WWW.TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG | PAGE 1

Congratulations to our owners of

NEW BUSINESS 2nd Hand Store

200 W. 3rd Street, Tama 641-485-6279

Owners: Don & Mert Rank

Hum Hum N’ Away 302 Main Street, Dysart

319-345-2117 319-269-3269 Owners: Terry & Penny Lage

Dysart Veterinary Clinic

114 Sherman Street, Dysart 319-476-2200

Owner: Dr. Clyde Wilson

RH Welding & Fabrication Owner: Randy Hansen

1614 Hwy 63 North, Traer (319) 478-2290 www.rhweld.com

NEW OWNERSHIP

Big R’s Bar & Grill 103 Main Street, Elberon

319-439-5200 New Owners: Ron & Rynonda Franzen

Bricklynn Café

302 Main Street, Dysart 319-476-5966

New Owners: John & Michelle Lynn

EXPANSIONS

KellerBerry Farm P.O. Box 263, Toledo

641-484-0802 www.kellerberryfarm.com

J & J Crafts & Metal Art 2998 K Avenue, Toledo

641-484-2468

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAMA COUNTY IOWA

WINTER 2012

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT MAKING YOUR MOTHER PROUD USING TIMEBANKS TO ADD VALUE BEYOND THE TRADITIONAL MARKET ECONOMY

It is usually around Mother's Day of every year that we are reminded of one of the critical flaws in our good old fashioned gross domestic product (GDP) measurement as one of the most popular means of expressing economic growth. Maybe you have seen the evidence too? Its called the "Mom Job index” where entities like http://mom.salary.com estimate the monetary value that parents add when they do things like cooking, laundry, chauffeuring, counseling, scheduling, etc. instead of outsourcing the ser-vices outside the family. Yet our current economic models do not account for such non-market contribu-tions to our economy by stay at home (and working) parents and grandparents. In nonprofit accounting we have at least moved closer to solutions by plugging in-kind services into grant applications and reports. At present time we view the average volun-teer's hour of service around $16 in Tama County, Iowa (adjusted higher if a profession-al service is performed at their market rate). Sometimes in-kind products and services can be even more valuable than cash because of the local expertise, trust and long-term equi-ty that is built with it. But there is also anoth-er benefit: when you spend an hour with someone who has a different framework of the world than you, and you collaborate in a respectful and constructive way: both parties learn from each other and develop a relationship. This process of capacity building that strengthens the community around mutually agreed on objectives is thus in itself also a free “continuing education system”. And so Tama County Diversity Alliance has recognized an economic and community development need to introduce a community TimeBank. The premise here is that every person in our community can add value no matter their background, age, education level, nationality, race, etc. Maybe you know how to weatherize a basement, while your benefactor can help with tax filings, while that benefactor can carve traditional Native American game pieces out of wood, and beyond. You have talents, and others have needs or interests. And when we can link up people at the right time to benefit each other our community will be richer for it. Join us Thu. Jan 19, 2012 at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at the Reinig Toledo Center for our first TimeBank training so you too can add value to our economy outside of the traditional market while at the same time strengthening how people relate to each other from different walks of life. We especially encourage our nonprofits and governments to help get the ball rolling. There is no cost. Everyone is very welcome. Please RSVP to joanne@tamacountyiowa.org or (641) 484-3108

BUSINESS CHRYSALIS What is new: Leadership decided to change its name from Entrepreneurship Trust to Business Chrysalis to make clearer its dedication to provide a safe mutually respectful and supporting space for all community business leaders and not only start-up. Watch for: Next behind-the-scenes will be an open house Tue. March 13, 7 p.m. at Van’s Meat Locker in Dysart. Otherwise meetings, workshops, etc. with local busi-ness leaders are every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m..

tamacountyiowa.org/entrepreneurs

DIVERSITY ALLIANCE What is new: In addition to the TimeBank training Thu. Jan 19, 1:30 p.m. the group is also planning a Diversity Festival for May 4 & 5. The meeting for that is the same day at 3:30 p.m. Please join us if you also be-lieve the time has come to celebrate and build on our diversity as an economic as-set. Watch for: Additional projects online.

www.tamacountyiowa.org/diversity

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT What is new: Our newest Laborshed study has been completed thanks to Meskwaki, Alliant, Hawkeye CC, Iowa Valley CC. and you. Contact us or check online for copies of the summary as well as full report. Data Update: Nov 2011 unemployment is at 5.9% (State 5.7%, US 8.6%)

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION What is new: Sat Jan 28, 10 a.m. at the Reinig Center the Community Foundation is hosting the annual grant writing work-shop. Watch for: The 2012 Application form is still being finalized. Deadline for the Tama County grant is March 15, 2012. Contact us if you would like a copy mailed to you as soon as its available.

www.tamacountyiowa.org/foundation HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS NETWORK What is new: Monthly meetings on the first Monday 8:30 a.m. at the Reinig Cen-ter (unless otherwise noted) Watch for: more jobs being posted to our online board weekly. Many in healthcare.

www.tamacountyiowa.org/healthcare

CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU What is new: Sat. Jan 21, 6:30 p.m: Annu-al Murder Mystery Event at Dysart Coun-try Club. Wolf Creek Players will be per-forming the Case of the Motorcoach Mur-der for all to solve. Tickets: $25. Auction donations welcome. Proceeds to benefit Tama County CVB. Watch for: We are launching a new pro-ject in partnership with our Tama County libraries to get special community fea-tured posters up to help migrant workers, and visitors access the internet and find 300+ fun things to do.

tamacountyiowa.org/cvb

Clean and Crisp H i g h l i g h t s o f Q 4 2 0 1 1

TAMA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WINTER 2011

Over the past months local health, community and education leaders have formed the Tama County Wellness Coali-tion to increase wellness through programs and a local support network. The first project the group is tackling is Live Healthy Iowa 100 Day Challenge. Last year 99 Tama County residents partook and about 1 in 3 successfully completed the challenge. This year leaders at Tama County’s retirement communities, schools and businesses have said they can beat that number. We would love for your business to also be a part of this movement. More info at fb.me/1fsHDyjfR or contact Tama County Public Health or Tama County Economic Development.

THE 100 DAY WELLNESS CHALLENGE

WINTER CALENDAR

www.tamacountyiowa.org/calendar

1st Wed 2nd Mon 2nd Tue* 3rd Thur 4th Tue*

JAN Fri. 20 Sat.21 Sat. 21 Sat. 21 Sat. 28 Sat-Sun 28-29 Sat-Sun 28-29 Sun 29 FEB Sat. 11 Sun. 12 Fri. 17 Sat. 18 Tues. 28 MAR Sat. 10 Thur. 15 Fri. 16 Sat. 24

Monthly meetings Healthcare Provider Network 8:30am Convention & Visitors Bureau 9am Business Chrysalis 6:30pm Diversity Alliance (alt.) 3:00 pm Economic Development 6:30pm Fish & Shrimp Fry Elberon 5:30 p.m. 319-439-5345 Murder Mystery Dinner Dysart 7:00 p.m. $25/plate 641-484-3108 JEV Chili Cook-Off Tama 5:30 p.m. $6 641-484-8048 Pork Producers Banquet Gladbrook 5:30 p.m. 641-473-3056 Grant Writing Workshop Toledo 10:00 a.m. FREE 641-484-3108 Return the Favor Traer 9:00 a.m. 319-478-2194 Hazardous Material Operations Class 9:00 a.m. Gladbrook 641-484-6261 Sweet Sound of Music Tama 1:00 p.m. JEV $$ 641-481-3051 Valentine Dinner & Dance Toledo 6:00 p.m. $$ 641-484-6040 Omelet Breakfast Lincoln 7:30 am-12:30pm 641-473-3600 Fish & Shrimp Fry Elberon 5:30 p.m. 319-439-5345 JEV Winter Wine & Dine Tama 6:00 p.m. $$ 641-484-8048 EDIE Awards, Annual Summit Toledo 5:45 p.m. $15 641-484-3108 JEV Mardi Gras & Native Wine Release Party Tama 6:00 p.m. 641-484-8048 Tama County Community Foundation Grant Deadline 641-484-3108 Fish & Shrimp Fry Elberon 5:30 p.m. 319-439-5345 Chocolate Walk Dysart 10:00 a.m. 319-404-7041

PAGE 2 | WWW.TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG

Ag Bio Power 3344 L Avenue, Tama, IA 52339 641-484-4323 www.agbiopower.com Sam Thiessen, owner Number of Employees: 3 Distribution Area: regional Product: onsite gasification systems

Ag Manufacturing 2672 Highway D65, Buckingham, IA 50612 319-478-8090 Royce Ohrt, owner Number of Employees: 2 Distribution Area: national Product: custom ag solutions

Amwood Building Components 402 Amwood Drive, Toledo, IA 52342 641-484-5166 www.amwoodhomes.com John Koorsen, manager Number of Employees: 15 Distribution Area: regional Product: panelized custom homes

Clear Line Cutlery & Finishing 1561 S. Main, Traer, IA 50675 319-478-2858 www.clearlinefinishing.com Rex Betts, owner Number of Employees: 19 Distribution Area: national Product: cutlery, industrial blades, chrome finishing

Deimco Finishing Equipment 1004 E. 5th Street, Tama, IA 52339 641-484-8806 www.deimco.com Kirk Shirar, owner Number of Employees: 14 Distribution Area: national Product: powder coating booths, powder guns, oscillators, reciprocators, and accesso-ries

Huntley Marble Company 910 S. Main, Traer, IA 50675 319-478-2002 Bill Huntley, owner Number of Employees: 2 Product: marble counter tops

Iowa Step & Tank 205 W. Grace, Toledo, IA 52342 641-484-TANK Tom Scharnweber, Kendall Jordan, owners Number of Employees: 2 Distribution Area: local Product: parking curbs, stairs, tanks, hog con-finement slabs, plant containers

Meany Casket Company 1618 Highway 63 North, Traer, IA 50675 319-478-8846 Joe Meany, owner Number of Employees: 2 Product: caskets

Petty Vinyl Company 1203 Highway 96, Gladbrook, IA 50635 641-473-2500 www.pettyvinyl.com Duane Petty, owner Number of Employees: 4 Product: decks, vinyl fence, vinyl railing, alu-minum fence, aluminum railing, columns, pergolas/gazebos, yard accessories

Pioneer Hi-Bred - Dysart 3239 Highway 8 West, Dysart, IA 52224 319-476-2390 James Webster, manager Number of Employees: 25 Distribution Area: regional Product: seed corn, soybeans

Pioneer Hi-Bred - Toledo 404 S. County Road, P.O. Box 98 Toledo, IA 52342 641-484-2141x211 www.pioneer.com Mark Wesely, manager Number of Employees: 50 (900 seasonal Distribution Area: regional Product: seed corn, soybeans

Rainbow Nights 1102 E. 5th Street, Tama, IA 52339 Gary Strobusch, owner Number of Employees: 2 Product: specialty designed furniture for hotel industry interiors

Restonic Mattress Company 1000 Prospect Drive, Toledo, IA 52342 641-484-3344 www.restonic.com Ken Akers, manager Number of Employees: 30 Distribution Area: regional Product: ComfortCare, Grand Palais, HealthRest

Rowan Equipment & Fabrication 101 Highway 21 North., P.O. Box 399 Dysart, IA 52224 319-476-3100 www.rowanequipment.com Cletus Rowan, owner Number of Employees: 13 Distribution Area: regional Product: custom art, custom machine build-ings, custom equipment and components for a vast array of industries including agriculture, transportation, medical, housing, glass, recre-ational, food, construction, recycling and entertainment.

Rowe Manufacturing 1266 Highway 96, Gladbrook, IA 50635 641-473-2189 www.rowemfg.com Neil Rowe, owner Number of Employees: 4 Distribution Area: local, international Product: Pump Doctor, Hydra-Grip, Glad-Grip, grain handling equipment

Tama Paper Board 117 Siegel Street, Tama, IA 52339 641-484-2884 www.caraustar.com John Richter, manager Number of Employees: 96 Distribution Area: regional Product: tubes and cores; folding cartons; gypsum facing paper and specialty paper-board products

Williams Manufacturing 101 S. 2nd Street, P.O. Box 208 Tama, IA 52339 641-484-5336 John or Debbie Williams, owners Number of Employees: 17 Distribution Area: international Product: high pressure valves for both geo-excavation and food processing

At the end of 2011, 80.2% of US manufacturers characterized their future outlook as somewhat or very positive. Iowa’s top employers were even more optimistic:

90% of employers expect sales growth

90% of employers expect steady or increased capital spending

89% of businesses expect hiring to stay steady or increase.

In Tama County manufacturers and others are also investing more capital with estimated $111+ million in new construction in the pipeline over the next 12 months (and hundreds of millions more in earlier stages of development). Many are also in need of workers with specific skills. Check out www.tamacountyiowa.org/employment to see if you have in-demand skills for our 50+ job openings.

INDUSTRY FOCUS ON MANUFACTURING

AN EVEN BRIGHTER 2012 ECONOMY?

EDIESEDIES Tue. Feb 28, 2012 Tue. Feb 28, 2012

5:45 p.m. Cash Bar with Tama County wines5:45 p.m. Cash Bar with Tama County wines 6:15 p.m. Dinner $15 / Plate 6:15 p.m. Dinner $15 / Plate

6:30 p.m. Desert & EDIE Awards & Economic Summit6:30 p.m. Desert & EDIE Awards & Economic Summit (no cost for attending desert & awards)(no cost for attending desert & awards)

Reinig Toledo CenterReinig Toledo Center

Please join us!Please join us! RSVP to Tama County Economic Development joanne@tamacountyiowa.org or (641) 484RSVP to Tama County Economic Development joanne@tamacountyiowa.org or (641) 484--31083108

2010 Award Trophy was custom designed & crafted by Specialty Paining Tama, Iowa

THETHE

7 8

3 1 2

5 6

EDIES EDIES NOMINEES As a Tama County leader, you are invited to attend the EDIES awards ceremony on Tuesday, February

28, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. honoring all 24 nominees (highlighted below) for their innovative economic devel-

opment solutions in 2011. Full stories at www.tamacountyiowa.org, Radio Z95.5 FM, and 1230AM –KFJB.

Please indicate below if you are planning on attending the EDIES Award Ceremony Tue. February 28, at the Reinig

Toledo Center. Dinner at 5:45pm is $15/plate. Dessert and ceremony at 6:30pm is free. RSVP to jo-

anne@tamacountyiowa.org, 641-484-3108 or PO Box 22, Toledo, IA 52342

Name:__________________________ _____ Dinner: yes/no

Name:_________________ Dinner: yes/no

Name:__________________ Dinner: yes/no

Name:________________________ Dinner: yes/no

Marketing

Tama County Pork

Producers: Success-fully promote their product locally, statewide, and na-tionally in a rich variety of

ways.

Meskwaki Museum: Created separate space to house artifacts passed down from the Tribe through the years.

Traer Chamber, Dys-

art Business Builders: Deployed very proactive marketing strategies to com-municate their assets region-ally.

Strategic Partnerships

Lincoln Water &

Sewer Project: Worked with Central Iowa Water to hook up sewer sys-tem in the past, and now has best tasting water in nation.

Garwin Revitalization

Generator: Utilized the expertise of its citizens to provide community with a power supply after violent storms.

Tama Co. Emergency

Management: Com-munities proactively re-spond to 130mph+ straight line wind storm.

Workforce Development

Union Robotics Pro-

gram: Found a way to foster engineering and creative problem solving in our youth through Robotics Program.

Green Tech Training

Program: Hawkeye Comm. college imple-

mented green technology certification program at sat-ellite location in Traer.

Meskwaki Inc: For-profit corporation legally separated

from tribal government to diversity income streams.

Community

Hometown, the

Movie: Found unique fundraising & community building project to celebrate area’s history, heritage, lan-guage, and foods.

Vining City Hall

Makeover: Took ad-vantage of community

foundation granting oppor-tunity and donated labor to update civic property.

Tama County Diver-

sity Alliance: Saw an opportunity to con-

nect the different cultures making up Tama County.

Real Estate

H & R Block: Bought and transformed

white elephant commercial building into modern offices for expanding business

Four-laning High-

way 30: Worked with state officials to create

a safer transportation route through the community&

supported affected business-es.

Tama Paper Board &

Alliant Energy: In-vested $90K to reduce

annual energy consumption by 542, 678 KWH. Annual saving est. to be $38K + re-

bates.

Financing

Van’s Meat Locker: Used regional online entre-preneurship contest to in-crease awareness of their business & get a low interest loan.

Traer Municipal Utili-

ties Wind Turbine: Pro-actively invested $3M and diversified into wind energy for reliability and hedging future energy costs.

Dysart Ag Museum &

Historical Center: Raised $125,000+ in a few months from variety of sources and in-kind labor.

Business Expansions

Ally Seed: Three re-gional coops came to

gether to form a limited lia-bility partnership to act on a market opportunity.

Hometown Foods

Expansion: Estab-lished and award winning retailer expanded in from Galdbrook to Traer.

Serious Sanitation: Business owners saw opportunity to expand

their trucking company and diversify into waste man-agement.

Business Start Ups

Czech Point Restau-

rant & Pub: Successful busi-ness owner in Texas invest-ed in business in hometown of Clutier.

Wendt Tire & Service: Employee used insider knowledge, business rela-tionships in place to buy out retiring owner and keep business in community.

Uptown Lounge &

Supper Club: Working with local bank & realtor helped entrepreneur buy a closing business.

STANDARD MAIL U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TOLEDO, IA PERMIT NO. 22

PROSPECT DRIVE, PO BOX 22 TOLEDO, IA 52342 (641) 484-3108 INFO@TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG WWW.TAMACOUNTYIOWA.ORG

OUR VISION FOR TAMA COUNTY, IOWA: INCREASE LEVEL OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT INCREASE NUMBER OF FAIR MARKET LIVING WAGE JOBS INCREASE EFFICIENCY AT WHICH CAPITAL & JOBS ARE COMBINED

STAFF: Lindi Roelofse, Executive Director & Joanne Husak, Administrative Assistant

PLATINUM PARTNERS

Alliant Energy KFJB-AM KZAT-FM Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel Pioneer HiBred State Bank of Toledo Tama/Grundy Publishing

GOLD PARTNERS Iowa Premium Beef Iowa Valley Community College District Tama County Abstract Company TIP Rural Electric

SILVER PARTNERS Bohemian Mutual Insurance Dysart Development Corporation Gethmann Construction Gladbrook Commercial Club Grundy County REC Medicap Pharmacy & Lite for Life Traer Municipal Utilities

BRONZE PARTNERS Anonymous (x2) Appraisal & Real Estate Services—Traer B & G HVAC Brighter Morn Burk Law Office

BRONZE PARTNERS (CON’T) Burk Law Office Chyma’s Machine & Welding Deer Creek Health Center Designer Inn & Suites Eikamp & Associates El Campesino Mexican Grill Elliott Brothers Truck Line Eyecare Associates Farmers Mutual Ins. Assoc. Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Home Federal Savings Bank Iowa Builders Supply John Ernest Vineyard & Winery K & M Sanitation Kenkel Law Office Manatts Poweshiek Water Association Jim & Mary Roan Sash Auction Service South Tama Comm. School District Stein-Hrabak Floor Covering Thys Chevrolet—Toledo Walker Vision Care Center Westbrook Acres Wrage Realty

LEADERSHIP

Keith Sash, Chair, Gladbrook Dwayne Luze, Vice-Chair, Dysart Jim Roan, 2nd Vice Chair, Toledo Midge Horton, Past Chair, Vining Roger Ochs, Chelsea Gerry Kopriva, Clutier Arlene Vondracek, Clutier Don Lyons, Dysart Nancy Braasch, Elberon Linn Snell, Elberon Carl Zoffka, Garwin Merle Parks, Garwin Mandy Gehring, Gladbrook Roland Fink, Lincoln Annie Stocker, Lincoln Susan Eberhart, Montour Brian Sokol, Toledo Ellen Young, Traer Nick Podhajsky, Traer Dale Stout, Vining Adrian Pushetonequa, Meskwaki Larry C. Lasley, Meskwaki Kendall Jordan, Co. Supervisor Larry Vest, Co. Supervisor Dan Wilkens, Co. Supervisor

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Additional partners welcomed. Forms available at: www.tamacountyiowa.org/directory

Partners 2011-2012

BRONZE PARTNERS

Farmers Savings Bank & Trust Garwin Revitalization Home Federal Savings Bank Iowa Builders Supply John Ernest Vineyard & Winery K & M Sanitation Kenkel Law Office Manatt’s Poweshiek Water Association Jim & Mary Roan Sash Auction Service South Tama School District Stein-Hrabak Floor Covering Thys Chevrolet Buick Walker Vision Care Center Westbrook Acres Wrage Realty

STAFF: Lindi Roelofse, Executive Director & Joanne Husak, Administrative Assistant

Additional partners welcomed. Forms available at: www.tamacountyiowa.org/directory

PLATINUM PARTNERS

Alliant Energy KFJB-AM KZAT-FM Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel Pioneer Hi-Bred State Bank of Toledo

GOLD PARTNERS Iowa Premium Beef Iowa Valley Community College Tama Co. Abstract Company TIP Rural Electric

SILVER PARTNERS Bohemian Mutual Insurance Covenant Medical Centers Dysart Development Corp. Gethmann Construction Gladbrook Commercial Club Grundy County REC H & R Block Medicap Pharmacy, Lite for Life Tama County Mutual Insurance Traer Municipal Utilities

BRONZE PARTNERS Anonymous Anonymous Appraisal & Real Estate Services B & G HVAC Brighter Morn Burk Law Office Carl Luze Real Estate Chyma’s Machine & Welding Deer Creek Health Center Designer Inn & Suites DeWitt Refrigeration Eikamp Insurance El Campesino Mexican Grill Elliott Brothers Truck Line Eyecare Associates Farmers Mutual Ins. Assoc.

LEADERSHIP

Keith Sash, Chair, Gladbrook Dwayne Luze, Vice-Chair, Dysart Jim Roan, 2nd Vice-Chair, Toledo Midge Horton, Past Chair, Vining

Roger Ochs, Chelsea Gerry Kopriva, Clutier Arlene Vondracek, Clutier Don Lyons, Dysart Nancy Braasch, Elberon Linn Snell, Elberon Carl Zoffka, Garwin Merle Parks, Garwin Mandy Gehring, Gladbrook Roland Fink, Lincoln Annie Stocker, Lincoln Susan Eberhart, Montour Brian Sokol, Toledo Ellen Young, Traer Nick Podhajsky, Traer Dale Stout, Vining Adrian Pushetonequa, Meskwaki Larry C. Lasley, Meskwaki Kendall Jordan, Co. Supervisor Larry Vest, Co. Supervisor Dan Wilkens, Co. Supervisor