July Newsletter

July/August July/august 2016
we We welcome 2016/17 Board Chair chair
Dick Launspach
Join us at the
August
Business AM
Members
choice
Award Winners

YP Newsletter
Table of Contents
2 Congressional Staff Visit
3
6 Business AM
7 Around the water cooler
9 Building Blocks for Success
11 Member News
13
14 2016-2017 YP Board
15 YP Awards
16
17
18
19 Chamber Economic Indicators
Meet the 2016-2017 Chair of the board
Review from past president Kyle Kumpf
YP Night Golf/august Monthly Luncheon
The Dubuque Area Chamber Annual Soiree REcap
Announcing the 2017/2018 Dubuque CIty Map
9
17
3
2016
July/August
7
11

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Presents
Join us in the Barrel Room at the Stone Cliff Winery
on Wednesday, August 10 from 5:30PM - 7:00PM as
we welcome our Federal Congressional Staff to
Dubuque.
The Congressional Staff Visit brings D.C. to Dubuque
to show where our funding has gone and how that
funding helps to move Dubuque forward. Items
include Bee Branch Project, Historic Millwork District,
Infrastructure, and more.
Stone Cliff Winery
Barrel Room
600 Star Brewery Drive
Dubuque, IA 52001
Opening Night Reception
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Please RSVP to Attend
This event is complimentary for members
and includes hors d'oeuvres and cash bar.
Featuringstaff from the offices of:
Senator Joni Ernst Congressman Rod Blum Senator Chuck Grassley

Cover
Story
Welcome to our incoming chair dic
CHAMBER: How did you
originally get involved with
the Chamber? (as a
member not as a board
member)
Launspach: I grew up in a
family business that was
very involved with the
Chamber, but for me personally
it was when Kennedy
Mall received the Chamber
Retail Business of the
Year Award in 2009 which
was just a couple of years
after I became property
manager of the mall. At the
time I realized what a great
organization it was and
hoped I could get involved.
CHAMBER: How has the
Chamber benefited your
business/organization?
Launspach: The Chamber
benefits retailers including
Kennedy Mall and the property
we manage in Asbury
Plaza in many ways. The
Chamber takes phone calls
and gets web site hits every
month from out of town
guests looking for a place to
shop or dine and refers
them to our properties.
When you consider all the
tourism that Dubuque now
enjoys, that service is a
great benefit to us.
Launspach
Dick Launspach and his wife
watch Kay Frances perform at the
Dubuque Area Chamber Annual
Dinner.
CHAMBER: Tell us about your
position and employer.
Launspach: I have been property
manager at Kennedy Mall for 10
years and in the last 3 years I have
managed the property at Asbury
Plaza located between Hy-Vee and
Supercuts. My employer is Cafaro
out of Niles, Ohio. They are the
largest privately held retail developer
in the country.
CHAMBER: How did you get
involved on the board of directors?
Launspach: My first experience
with the board of directors was as
ex-officio when I was president of
Westside Business Association.
CHAMBER: Tell us about your
path to becoming the Chair of
the Board?
Launspach: Bob Peacock and
Molly Grover were instrumental
in my path to becoming board
chair. Bob really let me know
what a privilege it was to serve
on the board and what a legacy
there was with being board
chair. Molly was great at
explaining the inner workings of
the Chamber and what was
expected of Chamber board
members and the chair.
CHAMBER: What do you think
is the most important role of
the Board Chair?
Launspach: Just listen! There is
so much talent on the Chamber
staff, Chamber board and on
the Executive Committee that,
as Chairman, I believe if you
just listen to these smart, dedicated
people, the direction of
the Chamber will be obvious.
CHAMBER: What three words
best describe you?
Launspach: Dedicated,
Approachable and I strive to be
Humble. The last one is always
harder than the first two.
CHAMBER: In your opinion
what are the Chamber’s greatest
strengths and challenges?

k launspach
Launspach: The Chamber’s greatest
strengths are the people that
operate the Chamber and, especially,
the people that support it.
The biggest challenge for the
Chamber right now, I believe, is a
short-term challenge and that is to
right-size the organization. When
the Chamber split from the Convention
and Visitors Bureau a few
years ago it created a different
sized Chamber organization. Personally
I like the new arrangement,
but it will take a few years to make
the adjustments in the budget and
elsewhere that will maximize our
effectiveness.
CHAMBER: You have laid out some
specific priorities for your year…can
you elaborate?
Launspach: I would like to see the
same diversity on the board that I
see in the Dubuque community
every day. This is a priority that
will need to extend beyond this
year. We need to reach out to
qualified members of the business
community that have different
ethnic, cultural, religious, racial
and sexual orientation backgrounds.
In my opinion that
doesn’t just need to happen on the
Chamber board but in many organizations
until everyone feels
represented in the community.
Also, I would like the staff and
board to create a 5-year strategic

Cover
Story
Welcome to our incoming chair dick launspach
plan. This goes back to the
Chamber’s biggest challenges.
We need a plan going forward
to make sure we make the
correct adjustments based on
the Chamber’s new reality
without the CVB.
Finally, I truly believe the Chamber’s
success now depends
more than ever on strong membership
numbers. We need to
make every business a member
through the “One and Done”
campaign.
CHAMBER: How does being a
Chamber member provide a
return on investment?
Launspach: The biggest return
on investment for any Chamber
member is the Amplified Voice
that is created through the
union of businesses by the
Chamber. Pat McGaughey, a
friend of the Dubuque Chamber,
often says, “The Chamber
of Commerce is the most powerful,
powerless organization in
the world.” It’s true, the Chamber
has no authority to make
public policy and yet there is no
voice that carries more weight
when it comes to that policy.
CHAMBER: In general, what are
the biggest issues facing members
and the business community?
Launspach: Government
regulation is always the first
thing that comes to mind
when we talk about issues
facing the business community.
One example this year
was the new overtime rule
change which the Chamber
opposed. The Department of
Labor has decided to basically
double the threshold of
when salaried employees are
eligible for overtime pay
without any vote from Congress
or the people. In my
opinion this is government
overreach at its apex that will
affect thousands of employees
and businesses.
CHAMBER: What advice
would you give a new Chamber
member?
Launspach: Get involved!!!
Show up at events. Network
yourself and your business at
every Chamber event that
you can. Learn what the
Chamber can do for you and
what a great organization it
is. When we were younger,
my brother, Steve, told me he
likes to hang out with successful
people because they
are more fun! As I have gone
along in my career, I have
found that is absolutely true.
The Chamber is full of successful
people and businesses,
but don’t be fooled into thinking
because they are successful
that they are no fun. I think
you will find just the opposite
is true. Never be ashamed of
trying to succeed and always
be proud of the success you
have achieved. Share it with
other successful people in the
Dubuque Area Chamber of
Commerce!
CHAMBER: What would you
like your leadership legacy to
be?
Launspach: I hope, beyond just
the Chamber, that I will be
remembered as someone that
was easy to work with, treated
people with respect and
shared any success that came
my way with the rest of the
people that helped attain that
success. I hope, also, that I can
share what I have learned from
years in the business community
with anyone coming up
that has an interest. I hope
that when future board chairs
look back at chairs past, as I
have done, that my name fits
well with the rest of the successful
men and women that
have held this position.

Rise and shine with the Chamber on Wednesday,
August 10th and make those important business -
connections Collins Community Credit Union.
opportunity to mix’n mingle with other business
leaders while getting an inside look at Collins
Commmunity Credit Union.
Collins Community Credit Union
4855 Asbury Rd | Dubuque, IA 52002
8:00am - 9:00am | Free for Members | $10 for Guests
Click here to learn more

Does your business have a crisis/emergency management plan?
Do you and your employees feel informed or prepared
for a workplace crisis or emergency?

Pete Soraparu
Senior Executive Vice President
American Trust & Savings Bank
“Financial institutions in general have plans in place for situations such as a
robbery. Each of our staff members has gone through training in regards to
workplace safety. In the unlikely event of a dire situation, every employee is
capable of reacting accordingly. We have a bank security officer who leads
training and works with retail branch administrative teams to keep them
informed and well versed on procedures. With a combination of surveillance
cameras and regular and reinforced training in our offices, we are able to
respond accordingly to an emergency. We work with local law enforcement to hear any new safety
procedures and we share information with other financial institutions to make sure we are doing everything
possible to keep our staff and our clients safe.”
Lt. Scott Baxter
Dubuque Police Department
“We have extensive information on how to handle multiple situations, be it a
natural disaster, an active aggressor, or bomb threat. The Dubuque Police
Department provides all officers with bullet proof vests, riot helmets and gas
masks. Depending on the situation, additional equipment is at the ready to be
deployed. Our officers train alongside the local fire departments and paramedics,
so if their assistance is needed we are better prepared as a whole on
working together to diffuse a situation. We are lucky to have good relationships
with our fire departments and paramedics as well as the sheriff’s office
and with state and federal agencies. We are as prepared as we can be with the
resources and personnel we have. We train hard and always expect the unexpected.
I encourage families to have a conversation before an event happens on what your emergency
plan is. You can find sample plans on the internet to help make your own. My advice to community
members is be vigilant at all times. If you see something, say something, call immediately. Take accountability
for your own safety.”
Wendy Runde
Vice President and General Manager
Diamond Jo Casino
Our business does have an emergency/disaster plan. The interesting thing
about an emergency plan is that it is constantly evolving. At our property,
updates to the plan are submitted at least annually. I believe our team members
feel informed and prepared for a workplace emergency given the scenarios
that are currently outlined in our plan; however, given current events we are
expanding upon the content that we currently cover.

Building Blocks f
New Kid on the Block
Gigantic Design Co.
Long time creative partners and Dubuque natives,
Tom Culbertson and Sean Murphy, started Gigantic
Design Co. in September of 2015. Tom and Sean
have worked together in one form or another since
2001. They were on the agency side in creative
management roles at Mission Creative and Tally
Collective. Most recently the two went client side,
taking leadership roles at a Dubuque-based software
company leading a massive vision, branding and
product redesign effort.
Gigantic Design Co. is a Digital Branding Agency that
helps businesses grow from the inside out by defining,
developing, and articulating a company’s brand,
increasing their visibility within a defined market
space, and most importantly, driving business
results.
Tom and Sean grew up in Dubuque and have a
sincere love for the community.
“We’ve played a design role in a lot of what people
see and experience on a day-to-day basis in Dubuque
and we take a ton of pride in that. We love that out
of town clients call us the ‘group from Iowa’. We
wear that as a badge of honor.”
At Gigantic Design Co., the team works on brand
development and discovery, identity design,
website design and development, web product
design, digital content strategy, SEO, social media
marketing management and consulting, video
production and photography, trade show and
exhibit design, and all forms of collateral and
promotional material.
Tom and Sean are looking to continue working
with successful companies and start working with
new exciting ones. “We want to attract and hire
more scary talented people to live and work with
us in Dubuque. Ultimately, we want to make really
good work that is powerful for our clients.”
If you’re looking for a creative team to either lead
or enhance your current marketing strategy, then
contact Tom and Sean at Gigantic Design Co. at
(563) 599-7396. They are located in the Caradco
Building, 900 Jackson St., Suite 111, Dubuque, IA
52001.

or Success
Been Around the Block
Key City Moving and Storage
Since 1959, Key City Moving and Storage has served
the Dubuque and Tri-State area providing expert
residential and commercial moving services across
any distance. Locally owned and operated by Noel
and Pearl Stecher, Key City Moving and Storage will
pack up your old place and transport everything
safely to your new home or commercial property.
They specialize in helping people move on short
notice. If you find yourself facing new opportunities
and need help racing to meet them, they will get you
moved at the right time. Everything from household
moves, corporate/business relocations, local and
intrastate moving, Key City Moving and Storage are
packing and unpacking experts, and that includes
moving pianos!
They have everything you need to move anything
from legal sized boxes for important documents or big
boxes to pack up kitchen appliances. Things will be
bubble wrapped, shrink wrapped or surrounded by
packing peanuts to make sure they are transported
with the utmost care.
On top of the moving aspect of the company, they
also provide storage options. It’s easy to accumulate a
lot of stuff over time, but when your space doesn’t
keep up with everything you’ve accrued, Key
City Moving and Storage has climate controlled
accommodations to preserve your belongings
and keep items safe. With reasonable rates
based on the size of the storage units, they
make it easy to plan out how long you can
afford to store your items and offer long term
discounts.
Key City Moving excels in customer care. Noel’s
wife Pearl actually enjoys the packing process!
“We take pride in being the best local option
for long-distance moving! We serve a 40-mile
radius from Dubuque, covering area in Iowa,
Wisconsin and Illinois.”
Key City Moving & Storage is located at 2300
Twin Valley Drive, Dubuque, Iowa 52003. They
are ready and waiting to respond to your
needs, no matter how quickly or how far you
need to move. For more information or a free
estimate on moving and storage contact them
at 563-582-3237 or by email at keycitymoving@hotmail.com.
Be sure to check them out
online at www.keycitymovingdbq.com.

member
News
Quelling Bee Branch Worries
Recent Flash Flooding in the Bee Branch Watershed
Dubuque was hit with two heavy rain events over a short period of time
this week. More than 2 inches of rain fell in 90 minutes on Wednesday
morning followed by about 1.5 inches of rain in less than four hours on
Thursday evening. The storms resulted in flash flooding in several problem
areas including 22nd St. and Central and W. Locust St. We want to
remind residents that the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project
is a multi-phased, 20-year project that will address this severe and
frequent flash flooding in the watershed. It consists of several types of
infrastructure improvements including detention basins, the creek
restoration, culverts through the railroad right-of-way along Garfield
Avenue, storm sewer capacity improvements, and green alleys.
The Upper Bee Branch Creek which is currently under construction is
designed to move stormwater through the area to the Lower Bee Branch
and ultimately to the Mississippi River. Although the creek is not finished,
it did provide more storage volume for stormwater than what existed
previously. The recent rain events
provided an example of how stormwater
will slowly fill the creek channel and
then slowly drain out. When the creek
is completed and additional culverts
connecting the Upper Bee Branch to
the Lower Bee Branch are installed it
will fill and drain in a similar way, but
much better.
It is important to understand that the
Bee Branch Creek is only one phase of
the multi-phased flood mitigation
project. There will be incremental
benefits as each phase is completed,
but a lot of work still needs to be done.
There will continue to be street flooding
during these types of short, heavy rain
events until improvements to multiple
storm sewers are completed within the
next five years.
The planned storm sewer capacity
improvements along 17th Street from
Elm to W. Locust, along 22nd Street
from Elm to Kane, and throughout the
North End Neighborhood would not
provide benefits unless the downstream
Upper Bee Branch Creek provided
a place for the stormwater to go.
That is why these improvements are
being made from “downstream to
upstream” working from the 16th St.
Detention Basin and Lower Bee Branch
to the Upper Bee Branch and then
storm sewer improvements.
These storm sewer improvements and
the installation of culverts through the
railroad right-of-way are scheduled to
be constructed over the next five years
with an estimated completion date of
June 2021. Information about these
improvements is available at http://www.cityofdubuque.org/1887/Infrastructure-Improvements.
For more information about the Bee
Branch Project, visit www.cityofdubuque.org/beebranch.
For questions,
call Bee Branch Project communications
specialist Kristin Hill at (563) 690-6068.

Honkamp Krueger Grows Team
Mike Campana is made partner at HK
Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK) announces the addition
of new partner, Mike Campana, CPA. Mike brings his vast
knowledge and experience to the audit department where
he will provide accounting and assurance services and
support the firm’s quality control functions.
Mike has 22 years of experience
in public accounting, five
with a Big 4 firm and 17 in the
national office of a Top 5 firm.
He specializes in audit methodology,
internal controls and
financial analysis.
Mike graduated with a B.B.A.
and an M.A. in accounting from
the University of Iowa, Iowa
City, Iowa. He is a member of
the American Institute of CPAs
and the Iowa Society of CPAs.
YEA! Graduate makes A Big Impact In Community
Nyah Philips uses YEA! Skills to Help the Homeless
Nyah Phillips is a young Detroit entrepreneur and 2015
graduate of the YEA! Metro Detroit class, hosted by the
Dearborn Chamber of Commerce. Utilizing her YEA!
training, Nyah launched Pure Purpose, a non-profit organization
dedicated to assisting homeless
families in the Detroit area. Her
company produces the Pure Pack, a
kit filled with everyday essentials
that provide a sense of comfort,
confidence and dignity for homeless
people.
Nyah's motivation came from her
own experience as a homeless
child, living in shelters with her
Mom and younger siblings. "I was
self-conscious about myself for a lot of ways but through
the program, helping other people, I don't know how but it
kind of lifted me up. Thanks to the Young Entrepreneurs
Academy I can soar even higher," said Nyah.
Sign up for the Dubuque Area Chamber YEA! Program by
clicking the link below:
www.dubuquechamber.com/programs/young-entrepreneurs/
MSA expands and promotes workforce
Client Services Leader and Communication
professional are added
MSA Professional Services, Dubuque, has promoted
Jim Holz, AICP, to Director of Client Services. Holz, a
19-year veteran of the firm, will lead and oversee the
firm’s business development efforts.
His team works with clients to understand their
challenges and engage the appropriate MSA experts
to develop solutions to those challenges. Holz is a
Chamber Ambassador and participates in the Chamber
Government Advocacy Committee.
Holz is certified by the American Institute of Certified
Planners and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in
Applied Geography and Land Use from Northern
Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ.
Valerie Kramer, the new marketing manager for MSA
Professional Services, Dubuque, comes to the firm
with more than 10 years of experience, most recently
as the marketing communications project manager
at Heartland Financial USA, Inc., Dubuque. Marketing
appeals to Kramer because, “It allows me to be part
of many areas of the company, while providing the
opportunity to make a difference. There is always
something new and different to accomplish.” Kramer’s
experience includes marketing communications,
leadership, event management, public relations and
advertising, and social media. She is on the board of
the American Advertising Federation of Dubuque
and is a Compass to Care organization volunteer,
Young Professionals member. Kramer earned a
Bachelor of Journalism from the University of
Missouri-Columbia.
MSA’s workforce of nearly 300 professionals consists
of engineers, architects, planners, GIS specialists, and
environmental scientists who serve public and
private clients from 14 offices throughout the Upper
Midwest.

News
A Year in Review from Past President Kyle Kumpf
Over the past year I have had the distinct honor to serve as the President of Young Professionals Dubuque.
This year built upon the great things accomplished in years past. Our Marketing Chairs were able to launch
a newsletter. The Symposium Chairs brought celebrity to the event. The Membership team improved
engagement among the members. The Programs duo attracted captivating speakers and planned fun After
Works. As a whole, we grew YP Dbq’s brand, reach and presence.
I learned many new skills and feel I grew professionally and
personally. My network of connections now includes many
more new and intriguing people; many of whom I now
consider close friends. Serving in this role has opened doors
and my eyes to what makes Dubuque the best place to live,
work, play and do business. It’s bittersweet to leave this role,
but handing over the reins to incredibly capable hands
leaves me feeling confident in YPD’s future and eager to
remain involved; offering all I can to the organization.
Thank you to the YP board, the Chamber, Heartland Financial,
my wife and the membership for giving me the opportunity
to lead YP. This past year was a good start. Here’s to
keeping up the momentum!
Sincerely,
Kyle Kumpf
2015-16 YP President

Your 2016-17 YP Board Members
Your 2016-17 YP Board Members
President
Stacey Hines
American Trust & Savings Bank
Vice President
Digger Kurt
Dupaco Community Credit Union
Secretary
Lyndsey Kaiser
Hotel Julien Dubuque
Lexi Brandon
UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital
Hannah Cox-Schroeder
DuTrac Community Credit Union
Dee Crist
Dubuque Bank & Trust
Daniel Moore
Barton Wealth Management
Dulce Arroyo
American Trust & Savings Bank
Nikki Droessler
Express Employment Professionals Professionals
YP Ambassadors
Eva Dondanville
Ruhl & Mortgage Ruhl Realtors
Chelsea Ellingson
Exit Realty
Derek Olberding
Fidelity Bank & Trust
Damian Waid
Cartegraph
Jessie Ehrlich
American Trust & Savings Bank

2016 YP Awards Luncheon Winners
YP Awards Ceremony Recap
YP Person of the Year
YPD Person of the Year
Digger Kurt
Dupaco Community Credit Union
YP Business of the Year
YPD Business of the Year
Envision Envision Sports Sports Design
YP Friend of the Year
YPD Friend of the Year
John Hackett

Friday, August 12, 2016
YP Night Golf
Join us Friday, August 12 for YP Night Golf. The event
will begin at 6:30pm with a reception including food
and drinks. Shotgun start at 8:00pm. The cost is $250
per foursome and prizes will be awarded.
‘S
Lacoma Golf
8080 Timmerman Dr
East Dubuque, IL 61025
6:30 pm Reception
8:00 pm Shotgun start
Cost: $250 per foursome
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
YP Monthly Luncheon
Featuring Jim jelinkske
speaking topic You can’t be too serious
Jim Jelinske believes that in order to improve morale, motivate
employees, spark creativity, build trust, and improve productivity
in the workplace our consistent positive attitude and our
sense of humor are the most essential human resources we
have to do so.
Want More Information on the Young Professionals Program?
Go to http://www.dubuquechamber.com/workforce/young-professionals/ to get a detailed
at upcoming events, the YP mission, and our photo gallery.

Oh what a night!!! Goals! Awards! Laughter! Our
annual dinner was one special evening! It’s our
opportunity to share with our members what
we have accomplished. What we have set to
accomplish. We do this to make our chamber
strong. We do what we do for you! Our members.
We want to thank everyone who shared in
our soirée!

THE DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER’S ANNUAL SOIREE
,
Mike Donahue accepted the Chairperson’s
Award for Leadership from past
Chair Joyce White
Dubuque Mayor Roy Boul looks on as
Dick Launspach addresses the Chamber
as Chair for the first time.
Past Chair Joyce White speaks with
last year’s Volunteer of the Year,
Nelson Klavitter.
Dubuque Area Chamber CEO, Molly
Grover, speaks with City Manager,
Mike Van Milligen.
Dr. Robert (Bert) Davis, President &
CEO of the National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium, accepts the
Economic Impact Award.
Appreciation awards were given to
former board members, (left to right)
Kyle Kumpf, Tony Zelinskas, and Jason
Norton.

Congratulations to our winner
The Annual Dinner featured the Dubuque Area Chamber’s Membership Awards.
The Chamber would like to thank all of our nominees and those who voted. We
know that our members make it happen - and with their support we are about to
Spark Member Success!
Customer Service
Volunteer of the Year
Friend of the
Graham’s Style Store
Mary Ann Gassman
Pauline Chilt
Exit Realty Dub

Most Promising New
Business of the Year
Business of the Year
s...
Year
Fourge Social
Innovator of the Year
Dupaco community Credit Union
Economic Impact
on,
uque
Technori
National Mississippi River
Museum & Aquarium

Double the members.
Double the voice.
Double the influence.
ultimate sponsors
2016 - 2017

Your Chamber means
Online Referrals
1,139
52,000+
Subscribers:
5684
June 2016
11,331
rEFERRALS
906
Increase
July 2016
12,237
rEFERRALS
100
80
60
40
20
Goal = 100
oct
July 2015 July 2016
American Airline
Passengers
% Change
from 2014
1,964
6.52%
American Airline
Passengers
% Change
from 2015
2,583
8.05%
Total Completion Rates* % Complete
Dubuque 93.60%
Moline 94.82%
Cedar Rapids 94.86%
Waterloo 94.81%
Flight Delays at a Glance* % on
Dubuque 85.21%
Moline 83.36%
Cedar Rapids 82.14%
Waterloo 84.42%

Your Chamber means
4%
Coli
Living in Dubuque
makes real cents.
30%
9%
less
New Home Cost
in Dubuque
$205,131
National Average
$267,900
in Dubuque
$1.83
National Average
$2.28
Doctor Visit Cost
in Dubuque
$118.33
National Average
$123.26
Sales Tax Revenue
Buying
Locally
builds a
Dubuque.
1%
Increase
3rd Quarter 2015
$20,054,063
3rd Quarter 2014
$19,817,345
$236,718 Increase
Total # of Home Sales YTD
612 vs
Homessold in 2016
557
The statistics above reflect home sales January 1 - June 1 of indicated year.
Total Number of Homes Sold by Month
160
140
Number of lisitngs sold
120
100
80
60
40
20
- 2015
- 2016
Jan feb mar apr may June July aug sep oct nov dec
date