual Participation Fee $150

❖ Wednesday, May 11 ✍International Business Symposium 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The Kirkwood Center

7725 Kirkwood Blvd, Cedar Rapids

This regional event is designed to allow businesses to stay current on international business practices or provide information for those interested in increasing their global presence.

Details on pages 10-11

❖ Tuesday, May 17

ImpactCR – “What Women Want: Strategies to Move Financially Forward”5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Prairiewoods: Franciscan Spirituality Center

120 E Boyson Rd, Hiawatha

Securian Financial Group conducted a groundbreaking survey of women’s financial perceptions and priorities. ImpactCR is bringing this information to help women move financially forward.

Complimentary

❖ Thursday, May 19

PM Exchange5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Fleck Sales Company

11125 High Life Ct SW, Cedar Rapids

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ May 22-25

America’s Small Business SummitWashington, DC

The Chamber’s delegation will be bringing the voice of business to Congress during the Small Business Summit.

For the latest listing of events or to register and pay on-line please visit

www.cedarrapids.org

Sponsorship opportunities are available for most Chamber events. Contact Candy Nanke for details at

cnanke@me.com

❖ Wednesday, May 25

ImpactCR – BLT with Liz Mathis12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

ImpactCR’s Bigwig Lunch Talk series continues with guest speaker Liz Mathis.

Complimentary

$5 for Future ImpactCR members

Sponsored by

❖ Thursday, May 26

International Roundtable – Mexico & Central America Update12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Jose Jimenez, from the Iowa Department of Economic Development’s representative office in Mexico City, will present a market update on Mexico and Central America.

Free to attend, lunch included.

Complimentary

❖ May 31 – June 2

Investing in Leadership Workshop – Phase IICedar Rapids Museum of Art

410 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids

This is the second half of our Investing in Leadership workshop where we will create a vision and active plan for our community. Individuals must complete Phase I before attending Phase II. The workshop will be conducted by Inside Results, an affiliate of Pacific Institute. Details are available at www.cedarrapids.org

Registration fee: $350

ImpactCR EventsImpactCR hosts a number of committee meetings each month. To learn more about the organiza-tion’s various committees or find out when the next committee meeting is visit impactcr.org for details.

✍ Denotes a Signature Event

May 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

The.Chamber’s.CEO.Roundtables.bring.CEO’s,.Presidents,.owners.and.general.manager’s.together.for.a.confidential.and.invigorating.exchange.of.information,.ideas.and.insights..Each.Roundtable.consists.of.10.-.12.members.of.noncompetitive.companies.representing.vari-ous.types.of.industries.and.organizations..Through.month-ly.meetings,.members.can.enjoy.candid,.confidential.dis-cussions.and.receive.advice.and.support.from.fellow.CEO’s.who.understand.and.share.the.unique.challenges.of.top-level.management..Roundtables.are.NOT.leads.groups.for.sales.but.are.designed.to.provide.members.with.the.support.and.direction.needed.to.maximize.your.organiza-tion’s.growth.and.prosperity..

CEO Roundtable participation provides: •. An.informal,.trusted.board.of.advisors.•. Diverse.perspectives.creating.visionary.solutions..

and.ideas.•. Resourceful.and.engaged.peer.leadership.•. Personal.and.professional.growth..

The.annual.cost.to.participate.is.$150.00.and.includes.3.luncheons.throughout.the.year.with.all.participants..To.enroll,.please.register.online.and.complete.an.application.form.at.www.cedarrapids.org/events

Maureen.Osako,.owner.of.Informatics,.will.present.“How.I.Learned.to.Embrace.Social.Media,”.during.this.month’s.Chamber.Academy..As.social.media.grows.in.popularity,.it’s.apparent.these.tools.are.not.just.a.fad.or.trend..Many.businesses.struggle.with.how.to.incorporate.these.new.tools.into.their.marketing.strategy.effectively..Osako.will.discuss.ways.people.consume.information.and.what.that.means.for.businesses..She.will.also.address.the.

seven.ways.social.media.can.be.used.for.business,.and.explore.the.benefits.and.risks.of.adopting.or.ignoring.these.new.technologies.

Sponsored.by:

Kick-off Luncheon with Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz

Noon - 1:00 p.m.Thursday, May 5

Chamber Boardroom

Marketing Series How I Learned to

Embrace Social Media

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Tuesday, May 3

Chamber Boardroom$35 members, $50 future members

10 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

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7:30 am – 8:00 am Registration & Breakfast - Sponsored by Lil’ Drug Store Products

8:00 am – 9:30 amWELCOME

Keynote Address: Christopher Wenk, Senior Director of International Policy, US Chamber of Commerce

9:30 am – 9:45 am Break

9:45 am – 10:45 am Doing Business in BrazilCrossing Cultures: Tips for Communicating in the 21st Century

Foreign Trademarks and Customs Issues

10:45 am – 11:00 am Break

11:00 am – 12:00 pmGoing International: Lessons We’ve Learned Along the Way

Navigating Today’s International Business Landscape

Best Practices for Export Sales

12:00 pm – 1:30 pmLUNCH, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AWARDS & KEYNOTE

Keynote Address: Jalel Aossey, Director, Midamar

1:30 pm – 1:45 pm Break

1:45 pm – 2:45 pmEntering Exports Doing Business in China:

Basic Rules to Live By

Iowa and Canada: Develop a Business Connection with your Northern Neighbor

2:45 pm – 3:00 pmAfternoon Break - Sponsored by Canada and

RadiologyProtocols.com

3:00 pm – 4:00 pmInternational Strategies and Considerations

Managing Talent Across Cultures: Building, Developing and Retaining a High Performing Team in Asia

How to Respond to Trade Leads

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm Cocktail Reception - Sponsored by ESP International

Exhibits Open

Exhibits Open

Developed for businesses actively engaged in international business as well as those beginning to explore the opportunity. Find out more on speakers and topics at www.cedarrapids.org or www.iowacityarea.com

Fostering Global Success

WEDNEsDAy, MAy 11 At thE KirKWooD CENtEr

Extraordinary opportunitiesin unexpected places.

Select the sessions that you wish to attend or follow a track: Getting Started Cultural Competency Legal & Logistics

$85 Chamber Members or Economic Development Investors (including other communities)$145 future member$45 luncheon only

WEDnESDAY, MAY 11 THE KIRKWOOD CEnTER Register and pay online at

www.cedarrapids.org orwww.iowacityarea.com

May 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

International Business Bureau MembersIn today’s global economy, it is important that business strategies in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor include international partnerships to stay competitive. With the support of the following International Business Bureau members the Chamber is able to create programming and events centered around International Business.

The Chamber woudl like to recognize our International Business Bureau Members for their continued support. If you would like to learn more or become involved plese contact Julie Stow at 319-730-1409 or jstow@cedarrapids.org

Acme GraphicsAmerican ProfolBankers TrustCedar Rapids Bank and TrustCoe CollegeCRSTCzech CottageDivine Engineering Dunlap International ESP International

Frontier Natural ProductsHighway EquipmentJ-TEC AssociatesMidamarPMXRockwell Collins Shuttleworth & Ingersoll Van Meter Industrial Vector Corporation

This event is graciously sponsored by:

Morning Keynote: Christopher Wenk,

Senior Director of International Policy United States Chamber of Commerce

Christopher.Wenk.is.the.Senior.Director.of.International.Policy.at.the.United.States.Chamber.of.Commerce..In.his.capacity.at.the.Chamber,.Wenk.is.responsible.for.promoting.the.Chamber’s.international.trade.agenda,.including.bi-lateral.Free.Trade.Agreements.(FTAs),.Trade.Promotion.Authority.(TPA).and.the.Doha.Round.of.World.Trade.Organization.negotiations,.on.Capitol.Hill.and.within.the.business.community.

Previously,.Wenk.served.as.the.Director.of.International.Trade.Policy.at.the.National.Association..of.Manufacturers.(NAM),.which.is.the.nation’s.largest.industry.trade.association..In.his.capacity.at.the.NAM,.Wenk.advocated.on.behalf.of.the.NAM’s.members.on.international.trade.issues.with.the.Administration.and.U.S..Congress...He.also.worked.with.NAM.policy..organizations.to.formulate.positions.on.trade.issues..and.managed.industry.group.coalitions.on.behalf.of..the.NAM...Before.joining.the.NAM,.Wenk.spent.more.than.five.years.working.on.Capitol.Hill..

Wenk.has.appeared.on.CSPAN’s.Washington.Journal,.PBS’.Nightly.Business.Report.and.CNBC’s.Morning.Call..He.was.born.and.raised.in.Ann.Arbor,.Michigan.and.attended.Indiana.University.in.Bloomington,.Indiana.graduating.with.a.degree.in.Criminal.Justice.and.Spanish..Wenk.also.received.a.Masters.degree.in.Political.Management.from.the..George.Washington.University.in.Washington,.D.C.

Lunch Keynote: Jalel Aossey, Director

Midamar

Jalel.Aossey.is.a.Director.at.Midamar.Corporation,.a.family.owned.Cedar.Rapids.business.that.has.pioneered.the.Halal.food.industry.in.North.America.since.1974..Prior.to.joining.Midamar,.Jalel.worked.with.Prudential.Financial.Services...Over.the.years.with.Midamar,.Jalel.has.been.quoted.in.numerous.media.stories.including.features.in.the.“Wall.Street.Journal,”.“Los.Angeles.Times,”.and.several.overseas.publications..In.2007,.Jalel.was.asked.to.speak.before.US.government.bodies.on.the.topic.of.the.Halal.and.Muslim.markets...Jalel.is.an.active.participant.(and.North.American.representative).at.the.World.Halal.Forum.established.in.2006.and.held.annual-ly.in.Malaysia..He.is.currently.serving.on.the.boards.of.directors.for.MYCA.(Muslim.Youth.Camps.of.America),.the.Islamic.Center.of.Cedar.Rapids,.and.is.a.charter.member.of.Rotary.International.in.Cedar.Rapids..In.addition,.he.is.an.involved.member.in.the.ISNA.(Islamic.Society.of.Northern.America),.CAIR.(Council.on.American.Islamic.Relations.and.MAS.(Muslim.American.Society).

Jalel.was.born.and.raised.in.Cedar.Rapids,.Iowa....He.is.a.graduate.of.Cornell.College.where.he.majored..in.International.Business...He.has.traveled.extensively.throughout.the.Middle.East,.Asia.and.North.Africa,.and.embraces.cultural.differences...

Additional speaker biographies available at www.cedarrapids.org

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12 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

Breakfast of Champions7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, June 2Cedar Rapids Marriott,

200 Collins Rd NE

$20 for members $30 future members

tax included/breakfast provided

Cedar Rapids 2020 VisionCR2020Vision.is.a.future.view.of.the.new.liv-

able.and.walkable.Cedar.Rapids;.once.again.the.envy.of.the.Midwest,.doing.what.can.only.be.done.here..Maximizing.our.creative,.artistic,.pro-ductive,.engineering.genius.and.entrepreneurial.spirit.to.recreate.the.Parlor.City.once.again..An.authentic.reinvention.

By.examining.the.extraordinary.circumstanc-es.that.put.us.at.this.moment.in.time,.we.can.look.forward.to.the.potential.of.a.new.vision.–.a.Civitas.–.a.complete.City,.a.great.American.City,.by.recognizing.and.capitalizing.on.the.momentum.created.by.the.reinvestment.taking.place.now.and.over.the.next.five.years.

Don’t.miss.this.motivating.event.sponsored.and.delivered.by.OPN.Architects!

Sponsored by:

JA of Eastern Iowa receives Peak Performance Team Award

.Junior.Achievement.USA.has.recognized.Junior.Achievement.of.Eastern.Iowa.(JAEI).and.its.staff.with.the.2010.Peak.Performance.Team.Award..The.Peak.Performance.Team.Award.recognizes.the.outstanding.performance.by.a.local.Junior.Achievement.office.team.during.the.past.fiscal.year..Recipients.recognized.with.the.award.have.achieved.the.highest.combined.level.of.student.growth,.increased.market.share.and.total.reve-nue.growth..

Volunteers needed Operation Thank You

The.Chamber.has.continued.its.revitalized.Community.Resource.Guide.and.Business.Directory.with.the.2011-2012.Edition..The.Community.Resource.Guide.is.a.full-color.publication.highlighting.the.high.quality.lifestyle..we.benefit.from.living.in.the.Corridor..This.Guide.is.used.by.businesses.as.an.employee.recruitment.tool,.waiting.lounge.piece,.local.informational.reference.book,.and.much.more..A.buyer’s.guide.and.members.directory.is.also.included.in.the.guide..If.your.business.was.a.member.in.good.standing.by.January.30,.2011,.your.business..is.highlighted.

We.are.looking.for.volunteers.to.participate.in.Operation.Thank.You.on.May.18;.it’s.our.day.to.deliver.this.comprehensive.publication.to.our.members..The.day.will.begin.in.the.Chamber.Boardroom,.where.volunteers.will.enjoy.a.light.breakfast.and.select.their.delivery.area...It.only.takes.about.30.minutes!..

Please.contact.Jeff.Schamberger.to.at.319-730-1402.or.jschamberger@cedarrapids.org.to.participate.or.register.online.at.www.cedarrapids.org/events..

Call for Volunteers!8:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 18th

Chamber Boardroom

Sign up at www.cedarrapids.org/events

Greater Cedar Rapids2011–2012 Community Resource

and Business Guide

www.cedarrapids.org

Important NumbersER/Trauma ..............................369-7105Poison Control .................800/222-1222Urgent Care Bowman Woods ..............832-1463 Westside ..........................396-1983 Marion .............................377-4844Patient Information .................369-7211General Information ................369-7211 My Nurse 24-Hour Health Information & Referral .....877/242-8899

Department NumbersBusiness Offi ce ......................369-7271Cancer Care ...........................369-7874Child Protection Center ..........369-7908Dental Health Center ..............369-7730Diabetes Education ................369-7440Family Health Center ..............369-7397Floral & Gift Shop ...................369-7328Foundation .............................369-7716Healthy Linn Care Network ....369-8600 Home Care .............................369-8686Hospice ..................................369-7744Human Resources .................369-7275LIFELINE.................................369-7065Nutrition Center ......................369-7440Pastoral Care ..........................369-7347Social Services .......................369-7740Volunteer Services ..................369-7213Work Well Solutions ................369-7599

Heart CareCardiac Rehabilitation ............ 369-7736Heart Care Services ............... 369-7318Pediatric Cardiology ............... 368-5757

Physical Medicine & RehabilitationWitwer Children’s Therapy ..... 369-8407Occupational Therapy ............ 369-7491Physical Therapy .................... 369-7491Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation .................... 369-7331Therapy Plus .......................... 369-8107

1026 A Avenue NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319/369-7211 stlukescr.org

Behavioral HealthChemical Dependency Adolescent ........................368-5671 Adult ..................................363-4429Child/Adolescent Center ........369-7441Counseling Center .................369-7952 Mental Health Services ..........369-7190

SurgerySurgery Center Cedar Rapids .....................558-4800SurgiCare ..............................369-7788

Women’s & Children’s HealthBirth Care Center ....................369-7264Birth Care Tours ......................369-8129Breast & Bone ........................369-7216Lactation Services ..................369-8944Midlife Care for Women ..........368-5950Newborn Intensive Care .........861-6800Pediatrics ................................861-6800Pediatric Intensive Care .........861-6800Women’s & Children’s Educational Services .......369-7166

Our Mission:To give the healthcare

we’d like our loved ones to receive.

Access to wait times online makes it easier for you and your family to make more informed choices about getting the care you need, as quickly as possible.

ER and Urgent Care wait times online & Rehabilitation .................... 369-7331

Therapy Plus .......................... 369-8107Access to wait times online makes it easier for you and your family to make more informed choices about getting the care you need, as quickly as possible.

wait times onlinewait times online

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May 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

www.stratosfour.com

StratosFour client Judy Lubben, Controller & VP of Administration at Raining Rose, Inc., said:

“When we were looking at another software upgrade and the additional costs associated with it, we were initially hesitant on making a change to a new custom-built system. Would people embrace it? Could we really go paperless? Will support be there for us when we are done? Will there be any real cost savings? StratosFour has answered all these questions and so much more.

With the software they built, our company is saving over $150,000 a year!! StratosFour has been there to really listen and hear what we are saying. They come up with solutions to situations that we didn’t think were available.”

With custom-designed software from StratosFour, your company will save money by eliminating seat licensing and reoccurring fees. The StratosFour team will work with your staff to ensure the solution matches your business processes and needs – helping to fi t a square peg into a round hole.

Does your operational software make you feel like you’re always trying to fi t a square peg into a round hole?

Contact StratosFour, Inc. today for a consultation and free initial needs analysis at 319-734-6400 or info@stratosfour.com

Every.summer,.hundreds.of.student.interns.and.newly.hired.graduates.come.to.the.Cedar.Rapids.area.to.work.for.employers.in.our.community...What.these.young.professionals.experience.during.their.short.stay.often.determines.whether.or.not..they.will.decide.to.make.the.Corridor.their..permanent.home...

To.ensure.that.interns.and.new.hires.were..experiencing.all.the.Corridor.has.to.offer,.in.2010.Priority.One.launched.MySummerNow,.a.program.designed.to.engage.students.and.recent.grads.and.get.them.connected.in.the.Corridor...Each.Thursday.throughout.the.summer,.participants.met.at.Westdale.Bowling.Center.for.free.bowling,.pop..and.pizza,.and.to.learn.about.the.community..The.bowling.sessions.were.so.popular.that.Priority.One.organized.additional.events.at.the.students’.request,.including.a.FIFA.World.Cup.viewing.party.at.the.Fieldhouse.in.Cedar.Rapids,.a.group.outing.to.a.Cedar.Rapids.Kernels.game,.and.a.trip.to.Lost.Island.Water.Park..Over.180.interns.participated..in.the.summer-long.series.

“My.experience.in.Cedar.Rapids.over.the..summer.was.fantastic,”.said.Evan.Adnrist,.a.University.of.North.Dakota.student.and.Rockwell.Collins.intern..“MySummerNow.was.a.great.value.for.networking.with.other.interns.and.learning.about.actives.around.the.Corridor...I.probably.would.not.have.known.about.the.Freedom.Festival,.Volleys,.farmer’s.markets,.or.restaurants.around.town...I.never.expected.to.have.this.much.opportunity.in.Cedar.Rapids.”

Due.to.the.popularity.of.MySummerNow.with.both.students.and.employers,.Priority.One.is.expanding.the.program..Launching.this.spring,.MyLifeNow.will.continue.to.provide.free.Thursday.night.bowling,.but.will.also.offer.a.series.of.Conquer.the.Corridor.presentations,.four.special.weekend.events,.and.on-going.activities.in.the.Iowa.City.area..The.biggest.change.is.that.the.program.will.now.be.offered.year.around,.as.many.employ-ers.offer.internships.and.co-ops.during.the.fall.and.spring.semesters..For.more.information.about.MyLifeNow,.visit.MyTernNow.com/Life.

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERA Look at the nBIA Conference

Josie Heskje, VP of Marketing, EDC

Discover.a.New.Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

The.EDC.is.a.member.of.the.National.Business.Incubation.Association.(NBIA)..Last.month.the.NBIA.held.its.annual.conference.in.San.Jose,.CA.and.the.EDC.sent.me.to.get.an.update.on.best.prac-tices..While.I’ve.been.to.this.conference.before,.here’s.what.struck.me.this.year:.1).The.wide.spec-trum.of.models.in.the.incubation.industry.and.2).The.Corridor.doesn’t.differ.dramatically.from.San.Jose,.CA.

The.business.incubation.industry.has.a.wide.spectrum.of.models..Those.models.range.from.small.multi-use.programs.that.offer.no.business.mentoring/consulting.to.very.niche.facilities.serving.specif-ic.types.of.business,.like.life.sciences.–.complete.with.wet.lab.space.and.equipment,.not.unlike.the.BioVentures.Center.in.Coralville...

During.the.conference.I.was.able.to.tour.some.incubators—including.the.San.Jose.Environmental.Business.Cluster.(EBC)..They.had.taken.an.old.five.story.office.building.in.downtown.San.Jose.and.cleaned.it.up.–.it.had.regular.office.spaces.filled.with.different.startup.companies.–.many.just.like.what.you.might.find.if.you.scanned.our.EDC.client.list...What.it.validated.for.me.was.that.even.though.this.was.San.Jose,.CA.–.arguably.the.most.innovative.and.start-up.friend-ly.place.in.the.U.S..–.the.set.up.of.the.incubator.and.the.types.of.companies.that.it.served.were.really.not.all.that.differ-ent.than.what.we.see.here.in.the.Corridor...Now.do.they.have.incredible.ties.to.big.companies.and.an.endless.list.of.VCs?.Yes!

The.EDC.seems.to.be.one.of.the.top.incubators.in.terms.of.mentoring.and.consulting.talent.offered,.as.well.as.in.raising.capital.for.its.clients..In.one.of.the.sessions.I.attended,.they.reported.out.findings.from.a.survey.performed.on.U.S..business.incubators,.and.they.said.this:.only.34%.marketed.direct.marketing.assistance;.and.only.20%.marketed.direct.strategy.development.assistance..The.EDC.provides.both.of.these.services.to.its.clients.on.a.regular.basis..I.think.our.community.and.many.of.its.small.busi-nesses.are.leaps.and.bounds.ahead.because.of.this..

For more about EDC’s services and model, visit www.edcinc.org.

14 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

May 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Online and personal.

MOVE FORWARD

Cedar Rapids Marion Monticello Cascade Onslow Baldwin OhnwardBank.com

Member FDIC

Doug Kohoutek, PresidentColony Heating & Air Conditioning, Cedar RapidsOhnward services: payroll, checking, loans

Does his business banking online. But even so “You need a personal relationship with a local bank.”

Unique needs, individually tailored solutions. “They know my business, which is why I’m with them.”

Where do you want to go?

Updated Information Posted Online Featuring Flooded Businesses

The.Business.Success.Initiative.has.updated.the..recovery.section.on.the.Chamber’s.Web.site.this.month..The.new.content.includes.an.overview.of.the.initiative,.history.of.the.flood.of.2008,.available.resources,.as.well.as.a.featured.flooded.business.of.the.week..

Check.out.this.excerpt.of.the.first.BSI.business.of.the.week,.and.visit.BSI’s.new.page.at.www.cedarrapids.org;.click.on.the.Business.Success.Initiative.icon.

Basket Bowtique Owner: Downtown Girl at Heart

When.it.comes.to.gift.baskets,.the.possibilities.are.endless.at.Basket.Bowtique..From.babies,.to.athletics,.to.Iowa-made.goods,.owner.Linda.McConnell.has.thought.of.just.about.everything..When.she.started.her.business.in.1992,.McConnell.felt.there.was.no.place.better.than.Cedar.Rapids..

With.her.new.venture.underway,.McConnell.found.herself.in.an.environment.that.allowed.her.to.meet.many.people.who.became.loyal.customers..Her.customer.base.even.expanded.into.partnerships.with.companies,.design-ing.gift.programs.for.their.employees;.and.colleges,.send-ing.care.packages.to.college.students..

“It’s.really.fun.to.be.in.a.business.that.makes.people.happy,”.McConnell.said.

Basket.Bowtique.has.made.a.point.to.market.Iowa-made.products.including.wines.and.beers..One.of.the.most.popular.baskets,.and.also.McConnell’s.favorite,.is.called.“Taste.of.Iowa.”

An.unforgettable.part.of.Basket.Bowtique’s.history.is.the.Cedar.Rapids.flood.of.2008.that.forced.McConnell.out.of.her.downtown.location..With.the.high.demand.for.space.in.the.city,.McConnell.had.a.difficult.time.finding.new.rental.property.for.her.business..In.order.to.be.open.for.her.busiest.time.of.the.year.she.relocated.to.Hiawatha..Yet,.McConnell.says.don’t.count.her.out.of.the.downtown.community.yet..While.she.enjoys.her.new.location,.she.still.misses.the.downtown.atmosphere..With.business.doing.well.and.having.received.her.federal.disaster.funds.recently,.McConnell.is.considering.opening.a.second..location.in.downtown.Cedar.Rapids.

“You.can.take.the.girl.out.of.downtown,.but.you.can’t.take.downtown.out.of.the.girl,”.she.said.

16 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

mvpvideoproduction.com | 319-364-8900

A Sony HVR-S270U 1080P HD Camera,

four CL-655P Softlights,

a Carl Zeiss Vario-SonnarT 1, 6/4, 4 - 52.8 lens

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Abatement Specialties, LLC201 30th Street Dr SECedar Rapids, IA 52403Tom Meis, Sales and MarketingPhone: 319-721-8247Fax: 319-221-1045Web: www.abatement-specialties.com Email: tom@abatement-specialties.com

Abatement.Specialties,.LLC.(established.in.2006).specializes.in.asbestos.abatement.&.testing,.mold.remediation,.lead.based.paint.remediation,.and.mechanical.insulation.

Oakley Business Resources7915 Marquette Drive NECedar Rapids, IA 52402Randy Oakley, OwnerPhone: 319-533-6666Web: http://oakleybusinessresources.com Email: randy@oakleybusinessresources.com

Business.tools,.consulting,.graphic.design,.website.design.by.professionals.with.over.20.years.experience.in.Cedar.Rapids.

Robert Stiles – Skogman RealtyCedar Rapids, IA Robert Stiles, Real Estate AgentPhone: 319-210-0338Web: www.skogman.com/find_an_agent/info/robertstiles Email: robertstiles@skogman.com

Hello.all,.my.goal.is.to.make.sure.that.my.clients.come.far.before.myself.or.any.other.agent.out.there..My.goal.is.to.show.people.that.by.working.ethically.and.diligently.things.will.always.work.out!.It.is.my.goal.to.develop.friendships.at.the.same.time.we.achieve.your.goals.

Salsa del Rio209 3rd Street SECedar Rapids, IA 52401Phoebe Rios, OwnerPhone: 319-362-2627Web: www.salsadelrio.com

New.Mexican.restaurant.with.authentic.Mexican.food.as.well.as.Tex-Mex.favorites..We.are.the.only.Restaurant.in.Cedar.Rapids.that.offers.over.10.different.Breakfast.Burritos.

Events

Featured

At Work

New

May 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

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The.Technology.Association.of.Iowa.(TAI).in..conjunction.with.LWBJ.Financial.recognized.outstanding.accomplishments.of.high-tech.businesses.and.individuals.across.the.state..The.Prometheus.Awards.provide.the.opportunity.to.honor.Iowa’s.ever-evolving,.fast-growing.tech.sector.and.to.celebrate.the.innovations.created..within.the.industry.

•. Life Sciences Company of the Year:.Diamond.V,.John.Bloomhall,.President.and.CEO..This.award..recognizes.a.company’s.ideas,.products.or.services,.growth,.and.new.market.generation..Diamond.V..provides.nutritional.fermentation.products.for..livestock,.poultry,.equine.and.pets.

•. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Year: Bruce.Lehrman,.CEO,.Involta..This.award.honors.the.CEO.whose.leadership,.innovation.and.creativity.inspires.excellence.in.his.or.her.staff..Involta.provides.full-.service.data.storage.facilities..Last.year,.under.Lehrman’s.leadership,.Involta.raised.$8.million.to.finance.two.new.data.storage.centers.

•. Technology Company of the Year. This.award.recognizes.a.company’s.business.strategy,.its.products.and.services,.its.mission.and.its.market.potential..Awards.are.given.both.to.a.small-.to.medium-size.company.and.to.a.large.company..

• Technology Company of the Year (Small/Medium):.Involta.

• Technology Company of the Year (Large/Enterprise):.Diamond.V

Events

Featured

At Work

New

Local Companies Recognized at Prometheus Awards

18 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 2011

April PM Exchange Recap

The.Human.Services.Campus.and.the.Better.Business.Bureau.hosted.April’s.PM.Exchange..Nearly.200.guests.enjoyed.the.reception.and.opportunity.to.learn.more.about.some.of.the.area’s.leading.nonprofit.organizations..Guests.enjoyed.beverages,.hors.d’oeuvres.as.well.as.the.network-ing.opportunity.in.a.wonderful.new.facility.and.communi-ty.resource..

Contact the Chamber and learn more about the numerous opportunities to maximize your market-ing dollars. From PM Exchanges, Featured Member

of the Month, newsletter, on-line and more; The Chamber can help you gain exposure and

positively impact your bottom line. Contact Kari Stillman at kstillman@cedarrapids.org

May 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

The

A Royal Masquerade

The Gala: A Royal Masquerade.

The

A Royal Masquerade

Special thanks to our event sponsors:

Van Meter Industrial, Inc.100% Employee Owned

More.than.200.people.attended.The.Chamber’s.premiere.event,.The.Gala.–.A.Royal.Masquerade...The.event,.held.April.29th.in.Theatre.Cedar.Rapids,.celebrated.the.outstanding.contributions.of.business.and.business.pro-fessionals.and.the.impact.they.have.made.to.the.community...

The.recipient.of.the.2011.Howard.Hall.Excellence.in.Business.Award.was.Rockwell.Collins...The.Howard.Hall.Award.exemplifies.the.outstanding,.enduring.business.values.of.Howard.Hall.and.his.passion.for.a.vibrant.Cedar.Rapids..Rockwell.Collins.was.the.chosen.for.their.ongoing.economic.investment,.civic.leadership,.charita-ble.outreach.and.volunteerism,.supports.the.community’s.long-term.vitality..

Winners were announced in the following categories: Entrepreneur of the Year: . Winner:.Bruce.Lehrman,.Involta. Finalists:.Eric.Engelmann,.Geonetric.and.Shawn.Price,.Braise

Chamber Volunteer of the Year: . Winner:.Katie.Coates. Finalists:.Doug.Schumacher.and.Carl.Yost

Small Business of the Year: . Winner:.Pioneer.Workspace.Solutions. Finalists:.Health.Solutions.LLC.and.Henry.Russell.Bruce,.Inc.

The.Royal.Masquerade.also.awarded.individuals.and.couples.best.dressed.for.the.evening..The.Chamber.would.like.to.congratulate.all.the.finalists.and.winners.from.the.evening...

Visit The Chamber on Facebook (www.facebook.com/crchamber) to view photos of the event.

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424 First Avenue NECedar Rapids, IA 52401-1196

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