PAGE 28 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM JANUARY 2011

Business Education Series: Part One

Drive the Business, Steer the BrandThursday, January 13 • 7:30 - 9:00 AM • Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo

Phil Akin has spent nearly 30 years helping companies such as Advance Auto Parts, GE, 3M, Ecolab, AutoZone, Praxair and many others drive retail traffic, launch new products, and develop new profit centers. In this educational program, Drive the Business, Steer the Brand, Phil will outline the steps needed to develop and implement marketing strategies that have a history of proven success.Attendees will learn:• The four steps necessary to develop a results oriented marketing strategy.• The four stages of customer acquisition needed to grow sales. • Media selection strategies.Cost is $20 for members and $40 for non-members. Reservation deadline is Jan. 6th. To make your reservation, please contact the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156 or contact Bette at bette@greatercedarvalleychamber.com A continental breakfast will be served.

Sponsored by :

POWER NETWORKING

Thursday January 27, 4:00 - 5:30 PMGary's Event Center & Catering, 2820 Falls Avenue, Waterloo, Cost $10

Power Networking is a structured social event, limited to 50 Chamber representatives(Limit 2 per business). Build your prospect list with 25 new business contacts in just90 minutes with a one minute commercial. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards. To make your reservation, please contact the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156.

Sponsored by:

Take a look at our NewMember Benefits!

Member Coupon PageMembers now have the opportunity to post a coupon on the Chamber web site. The coupon page features a print-friendly format so your customer can easily print off the coupons they wish to use and bring them into your business. Each coupon will also feature your company's logo as well as a link to your web site. Members receive one free coupon per calendar year.

Changes can be made for a minimal charge.

Member VideosPictures are worth 1,000 words - and videos are worth more! Members can now include a video clip next to their listing on our online Business Directory. Videos should be no longer than one minute. Members receive one free video per calendar

year. Changes can be made for a minimal charge.

Non-Profit Media SponsorshipOpportunity to promote your organization's fundraising event in the Cedar Valley EXTRA e-newsletter twice in exchange for two tickets to your event. Available to all member non-profit organizations one time per calendar year. Also available to member businesses when proceeds of event benefit a non-

profit organization.

Contact Amy Anderson at 319-232-1156 oranderson@cedarvalleyalliance.com for more information

about these new benefits.

Member SurveyWould your business or organization like to receive feedback from other members? Members now have the opportunity to send a survey to Chamber members about business issues. Provide us with a copy of the questions you would like sent and we'll take care of the rest! Members receive one survey

per calendar year.

Contact Molly Brown at 319-232-1156 ormolly@greatercedarvalleychamber.com for more information

about member surveys.

Bishops Buffet2060 Crossroads Blvd. Suite 101Waterloo, IA 50702Phone: 319-232-3500Fax: 319-232-3504Contact: Steve HassmanCategory: Restaurants/Bars/Caterers

Financial Resource Advisors816 Tower Park Dr.Waterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-232-5122Contact: Darren YoderCategory: Financial Planning/Services

Gary's Event Center &Catering2820 Falls Ave.Waterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-291-6742Contact: Gary ShoemakerCategory: Restaurants/Bars/Caterers

The Gym, CrossFit Kilo423 Viking Rd.Cedar Falls, IA 50613Phone: 319-553-2329Website: www.thegymcf. comContact: Armand MccormickCategory: Exercise & PhysicalFitness

Veronique's Security Note Service3261 University Ave.Lower LevelWaterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-233-8512Fax: 319-233-8511Contact: Veronica CulpCategory: Real EstateInvestments

Waterloo Bucks Baseball850 Park Rd.PO Box 4124Waterloo, IA 50704Phone: 319-232-0500Fax: 319-232-0700Website: www.waterloobucks.comContact: Dan CorbinCategory: Entertainment Waterloo Christian School1307 W. Ridgeway Ave.Waterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-235-9309Fax: 319-833-4780Website: www.waterloochristianschool.netContact: Lisa GoedkenCategory: Education

MARCH 2010 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM PAGE 29JANUARY 2011

Welcome New Members! Building Something GreaterOur Total Resource Campaign (TRC) was a huge success. $225,264 in sponsorships for 2011 were purchased by our members. That’s more than three times the amount of non-dues revenue the Chamber had secured in recent years. None of this would have happened without the tireless efforts and dogged determination of our volunteers. They stepped up to an opportunity to do something that had never been done before by our Chamber, and I cannot thank them enough. A big thank you to the leaders of our Campaign, Chair, Jim Coloff - 93.5 The Mix/1650 The Fan and his Vice Chairs: Stacey Bentley - Community National Bank, David Braton - Courier Communications, Corey Clark - Lincoln Savings Bank and Jim Mudd, Jr., - Mudd Advertising. Also, a big thanks to our business community who agreed to sponsor a wide variety of events and initiatives in 2011. Throughout our seven week campaign we held weekly reporting luncheons. A big thank you to the businesses listed below who donated door prizes and incentives for those luncheons. Cathy Rottinghaus was the coordinator of our campaign and did an excellent job encouraging and assisting our volunteers. Our staff learned a great deal from this past TRC and look forward to working with our volunteer corp. again next year. If you are interested in learning more about how you

can participate, please give us a call. Bob Justis, President

All Smiles Family DentistryAwesome CarwashBenton’s Ready Mixed Concrete, IncBill Colwell Ford IsuzuBlaine’s Farm and FleetCedar Bend Humane SocietyCedar Falls Community TheatreCedar Valley Medical Specialists, P.C.Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northeastern IowaCopyworksCounty Inn & Suites, Hammond Ave.County Inn & Suites, South MainDenver Construction, Inc.Elements Therapeutic MassageEnergy Systems of Iowa, Inc.Fareway, Magnolia DriveHawkeye Community CollegeIsle Casino Hotel WaterlooJunior Leaque of Waterloo-Cedar FallsKaren’s Print-Rite/ProSign

Kathy FlynnLivingston Aviation, IncME&VMediacomDan Gable International Wrestling Institute & MuseumNRG PilatesOrganized for You!PDCMSprintSulentic-Fischels Commercial GroupThe Pump Haus & GrillUniversity Book and SupplyUpper Cervical Health CentersVGM ClubWaterfalls Car WashWaterloo Community PlayhouseBlack Hawk Children’s TheatreWells Fargo BankYWCA of Black Hawk County

Interested in joining theGreater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce? Contact

one of our membership representatives today to learn how your business will benefit by being a Chamber Member!

Ask for Bette or Molly at 232-1156wwww.GreaterCedarValleyChamber.com

JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan. 4 Tues., TechWorks Board Mtg.

Location to be announced. 3:00 PM

Jan. 4 Tues., Alliance Board Mtg., CUNA, Waverly

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Jan. 5 Weds., Cedar Valley Leadership Institute

Jan. 6 Thurs., TechBrew, Voodoo Lounge, Cedar Falls,

5 :00- 7:00 PM

Jan. 11 Tues., Cedar Valley Ambassadors,

Clarion, 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls

Waterloo, 4:00 - 5:00 PM

Jan. 12 Weds., Strictly Business Expo Task Force,

Cabin Coffee Co., 2040 Kimball Ave., 7:30 AM

Jan. 12 Weds., Diplomats, Cabin Coffee Co.,

2040 Kimball Ave., 9:00 - 10:30 AM

Jan. 13 Thurs., Business Education Series,

Drive the Business, Steer the Brand

Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo,

7:30 - 9:00 AM

Jan. 14 Fri., Government Relations Committee,

Chamber Office, Cedar Falls, 7:30 - 8:30 AM

Jan. 20 Thurs., Investor Relations Meeting

Chamber Office, Cedar Falls, 8:00 - 9:30 AM

Jan. 27 Thurs., Power Networking,

Gary's Event Center & Catering,

2820 Falls Ave., Waterloo, cost $10, 4:00 - 5:30

Jan. 31 Mon., Deadline for Nominations for

Annual Awards Celebration

PAGE 30 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM JANUARY 2011

Matt Parrott/Storey Kenworthy514 Bratnober St., Waterloo

Heartwood Investments216 East 4th St., Waterloo

Stuff Etc.1210 Flammang Dr., Waterloo

Suburban Extended Stay Hotel300 Viking Rd., Waterloo

Waterloo Fire & RescueLaPorte Rd., Waterloo

TurnKey Associates3015 Greyhound Dr., Waterloo

Financial Decisions Group3010 Greyhound Dr., Waterloo

Hawkeye FoodService Distribution

Ribbon Cuttings

JANUARY 2011 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM PAGE 31

"Mark your Calendar" for the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Annual Celebration on March 10, 2011at the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center. Social beginning at 6:oo PM followed by dinner, annual awards presentation and dessert bar. To nominate a business, individual or organization, please contact Bette Wubbena at 232-1156 or bette@greatercedarvalleychamber.com. Nomination deadline is January 31.

Business of the Year Award"Recognize the efforts of a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor in promoting the quality of life and offering leadership within the Cedar Valley, achieving a major business accomplishment or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley community, economy and citizens."

Cedar Valley Partner Award"Recognize the efforts of an education institution, non-profit organization, service club or human service agency (a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor) in promoting economic growth and employment, quality of life, offering leadership or making an outstanding contribution to the Cedar Valley and its citizens on a continuing basis or with a specific project."

Fulfilling the Vision of One Award"Recognize an outstanding contribution by an individual in the private sector for leadership in creating and strengthening regional collaboration and cooperation for economic and community development."

Harold Brock Innovation Award"Recognize the efforts of a private sector firm (a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investor) for innovation in technology, advanced manufacturing or talent development."

Treating Capital Well Award"Recognize the efforts of the private sector firm ( a Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber investors) for a significant investment in the Cedar Valley that most emphasizes the attributes of the Cedar Valley."Nomination forms are available at the Chamber offices or online at www.greatercedarvalleychamber.com under the "Chamber Programs" link. Please contact Bette Wubbena at bette@greatercedarvalleychamber.com for more information. Sponsored by:

Gold Sponsor Social Hour Sponsors - StruXture Architects and the CBE Group

Dessert Sponsors - MidWestOne Bank and Ramada Convention CenterProgram Sponsor - Tyson Fresh Meats

Thank you to all of the Greater Cedar Valley Chamber Premier Members.

Agape Therapy AHTS Architects Around The Corner Productions Bill Colwell Ford-Isuzu, Inc. Brumel Madsen Insurance Comprehensive Systems Craig Ritland Landscape Architiects Michael Crall, D.D.S., M.S. Den Herder Veterinary Hospital Galleria De Paco Eldred & Donna Harman Hawkeye Stages, Inc Humble Travel Service, Ltd.

Iowa Community Credit Ltd.Iowa Community Credit UnionJennifer's on MainKBBB-FM 88.1 Radio StationKimble InsuranceRonald KingL & N TransportationLincoln Savings BankWilliam Maier, D.D.S.Martin Bros. Distributing CompanyMeyers Nursery L.C.Northeast Iowa Median Education FoundationNorthern Iowa Endodontics, P.L.C.Peoples Savings Bank

Prairie Lakes ChurchR & N Investment Properties, L.C.Restoration Services, Inc.Fred RoseSandees'sScharnweber Water Conditioning, Inc.Service Roofing Co.Speak PRSpeer Financial, Inc.Sulentic Fischels Commercial GroupUA Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union #125Waterfalls Car WashFloyd WinterZwanzinger & Boe Orthodontics

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & ChamberNow Accepting Nominations for Annual Awards

You can be a premier member too, just include the VA portion when paying your 2011 Chamber dues.

PAGE 32 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM JANUARY 2011

Steve Firman, Director of Government Relations

The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber has adopted its GCVAC Legislative Policy Agenda for 2011. The Policy Agenda spells out the priorities for the Alliance for the 2011 legislative session.

The Alliance has approved three priorities for 2011:Secure funding for capital investment and program operation at the TechWorks Campus, including prepare the Technology I Building for business residents, completing the Center for Technology Advancement, assisting in the development of Deere’s Tractor & Engine Museum & Historic Site, and designing and installing a multi-source renewable energy generation system to deliver electric energy to campus residents and provide education on renewable energy.Create meaningful state incentives to encourage location and start up of firms designing, proving, producing and marketing renewable energy generation and storage technologies in Iowa (wind, solar, biomass, fuel cell storage, waste heat capture, others). Create and maintain an environment where business can grow, flourish and be profitable in Iowa by: - Addressing critical infrastructure needs. - Adopting incentives to encourage schools, cities, counties and the state to adopt technology and decrease duplication of services, while increasing effectiveness and efficiency. - Protecting a strong business foundation in Iowa.- Expanding the variety of economic development incentives, addressing both new and existing businesses of all sizes, ensuring the incentives assist important targeted sectors with large number of highly paid employees or large capital investments that may not grow initially without such assistance. - Simplifying the tax systems in Iowa, including personal and corporate income tax, property tax, and tax incentives for business. - Preserving Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as an essential community economic development tool for industrial and targeted commercial uses.

- Strengthening workforce skills training and retraining programs through community colleges, and talent retention and recruitment programs, to meet current and future workforce needs, guided by representatives of private sector employers of targeted and major employment sectors.- Strengthening our state’s educational systems that are vital to economic development and the development of a high quality workforce in the Cedar Valley and Iowa by implementing 21st Century learning skills by setting statewide outcome based standards for K-12 schools, encouraging pilot projects aimed at the differentiation of school schedules and restoring funding for education at all levels (pre-K, K-12, Hawkeye Community College, and the University of Northern Iowa).

There are a number of other GCVA position statements on various issues that are detailed in its Legislative Policy Agenda. They include, among others, state funding of reconstruction and prevention efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters ensuring that all businesses and residential areas impacted have access to recovery and reconstruction funds, providing property tax relief to commercial and industrial property owners and establishing Iowa as an energy leader and net energy exporter.

The Alliance believes funding for the Math and Science Collaborative being led by UNI should be continued as should funding for the R&D school at UNI.

The TIME-21 transportation program to enhance the highway system linking the commercial centers across Iowa should continue to be implemented and passenger rail service should be extended to the Cedar Valley.

For a complete copy of the 2011 GCVAC Legislative Policy Agenda, contact the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156. Contact me, Steve Firman, at firman@cedarvalleyalliance.com if you have questions or need more information.

Greater Cedar Valley Alliance Sets Legislative Priorities for 2011

We are pleased to annouce that Amy B. Anderson will be filling the communications specialist role for us. Amy has a degree and significant experience in graphics communications. She was a "natural" to move into this important roll. You have met Amy as our Administrative Assistant over the past several months. Contact her for all communications, media, newsletter, membership services, advertising, and webmaster information at anderson@cedarvalleyalliance.com.Our previous Alliance & Chamber Communications Specialist Erin Bishop submitted her resignation to pursue a new opportunity in market research at UNI's Strategic Marketing Services. Erin has done an extraordinary job of building our communications capacity and sophistication during her service to our organization. We wish Erin the best at her new place of employment.

GCVAC Names Communications Director

Amy B. Anderson