business monthly - may 2011

Downtown Office 312 West First Stre

et

Kimball Office11 Tower Park Drive

(319) 235-6709

University Avenue Office6004 University Avenue

(319) 266-0002

Downtown Office422 Commercial

(319) 291-2000www.cnb1.com

Commitment

Trust

Loyalty

Always by your side.It’s easier to succeed in business when you have a faithful, loyal and trusted companion – Community National Bank.

We want to become part of your business team - to work

with you over time, to help you achieve your goals and make

banking easier in the process. We truly want to be a partner

in your success.

Call us. We'll come when you need us.

Cedar Falls Waterloo

WO-042911019

THE COURIER PAGE 3CEDAR VALLEY BUSINESS MONTHLYcvbusinessmonthly.com

BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Workers test a 200-ton heavy-capacity wheeled transporter at the Big Rock Road plant in Waterloo.

By JIM OFFNER

[email protected]

WAVERLY — Doerfer Cos. recently accepted the Harold Brock Innovation Award from the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, but the company has a pedigree that dates almost to the origins of the region itself.

In 1854, New England entre-preneurs Alfred and Parley Wil-liams, Charles Heald and Marvel White opened Williams, Heald & Co. and Moline Iron Works in Moline, Ill.

The seeds thus were sown for a company that would eventually establish deep roots in the Cedar Valley and develop a market for process automation products and services that now spans the world.

Doerfer’s modern iteration dates to the 1960s. Offi cials there say its long history actu-ally feeds its innovation, per-haps most notably represented by its newest product — the Wheelift Heavy Transporter, which enables customers to move heavy loads in relatively

cramped spaces.Based in Waverly, Doerfer

Cos. is a culmination of a series of acquisitions of engineer-ing companies that dates back decades. The company’s con-solidation of the assets of Doer-fer Engineering and TDS Auto-mation in 2004 is the latest. That followed by a year the fi rm acquiring TDS from Waverly-based General Machine and Tool Co. and renaming it TDS Automation.

Big businessCompany fi nds profi ts in moving large equipment

Volume 5 ● No. 6

BUSINESS MONTHLY COLUMNS

Page 5 Jim OffnerIndustry is the backbone of Cedar Valley economy.

Page 7 Hawkeye Community CollegeManufacturing provides attractive career options.

Page 8 Strictly BusinessExpo provides perfect setting for networking.

Page 26 University of Northern IowaDeere, UNI develop many fruitful partnerships.

BUSINESS MONTHLY STAFF DIRECTORY

Cedar Valley Business Monthly is published monthly. It is a free publication direct-mailed to more than 6,500 area businesses. For distribution, call Courier Communications at (319) 291-1527 Contact Cedar Valley Business Monthly at P.O. Box 540, Waterloo, IA 50704.

BUSINESS MONTHLY ON THE COVER


David Takes, president and CEO of Deerfer Cos./TDS Automation, stands with two of the heavy-capacity wheeled transporters built at the Big Rock Road plant in Waterloo.

www.cvbusinessmonthly.com

See DOERFER, page 4

EDITORIAL CONTENTNancy Raffensperger [email protected](319) 291-1445

Jim [email protected](319) 291-1598

ADVERTISINGJackie [email protected](319) 291-1527

Sheila [email protected](319) 291-1448

MAY 2011

THE COURIERPAGE 4 CEDAR VALLEY BUSINESS MONTHLY cvbusinessmonthly.com

Your Source for Environmental Consulting ServicesPhase I/II ESAs Asbestos/Mold Surveys

UST and LUST Assessments & RemediationSPCC Plans

www.atcassociates.com

to better serve Waterloo and Eastern Iowa

223 East 4th Street, Suite DWaterloo, IA 50703

319.233.0441

WO-042911049

Gibson Specialty Co.2829 Falls Ave. Waterloo

319 233 9333 • gibsonspecialty.com

WO

-042

9110

73

FOR ALL YOUR

RECOGNITION NEEDSPLAQUES, TROPHIES, CRYSTAL, ACRYLIC, MEDALS AND RIBBONS

FOR ALL YOUR

RECOGNITION NEEDSPLAQUES, TROPHIES, CRYSTAL, ACRYLIC, MEDALS AND RIBBONS

319

WO

-042

9110

73

The company has two plants in the Cedar Valley — a 65,000-square-foot headquarters and manufacturing building in Waverly and a 45,000-square-foot facility in Waterloo that once housed Terex Corp. operations.

“Our customer base is for the most part multinational com-panies in the Fortune 100, and because we do a lot of specialized projects and proprietary proj-ects for these larger companies, we do a lot under confi dential-ity agreements where we’re the assisting and consulting fi rm for their processes and improve-ments for their positions,” said Dave Takes, CEO of Doerfer/TDS Automation. “We have to kind of do a good job and do it quietly because it’s part of the arrange-ment with our customer base a lot of times.”

Doerfer/TDS reports yearly sales in the area of $125 million, which is up exponentially in recent years, Takes said.

“Compared to 10 years ago, we would have been maybe $50 mil-lion,” he said.

The Wheelift Heavy Trans-porter, for which the company earned the award named after Harold Brock, one of Waterloo’s pioneers in engineering, is both a cause and eff ect of that growth.

“This is the fi rst major foray into our own product innova-tion,” he said. “It has been in development for about six years. It has really taken off for us the last two or three. We can pro-mote that now because it’s our own product.”

Engineer Mel Terry developed the Wheelift for Doerfer, Takes said.

“Mel and I knew each other from trade shows and kind of hit it off ,” Takes said. “I hired Mel as full-time employee as busi-

ness development manager for Wheelift. He actually lives in the Seattle area and travels all over promoting Wheelift.”

It’s a new approach to an age-old problem: moving heavy loads through assembly, packing or shipping. Mobility is a key to Wheelift’s success, Takes said.

“It produces its own power; it’s a little bit like a locomotive,” he said.

The self-propelled units run on diesel, propane or gasoline and produce electricity. A generator is run by the engine and produces electricity for steering, move-ment and lift.

An electric hydraulic pump powers lift cylinders, and the apparatus lifts loads and pivots.

“That means you can drive under a load, pick it up and take off on a 90-degree angle,” Takes said. “It’s very fl exible.”

The Wheelift’s maneuverabil-ity lends itself to uses like assem-bly of the shafts on submarines,

Takes said.“Obviously, those have to be

accurately positioned and moved to fi t into the bearings and things like that,” he said. “In the past, the only way they had to do that was with equipment that was stationary and immobile. Now, it’s much more fl exible.”

It’s also more cost-eff ective, Takes added.

“They’re probably more expen-sive but much more effi cient, so they save a lot of time, which equates to real value for our cus-

tomers,” he said.Doerfer employs about 525

workers in plants in Nashville, Tenn., Greenville, S.C., and Moline, as well as about 140 in the Cedar Valley, Takes said.

The company transcends the Wheelift, he said.

“We’ve always been in the cus-tom-process automation busi-ness,” he said. “We do everything from pharmaceutical production equipment to assembly and tests for Deere, 3M and automotive companies and large electrical mechanical assembly. All of the typical large projects for custom industrial processing.”

As for the award, named in honor of Brock, who died in Jan-uary at age 96 and who worked at the arm of Henry Ford: “Actu-ally it’s a nice honor when you consider it’s the fi rst time under Harold’s namesake,” Takes said. “I think anybody would agree with that if they knew Harold and his background and history.”

DOERFERFrom page 3

“We have to kind of do a good job and do it quietly because it’s part of the arrangement with our customer base a lot of times.”

Dave TakesCEO of Doerfer/TDS Automation

MAY 2011

Find all your latest news in


� COMPUTERS PowerPoint 2007 Basic – begins May 3, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Dreamweaver CS4 Basic – begins May 3, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Word 2007 Basic – begins May 10, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Flash CS4 Basic – begins May 24, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.

� LEARNING WITH LUNCH Overcoming Overload – May 4, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Understanding Your Emotional Intelligence – May 25, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

� PROJECT MANAGEMENT Proactive Risk Management – May 13, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

� SUPERVISION Writing on the Job – May 18, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Focusing on Customer Requirements – June 15, 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. XYZ – Managing Multiple Generations – June 15, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 319-296-4290.

www.hawkeyecollege.edu/business-and-community

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

WO-042911016

WO

-042911052

“ad created for People’s Savings Bank by Allie Aalderks who is in Mrs. Parker’s 5th grade class at Dike Elementry School”

Industry the backbone of the areaAgriculture may be the region’s

heritage, but industry is playing a major role in leading it into the future.

That’s what this issue of the Cedar Valley Busi-ness Monthly is about.

A good example is the subject of our cover story, Doerfer Cos./TDS Automa-tion. The Waver-ly company has a

presence in the Cedar Valley that goes back nearly half a century. In some form, the company’s roots in the region go back nearly a century and a half.

Perhaps more importantly, it is racing headlong into the future with a technology that keeps it ahead of its competitors.

Manufacturing innovation and the Cedar Valley have long been partners. Doerfer is just a tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Deere & Co. has been turn-ing out world-class tractors in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls area for nearly 100 years now. Last year, Deere decided to deepen

its commitment to the region by reinvesting in its foundry opera-tion over a four-year period at a cost of nearly $100 million. It says a lot about the company’s faith in the Cedar Valley.

How about the Cedar Valley TechWorks? It is combining the region’s agricultural past with its commitment to innovation to create a regional center for alter-native energy — from sun and wind to biofuels.

The region’s manufactur-ing base is as diverse as it gets, from fi ne cabinetry to industrial pumps to street-cleaning equip-ment to processed foods. These are long-lasting companies, too. Viking Pump in Cedar Falls marks its 100th anniversary this year.

Take a look around the Cedar Falls Industrial Park and see the growth of companies who pro-duce everything from ad copy to video games.

Take a look through this month’s issue of the Cedar Valley Business Monthly and get an idea of the strength of the region’s industrial backbone. It will come as no surprise that the area has continued to build, in spite of misfortunes that have beset the rest of the country.

Jim Offneris the Courier

business editor. Contact him at jim.offner@

wcfcourier.com.

MAY 2011


MidAmerican can help you reach your energy efficiency goals. Find out more about MidAmerican’s

EnergyAdvantage® programs by calling or visiting us on the Web.

800-894-9599 www.MIDAMERICANENERGY.com

MidAmerican Energy Company’s EnergyAdvantage® programs are designed to encourage the use of high-efficiency space and water heating equipment, central air conditioning, lighting and other measures in commercial and industrial buildings. The installation of new energy-efficient equipment will save you money on your energy bills and can make your business more comfortable for your customers and employees.

WO

-042

9110

13

WO

-042

9110

26

MAY 2011

Don’t ignore osteoporosisIt’s easy to ignore osteoporo-

sis when it sneaks up on you so slowly. It quietly starts by age 30 and is not obvious until decades later. By then quick fi xes are hard to come by.

Awareness of steps to prevent osteoporosis can avoid problems for decades. Take action now to avoid problems later.

The key is get-ting information on how you can help yourself achieve good bone health.

Information is more available than in the past. My blog at www.bonedocblog.com has basic information about all aspects of bone health. I add to it two or three times weekly. The site has many cross-references to help fi nd specifi c information.

Calcium is key. I list common foods high in calcium. There is a link to the U.S. Department of Agriculture website. The blog discusses calcium citrate and

why it is often better than simple calcium carbonate.

Vitamin D is more important than previously thought. We get none from the sun between early September and mid-April in Iowa. Vitamin D3 supple-ments are far safer than risking skin cancer. Read about the foods with vitamin D and how to test for your level.

Full blood tests for bone health screening are rarely done. Blood calcium level is almost always normal because your body will steal calcium from your bones to keep it normal. Read about which blood tests are needed to fully screen for good bone health.

Bone mineral density by DXA is a basic test, but DXA is no longer the whole story. Vertebral frac-ture assessment by VFA or lat-eral spine x-ray has become just as important. Read about BMD, DXA, VFA, and the advantages of each in assessing bone health.

Early pre-emptive actions can sometimes prevent osteoporo-sis entirely. Many times we can help you avoid serious problems. What is needed is awareness of the potential problems from osteoporosis.

Dr. Jay Ginther

is director of the Cedar Valley Bone Health Institute. Contact him at

233-2663.


WO

-042

9110

10

Wartburg College

More than 74 percent of Iowa students

who graduate from Wartburg stay in the

state, as do 26 percent of out-of-state U.S. graduates.

With more than 50 majors, Wartburg

students can assist your business in a

variety of fields. Our leading majors

are biology, business administration,

communication arts, elementary education

and psychology. See all that Wartburg has to

offer at www.wartburg.edu/academics.

Our success speaks for itself:

placement rate for all graduates

podiatry, veterinary medicine, nursing

schools, occupational therapy, and

physician’s assistants programs

both leadership and social entrepreneurship

minors. It has gained national recognition

for its service programs.

Contact Derek Solheim, associate director of Pathways Center for Career Services, 319 352-8425 or [email protected].

For internships, contact Jo Dorrance, 319 352-8698 or [email protected].

The solution to Iowa’s college student “brain drain”?

Try Wartburg College’s Pathways Center for Career Services.

2515 Falls Ave.Waterloo, IA 50701

Phone: (319) 235-6085www.karensprintrite.com

Excellent QUALITY PrintingFriendly, FAST Service

REASONABLE Rates

WO-042911061

MAY 2011

Manufacturing careers are growing, evolving

Unlike other career paths, teachers, parents and students often fi nd themselves unin-formed about the manufacturing industry. Many people are sur-prised by what they see behind the concrete walls of some of our local production floors. Creativity, ingenuity and prof-itability resonate within these structures, which are far from the dark and dirty warehouses of years ago.

Today, manufacturing is about teamwork, technology and effi -ciency. It involves so many spe-cialties and skill-sets that young people with a variety of interests can fi nd themselves extremely satisfying jobs. Manufactur-ing careers are among the top-paying jobs in our area, and the industry represents the founda-tion of our local economy. So, why aren’t students fl ooding to these careers? Because they don’t understand them.

Do you want to help solve problems, be a part of a nation-wide or worldwide project and use of the latest technology? If so, manufacturing is where you belong. In the Cedar Valley there are companies that design cus-tom water fountains and gear boxes, build engines and pumps for cranes, tractors, oil lines and large marine vessels, and make your favorite pudding, infant formula or latte ingredients. Products from our community are shipped all over the globe, including to the top of the tallest

building in the world in Dubai. Many entry-level jobs start

between $11-15 an hour. With training in a specialized techni-cal program off ered at Hawkeye Community College, people can enter the industry earning wages of $18-$23 an hour. With man-agement training, years of ser-vice and success on the job, the earning potential is staggering.

Manufacturing often involves an artful skill like welding or programming computers as in CNC Machining — two of the most in-demand jobs in our area. Manufacturing can mean running $500,000 computer-operated devices and helping businesses to fi nd new ways to maximize effi ciencies and profi ts.

Take a tour of Hawkeye Com-munity College’s facilities and learn more about programs that allow people to earn certifi cates in as little as one semester. I also encourage readers to ask ques-tions about the businesses they drive by each day and wonder about exactly what they do.

Find out. Discover the great things being created that make Iowa one of the nation’s leaders in manufacturing and encourage the young people you know to explore this highly-valuable and exciting industry.

Brittany Jungck is advanced manufacturing coordinator for Hawkeye Community College. Contact her at 296-4043.


WO-042911036

Name

Business Name

Business Address

City State Zip

Phone

E-mail Address

Quantity Requested

Mail to: Business Monthly, P.O. Box 540, Waterloo, IA 50704

MAY 2011

By JOHN MOLSEED

[email protected]

WATERLOO — The new home for the Strictly Business Expo wasn’t hard to fi nd, even if those attending didn’t know what they would fi nd.

The Isle Casino and Hotel in Waterloo hosted the annual event last month.

Steve Dust, CEO of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance, described it as a venue for businesses and organizations to make door-to-door sales calls without knock-ing on doors.

“Businesses can showcase equipment and products with-out having to make individual sales calls,” he said. “People can fi nd all kinds of goods and ser-vices they’re looking for in one place.”

Deb Christopher, who works sales at Dynamic Impressions in Cedar Falls, said the small printing company found new customers at last year’s expo.

“Wherever you can be to get your name out is a place you want to be, and well, look around you,” she said, motion-ing to the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd making its way among the booths and displays at the expo. “A lot of people in the

Cedar Valley don’t know about us.”

Maureen Kelly, of North Star Community Services, a non-profi t agency that serves dis-abled adults, was among the crowd, handing out informa-tion about the agency. This was the fi rst year she attended the event.

“I hear it’s a really good net-working event even though we don’t have a booth,” she said. “I’ve told a lot of people about us.”

The 51 businesses and orga-nizations that had booths at the event were spread from the fi rst-fl oor lobby to the second fl oor ballroom and outside Otis & Henry’s Bar and Grill. The slots for booths and/or exhib-its were booked in November, organizers said.

“I don’t think there’s a busi-ness around that wouldn’t ben-efi t from walking around and seeing what’s here,” said Grant Gubbrud, senior director of fi nancing at the Isle. Gubbrud said the venue itself was on dis-play for expo attendees.

“It’s worked out real well, and we hope to have it back,” he said.

Amber Soteros, an employee of the Isle Casino Hotel, serves up a tray of stuffed mushrooms at the annual Strictly Business Expo.

Strictly Business Expo provides a one-stop shop for local professionals to network

Photos by RICK CHASE / Courier Staff Photographer

Left to right, Ann Woods and Deb Christopher of Dynamic Impressions chat with Janice Power of J’s Homestyle Cooking and Glenda Husome from the Waterloo Exchange Club at the Strictly Business Expo.

See EXPO, page 9


IamUNI.net

I am making a solar splash!

Join the Solar Panthers as the

2011 IEEE-PELS Solar Splash

World Championship Intercollegiate Solar

Electric Boating Competition comes to

Cedar Falls and George Wyth State Park,

June 8-12, 2011—Mark your calendars!

UNI’s Solar Panthers placed third in the World

Championship Intercollegiate Solar Boating

competition in Fayetteville, Ark. It was the team’s

second-straight third-place finish and fourth year

in a row in the top five. The team also received the

Outstanding Solar System Design trophy.

WO

-042

9110

11 www.WheatonIowa.org

Wheaton Franciscan HealthcareCovenant Clinic

M. Cameron Hodges, MD

About Dr. Hodges:

Dr. Hodges is a general surgeon

with Covenant Clinic, and the

Midwest Institute of Advanced

Laparoscopic SurgeryTM. He has

nearly 10 years of experience

performing surgical interventions

including endoscopy/colonoscopy,

hernia repair, appendectomy,

gall bladder surgery, breast

procedures, weight loss surgery

and more.

To schedule an appointment, call 319.268.3992.

WO-042911078

Aaron Buzza, executive direc-tor of the Waterloo Conven-tion and Visitors Bureau, said the Isle is one of the places the bureau promotes. Holding the event there this year gave him a chance to show why.

This was the 18th annual expo.

It originally was held over two days and two nights in the Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center in downtown Waterloo. The last three years, it had been held at Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls.

Dust said changing the loca-tion keeps the event fresh.

“It exposes people to those larger venues,” he said.

EXPOFrom page A8

Danny Katz, marketing and development director for the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, talks with Humble Travel’s Annie Humble and Nikki Miner.

MAY 2011


Co1808 East Street . Cedar FallsPhone: 277-2385 or 1-888-652-8316 . Fax: 266-4057www.coverall-embroidery.com

Serving the Cedar Valley for Over 30 Years

Contact us forCorporate Wearables

& Workwear.

Free Catalog Available!WO

-042

9110

18

WO

-042

9110

21

��

��

�� !"#$$"%$&"!#$'� ��( �)))*��!#$'*��

��+,�-��.-/�-��0��+�.1��2-�

��3�4�� 5��

WO-042911072

MAY 2011

UNI program leads way to technology fi eldsBy EMILY CHRISTENSEN

[email protected]

CEDAR FALLS — James Missel understands the importance of personal marketability.

Missel, 54, has been in the workforce for decades. He went back to school after an injury ended his career as a as a welder. He will graduate in December with the education needed to be an industrial technology teacher.

A new University of Northern Iowa program, which allows new teachers to graduate already cer-tifi ed in the Project Lead the Way curriculum, means he will have a leg up on the competition when he goes searching for his fi rst education job.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a national program that prepares middle and high school students for opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“We had the job fair here a cou-ple weeks ago, and I went around to almost every city handing them at least a resume,” Missel said. “When I handed my resume to the woman from Bettendorf she was immediately interested because of my Project Lead the Way certifi cation.”

School districts often spend thousands of dollars to send eli-gible STEM teachers to inten-sive two-week summer training sessions.

Now, UNI is one of just a few schools nationwide that off ers the same training to aspiring, “pre-service” teachers, still in school themselves.

“There is a demand for Project Lead the Way and STEM educa-tion in Iowa,” said Joshua Heyer, an industrial technology instruc-tor. “Industries have said they need more STEM-literate people and that education has to start in middle and high school. This program is fi lling that gap.”

UNI only off ers training in one of the eight PLTW courses, Prin-ciples of Engineering. However, a partnership with Iowa com-munity colleges means that next

year, transfer students who have taken the curriculum courses, like digital electronics and intro-duction to engineering design, can take the certifi cation piece at UNI.

In the coming years Doug Hotek, an associate professor in industrial technology, said UNI likely will off er those more popu-lar classes on campus.

Jeff Weld, director of the Iowa Math and Science Education Partnership, called the new pro-gram “a curve defi ner.”

“Some states have robust engi-neering education in their K-12 program, and Project Lead the Way is the vanguard in that movement,” he said. “Iowa isn’t there yet, but we are a sleeping giant.”


University of Northern Iowa industrial technology student Vincent Roth uses a structural stress analyzer to test the tensile strength of a piece of metal at UNI’s Project Lead the Way teacher laboratory.

Student Daniel Caputo explains the Versa Laser to UNI Executive Vice President and Provost Gloria Gibson.


Phone 319.266.2445 • Toll-Free 800.316.2445 • Fax 319.266.4259

P.O. Box 1106 • 411 Clay Street • Cedar Falls, IA 50613

www.jacobsonfinancialservices.com

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC

Wayne A. JacobsonInvestment [email protected]

Erica J. Feldick, CFP®

Investment [email protected]

WO-042911044

Shop great deals, share deals with friends and

save money doing what you like to do most!

GET EXCITED EVERY WEEK BY A NEW DEAL!It doesn’t matter if you are a busy working mother of three or a college student...

we all love shopping, eating out and finding great deals, right?

The Courier is excited to introduce Today’s Deal!

Every few days you will receive one deeply

discounted offer in an e-mail from

WCFCourier.com. If you like the deal,

you will have direct access to purchase

it at WCFCourier.com/todaysdeal.

Offers begin every

Monday and Thursday.

Sign up today in

TWO easy steps to

begin receiving

great deals delivered

directly to your e-mail!

1

2

Go to WCFCourier.com/todaysdeal.

Enter your e-mail address and wake

up to new deals throughout the week.

MAY 2011

There are many ways to ease burden of caring for relatives

Every day across the country people juggle the demands of their busy lives. Jobs, children and

other activities all compete for time. And then mom or dad gets sick or needs in-home help. The adult children often end up as caregivers, caught between providing for their own families and assisting their aging parents. Most of these family caregivers have no help.

In most cases, this person is either the family’s

eldest daughter or the grown child who lives the closest to the relative needing care. Spouses also play an important role; they make up almost half of family caregivers.

Family caregivers often fi nd communicating with an elder-ly loved one poses a challenge

— one that requires patience and understanding. They may fi nd adult-child roles are reversed.

The stress of caregiving can be exacerbated by the other respon-sibilities, such as a job, children, social life, the distance traveled to provide care, and so on. Care-giving can be particularly hard for a spouse, especially when the care recipient requires around-the-clock assistance.

So, it’s not surprising that most family caregivers struggle to bal-ance the task of caring for an relative with other life responsi-bilities. This often means care-givers have little time left to care for themselves. Which can result in their experiencing high stress levels and health problems.

The problem, of course, is when caregivers neglect self-care, they end up incapable of taking care of the senior loved ones who need their help in the fi rst place.

To learn more even about care-giver stress — including signs and symptoms and ways of deal-ing with this problem — log on to www.caregiverstress.com.

Candy Diercks

is franchise owner of Home Instead Senior Care in

Waterloo. Contact her at (319) 235-5999 or

[email protected].


G r e e n v i l l e , S C · M o l i n e , I L · N a s h v i l l e , T N · W a v e r l y , I A

AUTOMATING THE WORLDAUTOMATING THE WORLD �� Advanced Technologies

�� Press Systems

�� Tool & Die

�� Factory Automation

�� Transport Systems

w w w . d o e r f e r . c o m

MA

KIN

G T

HE

IM

PO

SSIB

LE P

OSS

IBLE

EV

ER

Y D

AY

1801 E. Bremer Ave., Waverly, Iowa p: 319.483.4700 f: 391.483.4797

ENGINEERS, TOOLMAKERS & ELECTRICIANS:ENGINEERS, TOOLMAKERS & ELECTRICIANS:

Consider joining a professional team whose daily job is to solve real world produc�on issues.

MAY 2011

Cedar Valley Green Initiative is making jobs eco-friendlyIndustrial and manufactur-

ing companies in our region are essential to the growth of the

economy. By pro-viding stable, good-paying jobs, these companies attract new resi-dents, stimulate new businesses and bring profi t to the community. One important role these local workplaces need to focus on is the impact they have on the environ-ment. Compa-nies that notice the difference they can make by

“going green” are not only sup-porting a good cause, they are helping secure the future of our children and us.

Brooke Burnham is director of the Green Cedar Valley Initia-tive organization that educates companies within our commu-nity about what it takes to go green. Burnham understands some businesses have miscon-ceptions about the expense and eff ort it takes to get their own company working to save the environment. The Green Cedar Valley Initiative provides semi-nars and resources to explain the steps to take to become certifi ed as a green company. Green means the company meets minimum requirements toward reducing its negative environmental impact, promotes earth-friendly choices and encourages healthy lifestyles. Burnham also provides informa-tion on government grants to help companies make the transi-tion. There is green available to help you go green.

The United States makes up 5

percent of the world’s popula-tion. We produce over 40 per-cent of the world’s garbage, more than any other country. Some examples of waste are: municipal solid wastes, household wastes, hazardous wastes, sludge, paper waste, electronic waste, toxic waste and chemical waste. Recy-cling is a $256 billion-a-year industry and is responsible for over 1 million jobs in the United States. Think of how it can blow up throughout our community and stimulate the overall econo-my by contributing to reducing our waste. Imagine how much waste can be recycled if just one company goes green.

Companies going green can create a domino eff ect — if one company does it, another will follow and so on. By promoting a healthy lifestyle and recycling at work, employees will see the benefi ts and could start doing what they can to help save the environment in their own homes. Going green can attract skilled workers as well. Consumers pay attention to the companies that support good causes, which can generate business.

Natural resources are becom-ing more scarce and costly every day, so keeping our environment clean and healthy is important to our survival. We cannot ignore the damage that has been done to Mother Earth; we have to start repairing and preventing it.

If you are interested in becom-ing a green-certifi ed company, contact Brooke Burnham at 233-8350 or by e mail at [email protected].

The Green Cedar Valley Ini-tiative is at 500 Jeff erson St. To learn how to go green within your company, visit their website at: greencedarvalley.com/ for more information.

Amanda Hoppes

is a technical communications

student at Kaplan University.

Contact her at [email protected].

edu.

Find all your latest news in

We are

Reliability.Effort.Attitude.Craftmanship.Hard Work

Always Strong.....Always There

We are hiring experienced CNC operators.

www.krytonmetals.com • 7314 Chancellor Dr., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613 • Phone 319-266-1771WO-042911068

We live in a time when the world has grown smaller but also a great deal more complicated. It is clear that the pace of change in the world is increasing at an alarming rate. KRYTON ENGINEERED METAL (formerly Iowa Metal Spinners) is dedicated to meeting the changing needs of our industrial and manufacturing customers. KRYTON maintains a staff of specialists who can help un-clutter your changing manufacturing needs. What started out as a dream has been transformed into a state of the art manufacturing company, KRYTON has morphed into a leader of spun metal component and fabrication parts. Kryton was established in 1981 and in its’ short 30 plus years has been able to commit itself to serve its customers with a “Make it Happen” attitude. Our manufacturing plant represents a tremendous investment in machinery and technology, but, in the end, the parts are built by people and they are the most important part of the process. Our manufacturing team is made up of skilled, committed employees, each dedicated to the highest standard of workmanship and quality.

KEVIN HARBERTSPRESIDENT/ CEO


WO-042911037

what does first best mean to

you?“ ”... knowing I will always get a critical, accurate and informative view of local issues, ideas and happenings. It keeps me coming back for more.

robert l. smith, jr.executive director, UNI center for urban education (UNI-CUE)

In Robert L. Smith Jr.’s world, his family and

his community are the most important things

to him. So to stay informed, he turns to The

Courier’s Cedar Valley section first.

Having spent a good deal of his time in Cedar

Valley politics, he knows exactly how

important it is for constituents to hear both

sides of any story. He relies on The Courier to

provide complete and first rate information.

First.Best. It’s what Robert L. Smith Jr. expects.

It’s what we deliver...

Anytime. Anywhere.

anytime. anywhere.

WO

-042

9110

53

MAY 2011

Iowa Metal Spinners changes name to Kryton Engineered MetalsCEDAR FALLS — Iowa Metal

Spinners Inc., a fi xture for 30 years in Cedar Falls, recently changed its name.

The metal-fabrication manu-facturer at 7314 Chancellor Drive formally changed its moniker at the end of March to Kryton Engineered Metals. Legally, the name is Iowa Metal Spinners DBA (doing business as) Kryton Engineered Metals.

“It’s a combination of two Greek words — kratos, which means metal, and tryton, which refers to strength,” said Kevin Harberts, who launched the company just out of high school with Max Jor-dan and Tony Hildman in 1981.

Harberts bought out Jordan in 1995 and Hildman in 1997 and has taken the company in broad-er directions since then, he said.

“We service some of the same industries, but it was basically local Iowa companies that we dealt with, and that was it,” Har-berts said. “It has slowly transi-tioned to where we’re just deal-ing with diff erent clients. We’ve transitioned to the Emerson Electrics, the Tranes and GEs. This name helps us launch more into that.”

Last year, he said, for example, the company became a “world-class supplier” for Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Co.

The company traditionally focused on metal fabrication for the ventilation industry, but it’s spreading out into aerospace, with cowls for jet engines, and agriculture, with fans and panels.

The name change won’t change the company’s business philoso-phy, but it does refl ect its evolu-tion, Harberts said.

“We love our history here in Iowa, and we’ve grown so much over the last 30 years,” he said. “We just kind of outgrew our name.”

The company has more than 60 employees and is in growth mode, with fi rst-quarter sales up by 30 percent, year-on-year, so far, Harberts said.

“It’s just been our customer base has had pent-up demand,” he said. “We struggled for a cou-ple of years, in 2008 and 2009, and slowly, we’ve been crawling out, and it just exploded on us.

“We’ve been hiring quite a bit — probably eight over the last two months — and we’re going to be continuing to do that.”


WO-042911045

Ad designed by Faith Sailor at Kittrell Elementary in Mr. Metcalf’s 4th grade class.WO-042911051

Ask me about Accident Forgiveness.With other insurance companies, having an accident can meanyour rates rise as much as 40%. But with Allstate’s AccidentForgiveness, your rates won’t go up at all just because of anaccident. Don’t wait! Call me today.

Scott Parsons, LUTCF(319) 233-33801120 W 4TH [email protected]

Feature is optional and subject to terms and conditions. Safe Driving Bonus® won’t applyafter an accident. In CA, you could still lose the 20% Good Driver Discount. Allstate Fireand Casualty Insurance Company: Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Company

Don’t let fi nances keep you from the classroomAn adult’s decision to return

to school is never made casual-ly. As someone who pursued my

bachelor’s degree past the age when I was considered a “traditional stu-dent,” I can relate to the factors that adults weigh when deciding whether to con-tinue their edu-cation. Person-ally, I considered the impact that class time and homework would have on my fam-ily life, current work life — and most importantly — my fi nances.

At the end of the day, I chose to earn my degree as a “non-traditional” student because I knew it would pay dividends in the end. I enjoyed my experi-ence so much that I ended up making a career out of help-ing adults fi nd their way back into the classroom in order to position themselves for great-

er career growth and earning potential.

If you are an adult weighing returning to the classroom, but are concerned about fi nancing your education, here are some quick tips:

Find an educational institu-tion that has a plan for you.

When you meet with a col-lege or university admission representative, pay attention to whether the institution has programs and faculty that cater to the unique needs of adult students. Are you able to trans-fer the maximum number of credit hours that you previously earned, whether from a com-munity college or from former college work? It is important to have an admission represen-tative that actively helps you plan your path. Together, you should chart your path to grad-uation by selecting classes and a course schedule that enable you to know what amount you will need to spend to earn your degree.

Is fi nancial aid available? Does your current employer have tuition reimbursement?

■

■

Rely on the college or univer-sity admission representative to walk you through the fi nancial aid options available to you as an adult student. There is a false assumption in the marketplace that fi nancial aid is only available for traditional-age students. If your current employer has tuition reimbursement, learn more about this program. Whether your employer off ers full or par-tial reimbursement, this is a great opportunity to explore.

Calculate the hidden costs.Hidden costs can be budget

killers. As you are compar-ing institutions, take the time to calculate hidden costs like gasoline for your commute, parking costs and the price of a babysitter on class nights. Also ask about technology fees, health fees and other student

■

fees assessed by the institution. These costs quickly add up at the end of a semester.

Is the institution “adult friendly?”

Does the college you are con-sidering attending have a long history serving adult students? The institution’s history with adult students oftentimes sig-nals that its faculty and staff are more understanding of the issues facing adult students. If you are taking evening class-es, does the institution have a sandwich or coff ee shop that is easily accessible so you’re able to grab a quick meal before class? In the long run, this con-venience will be a time-saver.

Can you aff ord not to return to school?

With tax season just behind us, many of us await the prospect

■

■

of tax refunds. Some Americans receive a little money back. For adults considering returning to school, this can serve as a “nest egg” or down payment for future classes. For other Amer-icans, they do not have money returning to them and are faced with the decision — do I con-tinue on my current career and earning track, or do I make an investment in education now in order to further advance my earning power?

As someone who has grappled with these real-life decisions, I can tell you that my choice to return to college has made all the diff erence. Regardless, I appreciate the thought process many adults have in regard to continuing their education, and I’m always at the ready to dis-cuss it further.

MAY 2011

Colette Atkins is program

director of adult accelerated

programs at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids. Contact her at

(319) 363-8213 x1862 or catkins@

mtmercy.edu.


IOWA

BUSINESS

MACHINES, INC.OVEROVER

75YEARSYEARS

Computer EquipmentDictation Equipment

CopiersNetworking

Computer PrintersCalculators

Cash RegistersFacsimile

Check WritersTime ClocksTypewritersJIM KAYSER

SALES CONSULTANT

• Sales• Service• Supplies

(319) 235-0346 • 800-545-3383Fax # (319) 233-3847

[email protected]

1009 Decathlon DriveWaterloo, IA 50701

WO-042911015

Criterion, Inc.2840 BURTON AVENUE, WATERLOO, IA

PHONE: 319-291-6963FAX: 319-291-3072

MACHINE SHOP

OOOOOOUUUURRRRRR SSSSSSSHHHHHHOOOOOPPPPPPP

JOB SHOP

WO-042911047

David A. BeatyInvestment Advisor

Representative Cedar Falls, Iowa

Stop Paying Taxes on Money you are

not Spending!

Registered Investment Advisor

319-277-1059800-799-63572302 W. 1st St Ste. 120

Cedar Fallsdave@heartlandfi nancial.net

WO-042911066

MAY 2011

The times they are a’changing, but you can turn that into a positiveThere are two things I heard

early in life that you could count on — death and taxes.

I am here to throw out one more for consid-eration: change.

We live in a fast-paced world that is ever-changing. Has there ever been a time in his-tory when change has been such a force that at times it seems to over-take us almost on an hourly basis?

Every day some-thing changes at work: your products, your customers, your

delivery schedules, your com-pany policies. Do these changes negatively aff ect your company and your sales? Why do you let them? These constant changes can cause you to lose focus and lose sales, or they can propel you into greater success. It’s your choice.

People fear change because it pushes them into the unknown, and one of the greatest fears in the world is the fear of the unknown. While this is natural, there is a way to control your fear and turn it into the creativity needed to generate more sales and a posi-tive attitude.

Because fear is such a strong emotion, it creates an enormous amount of energy in a person. The problem with this is that the energy tends to be negative and destructive. People who fear change see themselves as vic-

tims. They feel unprepared and inadequate to conquer whatever may come before them. Most of all, they feel they have no control over the situation.

These insecurities are inter-nally damaging to one’s focus and motivation and externally destructive throughout the com-pany. When people are afraid, they spew out all sorts of nega-tive comments to others. They ask themselves, “Now what are we going to do?” While it may not be intentional, their fear is damaging to themselves and to those around them.

When everything around you changes, throw away your doubts and insecurities and do the following:

1. Be strong in your convictions. 2. Be confi dent in your abilities. 3. Be proud of the work that

you do. These three things will allow

you to turn the energy that fear can create into positive energy.You will use that energy to become a positive change agent within your organization, and you will begin to control your situation.

Although it may be easier to react negatively, challenge your-self to fi nd the positive aspects and opportunities that lie with-in every change. When you see change as a challenge and an opportunity, you will get excited about it. Change your perspective and you’ll change your attitude.

Changing your attitude will change your results. While oth-ers are still moaning and groan-ing, you’ll be on the phone with future customers, discussing your new opportunity.

Your energy and attitude will become contagious and will spread quickly throughout your company.

So, the next time you are pre-sented with a change, stay posi-tive and challenge yourself to fi nd the opportunity within it.

Your choice to stay positive is all in your mind. You control your mind; you control the situation; you control the outcome.

Kevin Harberts

is co-founder, president and CEO of Kryton

Engineered Metals in Cedar Falls. Contact him at

(319) 266-1771 x215 or kevin@

krytonmetals.com.


What you needfor your business.

Electrical

Lightingg

KW Electric

WO

-042

9110

60

• 2,000 sq. ft. suites available• Former Mauer Eye Center• Totally renovated• All services included

Jim Sulentic • 215-5000

• For Sale/Lease• Turn key restaurant• Great location• 2 Drive through windows

Eddie Miskich • 404-0378

• 103 total units• 425 Allen St.• 314 Wellington St.• 300-304 Commercial St.

Rich Lockard • 939-3678

Kimball Medical Center

Three Multi-Unit BuildingsKimball Medical Center 103 E. Tower Park Dr, Waterloo

203 Tower Park Dr, Waterloo

• 3,529 sq. ft.• Owner will divide• High end strip mall location

Chris Fischels • 830-5000

$15 NNN

$3,698,000 $198,000/$2,500$15 NNN

WO-042911079

MAY 2011

Surviving the squeeze of the sandwich generationAs if saving for retirement

isn’t challenging enough, add to it the fi nancial and emotional responsibility of helping your chil-dren and attend-ing to the needs of elderly parents, and you’re offi -cially a member of the Sandwich Generation.

Buzz about the Sandwich Gen-eration emerged several years back as the bulk of baby

boomers reached age 50. While at the peak of their careers, many boomers met this milestone with big fi nancial obligations loom-ing — funding their retirement, paying for their kids’ college and caring for aging parents. Now, as more settle into their 60s, mem-bers of this demographic set face a new array of challenges.

Aging parents’ needs evolveWatching your parents’ health

deteriorate with age is something most of us anticipate having to

cope with as we approach middle age. Adding to the pain for many baby boomers is the bad econ-omy. In many families, the nest egg mom and dad relied on to fund late-in-life needs has been eroded by declining investments and a sunken housing market.

Depending on the extent of their losses, the situation may require that their adult children step in and help. While their parents may have once thought they would live independently for their remaining years, that may no longer be a reality. What’s more, medical advancements have allowed people to live longer than ever before, putting extra strain on their retirement savings and their Sandwich Generation children.

Boomerang kids On the other side of the sand-

wich are young adult children who aren’t able to reach fi nan-cial independence. Graduating from college once meant get-ting a “real” job and living on your own. With today’s soft job market, many recent graduates are realizing they can’t live inde-

pendently and are fi nding shelter under mom and dad’s roof once again — thus being dubbed boo-merang kids.

Finding a solution While the Sandwich Genera-

tion faces some issues foreign to past generations, there are ways to help lower your stress level and ease your fi nancial burden if you are feeling the squeeze. Consider these suggestions:

Update your fi nancial goals regularly. As your family situ-ation evolves, you may need to reassess your target retirement date and the amount of savings you are planning to amass for retirement. Dependent parents and children may translate into fi nancial obligations for you, and the sooner you plan for them, the better.

Maintain control of debt.

■

■

Saying that you’ll eliminate debt from your life may not be a real-istic goal. A more achievable goal may be to steer clear of new debt. With uncertainty approaching, you may want to avoid the lure of your dream home in lieu of a more secure future for your fam-ily. Consider what you really need rather than what you want when making major buying decisions requiring long-term fi nancial commitments.

Discuss care options with your parents. It may be diffi cult to approach your parents with this topic, but planning early can pay off both fi nancially and emotionally. If you explore pos-sibilities while your parents are still healthy, more options may be available — plus, your parents can help you work toward mutu-ally desired goals.

Protect your assets with

■

■

insurance. Revisit your disabil-ity and life insurance coverage to make sure your family is protect-ed in case you are no longer able to work or suff er an untimely death. Long-term care insurance for you or your parents may also be an option to help off set the asset-draining cost of nursing home or home health care.

Put yourself fi rst. As you count down to the end of your career, make sure your retire-ment plan remains a high pri-ority among your fi nancial obli-gations. While you can fi nance many things in life, it’s hard to put retirement on a credit card. Don’t be a Sandwich Genera-tion martyr by putting your own needs after those of your adult children or aging parents. You’ll be a much more valuable parent and child with your own fi nancial house in order.

■Larry K. Fox is senior fi nancial

adviser with Ameriprise

Financial Inc., Waterloo. Contact him at 234-7000.


ehT dnuorA tsuJ sI neerG !renroC

EREED A EKIL SNUR GNIHTON ™

SEIRES 003X †

999,2$ ta gnitratS

WO-042911042

TNEMELPMI RENMUS TS1 W 4141

47605 AI ,RENMUS 5115-875 )365(

.CNI ,TNEMELPMI OOLRETAW DAOR TNAEGRES 5142

10705 AI ,OOLRETAW 3553-332 )913(

TNEMELPMI YLREVAW WS TEERTS HT4 6141

5234-77605 AI ,YLREVAW 6242-253 )913(

moc.tnemelpmioolretaw.www

WO-042911056

MAY 2011

Businesses need environmental spring cleaning Spring has fi nally sprung in the

Cedar Valley, and with this sea-son comes the daunting task of

spring cleaning. Spring cleaning

is not something to just be done at home, though; it should also be done at your busi-ness. While you may not be pre-paring for an audit or inspection, ensuring your business is free of environmen-tal violations will not only improve

operations but also help you avoid potential EPA fi nes.

There are a multitude of details which may be viewed as viola-tions if the proper practices have

not been implemented at your facility. Here are some examples of violations that have resulted in regulatory agency fi nes.

Hazardous wastes must be labeled, closed and proper-ly stored in containers in good condition. The federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act regulates the generation, trans-portation, treatment, storage, disposal and management of hazardous wastes. An Ohio com-pany was issued a fi ne of over $140,000 for improper storage and labeling among other issues required by RCRA.

A company that produces crop protection products was fi ned over $60,000 for EPA violations including failure to implement a risk management program. This program is to be developed by all companies using

■

■

certain regulated fl ammable and toxic substances.

If your facility produces air emissions, ensure you have an updated air permit. A landfi ll was fi ned over $10,000 for failing to apply for the proper permit in a timely matter.

According to the federal Emergency Planning and Com-munity Right to Know Act, facili-ties must fi le a yearly report dis-closing types of toxic chemicals in excess of certain threshold amounts. A company in Kansas was fi ned over $30,000 for fail-ing to disclose this information.

A fi ne of more than $26,000 was issued to a facility in Iowa for discharging animal waste pollutants without a necessary permit. Ensure if your facility has any kind of runoff or discharged waste that the proper procedures

■

■

■

and permits are in order. Spring cleaning is a great time

to get your business aff airs in order and make sure your busi-ness will be free from viola-tions when your next inspection happens. This year, as part of your spring-cleaning routine, ensure your company is compli-

ant. It not only is good for the environment, but can save you thousands of dollars in avoid-ing violations during your next inspection.

If you have any questions, give the Iowa Waste Reduction Center a call at 273-8905 or visit www.iowaenviroassist.org.

Lea Schellhorn is marketing

coordinator for the Iowa Waste

Reduction Center in Cedar Falls.


Providing Third Party Integrated Logistics, Public WarehousingJIT Services, Trucking,and Reclaim Service

324 Duryea Street • Waterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-236-0467 • Fax: 319-274-8308

www.wwscusa.comWO-042911022

• Awnings

• LCD Monitors

• Banners

• Message Centers

• Billboard Structures

• Monument Signs

• Building Signs

• Neon

• Channel Letters

• Pole Signs

• Crane Services

• Routed Letters

• Formed Letters

• Vehicle Graphics

• Interior Signs

• Vinyl Graphics

• Large Format Printing

• Wraps

800-728-4604WWW.NAGLESIGNS.COM1020 WILBUR AVE. • WATERLOO, IA

SERVING THE CEDAR VALLEY SINCE 1978

DESIGN | MANUFACTURE | INSTALL | SERVICE

Your Sign CompanyFULL SERVICE

WO-042911064

MAY 2011

Be prepared and get that manufacturing loanObtaining a loan in manu-

facturing industries is easier if you are prepared. Banks are eager to lend money and enjoy working with companies that are well man-aged. The fol-lowing are some suggestions on presenting your loan request to the bank. A thorough and organized business plan helps the lender better understand your request.

Provide details on exactly how much fi nancing you need and how the funds will be used. Banks are impressed with research, so provide a writ-ten quote for equipment pur-chases. If you’re planning to con-solidate debts and refi nance for a longer term, provide copies of your promissory notes and state how much you think you can save with the refi nance. Detailed loan

■

amounts with copies of bids, promissory notes or proposals can help strengthen your loan package.

When banks lend money, they like to understand who runs the company and be familiar with their backgrounds. This is a key factor in presenting your loan for approval. Help your lender by providing a resume for each owner or key employee and describe their functions and responsibilities.

Be prepared to off er collat-eral. Most loans made by banks are secured loans, and therefore approval may be contingent on determining an accurate market value of the collateral. In many cases, the lender may require guarantors. A recent personal fi nancial statement should be included.

Your credit score is an integral part of the loan process. It illus-trates how you handle your other obligations. Your bank likely will run its own credit report, but if you can provide information prior to them doing so, you can

■

■

■

discuss any issues ahead of time. If you don’t know your credit score, take the time to research it on the Internet, where low-cost reports are available. If you’ve had problems such as identity theft, bankruptcy or divorce, you’ll want to discuss it with your lender up front and provide proof that issues have been resolved or discharged.

Complete copies of tax returns, fi nancial statements and bank statements are usu-ally required. While it can be time consuming to gather these documents, your bank will want to know everything about you and your business if they are to become, in essence, your fi nan-cial partner. One way to stream-line the process is to scan your fi nancial documents and pro-

■

vide them to your lender in the form of a disk or a fl ash drive.

Explain how you’ll achieve your projections. Now is the time to brag about you and your busi-ness and to sell your lender on your vision and forecasted suc-cess. If customers have expressed a desire to do business with you, give your lender a copy of their correspondence. Prove to the lender that a market for your product or service exists and demonstrate the validity of your sales and expense fi gures. If the loan for which you are applying is intended for a new piece of equipment that will allow you to reduce your staff needs, describe how this will occur and show the math.

Your lender needs to connect with your story and business

■

and will appreciate your assis-tance in doing so. Take the time to thoroughly explain the nature of your business, your vision and your background. Your banker likely will be presenting your loan approval to other parties, so he or she will need your help in making your case. The pro-cess may be time consuming, so it helps to be patient. Feel free to request an estimated time frame for approval.

With the improving economy and low interest rates, this may be the perfect time to expand your business or buy that new piece of equipment. Most banks have money to lend and are looking for good loans. With a well prepared request, your likelihood of approval is greatly enhanced.

Michael Tynan

is vice president of commercial lending with Community

National Bank in Waterloo. Contact him at 291-2000.


“A Family Farm. The Next Generation. A Dream.

When my grandkids were born, I realized I had put off

planning for the future. My CPA helped me plan how to retire, pass along the farm to my kids, and set

up a college fund for my grandkids, too. Now, I am financially prepared

and sleep better. ”

It’s your dream. You think about it all the time. Some might call it an

obsession, but it’s your dream and you are going to make it happen.

Making your dream a reality won’t happen overnight. But, a CPA is the

perfect partner to help put it into action. CPAs listen to your ideas and give

solid direction to help you build your future and achieve the things that

matter most to you.

Call your CPA or locate a member of the Iowa Society of Certified Public

Accountants at FindAnIowaCPA.com. Because your dream is worth achieving.

My Future. My CPA. www.FindAnIowaCPA.com

WO-042911007WO-042911046

MAY 2011

GMT evolves its plans to stay strong during lean timesGMT Corp. is a contract manu-

facturing operation specializing in large iron and steel compo-nents. Encompassing 300,000

square feet and employing more than 300 people in two communi-ties, GMT’s oper-ations provides products for mul-tiple industries, including agricul-ture, construc-tion, oil and gas, defense, airport ground support and wind ener-gy. All product lines at GMT are “regular produc-tion,” meaning no one-off custom pieces. This was

not always the case.Started in 1973, GMT was a

one-man operation repairing and building special-order prod-ucts. Since that time, products, customers and entire divisions have come and gone. Through-out the years, however, GMT has been owned and operated by

the Graening family. Larry and Jill Graening started the com-pany, and today their two chil-dren, Darcy and Jared, manage the daily business along with the founders.

Years 2009 and 2010 were chal-lenging for many businesses, and GMT was no exception. With heavy construction languish-ing, customer orders contracted signifi cantly. GMT leadership determined it was time to refresh its strategic plan. Managing through downturns often leaves little time for much else, but it is at these times that managing for the future is critical.

Work on updating the GMT strategic plan began in mid-2010. It had been four years since the last plan was written, and the manufacturing industry changed dramatically during that time period. So much had changed at GMT that the prior plan was only used as a reference, not the starting point. The goal of GMT’s strategic plan was to create “Actionable Initiatives” — things that are assigned to individual champions and small teams that could be completed within one to

six months. The fi rst step was to complete

internal and external scans of the business. What was going on within GMT, and how was GMT handling the eff ects of the world around it? The internal scan included fi ve areas: market, products and services, people, organization and capital. The external scan looked at trends: economic, technology, politi-cal/regulatory, education, social/demographic and competition. These scans centered on GMT’s strengths, limitations, opportu-nities and threats in each area, culminating in a list of potential responses to each.

The responses grouped into categories. These categories became the basis for strate-gic initiatives such as process improvement and sustainability, management structure and per-

sonnel, sales and diversifi cation and deployment of capital. These initiatives were translated into actions and deliverables that are being completed throughout the operation.

Keys to success included involvement by the entire senior management team. Meet-ings were held every three to fi ve weeks only when everyone could be involved. All ideas were encouraged, with everyone con-sidered equal in their input and seniority. Rough thoughts were refi ned through discussion with eff orts taken to avoid getting bogged down on any subject.

The process spanned about six months, with 11 initiatives acted on. The diffi cult discussions were about which items should be highest priority. Some of the resulting initiatives are projects that were completed quickly,

while others are implementing processes to move the organiza-tion over time.

The challenge is to ensure these initiatives are not forgotten, that the plan doesn’t rest on the shelf and gather dust. Communication throughout the organization is one key to holding management accountable for change. Regu-lar review is required to ensure the management team doesn’t become overwhelmed with daily tasks and lose focus.

GMT is using the strategic planning process to guard for the future. GMT’s success is grounded in ensuring employees are treated well and receive all the tools necessary for success, oper-ating within competitive costs, diversifying sales into multiple markets, and deploying capital diligently. At some level, this is no diff erent than 38 years ago.

Eric Wittrock is director

of business development with

GMT Corp. in Waverly. Contact

him at (319) 269-3848 or

eric_wittrock@gmtcorporation.

com.

WO-042911040


WO-042911012

Everything For Your Home

Don’t wish your househad been protected.

Don’t wish your househad been protected.Monitoring starting at $1995 per month

No contract

Monitoring starting at $1995 per month

No contract

A/V For Commercial Systems

4017 University Ave Waterloo IA [email protected] www.maxss.com

Home TheaterWhole House AudioSurveillance CamerasAlarmsCentral VacSatellitePhone SystemsIntercomLighting Control

Meeting RoomsOffi cesRetailRestaurantsBarsTheme ParksChurches

Computer and Phone Wiring

WO

-042911017

WO-042911017

FOR ALL YOUR DIRECT MAIL NEEDS

Michael Voshell /Operations Manager / [email protected] / 319-232-6850 /

www.jaylincorporation.net

WO

-042

9110

67

MAY 2011

Reports of manufacturing’s death are greatly exaggeratedI don’t know where this chatter

about the death of manufactur-ing came from, but the produc-tion sectors are very much alive.

Sure, there are changes in how and where things are made, and ser-vice sectors grew in employment rapidly over the last three decades, but manufac-turing is thriv-ing. It’s certainly is healthy in the

Cedar Valley and Iowa, and that is not an anomaly; it is typical of the nation and globe.

Others expertly tell the story of U.S. manufacturing (try www.NAM.org). The Iowa manu-facturing sector is also strong, leading the way out of the reces-sion with major investment and employment gains. It accounts for one-fi fth of the Iowa economy and 90 percent of our exports.

By the way, Mary Andringa, president of Vermeer Manufac-turing, an Iowa company, cur-rently serves as president of the National Association of Manufac-turers, probably the powerhouse U.S. business organization.

But let’s focus on the Cedar Valley part of the story with a few key points.

Deere dominates. Deere & Co. is the clear global leader in its sector with commitment to competitiveness and quality. We benefi t from that: The Cedar Valley is Deere’s largest opera-tional center. Deere’s Cedar Val-

■

ley operations also are a center of innovation in products and processes and the place where thousands of talented Deere team members are located. Recently, we saw Deere’s commitment to invest another $100 million in a foundry, bringing leading-edge metallurgy technology and talent to the Cedar Valley. In addition to the fi ve major Deere facilities, there are a large number of sup-pliers spread across the Cedar Valley. Trust me: There’s more to come.

Innovation is alive in manu-facturing. The Greater Cedar Val-ley Alliance’s Harold Brock Inno-vation Award went to Doerfer Engineering this year for prod-ucts designed, developed and produced in this relatively small but highly agile manufacturing operation. Doerfer is typical of the innovation that happens in the manufacturers everywhere in the Cedar Valley. (www.Doerfer.com).

Small is good. We celebrate our big dogs, but we should remem-ber they, too, grew from humble beginnings. The Cedar Valley is home to many small, strong and growing manufacturers who are sector leaders. Companies like Black Hawk Engineering, CPM Roskamp Champion, Q3 Inno-vations, United Equipment, Rada, Power Engineering, Geater Machining & Manufacturing and many more.

Technology changes the defi -nition of manufacturing. It’s fun to go to places like Phantom EFX, K Soft, DISTek and T8 Webware, where people are in fact making things. But they make software

■

■

■

— crafted on a keyboard through a processor and displayed on a monitor. It may or may not ever make its way into a physical package. Biotech is here, too, with Northland Oil, Performance Bio-

lubes, Environmental Lubricants Mfg. and Peterson Genetics. This is a growing, profi table, exporting sector of manufacturing that we need in the Cedar Valley.

Don’t mess with manufactur-

ing. The manufacturing sector has proven that it will morph to match the demands of a global marketplace.

Steve Dust is CEO of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance. Contact him at

232-1156.

See DUST, page 23


Who’s Watching Your Business?

Electronic Engineering offersseveral security options

Commercial Security & Alarm Systems IP Video Surveillance | Alarm Monitoring Service

Access Control | Digital Video RecordersVisual & Audible Alerts | Design Build Solutions

750 Ansborough | Waterloo, IA | 319.235.5556 | 800.365.9702Call today for your FREE analysis, ask for Doug Gowans or Wayne Lafrenz.

b h | W

WO-042911069WO-042911069

So far, the Cedar Valley is ben-efi tting. We can keep it that way by doing the following:

Continue to invest in devel-oped industrial sites for heavy ■

and light uses of all sizes.Develop broadband capacity,

access and aff ordability.Reform and invest in edu-

cation to respond to the real changes in the way brainpower is applied in life and work — espe-cially manufacturing.

Encourage the attraction of brainpower — talented people

■

■

■

— through rich research and development incentives and amenities that make us want to come here, stay here, dream here, innovate here.

Remove the onerous cost of industrial property taxes from manufacturing — and other industrial sectors.

Vote for legislators, mayors,

■

■

and council members based on what they do to support busi-ness and lower costs.

Do not constrain the supply or increase the cost of energy. Encourage the production of energy through all means (while renewables reach scalable mar-ket feasibility.)

Will you bet on your econo-

■

■

my? Invest in speculative indus-trial space — that’s right, build a big, empty building. We lose opportunities because all our modern production buildings are full.

Celebrate manufacturing as the broad, diverse, resilient, economy leading sector that it is.

■

MAY 2011

DUSTFrom page 22

More Americans abandon land lines, rely exclusively on cellphones WASHINGTON (AP) — America’s

abandonment of the landline phone in favor of the cellphone is accelerating, but nowhere has it gone further than in Arkan-sas and Mississippi. The states where the smallest proportion of people depend solely on wireless phones and no landlines: New Jersey and Rhode Island.

About 35 percent of adults in Arkansas and Mississippi have cellphones and lack traditional wired telephones, according to estimates released April 20 by the federal Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention. In New Jersey and Rhode Island, that fi g-ure is only 13 percent.

“The answer’s obvious. No one has money here,” said John N. Daigle, a professor of electrical engineering at the University of Mississippi who has had broad experience in the telecommuni-cations industry. “If they can do without a landline, they’ll do it to save money.”

That matches the conclusion of Stephen Blumberg, a senior CDC scientist and an author of the survey. Over the years, Blumberg

has found that lower-income people are likelier than the bet-ter off to have only a cellphone. Younger people and renters are also among the quickest to shed traditional landlines and use only wireless phones.

The latest state-by-state fi g-ures cover the 12 months through June 2010.

In eight states besides Arkansas and Mississippi — mostly in the West — at least 30 percent of adults rely strictly on cellphones. They are Colorado, Idaho, Ken-tucky, Nebraska, North Dakota,

Oklahoma, Oregon and Texas.At the low end, only six states

join New Jersey and Rhode Island in having less than 17 percent of adults use only cells: Connecti-cut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and South Dakota. All but one are in the East.

The exclusive use of cellphones has been growing steadily nationwide, hitting 27 percent of U.S. households in the fi rst half of 2010, an eightfold increase in just six years.

The fi gures showed that the

proportion of adults using only cellphones has grown in all 50 states since 2007. Arkansas has had the greatest increase, with 15 percentage points, while New Jersey’s 7 percentage point growth brings up the rear.

Other measurements also highlight how widespread peo-ple’s dependence on cellphones has become. The proportion of adults living in households with cellphones — including those that also have landlines — range from 92 percent in Iowa to 48 percent in South Dakota.


YOURTRUSTED

HOME LOAN EXPERTS

YOURTRUSTED

HOME LOAN EXPERTS

WO

-042911024

Chase RohlfsenJamie Bradley319-239-7693 319-610-1870

Michelle Davis319-269-4637

3731 Pheasant Lane, Waterloo, IA 507011820 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

www.valleyb.com

WO

-042911041

MAY 2011

Extension website offers farmers advice on saving money on fuelBy MATTHEW WILDE

[email protected]

GRUNDY CENTER — It’s spring. For many farmers, it’s time to save fuel.

With planting time upon us, energy and maintenance experts say now is the time to get equip-ment in tip-top shape. Fuel is second only to fertilizer when it comes to crop input costs, and that cost is on the rise.

Diesel fuel — predominantly used by farmers — has more than tripled in price since 2003. Red or farm-use diesel sold for close to $3.60 per gallon recently at East Central Iowa Cooperative based in Hudson.

Strong demand for oil, turmoil in the Middle East and political uncertainty all indicate fuel pric-es aren’t likely to retreat any time soon. It’s made the quest to save fuel that much more important.

Area equipment dealers are feverishly working to tune up tractors, and Iowa State Univer-sity Extension recently released energy-saving tips for farm-ers. Reports on tractor mainte-nance and driving suggestions are available free at ISU’s Farm Energy Initiative website, http://farmenergy.exnet.iastate.edu.

Dana Petersen, program direc-tor, said perusing the site is well worth a producer’s time.

“It’s information to prepare for what’s coming in the future. Fuel

prices may in fact remain high,” Petersen said. “Fuel savings can be really signifi cant.”

Engine maintenance is the key. According to ISU, machinery test data indicates replacing air and fuel fi lters and other general maintenance can make a mea-surable diff erence. Horsepower increases by 3.5 percent and fuel fl ow is decreased by 3.5 percent. For a 140-horsepower tractor, ISU said, that could save 105 gallons a year. At today’s diesel price, that’s nearly $375.

It takes fi ve gallons of diesel fuel to raise and harvest an acre of corn using conventional till-age, ISU said. Only two gallons are required for no-till.

At Titan Machinery in Grundy Center, the Case-IH dealer will perform more than 200 pre-ventive maintenance inspec-tions and subsequent service on equipment between harvest and planting.

Service Manager Misty Wells said customers are concerned about getting more horsepower for less. Titan equipment experts often give advice, she said, like making sure tractors have the right amount of ballast for a spe-cifi c task.

“We try to educate farmers, as well,” Wells said. “Too much weight will work the tractor too hard and it will burn more fuel.”

Farmers could make a little

more than $2 to $4 per bushel profi t on grain coming out of the fi eld in November, according to futures prices and ISU Extension cost of production estimates. Part of the reason the ISU Energy Initiative was born a year ago was to help farmers stay in the black.

Operators play an important role in saving fuel as well, Peters-

en said. For older tractors that don’t shift automatically to fi nd the most effi cient gear, drivers need to do that manually. The concept is called “shifting up and throttle back.”

“That can very easily save 10 percent,” Petersen said. “Wheth-er you work 500 to 2,500 acres, that adds up quickly.”

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Dave Freesman, a mechanic at Titan Machinery, services a tractor in Grundy Center.

Want to get posted?For advertising opportunities in future cvbm directories, contact Jackie Nowparvar at 319-291-1527.


WO-042911023 WO-042911027

Collaboration has been benefi cial for UNI, DeereCollaboration. It’s all about

sharing knowledge, resources and working together to realize common goals.

When the right players are at the table, the end result is great-er than what could have been achieved individually.

The University of Northern Iowa and John Deere have forged many partnerships over the years — partnerships that have ben-efi tted students’ academic expe-riences, faculty development and John Deere’s workforce. Working together in industrial manufac-turing has been mutually benefi -cial for UNI and John Deere.

The symbiosis between the two has created internship experienc-es and off ered part-time jobs to students as they completed their degree at UNI full time. Since the relationship began, hundreds of undergraduate and graduate stu-dents have gained valuable expe-rience at John Deere.

Internships benefi t students and Deere. Students can apply the knowledge and skills they learn in the classroom to a profes-sional work environment. They also develop teamwork skills as they learn alongside industry experts — skills that will help them throughout their career. John Deere benefi ts by having a well-trained pool of eager new professionals right in its back-yard, which makes it easier to fi ll positions. And these students bring fresh ideas and perspec-tives to the workplace, as well as knowledge of current trends and technology, which helps with problem solving.

“A sizable number of UNI grads have gotten jobs at John Deere,” said Bart Bergquist, act-ing department head of UNI’s department of technology. “The

last two years, we also have had people from human resources at Deere come to campus and tell students about job opportuni-ties that were open or likely to be open, and they encouraged students to check them out and apply.”

UNI and Deere also have col-

laborated to offer part-time employment opportunities to students who attend UNI full-time. Sophomore Erica Hill, a metal casting and design manu-facturing double major, is one of those students.

Hill works part time as a pro-cess engineer in Deere’s pat-

tern development area. During high school, she job-shadowed two women in the John Deere foundry to observe what their jobs entailed and learn more about the company. Hill was impressed with what she saw and heard. She also was impressed by the number of

women employed in a tradi-tionally male-dominated career fi eld. When Deere contacted Hill during her freshman year at UNI and asked if she’d be interested in a part-time job, she jumped at the chance.

See UNI-DEERE, page 27

MAY 2011

For breaking news coverage,

photos and video


WO

-042

9110

50

A personal, more meaningfulapproach to fi nancial planning.

Whether you’re a small business owner, evaluating your estate plan, or sending your kids to college,We can help you plan to reach your fi nancial goals through personal, customized fi nancial planning.

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future fi nancial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA and SIPC.

3404 Midway Drive • Waterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-234-7000 • Toll Free: 888-300-7844

larrykfox.com

Call (319) 234-7000 and ask for Larry today!

Larry K. Fox & AssociatesA fi nancial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

WO-042911112

Architect: the art and science of designing & erecting buildingsBuilders : one who builds buildings, who manages construction

We are a single-source provider for

designing, building and furnishing buildings.

Use our services for: Feasibilty Studies Space Planning

Building EvaluationBuilding Design

Construction

Call for a free consultation

MAY 2011

“John Deere is a great compa-ny to work for,” Hill said. “They value diversity, they care about their employees and they’re really fl exible with my schedule. If I need time off to study, they provide it. And people are always willing to answer questions to help me learn new things.”.

UNI chemistry students also have gained valuable experience at Deere. Bill Harwood, professor of chemical education and head of UNI’s department of chemis-try and biochemistry, and Laura Strauss, associate professor of inorganic chemistry, served as mentors to two student research-ers from the National Superior School of Chemistry in Rennes, France. The students worked on a formulation that would help

reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. Yulia Philipova, one of the

researchers, is a student in UNI’s professional science masters pro-gram. In November, she present-ed the results to Deere chemists and engineers.

“The result of the project was a successful formulation for extreme cold weather,” Harwood said. “We are preparing to do additional testing on the formu-lation and some possible varia-tions to optimize its use in the engines. This will involve one of our undergraduate students.”

The GeoInformatics Training, Research, Education and Exten-sion Center (GeoTREE) at UNI also has forged partnerships with Deere, the most recent being two research projects that focused on geospatial technology. This area of technology includes geo-graphical information systems, satellite image processing and global positioning systems.

Ramanathan Sugumaran, pro-fessor of geoinformatics and director of the GeoTREE Cen-ter at UNI, recently established a fi ve-year research agreement with Deere that includes student and faculty research in geospa-tial technology. “This research collaboration provides a great opportunity for our students to work on real-world projects,” Sugumaran said.

Andrew Wille, a senior environ-mental geography and geograph-ic information systems double major, is an intern working on the partnership’s fi rst contracts. In this yearlong position, Wiley conducts research and test stud-ies on Deere’s GreenStar preci-sion farming and guidance sys-tems. When his internship ends this month, his full-time job as a product engineer with Deere begins.

“I got to know a lot of people throughout the company dur-

ing my internship, which gave me a strong network base when applying for a full-time posi-tion,” Wille said.

The collaborative relation-ship between the university and John Deere also includes research partnerships, as well as continu-ing education and professional development opportunities for Deere employees. In fact, courses are often taught on-site to make

it easier for Deere employees to remain on the cutting edge and/or earn an advanced degree.

As the manufacturing and tech-nology industries continue to expand, UNI will remain respon-sive to the needs of students and John Deere.

Ruth Goodman is a special projects offi cer with the University of Northern Iowa's Offi ce of University Relations. Contact her at 273-3170.

UNI-DEEREFrom page 26

Thursday, May 5th, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Hawkeye Community College - Health Education and Services Center

1501 E. Orange Rd., Waterloo

PAGE 28WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COMMAY 2011

Thursday, May 12th, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. Windridge Retirement Community

5311 Hyacinth, Cedar Falls

Gold Sponsors

Premier Sponsor

Business After Hours offers networking in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. RSVP by April 28 to Bette Wubbena, 232-1156 or bette @greatercedarvalleychamber.com

Premier Sponsor

Utilizing Technology to Streamline Your Business Process

Steve Lewis of Advanced Systems electronic document management department has been helping businesses throughout Iowa learn how implementing an electronic document management

system can save companies money and help eliminate unnecessary duplication in business processes. With the right solution - one that fits your organization's needs and operating style - you can devote your staff's time to more productive tasks, increasing the efficiency of your work processes, saving both time and money. In this part of the Business Education Series, Steve will discuss how to evaluate different document management systems and how to choose the right solution for your unique needs.

Attendees will learn: The basics of Electronic Document Management (EDM); How to use EDM to increase efficiency and solve business-critical problems; Conducting a needs assessment; and Choosing the best EDM solution partner.

Mr. Lewis joined Advanced Systems in 2005. A Solutions Engineer, Mr. Lewis . He holds multiple certifications from CompTIA and Microsoft.

RSVP by May 6th to Bette Wubbena, 232-1156 or [email protected]. Cost is $20 for Alliance & Chamber members and $40 for non-members.

Business After Hours

Business Education Series

Tuesday, May 10, 20115:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Sunnyside Country Club

1600 Olympic Drive, WaterlooSocial & Liquid Serendipity

Keynote Speaker - Sarah Miller CaldicottDream Big Grow Here Cedar Valley Award

Dessert/Coffee Bar

Caldicott, great-grandniece of Thomas Edison and award winning speaker, will share years of research in her book titled "Innovate Like Edison: The Success

System of America's Greatest Inventor."

Tickets $30. Please RSVP by April 27th. Preorder yourbook and/or RSVP by calling the Alliance & Chamber

office at 232-1156 or email Lisa Parsons at [email protected].

Book cost is $17.12 (includes tax). Limited supply of books will be available for purchase at the event.

Celebration of Cedar Valley Innovation

challenges and human resources – including recruitment and retention of uali ed em loyees.

Cost is $20 for Alliance & Chamber Members. RSVP by May 12th to Bette Wubbena, 232-1156 or [email protected].

Gold Sponsors:Iowa Laser Technology, Inc.

MCG BioComposites LLCMudd Advertising

Point Builders, L.L.C. Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa, Inc.

MAY 2011WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COMPAGE 29

CEO Roundtable Breakfast

Thursday, May 19Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo

7:00 a.m. Breakfast7:30-9:00 a.m. CEO Panel Discussion

Premier Sponsors

For reservations, please calll the Alliance & Chamber office at 232-1156 or email Bette Wubbena at

[email protected].

Lunch Sponsor

19th Hole Sponsors

June 9, 2011 Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course

1000 Fletcher Ave, Waterloo

Spring Golf Classic

Two Shot Gun starts @ 7:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.Cost is $300/Morning and $350/Afternoon

Four Person Best Shot

My Waterloo Days - June 2-5, 2011

Thank you to the MWD Major Sponsors and the Board of Directors for making it happen!

(includes green fee, cart, continental breakfast, lunch, social)

WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COMMAY 2011

Welcome New Members!

Black's 501 Steakhouse & Piano Bar501 Sycamore St., Waterloo

CU Restaurant & The Cellar320 E. 4th St., Waterloo

Landmark Commons14oo Maxhelen Blvd., Waterloo

KJ & Kompany2060 Crossroads Blvd., Waterloo

Operation Threshold1535 Lafayette St., Waterloo

May

Cal

enda

r of E

vent

sRi

bbon

Cut

tings

Ribbon Cuttings

New Ambassador for theGreater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber

Stefanie MoudryWheaton Franciscan Healthcare-Iowa, Inc.

Cedar Falls Business and Professional WomenPO Box 1164Cedar Falls, IA 50613-1164Phone: 319-269-5258Website: www.bpwcedarfalls.orgContact: Christina GewekeCategory: Associations/Organizations

Village Cooperative of Cedar Falls3630 University Ave, Suite BWaterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-266-1111Contact: Diane RobertCategory: Retirement Communities MAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 3 Tues. TechWorks Board Mtg., 3:00 -4:00 p.m., Cedar Falls OfficeMay 4 Weds. Alliance Board Mtg., 4:00 - 5:30 p.m., Sky Event Center, WaterlooMay 5 Thurs. Business After Hours, Hawkeye Community College, Health Education and Services Center, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. TechBrew, Voodoo Lounge, Cedar Falls, 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. May 10 Tues. Celebration of Cedar Valley Innovation, 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., Sunnyside Country Club, Waterloo Alliance IT Committee Mtg., Cedar Falls Office, 3:30 - 5:00p.m. Ambassador Mtg., Clarion Inn University Plaza, Cedar Falls, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.May 11 Weds. Finance Committee Mtg., Waterloo Office, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.May 12 Thurs. Business Education Series, Utilizing Technology to Streamline Your Business Process, Windridge Retirement Community, 5311 Hyacinth, Cedar Falls, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.May 13 Fri. Government Relations Mtg., Cedar Falls office, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.May 17 Tues. Member Briefing, Supervisor's Club, 3265 DeWitt Rd., Waterloo, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.May 19 Thurs. CEO Roundtable, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, 7:00 - 9:00 a.m.

WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM MAY 2011

Good Morning Cedar Valley - Thursday, June 30

2011 Strictly Business Expo was a success!

7:30 - 9:00 a.m.Sunnyside Country Club

1600 Olympic Dr., Waterloo

Premier Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

The quarterly networking breakfast includes updates on city and county issues and programs from Mayor Buck Clark, Mayor Jon Crews and a Black Hawk County Supervisor. There is no cost to attend. RSVP by June 23. Alliance & Chamber

networking events are open to all Alliance & Chamber members and their employees.

Who received the $5000 to help grow their business in the Cedar Valley?

Attend theCelebration of Cedar Valley Innovation

on May 10th to find out!Chamber and Alliance members RSVP

at 232-1156. Tickets are $30.

MARCH 2010 WWW.GREATERCEDARVALLEYCHAMBER.COM PAGE 32MAY 2011

Thank you to all of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber Premier Members.AdzZoo Independent Representative/Frank BowmanApplebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, WaterlooBeaver Hills Country ClubCabin Coffee Co.Cedar Falls TimesCedar Valley Irish Cultural Assoc.Cottingham & Butler

Cover-All Advertising & Promotion, Inc.Dynamic ImpressionsFamily YMCA of Black Hawk CountyHospice CompassusJaylin CorporationKCRG-TVPedersen, Dowie, Clabby & McCausland InsurancePheasant Ridge

Pi Sigma EpsilonRiver Plaza Athletic ClubShort's Travel Management, Inc.St. John Lutheran ChurchToad's Bar & Grill

The CVLI class selected Habitat for Humanity as their service project. The class dedicated 2 days of on site work to fulfull their service project. The class of 24 will complete their 8 session class and are scheduled to graduate in May. If

you are interested in enrolling in CVLI please contact Molly Brown at the Alliance & Chamber office - 266-3593. The Cedar Valley Leadership Institute is a professional development series designed for business members who want to

develop and strengthen their leadership skills within the community.

CVLI - Cedar Valley Leadership InstituteBuilding Something Greater!

The Mission of the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber is to increase economic vitality and wealth by leading collaborative economic and community development.

UIU

.edu

Real

edu

cati

on fo

r re

al ch

ange

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER...At UIU you have the power to reach your goals, build a new future, and recharge your dreams

TURN YOUR POWER ON

OPEN HOUSEWEDNESDAY, MAY 25th

3:00pm-6:00pm

3563 University Avenue • Waterloo, IA 50701

319-232-6980 • [email protected]

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

WO-042911009


2116 E. Bremer AvenueWaverly, Iowa 50677Phone: 319-269-3848www.gmtcorporation.com

ProductionManufacturingSolutions

Machining Fabrication Coating Burn/blast/weld Lifting capacity up to 30 tons

WO-042911080

MAY 2011

Flood brings Waverly man’s brewing dream to head

By KAREN HEINSELMAN

[email protected]

WAVERLY — Rebuilding a home after 2 feet of fl ood water leaves its ugly mark allows for ample think time. The solitary moments inspired Scott Hamerlinck, 30, to seize the day.

Two years later, Hamerlinck stands in a warehouse in knee-high galoshes on a Saturday, monitor-ing the temperature and consis-tency of a batch-in-the-making of Sandbagger, a maibock lager. It’s a messy, expensive and wonderful process.

“This is the dream,” he said.Hamerlinck’s concoction, along

with his microbrewery, Angry Cedar Brewing Co., is a reference to the fl ood that damaged his home in Waverly and devastated other Iowa communities in June 2008.

With water rising, Hamerlinck and his wife, Amanda, moved their possessions, including some 30 gallons of home brew, out of the basement and to the safety of the fi rst fl oor of their Seventh Avenue Southeast residence. Or so they thought.

“And everything was wrecked but the beer,” Hamerlinck said.

He knew better than to drink the beer. But the following year, Hamerlinck attempted to turn his home-brewing hobby into a mar-ketable gig. He set up shop in the now-closed Harmony restaurant in Waverly.

Hamerlinck struggled to keep up with demand, and in 2010 he relo-cated to allow for a greater capac-ity. Everything from brewing to

hand-bottling happens on site at the headquarters of Angry Cedar Brewing Co. in the south industrial park in Waverly.

Hamerlinck can produce two batches — or 14 barrels — a month. That’s more than 400 gallons.

Making beer isn’t diffi cult, he said. But there’s a lot that demands attention.

“It’s actually really easy,” said David Warner, a friend who helps Hamerlinck with the operation. “It’s also really easy to psych your-self out.”

So far, Hamerlinck is having fun. He says he’s also close to breaking even — quite an accomplishment, he adds, given the newness of the operation.

“It’s like a science experiment that’s cooler than other science experiments,” Hamerlinck said.

Angry Cedar Brewing Co. makes three types of beers: an amber ale, a chocolate porter and a lager. The beer is available at several taverns, restaurants and grocery stores in Waverly and the greater Cedar Valley.

The amber ale is a customer favorite at The Wooden Foot Saloon in Waverly.

“Ever since we got it we’ve been selling out of it,” said Justin Ende-res, bar manager.

The beer also has done well at the Happy Hour Pub at the Americas Best Value Red Fox Inn and Suites in Waverly. Guests enjoy the taste and appreciate a local product, said Julie Sanchez, who owns the bar with her husband, Steve.

Recently, Hamerlinck stopped by with samples of Sandbagger

and greeted patrons at the bar, she said.

One night, Sanchez ran out of an ale at 9:30 p.m. on a Saturday. Hamerlinck wasn’t about to let anyone go thirsty.

“He was here within 10 min-utes with a new keg,” Sanchez said, adding that type of response is unthinkable from a larger distributor.

Hamerlinck says his strategy is to make a good beer and keep the customers happy. He doesn’t plan to get too fancy but he does have goals. Immediate priorities include purchasing a cooler, achieving a self-sustaining brewery and upgrading equipment.

He’d also like to acquire a bot-tling line and put out six packs.

Oh, and keep making decent beer. That and take a trip to Ger-many to learn from the experts.

“That’s what I’m after is a good product. Good customer service,” he said.

Anger management


Owner Scott Hamerlinck pours the last of 700 pounds of grain needed for a batch of beer into the grinder at the Angry Cedar Brewing Company in Waverly.

Bottles of Angry Amber

Ale line the bottling

table at the Angry Cedar

Brewing Company in

Waverly.


Morrison ConsultingMorrison ConsultingMorrison ConsultingCustomized accountingsolutions for small businesses

Services:Services:

Quickbooks set up, repair,

training, bookkeeping,

payroll and tax services

Leah Morrison Consultant11643 Kimball Ave. Suite BWaterloo, IA 50701Phone: 319-231-4873

Angie Chaplin, M.A.P.O. Box 100 • Waverly, IA 50677phone 319-239-0750 • fax 319-352-4423

email [email protected] www.angiechaplin.comTwitter @angiechaplinLinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/angiechaplinFacebook www.facebook.com/LeadershipPartners


NORTH STARCommunity Services

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 2011“MAKING WAVES”

3420 University Ave.,Waterloo236-0901

www.northstarcs.org

Your most generous gift helps to

* Make an impact, and * Change people’s lives!Be a “star” & make adifference - make a

donation today!

WO-042911043

WO-042911071

MAY 2011

Country storesBy JOHN MOLSEED

[email protected]

REINBECK — To Darren Trunck, news about small-town grocery stores closing reads like an obit-uary for the rural retail industry.

“It frustrates me,” said Trunck, owner of Trunck’s Country Foods in Reinbeck and Terry’s Food Center in Dysart. “If they stay up to date and work at it, there’s defi nitely a place for them.”

That place is ideally about 20 to 25 miles from a larger city, he said.

“I think there’s a magical num-ber,” he said. Both his stores sit about 20 to 25 miles away from Waterloo and Cedar Falls. That distance seems to be a tipping point for people weighing shop-ping locally against making the trip to a larger chain store.

Tom Wilkerson, owner of Wilkerson’s Hardware in Tole-do, took over Larsen’s Hardware in Reinbeck after owners Iner and Vivian Larsen retired. His Toledo store is about 20 miles from Marshalltown and large-chain competitors.

“That’s about as close as I’d want to get,” he said.

Wilkerson and Trunck said another number critical to their success is population. Reinbeck, with about 1,750 people, pro-vides a good balance, they said.

“You get bigger than that, you get stores that provide compe-tition,” Trunck said. “You get smaller than that, you may not survive.”

Trunck pointed to the March closing of Roy’s Hometown Gro-cery in Vinton where a Fareway store is located.

For Dennis Holbach, owner of Randall’s Stop ’n’ Shop in Hudson, the distance to both the cities is signifi cantly small-er. Hudson shares municipal boundaries with both Cedar Falls and Waterloo.

“It has its advantages and dis-advantages,” he said.

The store draws customers from Waterloo and Cedar Falls and surrounding areas includ-ing Oelwein and Charles City by focussing on niche markets, Holbach said. The meat depart-ment has drawn customers from as far as Toddville, he added. The store off ers fresh produce from a nearby orchard each year. Randall’s also caters events, so being located near Waterloo helps, he said.

The store also off ers every-day items for Hudson citi-zens and delivers groceries to seniors. Having high-volume chain stores nearby does have its drawbacks, Holbach said.

“I’m not going to outperform those stores on a can of corn,” he said.

For stores a little farther from the metro area, business has been on the rise lately, keep-ing pace with gasoline prices, Trunck said.

“We tend to see a bit more traf-fi c because people don’t want to hop in their cars and head to the cities,” he added.

Ann Billerbeck of Reinbeck said she wouldn’t want to drive to Waterloo to go grocery shopping.

“I’m not very organized,” she said. “I can’t buy what I’ll need

for two weeks.”She said prices are slight-

ly higher than at a large chain store, but added that gas also is more expensive lately.

Billerbeck said she spends her money at the store to help ensure it stays open.

That attitude is helping small-town retailers survive, said Lindi Roelofse, executive director of Tama County economic devel-opment commission.

“They are realizing if they shop locally they’re ensuring they can keep those services,” she said.

Small town stores also provide a community gathering spot, Roelofse added.

“These places are profes-sional, social gathering spaces,” she said. “Walmart can’t replace that.”

LaVonne Ramsey, of Reinbeck, said that is one reason she shops at Trunck’s.

“It’s just a neighborhood place to be,” she said, adding Trunck’s also delivers to home-bound seniors.

Wilkerson said little things such as delivery at no charge can only be found at small-town stores.

“That’s one of those things you won’t fi nd if you go 20 miles away to shop,” he said.

Small-town groceries fi nd right formula not just to survive — but to thrive


Don Rhoades brings a customer’s groceries to the car at Trunck’s Country Foods in Reinbeck.


MEMBER FINRA/SIPC

�� www.FSBFS.com

��

�!"�"#!��$�!�"��!�!"%�&!�'�(��!��)�"��" ��"#��*�+��""!"%

FSB War nerFinancial, Inc.

MEMBER FINRA/SIPC

Flexibility.Express Employment Professionals has the flexible solutions to handle the ups and downs of employment in today’s economy.

(319) 277-66033014 Rownd StreetCedar Falls, IA 50613


Are You Utilizing The Government's Tax Break ForLong-Term Care Planning?

IMPORTANT TAX ADVISORYFor Business Owners & Self Employed

• Use pre-tax corporate dollars to protect your retirement savings and personal assets.

• Select who is eligible, including spouses.

• Optional Paid-up protection before retirement. Never use retirement savings to pay costs.

Long-Term Care Insurance Protection May Be 100% Tax Deductible

- s ince 1923 -

w w w . s i n n o t t a g e n c y . c o m

622 West 4th StreetWaterloo, IA 50704Fax: 319-234-8133

C O N T A C T

Lance KrugerPhone: 319-233-6103

Email: [email protected]

WO-042911039

MAY 2011

Innovative new products have Deere running strongBy PAT KINNEY

[email protected]

WATERLOO — John Deere’s Waterloo operations defi nitely will be building something great-er in 2011.

New products. New construc-tion. New hires. But the same commitment to quality and community that the city’s largest private employer has displayed thoughout its 90-plus years in the Cedar Valley.

Not that the company was in a bad spot to begin with here. In fact, the large row-crop tractors manufactured at the company’s Waterloo operations — still the largest tractor-manufacturing operation in the world — con-tributed mightily to a strong fi n-ish for the fi scal year that ended Oct. 31.

The company posted record fourth-quarter net income — $457.2 million — reversing a $222.8 million fourth- quar-ter operating loss a year earlier. Deere had the second-best earn-ings year in company history, at nearly $1.87 billion. Fourth-quarter sales of agricultural and turf division equipment — including Waterloo-made trac-tors — increased 33 percent.

Instrumental in that perfor-mance was the introduction of the new Waterloo-designed and manufactured 8R series trac-tors. And Deere will be build-ing even better ones in 2011, said Thad Nevitt, factory manager at Deere’s Waterloo operations.

New and improved R series tractors were set to hit the mar-ket in time for spring planting, Nevitt said, and the company has high expectations that this year’s crop of big-boy tractors will be even more popular with farmers.

“That’s been a very success-ful product for us,” Nevitt said. “The changes were well received by our customers. And we’ve announced there’ll be a new ver-sion of 8R coming out early this winter,” meeting all emissions requirements.” We expect that to be very successful too.”

To put those products out, Deere has to put “in” to its facilities. “We’re committed to investing in our factories here in Waterloo, and worldwide too, to make sure we remain com-petitive,” Nevitt said. It’s done as products are added, and “it also gives you an opportunity to make improvements in your operations, provide higher qual-ity for the customer. That’s what

John Deere’s all about. We take those opportunities to improve our business and our product and really develop a great product for our customers.”

For decades, Deere’s tractor operations were concentrated at one location on Westfi eld Ave-nue, the original location of the Waterloo Gasoline Engine Co., which the company purchased in 1918.

While Deere’s Waterloo opera-tions today are spread out over multiple plants throughout the metro area — the Westfi eld site still being one — “we’re pretty

integrated,” Nevitt said. “From foundry to drivetrain to tractor cab, it’s not that far.”

Courtesy photo

Operator Lyle Gibbs uses electronic gaging equipment to perform a quality inspection on an Interim Tier 4 9.0L cylinder block.

See DEERE, page 39


WO-042911025

Taking teamwork to new levelsAt John Deere, we believe in the ongoing exchange of ideas. That’s how we’ve become a global leader, known for innovative, breakthrough technologies and respected for our inclusive, employee focused culture.

Ready for the challenge of a lifetime and a rewards package that makes it all worthwhile? Explore these and other opportunities:

– Accounting/Financial Services – Engineering – Information Technology – Marketing/Sales – Supply Management

John Deere. Your Next Great Leap.

An equal opportunity employer.

www.JohnDeere.jobs

WO-042911062

The Waterloo operations pro-duces the company’s 7000, 8R — formerly known as 8000 — and 9000 series tractors. Plus the Deere Engine Works produces engines for products companywide.

Employment has remained steady over the past year.

“We’ve hired at least several hundred over the past year” to fi ll retirements, he added.

Additionally, the company, and its employees, through “contin-uous improvement” teams, are looking at ways to make opera-tions more effi cient — which can include bringing work back into the plant that has been out-sourced or having that work performed by outside suppliers, including many local ones.

Deere is still in the middle of a $100 million multiyear improve-ment to its Waterloo foundry, Nevitt said, along with other improvements throughout the Waterloo operations. That comes on the heels of an estimated $125 million redevelopment of Deere’s drivetrain and tractor manufac-

turing operations from 2000-07 and another $187 million investment that began in 2008 to increase the manufacturing capacity of the Waterloo Works. That also doesn’t count a $17 million donation of land, build-ings and technical assistance by Deere to create the Cedar Valley TechWorks ag product develop-ment complex on former Deere property at the Westfi eld site.

The company remains com-mitted to reinvesting in the Cedar Valley, Nevitt said. Invest-ment in “quality-of-life” proj-ects attracts and keeps people in the community, preserving and enhancing that labor pool.

The John Deere Foundation recently announced it donated $2.5 million to the proposed SportsPlex recreation project in Waterloo. Deere and its union-affi liated work force with United Auto Workers Local 838 teamed up to give more than $1 million to the Cedar Valley United Way for a third year in a row. And the com-pany is committed to establish-ing a tractor museum in Water-loo, adjacent to TechWorks, anticipated for late this year. Recently retired Deere Waterloo operations general manager Dave Rodger will be instrumental in making that project happen.

MAY 2011

DEEREFrom page 38

WO-042911014

Brady A. Gruhn, CCIM

Dustin W. Whitehead, CCIM

Jack Jennings, CCIM

For information on these and other commercial listings, call:

(319) 277-8000www.LockardOnline.com

$4.50/sf NNN

$1,250,000

Light industrial building currently

finished as a call center

33,400 sf

Dock & overhead door

Large paved lot

Building can be divided

1919 8th Street SW, Waverly

Office/Light Industrial

$11.00/sf NNN

+/- 1,901 sf available

Located on Hwy 20

interchange

Corner office suite with five

private offices, conference

and reception

Ample parking

$11 00/ f NNN C ffi i i h fi

999 Home Plaza, Suite 208, Waterloo

Office Space

PENDINGLot 3

AVAILABLELot 4

+/- 2.6 AC

$6.00/sf

The Pines, Lot 3, Cedar Falls

The Pines

Follow us on Facebook and TwitterAll information contained herein is given by sources deemed reliable. While we have no reason to doubt its accuracy, all information is provided without representation of warranty.

1508 Jefferson Street, Waterloo

Warehouse Space

$1,800/mo gross

Includes utilities

2,400 sf available

Zoning: M-1 Light Industrial

12’ Overhead Door

Radiant heat

Small Office & Restroom

PRICE REDUCTION

Lot 3

business monthly - may 2011

Documents

contact cedar valley

business monthly columnspage

courier page

business team

tds automation

cedar falls waterloowo

courier communications

heavy loads