The Business Connection - October 2016

The Business Connection

October 2016

“ I’m an actor
living in Iowa
which proves
you can stay
in Iowa and

chase just
about any

dream.”
- Scott Siepker

Inside Iowa Nice Guy Inspires
Businesses, Community
ImagineArt in the Alley
The Marion Chamber Full of laughs, Siepker asking for it.”
Page 6 Annual Meeting was held shared his experience of Use the resources available
on October 4th at the Cedar being an actor in Iowa
New Sign Welcomes Rapids Marriott. In addition as proof that you can do to share yourself, your busi-
Business to Marion to celebrating the successes anything here. “I’m an actor ness and the Marion com-
of 2016, the event featured living in Iowa which proves munity. Siepker whet on to
Page 11 keynote speaker Scott you can stay in Iowa and say, the internet is the most
Siepker, best known for his chase just about any dream.” powerful tool any business or
Innovate Marion, role as the Iowa Nice Guy. locale has to tell their story.
Preparing Your A character Siepker created One of the keys to success, After all, we know anything is
Business For the Future with his dry delivery and “Surround yourself with possible here, now we need to
unapologetic promoting of talented people AND ask tell the world. Reach Higher
Page 12 the state of Iowa. for help! Iowans are great at Marion!
offering help, but terrible at

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Member Milestones

Congratulations to Aurora Coffee Co, 905 29th Ave Ste 120, on the Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the opening of Marion Wal-
Grand Opening of their new location near the Linn-Mar campus! Mart’s new online shopping, in-store pickup program.

Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the opening of Community A ribbon cutting was held to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the
Savings Bank, 1295 Blairs Ferry Rd. CSB recently acquired Linn County Fiesta Block Party. This annual event is a partnership between Carlos O’
State Bank adding to their locations in Robins, Cedar Rapids and Coggon. Kelly’s, Farmers State Bank and Martin Gardner Architecture.

DKW Art Gallery and Studios, 840 7th Ave, celebrated the opening of Congratulations to Hupp Electric Motors, 500 57th St, on the opening
a new artist colony. Visitors can browse the gallery and visit with artists in of their new Marion location. The company celebrated during a recent
their studio. day-long client appreciation and training event.

Chamber Ambassadors helped celebrate the new location of Heartland
Animal Hospital, 1003 50th St. Dr. Nathan Hein and staff hosted an open
house and client appreciation.

2

Chamber Board of Directors

Chamber Names New Chair and Directors

Sue Mollman Patty Webster The Marion Chamber of Commerce announces Sue
Mollman as Board Chair. Mollman, Legacy Manufacturing,
Legacy Manufacturing Hills Bank & Trust Company began her leadership role in September and will continue
through August 2017. Three new Directors have also been
Paul Phelan Vicki Hanna named. Vicki Hanna - Hanna Plumbing and Heating, Patty
Webster – Hills Bank & Trust Company, and Paul Phelan –
Phelan's Hanna Plumbing & Heating Phelan’s. They join the following members on the Marion
Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for 2016 – 2017:
• Wendy Votroubek, Past Chair, Skogman Realty
• JT Anderson, Treasurer, Linn-Mar Community School

District
• Al Rowe, Kirkwood Community College
• Bryan Kubik
• Chad Zrudsky, Marion Independent School District
• Elizabeth Otting, Rockwell Collins
• Hannah Kustes, Abode Construction
• Heather Akers, Giving Tree Theater
• Jamie Parman
• Jim Dwyer, Running Wild
• Phil High, Philip’s Diamond Shop
• Rick Weber, Farmers State Bank
• Ron Pins, Wells Fargo
• Scott Stephens, Sheets-Forrest-Draper Insurance

Ex Officio:

• Nick Glew, MEDCO
• Mayor Nick AbouAssaly,

City of Marion
• Lon Pluckhahn, City of

Marion
• Theresa Bornbach, Cedar

Rapids Metro Economic
Alliance
• Tom Treharne, City of
Marion

MarionReachHigher.org 3

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

8 Life Changes to Tell Your Insurance Agent About

When we hear the phrase changes that also have an home safer--or pose liability
“life change,” our minds impact. issues.
jump to events like change in
marital status, moving and Updates to the While most home
buying a new car. While all Backyard insurance policies cover
of these may require you to Home improvement minor backyard updates, it’s
update your insurance, there projects can raise the value always a good idea to double
are smaller, more frequent of your home, make your check with your agent and
make sure you’re in the clear.
You’re Invited! Common summer backyard Chris
renovations include: Oberbroeckling
Join us for beverages,
hors d’oeuvres, and an • Building a shed Agent - Farm Bureau
exclusive sneak peek • Repairing steps Financial Services
• Pouring pavement
at our 2nd Hills Bank • Expanding your patio 319-377-3276
location in Marion, • Adding exterior a porch, add a bathroom,
upgrade your kitchen, finish
opening soon! electrical your basement or add an
• Putting up a new fence addition, you may need
Thursday, November 17th 4 - 6 pm • Purchasing a big to increase your coverage
3204 7th Ave, Marion amount on the house. These
(Next to Goodwill) trampoline types of home additions will
• Purchasing an above likely raise the value of your
home, and if you do not
ground pool increase the coverage, you
• Building an outdoor could be vulnerable in the
event of a partial or total loss
dog kennel of your home.
• Building a fish pond
Your homeowner’s Updating Indoor
insurance policy may not Home Systems
fully cover surrounding
buildings on your property, After replacing a home
so if you’re planning on system such as a furnace, air
adding a building, you may conditioner or water heater,
need to purchase additional
coverage. LIFE CHANGES
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
Home Additions

Sure, your new addition
isn’t “life-changing,” but it is
“lifestyle-changing,” and your
agent should know about it.
If you’re planning to enclose

Member FDIC

4

Welcome New Upcoming
Chamber Members
Events
Aurora Coffee Co. GLD Commercial
BizMix - Indian Creek
905 29th Ave., Ste. 120, Marion, IA 52302 500 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 Nature Center
319-377-5510 | www.auroracoffeeco.com 319-731-3400 | www.gldcommercial.com
Experience coffee in a new light! Aurora Coffee features GLD Commercial is the leader in commercial real October 20, 4 – 6 p.m.
a bountiful selection of loose teas, including Big Train estate providing services in corporate solutions, sales 5300 Otis Rd. SE
Chai teas, Frappes, Italian soda and Pepsi products. Along and lease brokerage, property and asset management, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
with the selection of drinks, one can also complement project management, investment sales, consulting and
their experience with a sweet treat to eat. property valuation. Wake Up Marion

DKW Art Gallery & Studios Nepo Productions5 Research Center, November 3, 8 – 9 a.m.
Marion School Foundation
840 7th Ave., Marion, IA 52302 Marion, IA 52302 777 S. 15th St., Marion
941-380-2988 | www.iowaartistcolony.com 319-892-3124 | www.nepoproductions.com
DKW Gallery & Studios is a collection of artists who Nepo Productions specializes in hi-definition video Biz Mix - Hills Bank &
work and display their creations under one roof giving production. Cinematic wedding films, business films Trust Co.
patrons a chance to see the artists at work. and live event films. Where passion meets creativity.
November 17, 4–6 p.m.
Marketing & Communication OPN Architects Inc. 3207 7th Ave., Marion
Strategies
200 5th Ave. DE, Ste. 201, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401 Small Business Saturday
2218 1st Ave. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402 319-363-6018 | www.opnarchitects.com
319-363-6005 | www.mcshome.com November 26
OPN is an award-winning design firm with studios 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  MCS is a growth strategy firm specializing in the in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Madison,
convergent disciplines of marketing, advertising, Wis.  They’ve been recognized as the Best Architectural Uptown Marion
branding, strategic development, public relations, web Firm in the CBJ Best in the Corridor for nine years in
development and graphic design. a row.   Wake Up Marion

December 1, 8 – 9 a.m.
Cedar Valley Family Dentistry
1145 Linden Dr., Marion

Christmas in the Park &
Peppermint Walk

December 2, 4 - 8 p.m.
City Square Park

For a complete list
of Chamber and
community events,
visit www.marioncc.org.

Home Federal Mortgage

303 West Main St., Marshalltown, IA 50158
319-538-1508 | www.justcallhome.com

Home Federal offers a full range of retail deposits and loan services,
business banking/commercial services, savings, certificates of deposit,
checking, retirement savings and IRAs.

MarionReachHigher.org 5

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Meet the Alley Artists
ArtPlace America selected the City of Marion as the first in definition as “a lump of metal,” making it the perfect title for
Iowa to receive support for a placemaking project. ArtPlace, a this sculpture. The aim of this abstract steel form is to impart
consortium of national foundations and financial institutions, the calming effect of a majestic tree along with the excitement of
provided the City with $350,000 to help bring vitality to under- an exploding firework. The towering tree-like sculpture helps to
utilized spaces in the heart of the historic Uptown Marion Main create a hidden oasis where one can sit to reflect, take a break,
Street District. Marion’s Artist Selection Panel reviewed 80 re- and enjoy the moment. The theme of Alley Blome references the
gional and national artist proposals for public art projects. They Marion community’s appreciation of trees, and its designation
narrowed the submissions down to 13 finalists and awarded as “Tree City USA.”
contracts to nine artists, including five from Iowa. Read about
these artists and their public art installation below. Cecilia Lueza — Argentine-born, American-based artist

John Schwarzkopf — While majoring in Philosophy and Cecilia Lueza studied visual arts at the University of La Plata in
Buenos Aires, Argentina. To-
Anthropology in college, John Schwarzkopf was doing wood- day, she is well known for cre-
working. His artwork was first shown at local ating vibrant public art pieces
galleries and the Marion Arts Festival, which in a range of media including
jumpstarted his career. He now shows at gal- painting and sculpting with
leries around the Midwest and his work is wood, metal, and ceramics.
held in many private and public spaces, nota- The artist’s recent body of
bly Cedar Rapids institutions. Website: www. work explores different states
johnsawdust.com. of mind through transformation, fantasy and nature. Website:
www.lueza.com.
Project Description: Alley Gateway consists of a roofed
structure that forms an entrance between adjacent buildings. Project Description: Midnight Wonder, the mural painted
The differing heights of architectural features gave rise to the for the stage wall, is inspired by the concepts of innocence, his-
asymmetrical design. Homage is paid to the historical context tory, community and freedom. The design depicts a girl holding
by using related materials while also reflecting a contemporary a small box from which a flock of beautiful native Iowa birds find
look. The two benches placed within the alley reflect the design their way to freedom. The mural’s background is black in order
of the gateway feature and offer pedestrians a place to linger. to create a stark contrast against the colorful birds in flight. The
purpose of this artwork is to create a focal point and a gathering
Jake Balcom — Jake Balcom is a master metalworker who place where creative expression and friendships are nurtured.

received degrees in Science and Welding Tech before opening a Dale Merrill — Artist Dale J. Merrill began sculpting metal in
shop specializing in custom architectural met-
al work. His award-winning designs are held 1998 and opened Liberty Iron Works in Mount Vernon, Iowa.
in a dozen public outdoor spaces and over 70 His current works include public and private
private collections. Jake now resides in Kansas sculpture, residential and commercial archi-
City, MO where his primary focus is outdoor tectural installations, and custom furniture.
public art installations and large-scale chande- While creating both abstract and kinetic art,
liers.Website:www.jakebalcomsculpture.com. his installations range from clean and simple
  Project Description: The title, Alley Blome, is derived from forms to complex mechanical details. Recent-
the Norwegian definition of “a flower,” along with the English ly, much of his work has been using materials
such as weathering steel, reclaimed wood, and stone in its natu-
Meeting your insurance needs. ral state, preserving the form and finish. Website: www.L-I-W.
com.
360 7th Avenue, Marion, IA 52302 • 319-377-7321   Project Description: This installation, titled Evoke, includes
www.bouslog.com a group of seven individual large-scale leaf forms. Each is creat-
ed with contrasting materials that include a weathering CorTen
steel for the base and stem which transitions into the upper part
of the stem created from stainless steel. The rolled leaf element of
each sculpture features an internal light source glowing through
perforated steel. The organic forms suggest a growing commu-
nity that stands together and embraces its natural heritage.

6

Dan Perry — Over the past 10 years, Dan Perry has exhibited Project Description: Prairie Schooled
consists of a stainless steel archway with
his artwork in over 25 national juried group shows and 7 solo benches, screens and planter units to provide a welcoming gate-
exhibitions, and has completed 7 public art way feature on 7th Ave. The combined influences of Art Deco
commissions. He is currently the Art Studio and Prairie School architecture complement the historic neigh-
Technician and an instructor at the Univer- boring buildings. Integrated benches with planter boxes offer
sity of Northern Iowa, and serves with several places for shoppers to rest and reflect, and the overhead archway
civic art organizations including the Cedar featuring polycarbonate stained glass catches the eye of passers-
Falls Public Art Committee (Vice Chair). by. Integrated LED lighting provides security at night while il-
Website: www.danperrysculpture.com luminating the colorful glass overhead.

Project Description: Confluence is defined as assemblage, Chris Miller — Vermont sculptor Chris Miller works in gran-
which refers to disparate components coming together to cre-
ate a whole. Elements of this abstract sculpture reference me- ite, wood and marble, creating figurative and representational
chanical components of steam engines such as gears and wheels, sculptures for indoor and outdoor instal-
offering a nod to Marion’s past as a classic railroad town. The lations. He began carving in 1976 and now
interlocking forms also suggest the similarities between a ma- focuses on national commissions. Website:
chine and a thriving community – each has several moving www.chrismillerstudio.com
parts that need to work together to achieve a goal. This colorful
sculpture is meant to honor the past, energize the present, and Project Description: Life is a Ride is a
hint at the future. larger-than life carved granite hand rising out
of the pavement to hold a coiled bicycle rack.
Luke Crawley and Quincy Owens — Quincy Owens The 1000-pound hand features a fingerless biking glove with
MARION etched into the strap. This whimsical bike rack en-
loves to open his studio door every day to make something courages exercise, and supports the city’s brand as a fun, health-
out of nothing. He graduated minded “Blue Zones” community.
from the University of India-
napolis, lives in Greenwood, Matthew Kargol — Born in 1975 in Oskaloosa, Iowa, Mat-
and has a studio at the Harri-
son Center for the Arts where thew Kargol earned a BA and MA in visual art and sculpture
he works as a full-time artist. from the University of Northern Iowa, and an
Luke Crawley is a science and MFA from Clemson University. Since 1998
math teacher at University High School in Carmel, Indiana. He he has completed several commissions for
tries to capture the joy found in authentic scientific exploration large-scale public sculptures in Iowa, South
and artistic creation in his endeavors. Quincy and Luke’s collab- Carolina, South Dakota and Colorado. He is
orative work embodies the contradiction that lives within every an art educator and art advocate who finds
human being. Website: www.owensandcrawley.com ways for communities to incorporate the arts
into everyday life. Website: www.matthewkargolart.com
Project Description: Prime Commonality - Marion, Iowa is
a sculptural installation that serves as a waypoint for the com- Project Description: The furniture comprising this living
munity, embodying the spirit of the place. Three colorful pillars room setting titled Drawing Room is meant to bring the whim-
incorporate dynamic lighting elements designed to engage the sy of a paper cartoon to the real world. This allows visitors to
viewer. The chromosomal banding patterns that enliven the col- interact within the space and become characters in a story that
umns represent the commonality of the chromosomes shared they are continually creating. Fabricated steel and automotive
throughout the natural world. The installation also incorporates paint are combined to create functional seating, and a colorful
an aural experience created from sounds recorded in the Mari- painted rug anchors the nostalgic living room set to the site.
on community that can be accessed onsite via QR code.

Cara Briggs Farmer — After earning a Master’s Degree at

the University of Northern Iowa, Cara Briggs Farmer enjoyed
a first career as the Technical Director of a
professional theater in the Twin Cities. In
2008 she returned to her home state of Iowa
and launched her career as a solo artist. Since
then, she has succeeded as both an artist and
a small business owner in the city of Marion.
Website: www.synergy-metalworks.com

MarionReachHigher.org 7

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

& SaTveearMeO!ut

Christmas in the Park Small Business Saturday
& Peppermint Walk
Sat, Nov 26th •10am - 2pm
Friday, Dec 2nd • 4pm - 8pm
Kick-off the holiday shopping
Shop open Uptown Marion season with this event! Receive
businesses for a peppermint treat
and enjoy fun family-friendly holiday a free #ShopSmall gift, while
supplies last and be to entered to
activities in the park including
Santa, reindeer, crafts win a $100 Uptown Dollar
and more! gift certificate.

Uptown Dollars

Let that special someone select
exactly what they want when you

give them Uptown Dollars, gift
certificates redeemable at one of
20 Uptown Marion merchants.

A Very Merry Marion

Prepare for and experience this holiday season in Marion

Save the date!

For a full itinerary of holiday events and activities
happening in Marion, visit www.marionreachhigher.org

8

in Uptown Marion

Uptown Marion, Made for You. 60 53
57
Uptown Marion is a collection of more than 70 boutiques,
restaurants and galleries offering personalized services, goods
and experiences that are all made for you.
13th St.6156 63 70
12th St. 24
11th St.8th Ave.41 28 20

23 10th St.43 2639785275
9th St.
8th St. 31
7th St.
6th St.
58 62 13

6 34 44
40 71 76 66
77 29
50 33 7 45 38 25 18 11 67 21 27 47 42 32 10 4
35
8 30 7th Ave. 54

3 16 36 17 46 48 37
79
74
FOOD & DRINK 14 49 Marion City 55
Square Park
1. Another Road Brewing 68 59
2. China King 22
3. Country Kitchen Cafe 6th Ave. 1 15 51 9 12 2
73

4. Domino’s Pizza 30. DKW Art Gallery 5 64 12th St.65
5. Kettel House Bakery & Cafe 31. Eclipse Trading Post Gifts & More 72 11th St.
6. Louie’s Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill 32. Fashion Par Kitchens 10th St.
7. Marion Maid-Rite Cafe 33. Iowa Popcorn Company daaFlylrMedinaearUypi,opaenrtvokewinrgyn
8. Michello’s Pizzeria & More 34. JOY Women’s Clothing & Accessories
9. MJ’s Restaurant 35. Lillians of Marion 69 5th Ave.
10. Pizza Hut 36. Noah’s Archive Christian Bookstore 19 76. The Last Tangle
11. Ramsey’s Wine Bistro 77. The Mane Attraction
12. Tomaso’s Pizza 37. Philip’s Diamond Shop 56. Farmers State Bank 78. Uptown Dental
38 ReAlive Metaphysical & Repurposing 57. Frett Barber Service 79. Urban Vintage Hair Studio
13. Uptown Snug 58. Giving Tree Theater
14. VIP Lounge 39. Remember When Antiques 59. Google Nail Spa
15. Wit’s End Coffeehouse 40. Stitch Together 60. Granger House Museum
16. Zio Johno’s Spaghetti House 41. South Miami Formal Fashions 61. Hills Bank and Trust Company
17. Zoey’s Pizzeria 42. THE Chocolate SHOP 62. Iowa Realty
43. The Grill Works 63. Kazoo Photography
SHOPPING 44. Threaded Curio 64. Marion Heritage Center
45. Treasure Chest Collectibles 65. Marion Public Library
18. 7th Avenue Antique Mall 46. Village Needlework 66. Martin Gardner Architects
19. Ali’s Weeds Florist & Gifts 47. VBall Gear 67. Parks & Schmit Orthodontics
20. Antique Avenue 48. Walgreen’s 68. Potter Real Estate
21. Antiques of Marion 49. Weber Paint & Glass
22. BattleZone Games
23. Barb’s Fine Art Gallery & Studio 69. Roots Therapeutic Massage & Yoga
24. Brick House Antiques SERVICES & MUSEUMS 70. Salon2 www.UptownMarion.com
25. Campbell Steele Gallery 71. Schmitty’s Barber Shop
26. Connie’s Quilt Shop 50. Adept Massage Therapy 72. Scott’s Furniture Stripping *Bold denotes Uptown Marion investors
27. Cranky’s Uptown Bicycles 51. Anytime Fitness 73. Sheets Forrest Draper Insurance
28. Darrel’s Video City 52. Bellezza Salon & Spa 74. Smitty’s Shoe Repair
29. Desert Frog Soaps and Bath Products 53. Bliss Salon & Spa 75. Studio 811 Salon
54. Cast of Thousands Photography
55. Cost Cutters 9/2016

MarionReachHigher.org 9

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

LIFE CHANGES, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 to think about. Remember Even if that person has their
to consider the insurance own vehicle and insurance,
you may want to expand New Teenage Driver implications to make sure they are still likely to drive
your homeowner’s insur- your college student is safe your vehicle at some point.
ance. Consider including If you have a teen who is and fully protected.   Many times, listing your
Residential Equipment In- getting ready to hit the road adult child on your policy
surance, which will protect for the first time this summer, Just because your child may not affect your rate. So,
your home systems should you’ll need to add the driver isn’t home to drive your car don’t hesitate to notify your
they malfunction. to your car insurance policy. most of the time, doesn’t agent to make sure changes
In most cases, this can mean you should drop them aren’t needed.
Installing a Home increase the cost of your from your policy. Consider
Security System policy and coverage because whether your child will Starting a Business
teenagers are more likely to need to drive the vehicle
If you’ve been planning cause accidents, due to their over breaks. Also, your auto If you’re thinking about
to set up a security system inexperience. insurance could protect starting a business, remember
at your home, don’t forget your child if he or she is in that you may need extra
to let your insurance agent However, some insurance an accident as a passenger coverage to make sure
know. ​You may qualify for companies offer discounts for in someone else’s car. If your everything has the proper
a discount on your home good grades and completion child stays on your policy, protection. Even if it’s a small,
insurance. Your insurance of driver education courses. you may still be eligible for a home-based business, you
company could recognize discount because your young may need additional coverage.
the fact that you’re increasing Child Heading to driver won’t be behind the
the safety of your home and College wheel for most of the year. It’s important to keep your
decreasing the likelihood that insurance in mind when any
you will need to file a claim. Sending your child off to Adult Child Moving life-changing events happen,
college is a roller coaster Back Home big or small. Even if none of
ride, and there’s so much these life events are coming
On the other hand, if you your way, it’s still a good idea
General Contractor | Design Built have a grown child moving to check with your agent
back home for an extended once a year to make sure
period of time, this could you’re protected and getting
also cause insurance changes. the discounts you deserve.

Proud to be
constructing
Legacy’s new
building in
Marion’s new
Industrial Park.

319-362-3221

1619 F Ave NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Cedar Rapids, IA 52402

10

A Note From Nick

Growing up as a child, we Nick Glew, MEDCO President. MEDCO Partners Making it Happen
were all taught to not judge • Confluence
a book by its cover. The very professional and high • Culver's Lawn & Lanscaping
reality is that we often do. tech image of the park. • Nesper Sign Advertising
Perception is reality. First Additionally, the design • Barnes Manufacturing Services
impressions do matter. As incorporates elements of the • Nelson Electric
we challenge ourselves to new community brand as we • King's Material
Reach Higher in the Marion Reach Higher in business. • Rathje Construction
Community, the MEDCO
Holding Company is excited We’ve teamed exclusively Don Garland, Sales Manager for Nesper Sign Advertising stands next to
about a new project that with MEDCO Investor the base for the new gateway feature at the Marion Enterprise Center.
will communicate a higher companies to make this Every aspect of the sign is manufactured and fabricated in Nesper’s shop.
level of quality, design and project happen. From the
expectation as we make a initial design concept to Barnes Manufacturing Services will fabricate the large steel accent
positive first impression for the electrician connecting elements to be incorporated into the project
visitors to our community the power, we’re proud to
and industrial parks. support our local business This rendering of the completed project was produced by Confluence,
community in all aspects a local landscape architecture and urban design firm. Confluence
For those of you who may of the project. Take a look designed the initial project concept.
not know, MEDCO Holding at the sign next time you’re
Company is a subsidiary traveling along Highway 151.
organization of the Marion We believe this feature will
Economic Development serve as a proud monument
Corporation that owns the for many years to come as we
Marion Enterprise Center welcome new and existing
(MEC) on the eastern edge of business to our industrial
the community. This project areas of the community.
was brought to market in
2014 to provide larger shovel Nick Glew, President
ready parcels of ground for [email protected]
expanding and new industry
in the region. Together with
our private development
partners, Marion now has
a large inventory of ground
available for companies
looking to build on tracts
from 1 acre all the way up to
40 acres.

With companies now
operational in the Marion
Enterprise Center, a
new gateway feature is
being constructed at the
entrance to the park near
the Marion Police station.
The high quality, energy
efficient feature reflects a

MarionReachHigher.org 11

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

Innovate Marion: Preparing Your Business For the Future

MEDCO exists to create an exceptional business environment for companies to compete
& thrive. As part of our strategy to support that environment, MEDCO is partnering with
Kirkwood Community College to launch Innovate Marion, Preparing Your Business for
the Future, an educational series addressing specific challenges and opportunities that we
heard from our business community during our 2015 strategic planning process. Join us for
4 engaging sessions that will tackle a series of relevant topics for businesses of all sizes.

Each session will be held at ESCO Group, 3540 3rd Street, Marion from 8am - noon, lunch
included. Cost is $375 per seat. If purchased after the initial session, the business will have an
additional seat at a future session. Businesses that are existing MEDCO investors will receive
an additional $50 discount towards each registration. Kirkwood Community College will
also review your registration to determine if additional training dollars are available through
260F funds. A majority of businesses who are engaged in manufacturing, assembling,
warehousing, wholesaling, or R&D will qualify for an additional discount.

Go to www.medcoiowa.org/innovatemarion to register or learn more.

How to Create and Influence Engaging, Equipping, and
Organizational Culture Empowering Your Next
Generation of Leaders
Oct. 25, 2016 – Facilitator Ryan Siskow
One core pillar of running a successful Dec. 13, 2016 - Facilitator Sarah Young
organization is a culture based on a strongly According to the ATW Iowa Training Trends
held and widely shared set of beliefs supported Survey, “leadership training for emerging
by both strategy and structure. A strong culture leaders” has been a top need for organizations
allows people to connect and collaborate in Iowa in 2011-2013. But what does it mean
in meaningful ways and, as a result, drives to truly engage, equip, and empower your
positive performance, growth and profitability. next generation of leaders in a way that creates
During this session, participants will discuss meaningful, lasting positive change? During
what organizational "culture" really is and this session, we will explore:
what it means to your organization, define the • Why emerging leaders are crucial for an
strategic importance of a strong culture and
factors that shape it and identify best practices organization’s long-term success
and tools for nurturing and maintaining a • The skill of “potential-spotting” and how
robust culture.
Lunch sponsored by CIPCO to use it
• Engagement strategies for top performers
Employee and Employer Goal
Setting and Execution and emerging leaders
• How to strengthen relationships and
Apr. 25, 2017 - Facilitor Mel Gonnerman, Jr.
In many workplaces, goals are like New Year's connections with top performers and
resolutions. They are set with great expectations, emerging leaders
rely on plans built on wishful thinking, and Lunch sponsored by Farmers State Bank
abandoned without ever achieving success.
Would you like to know how to avoid Managing & Influencing Change
common "failure points" that keep people
from achieving their goals? This class includes Feb. 28, 2017 - Facilitator Heather Woody
techniques for writing goals, improving time If we don't change we will be changed! This is
management and implementation, measuring never more true than today and the workplace
progress, adjusting processes, and creating is a hotbed for big change. Participants will
an environment for success. In addition, this be challenged to deal with themselves and
class covers the human factors (e.g., values how they relate to change. We all say things
motivation) that often impact whether or not like "I am ok with change" or "I can change,"
you and your company's goals will be met. until it actually happens to us. Then it is "lock
Lunch sponsored by Legacy Manufacturing the doors because I'm not changing!" We will
discuss and learn how to grab change, own it,
deal with it, and be amazing at it!
Lunch sponsored by Kirkwood Community
College

12

Boyens Machining - Small Business
Thinking Big for Marion

Kevin Boyens, owner taxes are decent, the city awareness of careers in
of Boyens Machining, is infrastructure is good, and manufacturing and was on
invested in the future of the schools are excellent.” the Advisory Board helping
Marion. He and his wife Boyens Machining does develop curriculum that
are native eastern Iowans, their part in supporting focuses on high demand
moving to Marion to work workforce development in skills. He has been rewarded
and start a family in the Marion and the surrounding with long-time employees,
1980’s. Boyens worked area. They have 7 employees most of them Marion
in the machine shop at working on various residents.
Vector Corporation (which mechanical tools, reading The Marion business
transitioned to Freund blueprints, coding specs environment is filled with
Vector) and later changed into CNC machines, and success and opportunities.
employment to Goss finishing off pieces that MEDCO shares compelling
Graphics. While working at Kevin Boyens, Owner of Boyens end up in other companies’ stories that highlight
Goss, Kevin tinkered at home Machining equipment. While Boyens those who support the
in his garage for 7 years, himself is no longer doing Marion economy and
working on small machining be successful here!” Boyens much of the machining, promote an environment
projects for his old employer, appreciates the resources he stays involved through that builds community
Vector. When faced with the available to him in this working with Kirkwood loyalty. Our strengths will
prospect of informing his community, having taken Community College retain and attract business
wife that he was investing advantage of the MEDCO to ensure that the next development, allowing
in a CNC machine to put revolving loan fund as a generation of machinists Marion to reach higher and
in their garage, he realized stop-gap measure to grow know what they’re doing. achieve more.
that it was time to open a his shop. He also has a For a number of years, Kevin Boyens is a MEDCO
shop away from the family personal and professional Boyens taught Advanced investor, which means that
home. Boyens Machining passion for discovering Manufacturing classes at he is committed to economic
was opened in Marion in alternative energy sources. the Jones Regional Center development in Marion.
1997, and four years later, “I like the fact that the City in Monticello. He has It’s through support from
they became the official of Marion has a progressive transitioned that work to businesses such as Boyens
machine shop for Freund attitude toward exploring one of his newest employees, Machining that MEDCO can
Vector by purchasing their energy alternatives,” he a graduate of the program. lead economic development
equipment and taking over shared. In addition to doing Boyens was also involved in in our community, ensuring
those duties. They moved business in a city that has a the industry Sector Board an exceptional Marion
into their current building similar progressive outlook, developed to promote business environment.
on 8th Avenue in 2002. Boyens explains that
Boyens’ daughter, a Marion businesses can compete and
High School graduate, still thrive in Marion because “…
lives in the area and helps the overhead is fairly low,
with the shop’s bookkeeping.

Boyens believes that
Marion is a place to compete
and thrive, “Marion is the
right size for a small business
owner. You can get to know
fellow business people and
develop a network within
your industry. Why Marion?
Because small businesses can

MarionReachHigher.org 13

MEDCO • MARION CHAMBER • UPTOWN MARION

MEDCO Initiates Analysis of Marion's
Unique Business Environment
Marion is experiencing
great momentum in business
growth and expansions. As
a community, we’ve seen
strategic investments in
planning and infrastructure
begin to pay off. Now comes
the challenge to Reach for the retention of the
Higher and Achieve More. existing business portfolio.
The Marion Economic
Development Corporation This project began
is focused on the future in August as Silverlode
as we work to create an The goal of the project community strategy. The President Steve Weitzner
exceptional business is to help our community firm will also develop visited Marion and met with
environment for companies understand its unique assets and identify marketing key community stakeholders.
to compete and thrive. One and opportunities within and communication The project will be complete
of the strategic outcomes Iowa’s Creative Corridor. strategies that aid in the by the end of 2016. Partial
that the MEDCO team is Based on their findings, implementation of the plan. funding for the project is
executing is the completion Silverlode Consulting will It will provide MEDCO with provided by Alliant Energy
of a Target Industry Analysis isolate targeted industry actionable steps identifying 2016 Partnership Program
and Target Marketing Plan. that align with the assets how to invest financial and and the MidAmerican
MEDCO and a committee of and complementary human capital in reaching Economic Advantage Local
investors selected Cleveland- businesses found in the specific industry. Silverlode Partners Program.
based Silverlode Consulting city of Marion. The analysis will also provide specific
to assist in completing the will identify unique niches recommendations and Watch for updates in
project. complimentary to our implementation strategies upcoming investor e-news,
Facebook, Twitter, and
LinkedIn pages.

Member FDIC 240 3rd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids • 319-247-5721
3905 Blairs Ferry Rd NE, Cedar Rapids • 319-294-2444
3610 Williams Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids • 319-654-9595
800 11th St, Marion • 319-337-6066

14

Business Leaders Prepare For Overtime Changes

The Department of Labor recently passed new overtime MEDCO and the Marion Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a
regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that Lunch and Learn on Sept. 15, 2016 at the Kirkwood Training
go into effect December 1, 2016. This expands employees and Outreach Services Center (KTOS) in Marion.
eligible to receive overtime pay. The salary threshold will be
increased to $47,476 annually - an increase of slightly more MEDCO and the Marion Chamber of Commerce
than 100% from the current threshold of $23,660 annually. collaborate on this type of event to add value to their
stakeholders and ensure that companies within the Marion
This is an issue for all companies of all sizes. Therefore, economy are positioned to compete and thrive.

Did You Know? RSM US Employee Productivity and Human Resource Michael Shedeck
Consultant Michael Shedek presented to the group
• Job titles do not determine of over 30 MEDCO investors and Marion Chamber RSM US Employee Productivity
exempt status of Commerce members. Shedek highlighted what and Human Resources Consultant
companies need to be doing right now to prepare
• In 1975, over 60% of workers their business for compliance. He explained that the
were eligible for overtime. In new regulation requires companies to pay overtime
2016, only about 7% were for hours worked over 40 in a week at a new salary
eligible for overtime. threshold. When an employee earns less than $913/
week or $3956.33/month, they cannot be considered
• The FLSA salary level test for exempt. Job titles alone do not determine exempt
white-collar exemptions changes status.
to $913 per week - $47,476
annually

• New OT changes are projected to
impact 44,000 jobs in Iowa

• View this video from the
Department of Labor - https://
www.dol.gov/featured/overtime

Julie Carfagna Julie Carfagna, Abode Companies Human Resources and Accounting Manager,
explains how this new ruling impacts small business, “The Department of Labor
Abode Companies Human new overtime regulations may impact a lot of businesses, but from a small business
Resources and Accounting owner perspective such as Abode, we run so lean to begin with. This affects the
Manager classification of employees, especially those that are issued a company cell phone
or tablet. It will also impact our plan for payroll budgets, the hiring budget, and fiscal
year performance review & compensation planning. With MEDCO and the Chamber
offering this Lunch and Learn, it still allows business owners the time to get things in
order.”

Carfagna summed up the experience, “The Lunch and Learn is important and vital
for local business owners who don't have the resources to have a full time dedicated
HR person to keep up with the regulations and/or the time to travel to another city to
obtain the information. It allows local business owners to come together, collaborate
and learn from each other's successes and or struggles. It builds a stronger
community.”

MarionReachHigher.org 15

1225 6th Avenue, Suite 100, Marion, Iowa 52302 PRSRT STD
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MARION, IA
PERMIT NO. 52