Inside this issue:

• Revealed Identity

Nove

mbe

r 20

11

2 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

Table of ContentsArticle ..................................................................Page

Featured Member of the Month ..................................4LFS Executive Program ..............................................5LFS Alumni Holiday Party .........................................5Members In Motion ....................................................6Linn Area BizPAC ......................................................7Calendar of Events ......................................................8Sales Roundtable .........................................................8Breakfast of Champions .............................................9Anatomy of an Identity ....................................... 10-11Chamber Academy ....................................................12Legislative Preview ...................................................13Linn Area BizPac ......................................................13New Members ...........................................................14Priority One ...............................................................15EDC ...........................................................................16Business Success Initiative .......................................17October PM Exchange Recap ...................................18PM Exchange ............................................................18Good Morning Cedar Rapids ....................................19

November 2011VOLUME 81 NO 3 (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: Nancy KasparekInterim President: Dee BairdEditor: Kari Stillman

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

2011-2012 Board of Directors

OfficersNancy Kasparek, U.S. Bank NA, ChairRob Frederick, Transamerica Companies, Chair-ElectChuck Peters, SourceMedia Group, Immediate Past ChairBill Vincent, Clifton Gunderson LLP, Treasurer

Board of DirectorsJill Ackerman, Marion Chamber of Commerce,

Honorary DirectorDawn Ainger, Genova Technologies, Inc., DirectorTom Anderson, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, DirectorDee Baird, CR Area Chamber of Commerce/Priority One,

President P1Todd Barker, Todd Barker Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorDavid Benson, CR Community School District, DirectorBarry Boyer, Chair, Priority One, Honorary DirectorScott Byers, NAI Iowa Realty Commercial, DirectorLijun Chadima, Thorland Company, DirectorRon Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids, Honorary DirectorJeff Elgin, J & T Elgin LLC, DirectorJim Ernst, Four Oaks, DirectorGary Ficken, Bimm Ridder Sportswear, DirectorRon Fielder, Grant Wood Area Education Agency (retired),

DirectorKristie Fisher, Kirkwood Community College, DirectorScott Gasway, J.P. Gasway Company Inc., DirectorVern Gebhart, Alliant Energy, DirectorBernard Gill, Ascott Transportation Service, DirectorShannon Hanson, ImpactCR, Honorary DirectorBrad Hart, Bradley & Riley PC, DirectorTom Hobson, Rockwell Collins, Inc., DirectorTim Kintner, Bankers Trust Company, DirectorChristine Landa, Junior Achievement of Eastern IA, DirectorRobb Loftsgard, Wells Fargo Bank, DirectorStephanie Neighbor, Chair, Marion Chamber,

Honorary DirectorCurt Nelson, Entrepreneurial Development Center,

Honorary DirectorDoug Neumann, Cedar Rapids Downtown District,

Honorary DirectorRon Olson, Paulson Electric Company, DirectorJeff Pomeranz, City Manager, City of Cedar Rapids,

Honorary DirectorJohn Sheehan, St. Luke’s Hospital, DirectorDavid Sorg, Leadership for Five Seasons, Honorary DirectorTim Spain, United Fire Group, DirectorMichael Sundall, Physicians’ Clinic of Iowa, PC, DirectorBill Vernon, Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, DirectorBrandt Worley, Worley Warehousing, Inc., Director

From the Chairman’s Desk:

And the beat goes on.

By the time you are reading this, we will have celebrated our joint annual meeting, formally merging The Chamber, Priority One and the Downtown District into the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

Now what happens?

The fact of the matter is that we are still your advocate for business development and success. The day after the annual meeting, staff returned to work and continued doing everything in their power to help our community be the best place possible to operate a flourishing business. The volunteers and stakeholders of all three organizations came to their committee meetings, lent their expertise and voiced their support for the work we do.

We continue to advocate, educate and collaborate, with one new difference. Now we are doing it together – stronger together.

There will be an adjustment period, while our talent begins transitioning into a staff of one organization, but truth be told, they have been collaborating with each other for a long time. The work that Dee Baird and Doug Neumann will do to transition them to one team in the next few months will be important, but it will also feel a bit like second nature.

Committee structures will change. Board members will shift and councils will form to carry out the work we have ahead of us.

In the end, the biggest change you will experience from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is the strength of our expertise and focus as a united organization as we leverage our collective voice and efforts toward a common vision. We are an organization whose time has come. We are forging a new model for collaboration, community and business development.

We are stronger together. We are The Economic Alliance.

Sincerely, Nancy Kasparek Chair, Board of Directors

November 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3

4 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

Featured

Savings Quality Environment

One per customer. Not valid with other offers.Expires 01/31/2012. Code Chamber Offer

Cartridge World Cedar Rapids2210 Edgewood RoadCedar Rapids, IA 52404www.cartridgeworldusa.com319-396-9600

OFF TONER REFILL

OFF INK

REFILL

$10$3

WHY PAY MORETO PRINT?

November 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 5r 201Noveembeerve r 201Noveembeerve ______________________________________________ _____________________________________________ __________5__________

Recognizing the busy schedules of high level executives, especially those new to the area, the Executive program offers a shortened version of the highly successful Adult program. Consisting of five evening sessions, the program is designed not just to inform the participants, but also to help form networks with other executives of the community. The goal is to understand the issues and opportunities of the area and how their companies can be involved.

We encourage participants to include their spouse/partner in these sessions so both can learn about the area and build new relationships. The class is limited in size to encourage greater learning and networking.

For the 2012 program application and schedule visit http://www.cedarrapids.org/chamber/Executive_Program.aspx

Special thanks to our Executive Class of 2012 sponsor:

Leadership for Five Seasons

Executive Program Applications Available

11.17.11 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Kickoff the holiday season with fellow LFS Alumni for an evening of holiday celebration and fun. The event is free to dues paying alumni and spouse/guest. Non dues paying alumni are welcome to attend and pay dues at the event.

Enjoy food, drinks and door prizes while catching up with old friends and meeting new ones!

U.S. Bank NA - Downtown Office 222 2nd Ave SE Cedar Rapids, IA 52401Phone: (319) 398-5317

6 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

Living Well Magazine, Linn County September 16

Mount Mercy University, University Center Building DedicationSeptember 30

Mercy Medical Center, Employee Health ClinicSeptember 28

Linn County Community Services BuildingOctober 12

Dental Health PartnersOctober 18

SCORE GOALSON THE FIELDAchieve Goals in Life.

CEDAR RAPIDS METRO YMCAwww.crmetroymca.org

When kids play sports they get more than just exercise. They have higher self esteem and a healthier body image. Sign your kid up for Y sports NOW online or in a branch.

Need Printing or Mailing?

Call Chuck atCornerstone Press

378-4451

November 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 7

Linn Area BizPAC Update

All candidates for the City of Cedar Rapids and Senate 18 elections were sent questionnaires to complete, as well as an opportunity for a scheduled interview for consideration for endorsement by the Linn Area BizPAC. This helps the BizPAC to understand the candidate’s position on issues of importance in the region. Some of the candidates opted not to complete the questionnaire or participate in the interview process and were disqualified for consideration for endorsement.

Below is a sample of the questionnaire and candidate responses:Q: The future of Cedar Rapids is tied to the future of the Corridor. What specific steps will you take to advance Regionalism and the concept of the Corridor as a single large community?

Ann Poe: “Continue to work with all partners involved in the corridor. Hold joint meeting between the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Convention & Visitor Bureaus looking for opportunities to collaborate. Make doing business in Cedar Rapids with the City as easy and welcoming as our partners to the south.”

Monica Vernon: “Regionalism is important for Cedar Rapids. It’s a simple concept to understand. However, it’s often a difficult concept to practice. In my

mind, successful regionalism includes but is not limited to two concepts: Relationships and projects. Projects are important because I think certain

real regional projects will leverage future success together. For example: a transportation project such as connecting the trail to Coralville and Iowa

City makes a statement about regionalism and what we value. It also allows many individuals and events to help us cement the region. …”

Robby Robinson: “Whatever it takes.”

Scott E. Olson: “Develop a solid economic growth plan for Cedar Rapids that builds itself on the strengths of the Corridor and blends with the efforts of our neighbors.”

Taylor Nelson: “Coralville and North Liberty are in contract discussions as to annexation agree-ments. We need to immediately push our city boundary lines south as fast as possible. North Liberty is one of the fastest growing cities in Iowa. They will block our advancement if we do not move.”

To see the complete list of candidate responses, visit www.cedarrapids.org/Advocacy/BizPAC.aspx

Linn Area

8 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

Events Calendar

November December ❖ Thursday, November 3

PM Exchange – Hy-Vee5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

3600 Hwy 151 E

Member Event

Complimentary

❖ Tuesday, November 8

Chamber Academy – Investing in Excellence8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

Spend time with Travis Christopher, Susan Lloyd and Leslie Wright as they share an overview of this compelling and transformative material.

$10 members/$25 future members

❖ Tuesday, November 15

Regional Sustainable Business Alliance Green Facility Tour11:30 a.m.-12:30 pm.m

Yellow Book USA 6300 C Street SW

Employee Education Initiatives

Hosted by Yellow Book USA

Complimentary

❖ Thursday, November 17

Leadership for Five Seasons –Alumni Holiday Party5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

U.S. Bank NA- Downtown Offi ce222 2nd Avenue SE

Event is free to dues-paying members and spouse/guest.

Non-dues paying alumni are welcome to attend and pay dues at the event

❖ Wednesday, November 30

Regional Sustainable Business Alliance Round Table12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

Van Meter Inc. 850 32nd Avenue SW

Theme: Driving Energy Effi ciency through the Supply Chain

Round Table Discussions are free, open events to discuss green business concepts and share ideas, solutions, and questions.

Complimentary

❖ Thursday, December 1

Good Morning Cedar Rapids!7:15 a.m.-8:45 a.m.

Hawkeye Downs4400 6th Street SW

Join us to celebrate 20 years in the fast lane!

Tickets are $35 each or $350 for a table of 10

Sponsored by

❖ Friday, December 2

Legislative Preview11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

For reservations, please contact Sara Mentzer at (319) 398- 5317 or smentzer@cedarrapids.org

Sponsored by

❖ Tuesday, December 6

Breakfast of Champions7:15 a.m.-8:30 a.m.

Chamber Boardroom

A light breakfast and coffee willbe available.

Space is limited. Registration is required.

Sponsored by

Community CalendarAs a Chamber member, businesses can login at www.cedarrapids.org and submit their own event. Visit

www.cedarrapids.org/events to view the numerous events

being held by Chamber members throughout the community.

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

www.cedarrapids.org

ROUNDTA B L E

“Everyone Lives by Selling Something” Robert Louis Stevenson

WHAT IS A SALES ROUNDTABLE? The Sales Roundtable is an arranged group of noncompeting sales professionals, from all levels who meet once per month for a forum on sales issues. Meetings will follow an agenda of predetermined topics relevant to the sales professional today including lead generation, conversion rates and client retention. Driven by group discussion, participants will receive tips and advice, learn from others and of course, grow their network.

Kickoff event for all participants will be January 24, Noon – 1:00 p.m. in the Chamber Boardroom.

The annual participation fee is $90.

For questions or additional details: Jeff Schamberger, 319-730-1402 or jschamberger@cedarrapids.org

January 24, 2012Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Chamber Boardroom

November 2011 _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 9

You wouldn’t expect your bank to off er a free

checking account that pays 4.00% APY*

and waives all of your ATM fees.

...but we do.

* Annual Percentage Yield. Rate may change after the account is opened. APY accurate as of November 1, 2010 and is not an introductory rate. Opening deposit requirement of $100. APY is for balances up to $25,000. Balances over $25,000 will earn interest at 0.10% APY. To earn stated APY and ATM fee refunds of $20 per month, the following items are required: minimum of 15 Visa Check Card transactions per statement cycle, enroll in onilne banking, receive eStatements and set up one direct deposit or debit per month. MEMBER FDIC

Tuesday, December 67:15 a.m.- 8:30 a.m.Chamber Boardroom

Join us for a morning of networking and a presentation by Trace Pickering from the Grant Wood Area Education Agency.

Topic: Eastern Iowa CompactHow do you educate students who will go places –

real and virtual – we’ve never been? What do we want and need our learning system to be to succeed in the future? These are some of the questions a group of area superin-tendents interested in pushing educational transformation farther and faster discussed over the Summer of 2011. In September, 2011 the superintendents shared their work with their colleagues and on October 5, 2011 the Eastern Iowa Compact was publicly introduced to local school boards and business and community leaders. The Compact is designed to gather school board, business, community,

teacher, parent, and student signatures from across Eastern Iowa as a public declaration of permission and support for schools to forge ahead in creating the schools our children need and deserve. The Compact clarifies the outcomes but does not dictate the means with which schools use to produce those outcomes. Collaboration, choice, and joint accountability are the cornerstones of the work. Join us on December 6 to learn more about the Compact and what you can do to help advance our community and secure our economic future by transforming our educational system.

A light breakfast and coffee will be offered.There is no cost to attend the Breakfast of Champions, however space is limited and registration is required.

Special thanks to our sponsor

10 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

The Blueprint

GEOGRAPHIC INDICATORS

FOCUS

The center of

what we do.

HOW WE OCollabora

Inclusi

A lot. Our geographic identity, our mission and a sense of how we operate all go into the name Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance — the new identity of the three recently merged organizations that will operate as one united entity, beginning officially January 1, 2012.

In five words we tell you where we are, who we are, what we do and who we do it with. Those five words are our focus, our barometer for what endeavors we undertake and our pledge to collaborate, as an organization and as a powerful regional voice, to make this community stronger, together.

By any other nameMany have asked, what becomes of our Chamber? Our Downtown District? Our economic development efforts?

Many things remain the same. We are still your Chamber. We will remain members of the US Chamber of Commerce/ACCE, and we will still passionately promote the importance of local business and a strong, healthy business climate. Likewise, we’ll continue to garner expertise and support from the trade associations that the Downtown District and Priority One have been part of.

We will still, as a merged organization, focus on building and rebuilding our vibrant downtown core as center of our community, while understanding and promoting regional success and a long-term, regional master plan.

And we will still work to recruit and retain businesses that bring jobs to this area and the work we do to connect a trained and talented workforce to those employers. We will still function as the area Chamber and be able to be found through directory listings and on the internet as such.

We will focus on all of those things, as we have in the past. But the clear difference is that those efforts will be coordi-nated rather than isolated and sometimes contradictory. And those efforts will be integrated with a common public policy agenda and a strong, unified regional voice.

We will be stronger together. We will be the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

Integral inputThe name Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance was borne of input from staff, board members, stakeholders and communications professionals. The strong consensus was

that our name must have a geographic identifier, and succinctly wrap up our focus and way of doing business.

Consensus also rallied to the belief that we should not cobble together an acronym, nor settle some shortened moniker that would become too generic. So, when and if that full legal name is too much for one breath, we want the organization to be known as The Economic Alliance.

Research from similar organizations revealed these elements as best practices in creating a timeless moniker for an organization that encompasses the scope of the work we do in the community. It resounds well with experts in regionalism and economic development who have under-taken collaborative efforts and succeeded in setting the stage for the level of collaboration and focus that we will achieve as one organization, stronger together.

Finding our IdentityThe first step in the name selection process was to identify the values that we embody as a regional, collaborative, economic development organization. Input from staff, boards and the Unification Council mirrored what other subject matter experts indicated. The next step, after approval was received from our governing organizations, is to share the name with our base constituency and embark on, among many things, a graphic identity process. We will be working over the next several months to establish the brand standards and identity that convey the message behind the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance – now and into the future.

What goes into a name?

November 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 11

Evolution of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance

February, 2011: Boards of the Cedar Rapids Downtown District, Chamber of Commerce and Priority One begin discussions about a joint organization with a common vision to drive regional economic development.

Mar. 29: CEO’s Dee Baird (Priority One and Chamber) and Doug Neumann (Cedar Rapids Downtown District) begin presenting potential organizational structures to small stakeholder groups. They made 43 presentations over the next 6 weeks to almost 300 stakeholders.

Apr. 11: First Joint Staff meeting to inform and involve staff in merger discussions.

May 31: Joint Board leadership team (Group of 7) authorizes negotiations to begin on Letter of Intent language based on positive feedback from stakeholders.

Letters of Intent approved by: Priority One, Jul.14 Chamber, Jul. 28 Downtown District, Jul. 28

Aug. 29: Joint Staff meeting to discuss potential organizational name and joint annual meeting details.

Sept. 7: First public announcement of Intent to Merge.

Sept. 22: Chamber board discusses organization name.

Sept. 29: Downtown District board discusses organization name.

Sept. 26: Joint staff meeting to discuss organizational chart and staffing process.

Aug. 29: Co-location Task Force received 14 proposals for co-location facility.

Oct.: Business Input Sessions begin to gather feedback on organizational goals and concerns and answer questions.

Oct. 10: Task Force recommends lease negotiations on preferred co-location site.

Oct. 11: Unification Council recommends organization name and initial Board of Directors.

Oct. 13: Priority One ratified Initial Board of Directors

Oct. 27: Chamber and Downtown District approve final merger documents, which include the new name and the initial Board of Directors.

Nov. 1: Joint Annual Meeting with public announcement of new name and celebration of merger.

December: Boards approve Council rosters.

January 1, 2012: Official operations of Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance begin.

January 2012: Board of Directors begin strategic planning work.

June 2012: Goal for opening of co-location facility.

t of Identity

OPERATEative.ive.

12 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

Investing in ExcellenceTuesday, November 8th

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Chamber Boardroom

$10 members/$25 future members(cost includes sales tax, light breakfast provided)

Looking for a way to unleash the potential of your employees and your organization? This session will introduce you to powerful research based tools provided by Pacifi c Institute’s Investing in Excellence. You will learn how this

program helps you to create a positive, constructive, successful culture.

Spend time with Travis Christopher, Susan Lloyd and Leslie Wright as they share an overview of this compelling and transformative material.

“Bankers Trust is like banking the way it used to

be,” says Joe S. His brother-in-law and business

partner Joe D. agrees, “They’re honest, and their

decisions are quick and on point.” Joe S. adds,

“We couldn’t be more content with a bank.“

221 Third Avenue SE319-896-7777

400 Blairs Ferry Road NE319-221-1230

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Member FDIC

November 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 13

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

and one refl ector.

PreviewFriday, December 2

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.Chamber Boardroom

Join us for an opportunity to discuss with our local legislators policies and priority issues for the 2012 Legislative Session. We

have heard from the Governor’s office education reform and property tax reform are priorities of the administration. What

is a priority for you and business in this area?

Registration is free. Reservations are required. Please contact Sara Mentzer at smentzer@cedarrapids.org for

reservations and additional information.

We look forward to seeing you on December 2.

Thank you to our event sponsor Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC.

14 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

New

Allied Building Products2037 North Towne Lane N.E.Cedar Rapids, IA 52402Matt Farver, Outside SalesPhone: 515-313-6228Fax: 319-390-4441Website: www.alliedbuilding.comEmail: matt.farver@alliedbuilding.com

Allied Building Products is an independent distributor to contractors and homeowners in several sectors including residential roofing, commercial roofing, siding and windows. Allied employs more than 3,000 people in 180 locations. Allied is poised to be your premier partner in helping you meet all of your building needs.

Balvanz Web SolutionsJodi Balvanz, Owner and Website DesignerPhone: 319-533-3475Fax: 888-491-6706Website: www.balvanzweb.comEmail: jodi@balvanzweb.com

Let us help you GROW your business with a “Custom Website”!

We specialize in creating custom, quality, websites at an affordable price. Whether you need a new website or already have a website, we can help you. We will create a website that beats your competition.

Call us today for a FREE initial consultation.

Advanced Waste Services640 63rd Avenue SWCedar Rapids, IA 52411Mark Lob, Operations ManagerPhone: 319-730-7466Fax: 319-362-0399Website: www.advancedwasteservices.comEmail: mlob@advancedwasteservices.com

AWS specializes in providing waste and risk elimination services to commercial, municipal and manufacturing clients in all industries. We develop and deliver customized solutions designed to benefit our clients, community and environment.

Frantz-Hobart Management Services3801 Beverly Rd SW, Suite 300Cedar Rapids, IA 52404Tom Frantz, PartnerPhone: 319-390-0013Fax: 319-390-0014Website: www.Frantz-Hobart.comEmail: tom@frantz-hobart.com

Frantz-Hobart is a partnership in the development and management of commercial properties. We provide turn-key services for new construction and renovations. Our property management involves building and grounds maintenance, tenant recruitment and retention, and all associated book-keeping and documentation.

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November 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 15

Aligning PrioritiesThe Cedar Rapids area is a growing, redeveloping

region that has achieved many milestones post flood. We see some of those milestones coming to pass with the rankings we see coming from national publications and research groups.

These rankings are only one factor in what a business may take into account when considering the region as a potential location for operations. But they do matter. They matter to our internal audience – the people who live, work or operate businesses here – in our efforts to retain a strong talent pool and improve the business climate. It also matters to some extent to businesses and potential members of the workforce that look at our region as a viable place to do business.

As an organization dedicated to economicdevelopment, our focus has been on growth, investment, jobs, the tax base, diversity and our community as key items in our tool box. When a company considers a new location it looks at some of the same factors. Their focus will be on growth and community, but also on profitability, market share, employees and sustainability.

It is in finding the common values and understanding the needs of prospective employers that Priority One has been successful. Our work providing value to potential clients, developing the workforce through programs such as MyTernNow and our strong relationships with local and state gov-ernment to leverage economic tools has been invaluable to the clients we serve, and will continue to be in the future under the umbrella of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance.

Graphic created and provided by the {We Believe} Project.

16 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 201116 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________November 2011

ENTREPRENEURS’ CORNERInnovation of Commercial Value

Curt Nelson, President & CEO, Entrepreneurial Development Center (EDC)

Online and personal.

OhnwardBank.com

Member FDIC

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?

“If innovation is tainted with the idea that a resulting commercial value is necessary – true innovation will not occur.” This sentiment is heard time and again from the “scientists” that are rooted in the thought that a commercialization goal simply distracts and distorts the very process of innovation.

The thought that mankind should benefit from research and development conducted at the expense of successful commercial enterprise should not only be acceptable, it should be at the core of the process. Clearly some of the world’s most successful inventions were a result of development projects that failed and/or changed thinking in a manner that provided outcomes not initially envisioned. But like the invention of Post-it® Notes, a 3M glue development project gone wrong, the initial develop-ment itself was focused on creating a product that provided commercial value thus providing the financial resources needed for continued innovation.

Looking at the many waves of national and global economic prosperity throughout time, all have come with commercially viable innovation at their core. War, revolution, depression, recession, inflation, and all other global-changing social, political, technological, environmental, and economic triggers drive new thinking. “Necessity is the mother of invention” (Plato) is at the foundation of innovation and at the core of all of those who invest lifetimes pursuing the next idea, thing, product, service, procedure, or process.

If we are to build a viable, secure, and sustainable future, arguably innovation that provides commercial value will be at its root. And whether that innovation comes from entrepreneurs, academic science, or corporate development, it is absolutely essential that we celebrate its value to the local, regional, national and global economy.

For more information, contact the Entrepreneurial Development Center at (319) 369-4955 or visit us at: www.edcinc.org.

November 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 17

Chamber’s Business Success Initiative to Conclude at Year’s End

Discover a New Way.

Employee Benefits Risk Management Financial Strategies Individual Solutions

www.truenorthcompanies.com

The Chamber’s Business Success Initiative will conclude its efforts with business flood recovery at the end of the year. This advocacy process was implemented in January 2010 to help flood affected businesses in Cedar Rapids.

“The Case Management team was crucial to helping make sure our flooded businesses received the assistance they desperately needed,” said Bob Harschnek, case management team leader.

Over the course of two years, case managers have provided advisory services and mentors for business needs in areas such as sales, marketing, business planning, accounting, finance, and business partnering. They have also helped businesses qualify for financial assistance in accordance with government regulations. When necessary, case managers made a case for businesses bordering on eligibility status.

Government disaster and private funds helped many businesses stay open during this difficult time. According to Harschnek, by receiving these funds, businesses were able to take initial step to replace equipment, inventory and supplies, pay down their increased debt, and replenish

their own personal savings that were poured into their recovery efforts.

This initiative is the first of its kind in the country for business disaster recovery. At the end of the year, the team will release a report that will serve as a guide for future business communities facing disasters. Highlighted will be the lessons learned – what worked and what would be done differently, as well as statistics that describe how the businesses were served.

Case managers will remain available through the end of the year to provide assistance with flooded business needs including disaster planning, something Harschnek emphasizes as crucial for businesses.

“We can’t predict the future. If another disaster should hit our businesses, whether it be flood, fire, or tornado, we want them to be prepared. Many businesses were lucky to survive without a disaster plan in place the first time,” Harschnek said.

Businesses who have continuing needs will be transitioned to those established resource partnerships like SCORE and the Small Business Development Center.

Case Managers can be reached at (319) 731-5864.

18 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ November 2011

October PM Exchange Recap

CarePro Health Services celebrated their 40th anniversary by hosting a Chamber PM Exchange on October 20th. Members enjoyed tours of their downtown location, networking and a hot dog bar. The event was capped off with a ribbon-cutting celebration and the first-ever flash mob at a PM Exchange!

Congratulations to CarePro on their anniversary and thank you for hosting the PM Exchange.

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The iSYSTOC employer web portal provides a web interface to access your company’s information such as drug test results, physicals or immuniza-tions at your convenience. It is safe, secure and available when you need the information.

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November 2011 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ 19

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