Monthly Archives: October 2009

Keep us in the Loop

Posted on October 19, 2009 | Leave a comment

One of the best ways to take advantage of your chamber membership is by continuously keeping the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce informed about your business. Whether you are offering a new special, or have a product line that you would like to promote, the better we know your business, the higher quality referrals we can provide. Here are some tips on how to connect with the chamber.Computer

1. Holler at Us- As much as we try to stay up-to-date on our 1,100 members, things like name changes, new management or email switches can cut communications short. Give us a call (712-255-7903) or email us your contact changes and we will make sure you receive all of your chamber invites and notifications promptly.

2. Spam Me- Okay so I really don’t want spam or junk mail, but you can gladly add my name (btrejo@siouxlandchamber.com) to your newsletter distribution list. You never know what type of connections we might be able to help you with at the Chamber.

3. Share your feelings- Just like in elementary school, when your teacher asked you to share your feelings with others, the same thing applies in the business community. We want to know what you like and would like to see improved in the community. Whether its politically based, or community focused, the more you communicate with us the better we can represent you as a member. So keep us in the loop so we can keep up-to-date on your business!

-Beth Trejo, Director of Investor Relations, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce.

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101 Ways to Take Advantage of the Chamber

Posted on October 16, 2009 | 1 Comment

Bonjour Siouxland,

Happy Friday! I hope everyone cruised through the work week without a hitch and are excited to start their weekend here in Siouxland.

Where has the time gone?

We are already smack dab right in the middle of ’101 Ways to Take Advantage of the Chamber’ and the best is still yet to come.  With that being said, hold on to your hats and let’s get this countdown started…

Drumroll please…

51) Demographic & Economic Statistics- Finding a key statistic to start your business or expand your product can take up a lot of time and resources.  We do that for you, and provide detailed statistics from labor force, population, incomes, regulations etc.

52) Incentive Packages- Want to expand? No problem, work with The Siouxland Initiative (TSI), the right arm of the Chamber.  They provide financial incentive packages utilizing economic strategies available from the tri-state region which includes Sioux City, South Sioux City and North Sioux City.

53) Diversity- Business prospectives have the advantage of three economic development programs, three tax structures and regulatory environments of three states.  The Chamber will sit down with you and help navigate the benefits each state has to offer!

54) Transportation Community Initiatives-  When Siouxland landed the Great Places Initiative back in October 2009 the Chamber understood the importance of re-structuring I-29.  This task will replace aging infrastructure, improve safety, and correct traffic operations utilizing modernized design standards. This will help business in the area as well as sustain future growth.

55) Education- Citizens of Siouxland – enjoy an impressive array of options for primary, secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education.  Just last week, the Chamber was happy to welcome the University of Iowa as they teamed up with WITCC here in Siouxland.  Then on Saturday, the Chamber teamed up with partners around Sioux City for the ISU tailgate that went to raise money for the ISU Design West Studio.

56) Calling all Inventors-  The Siouxland community has been known as a hotbed for innovation.  The Siouxland Initiative, coupled with the Chamber of Commerce is working rigorously to provide access and opportunities for local inventors to develop their ideas into products and get them to market.

57) Siouxland/Washington Conference-  We go to Washington every year to meet with legislators to promote our community.  Want to come? Mark your calendar for the 56th Annual Siouxland/Washington Conference April 19-22, 2010 and join us as we work to better the region!

58) Entrepeneurs- The Chamber of Commerce and The Siouxland Initiative are here to serve.  Specifically, they assist entrepreneurs to form management teams, access local and regional capital, and connect with researchers.

59) Business Directory-  Log onto our website and check out our business directory.  The business environment in Siouxland is thriving and the Chamber of Commerce wants you to have interaction that’s “just one click away.”

60) Siouxland Beautification Task Force- A clean and attractive community will promote and encourage economic development and migration.  That’s why we have taken these initiatives with the community to fulfill this goal: Lighting of I-29 Railroad Bridge, Lighting of Veterans Bridge, Lighting of Gateway Park, Cleanup of neighborhood areas, Anti-litter campaign, North High triangle plantings,  and Welcome banners at Sioux Gateway Airport.

Well, that’s all for now Siouxland take advantage of what the chamber has to offer. We love to meet with our member and are just one click, email, or phone call away!

-Ian Banks, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce Intern

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Social Media for Human Resources

Posted on October 15, 2009 | Leave a comment

Today I spoke with the Siouxland Chamber of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) on the benefits and ways to navigate social media. One of the tips I gave to the group was to utilize online information. There thousands of great resources available on the web and I would strongly recommend taking a look at the numerous blogs, podcasts and tutorials out there educating people how to use social media applications for business. Below is an article that I found especially useful for Human Resource professionals or recruiters. Also don’t forget that Google has a search engine for blogs so whether you want to read about making pies or making policies, there is a wealth of information already put together.  You never know,  you might even learn something new in the process!

-Beth Trejo, Director of Investor Relations Siouxland Chamber of Commerce

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Ironhorse Day 2009

Posted on October 14, 2009 | Leave a comment

trains

On Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary of the steam locomotive’s building!

This is a special day for Siouxlanders to come out and enjoy some fun for the whole family.  During this momentous occasion, they will be unveiling the plaque recognizing the listing of the steam locomotive on the National Register.  Also, there will be motor car rides, birthday cake with the volunteers, release of the “Ironhorse t-shirt, and an outdoor public exhibition for photo opportunities.

A little message from the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District:

“A quarter of a century ago, a dream was cultivated.  That vision germinated and took root thanks to individuals like you.

Today, with the sweat equity and commitment of donors, members, volunteers, visitors and vendor partners; that dream is blossoming into an industrial heritage museum and a growing source of pride in Sioux City.

Because of your visits, contributions, and dedication; you have helped bring Sioux City’s historic steam locomotive back to its landmark status.  You’ve helped cultivate the vision for future generations to enjoy this locomotive’s heritage in a unique museum setting. “

If you’re having trouble finding the Milwaukee Railroad Shops here is some assistance:

3400 Sioux River Road, Sioux City, Iowa 51109 (Riverside)

Interstate 29: Iowa Exit 151 (2 miles south of Stone State Park)

Iowa Hwy. 12 N: Loess Hills National Scenic Byway

Sounds like a fun day and we are glad to have them here in Siouxland!

Ian Banks, Social Media Intern


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Attitude Adjustment

Posted on October 14, 2009 | Leave a comment

So you’re probably thinking that I am going to give you psychology advice this morning.

Simply, not the case.

Every now and then we need a behavior change.  Adjusting your attitude with marketing is something that needs to be done every week.  Let’s face it, you might not have gotten into business because you loved selling, copywriting or even blogging.

Jim Rohn said, “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Motivation is a big piece of the pie and when I look at small business owners or professionals who have made marketing their careers not often do I notice that motivation has been lacking for them.

The second part of the quote leaves us with developing habit.  Those in

photo courtesy of Art: Street, Public, Private, Graffiti, Stickers and the Mad Blobster

photo courtesy of Art: Street, Public, Private, Graffiti, Stickers and the Mad Blobster

business don’t lack habit at all, but some times they develop a habit for so long it becomes a bad habit.  Furthermore, it becomes a rut and business can be a fast-paced, evolving occupation that has no time for ruts.

As I am sure there are many ways for improvement and advancement, today I would like to list a couple of ways that you can monitor your performance so that habits arise and fall quickly and then that process repeats itself.

Make an appointment daily (with yourself)- Your schedule is loaded with appointments and you are constantly on the go, but take some time to stop and monitor the direction of your marketing scheme.  On Monday of each week, take some time by yourself and evaluate how contemporary your methods are.

Friday, a day of reflection- Look back on Friday and look at what succeeded throughout the week.  Next, create a weekly review with your  team and look at the projects and tasks you completed.

Long term intrinsic projects- Long term in business could be a week or a month, it’s a good idea to have one big thing that continuously evolves your company and keeps it fresh, new, and challenging the competition.  Some suggestions include: changing the theme/content of your website, start up different social media sites, new online advertising, write your marketing kit, the opportunities are endless.

This is where I will stop and not go on information overload, but hopefully you will be able to take a few nuggets away and apply them to your business.

Just remember to adjust your attitude!

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

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Positively Siouxland!

Posted on October 13, 2009 | Leave a comment

This week’s Positively Siouxland features Chris McGowan from the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce talking about the United Way’s Annual Community campaign.  Find out how much they have already raised!

siouxland chamber

Positively Siouxland-United Way

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A Big Thanks To You!

Posted on October 12, 2009 | Leave a comment

We want to throw a ginormous thanks out to everyone who came out and cheered on the Cyclones and  showed support for the ISU Design West Studio this Saturday at the ISU Tailgate Party!

photo courtesy Sioux City Journal

photo courtesy Sioux City Journal

It was a fantastic day to get together with State alums and friends (and KU fans) to watch the big showdown.  Despite the weather, change of venue, and another nail-biter close game, the crowd was remarkable and in great spirits!

And the party and dancing continued into the night with amazing live entertainment from the Kelly Quinn Band, The Magnificent Board of Directors, and Damon Dotson.

This was the first of what will hopefully be many years of this fundraising event for the Iowa State University School of Design satellite school right here in the heart of downtown Sioux City.

And we can’t thank our sponsors enough for their support in making this event possible, they were: Terra Industries Inc, City of Sioux City, Argosy Casino, Central Bank, M + Architects, BPI, Tyson Foods, Cannon Moss Brygger & Associates, First American Bank, State Steel, Hy-Vee, John Morrell, JD Gordon, Downtown Partners, Powell Broadcasting, KMEG, Sioux City Journal, Cable One, Thompson Electric, and Avery Brothers.

A lot of people in the area are still a little unfamiliar with all the great things going on in Siouxland.  The ISU Design Studio is definitely one of those things and the Chamber feels a great sense of pride in being one of the key players in bringing it here to Siouxland.

With that being said, Siouxland was fortunate to pick up a part of Iowa State located right here in Sioux City this past year.  The Siouxland Chamber of Commerce partnered with the College of Design, Iowa State University Extension Program, the City of Sioux City, and Iowa Great Places foundation all played vital parts in creating the ISU Design West School of Architecture to Siouxland.

The first step towards this development goes back as far as 2005 when Sioux City was named one of three pilot Iowa Great Places.  Then, in 2006 we landed a $530,000 toward development of a design school that would facilitate learning and development in Sioux City.

Inside the ISU Design West School of Architecture

Inside the ISU Design West School of Architecture

The ISU Design West Studio is a satellite program of the Iowa State College of Design.  It allows upper level students to get hands on experience in architecture away from college campuses and transition them into their prospective professional careers.

This program in Sioux City focuses on expanding the regional educational opportunities in specific architecture areas that go along with developing a community.  The studio allows students to get involved with landscape architecture, community and regional planning, graphic design and interior design.

If you haven’t yet, you should go check out the facility in downtown Sioux City; it is absolutely incredible.  The studio facility showcases an exhibit hall in a former steam tunnel beneath the adjacent alley, with four acrylic glass manhole covers above for viewing by passersby. Work by students, faculty and professional practitioners are displayed with special emphasis on the urban experience in Sioux City.

The students developed two prototype steel bus stops that reflect topological Sioux City buildings of both the past and the present.  The bus stops were completed in the summer of 2007 as a project of Iowa State University’s graduate architecture program.

All in all, we expect some great things from the design studio and we couldn’t be happier to have landed them here in Siouxland.  The Chamber is proud to work for the area and bring together quality community enhancement initiatives that will foster learning, growth and quality of life all around Siouxland.

Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

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Monday Morale!

Posted on October 12, 2009 | 1 Comment

Good Morning Siouxland!

Hopefully the weekend went well and you’re getting ready to bear down and tackle another work week.  With that being said, it’s time for Monday Morale to jump start your week…

Have you ever seen some of the really dumb laws that some states have?!

There are some real doozies out there that just make you wonder who in the world thought of this?  Were they from a man ponderinganother planet?  Oh yes, they are real laws and I am ashamed to share them because our beloved Iowa, Nebraska & South Dakota have some peculiar one’s as well.

- In Lee County, Alabama it is illegal to sell peanuts after sundown on Wednesday…

-Ottumwa, Iowa has a law that protects women from cheesy men: Within the city limits, a man may not wink at any woman he doesn not know.

-It is illegal to lie down and fall asleep in a cheese factory in South Dakota.  So I guess any other factory it is permissable? Simply stunning.

-Omaha has an attack on men with no hair, well, at least while running that is…a man is not allowed to run around with a shaved chest.

-In Florida, If an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.

-Staten Island, New York really cracks down on lawn maintenance: You may only water your lawn if the hose is held in your hand.

-It’s illegal to fish in the Ohio River in Kentucky without an Indiana Fishing License.

-Utah,  for the most part, is pretty lenient with nuclear weapons.  However, it is illegal to detonate any nuclear weapon. You can have them, but you just can’t detonate them.

-Houston, Texas this makes all the sense in the world: Beer may not be purchased after midnight on a Sunday, but it may be purchased on Monday.

12:01 a.m. in Houston, Texas…

Purchaser- I would like to purchase this 12-pack of beer

Store clerk- Sorry, it’s after midnight on Sunday.

Purchaser- Yes, but it is Monday.

Store clerk- I quit…

-Last, but not least, in Vermont whistling underwater is illegal. I guess it makes too many bubbles?

Well, that’s all for now Siouxland!  Enjoy your Monday and be sure to check back here later today…

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

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101 Ways To Take Advantage of the Chamber

Posted on October 9, 2009 | Leave a comment

Hola’ Siouxland!

We hope you’re having an enjoyable little Friday here in Siouxland…

In recent Chamber news, “101 Ways to take Advantage of the Chamber” has relinquished its throne amongst the ‘holy grail’ that is the Siouxland Chamber blog site.

41) Location, Location, Location-  You have an excellent tool at your finger tips in utilizing a Chamber that has members from three different states!  You can do business and meet people across state lines; a luxury not every business has.

42)  The Chamber is a multi-faceted company- We specialize in having our hands in just about everything that goes on in the community whether it be area events (Fridays on the Promenade, ISU Tailgate etc.), to economic development, to quality of life initiatives, name it and we do it!

43) The Staff-  Our staff is aligned perfectly to format all different types of business.  We have individuals who are geared towards moving the community and your business in to the 21st century productively & effectively.  Our staff specializes in technology, marketing, promotion, running an effective budget, and lobbying for the community at the state and federal level.

44) Quick resources- If your product or business can benefit from chamber_siteanother business here in the community we will point you in the right direction.  We have over 1,000 members to pick from to aid you in getting started and flourishing.

45) Want to market an event?? Great, we will help you!  We can do two blogs a year for each company, we can do a guest blog, we can help get the event out in area papers, and the Siouxland Business Journal.

46) Schedule an appointment- Not sure whether you want to be a member or if you want to start a business?  Call down to the Chamber and ask for Beth, the Director of Investor Relations.  She will take you through the process and any questions you may have :) .

47) Know what’s going on!-  There is always something going on in Siouxland, if you don’t think  there is…come to this blog.  We will feature nearly every entertainment activity throughout Siouxland.  The Chamber understands that business coupled with quality of life is crucial and we want to make sure its members are enjoying what the community has to offer.

48) Giveaways!- Check this blog or our website every now and again, because we will be giving away tickets to events, prizes etc.

49) Politics and Business-  You could have one fantastic product and you could even be a great businessman/woman.  With that being said, there are still so many different areas to cover when having a successful company.  We lobby for you and the community to receive tax breaks and necessary funding to boost the community and take pressure off of you.

50) Trouble seeing the future…? Yea, we have that problem too :) .   I think everyone does, but we like to think we know a little about the community and its people and would love to sit down and help foresee outcomes that are short and long term with your company.

Well, that’s all for now Siouxland.  Don’t forget to come on out to Chesterfield’s for the ISU Tailgate party tomorrow.  We don’t care if you’re “Rock-Chalk Jayhawkin” or “movin’ your body like a Cyclone,” we’re all about fun tomorrow!

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

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Tailgate Party Change!!!

Posted on October 8, 2009 | Leave a comment

Did you think we were going to cancel the big ISU v Kansas tailgate on account of a little weather?

No way!

We are moving it to Chesterfields and everything is on except for the isu 1bonfire. The game, beer, food, and live entertainment will still be showcased on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.  Order tickets or come on down and purchase the tickets for $15 dollars at the door and let’s keep this party going.

There will be televisions inside and outside on the Chesterfield patio and the bands will still be playing at there alotted time.

Can’t wait to see you there!

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

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