614 9th Street • Fort Madison, IA 52627 • 319-372-54712

Plans for 2017 are happening and with new programs will be looking for

community support!

“Your Connection to the Partners”

Maggie GuzmanExecutive Assistant

Laura FranciscoChamber Coordinator

Cassie GilbertMain Street Coordinator

COVER PHOTOPROVIDED BYWendy Bailey

Fort Madison Partners(FMP) Board of Directors:

As we say goodbye to 2016, Fort Madison has seen a lot of activity- with new businesses and development projects starting, plans being drawn up that will affect the entire Business Highway 61 corridor, new events being created to spur foot traffic to our member/contributors, creating materials/incentives for a business recruitment plan, the Baxter Sports Complex experiencing it’s first full year and the first phase of the PORT trail system being completed. All these projects take time to plan- not only for what you want it to look like but identifying how it will get paid for. Even recruitment takes planning and funds to help create that enticement to locate or expand. The Fort Madison Partner Affiliates strategic plans identify how each Affiliate will take part in the larger plan. We look at ways each will work together towards the common goal of growing Fort Madison in retail selection, manufacturing

base, employment opportunities and quality of life amenities. Working closely with our partners, we have continued to build on those directives: the Business Recruitment Committee continues to evolve-identify/recognize opportunities for recruitment and filling our storefronts with retail and/or service businesses; working with LCEDG to identify training opportunities for our workforce as our industries look towards their future employment needs and curriculum development for our youth; working with the city on quality of life improvements to benefit our residents but also attract tourists to our community- through grant opportunities for the larger projects to include Riverview Park (Old Fort, riverboat landing upgrades, increased camping sites, etc) or physical activity (trails- both walking and biking) – which help build interest in our community from a business standpoint. Our office has been busy looking at ways to increase that value to our members and the best way we see it is grow foot traffic to Fort Madison as well as provide the amenities to keep people in town. We will continue to build on what we have, making sure Fort Madison Partners Affiliates are working for our member/contributors.

FMP is made up of members of each of the individual boards under the Partners umbrella: Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce,

Fort Madison Main Street, the Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation, and the Fort Madison Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission. The City of Fort Madison also has one voting and one ex-officio director.

Chamber:Eric Van Ausdall (2017 Chair) - Connection BankAngie Budnik - FMCHFMEDC: Matt Morris - Connection BankMike Culbertson - Lee County BankFMSIRRC: Chuck Kempker - Kempker’s True Value/Just Ask RentalJody Schulte - Jefferson TelecomDave Polland - Two Rivers InsuranceFM Main Street: Rusty Andrews - Pinnacle FoodsAngie Sodey - Retired EducatorCity of Fort Madison: David Varley, City ManagerMayor Brad Randolph (ex-officio)

Ring in the New Year with a new purpose, goal, and vision. The Fort Madison Chamber’s Young Professionals (YP) committee will be offering your business’s young professionals four quarterly “Lunch & Learn” opportunities and socials. The cost for YP luncheons is $10 per person attending, which covers our cost. The idea for these events is to get our communities young professional together and provide them the opportunity to better themselves through civic or networking involvement. Topics for our 2017 luncheons are: • How to make the ask - How to ask a peer or boss the tough questions.• Proper letter and email etiquette - The “How to’s” on letter writing.• How to communicate effectively in public relations - Gain knowledge of how to handle situations within your business, communicating it to the public- either in print or personal interaction. • How to use social media responsibly and effectively - How do we respond to postings on social media, and use it effectively for marketing. The committee would like to challenge each business to find one young professional within their company to attend and build this networking opportunity, all the while strengthening our community. For each individual that attends all four luncheons, their name will go into a drawing for a prize at the end of the year. For more information about Young Professionals, please call the Fort Madison Partners office. (319) 372-5471

Tim GobbleExecutive Director

www.fortmadison.com 3

One Person At a TimeIn the Health of our community

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

www.fmchosp.com 319-372-1135

ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE

The “Ft. Madison SIRRC Corporation” administers a grant program for Ft. Madison-area not-for-profits, accepting grant applications

twice a year. Fort Madison SIRRC Board is made up of three individuals each from the City of Fort Madison, Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce and Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation:

City: Merlin Hellman - Retired InvestmentsJody Schulte - Jefferson TelecomMarty Dean - Financial Adjustment Bureau

Chamber: Justin Pieper - Group Benefit PartnersSteve Link, Chair - Steven Link InvestmentsChuck Kempker - Kempker’s True Value/Just Ask Rental

Economic Development: Matt Morris - Connection BankDave Polland - Two Rivers InsuranceRobert Huffman, Jr. - Huffman Welding & Machine

Fort Madison Southeast Iowa Regional Riverboat Commission (FMSIRRC):

Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation:The mission of the Fort Madison Economic Development Corporation

(FMEDC) is to grow the economy of Fort Madison by retaining, enhancing and attracting diverse employment opportunities, recognized as the driving force behind the growth of jobs, new residents and enhanced quality of life in Fort Madison. FMEDC 2017 Board of Directors (voting members):

Matt Morris, Chair - Connection BankMike Culbertson, Treasurer - Lee County BankRobert Huffman Jr., Vice Chair - Huffman Welding & MachineTim Gobble, Secretary - Fort Madison PartnersBryan Langerud - Pinnacle Foods

Pat Bira - Fort Madison Community HospitalMatt Morrison - Pilot Grove Savings BankSteve Morley - Great River EntertainmentKurt Markkola - Climax MolybdenumJim Belson - AXALTA Coating SystemsDave Polland - Two Rivers InsuranceDan Fraise - Fraise Auction & RealtyCorey Fraise - Fraise Auction & RealtyLarry Smith - Retired OptometristEric Boeding - Farmers Savings BankMoudy Nabulsi - SCC BOD

Fort Madison AreaChamber of Commerce

Board of Directors:The Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is comprised of business professionals from among the existing membership; a diverse makeup of industry, expertise, and business size. Their unique professional and personal experiences help guide, and enhance the programs, events and offerings to our membership. They are committed to the betterment of the chamber, the business community and the city of Fort Madison. It is our honor to introduce you to your 2017 Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Angie Budnik, Chairperson – Fort Madison Community HospitalEric VanAusdall, Chairperson-Elect – Connection BankChad Bowen – Burrows Paper CorporationKim Engle – Cryotech Deicing TechnologyHeather Green – WorkSource StaffingJulie Hohl – Harvestville FarmTony Menke – International Eyecare CenterKara Morrow – KLM RealtyJen O’Day-Dostalek – Hy-VeeGreg Smith – Fort Madison Community High SchoolChuck Vandenberg – Market Street PublishingBrad Walker – Menke & CompanyJeff Wilkens – Axalta Coating Systems

614 9th Street • Fort Madison, IA 52627 • 319-372-54714

member

SPOTLIGHT

Fort Madison residents and businesses will have now have another option when it comes to how they receive their local news, sports and advertising information with the launch of a new 24/7 digital news product in

North Lee County. A local business couple very familiar to the news and advertising industry in Fort Madison, have launched two new digital news products called the Pen City Current and www.pencitycurrent.com. The products are a combination of a fresh up-to-the-minute website and a 6-day daily newspaper published in PDF format. Both products are offered to anyone with Internet access on a computer or other device such as a smartphone or tablet. Former Daily Democrat Advertising Director Lee K. Vandenberg and former Publisher Chuck Vandenberg started looking into the venture in November. “We just weren’t ready to be done helping this community move into the digital age with regards to how we help disseminate news and advertising.” [Chuck] Vandenberg, who was publisher for a mere 10 months under the Brehm Communications company from February to November, has more than 15 years experience as a reporter and editor at various locations in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska. He has been writing since high school – first as a stringer with The Hawkeye in Burlington, then as a sports reporter and Sports Editor at the Western Courier during his college career at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. Vandenberg has amassed several awards for writing and photography during his professional career. “I started with the Daily Democrat back in 1995 as a news/sports guy, then moved to Nebraska as a city/crime reporter and then northern Illinois as a managing editor for 3 newspapers,” he said. “So we’ve been down this road before.”Lee K. Vandenberg led the advertising and graphic design departments at the local paper for the past 12 years and was an account representative for five years before that. Her quarter century of experience in helping customers craft their message began at the Daily Democrat in the 1990’s where she began work in the front office as a classified advertising representative and continued as account representative, classified and inside sales manager at newspapers in Nebraska and Illinois.

Pen City Current

Market Street Publishing LLCPO Box 366

Fort Madison, IA 52627319-371-1670

www.pencitycurrent.com

Serving Southeast Iowa for more than a century!

Two Fort

Madison locations to serve

you:

619 9th Street 319-372-1134 4520 Avenue L

319-372-1545

www.pilotgrovesavingbank.com

Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC

Erin Slater - Fort Madison School District

I am excited to be working with the Fort Madison Community School District. A little about myself… On a personal level, I was born and raised in Algona, Iowa and am the second oldest of five children. I have been married for

twenty-four years to my husband, Scott, who was born and raised in Quincy, Illinois. We have three wonderful children. Our twin daughters, Hannah and Madeline are freshman in the biomedical engineering honors program at the University of Iowa. Our son, Max is a freshman at Fort Madison High School. On a professional level, I completed my bachelor’s degree at the University of Iowa and became a substitute teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools. I was hired as a first year teacher in the West Aurora School District 129 located in Aurora, Illinois. I served the district from 1991-2014 as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of elementary education and director of Pre K-12 curriculum and instruction. I worked with amazing educators and leaders. During this time, I completed my Master of Science Degree in Education in 1995 and my Educational Specialist degree with Superintendent’s Endorsement at Northern Illinois University in 2010. In 2014, I was hired as the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in DuPage County School District 45 located in Villa Park,

Illinois. I was privileged to work with talented leadership teams of school board members, administrators, teachers, support staff and community members. My vision of a school district superintendent is an instructional leader with high integrity who collaborates with others in order to help make the best decisions for kids. My leadership priorities this year include making connections and building relationships with the communities that make up the Fort Madison Community School District. I value the relationships with our stakeholders. I feel honored to be a part of the Fort Madison Rotary Club, Fort Madison Kiwanis’s Club and collaborate with the Fort Madison Partners Group.

www.fortmadison.com 5

The Fort Madison Daily Democrat is proud to help recognize individuals who have volunteered their time and efforts to improve the quality of life in Lee County. We will honor all 2017 Nominees in our Shining Stars special edition and at our 2017 Shining Stars Reception in late April.

Please submit your nominations to Robin Delaney, Shining Stars 2017, 1226 Avenue H, PO Box 160, Fort Madison Iowa 52627, email: editor@dailydem.com or visit our website at www.dailydem.com for online submission forms. Submissions are due: Monday April 3rd, 2017.

We all know that Special Volunteer! It’s time to submit your nominations for the 3rd Annual Volunteer of the Year Award!

1226 Ave. H • Ft. Madison, IA • 372-6421 • www.dailydem.com

Fort Madison Paint-A-ThonThe Paint-a-Thon is a collaborative effort between Community Action of Southeast

Iowa, Fort Madison Partners and Kempker’s True Value/Weather-All paint. This is a new venture partnering with all of these organizations to get something started for the betterment of Fort Madison. The Paint-A Thon has proven to be successful in other communities and we want to bring that success to Fort Madison but will need the public’s help to pull it off. Details are still being considered but the action plan will have it starting in 2017 with hopes to have projects identified early on in the year. Fort Madison Partners provides the advertising opportunities through volunteer t-shirts and the luncheon sponsorships. Kempker’s True Value/Weather- All has agreed to supply all the paint that is used and Community Action helps choose the houses to be painted and does small repairs on the houses if necessary. A little history of the program in our neighboring community: In 20 years over 11,000

volunteers have helped paint 426 homes in Des Moines County using 6,650 gallons of paint. Volunteers will be needed from many community organizations, industries and citizens to help paint with their “team”. The community beautification effort is a great way to help those qualifying to maintain their property, increase energy efficiency and beautify the community.Who Can Volunteer?The Paint-A-Thon is a major volunteer event. Teams of volunteers are recruited from businesses, churches, schools, industry, social service and civic groups, etc.What Happens? Once houses have been identified, inspected and the residents qualified, a team of volunteers from the community will be assigned to scrape, prime and paint each house. All homes are painted on the same day. Team leaders must visit the home site the week before Paint Day to do prep work such as scrape peeling paint, caulking and spot priming. On Paint Day, teams are expected to meet in the morning and complete the project by the end of the day. Then volunteers, workers and owners are welcome to enjoy lunch provided by Fort Madison Partners at a pre-determined location For more information on how to get involved, please call us at 319-372-5471 or Community Action at 319-753-0193.

I began my duties as Fort Madison’s new Police Chief on Monday November 14th, 2016. I grew up all over Iowa after being born in Mt. Pleasant. I lived in Holstein in western Iowa, then moved to the community of George in northwest Iowa and

finally to Thompson in north central Iowa all prior to graduating from high school. After high school, I continued my post secondary education at Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri graduating with a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice.I began my law enforcement career in Kirksville, working there for 10 years before moving to Grinnell, Iowa where I worked for the Police Department for 11 years. While at Grinnell, I was granted the opportunity to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy (NA), which provides top notch executive level training for police leaders. While I have attended numerous training during my career the FBI NA was a highpoint for myself. Following Grinnell, I moved to Pleasant Hill, Iowa to become the Chief of Police and held that position for 7 ½ years. Another high point in my career was participating in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy’s 5 Start Leadership program. I was the first recipient in the State to achieve the 5 Start Leadership award. I have also

received training and attended numerous schools related to building leadership abilities in subordinates and professionalism in police departments. Before taking the Fort Madison post, I taught criminal justice classes at the Des Moines Area Community College as an adjunct instructor.I have been married for 29 years to my wife Pam and we have three children. Our oldest is a Police Officer in Grinnell, the second is a teacher for the Wapsie Valley Community School District and the third is finishing up their senior year in high school at Southeast Polk Community Schools.I am excited to be in Fort Madison and have been impressed with all of the people I have met. I am looking forward to making this my home.

Meet Police Chief Tim Sittig

614 9th Street • Fort Madison, IA 52627 • 319-372-54716

Helping Fort MadisonContinue to

Who’s on Main Street?

Shabby Sheik

Open for the past 16 years, Shabby Sheik Antiques, owned by Dennis Heth, is the culmination of hard work, research, and love. After retiring as the Principal at Richardson

Elementary School, Dennis decided that opening an antiques shop was the perfect complement to his love of history. Located at 612 7th Street, Shabby Sheik is full of unique items including antique holiday decorations, Sheaffer pens, and so much more. Some of his most favorite items are part of his Civil War collection. As a history buff, Dennis has spent countless hours traveling and looking for Civil War artifacts. But, some of his fondest memories are being able to connect people with objects that should belong to them, items that recall memories and that will be cherished. He recalls, “Once I had two ladies in the back room of the store and suddenly I hear one shout, ‘That’s us! That’s us!’ Confused, I went to the back and realized they were arguing over who was going to buy an antique copy of the Sheaffer Review. They had sang at the company Christmas party, and they found their photo inside.” That is the draw of antiques, they have a story to tell. Sometimes those stories collide with those who come into Shabby Sheik, and sometimes the new owners create their own stories. Shabby Sheik, 319-372-1690, is open Monday – Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Mississippi Valley Screen Printing

Owned by Kathy & Kirk Butler & Molly Butler, Mississippi Valley Screen Printing (MVSP) has been a downtown staple since 1988. Opened in 1985, The Butler family,

including Kirk, enjoyed the idea of being self-employed and utilizing Kirk’s graphic design background to start their own business. The Butlers soon outgrew their original space and looked to downtown for the perfect space for their new store front to increase visibility. They continue to enjoy the ease of location that they have found at 606 Avenue G. The duo works closely with each customer to ensure satisfaction with all of the custom work they do. While much of their business is custom or by contract work, the duo have great things planned for the future. This year, MVSP expanded its business to include glass etching. According to Molly, “We can etch almost anything, allowing our customers to create special, personalized gifts.” As a small business, Mississippi Valley Screen Printing strives to encourage shopping local, Kathy explains, “We work our hardest to shop locally. By shopping in our store, our customers can be confident that those funds are being directed back into the community.” Mississippi Valley Screen Printing is open Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

6169 Reve Court/Fort Madison, IA319-372-6800/www.old-fort.com

Old Fort Hospitality is proud tosupport the Fort Madison Partners

www.fortmadison.com 7

What’s Happening On Main Street?A Year in Review

Since I arrived on the job in July of 2016, Fort Madison Main Street has continued to work hard in 2016 to continue with the tradition of growth from previous years. In 2016, volunteers donated over 1,000 hours to things such as events,

promotions, business retainment and recruitment, and design work for the betterment of downtown Fort Madison! The Economic Vitality Committee has been working hard, creating a marketing package for potential new downtown businesses. The Depot Farmer’s Market, a project of the Promotions Committee, had its best year yet! Each Monday, an average of 15 vendors were available for marketgoers to purchase fresh baked goods, produce, food, and more. Look for more additions and improvements next season, starting May 8th. The Grand Bazaar was such a hit that it will be held again on June 3, 2017. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming months! The Organization Committee’s Mayhem on the Mississippi 5k run was a raging success with more runners than ever before!The Main Street Board as well as Fort Madison Partners continues to make plans for downtown beautification efforts. Change takes time, but plans are being made for a new speaker system, street lighting, and banners to be installed. The popular downtown Quilt Walk will be held again in May 2017 in conjunction with a textile show at FMAAA. Together, Main Street and the Chamber will be providing free small business seminars geared towards helping small business owners connect with

one another while learning new skills to promote and improve their business.Main Street would like to thank all of those who have helped over the past year including sponsors, volunteers, board and committee members, business owners, and those who pledge to Main Street. We could not accomplish our goals without your support. If you have ideas for Main Street or would like to become involved, please contact Cassie Gilbert, Main Street Coordinator.

Cassie GilbertMain StreetCoordinator

Mistletoe On Main StreetIt was the perfect day for a holiday open house to celebrate the joy and atmosphere of the holiday season. Held on November 26th, Small Business Saturday, Mistletoe On Main Street brought over 400 children, families, and individuals into downtown Fort Madison for a day of holiday fun and shopping. Carriage rides took attendees through our historic downtown while children were also able to eat treats, and make crafts. Stores also had specials to celebrate Small Business while spreading holiday cheer. We would like to thank our Premier Sponsor MidWestOne Bank, as well as our Partner Sponsors Casebine Credit Union, Lee County Bank, Connection Bank, Pilot Grove Savings Bank, and State Farm – Thomas Klann for their support of this holiday event.

Ghost HuntOver 150 individuals spent the evening in downtown Fort Madison on October 28th & 29th for the Fort Madison Main Street Ghost Hunt. Paranormal investigators, Iowa Paranormal led groups of amateur investigators into downtown locations to investigate where paranormal occurrences have happened before. Thank you to our locations and hosts, Lost Duck, Kingsley Inn, Lee County Abstract, Old Lee County Jail, North Lee County Historical Society, Eclectic, Atlas Steak & Smokehouse, as well as Weird Harold’s in Burlington.

Wine WalkJust under 1000 participants enjoyed an evening out of fun in downtown Fort Madison sippin’, strollin’ and shoppin’ at the 7th Annual Wine & Beer Walk. 22 vendors and participating locations provided samples of over 70 wine, beer and distillery products from local and regional wineries, breweries and distilleries. Our downtown shops and boutiques were decorated with beautiful & festive holiday displays making it easy to get in the spirit and kick off the holiday shopping season. We would like to thank the Palms Restaurant and Bar for being the 2016 commemorative glass sponsor. The glass presale event at The Palms Restaurant and Bar, 4920 Avenue O, was a great success, with almost half the glasses sold that evening.

Rusty Andrews, Chairperson, Pinnacle FoodsAngie Sodey, Vice Chair, Retired Edcuator

Lori Ilner, Secretary, Manager of ElksStephanie Knoch, Treasurer, Connection Bank

David Varley, City Liaison, Fort Madison City ManagerTim Budnik, Group Benefit Partners

Brenda Derr, Dollhouse DreamsNeva Peak, Retired

Conrad Hellman, HTC Student

2017 List of Board Members

614 9th Street • Fort Madison, IA 52627 • 319-372-54718

Hyper-local. Super-fresh.

www.pencitycurrent.com&

To advertise, call (319)371.4125sales@pencitycurrent.com

Lee K. Vandenberg, Sales Manager

For news items, call (319)371.1670editor@pencitycurrent.comChuck Vandenberg, Editor

Fort Madison’s only 24/7 all-digital source for hyper-local news, sports, & advertising information.Your Bridge to the Future

817 Avenue G Fort Madison, IA

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Magazines on your home computer, tablet or smart phone from the Fort Madison Public Library

The library continues to offer e-magazines through Zinio that can be accessed through the library’s website, FortMadisonLibrary.org. These titles can be

viewed online or downloaded to a home computer, tablet or smartphone. While some of the magazines offered are also available in print in the library, there are many titles that can only be accessed through Zinio. Instructions for using Zinio are also available on the library’s website.

The library’s Zinio collection offers magazines for a wide variety of interest areas. Some popular titles include Food Network Magazine, Taste of Home, Bicycling, Runner’s World, Mother Earth News, Do It Yourself, American Patchwork & Quilting, Kiplinger’s and Newsweek. There’s something for

everyone, you can check out as many titles as you want and, once they are downloaded, you can keep them for as long as you want. Downloaded titles will remain on your device until you delete them.

The question that Lee County EDG has continually asked has been “What’s best for Lee County?”. We have launched programs, connected the dots for industries and as well as

education, been a resource for our stakeholders and looked to the future. The answer of what’s best for Lee County going forward is increased collaboration. We are leveraging our resources on a local, regional, and state level to achieve success. The success of economic development is all about working together as partners to benefit our industries, businesses, and communities. In the upcoming year, Lee County EDG will be continuing to expand Grow Lee 2.0; focusing on ways our communities can become more business and employee friendly. We will also continue to develop our regional relationships to highlight our area’s inventory of available land for development, co-location opportunities, and targeted industries that would benefit from our region’s unique assets. It is through collaboration that we will be able to achieve success in 2017 for Lee County. By coming together, we have a common overreaching goal which is to move Lee County forward.

Looking Forwardfor Lee County EDG

Health Living: Eating LocallyIn the Live Healthy Lee County Local Food Guide there is a restaurant section for those who use local food in their

dishes. This is more than just putting a lettuce leaf on a sandwich, this is specials that are locally grown. Some restaurants attend the local farmers market to help create their dishes and specials for the week. To be listed in the guide is free for participating restaurants. The only requirement is to give a couple examples of the locally grown foods they use in what dishes. Live Healthy Lee County will begin gathering information for the 2017 guide in January. If you wish to have your restaurant listed or a copy of this year’s food guide, please call (800) 458-6672.The Depot Farmer’s Market, in downtown Fort Madison, is one such place that is promoting healthy choices, and locally grown produce. Open 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. each Monday from May until the end of September, interested restaurants can contact Fort Madison Main Street at 319-372-5471 for more information regarding available locally grown produce.

www.fortmadison.com 9

100 Years and #ChamberStrongThe New Year marks a season of celebration for the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce as we commemorate our centennial anniversary.

Since July 10, 1917 the Chamber has worked tirelessly to protect free enterprise, encourage growth, and create jobs in the greater Fort Madison area. We have fostered numerous partnerships and learned how to be better, stronger, and more flexible for our members, our community, and our region. As the “premier advocate and resource for Fort Madison area business” we are committed to maintaining a constant presence for the continued growth of Fort Madison and our business community. A significant milestone of 100 years does not come often, so over the course of this next year you will see a common thread to our events and programs. We are #ChamberStrong because of the businesses and business leaders who have supported and contributed to the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce’s mission and success through the years. In 2017, as we celebrate our one century milestone we will not only look back at what has been accomplished but we look forward with excitement to the next 100 years! Our mission to “strengthen and grow business in the Fort Madison area” will continue to be the foundation we build upon. For this reason we are and will remain, #ChamberStrong.

A Look Back at the Chamber YearIt was a busy year for the Fort Madison Area Chamber of Commerce, one filled with opportunities to engage new businesses, grow our current

member involvement, and better Fort Madison as a whole. Below are a few of the highlights from 2016:

Increased “fun” at the Jack Morris Florida of Iowa Golf Tournament. Beautiful weather, fantastic sponsors, amazing raffle prizes, and business donors who generously provided door prizes helped make this annual event a success. The addition of a “Hit the Hood” contest and a putting green game, offered golfers more opportunities to have some fun on the course. And as always, the margarita hole that is sponsored by Josh Denning Ameriprise Financial, is one of the favorites of the day.

New opportunity as American Small Business Development Center added office hours in Fort Madison. A partnership allowed the Chamber to host monthly office hours to current and new businesses owners. American SBDC “delivers nationwide educational assistance to strengthen small/medium business management, thereby contributing to the growth of local, state and national economies”, states Jeanie Clover, SBDC Director.

EXPO added to the Small Business Breakfast. At the request of our membership, the Chamber Events Committee added a dozen vendor booths for attendees of the Small Business Breakfast to peruse before and after breakfast. The opportunity to showcase additional local small businesses added a new flair to the morning festivities that honor the hard work and dedication of our “less than 100 employee” base of businesses.

Thomas Klann, Agent 2623 Avenue L

Fort Madison, IA 52627 Bus: 319-372-5982

thomas@fortmadisoninsurance.com

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Home & Auto. Save & Smile. SAVE THE DATE

February 2, 2017Reserve your table today!

Call 319-372-5471

Fort Madison Partners Annual Dinner

“Heart Health”February 2nd, 2017 at Noon • Palms Resaurant & Bar

Guest Speaker, Dr. Linda LeeCardiologist at the University of Iowa Hospital

Business Women Connect Luncheon

614 9th Street • Fort Madison, IA 52627 • 319-372-547110

SCC’s new Health Professions Center in West Burlington is essentially a virtual hospital with state-of-the art simulation labs and training equipment for our health care programs.

Learn more at scciowa.edu.

Health Careers start at SCC

Corporate Games comes to Fort Madison. Every October during National Manufacturer Appreciation Month, we pause to thank our local manufacturing businesses for what they provide to the greater Fort Madison area. In 2016 our manufacturers were encouraged to send a team of 4-6 individuals to compete in team-building games against other member manufacturing businesses. Congratulations to Huffman Welding & Machine, the 1st recipient of the Corporate Games Traveling Trophy.

Rain forces Riverview Games to change date. Free outdoor fun for kids ages 2-12 is not necessarily something you think of as a November opportunity but when the August rains hit Riverview Park, that is exactly what happened with the rescheduling of Riverview Games. The Chamber Ambassador Club coordinated the event that was sponsored by the Fort Madison Rotary, Lions & Kiwanis Clubs.

Children had the opportunity to play “competitive games” with a chance to win medals, enjoy a free lunch provided by Hy-Vee, be part of the random raffle of toy prize drawings (some of which were donated by Dollhouse Dreams) and watch the Air-Evac Helicopter land/take-off after they provided photo opportunities for the kids. The weather cooperated in 2016, but the committee will move the date back to August in 2017.

Ladies Golf hits sell-out numbers. For 5 years Sandy Holtkamp (Floors Décor and More) has been coordinating this 9-hole event that gives the “Chamber Ladies” an opportunity to relax, enjoy each other’s company and help raise funds toward the Chamber Beautification Fund. The event has continued to grow each year and in 2016 hit the optimum number of teams for 9-holes.

NEW Annual Award – Manufacturer of the Year! Individuals & businesses were encouraged to nominate local chamber member manufacturers based on their efforts during 2016. The manufacturers were then contacted and asked to provide information on the following milestones/accomplishments: Safety, Environmental, Stewardship, Sales Growth, Cost Savings, Innovation, Rewarding Work Environment, and Community Service. Congratulations to Pinnacle Foods, our 2016 Manufacturer of the Year.

Community Thanksgiving keeps giving back to the greater Fort Madison area. The numbers say it all: 10 devoted steering committee members, 280+ volunteers, 900+ meals served, 730+ pounds of turkey, 700+ home-made rolls, 200+ pounds of potatoes, 90+ pounds of bread for stuffing, 100+ pies,

30+ delivery vehicles, and the countless businesses and schools who donated money, product, and volunteers. The smiles, hugs and heartfelt thank-you’s from those dining in or receiving the meals at home makes us pleased to coordinate this worthwhile community event.

As always, each of our events and programs are made possible because of the generous sponsors and volunteers who give tirelessly to the efforts of the Chamber. We are blessed to have such a supportive business community and individuals with hearts that genuinely want to give back while making our little corner of Southeast Iowa a better place. Thank you for a successful 2016, we look forward to what 2017 has to bring!

A Look Backat the Chamber Year (cont’d)

www.fortmadison.com 11

**Insurance products are not deposits, not FDIC insured, not insured by the government, not guaranteed by the bank, and may go down in value.

Burlington Fort Madison Montrose Keokukwww.myconnectionbank.com

Government Affairs

Treating people like family is theHeart

of what we do.

319.372.42332210 Ave. H

Fort Madison, IA 52627

1135 Avenue HFort Madison, IA 52627

319-372-4328www.yourheatandairguy.com

The Government Affairs Committee will once again be hosting Legislative Luncheons, which are open to the public, the third Friday of the month while in legislators are in session. This is a chance for our legislators to discuss items of interest to them as well as the opportunity have your voices heard on topics you are interested in hearing about. if you have questions, please plan on attending

one or all of these sessions:

January 20, February 17, March 17, April 21 & May 19

All sessions will be held at the Palms Restaurant and Bar, with a special menu to choose from if you would like to eat.

For more information, contact the Partners office at319-372-5471 or info@fortmadison.com.

For more information call Fort Madison Partners at319-372-5421

January February March

614 9th StreetFort Madison, IA 52627

1-31 Annual Budding Artist Show 10:00am-5:00pm FMAAA

11 Small Business Seminar 8:00am-9:00am “Marketing with Constant Contact” Fort Madison Partners Office Contact FMP for more information (319)372-5471

16 American SBDC 9:00pm-12:00 pm Fort Madison Partners Office Contact FMP to schedule an appointment. (319)372-5471

20 Legislative Luncheon 12:00pm-1:00pm Palms Restaurant

21 Sensational Chef 6:00pm Elliot Test Kitchen

26 Elected Officials Reception 5:00pm-6:30pm Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course

1-28 FMAAA Monthly Exhibit 10:00am-4:00pm FMAAA Tues.-Sat. Information at 372-3996

8 Small Business Seminar 8:00am-9:00am “Apps for Business” Fort Madison Partners Office Contact FMP for more information (319)372-5471

2 Buisness Women Connect Noon “Heart Health”; Palms Restaurant & Bar 17 Legislative Luncheon 12:00- 1:00pm Palms Restaurant

17 Fort Madison Partners Annual Dinner 5:30pm; Comfort Inn & Suites Please contact FMP for more information (319)372-5471

20 Young Professional Lunch & Learn 12:00pm-1:00 pm Palms Restaurant & Bar “How to make the ASK” Call Fort Madison Partners to register (319)372-5471

28 Great River Region Days Des Moines, Iowa Call Fort Madison Partners for more information (319)372-5471

1-31 FMAAA Annual Members Art Exhibit 10:00am-4:00pm FMAAA Tues.-Sat. Information at 372-3996

1 Great River Region Days Des Moines, Iowa

8 Small Business Seminar 8:00am-9:00 am “Facebook Marketing” Fort Madison Partners Office Please contact FMP for more information (319)372-5471

17 Legislative Luncheon 12:00- 1:00 Palms Restaurant

20 American SBDC 9:00am-12:00 pm Fort Madison Partners Office Contact FMP to schedule an appointment. (319)372-5471

WE’LL SHOP FOR YOU. Then you can pick up curbside or

we’ll deliver to your home or office.