operation thank you #somethinggood

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected] Fax 641.423.5725

December 2020The mission of the Chamber of Commerce is to promote progressive community and

economic development to benefit Chamber members and the North Iowa region.

The Chamber’s annual Operation Thank You celebration is right around the corner, and, like everything else in 2020, this year’s event will look a little different. Chamber staff and Operation Thank You party co-hosts First Citizens Bank will hand out 2021 Membership Packets “curbside style." All Chamber members are invited to drive-up from 10AM-1PM on Thursday, December 10 at the Commerce Center to pick up their packets, which include the 2021 Membership Certificate, CMO cards, Membership Directory, and more. Members will also enjoy hot cider, treats, and a goodie bag from First Citizens Bank.

The theme for this year, “Something Good,” is especially fitting as we enter the holiday season. During this time of challenges, the Chamber invites members to share “something good” that happened over the past year. Chamber staff will have the camera rolling during packet pick-up, or members may submit their moments of cheer via email at [email protected].

Members who are not available on December 10 won’t miss out on getting their packet! All remaining packets will be mailed or delivered by a volunteer.

Packet Sponsors:

Merry Christmask!

Operation Thank You - December 10

The Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to

OPERATION THANK YOU

Thursday, December 1010AM-1PM

Outside Commerce Center9 N Federal AveMason City, IA

Sponsored by:

#SomethingGood

Wear a mask, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday season!The Chamber Team: Robin Anderson, Colleen Frein, Allyson Krull, Kativa Weitzel, Stephanie Arneson

2 #SomethingGood

3 From the President Leadership North Iowa

4 Breaking Glass - December 3 YIELD Project

5 Picture Day - January 7 Thank you CMO Card Sponsors COVID-19 Business Update Breaking Glass Recap

10 Holiday Gift Ideas Public Notice

11 Ribbon Cuttings Chamber Bowl - Save the Date Wellness

12 Upcoming Events

IN THIS ISSUE


n a year so full of challenges, it’s easy to become mired in negativity. In the spirit of gratitude that is the essence of the Chamber’s annual Operation Thank You, sponsors shared something about themselves or their business that actually changed for the better in 2020. Read on to enjoy the bright side of 2020.

First Citizens Bank - Nicole Olson2020 has been a crazy year for everyone. First Citizens Bank is thankful we were able to help so many area businesses with PPP loans this spring. We are also thankful to be able to continue to support area non-profits with funding from First Citizens Charitable Foundation.

Personally, I’m thankful for our employees who were very flexible with changing COVID requirements and for being able to adopt new technology like DocuSign incredibly quickly. 2020 has definitely been a year to remember, but it makes me proud to know our employees were able to meet the challenge head on.

Diamond Jo Casino - Scott Smith We love traveling and it has been a disappointment to cancel trips we had been looking forward to…but the silver lining has been remembering how much we enjoy our home!

MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center – Linda LathamSafe and responsible care is our number one priority ALWAYS. We want everyone to know that we

have had 750 adorable babies born so far in 2020! Finding blessings in the chaos.

Clear Lake Bank & Trust – Sara RyeI have found this to be a great time to focus on my blessings. We will never again take for granted seeing smiles on each other’s faces or visiting our friends and family and hugging them! We can do small things to make a positive difference in the lives of others each day and we have a new sense of unity, we truly are all in this together.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites-Mason City – Kristina ShellhartI’ve learned to roll with the punches, but most of all I’ve learned the relationships we have with

friends, family, and co-workers are what provide the solidarity to help us weather this turbulence.

Jane Fischer & Associates – Jane FischerSharing a smile can make a difference in a person’s day--even a smile under a mask! The Real Estate world has been HOT through the pandemic and we’re happy to report a steady market for buying and selling.

POET Biorefining-Hanlowntown – Ben ArentsonThe leadership, courage, and grit shown by our educators, child care personnel, and

frontline healthcare workers is SO appreciated. POET Biorefining-Hanlontown recognizes their selflessness allows local businesses to continue to function.

REG Mason City, LLC – Tonya RobertsI’ve learned we have to be more compassionate and listen more. During times of added stress it helps to keep anopen mind and truly listen to others in order to better understand their perspectives.

Thrivent – Todd LeetThis year ushered in the opportunity to clarify how I do life and work: Slow down, enjoy the moment, be

intentional, listen well, and always be thankful. Time is a precious commodity; trading it for money is overrated. I choose to live a life that impacts people, makes memories, and finds more freedom.

ISomething Good

New Year? Yes, PLEASE.n the words of Native Son Meredith Willson, “It’s Beginning to look a lot like Christmas”…or is it? The holidays look different this year. Actually, everything seems to have changed.

In April 2018, the Vision North Iowa partners (Chamber, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Chamber, NIACC/JPEC, Cerro Gordo County, City of Mason City, and City of Clear Lake) rolled out a five-year strategic plan. Since then, we’ve been working together to improve the lives of all North Iowans.

However, we didn’t plan for a year like 2020. As we turn the calendar (good riddance!) to the New Year, we’ll gather the partner organizations and take a fresh look at the strategies and action steps and determine new priorities that will assist in our economic recovery.

Regional prosperity and growth is still our goal. But we’ve learned lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, including that adaptability is the key to success. We have a new lexicon—essential, remote, virtual, hybrid, and other words have taken on new meaning. We’ll report back to you at the State of North Iowa event, which (due to the pandemic) is still in the planning stages.

In the meantime, please accept our warmest wishes for this holiday season. And remember, you’re essential to us!


From the President

Robin AndersonPresident & CEO

I

New Members

AMERICAN NATIONAL INSURANCEAmy Berding9 N Federal Ave, Ste 204Mason City, IA 50401(641) 590-5222amy.berding@american-national.comamerican-national.comAmerican National Insurance believes in providing coverage options that are right for you, not everyone else. A clear purpose and values are instilled in their company and can clients longevity, stability and security.

C.A.V.U.Davin McLeod9184 265th StClear Lake, IA 50428(641) [email protected] Kitchen & Cocktail Lounge. Arrive by land or by air. CAVU is the ultimate dining destination for locals and travelers alike.

SYNERGY PHYSICAL THERAPY & SPORTS MEDICINEKurt Walderbach, Owner/ PT825 S Taft Ave. Ste 4Mason City, IA 50401(641) [email protected] PT is a privately owned outpatient physical therapy clinic. Patients of all ages receive individualized physical therapy to achieve maximum benefits for a healthy and active lifestyle.

Leadership North IowaLeadership North Iowa (LNI) is scheduled to begin January 7, 2021. With the ever-changing state of the health crisis, it is not firm whether the program will be in-person with masks and physical distancing, completely virtual, or a hybrid of the two. However, leadership training will move forward – the significance of flexible and adaptable leadership is more important than ever.

Leadership students will have the opportunity to connect with other emerging leaders and receive guidance from established leaders. Participants learn leadership skills and complete a service project for community betterment. A win-win for participants and employers, graduates of the program are often more engaged in the community and leave with a greater appreciation for North Iowa.

Only a few openings remain for the class of 2021. Tuition is $395 for Chamber members or $500 for non-members, and includes $50 toward a service club membership of choice, instruction fees, and study materials. Classes are held once-a-week on Thursdays, January 7 through March 25, with graduation on April 1. Class times vary throughout the work day and are an average of about 2 hours in length.

Contact Allyson Krull at the Chamber to register ([email protected] or 641.423.5724).

ecember’s Breaking Glass session, sponsored by CENT Credit Union, features author, professor, and international speaker, Rev. Dr. Norma Cook Everist. This session will be held virtually from 8-9:30AM on Thursday, December 3.

Norma grew up in Mason City and graduated from NIACC. She went on to receive a Bachelors degree, two Masters degrees, and a Ph.D. Norma worked in St. Louis, Detroit, and New Haven, CT. She spent time teaching at Yale Divinity School and then at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque for 38 years. As a teaching theologian, she has spoken in more than 36 states and in countries on four continents. Everist has published 14 books and more than a hundred articles.

She faced glass ceilings and rigid institutional barriers for women who wished to serve professionally in the Church. However, she persisted and paved the way with many “firsts” in her field. Norma offers these words of encouragement to others: “When a door opens a crack, walk through and open it further for others to enter.”

Tickets are $10 for Chamber members, $20 for non-members. Contact Kativa Weitzel ([email protected]) to register.


MembershipRenewals

Congratulations to the Chamber members celebrating membership anniversaries in December!

Sixty Plus YearsMercyOne North Iowa Medical Center (69)O'Brien Moving & Storage (62)

Fifty Plus YearsStifel (50)

Forty Plus YearsHy-Vee East (44)

Thirty Plus YearsSubway (32)Mason City Public Library (31)

Twenty Plus YearsElderbridge Agency on Aging (29)Jaspersen Insurance & Real Estate (28)CG Public Health (22)

Fifteen Plus YearsFarmers State Bank (17)Nora Springs Insurance (16)Golden Grain Energy LLC (16)

Ten Plus YearsEternity Wireless (14)

Five Plus YearsTierney Properties (7)Buck's Recycling LLC (6)Healthy Harvest of North Iowa (5)The Place 2B! (5)

One Plus YearsJophiel Arts Studio (2)HRS, LLC (Herold-Reicks Surveying) (1)Alzheimer's Association (1)Buck's UPI Inc (1)Veterans of Foriegn Wars (VFW Post 733) (1)Router12 Networks LLC (1)Elite Impact Barbell (1)

YIELD: Prairie Playground PreservationThis year’s YIELD (Youth Investing Energy in Leadership Development) class decided to restore Mason City’s beloved Prairie Playground, located in East Park, as their required community impact project. They are passionate about restoring a place they grew up playing and want it to be available for future generations to enjoy.

To assess the condition of the playground, students completed a safety report card from the National Program for Playground Safety. With broken equipment, unsuitable fall surfacing, and other criteria identified as sub-par, Prairie Playground scored a C- on an A-F scale. In addition, the components need sanding in some areas and the entire structure is in dire need of staining.

Students met with city staff to address concerns and evaluate the status of the on-going project. They gathered estimates for engineered mulch (an approved material for fall surface) and students completed an inventory of equipment repairs to estimate the total cost of the project, which is approximately $8,000.

Plans should be finalized by the end of December, and students will return in the spring to stain the playground structure, repair equipment, and potentially spread the new mulch (pending fundraising).

While YIELD students are actively researching grant opportunities, they will also contact local businesses for donations. Please contact Allyson at the Chamber ([email protected]) to make a donation toward the project.

DBreaking Glass - December 3

Rev. Dr. Norma Cook Everist

Sponsored by:

hether on a business card, website, or social media, a person's headshot may be the first thing potential clients see. This is an opportunity for Chamber members to ensure they are putting their best foot forward. The Chamber is hosting Picture Day from 10AM-2:30PM on Thursday, January 7 on the

third floor of the Commerce Center. Anthony Djuren Fotography will take professional headshots to use for business cards, company newsletters, online profiles, and more.

The $40 fee includes the professional sitting fee for the headshot and a digital copy of the photo. Each participant will take three photos and select one of the three for retouching.

To register, visit masoncityia.com and select the 15-minute time slot of your choice (ample time is allowed between participants to stay physically distanced). A confirmation email will be sent the week of the event with additional details.


COVID-19 Business Update

Breaking Glass Recap

WPicture Day - January 7

The Chamber held a "North Iowa Strong: COVID-19 Business Update" webinar in mid-November to address the public health crisis with local businesses. Representatives from Public Health and IowaWorks offered guidance and suggested best practices to help navigate the surge in cases. Information discussed at the meeting can be found on the Chamber’s COVID-19 Information page at www.masoncityia.com.

The most recent Breaking Glass Leadership Series with Sarah Stanton Kurz was held virtually on November 19. Sarah described her career journey as nothing and everything that she imagined. She noted, “It’s not always men that treat women differently, sometimes women treat women differently. We need to advocate for each other.” Remember to be respectful, kind, and YOU!

Be Our Guestune in Friday mornings to the Chamber “Be Our Guest” program at 8:40AM on KRIB 1490 AM, courtesy of Alpha Media.

Dec 4 YSS Francis Lauer Shanda Hansen

Dec 11 Mason City Family YMCA Heath Hupke

Dec 18 It's Lit Fireworks Sara Winterfeld

T

Thank You CMO Card Sponsors!The 2021 CMO (Chamber Members Only) Cards will be distributed during Operation Thank You on Thursday, December 10. The card contains a variety of local businesses offering a special deal or discount for Chamber members and their employees. "Thank You” to the sponsors of the 2021 CMO Card! Please take advantage of these great deals!

2021 Card Sponsors:Chad Harrison, CPA PLLCChris' Kettle Corn, LLCClear Lake Bank & Trust Co.Country AxeDecker SportsElite Impact BarbellFrein Audio & TechnologyGodfather's PizzaGrunwald & Kiger Fine JewelersHabitat for Humanity of North Central IowaHank's Plumbing Inc.Hardee's RestaurantHosmer HondaHosmer ToyotaHy-Vee EastJeffrey Auto Repair Service

Johnson Heating & Air ConditioningMason City Super 8Mason City Tire ServiceMcCloskey ApplianceMoorman ClothiersMystic LanesNIP Fitness CenterNorth Iowa Golf Center & Driving RangeOverhead Door Company of Mason CityPapa's American CafePastime GardensPita Pit Mason CityPremier Sprayfoam & CoatingsSERVPRO of Mason City

Stadheim JewelersSun Tan CityTaco John'sTommy's Express Car WashToni's TarotUltrasound Studio 1Window World of Mason CityZ'Mariks Noodle Café

Don’t forget - the 2020 CMO Card is good through December 31, 2020!

Each member’s Operation Thank You Packet should contain enough CMO Cards for all full- and part-time employees. It’s a good way to show appreciation for their hard work. Please let Chamber staff know if more cards are needed, it’s one of the benefits of membership!

OUR MISSION.To enhance the economy of Mason City and the North Iowa areathrough the promotion of the area as a destination for overnight visitors.

IMPACT OF TOURISM.In 2019, visitors to Mason City spent

$131.33 MILLION.Visitor spending in Cerro Gordo County during 2019 totaled $221.36 MILLION.

$131.33MILLION

Breakdown of Visitor Spending TRANSPORTATION$64.75 MILLION

LODGING$15.77 MILLION

RETAIL$9.45 MILLION

ENTERTAINMENT& RECREATION$13.00 MILLION

FOOD SERVICE$28.36 MILLION

$9.83Mstate & local tax receipts were generated by visitor spending in Mason City during 2019.

2019 LOCAL TAX RECEIPTSMason City: $2.25MCerro Gordo County: $3.80M

2019 STATE TAX RECEIPTSMason City: $7.58MCerro Gordo County: $12.79M

CERRO GORDO COUNTY

RANKS #11FOR VISITOR SPENDING

www.VisitMasonCityIowa.com/tourism-matters

Board of Directors:Melissa Fabian, PresidentKevin Sullivan, Vice PresidentJason Geving, Secretary

Sarah RyeTim SchupickTessa TroutAbigail LeePatti Olson-Weiss

Dan Wunschel, TreasurerSteven Van Steenhuyse, City LiaisonSusan Rebedeau, Ex OfficioPatrick Trenary

Friend of Main Street Mason City:

Main Street Mason City’s mission is to enhance, promote and preserve Downtown Mason City for the benefit of the entire community. Support from strong community partnerships is essential to the success of Main Street Mason City’s efforts to continue our mission, maintain free community events, promote a vigorous business environment and preserve our unique architectural heritage. Join the Main Street Movement! Invest today, big or small, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. Together we will make a difference in the heart of our community, downtown Mason City.

Together We Are Main Street. At its core, the Main Street Movement has always been about the people that make great places happen. Here’s just a few ways in 2020 we made a significant difference together in our downtown.

Sincerely,

Emily Ginneberge, Executive Director

Our mission is to enhance, promote, and preserve Downtown Mason City as a diverse business, cultural, and residential destination for the benefit of the entire community.

9 N. Federal Ave., Mason City, IA 50401 | [email protected] | 641.494.0003

Community Involvement• Designed and installed Climb N’ Crawl Park, an indoor soft-play playground free for North Iowa children & families• Hosted visit from Governor Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Adam Gregg• Created and promoted virtual directory of restaurants that provided take-out and delivery services during the COVID-19 pandemic & virtual retail guide featuring local small businesses• Collected 1,000 pounds of food and $275 in donations for the Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank during Skate with Santa• In honor of first responders and health care professionals during COVID-19, MSMC distributed 3,000 ribbons throughout North Iowa during our Bows of Support campaign

Awards• Awarded Main Street Iowa 2020 “Business of the Year” to Market 124 • Awarded Main Street Iowa 2020 “Special Event of the Year” for the Haunted Historic Building Tour• Awarded Main Street Iowa 2020 “Game Changer” to the City of Mason City for the Mason City Area Project

• Awarded American Express National Small Business Neighborhood Champion

Designated Main Street Iowa District Benefits• $28K in Eligible Grant Funds through Main Street Iowa Open 4 Business Competition• Complimentary range of professional & technical services through IEDA & Main Street Iowa• Advanced Market Analysis Programs• Main Street Mason City Revolving Loan Fund Program• Eligible for Main Street Iowa Awards

Robert Klocke, Chairman of the Board First Citizens Bank

Diane Fischels, Vice Chair Mercy Medical Center - North Iowa

Paul Stevenson, Secretary Clear Lake Bank & Trust

Scott Smed, Treasurer Bergland + Cram Architects

Nate Carney, Past Chairman Dean Snyder Construction

Mayor Nelson Crabb City of Clear Lake

Mayor Bill Schickel City of Mason City

Supervisor Tim Latham Cerro Gordo County

Dr. Steven Schulz North Iowa Area Community College

Aaron Burnett City of Mason City

Tom Meyer Cerro Gordo County

Scott Flory City of Clear Lake

Kent Brcka Henkel Construction

Collin Davison Heiny Law Firm

Mark Ebeling City of Clear Lake

Christy Marchand CFO Systems, LLC

Marty Mensen Alliant Energy

Gary Pyle Principal Financial Group

Dave Versteeg Mason City Community School District

Officers:

Ex-Officios:

Directors:

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAD SCHRECK PRESIDENT & CEO

[email protected]

SHAUN ARNESON VP, EXISTING BUSINESS & PROJECT

MANAGEMENT [email protected]

HUNTER CALLANAN WORKFORCE SPECIALIST

[email protected]

North Iowa Corridor EDC 9 North Federal Mason City, Iowa 50401 NorthIowaCorridor.com

FOSTERING THE DIGITALECONOMY ECOSYSTEM IN NORTH IOWA

IN THE

DECEMBER 2020

JOYCE MARTINMARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

[email protected]

THE NORTH IOWA CORRIDOR EDC, CITY OF MASON CITY, NORTH IOWA AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND THE NIACC JOHN PAPPAJOHN ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER are collaborating with the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI) to conduct an assessment of our North Iowa region’s current assets, challenges, and opportunities related to technology-based employment and tech-focused entrepreneurship. The results of this assessment will inform the development of a strategic path forward that will foster more tech startups and create more well-paying digital jobs in our regional communities.

Rural participation in the digital economy will strengthen our community and the nation as a whole. The digital economy ecosystem is an opportunity to drive innovation in our existing industries while adding jobs - and growing our local skilled workforce. Digital economy jobs usually pay well, have good potential for advancement, and can be done from any place that has reliable high-speed internet. To succeed in these jobs, workers need to have strong digital skills, as well as opportunities for continuous learning as technologies shift. In strong digital economies, workers drive innovation and become entrepreneurs, creating local wealth and future-proof jobs.

With CORI’s assistance, North Iowa will seek to develop and execute an economic development strategy that works to educate and train local residents in digital skills, employ them in new economy jobs, and empower them to launch the startups that will drive their digital economy.

INVESTOR FORUMFriday, December 11th from 8am-9am

This informal event will provide Investors and Partners of the North Iowa Corridor the opportunity to receive a brief update from Corridor President & CEO Chad Schreck and staff on Corridor activities throughout the region, recent projects and prospects for growth.

Following the brief presentation, Investors and Partners are invited to ask questions, make suggestions, and engage in dialogue about how to advance community and economic development in the North Iowa Corridor.

Contact [email protected] for more details and registration.

“NIACC does not discriminate in employment or education. See http://www.niacc.edu/about/non-discrimination-statement/ for additional information.”

www.pappajohncenter.com 500 College Drive, Ste 120

Mason City, IA 50401

Upcoming Events Start Smart Workshop

December 2: 6:00—8:00 pm; Zoom Online Session

December 16: 6:00—8:00 pm; Zoom Online Session

Go to our website to register http://pappajohncenter.com/programs-events/start-

The NIACC John Pappajohn Center is now accepting applications for the spring 2021 cohort of the University of Iowa’s Venture School program which will be held on Thursday evenings, February 11 through April 8th. The first and final class will be in person at the NIACC Pappajohn Center, but the rest of the sessions will be via Zoom. U of I Venture School is a premier statewide program for entrepreneurs and is built from a streamlined curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Venture School emphasizes real-world entrepreneurship and innovation based on leading edge curriculum. This program works for startups, small businesses, non-profits, and corporate innovation teams. Your team will accelerate the startup process by testing your business model hypotheses immediately. You will get out of the building to talk to customers, partners, and competitors, rather than relying on statistics and secondhand market research.

Each team is assigned a local entrepreneur as their mentor. On the final day, participants will compete for seed money with the top team winning $2500. In addition, eligible teams may compete for cash awards both locally and at the state level during the Venture School launch day at EntreFEST 2021. The cost for the course is $299 (for 2 team members). Contact Candi Karsjens at [email protected] with questions or if you are a local entrepreneur interested in becoming a Venture School mentor. To apply for the spring 2021 cohort, go to: www.venture-school.com and select the Mason City cohort in the drop down menu.

Pappajohn Center Accepting Applications for Spring Venture School

Ashley Stokke The Laketown Market $500 Honorable Mention

Georgina Rodriguez & Arian Ortiz Sweet Pastry of Mine $250 Best Name Pivot

Elisha Marin & Susanne Crane 2 Artists Loft $1500 Second Place

Zack Smith & Sheldon Stevermer The Stock Cropper $2500 First Place

On November 19, the fall cohort of 11 teams competed virtually after 8 weeks of training, developing their plans and working with mentors. Judges (Robin Anderson, Mason City Chamber; Kyle Bermel, Metalcraft; Matt Curtis, Wayne’s Ski and Cycle; Stacy Doughan, Clear Lake Chamber) had a tough time choosing the top awards. The winners are pictured above. Good luck to all businesses as they continue their journeys.

Joseph Jamtgaard & Jackie Villela Dave’s Auto Service $500 Honorable Mention

Looking for some unique gift ideas? The Chamber offers a variety of merchandise items to make the perfect holiday gift! These merchandise items can be found in the Chamber’s online store with the option to ship or pick up at the office. Check out the store at business.masoncityia.com/store. Or, purchase Chamber Bucks to be used at any of the 650+ Chamber member businesses!

“Mr. Toot” lapel pins $5 “Mr. Toot” ornaments (suitable for engraving) $10 Mason City Afghans $50

Chamber Bucks make great holiday gifts, employee incentives, and special prizes. They are available for purchase at CENT Credit Union, Clear Lake Bank & Trust, First Citizens Bank and NSB Bank. Chamber Bucks are redeemable for goods and services at ANY Chamber of Commerce member business.

For a full list of participating businesses, visit the Chamber’s online membership directory at www.masoncityia.com. A printed copy of the membership directory is included in the Operation Thank You packet.


Public Notice Statement of Ownership Management and Circulation (required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)

Title of Publication: Mason City Chamber of Commerce Newsletter Publication No. 060-350 Date of filing: October 1, 2020 Frequency of issue: Monthly No. of issues published annually: 12 Annual Subscription price: $20 Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401 Complete mailing address of headquarters of General Business office of publisher: Mason City Chamber of Commerce, Robin Anderson, 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401 Full Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher and editor: Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401 Managing Editor: Chamber of Commerce, 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401 Owner: Robin Anderson, 9 N Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401 13. Publication Title: Mason City Chamber of Commerce 14. Issue date for circulation data: October 1, 2020 15. Extent and nature of circulation: Monthly Newsletter Average No. copies each No. copies of single issue issue during preceding 12 months published nearest to filing Total number of copies (net press run) 527 620 b. Paid circulation (by mail) 1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on PS form 3541 68 78 2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on PS form 3541 459 542 3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid distribution outside USPS 0 0 4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS 0 0 Total paid distribution (sum of 15b (1, 2, 3 & 4) 527 620 Free or nominal rate distribution (by mail & outside the mail) 1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies, on form 3541 0 0 2. Free or nominal rate in-county included on form 3541 20 20 3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through USPS 0 0 4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail 0 0 e. Total free or nominal rate distribution (sum of 15d (1, 2, 3 & 4) 20 20 f. Total distribution (sum of 15c & 15e) 547 640 g. Copies not distributed 0 0 h. Total (sum of 15f and 15g) 547 640 i. Percent paid 97% 97% 17. Publication of statement ownership: if the publication is a general publication, publication of this statement is required; will be printed in the December 2020 issue of publication. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). Mason City Chamber-Publisher: Dec. 01, 2020.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Public Notice

NEW MEMBERChris’ Kettle Corn

100 S Federal Ave, Ste 402


Ribbon Cuttings

NEW LOCATIONToday’s Your Day

100 S Federal Ave, Ste 109

NEW MEMBERSynergy Physical Therapy &

Sports Medicine 825 S Taft Ave, Ste 4

Wellness

Make it OK

A statewide campaign entitled “Make it OK” aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental illness. Stigma is a major barrier impeding those suffering from mental illness to seek treatment. Communities that adopt the “Make it OK” program have the opportunity to pair community education with discussion to eliminate negative connotations associated with mental health.

Actually, mental illness is as common as silver cars; one in five people experience some sort of mental impairment as a result of environment, genetics, chemical imbalance, or trauma. Many times, it is difficult to know how to respond when a co-worker expresses a mental health concern. Saying nothing may be worse than listening and attempting to respond in a caring manner.

The “Make it OK” program suggests using one or more of the following responses to those who may be struggling:• “Thanks for opening up to

me.”• “How can I help?”• “I’m here for you when you

need me.”• “How are you feeling today?”

The program promotes a general understanding of mental health issues, and emphasizes “it’s OK” to seek assistance. By working together, communities can get people the help they need.

Chamber Bowl - Save the DateThe 28th annual Chamber Bowl event is set to take place February 2, 3, and 4 at Mystic Lanes. The Program Committee will take all necessary precautions to hold a safe and responsible event. One thing is guaranteed – a FUN TIME! Stay tuned for more details.

Register online at masoncityia.com or contact Kativa for more information ([email protected]).

Thank you sponsors!

Chamber Leadership

Phone 641.423.5724 www.masoncityia.com [email protected]

Executive CommitteeAndy Meyer, Chairman of the Board Bergland+Cram Architects Jane Fischer, Chair Elect and Community & Membership Division Vice President Jane Fischer & Associates, LLC Tyler Kerr, Past Chairman REG Mason City, LLCDanielle Pace, Treasurer Clear Lake Bank & Trust Co.Bill Phillips, Government Affairs Division Vice President Henkel Construction CompanyDr. Steve Schulz, Workforce & Leadership Division Vice President North Iowa Area Community College Jeff Gribben, Small Business Division Vice President First Citizens Bank

Board of DirectorsMary Amsbaugh, Sukup ManufacturingKyle Bermel, Metalcraft, Inc.Dr. Noemi Cruz-Orcutt, Mint Springs DentistryMichael Davis, IOOF Home & Community Therapy CenterDrew Gappa, NSB BankAndrew Johnston, Heiny Law FirmJanelle Kruger, Kraft HeinzMatt Leibrand, Stoney Creek Hospitality Dr. Paul Manternach, MercyOne North Iowa Medical CenterEvan Raulie, SmithfieldJessica Reith, Cargill ProteinKaty Showalter, Window World of Mason CityJaci Smith, Globe GazetteBert Vigen, Nordic Home ImprovementsKatie Wold, Market 124Dan Young, Young Construction of North Iowa

StaffRobin Anderson, CCE, IOM President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected] Frein, IOM Membership Director [email protected] Krull, IOM Marketing & Leadership Development Director [email protected] Kativa Weitzel Program Director [email protected] Arneson Service & Operations Director/Community Concierge [email protected]

This is a Mason City Chamber of Commerce Publication. Mason City, Iowa 50401 641.423.5724

Publications are monthly for $20 per year by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250. Second Class postage paid at Mason City, IA. Postmaster: send address changes to The Chamber, 9 North Federal Avenue, Mason City, IA 50401-3250.

Upcoming Events MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Professional Development

Breaking Glass Leadership Series | 8-9:30AMZoom Webinar

ThursdayDecember 3

January 7 | Picture DayJanuary 28 | Business After Hours - Hosted by Mason City Noon Rotary and Prime N Wine

January 2021

Get Involved/Committee Meetings

North Iowa Band Festival Committee | Noon-1PMZoom Conference Call

Board Meeting | Noon-1PMZoom Conference Call

FridayDecember 11

WednesdayDecember 16

Program Committee | Noon-1PMZoom Conference Call

Ambassador Meeting | Noon-1PMZoom Conference Call

TuesdayDecember 1

The Commerce Center will be closed for the Holidays, Dec 24-Jan 1.

Agribusiness Committee Meeting | 8-9AMZoom Conference Call

Wednesday December 9

Networking EventsThursdayDecember 10

Operation Thank You - #SomethingGood10AM-1PM | Co-hosted by First Citizens BankIn front of Commerce Center | 9 N Federal

operation thank you #somethinggood

Documents