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Pearl City ProgressNewsletter for the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Volume 20 Number 11 November 2011
GMCCI works to improve the business climate and community quality of life by taking a leadership role in the areas of business growth, recruitment, information, advocacy, community marketing, improvement initiatives, leadership
development, and visitor services.
A Plan for Moving ForwardMuscatine’s business climate is made up of strong and diverse businesses, citizens that make up a stellar and capable workforce and an entrepreneurial spirit which has fostered opportunities for many has long been the envy of those who know the Muscatine story, our story.
One of the keys to Muscatine’s success has been the efforts of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GMCCI) to provide professional economic development efforts whenever the opportunity is discovered or presents itself. In other words GMCCI is engaged. Engaged at the right time and the right place to assist where it counts and when it counts.
GMCCI is here to help this great city by seeking to grow our local economy whenever and however possible. We work tirelessly to insure a strong public-private partnership that enables a business climate conducive to growth and expansion. From assisting businesses through the processes of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, to providing the ongoing support to grow and strengthen our workforce through the efforts of the Young Professionals Network or Leadership Muscatine, we are here to serve.
GMCCI is able to do this through the Business Retention and Expansion Program, through the recruitment of new businesses and the development and launch of an Economic Gardening program currently under construction. Other partnerships, like those of the Eastern Iowa Economic Development Alliance, Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Bi-state Regional Commission and close ties with city and
county officials. This enables GMCCI to reach out to the right organizations at the right time to insure we provide the right support in our efforts to strengthen and grow the economy of Muscatine.
After a thorough review of the Economic Development Initiative plan (shown below) GMCCI’s board strongly believed that a campaign goal of $300,000 a year
for the next 3 years is necessary and appropriate to accomplish the objective details in the plan.
When this goal is met, it will permit GMCCI to not only continue its fine work, but it will also allow the organization to expand its offerings and make even greater Economic Development strides forward in the future.
Existing Business Retention: Work closely with existing business, large and small, to understand needs and road blocks to growth and expansion. Then work with all necessary, financial, educational/training, governmental bodies, and other organizations needed to make expansion and growth possible.
Targeted Industry External Marketing: Working with the members of EIEDA, the business community, the City and County target priority industries/businesses that are a fit for Muscatine. Establish a support team to assist in formulating and implementing a recruitment strategy.
Innovation/Entrepreneurship: Develop a robust channel, including funding streams, educational capabilities, assistance with marketing, and sales abilities and incubator locations, for advanced innovation both within Muscatine and the region.
Workforce Development: Collaborate with local business, networking organizations (YPN), educational institutions, experienced workforce development and life long learning organizations while continuing to work to ensure an adequate supply of technologically savvy, well trained, diverse, and capable workforce prepared to meet the needs of both existing and future employers within Muscatine and the region.
Coalitions (Regionalism): Build and leverage coalitions to connect organizations and business people with human and financial resources in the region. Work with surrounding counties and communities to prepare and plan for attraction, support and growth of additional businesses to the Eastern Iowa Region.
Develop and Maintain a Marketing Toolbox: Develop and deploy those tools necessary to effectively market Muscatine both internally and externally
Economic Development Initiatives
GMCCI Board of Directors2010-2011
OfficersChair of the BoardDavid Penn, MonsantoChair ElectCara Fuller, Bridgestone BandagImmediate Past ChairScott Ingstad, First National BankTreasurer & Chair-FinanceRick Smith, Stanley ConsultantsChair – MembershipLynn Allison, Ruhl & RuhlChair – Community DevelopmentPam Collins, Musser Public LibraryChair - Economic DevelopmentDoug Krieger, Krieger Motor CompanyChair - Public PolicyCara Fuller, Bridgestone Bandag Chair - Tourism and HospitalityTom Hendricks, Taco John’s of Muscatine
DirectorsLynn Allison, Ruhl & RuhlBob Allbee, Muscatine Community CollegeDoug Buster, Fabricators PlusGary Carlson, HNI CorporationPam Collins, Musser Public LibraryBill Decker, Muscatine Community School DistrictCara Fuller, Bridgestone Bandag, LLCBrenda Garcia-Van Auken, State Farm InsuranceNick Gow, Young Professionals NetworkTom Green, H.J. Heinz, L.P.Kevin Harle, SSABJames Hayes, Trinity MuscatineTom Hendricks, Taco John’s of MuscatineStan Howe, Member EmeritusScott Ingstad, First National BankSteve Jameson, Muscatine JournalGreg Kistler, Central State BankPaul Kraushaar, Muscatine Physical TherapyDoug Krieger, Krieger Motor CompanyJohn Kuhl, Muscatine Foods CorporationSal LoBianco, Muscatine Power & WaterGregg Mandsager, City of MuscatineJay McKee, McKee Button CompanyAnn Meeker, Pearl PlazaDave Mohr, Eastern Iowa Light & PowerBrett Nelson, Musco Lighting, LLCKasey O’Kelly, Hy-Vee DrugstoreDan Paca, Kent FeedsDavid Penn, MonsantoJim Reynolds, Reynolds EngineeringGary Slight, Community BankRick Smith, Stanley ConsultantsNancy Snaadt, Alliant EnergyDave Watkins, Muscatine County
Renewed MembersCongratulations to the following members, who celebrate their GMCCI membership anniversary in November!
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Renewed MembersMailboxes & Parcel DepotIowa Network ServicesGood Earth RestaurantUS CellularDocument Destruction & Recycling ServicesThrivent Financial for LutheransMillennium Waste IncorporatedShoe Sensation IncThinspirations
Years201311632111
New MembersWendy Robinson-Koch’s School of Music & Performing Arts1815 Green AcresMuscatine, IA 52761(563) 299-2009
Operating a full performing arts studio out of her home, Wendy Robinson-Koch, specializes in voice, piano, trumpet, acting, modeling, pageant training, stage presence, dance choreography, musicals, self-esteem and music therapy, all with an emphasis in community volunteer services. Her home provides a full stage, sound and lighting system for all ages to train. More information can be found at www.wendysrhythmriders.com.
Total Connextions2016 Cedar Plaza Drive, Ste. 6Muscatine, IA 52761(563) 264-0500
Total Connexions’, Verizon Wireless largest and most reliable wireless network, goal is to develop a strong relationship with our customers, business, and residential alike. They pride themselves on innovative thinking, creative problem solving, quality products, aggressive product pricing, and applying one on one touch throughout every transaction. Feel free to stop by their Muscatine location and meet their dedicated and friendly employees.
O’Donnell ACE Hardware1420 Park AveMuscatine, IA 52761(563) 264-3201
O’Donnell Ace Hardware, your neighborhood hardware store, is unique and tailored to meet the needs of the Muscatine community. They are committed to being “The Helpful Place” by offering their customers knowledgeable advice, helpful service and quality products. More information can be found at www.odonnellhardware.com.
Gentle Family Dentists2202 Houser StreetMuscatine, IA 52761(563) 288-2612
Gentle Family Dentists caring team creates a partnership of respect and commitment to serve and empower their patients to have healthy beautiful smiles. Their services include a wide range of treatments that provide patients the most up to minute health care advances to keep mouths healthy and beautiful.
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6 majors available at MCC Muscatine campus
online and at night!
Bachelor Degrees that fit your schedule!
800.582.2383
See us at www.iwc.edu/exl
Celebrating 25 Years with Temp Associates – 1986 RevisitedGMCCI members turned back in time at Business After Hours on Thursday, October 13, hosted by Temp Associates. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Temp Associates rolled out the red carpet for guests, showcasing 1986, the year they established their staffing service in Muscatine.
Members enjoyed reminiscing back to 1986; answering trivia questions, guessing grocery prices, glancing at old staff photos and enjoying classic 80’s finger foods.
Temp Associates donated many gift items for door prizes, the winners were as
follows. Steve Bermel, Fruit basket, Nick Gow, Gourmet Foods Basket, Tim Mullen, Godiva Gift Basket, and Bill Decker, Fall Floral Arrangement. Member Sarah Ingstad, SunnyBrook Assisted Living, was chosen to be featured as November’s Member Spotlight. Please read more about SunnyBrook on page 5.
This month’s Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, November 10, co-hosted by The Crystal Tea Room, Salvatore’s, Pearce Virtual Solutions and Nepple Law, being held at The Crystal Team Room, across from the movie theater in the Muscatine Mall.
R
serving muscatine since 1913
stanley consultants provides engineering, environmental, and construction services worldwide.
800.553.9694www.stanleyconsultants.com
Holiday Stress Solved in Learn Over Lunch Programs
November’s Learn Over Lunch seminar will tackle the upcoming holidays and the stress it brings to many. Becky Each, ISU Extension Office, will be presenting Reclaim Your Holidays on Tuesday, November 8, Noon to 1:30 p.m. at the ISU Extension Office.
Do you want to minimize the stress and maximize the meaning of the upcoming holidays? This workshop will explore the many creative ways that we can make our holidays richer with meaning, while also making them less expensive and more environmentally friendly.
Learn Over Lunch in December will continue on this holiday trend and all the delicious sweet treats that come with the endless gatherings, work parties and family traditions. Dr. Angie Wathan, D.C. and Jessie Wathan, Wathan Chiropractic, will be presenting Good Sugars, Bad Sugars, Who’s Who and What’s What? on Tuesday, December 13, Noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Button Factory Woodfire Grille.
Do you crave sweets? Where are the hidden sugars? If you suffer from weight issues or emotional cravings, this seminar is ideal to learn fun facts and fascinating research regarding sugar. Plus receive tips on how to break the sugar habit in 21 days. This seminar can open up the door to amazing results while still enjoying the holidays.
Learn Over Lunch programs are $15 for GMCCI members and $25 for not-yet members, with lunch provided. Reservations can be made by contacting Shea at 263-8895 or by emailing to [email protected].
GMCCI members and Temp Associates’ employees enjoyed an evening of food and drink at GMCCI’s Business After Hours on Thursday, October 13.
Grow Your Business with GMCCI and SCORE
Popular SCORE Online Workshops When Social Goes Local Listen anytime! Using Social Media to Grow Your Business with SCORE and HP Listen anytime! Savvy Social Media with Jeanne Rossomme Listen anytime!
Robbin Block has been evangelizing the benefits of marketing strategy for over 25 years. Part geek, part creative, she’s brought her in-depth knowledge of the Web and its strategic application to business to companies of all sizes and to thousands of readers via her book, Social Persuasion: Making Sense of Social Media for Small Business. This month, Robbin discusses some of social media’s many implications on the crafting and execution of winning small business marketing plans.
What’s the biggest misperception about social media’s role in marketing, and what should entrepreneurs really be doing as they map out a new small business?
Social media can’t solve all your marketing problems. For a business, it needs to be thought of like any other communication tool. You need to understand the fundamentals of marketing — who’s your target audience, where do they get their information, what do they care about, etc.— to find the right media mix that makes sense for you.
What is the most underutilized non-social media marketing method today?
By far, it’s public relations. Many people are afraid of it, or don’t know what it is. Instead they’ll spend money on poorly placed ads that will almost always fail.
What are two or three go-to resources for finding data about your market?
The U.S. Census. A lot of valuable information from the latest census is now being released. Industry associations. Industry trade publications and consumer magazines. Their media kits have great
information about their readers’ demographics and interests.
And many more resources are available at my website, www.blockbeta.com.
Coupons are gaining popularity as a means for luring potential customers. If this option appears right for a small business, what is needed to help turn coupon users into regular customers?
Understand what attracted them in the first place. People who just want a deal are tough to convert. But many customers use coupons to “sample the goods.” To get them to come back and pay full price, use strategic messaging at each touchpoint to help push them down the purchase path. This messaging can be done verbally, through printed materials, online, and even reinforced with “gifts”.
Can you provide an example of how this works?
A Pilates studio I work with has used social coupons to bring in new customers, offering a 7-week program at a discounted rate. Each week, the studio reinforces the benefits of membership and the results the customer would get if they continue taking their classes. Communications include a comprehensive orientation, an introductory gift of a branded water bottle, follow-on emails, etc. It’s a planned program designed to positively reinforce the customer experience. This in combination with excellent service may be enough to convince the customer to continue at full price.
Expert Tips: Beyond Social Media
with Robbin Block: Owner, Blockbeta Marketing
Robbin Block Seattle, WA www.blockbeta.com [email protected]
Why should entrepreneurs work with a SCORE small business mentor to develop and monitor their marketing plans?
Marketing needs to be flexible, because the environment within which a business operates is always changing. And the business itself is evolving as new opportunities or threats come to light. A SCORE mentor can help filter the information and focus the entrepreneur on what’s important.
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Muscatine, Iowa563.263.1695
The MOST is The Least We Can DoCall It What You Will... New Construction >> Phase Inspections >> FHA / VA Inspections
Warranty Inspections >> Pre-listing Inspections >> Investment Inspections
Ken Rogers, OwnerCertified by National Environmental Health Association (N.E.H.A.) for Healthy Homes InspectionsEmail: [email protected]
A.S.H.I. Associate* Dustin RogersLicensed / Certified InspectorEmail: [email protected]
A.S.H.I. Associate*
>> Roof>> Plumbing>> Lead Paint
>> Structure>> H.V.A.C.>> Asbestos
>> Foundation>> Grounds>> Mold
>> Interior>> Appliances>> Sand Filter
>> Exterior>> Fireplace>> Septic System
>> Electrical>> Termite>> Radon Testing
...and we are licensed and certified for it ALL!
We Call It A Complete Home Inspection.
www.homeinspectionplus.bizIOWA DNRLicensed for
Septic SystemInspections &Sand FilterSampling
Business Planning Expertise with Rhonda AbramsEntrepreneur, author and nationally syndicated columnist Rhonda Abrams has provided business planning expertise to hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and
businesses. Her USA Today column, Successful Strategies, is the nation’s most widely distributed column on small business and entrepreneurship. Rhonda also keeps busy with her latest successful start-up, The Planning Shop, which offers books and tools for business planning, entrepreneurship, and new business development.
What are some tips to avoid becoming dependent on just a few clients?Every year, look at where you business is coming from. If it’s just a few clients,
you definitely need to diversify. Look for customers outside your area or market, and plan strategically how to reach them. This will require a time commitment on your part, but it’s critical to do so. Those who say, “I have all the business I can handle,” often find themselves with nothing very quickly. How can consulting and other types of services help businesses cope with having only a limited number of potential clients in their immediate geographic area?Choosing a niche or specialty tailored to a particular market enables you to serve clients nationally. Thinking nationally—and globally—also helps you broaden your vision of the business.
You’ve written that social media marketing is now an expected part
of business plans. What kind of information are lenders looking for?Because there’s a perception that social media is cheaper than other forms of marketing, lenders want to see how you’re using it to lower costs and build community, especially if you’re in a consumer business. They also want to make sure you’ve chosen the right channels. Instead of Facebook or Twitter, it may be better to focus on industry- and interest-specific social media. Larger businesses should also demonstrate how they’re using social media for customer service. Contact the Muscatine SCORE Chapter for an appointment by calling GMCCI at 563-263-8895.
Regular appointments are at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. each Thursday.
YPN Partners with Two Weeks of LoveAre you interested in getting more involved with YPN Muscatine? Join our Two Weeks of Love Committee.
Please email Nick Gow at [email protected], if you would like to help YPN support Two Weeks of Love.
What is Two Weeks of Love? Eleven years ago a partnership began in an effort to raise non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army. The first year, Miracle Car Wash was the host location. Mike Riggan of TanTara Transportation provided the truck that hauls the football equipment for the University of Iowa . At
the same time a partnership was formed with Doug Krieger of Krieger Motor Group to collect toys for distribution by the Marine Corp. "Toys For Tots". It didn't take long before Krieger realized that the toys collected were not guaranteed to stay in Muscatine. Therefore, and from then on the effort was called "Toy Time" and thus has continued to grow each and every year.
This fundraising effort has collected ten truckloads of toys to include bicycles, dolls, games, sports equipment and much more in the past ten years! Thanks to Corporate sponsor Allsteel who have for the past five years contributed thousands of dollars in cash and at least six truckloads of food.
A total of nine YP’s came out on Tuesday, October 11th to support the Muscatine Firefighters and the fight against cancer. The HallTree Boutique is selling the shirts for $15 with all profit going to the American Cancer Society.
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Staff
Bill PhelanPresident & [email protected]
Jane DaufeldtVice President, Community [email protected]
Greg JenkinsVice President, Economic [email protected]
Ally BillhornMarketing & Communications [email protected]
Heather ShoppaCVB [email protected]
Sarah BannEvent [email protected]
Shea EitmanOffice [email protected]
Bill Phelan President & CEO [email protected]
Kerri McKim Marketing & Communications Coordinator [email protected]
Greg Jenkins Economic Development [email protected]
Jane Daufeldt Executive Director [email protected]
Heather Shoppa CVB Manager [email protected]
Bill Phelan President & CEO [email protected]
Kerri McKim Marketing & Communications Coordinator [email protected]
Greg Jenkins Economic Development [email protected]
Jane Daufeldt Executive Director [email protected]
Heather Shoppa CVB Manager [email protected]
LYNN ALLISON 563.260.4520
[email protected] www.LynnAllison.RuhlHomes.com
M U S C AT I N EF O O D S C O R P O R AT I O N
High quality, research tested, food ingredients, ethyl alcohol, packaged goods, pet products and animal feed.
www.muscatinefoods.com
Who: SunnyBrook Assisted LivingWhat:
Where: 3515 Diana Queen DriveMember Since: December 4, 2008
SunnyBrook of Muscatine has been open for 3 years as of this past October and was founded over 15 years ago in Fairfield, IA by Betty and David Howell.
SunnyBrook Assisted Living Communities offers a special combination of personalized assistance; supportive services, health maintenance and compassionate care in a community setting designed to respond to the individual needs of each resident.
Their well trained staff is dedicated to serving seniors and to promoting dignity, respect and independence for our residents. Assisted living is a welcome alternative for seniors who can no longer live on their own at home.
“Many families are able to feel relief to know their loved one is being cared for by qualified health personnel. Some family feel relieved of their "caregiver burnout" which is a real challenge many caregivers face,” Sarah Ingstad, Assisted Living Manager, SunnyBrook.
A roster of activities at SunnyBrook, are designed to promote socialization, education, and entertainment in a fun and safe environment. Among the more popular activities are Wii bowling, bingo, board games, arts and crafts, cards and group trips. Learning new things or pursuing old interests helps keep the mind and memory sharp, so our residents enjoy such things as gardening, reminiscing, memory exercises and cooking classes.
Ingstad also feels the importance of being part of a Chamber community, helps SunnyBrook to network with possible vendors and customers.
“Being a GMCCI member allows us to showcase SunnyBrook of Muscatine and the great events we host through Business After Hours, the Pearl City Progress and promotional emails,” said Ingstad.
Please extend a big thanks to SunnyBrook Assisted Living for continuing to serve the Muscatine community and for being a proud GMCCI member. Want your chance in the spotlight? Be sure to attend our next Business After Hours, co-hosted by The Crystal Tea Room, Salvatore’s, Pearce Virtual Solutions and Nepple Law, being held at The Crystal Tea Room, Muscatine Mall on November 10.
Member Spotlight: SunnyBrook Assisted Living
SunnyBrook provides caring, compassionate, customer-driven services in its senior living communities, creating a high quality lifestyle where individuals maintain their dignity, privacy, respect and independence
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Dedication of New Student Housing Addition at MCC
Muscatine Community College (MCC), one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), dedicated its newest housing addition September 30.
The new addition, located directly beside the college’s original housing complex, has been named in honor of long-time MCC economics instructor Ronald Hansen.
“Hansen loved his students, he loved the college and he loved the community,” said MCC President Jeff Armstrong, who served as the college’s Dean near the end of Hansen’s time there. “We’ve long wanted to do something that truly signified his contribution. We believe that permanently naming this new student housing in his honor accomplished that.”
Hansen died in 1995, he was just 58 years old. However, he made a dramatic impact on both the college and the entire community, serving first as a Muscatine city councilman and then as mayor from 1974 – 1976.
The housing will be named Hansen Hall. The original housing complex is known as Nyweide-Scott Hall, in honor of Dorothy Nyweide-Scott, who was significant in providing financial support for its construction.
A firm believer in lifelong learning, Hansen was ahead of his time in creating self-paced programs in several areas for working adult students. Hansen often ventured outside the college’s walls to reach out to students, providing classes where it was more convenient for them to attend. Over his career, he taught at police stations, firehouses, hospitals and area businesses.
In addition to his service on the city council and as mayor, he served on many boards and commissions including the Muscatine Levee Commission, the Muscatine Board of Health, United Way and the Island Flood Control Commission.
Gwen Hansen, Hansen’s wife, was on hand for the dedication ceremonies. Also speaking were MCC President Dr. Jeff Armstrong, former MCC President Vic McAvoy and Tim Baldwin of Oxbow Development that built the new complex.
Construction on the new Hansen Hall was completed this summer in time for students to move in this fall. EICC and MCC partnered with Oxbow Development of Bettendorf in expansion of the college’s housing. Oxbow built and owns the new addition, and manages both the new and the original complex.
Together, the college’s overall housing facility is called the Villas at Muscatine Community College, with the separate buildings known as Hansen Hall and Nyweide-Scott Hall. The apartment buildings are directly on the MCC campus, just a few steps from the classrooms.
The new Hansen Hall has 30 multi-bedroom apartments with the ability to house 80 students. Each apartment includes a shared kitchen and living room area with private bedrooms and bathrooms for each student. The new building includes a large recreation room with flat panel televisions and oversized couches, on-site washing machines and clothes dryers, and a fitness facility.
Three MCC Presidents gathered together recently for dedication of the newest student housing at the college. Retired President Vic McAvoy is at the left. In the center is President Jeff Armstrong who is stepping aside for the next two years to serve as Eastern Iowa Community College's Vice Chancellor for Instruction. And at right is current Acting President Bob Allbee.
Dedication of Hansen Hall in honor of Ronald Hansen, Gwen Hansen and Dr. Jeff Armstrong.
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Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Announced as Iowa Top Workplace & Receives Special Award for Training
Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has been selected as one of the 2011 “Iowa Top Workplaces,” a list of the best
places to work in the state of Iowa. The evaluation for the Top Workplaces program is based upon feedback from an employee survey. Ruhl&Ruhl had over 200 responses, which helped to rank the company as the 8th top mid-sized workplace in Iowa. There were 117 companies that participated in the program and 70 companies that were selected for the Top Workplaces award. Ruhl&Ruhl was one of only two real estate companies in the state selected, and the only real estate company selected in eastern Iowa.
“We are excited by the announcement and think it truly represents our philosophy of excellent educational opportunities for our associates and a family first mentality that makes us unique in our industry.” Eric Schlutz, Sales Manager, Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS, Muscatine.
In addition, Ruhl&Ruhl also received a special award for Training, in response to the statement, “I get the formal training I want for my career.” Special award recipients were chosen based on standout scores for employee responses to specific survey statements. Employees rated criteria on a seven-point scale from strongly disagree to strongly agree.
A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern
Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Caroline Ruhl is the President and owner of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, and is the fourth generation of the Ruhl family to lead the residential brokerage and home services company. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 275 sales associates and 50 employees based in sales offices located in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Maquoketa, and Muscatine, in Iowa, and in Moline, Illinois.
In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Ruhl Agency. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.
Moving Forward, Becoming a Blue Zone CommunityBy now, most Iowans have heard of the privately led and publicly endorsed
Healthiest State Initiative, a program to inspire Iowans and their communities to improve their health and happiness. To achieve this goal, individuals, families, businesses, faith-based organizations, not-for-profits and the public sector will unite in a community-focused effort to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation by 2016.
After kicking off the Healthiest State Initiative on October 7 with the Start Somewhere Walk, the Muscatine
community is now in the second stage of healthy living. The Blue Zones Project™, a collaboration of Wellmark® Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® and Healthways, is geared to ignite and lead communities to improve the well-being of Iowans through the application of the learnings from the Blue Zones.
All Iowa communities have been encouraged to employ the Blue Zone principles; moving naturally, eating wisely, knowing your life’s purpose and belonging to a social community. A small group of Muscatine businesses and organizations have recently joined to apply to be a Blue Zone Community™: Muscatine Community College, Muscatine Ministerial Association, United Way,
Hy-Vee, HNI Corporation, Muscatine School District, City Planner, Trinity Muscatine, State Representative Mark Lofgren, Trinity Muscatine Public Health, Muscatine Community Y, GMCCI, City Council and the Community Improvement Action Team.
Ten communities that demonstrate the greatest passion, interest and ability to bring their community together will receive direct access to national experts in transforming into a Blue Zone Community™ . These communities will be selected in 2-3 cycles over the next five years, through a three-step process. They will then share their findings with other communities in Iowa who are employing Blue Zones principles.
Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry
102 Walnut Street
Muscatine, Iowa 52761-4027
563-263-8895 Fax: 563-263-7662
Address Service Requested
The Pearl City Progress (USPS391-430) is published monthly by the:
Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry102 Walnut StreetMuscatine, Iowa 52761-4027Email: [email protected]
Periodical Postage Paid at Muscatine, IA.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to Pearl City Progress 102 Walnut Street Muscatine, IA 52761-4027
USPS 391-430PERIODICALS
POSTAGE PAID AT MUSCATINE, IOWA
1 NovEconomic Development Committee Meeting7:30 AM
Learn over Lunch: Disaster Planning and Recovery, AmericInn Lodge & SuitesNoon to 1:30 PM
3 NovSCORE, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
8 NovLearn Over Lunch: Reclaim Your Holidays, Noon to 1:30 PM, ISU Extension Office
10 NovSCORE, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Business After Hours, 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Co-Hosted by: Crystal Tea Room, Nepple Law, Pearce Virtual Solutions, Salvatore’s. Location: Crystal Tea Room, Muscatine Mall, 1903 Park Avenue
November17 NovSCORE, 1:30 to 3:30 PM
YPN’s Third Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 PM, Muscatine History & Industry Center
18 NovGMCCI Executive Board Meeting, Noon to 1:30 PM, GMCCI 2nd Floor Conference Room
24 NovThanksgiving, GMCCI Office Closed
25 NovDay after Thanksgiving, GMCCI Office Closed
Additional advertising opportunities will
become available in December. Please
call GMCCI today to reserve your spot!
Sponsors
Crystal Tea Room
Nepple Law PLC
Pearce Virtual Solutions
Salvatore’s
Prizes!
Tasty food from Salvatore’s!
Desserts from the Crystal Tea Room!
Speed Networking from 5:45 pm to 6:15 pm. Bring business cards and elevator pitches!
Wine-Tasting courtesy of Glazer’s! Beer Tasting courtesy of Fleck’s!
Business After Hours November 10, 2011, 5 - 7 p.m.
Crystal Tea Room, Muscatine Mall (across from theatres)
Crystal Tea Room
Thanksgiving Day Traditional Buffet November 24, 2011
11:00 am – 2:00 pm Adults $15.95 Seniors $14.95
Children 5-12 $5.95 4 and under – free
Carved Ham Carved Prime Rib
Roasted Turkey and Dressing Fried Catfish Filets
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy Sweet Potatoes Buttered Corn
Green Bean Casserole Salad Bar
Dessert Station Clarion Hotel Muscatine
2915 N Highway 61 Muscatine, Iowa 52761
For reservations please call 563-264-1165
Est. 2008. Licensed to sell residential & commercial real estate and provide property management services. Members of the Iowa Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. RERA Agents are Credited Buyer and Seller Representatives, Certified Home Marketing Specialist and provide relocation services.
Fontelle Rhodes Broker Associate
563-299-6500
Jerry Ross Broker/Owner 563-571-8400
Lisa Heckman Broker/Owner 563-299-7230
Real Estate Resource Associates 2016 Cedar Plaza Ste. 1 Muscatine, IA 52761 www.muscatinemls.com
You are Invited to Attend
Muscatine Community School District’s
Annual School Progress Report Breakfast Meeting
November 11, 2011
7:30 a.m.
Muscatine Schools Administration Center 2900 Mulberry Avenue
Please RSVP to Sue Willits at 563•263•7223 or [email protected]
www.trinitymuscatine.com
Facts about the 2011 seasonal flu vaccination• Influenza is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus. It is
not the same as the common cold or an intestinal illness.• Influenza may be contagious for 24 hours before any symptoms
develop. Though everyday preventive actions (e.g., handwashing) can help prevent transmission of many types of germs, the best way to avoid influenza infection is to get vaccinated.
• Individuals who were vaccinated in the previous season (2010–11) still need to be vaccinated with the 2011–12 vaccine even though the vaccine viruses did not change. The primary reason is that a person’s immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so protection for the subsequent season will be reduced.
• It is important that everyone age 6 months and older be vaccinated for their own protection, as well as the protection of those they love and those who are especially vulnerable to the serious and sometimes deadly complications of influenza.
Help your company skip the flu this year.Flu season will soon be upon us and Trinity Muscatine is working to make flu prevention easy for Muscatine’s employers. It’s a convenient and affordable community service for employees and their families.
Trinity gives you several ways to participate:• Vaccinations can be scheduled on-site at your place of business for employees and dependents.• We can provide your employees and dependents with vouchers they can exchange for vaccination at any Trinity Muscatine site or their choice of Trinity Muscatine provider by appointment.• Vaccinations scheduled at your company can be supplemented with vouchers for absent employees.
For more information about flu shots or to arrange a work place flu vaccination clinic, call Trinity Muscatine Occupational Medicine at (563) 262-4120 and ask for Pat Castle.
We are Trinity. We are Muscatine.
www.trinitymuscatine.com
Stop the flu and keep other contagious diseases from spreading!Apart from flu vaccine, there are things you can do to protect yourself from getting sick. These simple actions can STOP the spread of germs:
Wash Your Hands!• Use soap.• Spend 20 seconds washing hands, wrists and under fingernails.• After rinsing, dry hands with a clean paper towel.• Use a paper towel to turn off faucet.• If there’s no soap and water available, use alcohol-based hand gels.
Practice Good Respiratory and Personal Etiquette.• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.• Use disposable tissues.• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid sharing food or eating utensils with others. • Stay home if you are sick.
Other good habits, such as healthy eating, drinking lots of water and getting plenty of rest, can also help you stay healthy in the winter and all year!
November 28th - December 10thNov. 28th - Dec. 3rd
Dec. 5th - Dec. 10th
The10th Annual
All food and toys stay in Muscatine County.Over 1200 families benefit from the Two Weeks of Love campaign.
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