August Newsletter

IBM 

A DECADE IN 

DUBUQUE 

BUSINESS AFTER 

SCHOOL 2019 

ANNOUNCED 

LEADERSHIP DUBUQUE 

ROLL CALL FOR THE CLASS OF 2019-2020 

UPCOMING EVENTS, RIBBON CUTTINGS & MORE.....

2019 

Summer 

Table of Contents 

1 Index 

3 IBM: a decade in Dubuque 

13 Young Entrepreneurs Academy 

14 Leadership dubuque 

15 UPCOMING EVENTS 

17 Business after school 

3 

A Decacde in Dubuque: 

IBM became a fixture in the 

Dubuque landscape 10 years ago 

and in this issue we look a little 

deeper in how their workforce 

feels about our great city. 

www.dubuquechamber.com 

,

T H E C O N V E N 

I E N C E O F 

H O M E 

2019 

D U B U Q U E R E G 

I O N A L A I R P O R T 

DO LONG QUEUES MAKE YOU FEEL BLUE? 

Skip the lines and fly DBQ 

If air travel for you means a long commute followed by long, time 

consuming lines then skip the lines, and fly DBQ. Located just 

south of Dubuque and featuring a state of the art terminal, the 

Dubuque Regional Airport takes the waiting out of your flight. 

Fly DBQ and enjoy the convenience of home. 

Learn More at www.iflydbq.com. 

DUBUQUE REGIONAL AIRPORT

IBM: A Decade in Dubuque 

IBM became a fixture in the landscape of downtown Dubuque after many conversations, 

meetings, tours, site visits, and college visits. Dubuque leaders were overjoyed 

and rolled out the red carpet for the “New Kid in Town” to ensure an easy transition 

period. Many IBM employees were new to Dubuque, and perhaps new to the 

small-town way of living, which can bring challenges in itself. Diversity and inclusion 

have become top of mind discussions and embraced by local business and community 

leaders. 

Fast forward to 2018 when the Dubuque Area Chamber was introduced to Andy 

Sherman, Senior Manager and Site Manager Dubuque Client Innovation Center, GTS 

Services Delivery. 

One of Andy’s priorities was to let everyone in the community know that IBM is a 

partner, not just in the business community, but the community as a whole. IBM has 

become one of the Chamber’s strongest supporters. Andy now serves on the Chamber 

board of directors and he and his staff have become very present at Chamber 

events. From Young Professionals to the Diversity Summit, to Forecast Luncheon, 

Annual Dinner and Dancing With the Stars, you are bound to see an IBM employee 

proudly representing their company. 

For the last 10 years IBM has been a wonderful addition to the Dubuque community 

and to the Dubuque Area Chamber and we look forward to 

the next decade and the many successes of our 

partnership with IBM.

Andy Sherman 

What is your favorite restaurant(s) so far? 

Andy Sherman 

What do you enjoy about Dubuque? 

Dubuque is the best of both worlds, it is large 

enough that we have many community events, 

museums, great schools, etc. but at the same 

time it is not too big, so you still get the 

small-town feel. 

Why did you decide to move to/stay in DBQ? 

I moved to Dubuque from Chicagoland ten 

years ago with IBM to help startup and build 

the IBM Dubuque Client Innovation Center. 

What do you think makes Dubuque unique? 

Ever since moving to Dubuque, I have been 

impressed with how focused the city is on 

making everything better. Revitalizing the 

different areas of the city, focusing on lowering 

unemployment, focusing on diversity, and 

helping the non-profits. The list is endless. I 

have never lived in a city that is so focused on 

improving and helping its residents. 

Have you become involved in your community? 

I try to get involved to help whenever possible. 

This year I have helped at multiple school 

events, Days of Caring, Fountain of Youth, 

Dream Center, and other charitable organizations. 

I am currently on the Fountain of Youth 

board and hope to help people understand 

generational poverty so that everyone knows 

how important their mission is to the community. 

I am inspired by IBM and their focus on community 

and the many wonderful volunteers I 

am honored to work with here in Dubuque. 

Unfortunately, I am very restricted to what I 

can eat, so I have to be careful eating out. 

There are only some restaurants I can eat at. 

When my wife and I were on our honeymoon 

(many years ago) we ate at a Tony 

Roma’s and really enjoyed it. There was not 

one close by until shortly after we moved to 

Dubuque. Going there always brings back 

great memories. I also enjoy eating at Caroline’s, 

they have a great menu and are 

always willing to work with me to find something 

I can easily and safely enjoy. 

What do you wish everyone knew about 

IBM? 

IBM is celebrating 10 years In Dubuque this 

year. It has been an exciting, difficult, and 

challenging ride. There has been no obstacle 

that we could not overcome, they are a 

great group of people working at IBM in 

Dubuque to come up with solutions. Working 

together, there is no challenge we can’t 

overcome, no problem we can’t solve. It is a 

great place to work. 

IBM in Dubuque is still focused on hiring. 

Dubuque is still a strategic support center 

for IBM. Shameless plug, but please check 

out https://jobs.accessdubuque.com/ for 

details. 

Any favorite hangouts, yet? 

There so many great places to hangout it is 

hard to pick just one. We always enjoy 

concerts at one of the theaters, they are all 

nice, and have been to many at Five Flags, 

The Grand Opera House, and UD’s Heritage 

Center. Even watching our kids concerts at 

school is enjoyable. Friday nights at the 

Clocktower in the summer are always fun, 

hanging out at Eagle Point Park, or at the 

Lock and Dam watching the eagles fish are 

all great places. I attended my first Dubuque 

Fighting Saints game this year…Highly 

recommended!

Zach Werner 

What do you think makes Dubuque 

Zach Werner 


I personally enjoy the traditions that come 

with living in an older city like Dubuque. One 

example that holds a lot of meaning for me, is 

the 3rd of July when Dubuque has its airshow 

and fireworks. For myself it is one of my favorite 

times of the year, because I get to see 

friends that live across the Midwest. A few live 

in Minnesota, while others live in Wisconsin, 

and some just live in different cities in Iowa, 

but each year in July we get together where 

we all grew up to meet one time a year and 

catch up with one another. 

Have you become involved in the community? 

I personally have been by attending Young 

Professional events and volunteer events held 

at IBM. Outside of work I would love to spend 

more time playing music which is one of my 

passions (if you are curious, I play the guitar). 

What is your favorite restaurant(s) so far? 

My personal favorites are the Copper Kettle in 

downtown Dubuque, Lina’s Thai Bistro, and 

breakfast at Sunshine Family Restaurant. 

Why did you decide to stay in Dubuque? 

I chose to stay in Dubuque for the opportunity 

this apprenticeship gave me. In all honesty this 

apprenticeship at IBM was a dream come true, 

because it allows me to be in an industry that 

is booming and gives me the ability to learn 

and work within a company that has many 

possibilities for job growth. 

unique? 

The areas that make Dubuque truly unique 

would be the Millwork District and the 

Mississippi Riverwalk area. Each of these 

locations have their own piece that make 

Dubuque a great place to be. The Riverwalk 

has the fascinating Riverboat Museum, 

which teaches and captures the history of 

Dubuque and the Mississippi River. While 

Dubuque’s Millwork District is where the 

latest business and entertainment intermingles. 

Each area brings people from all over 

together to share in what Dubuque has to 

offer. In the future I hope to see more land 

developed in the Millwork District, because 

it would attract more businesses to 

Dubuque. 


IBM? 

In particular, I would like everyone to know 

that IBM is one of the pioneers in starting 

apprenticeships in the tech field. In fact, 

they are currently in the process of talking 

to other tech companies such as Google, 

Apple, and Amazon to follow them in creating 

these apprenticeships. These apprenticeships 

allow companies to create the 

employees they are looking for. Additionally, 

this has the ability to help people make that 

career change they’ve wanted and have an 

opportunity to be in an industry that is 

forever changing and adapting. I encourage 

more businesses to start more apprenticeships. 


Some of my favorite hangouts include 

Washington Park for lunch. I love being able 

to eat outside and enjoy the summer 

breeze. Outside of work, I love to walk down 

by the Riverwalk, or I enjoy going to different 

nature reserves such as Swiss Valley or 

TMBR Ridge Mountain Bike Trail in Asbury, 

Iowa. TMBR Ridge Mountain Bike Trail is an 

entry level trail that gets you to the rest of 

Cloie Creek trails.

Zachary Little 

Zachary Little 


I love Dubuque for its great sense of community. 

It reminds me of home (Aurora, IL) but with 

more focus on small businesses, local entertainment, 

and a variety of fun activities and 

parks nearby. 

Why did you decide to move to/stay in 

Dubuque? 

I first came to Dubuque to attend Loras college 

as a transfer student in 2010. After graduation 

in 2012, I moved back home for a year before I 

was presented an opportunity to become an 

IBMer. I was happy to return in June 2013 and 

began my career at IBM. 


I believe the marriage of small-town feel and 

big-city career opportunities Dubuque has 

makes it a unique city. A 20-minute drive west 

and you find a slower pace of living but take a 

downtown stroll or explore the river walk, and 

you can feel the buzz of commerce and activity 

in the air. 

How have you become involved in your 

community? Or if you are new-what is 

your plan to becoming involved? 

I have personally invested a lot of time in my 

church, Holy Spirit, on the north end of 

Dubuque. Additionally, I volunteer through 

IBM's Spirit Club, which helps coordinate 

activities for not only IBMers internally, but 

through multiple partnerships within the 

community. Our EXITE/Ignite camp, which 

happens every summer for middle-schoolers, 

immerses them in a week full of STEM 

related activities. I love being a part of these 

activities for the students as they expand 

their minds and think about how to make 

broader connections outside the classroom. 

What is your favorite restaurant so far? 

Favorite restaurant: Brazen (Don't make me 

choose though!) Favorite Brewery: 7Hills. 


IBM? 

There's a tendency that people have to 

focus on bad press. But what doesn't get 

coverage is the fact that IBM has partnered 

with numerous organizations throughout 

the city and provided significant grant 

money in recent years to these organizations. 

Most importantly, this grant money 

stems from Dubuque IBMers volunteering 

thousands of hours of their time to their 

favorite organizations and creating goodness 

in Dubuque and the world. 


I love the variety of local coffee shops, breweries, 

and restaurants in and around downtown. 

But I really enjoy spending time 

outside and especially at the weekly Farmer's 

market during the summer.

Kaylee Godfrey 

Kaylee Godfrey 


I have been here for only a month, but so far I 

have enjoyed Heritage Trail and Mines of 

Spain, water-skiing on the Mississippi and the 

Fourth of July fireworks. 

Why did you decide to move to Dubuque? 

I have moved to Dubuque to work at IBM. 


The Midwest people being so nice and kind. 

How have you become involved in your community? 

Or if you are new-what is your plan 

to becoming involved? 

I have joined YP where I have meet other 

individuals like me, connected with a water-ski 

team, and joined a church 


IBM? 

IBM is the 7th largest employer in the US 

and is always on the cutting edge of innovation. 

They have donated time and money 

back into the communities all around the 

globe including Dubuque, where I have 

already been able to contribute in the short 

time I have been here. I am so excited to 

work for such a diverse company and to 

start my career here. 


I am still looking for my perfect spot due to 

the fact there is so many to choose from. 


I have really enjoyed going to eat at Brazen 

Open Kitchen Bar and El Paisano’s.

Mary Aranjo 

Mary Aranjo 


I enjoy looking at the historical architecture 

and that the community is refurbishing the 

Millwork District so that is a vibrant part of the 

community and not abandoned buildings that 

are left in disrepair. I also enjoy the natural 

beauty of the Mississippi valley, the river, 

watching the boat traffic, the cliffs and bluffs of 

the area and the small shops in the downtown 

area that keep it alive. 


Dubuque? 

I live in Galena but moved to the Dubuque 

area because of my job with IBM. It has been a 

great experience. At work IBM team has been 

inclusive and welcoming, the fact that I am not 

from Dubuque has not been an issue. Outside 

of work the people I have encountered are 

very friendly and helpful. Dubuque has the 

small town feel that no one is a stranger and 

that the community helps each other. 


Or if you are new-what is your plan to becoming 

involved? Since I do the weekend commute 

to the Chicago area, I have not been involved 

in the community a lot. I contribute to the IBM 

food drive that is an ongoing activity for IBM 

and contributes to several of the area food 

pantries. 

What do you think makes Dubuque 

unique? 

I think Dubuque is unique in its sense of 

community. There are many activities that 

include everyone. During the holidays the 

decorated trees in the lobby of the Roshek 

building and the silent auction items. I enjoy 

looking at all the items and can then look 

into the sponsors to find out more about 

them and what they do in the area. There is 

also the farmers market in the summer and 

in the winter. The music under the clock. 

Activities that everyone can enjoy. 


I like Mario's Italian Restaurant. I went with 

a friend from work the first time and have 

been back many times. I enjoy the baked 

Manicotti. 


IBM? 

There are IBMers with unexpected talents. 

Listening to the person speak of the activity 

and how they use them in the community. 


I do not have any favorite hangouts. I have 

enjoyed hiking at the Mines of Spain and at 

Eagle Point Park with the view of the Mississippi 

River and the lock & dam.

Calvin Jones 

Calvin Jones 


I enjoy the summer festival season in Dubuque 

the most. I like the fact that it is easy for my 

friends to gather in a city with a less than 

15-minute commute as opposed to having my 

friends scattered over large suburban areas of 

major cities. 


Dubuque? 

I moved to Dubuque in 2012 when I transferred 

for IBM. It was an exciting opportunity 

that I could not pass up. Even if I was no longer 

with IBM, I would very much like to remain 

here. 


Brazen is my favorite restaurant, but I always 

love going to new places whether they are 

new to me or new to Dubuque. 


IBM? 

That IBM contributes a lot in time and 

money to local charities throughout the 

tri-states, but we never advertise that fact. 


My favorite hangouts are the downtownbars, 

especially the Hub. 


Dubuque is a forward-thinking small city with 

many progressive ideas. 




I have volunteered at the Mines of Spain and 

the Washington Neighborhood. I also provide 

support for the many local charities, teams, 

and clubs.

Aron Tesfay 

Aron Tesfay 


The weather is definitely to my liking. I enjoy 

the warm sunny days. I also love the fact that 

there are several recreational areas nearby 

that I can go to, especially the river trails. As 

somebody who comes from a big city, I think 

that people in a small town like Dubuque are 

more connected and even strangers will often 

greet you and talk to you. 


Dubuque? 

I moved to Dubuque because I was offered an 

apprenticeship position with IBM. 


Dubuque is a small town that is within driving 

distance of several major cities including Madison, 

Milwaukee, Chicago and Minneapolis. I 

think that makes it a great place for anybody 

who wants to live in a small town without 

getting too far away from civilization. 


I haven't been to a whole lot of restaurants 

around, but I liked the food at Adobos. 


IBM? 

I wish everyone realized how much of the 

things they use in their everyday lives are a 

product of IBM's innovation from ATM's, the 

RAM and hard drives in their computers, 

UPC barcodes, virtualization, AI and so on. 


I've only been in Dubuque for a little over a 

month, but I go to the Carnegie-Stout 

library often and enjoy doing a little studying 

in there. 




I recently helped with a Middle school summer 

camp that IBM hosted. I helped kids design all 

kinds of cool devices using circuit simulators. I 

also plan to join a mountain biking group once 

I have my bike shipped from my previous 

home.

Adam Gilligan 

Adam Gilligan 


My Favorite thing about Dubuque would have 

to be the people. Blue collar, hardworking, 

type of folk. People who exchange "Good 

morning!" and stop to talk about the weather 

for 3 minutes with some they've never met 

before kind of people. 


Dubuque? 

First and foremost, family. Dubuque seems to 

hold family as a very high priority. 


Hills 




I have not been as active in the community as I 

would like to be. Recently I've been gaining 

more opportunities to volunteer in and around 

the community. It is certainly something I plan 

to continue doing and eventually hope to 

assume a bigger role in the future. 


LMay, didn't even have to think about it. 

Unless we are talking pizza, then it’s no question 

Knickers Meatlovers pie, hands down. 


IBM? 

I want people to know how much fun we 

have on a day to day basis. I've been very 

fortunate to work with some great people 

who have made my transition into IBM a 

smooth one. Everyone here has gone above 

and beyond for any inquiry that I have 

made, even if it wasn't their responsibility to 

do so. "That's not my job" doesn't seem to 

be an answer that holds much weight to it. 


I will say, if there is one place in Dubuque 

that has made a lasting impact on the 

person I am today, it's got to be Lot One Bar 

and Grill. I mean, how do you beat a place 

that serves up some of the best bar cuisine 

around, supports 14 HD TVs (that's just on 

the 1st floor), and 30...YES 30!!.... insulated 

tap lines flowing straight from the cooler 

into your parched mouth hole. I tell you 

what, the only thing that could make that 

place more enjoyable is if it had an available 

4-5 ft wide balcony on the second floor that 

you could hang out on and look up main 

street, but that is a completely hypothetical 

situation

Middle School & High School Students: 

Cecelia Darter, CEO of Sew Your Style 

2017 YEA! Dubuque Regional Winner 

Don’t just PLAN your future. 

Start it NOW! 

The Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) teaches middle and high school 

students how to start and run their own real business or social movement. 

Over the course of 25 weeks we will meet once a week and hear from area 

business leaders, go on field trips for behind the scenes tours, and cap off the 

program with our Investor Panel (think Shark Tank). Students aren’t required 

to have any previous business experience, this class will teach the necessary 

skills. 

www.dubuquechamber.com/programs/young-entrepreneurs/ 

(563) 557-9200 or email jehlers@dubuquechamber.com. 

Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a program 

provided by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is 

now accepting applications for Leadership Dubuque 2019 - 20 

This program is designed to identify, orient, develop and connect existing and emerging professional 

leaders with the goal of enhancing positive growth in our business community. 

more info 

apply now! 

All applications must be submitted by Friday, August 23, 2019. 

For any questions contact Barry Gentry, 563.557.9200. 

leadership dubuque is a program provided by the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce

ALL EVENTS FOR AUGUST 

13 

AUGUST 

2019 

13 

AUGUST 

2019 

15 

AUGUST 

2019 

B2B 

August 13, 2019 

8:30am - 9:30am 

Chamber Boardroom 

Great Minds Drink Alike 


5:00pm -7:00pm 

Hotel Julien Dubuque 

B2B 


8:30am - 9:30am 


15 

AUGUST 

2019 

20 

AUGUST 

2019 

20 

AUGUST 

2019 

Gina's Whisky Lounge 

4:30pm 

45 N 2nd St. 

Platteville, WI 53818 

B2B 


8:30am - 9:30am 


Steeple Square 

4:30pm 

105 E 15th St 

Dubuque, Ia 52001 

20 

AUGUST 

2019 

21 

AUGUST 

2019 

22 

AUGUST 

2019 

Business After Hours 

7G Distribution 

5035 Chavenelle 

5:00pm - 7:00pm 

YP Luncheon 


11:45am - 1:00pm 

Grand River Center 

B2B 


8:30am - 9:30am 

Chamber Boardroom

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 

5 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

10 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

10 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

Open House 

September 5, 2019 

Betty Jane Candies 

Power Hour 


7:30am - 8:30am 


Great Minds Drink Alike 


5:00pm -7:00pm 


17 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

18 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

19 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

Business After Hours 

Kendall Hunt 

4050 Westmark Dr. 

5:00pm - 7:00pm 

YP Luncheon 


11:45am - 1:00pm 

Grand River Center 

State of Education 


12:00pm -1:00pm 


24 

SEPTEMBER 

2019 

17 

OCTOBER 

2019 

24 

OCTOBER 

2019 

Business Builder 

Breakfast 


8:00am - 9:30am 


Legislative Luncheon 

October 17, 2019 

12:00pm -1:00pm 


Leadership Dubuqe 

Alumni 

October 24, 2019 

Diamond Jo Casino

Starting November 2019 

The Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce 

understands that today’s students are tomorrow’s 

workforce. The 21st century global marketplace 

demands a highly skilled, trained, and educated 

talent pool. Connecting business to education in 

order to increase successful outcomes for the 

Dubuque area is a priority of our organization. 

Business After School (BAS) will be a weekly 

event that creates experiential and work-based 

learning opportunities for students, educators 

and teachers. 

Available sectors include Skilled Jobs, Engineering, and Healthcare. 

More details coming soon. For more information or questions please contactBarry Gentry 

at the Dubuque Area Chamber at 563.557.9200 orbentry@dubuquechamber.com. 

Join us at 

DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

300 Main Street 

DUBUQUE , IA 52001 

Business After School is a program 

provided by the Dubuque Area 

Chamber of Commerce

DUBUQUE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 

300 Main Street 

DUBUQUE , IA 52001

August Newsletter

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