APRIL_NEWSLETTER

April 2018
Iowa
Firsts
25 Things That Came From Iowa First
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
NOW WHAT ARE YOU
GOING TO DO WITH IT
Saving Lives & Saving Pennies
IN THE AROUND THE BLOCK SECTION

2018
April
Table of Contents
2 UPCOMING EVENTS
3 Iowa FIrsts
9 building blocks for success
11 Around the watercooler
13 Ribbon Cuttings
15 member news
www.dubuquechamber.com
Iowa Firsts: ,
Iowa is home to the 8th Wonder
of the World known as the
“Grotto of Redemption.”
3
Find more information
on page 5.

2018
April

Iowa Firsts
Iowa boasts many firsts
including the title of first in the Nation
Iowa boasts many firsts
including the title of First in the
Nation, according to U.S. News.
Iowa has been ranked 1st in
the nation due to its top 10
rankings in health care, opportunity,
education, and quality of
life. As stated by U.S. News, the
rankings' method for 2018
differs from what was used in
the 2017 rankings. In addition
to adding a new category,
quality of life, metric-level data
was updated to better reflect
what is being measured.
Anyone who calls the Hawkeye
state home will proudly claim
that it’s always been number
one in the hearts of those who
live here. Iowa looks to hold
this title of first in the nation
for years to come. Here are 25
“Iowa Firsts” that show Iowa
has been on a path to the top
for a long time.
1 In 1857, The University
of Iowa became the first
state university in the
nation to open its degree
programs to women.

2 In 1869, Iowa became
the first state to allow
women to join the bar,
which led to Iowa having
the first female attorney in
the U.S.: Arabella Mansfield.
3 In 1875, Emma Haddock
of Iowa City became the
first female in the United
States to practice law before
a federal court.
5The shortest, steepest scenic
railway in the world, The Fenelon
Place Elevator, is right here in
Dubuque, built in 1882 for the
private use of local banker and
former state senator J.K. Graves.
Also knows as the Fourth Street
Elevator, it was opened to the
public in 1884, charging 5 cents
per ride. After several fires, the
current railroad was built in 1893
on the footprint of the 1882
incline. It was individually listed in
the National Register of Historic
Places in 1978. The railway is 296
feet in length, elevating passengers
189 feet from Fourth Street to
Fenelon Place.
4 In 1869, Iowan Julia C.
Addington became the first
woman in the United States
to be elected to a public
office. She was elected to
be Mitchell County Superintendent.
6 In 1871, Ada E.
North became the
first woman in the
United States to be
appointed to a statewide
office. She was
appointed as the
Iowa State Librarian.
7 In 1890, John Froelich, of
Giard, Iowa, invented the first
gasoline powered tractor. Later in
1903, the first commercially successful
tractor powered by an
internal combustion engine, the
Hart-Parr tractor, was created in
Charles City, Iowa.
8 The Red Delicious apple was developed in Madison
County, Iowa. Jesse Hiatt was a farmer who discovered an
unusual seedling in his apple orchard in 1872. He carefully
nurtured the tree and found its first fruit to be of a remarkable
flavor. Originally named Hiatt’s “Hawkeye,” the apple was
entered in the Missouri State Fair in 1893. Upon biting into
the apple, one judge proclaimed it “delicious” and that name
stuck. A descendent of the original Delicious apple tree still
stands just north of Peru in Madison County.

9 Henry Wallace was born
in Adair County on October
7, 1888. During the early
1920s, Henry developed a
stronger and better corn
stalk and better type of
corn called hybrid corn.
10 Iowa is home to the
“Eighth Wonder of the
World.” The Grotto of the
Redemption, a religious
monument in West Bend, is
considered to be the
world’s most complete
man-made collection of
minerals, fossils, and shells,
the value of which is estimated
to be more than
$4.3 million. Construction of
the shrine began in 1912 by
Fr. Paul Matthias Dobberstein
after a decade of
collecting materials. He
finished building July 24,
1954 at the age of 82.
11 Jessie Field Shambaugh
of Shenandoah, Iowa, organized
4-H in 1914 and also
designed the original clover
emblem.
13 In 1917, Fort Des
Moines was the first site in
the nation to train the first
officer candidate class of
African Americans.
14 In 1920, a boy came
to Christian Nelson’s candy
store in Onawa, Iowa and he
couldn’t decide whether to
spend his money on ice
cream or a chocolate bar.
After experimenting with
different ways to adhere
melted chocolate to bricks of
ice cream, Nelson began
selling his invention, under
the name "I-Scream Bars". In
1921, he filed for a patent,
and secured an agreement
with local chocolate producer
Russell C. Stover to
mass-produce them under
the new trademarked name
"Eskimo Pie" and to create
the Eskimo Pie Corporation.
12 George Nissen, born in
Blairstown, Iowa, invented the
trampoline in 1934 after graduating
from the University of Iowa.
George thought he could make a
device that trapeze artists could
use to keep bouncing and flipping.
In 1941, he and his former coach
Larry Griswold set up the Griswold-Nissen
Trampoline & Tumbling
Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
15 February 6, 1926, the
first doughnut-making machine
was launched by a
company called Trausch
Bakery in Dubuque, Iowa.
16 Otto Frederick Rohwedder,
a native of Davenport,
Iowa, invented the first sliced
bread machine in 1927.
17 In 1934, the first
mosque built in the United
States was erected in Cedar
Rapids. It is now known as
the Mother Mosque of
America.

18 David Armbruster,
swimming coach at the
University of Iowa, invented
a swimming stroke called
“the butterfly stroke” in
1934. He came up with a
method to bring your arms
forward while doing a
breast stroke.
19 In 1935, after years
of developing hybrid seed
corn, Henry A. Wallace (U.S.
Secretary of Agriculture
from 1933–1940 and Vice
President under Franklin
Roosevelt) founded the
world’s first and largest
hybrid seed company, Pioneer
Hi-Bred Corn Company
in Johnston, Iowa.
20 The first digital computer
(the ABC) was invented
between 1939 and 1942
at Iowa State University by
physics professor John Vincent
Atanasoff and his graduate
student Clifford Berry.
21 Lee de Forest,
born in Council Bluffs,
Iowa, is American inventor
of the Audion vacuum
tube, which made possible
live radio broadcasting
and became the key
component of all radio,
telephone, radar, television,
and computer systems
before the invention
of the transistor in 1947.
He was widely honored
as the “father of radio”
and the “grandfather of
television.”
22 In 1986, Dr. Norman E.
Borlaug, the Father of the
Green Revolution and native
of Cresco, Iowa, founded The
World Food Prize to recognize
individuals who have advanced
human development by
improving the quality, quantity
or availability of food in the
world. He is the first in the
nation to receive the trifecta
of humanitarian awards—Nobel
Peace Prize, Congressional
Gold Medal and Presidential
Medal of Freedom, along with
the National Medal of Science.
23 RAGBRAI is a week-long bike touring event held
every year. Beginning in 1973, it’s the oldest and largest
touring event of its kind. The acronym “RAGBRAI” stands
for Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa and
the 8,500 riders who participate are selected by a
random lottery.

24 In 2008, Astronaut Peggy Whitson of Ringgold County, Iowa, became the first woman
to command the International Space Station and has spent more days in space than any
other woman.
25 In 2014, the first and
only chapter of the Young
Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)
launched in Dubuque, Iowa.
The YEA! program teaches
middle and high school students
how to start and run
their own real business or
social movement. The students
present their business plans to
a panel of investors and
receive real funding for their
business!
Bonus
Fact
This may not be an Iowa first, but it is pretty cool.
Riverside, Iowa enjoys the unique status of being the
future birthplace of one James Tiberius Kirk, Captain
of the starship USS Enterprise, who will be born on
March 22, 2233. Not only does this city get to bask
in future glory, it also boasts being the home of the
present Trekfest. As Kirk says, “No, I am from Iowa. I
only work in outer space.”

Stop the burnout
Upgrade to LED lighting
LEDs last 25 times longer than traditional bulbs. That means less time changing
bulbs and more time running your business. With money-saving rebates, it’s the
perfect time to make the switch.
alliantenergy.com/rebates
1-866-ALLIANT (866-255-4268)
Rebates are for existing buildings only. Must be ENERGY STAR ®
or DesignLights Consortium ®
© 2018 Alliant Energy 6280701 3/18 MJ

mississippi
regional blood center
Who started the company/organization?
MVRBC is a not-for-profit organization that was
established to bring the concept of shared blood
services to life in the Quad Cities region. By uniting
the Rock Island County, Illinois and Scott County,
Iowa blood banks our founders helped the community
work together toward a common goal: a safe,
plentiful supply of blood for patients in local hospitals.
MVRBC was founded in the mid-1970s, a
decade that saw a major shift in blood banking
culture toward tightly controlled, process-oriented
regulations, and away from biologic, hospital-based
control.
How long have you been in business?
Since 1974
Number of employees:
637 total - 15 based in Dubuque
Hours of operations:
Monday, Wednesday, & Thursday: Noon - 6:30 p.m.
Every Other Friday: 7 - 11 a.m.
Every Other Saturday: 7 - 11 a.m.
Sunday (platelet only): 6 - 8:45 a.m.
We will be open every day of the week late spring/
early fall!
What made you choose Dubuque as the location
for your business/organization?
We support the local hospitals in the Dubuque
and surrounding areas for blood supply. It only fit
for us to have a location in Dubuque and now a
mobile unit out of Dubuque.
What does your business/organization do and
what need does this meet in the community?
We supply blood supplies (whole blood, platelets,
plasma) to all the local hospitals in the community.
The supplies we provide are from donations
from donors – at our center in Dubuque or from
groups hosting blood drives.
The need in the community is to continue to help
fill our hospital supplies – as you may never know
when you, family member, or friend may need a
product or more.
Why is it important to your company/organization
to be a Chamber member?
Being a non-profit entity and organization that
depends on donors, many of our drives are
supported by volunteers and community members.
It is important for us to give back what
others are giving to us. Being a chamber member
allows us to be involved and help support the
community as well.

Hours of operation: American Trust has seven
offices in Dubuque, one in Farley, two in Dyersville
and two in Des Moines.
Downtown Main - 895 Main St., Dubuque
Hours: M–F 8:30–5
Downtown 9th/Locust - 913 Locust Street, Dubuque
Hours: M–F 8–5:30
West - 280 Kennedy Rd., Dubuque
Hours: M–F 8:30–5:30, Sat. 9–12:00
Asbury - 4730 Asbury Road
Hours: M–F 8:30–5:30, Sat. 9–12:00
North - Jackson & 32nd St., Dubuque
Hours: M–F 8:30–5:30
american trust
& Savins bank
Members since 1925
Who started the business/organization?
The history of American Trust & Saving Bank began
more than a century ago when several Dubuque
business people obtained a charter for the
German American Savings Bank. Nicholas J.
Schrup, one of the founding fathers, became the
first president. The bank’s name was changed
during WWI to American Trust & Savings Bank. Of
the seven banks established in Dubuque, American
Trust is one of only two banks to survive the
Great Depression.
How long has your business/organization been
open? Since 1911
Number of employees: 330
South - Key West/Rockdale Rd., Dubuque
Hours: M–F 8:30–5:30
Inside Hartig Drug Store - 1600 University Ave., Dubuque
Hours: M–F 9–5:30, Sat 9–12:00
For hours for other locations please visit that location on the
web.
What does your company do and what need does
this meet in the community?
American Trust is a family owned community bank
that believes in the future, because for over one
hundred years our company has invested our lives
and resources in the communities we serve. American
Trust believes in giving back to help move our
communities forward.
Why is it important to your company to be Chamber
members?
The Chamber promotes the economic growth of our
community through the support of local businesses.
Since 1925, the Chamber has been the voice of area
businesses. American Trust has been a member
since its inception. We are proud of the Chamber’s
contributions to our community growth and advocacy
of area businesses.

“It looks like Spring has finally Sprung! What are you looking forward to doing most in
this warm Dubuque weather?”
Dr. Rob Ricketts
Ricketts Clinic of Chiropractic
"Working in my yard and garden!"
Genevieve Twining
Telegraph Herald
“I'm definitely looking forward to spending more time hiking in the sunshine. As s
ground dries, I'll be at the Mines of Spain!”
Michael Fullen
Hodge Company
“I’m most looking forward to getting our little man outside for his first summer. H
on bike rides with his Dad and lay poolside with Mom.”

SPRING
TIME
oon as the
e’s itching to go
Amy Wright
Mercy Medical Center
“Opening the windows in my new house-it was cold when we moved
in last October, so opening them and smelling spring is top on my list
(and getting the kids outside )”

Natural Touch Massage
3338 Center Grove Drive #210 Dubuque, IA 52003
563.581.1319
www.naturaltouchmassagedbq.com
Congratulations on the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
celebrating Natural Touch
Massage. Natural Touch
Massage is located in a
peaceful and comfortable atmosphere. Upon entering their building,
you will immediately feel relaxed and at ease. At Natural Touch
Massage, they promise you will receive one of the best massages in the
industry no matter what therapy you choose. Their focus is on you, your
level of comfort and your needs.
Safeguard Business Solutions
2017 N Main St Dubuque, IA 52001
563.582.4589
www.iowasafeguard.com
Congratulations on the Ribbon
Cutting celebrating Safeguard
Business Solutions! It's all about
you. Count on your local Safeguard
consultant for products, services
and advice that make managing and marketing your business easier
and more effective. Click. Call. Converse. Your consultant can help with
everything from checks and forms to online marketing and full-color
printing. Browse online, then get in touch for ideas or to purchase. This
personal service is free to you.
March of Dimes
200 Mercy Dr, Dubuque, IA 52001
563.583.3755
www.marchofdimes.com
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating March of
Dimes. March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that leads the fight
for the health of all moms and babies through education, advocacy, and
research.
Phoenix Theatres Kennedy Mall
555 John F. Kennedy Road #105 Dubuque, IA 52002
563.556.0077
www.phoenixmovies.net/loc_kennedymall
Congratulations on the
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
celebrating Phoenix
Theaters Kennedy Mall.
The Grand Opening of
Phoenix Theatres Kennedy Mall was April 6 and when area residents
return, they will experience significant upgrades in all areas of the
theatre including new Christie Digital Projectors, Dolby Digital 7.1 &
Trinnov Sound Systems and 100% reclining heated seats from VIP
Cinema Seating.

Dream Center
1600 White St Dubuque IA
563.845.7591
www.dubuquedreamcenter.com/
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting
ceremony celebrating Dream Center! Dream
Center programs will focus on values, equal
participation, and fun. Dream Center staff and volunteers are driven and trained to
provide youth and families a caring and welcoming experience. By providing these
high-quality programs and making them accessible and affordable for low-income
families, the Dream Center envisions impacting lives that will not only lead to a safer
community, but a sense of community.
Light Burst Photography
472 W 16th St, Dubuque, IA 52001
563.845.7080
www.lightburstphotography.com
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating Light Burst
Photography. Light Burst Photography is a media production company
specializing in both video production and photography.
Statera
3375 Lake Ridge Dr Dubuque, IA 52003
563.207.8932
http://stateraintegrated.com
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony celebrating Statera
Integrated Health and Wellness
Solutions! At Statera, we will gather
traditional medicine and holistic healing
under one roof. Our team of providers
includes physicians, nurse practitioners, chiropractors, acupuncturists, massage
therapists, aestheticians, mental health providers, physical therapist, personal
trainers, health coaches, life coaches and dietitians all ready to work together as
a team to address your healthcare needs. At Statera, we believe in the
importance of mind, body and spirit wellness. We look forward to joining you on
your journey to improved health and wellness.
Heritage Works
210 West 1st Street Dubuque, IA 52001
563.564.4080
http://heritageworksdbq.com/
Congratulations on the Ribbon
Cutting celebrating Heritage Works.
Heritage Works is a comprehensive
resource for those engaged in
preservation and redevelopment
projects in the Dubuque area. It is
focused on three primary
objectives: facilitating collaboration for catalytic preservation and
restoration projects, including help in gathering financial assistance for such
projects; community and governmental advocacy emphasizing the
importance of historic preservation; and educational programming
highlighting Dubuque’s rich historic and architectural heritage.
The Jule Operations and Training Center
949 Kerper Blvd Dubuque, IA 52001
563.589.4196
www.cityofdubuque.org/274/Transit
Congratulations on the Ribbon Cutting
Ceremony for The Jule Operations &
Training Center.

member
News
The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing current and noteworthy
information of relevance to tri-state area businesses. If you would like more information on
any of the items in our news section, view our webpage at www.dubuquechamber.com/-
press-room/member-press-releases/
UnityPoint Health
Finley Health Foundation
Welcomes Grammy
and CMA Award Winner
Jo Dee Messina to play Gala
UnityPoint Health Finley Health Foundation
is pleased to announce Grammy
and CMA Award Winner Jo Dee Messina
will be the feature act for the annual
Miracles on the Mississippi Gala. The
gala is on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the
Diamond Jo Casino.
Finley Nursing
Scholarships awarded
UnityPoint Health – Finley Health Foundation and the Finley School of
Nursing Alumni Association are pleased to announce that a total of $17,500
has been awarded to area students who are pursuing a nursing degree in
higher education for the 2018-2019 academic school year.
Scholarship funding is provided by the Finley School of Nursing Alumni
Association, the Edith Kritz Scholarship Endowment, the Dr. Peter Kearney
Scholarship Endowment, the Colonel Fred and Ellen Phelps Scholarship
Endowment, the Andrea Hayseltt-Trilk Memorial Scholarship and the Carole
A. Smith-Miller Memorial Scholarship, both Finley Hospital School of Nursing
alumnae. In the past twelve years $178,500 has been given in scholarships
to area students.
Jo Dee Messina is a seasoned veteran in
the music industry with nine number
one hits, sixteen top 40 songs and has
sold more than five million albums
worldwide. Her breakout song “Heads
Carolina, Tails California” made her a
household name. Along with CMA,
Grammy and ACM Awards, Jo Dee
Messina was the first female in country
music history to celebrate three consecutive
multi-week, chart topping songs.
The event schedule includes the Miracles
on the Mississippi Gala program
with hors d’oeuvres and refreshments,
live auction, and Jo Dee Messina in
concert. To purchase tickets, contact
the Finley Health Foundation RSVP and
Ticket Line at (563) 557-2700 or email
finleyhealthfoundation@unitypoint.org.

Honkamp Krueger & HKP announce five new partners
Honkamp Krueger & Co., P.C. (HK) and its workforce
management affiliate, HK Payroll Services, Inc. (HKP),
have announced the addition of five new partners to
the firm effective January 1, 2018.
Ryan Burbach, CPA, has been made a
partner at HK. As a partner in decision
support services, Ryan works with
clients to develop a practical and effective
business advisory model, involving
data-driven decisions and the continuous
improvement of business processes. Ryan earned a
B.A. in accounting from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
Nicole Gantz, has been made a partner at HK. As the
marketing partner, Nicole is responsible for
the marketing strategy and implementation
of innovative marketing solutions for
both HK and HKP. She also provides
marketing consulting to assist businesses
with their own marketing strategies and
initiatives. Nicole earned a B.S. in business administration
with a specialty in marketing from Marquette
University in Milwaukee, Wis. and an M.S. in management
from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee,
Wis.
Sue Lawler, CPA, has been made a
partner at HK. As an audit partner, Sue is
responsible for overseeing audit team
members, planning and reviewing client
attestation engagements, presenting
financial statements and other reports
to clients, and researching new accounting
pronouncements and auditing standards. Sue
earned a B.A. in accounting from the University of
Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Stacey May, has been made a partner at HKP. As
partner of the tax credit program, Stacey leads a
highly-knowledgeable, customer
service-focused team who actively
pursues several federal and state
employment tax credits for hundreds of
businesses coast-to-coast. Stacey earned
a B.S. in business administration with a
specialty in marketing from Marquette University in
Milwaukee, Wis.
Stephanie Mettille, CPA, has been made a partner of
HK. As a partner, Stephanie assists
businesses and individuals with tax
planning, tax preparation, and general
business consulting. She works with
clients in a wide variety of industries
including construction, real estate,
automobile dealerships and manufacturers
and has extensive experience with multi-state
businesses. Stephanie earned a B.A. in accounting
from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
Do you have news ?
Would you like to see the latest and greatest news
from your business in Chamber @WORK? Submit
your news to the
Dubuque Area Chamber
at
office@dubuquechamber.com
and
include the word
“newsletter” in the
subject line.