Monthly Archives: November 2009

Making A Difference

New Perspectives, Inc. serving individuals with disabilities since 1922.

Recently, New Perspectives has come together with Quality Appliance to do something rather special for the community.  Their partnership is geared towards enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities.

They can’t do this alone…

Your support is needed and donations will go along way in providing transportation, expanding community and organizational programs, chamber_siteenhancing staff education and training, and make needed capital investments to facilities a reality.

This request for continued support comes as we approach the Holiday Season.  This is a joyous occasion for families all across Siouxland and we hope that we can all come together in making everyone’s holiday extremely special this year. :)

So give it a shot, take a look, consider it or hash it over and change some lives right here in Siouxland today!

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to stop in to 300 South Martha and talk to the store manager Barb Widner or give the store a call at 712-212-4043

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

Member Spotlight Header copy

neubrand_headertop

Turning dreams into realities…At Neubrand Kitchens and Fireplaces they know how you feel.

If you’re renting out apartments, renovating a kitchen or bathroom at your business then Neubrand has all the styles to increase attractiveness and value.

They understand how it works though…You’ve been looking to renovate the kitchen or bathroom for so long that it’s fallen into the category of renewing marriage vows, touring Europe, and sky diving.

It doesn’t have to be.

Please stop looking through the magazines and falling in love with designer cabinets and doing nothing about it.  At Neubrand they know about budget limitations and they are here to help.  The company is designed to offer custom made cabinetry to fit your budget, while still not sacrificing the most important part….QUALITY.

When looking at the marketplace today there is one thing that confuses Neubrand, why is everything so over-priced?

Neubrand provides rich details, attractive finishes, quality all-wood construction at a low price.  They do this by sticking to the basics with products that are functional and efficient designed to stand the test of time.

Consider the investment.

Not only are you gaining quality cabinetry and attracting potential customers, but your putting value into your real estate.  If you own apartments put value into your consumer by displaying one of Neubrand’s top of the line cabinets today!

-Ian Banks-Social Media Intern

Legislative Agenda-Working for the Area

Each year the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce puts out our legislative agenda which highlights those legislative issues that  our members believe are important to the growth and development of the region as a whole. Currently we are working on the 2010 agenda and thought we would share how that list forms.  

1. Ask our Members- We send out a survey asking our members what’s important to them as well as their opinions on current obstacles and challenges facing the area.

2. Concentrate and Form- Once responses are received, our Government Relations Committee works for weeks to gather and interpret that data and come up with goals based on our member feedback and what is best for our community.

3. Additional Member Needs- Of course not all issues are going to be included in our yearly legislative agenda, but we’re willing to help our members out on specific industry needs. For example one of our members came to us yesterday looking for information on new lead paint legislation. Keep us informed on your industry and we’ll do our best to be of assistance.

4. Get it out- We want you to know that as a business we are fighting for you throughout the region, state and at the national level. We distribute our finalized yearly agenda with your chamber membership plaque as well as post it online.

Watch for 2010 legislative agenda out shortly! If you have an issue or concern that affects your business, let us know!

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

Adjunct Job Fair

That’s right, an Adjunct Job Fair!

Use your academic excellence to gain some extra cash.  Come on out to Western Iowa Tech on November 3, 2009 in the Applied Sciences Building, L416 & L417, and take advantage of your skills.

What area of expertise are they looking for?

You may just be in luck because the list is long…

  • Business
  • Computers
  • Drafting/CAD
  • English/Speechwestern iowa tech
  • History
  • Veterinarian
  • Industrial Maintenance
  • Nursing & Allied Health
  • Math
  • Psychology
  • Reading
  • Sciences
  • Sociology
  • Trucking

Hopefully that hit your expertise and you’re ready to come on out and take advantage of this special opportunity.  If you are in need of more information don’t hesitate to call 1-800-352-4649 ext.4214

-Ian Banks, Social Media Intern

Free Wine Tasting!

Do you like to sip on fine wine?

If you do, Luciano’s has just the event for you and the best part is that it’s winefree…

They will be hosting two separate wine tastings on Friday, November 13, 2009 and Tuesday, December 8th 2009 both from 5-7 p.m.  There will be wine representatives present, serving the wine, and there will be appetizers provided as well.

Need I remind you that Thanksgiving is just around the corner?  Well, it is and this is a prime opportunity to pick out a delicious wine to compliment your Thanksgiving feast.

If you’re a stranger to Luciano’s (you shouldn’t be, it’s great!)  here in Siouxland they are located on Historic Fourth Street in Downtown Sioux City.  Also, if you have any questions about the events call them at (712) 255-4821

101 Ways to take Advantage of the Chamber

Woah! It feels like forever since I did this segment, but it’s only been a week and half.

A lot has happened in that time wouldn’t you say?

I mean, the Hawkeyes are now 9-0 and ranked 4th in the BCS.

-The Cyclones beat the Huskers (1st time in 32 years)

-Our President won the Nobel Peace Prize

-The World Series has the Yanks up 3-1 on the Phillies :(

But enough with the sports/politics current events section of this blog post and let’s dive into another round of ’101 Ways to Take Advantage of the Chamber.’

61) Executive Tours-When recruiting new employees or welcoming executives, we can assist you in showcasing the community by taking that person on a Tour of Siouxland (complete with backstage access). We also have newcomer packets and all the up-to-date regional information available right in our office.  How’s that for citizen service eh?

62)Reputation Mgmt- Being a member of the Chamber will help you do business. Statistics by The Schapiro Group show when consumers know that a restaurant franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce they are 40% more likely to eat at that franchise in the next few months.

63) Gain Media Attention- Creating press releases and handing your  public relations can be overwhelming for some. Let us help you get the word out about your business by taking you through the process of keeping the media up-to-date about your business. chamber_site

64) Key Executive Welcome- We’re here to welcome your new management by formally introducing them to the business community. The next Key Executive Welcome will be held in the spring of 2010.

65) AccessibilityThe Chamber of Commerce strives to give you everything that a membership entails and nothing less.  A Chamber membership means constant retention, brainstorming, and putting us at your service.  We’re accessible and we will help you find solutions to your problems.

66) Quality of Life-  Let’s face it, quality of life is important to a strong economic economy that will make Siouxland a place to live.  That’s what we do, we want you to set up a successful shop in Siouxland and let us worry about promoting the community and drawing consumers to you.  We work tirelessly to develop the economy and break down regulation and tax barriers to enable you the innovator to make a buck.

67) Committee Diversification- Our success strives off of ideas from our members, our staff, and our organization.  We organize by breaking down in committees to specialize and cover each facet of economic promotion and development, these areas include: Ambassadors, Siouxland Beautification Task Force, Transportation, Government relations, Business Roundtable, & Community Enhancement.

68) Event Promotion-  Have a special event coming up?  Yes! That’s what we were hoping and we will help you market that event and get the word out to attract potential customers to your business.  We do this though blogs, Siouxland Business Journal, e-mails, & media relations.

69) Designing Sioux City-  Our President, Debi Durham sits on the committee for Sioux City Design Works.  This signifies that the Chamber has made a commitment to designing a community that we all  can continually be proud of.    The goal of this committee is as follows:

“Sioux City has embarked on a project to create Urban Design Guidelines that will help guide future development and redevelopment and ensure the future vision of the community is reflected in the physical shape and character of the built environment.” For more info follow the link above…

70) Want to take a day trip? Siouxland is in the perfect location for that and the Chamber of Commerce’s website will give you all the details as we will serve as your Tour Guide, but just for the day. :)

That’s all for now Siouxland, I bid you good day and wish you the best wishes for what hopefully will be a fun, entertaining week!

-Ian Banks-Social Media Intern