Category Archives: Guest Blogger

Help Students Build Character & Promote Your Business

Anyone can   ‘beSomebody’…will you?

‘beSomebody’ is a  campaign on good citizenship, doing the right thing, role modeling, reducing bullying, and eliminating alcohol and other drug abuse.  This initiative provides direction to youth and adults to show that in order to make positive change, we must start with ourselves by displaying good character and standing up for what is right.

The ‘beSomebody’ campaign is an outcome of many Siouxland groups and agencies coming together behind this powerful and positive message.  Siouxland CARES, the United Way of Siouxland, and the Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention were the founding parties and quickly joined by the Sioux City Community Schools and Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools to drive the ‘beSomebody’ across our communities young adults and children.

You have a role as well.  There are several ways to beSomebody and help.  All you can do right now!

  1. Be a role model in our community.  Displaying good character and standing up for what is right is something we all need to practice every day.
  2. Become a beSomebody participant.  It is not a lot of work.  It’s just a little something you can do to help youth take notice of what beSomebody stands for.
  3. Provide some incentives to recognize students who join the beSomebody initiative.
  4. Pick a day where your business is willing to do a special promotion like “buy 1-get 1 free”and we’ll help you promote your beSomebody message.
  5. Put the beSomebody logo on your company signboards, billboards, stationery,  and website.
  6. Display beSomebody posters or window clings in your windows or lobbies.
  7. Give.  Consider a gift to the beSomebody initiative to help purchase beSomebody resource materials for the schools or for community display. Just a little something to help us get out the beSomebody message.

Many Siouxland Community businesses and organizations have already joined in and jumped on board.  You can too.

Contact Siouxland CARES at 712-255-3188 to schedule the day to promote your business.

-Linda Phillips & Jason Glover with Siouxland CARES

Happy Friday- Update on Downtown Sioux City

Happy Friday!

Here are a few updates from Downtown Partners to help get you through the weekend! There is a lot going on with new businesses opening, skywalk discussions, art projects, street décor, getting ready for the holidays (that’s right, already!) and much, much more. As always, if there is anything you would like more information on or are curious about a project, please email or call Downtown Partners and they’d be happy to help.

Fall E-Cycle & More Event September 24 (9– 2 at the Long Lines Family Rec Center)

Dust off the boxes in the basement of old electronics, batteries, printer ink cartridges, CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs, and clothes. Do you have old but useable furniture cluttering up your space? How about piles and stashes of plastic grocery bags? Bring it all down! Volunteers and vendor staff will be there to help you unload all your recyclables–you don’t even have to get out of your car! There is a small fee for electronics but all other mentioned recyclables can be disposed of for free.

Downtown is helping take the first step to become the Healthiest State! As part of the governor’s initiative, Iowans are being asked to join a statewide walk of one kilometer, wherever you are, at noon on Friday, October 7. In Downtown this is roughly 7 blocks and for an average person’s walking rate it will take about 12 minutes. This is plenty of time to stop in and enjoy lunch at a downtown business when you’re done! List of restaurants can be found here

Keep your walking shoes on, because ArtWalk is happening downtown on Saturday, October 8 from noon to 5:00 p.m. We have a lot of great businesses opening their doors to hosts artists. Thank you for your support! Be watching for more information and a map for the day.

Make sure to check out the new hours at the Farmer’s Market! They are now open on Monday nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in addition to their normal hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Enjoy Downtown.

Ragen Cote
executive director
418 pierce street – sioux city, ia 51101
p: 712.252.0014 – f: 712.258.8516
e: ragencote@downtownsiouxcity.com
w: www.downtownsiouxcity.com

Guest Blogger: Flood Related Fraud

The community efforts demonstrated throughout the Siouxland Community during the last week has been astounding.  Hundreds of volunteers have stepped forth for families affected by the Missouri River Flooding.  Some are helping friends and family while others are helping complete strangers.  To see a community come together in such a crisis truly is amazing.  It is then hard to believe that some might also try to take advantage of these flood victims.  The best approach to prevent falling victim to fraudulent efforts is to be educated and aware.  I will try and post some of the fraudulent practices to be aware of that have been attempted in past disasters much like the Missouri River flooding.

 

Home Repair/Lien Contract Schemes – After a disaster, a homeowner frequently needs major repairs for serious damage.  The cost of these repairs is most likely greater than the insurance coverage and the ability of the homeowner to cover the cost.  The homeowner may feel trapped between the high cost of the repairs and the limited funding for repairs.  The predator convinces the homeowner to sign a lien-contract secured by the home. The loan repayment amounts are higher than what the consumer can afford to pay on a fixed income.  The lien-contract, however, functions like a promissory note. If the homeowner misses only one payment the creditor may foreclose and sell the home without ever going to court.  The common result is that the homeowner not only fails to have necessary repair work done, but loses his/her home through foreclosure.

 

Refinancing Schemes – Because of the increased costs of confronting an emergency, consumers frequently fall behind in their credit payments or overextend themselves to the point that they must choose whether to pay creditors or obtain basic necessities such as food.  The homeowner often cannot pay both the refinancing costs and the cost of hiring a contractor, resulting in a situation far worse than before the refinancing.  A few tips for consumers include:

  • Beware of lenders who claim that they are the only hope for a loan or ask borrowers to sign a contract/loan agreement with missing information. Beware when lenders say refinancing your home can solve credit or money problems.

•    Always interview and research several contractors and lenders. Check with friends or family for recommendations. Try to deal with an established, reputable, local contractor and lender. Check references.  Ask the Attorney General’s Office if it has received complaints (515-281-5926 or 888-777-4590) or the Better Business Bureau.

  • Get it in writing.  Get several written estimates for the job, and get a written contract detailing work to be done, responsibility for permits, costs, and any other promises.

•    Never make false statements on a loan application.  Any lender who allows this is fraudulent.  Do not let anyone convince you to borrow more money than you know you can afford.

  • Don’t pay large sums in advance. Predators may just “take the money and run.” If you have to make a partial advance payment for materials, make your check out to the supplier and the contractor. If you suspect a scam, report it to the Attorney General Office or local authorities.

Foreclosure Consultants/Equity Purchasers – Some financial predators prey on persons during the foreclosure process. They claim to be foreclosure experts who offer to assist homeowners after they receive a notice of default. They take advantage of the homeowner’s distress and offer to purchase the home for below market value through misrepresentations on the value of the home.  They represent to the homeowners that they may stay in the property for the rest of their lives. In fact, after they obtain the property, they sell it and the new owner serves the tenants with eviction papers.

 

Caretaker/Befriender/Relative Scams – Isolated homeowners who need assistance to maintain their homes frequently are victimized by friends, relatives or caretakers. They assist the homeowner with household chores, including shopping or taking them on medical visits. Children of elderly parents sometimes seek control of their parents’ property for their own uses. These persons can use scare tactics to convince the elderly, disabled or limited English or non-English speaking person to transfer title of the property to them. Sometimes they obtain a power of attorney when a person is very sick. Unbeknownst to the homeowner, the power of attorney holder may convey or encumber the property and keep the proceeds for him/herself.

Price Gouging – Iowa has a rule against price-gouging that goes into effect in counties with a disaster declaration. Price-gouging is charging very high prices that are not justified, and taking unfair advantage of disaster victims.

Beware of on-line schemes and charity scams – Predators may set up websites to make it look like they are legitimate or local contractors; others may ask for donations but may give little of the money to actual flood victims.

Jeana Goosmann

Attorney

Goosmann Law Firm, PLC

How Would You Answer this Interview Question?

The following is a guest blog from Glenn Shepard, one of the speakers at a recent chamber of commerce conference that I had the opportunity to meet. I know how I would answer the question, do you?

-Beth Trejo, Director of Investor Relations.

Back when unemployment was under 5%, employers had to watch out for applicants that would jump from one job to another, never staying with any company for more than a few months.

Everyone knew to avoid Job Hoppers (or as I prefer to call them, “Serial Employees”).When the unemployment rate got up to double digits, job hopping slowed down. But as the economy continues to show signs of improvement, hiring will increase and the unemployment rate will start to drop again.

One of the most common mistakes employers made back then was assuming that any job applicant who’d been at their previous job for many years must be a good hire.

Don’t make that mistake.

While turnover is expensive and stability is important, there can also be a downside to applicants who’ve been at the same job for many years. One is that they can get stuck in a rut, and may have a harder time adapting to change.

This is why it’s important to see if job applicants are flexible enough to learn and think in new ways – no matter how long they were at their previous jobs.

My favorite example is to say to every applicant, “If I asked you to determine the height of the building across the street and all I gave you to do this with was a barometer, how would you do it?”.

Unless you’re extremely technical, there’s no easy way to measure a building’s height with a barometer. That’s why it’s such a good test of someone’s ability to think on their feet.

One manager who used this had an applicant respond, “I’d find the janitor and tell him I’d give  him this really neat barometer if he’ll go find out how tall the building is!”

Now that’s what I call thinking outside the box.

- G.S.

About the Author

Glenn Shepard is the author of “How to Manage Problem Employees” and five other business books. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, he gives over seminars and keynotes each year. Go to  www.GlennShepard.com  for more free management resources.

Everyday is Veteran’s Day

Giuntamo receiving award from Pres. Obama

Veterans Day may be in our past, but respect and recognition to the military should always be a thought that we hold day-to-day. On Veteran’s Day, the Chamber’s Chris McGowan, who served 6 years in the Air National Guard, made a guest appearance in the Des Moines Register, recognizing 2 Iowans for their courageous efforts in war.

Currently enlisted Salvatore Giunta of Hiawatha, Iowa, joined Col. Bud Day with receiving the highest military decoration with the Medal of Honor award.

Bud Day is a well recognized Iowan, being enlisted in the US Air Force and being held captive in a POW camp for 5 plus years, enduring resistance to torture in solitary confinement. Giunta, like Day showed tremendous courage by exposing himself to combat to rescue 2 soldiers in need. Read more about these 2 in Chris’s Guest Opinion.

–John Stanek
Social Media Intern

Reflections: What it Means to be a Community Health Center

Today’s post is brought to you by our guest blogger Cara Conrad, courtesy of the Siouxland Community Health Center.

National Health Center WeekPerhaps there is no greater time to reflect on what it means to be a community health center than National Health Center Week (August 8-14). This year, health centers celebrate 45 years of providing quality health care to the communities they serve, especially the underserved and those most impacted by access barriers. So in recognition of this year’s theme for National Health Center Week, “Turning the Vision into Reality,” Siouxland Community Health Center (SCHC) looks on at its own vision, and how living its mission everyday has transformed these directional statements into a compassionate and motivated reality. The Vision: Siouxland Community Health Center is recognized as the first place patients and community partners identify and utilize as the resource for quality care. The health center is known as the premier leader in providing comprehensive health care services, as the employer of choice, and as a steward of resources entrusted to us.

These days, if one was to ask you describe Siouxland Community Health Center, a common reference may be that “it’s that big new building on 10th and Nebraska Street.” The new facility was a vision itself which came to life upon completion in January 2009. But what’s beyond the structure and through the doors is where the vision really becomes a reality. The new structure was indeed a milestone that allowed the health center to expand to meet the long term demands of growth and health care needs for the community. Through the doors is where compassionate and patient-centered health care is accessible to all and barriers are eliminated. From primary medical or dental care, pharmacy, behavioral health services, comprehensive care for HIV/AIDS, or language interpretation available in four languages, SCHC has opened its new home with pride to be able to serve the community in the best capacity possible. This has included building a strong and dedicated workforce of over 170 staff- a trend that is consistent with overall organizational growth. How does a community health center become an employer of choice? It’s a reward that goes beyond any face value. It is having the opportunity everyday to make an impact in someone’s life. To make it better. Healthier. And to offer hope to those facing challenge or despair. In March 2010, outreach staff at SCHC had the opportunity to meet with workers at John Morrell just weeks before plant closure. Through a series of informational meetings, staff offered information about programs and services available to them to ensure that even during significant challenge and change, health care access didn’t have to be a worry or critical choice. Through that experience, it became evident what the work of health centers are all about.

As health centers expand and Siouxland Community Health Center continues to demonstrate growth, being a steward of resources is critical. For 18 years, SCHC has built a strong community presence and partnership with many other organizations throughout Siouxland. Some of these accomplishments have included piloting a school-based heath center, bringing health care to the homeless, or women in recovery while caring for their children. To continue achievements such as these and grow programs and services within its new home, SCHC is excited for opportunities to come. On August 21st, SCHC will host a 5K Run and Fun Walk at Bacon Creek Park in Sioux City to celebrate the work of health centers and serving all walks of life. The health center also looks forward to its first major fundraiser event in October, a progressive dinner themed “A Night on the Town,” an event that promises health center friends an enjoyable evening and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of another- a child, the homeless, a friend or neighbor.

In summary, as one may reflect on what it means to be a community health center, or more specifically what it means to be a community health center in Siouxland, I hope that this reader may find a greater understanding of what is beyond the fresh bricks and infrastructure. It is a continuous effort to turn a vision into a reality. It is stewardship in bridging gaps to quality health care. It is a commitment to partnership in building a healthier community.

Cara Conrad
Siouxland Community Health Center
Guest Blogger

Government Decisions- Doug Batcheller

Good government decisions are never made in backrooms outside of ‘public debate,’ yet it appears that backroom decisions impacted the Sioux City Community School District last week.
The Federal Government announced last fall a second round of stimulus money offered up to those states who signed on to certain preconditions to affect school reform and improvement. This program has been titled ‘Race to the Top’ or RTTT. Several of the preconditions required by this program run counter to Iowa Code. Regardless of that fact, the Governor and the Iowa Department of Education officials decided to apply for these funds to help cover their inability to fund current and proposed budgets for education.
In order to comply with Federal rules, the Governor and ISEA (Iowa State Education Association) appear to have cut a deal that will dramatically alter current rules that Boards of Education and their administrations use to affect school improvement without input from other interested parties (i.e. Boards of Education, IASD, SAI, the Urban Education Network, parents, community members, students, and others who work for school improvement on a daily basis).
This is the kind of misguided decision process that costs all of us time, money, and a great deal of frustration. I appeal to the Governor and the Department of Education to apply sound principles of good government by allowing public discussion of these important issues, so that all interested parties can have a stake and a belief in these policies that we will all have to work under to improve our schools.

– Doug Batcheller, President of the Sioux City Community School District

Leaders in Community Voice Opinions

The Chamber has always brought the Siouxland community news and story updates. Now, we are taking it up a notch and getting the story “straight from the horse’s mouth,” figuratively speaking. Prominent leaders in the community will be discussing local issues and voicing their personal opinions. These people live and work in Siouxland and are letting their voices be heard.  Starting us off will be a few words from a local business owner, who is directly involved with an area school system.

This is a great opportunity to learn about things happening in our community and to read about them through posts from well-informed individuals.  Check back next week to see who will be chosen next to speak about issues dealing directly with Siouxland.

Chelsey, Siouxland Intern

Member Spotlight Header copy

The entrepreneur in us sees opportunities everywhere we look, but many people see only problems everywhere they look. The entrepreneur in us is more concerned with discriminating between opportunities than he or she is with failing to see the opportunities.

-Michael Gerber

This week the Chamber blog turns its spotlight on J & L Staffing as we recognize their commitment towards innovation in the Siouxland Community.

J  L revampedOn August 19, 2005 Premier Services Inc. was born.  A location was picked, ideas were formed, but the founders had nothing concrete as to which specific industry they would belong to.  Nevertheless, the owners grabbed a historic landmark residence and converted it into corporate offices.  This was no easy task, because in actuality they purchased a Victorian home with five bedrooms, two and a half baths and five fireplaces!

Their imagination knew no end as they began to form a business out of what used to be a home. They replaced an old dining room and turned it into a conference room, an old parlor into a reception area, and an old library into an office.  Next, the 2nd floor that was full of bedrooms was re-shaped into offices and the third floor ballroom transformed nicely into an exercise facility fully equipped with a massage parlor for the staff’s use.

From 2005 to present, Premier Services Inc. has developed into the staffing service it is today.  The owners took that staffing service and broke it off into four different sectors of business, they include:  Premier Services Cleaning Services LLC., Premier Services Property Management LLC., J&L Enterprises staffing, J&L storage facility.  These four business entities successfully feed off each other and mesh to provide different services for the Siouxland community.

For instance, the cleaning service can employ potential workers directly from referrals by J & L Enterprises Staffing.  Meanwhile J & L doesn’t primarily refer potential employees to just their cleaning service.  To the contrary, they focus on marketing temporary to permanent employees to other Siouxland companies and national employers.  J & L currently has over 500 plus temporary employees placed at a wide variety of Siouxland businesses around the area.

Why is this important?

Well, A regular staffing agency assists potential employees in finding a job locally or nationally.  What J & L is doing has broken the mold in this aspect and not only locates jobs away from J & L, but has created separate entities connected to J & L to create more jobs within their own company.

Furthermore, with the four different sectors they offer, J & L can cover a lot J & L Enterprisesof different areas and the newest addition is the J & L Storage facility.  Just this month, J & L purchased the former “Glass House,” a historic building on West 7th Street.

The building is perfect for a large storage facility as the elevator is 8ft. wide by 20 feet.  They plan using the 1st level for staffing and maintenance and the 2nd and 3rd level for storage items that could include jet skis, motorcycles, small campers, small to mid size cars, and trucks.  This facility will be made available to customers who want to store their prized possessions in a year round storage facility.

These are all truly great ideas and it is just a testament how the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kickin’ here in Siouxland.

The versatility of J & L from the time of its existence to now has truly been a blessing for this community and all of those who work for them.  Down at the Chamber we look forward to seeing their different resources flourish in a productive Siouxland economy.

-Ian Banks- Social Media Intern

Guest Blogger Header copy

The Chamber’s Executive Vice President, Chris McGowan, wrote an article (below) that was printed in the Sunday, July 19 Business section of the Sioux City Journal.

Tragedy and Triumph: The Aftermath of 232 

Occasionally, a single incident defines a person’s reputation or legacy.  For example, Rosa Park’s refusal to surrender her seat on a bus in 1955 or Neil Armstrong’s walk on the moon in 1969. 

Likewise, communities are sometimes similarly recognized and draw their primary identity from a single incident or event.  Such is the case with Woodstock, New York which will be forever tied to the music festival of the same name. 

From time to time, I am asked if Sioux City enjoys a comparable distinction.  In one respect, I think we do.  I believe our community is inextricably linked to the tragedy and aftermath of the events of twenty years ago today. 

As an employee of The Siouxland Initiative, I work closely with local economic development professionals who are committed to creating additional and enhanced employment opportunities for our tri-state region.  My position has taken me from coast to coast and, on one occasion, overseas to recruit new employers to Siouxland.  In this capacity, I work to promote the region and educate people who generally possess limited knowledge of where “Siouxland” is on the map, what our core industries are, how productive are employees are, etc. 

In a nutshell, I have the privilege and responsibility to introduce my hometown to others. 

In so doing, I regularly explain that I am from Sioux City, Iowa and represent the tri-state area of Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.  Frequently and recurrently, I am asked, “Isn’t that where that terrible plane crash occurred?”  After an affirmative response, a typical follow-up conversation might go something like this. 

“That was the crash where they were able to videotape the airplane as it cart-wheeled down the runway in a fireball, right?” 

“Yes, United Flight 232 on July 19, 1989,” I’d reply. 

“And didn’t the pilot and air crew do an amazing job flying without any flight controls?” 

“Yes, Captain Al Haynes and his crew miraculously maintained rudimentary control of the aircraft after all three hydraulic systems were severed by the metal fragments of a disintegrating jet engine.” 

“Oh yeah, and after the plane crashed into that cornfield, weren’t there an amazing number of survivors?” 

“Yes, there were 296 souls on board and tragically 112 lost their lives, but 184 survived in large part due to the skill of the flight crew and the competence of the thousands of trained personnel who responded to the crash on the ground.” 

“Of course, of course.  I remember that famous photograph of the pilot carrying that little boy out of the cornfield.” 

“That was Col. Denny Nielsen and the famous photograph by Gary Anderson of the Sioux City Journal appeared on front pages and magazine covers all over the world.  At the time, Col. Nielsen was an A-7 fighter pilot with the 185th Tactical Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard.  You may remember his famous response upon being asked what it felt like to save the boy’s life, ‘God saved that boy, I just carried him,’ Nielsen explained.” 

“Wow, now that’s humility.  Didn’t they make a film about this starring Charlton Heston, James Coburn and John-Boy from the Walton’s.” 

“Yes, they initially called the made for television movie “Crash Landing: The Rescue of Flight 232,” but later they simply titled it “A Thousand Heroes.” 

“A Thousand Heroes is absolutely right.  I remember the movie’s depiction of the incredible response from the community; the military, the firefighters, hospitals, doctors and nurses, disaster response personnel, volunteers, and blood donors.  Everyone was simply amazing!” 

“I was out of town when the crash occurred, but I cannot tell you how proud I am to call Sioux City home and to know that people around the country, like you, still recognize and remember our community’s response to that tragic crash.” 

Two decades removed from that day, Sioux City is certainly known for other things as well, but after traveling extensively to promote our community, I have found that many people still associate Sioux City with our response to United Flight 232.  As one reporter recently wrote… “the tragedy, along with the community’s heroic rescue effort, is anything but forgotten.”  People from Sioux City and all of the surrounding communities who responded to that disaster should know that their actions defined Siouxland, for many, as a community of decent and caring people who possess a cooperative and “can-do” spirit. 

Twenty years ago, the United Flight 232 tragedy revealed the true character of the citizens of our Siouxland communities.  Long known as humble, hardworking, and honest, on July 19, 1989, the world witnessed compassion, courage, and competence from countless individuals and organizations who instinctively understood the importance of selflessly serving others in their hour of greatest need.

As Captain Al Haynes, portrayed by the late Charlton Heston, states in the movie, “Of all the places in America we could have landed, I thank God it was here.”