November YP Connector

PAGE 4
PAGE 8
Contents
4// YP Symposium
8 // Dubuque Mayoral Candidates - David Resnick
& Brad Cavanaugh
Reviewing the impact of our October YP luncheon
presenters
PAGE 10
10 // Blog: 30 Things to Start Doing in Your 30s
(if you haven’t already)
14 // Sponsor Highlight - Recognizing Envision
Tees
16 //YP Sponsors
17 // Upcoming Events
PAGE 14
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
#YPDUBUQUE

Young Professionals
Dubuque Symposium
2021
Wednesday, November 17th
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Holiday Inn Dubuque
The Dubuque Area Chamber’s Young
Professionals Symposium is designed
to give its participants an out-of-thebox
look at development. Whether it be
professional or personal, we strive to
present our members with information
that will matter as they progress in
their careers. We want to be that local
resource where Dubuque’s workforce
attends our events to help them flourish
and succeed.

YP Dubuque Symposium 2021
The YP Dubuque Symposium 2021 will be held on Wed., November 17th, 11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
at Holiday Inn Dubuque. Cost to attend is $69.
Agenda
11:30 AM - NOON
Registration
NOON - 1:00 PM
Welcome | Opening keynote, Amanda Goodman, Emmy-award winning journalist,
Executive Director of Family & Children’s Council of Black Hawk County
1:00 PM - 1:10 PM
Share Breakouts 1 Information/Break
1:10 PM - 2:00 PM
Breakouts 1
1A: Michael Leytem
Leadership Coach and Talent Management Consultant, Catching Leadership
| Leadership Culture: Learning how to identify and build a culture of leadership.
1B: Alisha Leytem
Certified Wellness Coach | Mindfulness and Wellbeing at Work: Hands-on session with tools
and techniques to reduce stress and improve health, creativity, and communication.
1C: Matt Booth
Certified Speaking Professional | A positive Attitude in a Negative World: Learn and take home tools
for Negativity, Energy, Engagement, Direction, Souce of Power.
2:00 PM - 2:10 PM
Break
2:10 PM - 3:00 PM
Breakouts 2
2A: Amanda Goodman
“Finding Your Third Act.”| Executive Director of Family & Children’s Council of Black Hawk County
2B: Chad Grall
Sales Manager, Kunkel & Associates | Differentiating from competition/and tactics to
effective prospecting. This will be an interactive workshop as you dive into the ongoing challenges
sales professionals face today in differentiating from competitors, and also tactics to effectively prospect
to new prospects. Chad will go over tactics that he has learned in his 15+ years as a sales/marketing
executive, while also brainstorming on what tactics provide the greatest ROI.
2C: Michael & Alisha Leytem
3:10 PM
Meghan Hackett Award
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Closing keynote, Dr. Liang Chee Wee, President, Northeast Iowa Community College
| GRACE: Gratitude through Reflection, Appreciation, Compassion & Equity. Nurturing gratitude through
mindful acts of reflection, appreciation, compassion, and equity allows us to experience and spread the
joy of fulfillment throughout our lives.
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Giveaways, adjourn
Join us after the event at Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar. The first drink for attendees is complimentary!
REGISTER TODAY!
QUESTIONS? CALL THE CHAMBER AT
563.557.9200 OR CONTACT A YP BOARD MEMBER FOR DETAILS.
Keynote Presenter
Amanda
Goodman
Amanda Goodman is an Emmyaward
winning journalist who spent
18 years in the TV news business,
with her last stop at KWWL in
Waterloo.
She wanted to make a more
positive impact on our community,
so she left the news industry to
serve as the Executive Director of
Family & Children’s Council of Black
Hawk County. She is an outspoken
advocate for children – she is
known to not be afraid to rattle
some cages.
Amanda is able to merge her two
passions: investigative journalism
and child advocacy. She uses social
media as her platform to not only
advocate for children but also
empower women. Every post has a
3.4 million person reach.
Amanda continues to work with
state legislators to toughen the
laws against child predators. Her
hope is that anyone who hurts a
child in Iowa will face a minimum
of 25 years in prison. She is also
demanding that the federal laws
regarding the sex offender registry be changed. Amanda
is working with federal lawmakers to make sure if you
hurt a child, you are on the sex offender registry for life.
Because of her work, Amanda was awarded the Women
of Persimmon Child Advocate of the Year Award.
While she will always be a child advocate, Amanda
is leaving FCC to start her own Reputation Brand
Management firm while partnering with Pixel Labs in
Cedar Falls. In her words, your brand and business are
the castle...reputation management is the moat.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Amanda always knew she
wanted to raise her family in the Midwest. She and her
husband have four children: Gia, Nico, Luciana and Aria.

On Wednesday October 20th, 2021 at the
Holiday Inn Dubuque, the Young Professionals
of Dubuque hosted the candidates on the ballot for the
next Mayor. Brad Cavanagh and David Resnick were able to
join and answer questions that young professionals are curious
about.
Brad Cavanagh is currently on the city council representing the
fourth ward. He graduated from Hempstead, one of the local
high schools. He is running because he believes we need strong
leadership across the community. He believes in being able to
work with businesses, the workforce, and people in poverty to
create the community we want.
David Resnick is currently on the city council as an at-large
member, which means he represents the entire city. Resnick has
lived in the Dubuque area since 1984. He is attracted to how the
city is becoming a welcoming, equitable, and diverse community.
He is inspired by the idea that everyone has a voice and can make
things happen.
The following is a brief recap of the questions and answers given:
Childcare is very important to young professionals and people
choosing to stay or come to our community. What will you do
to make sure childcare is more accessible, affordable and the
staff at these locations are better compensated?
Resnick: This is extremely important and one of his top priorities.
David plans to partner with federal, state governments, and
nonprofits. He was able to be apart of the
Dream Center and ask willing to
ask the tough questions of
why our day care workers are only making $10 an hour and how
we can develop our communities’ children.
Cavanagh: He worked as a social worker for 20 years with his first
job working in childcare, and this is a continuous problem. He
believes some of the solutions include businesses playing a role
in finding a solution and government assistance. He talks about
a bill that is currently on the table discussing more assistance for
childcare and increasing compensation.
What plan or ideas do you have to help the schools that have an
extremely high free or reduced lunch population? What about
those individuals or households?
Cavanagh: We need to ensure that poverty rates remain low
because it brings down the entire city and population. He is not
afraid to tackle this head on.
Resnick: In his previous role, there was a focus on third grade
reading programs. It wasn’t just school program, but city program.
This program was very successful and he wants to continue to
focus on that process moving forward. There is lots of movement
of students and David wants to make connections to help folks stay
where they are.
What drove you to start a career in politics?
Resnick: He doesn’t consider it politics because he is bi-partisan.
David views himself as an independent thinker. When he had
a problem with city he didn’t know who to talk to. He was not
happy and couldn’t get an answer. He knows others must have
this problem and he would like to help others get answers. David
always wants to learn and is excited by new information. His father
was also in politics.
Cavanagh: If you would have asked Brad in high school about
running for mayor, he would’ve laughed. He thought politics
was dirty business, but that was what drove him to it. The 2016
election, not who won, but how it went down was a motivator for
David. He wants to see good people who want to do good run for
office. David has always been into community service and sees
public service as a higher calling. If you have something to help
better your community, you should be using it.
Do you have any plans of how we can continue to leverage the
Mississippi River, for locals and tourism?
Cavanagh: Brad believes that the Mississippi is a massive draw to
tourist, but it is difficult to enjoy if you do not have access to the
river. He believes it is something we need to clean and would like to
see more collaboration between the city and county government.
Believes funding a referendum to help develop the river to be for
everyone, not just businesses.
Resnick: David believes there is something very majestic about the
Mississippi River running through a town. He spends alot of his
time enjoying picturesque bike rides.
Do you think our main street/millwork district economies are
successful, what would you change or continue to do to drive
success?
Resnick: I believe the Millwork is a great place to be and the project
is only about halfway done. David will work to get state historic
grants and federal financing to continue great progress. Main St.
is wonderful, but there is still work to do. There are lots of open
storefronts and believes we should start to work to support new
start-up businesses.
Cavanagh: Yes, think it is successful. Brad went away to grad
school from 2001-2008, and when he came back Dubuque
became a cool place. He didn’t realize it until he came back when
he found himself downtown all the time. However, we need to
keep our foot on the gas and finish the job. There are beautiful
areas, but still a bunch of emptiness. Same for Millwork. Lots of
potential. The city can’t do the whole job. He will want to ensure
that the city government does not get in the way.
What is your favorite way to connect with constituents? How
can they get a hold of you?
Cavanagh: The Phone; any number on website. Brad is surprised
by how few people actually reach out. He believes there is this
sense that the city government can’t be reached. He says when
you call, he’ll call back. When you email, he’ll email you back.
Brad likes to be accessible.
Resnick: David thinks it is always important to go to civic events
and start up conversations where they people are. He believes
the mayor needs to be available, visible and accessible. He
wants to use an outsourced company to ask city residents what
they want. David answers emails, return phone calls, to listen to
the community members. He believes leaders speak last, they
first list and move forward.
What are your thoughts on if the city should move forward
with renovating/expanding Five Flags? Why or why not?
Resnick:That is up to the community as it is going to go to the
referendum. In 2014, finally convinced the city council that this
is a big issue. Five flags does really important things, but we
were losing $800k per year. People would say investing $800k
per year. So, what do we need to do there? Have had study after
study – spent over $200k just looking at the issue. It is very clear
that something needs to be in there for the community. Five
Flags commission unanimously said we have this plan we would
like to put in front of the voters. You are the people who make
things happen. Personally, would like to wait to hear from the
city residents and go from there.
Cavanagh: Been to a show? First show was Pantera and Skid Row.
When he became a metal head in 8th grade; he still can’t believe
his parents let him go to that. People get stuck on the concerts
and say “I don’t do that anymore.” It’s more than concerts. Try
to picture downtown DBQ without Five Flags?! Need something
that is an economic engine for tourism, conventions, arts,
culture, events. It is up to voters. The city’s job is to put it on
ballet. Going to talk about it again in January. Community is
not having real conversations around pros and cons. Took off
the ballot due to pandemic. When put back on, we should talk
about pros and cons to make an informed decision. Have to have
something because it is an economic driver.
What is your position on the Conservation Bond referendum
that will invest in amenities that can help attract and retain
talent for less than a cup of coffee per month?
Cavanagh: Brad thinks it is the right thing to do. When thinking
about taxation, he thinks of it as investment. Take personal
money and put it all put in a big pool as all our money to invest
in the community. Our future, kids’ future. Too often we get
stuck on taxes because no one likes to pay them. Need to invest
in natural resources. Nowhere else I’d rather live in the world.
Resnick: When David came to Dubuque it was because of a job.
He says that his generation determined where they were going
to live this way. 60% of folks younger age do not live in a city
because of a job. He asks, who isn’t for clean water and clean air??
Encourages everyone to have to look underneath the surface. He said
he wanted to refrain from taking a position until get an update from
Brian Preston due to a letter to the editor about responsible spending,
citizen input, accountability.
How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process
in our town?
Resnick: David believes there needs to be outreach and get people
at council meetings. He wants to get more opinions. He believes in
having an open mind and listen to folks who come in front of you.
Important to remain open minded until time to vote. He has changed
his mind when listening to folks on the council and those who come
before the council.
Cavanagh: Brad believes in building relationships. Wants to make
eclectic officials more approachable. The elected officials are
responsible for building those relationships. His number one focus is
going out and talking to people. Need to educate those on when they
should reach out to council members. And that they can.
How are you going to keep young people in Dubuque?
Cavanagh: Brad says that is a tough one. He is always upset by friends
to leave because they say these other places are so cool and Dubuque
doesn’t have that. There are a combination of factors but focusing on
what are things that young professionals need? Many YPs become
young parents. Need to have access to childcare and there may not be
every job available but good jobs with living wages are important. The
wages are lower than others in the region and need to be increased.
And continuing to build a culture where places stay open later for
people other than bars.
Resnick: David’s experience is that college folks love Dubuque and
would love to stay if they can find a good job. Some people raised
here think Dubuque is great but other places are better. What we
have here keeps getting better. The word of mouth from peer groups
is so important. The appealing things about other local communities
are the diversity and inclusiveness; and not just a piece of eastern. We
need to be a welcoming place
that is diverse and inclusive.

30 Things to start doing in your 30s
(IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY)
BY ALICIA CONNOLLY
HARTIG DRUG COMPANY AND YP CO-DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Let’s be honest, the big 3-0 snuck up on you, right? Or is it right around the corner? Have you
already surpassed this milestone birthday? Take a deep breath...your 30s isn’t the end. It’s just the
beginning! Here are 30 things you should start doing in your 30s if you haven’t started doing them
yet. Because, if we are honest, we probably should have been doing these in our 20s too!
1. Be Happy
Sounds simple, but it isn’t easy. Finding happiness
in all that you do can be the lifeblood of a great
career and extraordinary life. The remaining
29 items on this list will always come back to:
be happy, do things that make you happy, and
surround yourself with people who make you
happy!
2. Take care of your mind
Taking care of our minds is just as important
as our physical health. If you feel down, not like
your usual self, or just simply need someone to
talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. It might be
difficult and daunting, but always remember you
are loved and cared about. Asking for help is not
a weakness. Asking for help shows unbelievable
strength.
3. Exercise and Eat Better
You aren’t in your 20s anymore. Things like your
metabolism will begin to slow down. Eat better,
eat fresh, eat local and get up and get moving!
I know it can be challenging, and it is another
thing to add to your to-do list, but exercising is
great for your mental and physical health. I hate
to break the news, but you aren’t getting any
younger. Your body and mind will thank you. Oh
and, it is okay to indulge every once in a while.
4. Find Your Why
Why are you doing what you do? Why do you spend
time with the people you do? Why are you here?
Understanding “your why” can help you figure
out many other questions you may have as you
continue to grow professionally and personally.
5. Be Present
Often times we turn off our ears and tend to get
lost in only our problems. Be present in all you do,
which means listening to those around you - at
work, at home, everywhere! You will find that
the more present you are for others, the more
present they will be for you.
6. Be Kind
This is probably the easiest to-do on the list. Be
kind to others, to yourself, to nature, to animals,
to everything. Kindness can go a long way. We
all struggle at times, and we all have baggage or
backstories that others don’t know about, so
just be nice to each other.
7. Find Your Passion Outside of Work
Take a good look at what you enjoy doing, and do
it! Find the one, or two, or three things you have
pride in outside your regularly scheduled work
hours.
8. Find Your Passion at Work
Yes, I know we just covered the outside of work.
But, it is just as critical to be passionate at
work too. Find the career, the work, the company
that makes you jump out of bed in the morning
excited to start your day! You may already be
there.
9. Have Fun
Turning 30 isn’t the end of your “fun” years.
Sure, the fun may look a little different now
(maybe), but it’s important to enjoy life and find
what is fun for you.
10. Meet New People
Making friends in your 30s isn’t easy, but you
should never stop! Always have your base - the
people that get you no matter what, accept you
for all your faults and you theirs. But, remember
your base can change as you age, so be willing
to put yourself out there and meet new people.
Surround yourself with people that are different
than you and see what your base of friends can
accomplish. You never know where you may meet
your next best friend!
11. Get Involved
Volunteer, join a group, join a board. Just do
something that puts you out of your comfort
zone and helps others!
12. Find Your Path
Are you on the path that was planned for you, or
are you on the right path? Maybe the right path
is what you planned, and that is great! But, if it’s
not, now is the time to really dig deep into where
you want to go in your future...and head that
way!
13. Be at Peace
Speaking of your path...did everything not go
according to the plan you created in your mind?
Did you think you would be in the perfect career
or married with children by now, and you aren’t?
Did you think that you could master the art of
being a working parent and at the same time be
the perfect spouse or friend? It’s okay not to be
perfect! It’s okay that life isn’t going exactly the
way you pictured. Find peace in the fact that life
throws all of us curves, embrace those curves,
keep moving forward, keep setting goals, and you
will be much happier.

30 Things to start doing in your 30s
(IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY)
14. Smile
I am sure you have heard it a million times, but a
smile from a stranger can make someone’s day.
Be mindful of what a smile on your face could do
for someone else, and grin it up!
15. Find Your Spot
Where do you feel most you? Find a place, a spot
where you can go and relax. Even if it is the
solace of your backyard - find a place where you
can be calm and be in the moment.
16. Read
I know Netflix has some great stuff to watch.
But, every once in a while, put down the remote
and read a book! Set a goal to read one book
a month. Join a book club. Do something that
stimulates your mind outside of the television.
Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, short story or
long, read a book!
17. Do a Crossword or Suduko or Play
Trivia
Look, our brains are still in pretty darn good
shape. So, let’s keep them that way. Critical
thinking is important in your professional and
personal life, so challenge yourself by doing a
puzzle or playing trivia whenever you can.
18. Discover a New Talent by Trying New
Hobbies
Try something new. You never know what new
talent you can find in yourself unless you branch
out and open yourself up to hobbies you may not
have considered in the past. You could be the next
greatest guitar player, and no one would know. If
your hobby is scrolling on social media, it doesn’t
count. Try new hobbies to find new talents!
19. Wash Your Face
Seriously, just do it...don’t ask questions. Just
wash your face - all of you, everyone, wash your
face.
20. Put the Phone Down
I get it you are texting, Instagramming,
Facebooking, Snapping, Tik Tocking, reading YP
blogs, and so many other things on your phone.
But, this goes back to being present. Try putting
your phone down every once in a while and see
what else you have time for when you do!
21. Be Authentic and Honest
Be honest with yourself and with others. Be the
most you, you can be. Don’t let other’s opinions
of who you are or who they think you should
be define you. Being authentic and being honest
with yourself and others about how you feel or
an idea you may have is essential to being happy
(see No. 1 on this list).
22. Be a Rockstar at Work
Always do your best and strive to do better,
own your failures and learn from them, speak
up, continue learning, perfect your process, be
efficient, ask questions, and never be afraid
of the word no. Work hard, and you will be a
rockstar at work!
23. Travel
Experience new places, new cultures, new food!
Explore this great big beautiful world!
24. Reexplore Your Area
In between your travels, reexplore the area that
you live in! Check out places you have never been to
before. Do the touristy things in your town. Never
stop experiencing all that your city has to offer.
25. Have Me Time
Do things on your own. As much as it is important
to go out and be involved, it is also essential to
have time to yourself. Lives get busy, even if it
is 10 minutes of alone time - give yourself, your
mind, and your body a break.
26. Get a Toolbox and Learn How to Use
the Tools In
If you don’t know how to hold a hammer, I think
it is about time. Do you know the difference
between a Phillips screwdriver and a flathead?
You should probably know that too. But, please
be careful if you branch into power tools.
27. Vote
You have a voice. Let it be heard! Do your
research and vote in not only the big national
elections but state and local elections too.
28. Plan for Retirement and Save your
Money
Yes, I said it, and I hope you are already doing it.
Want more tips on why money management at
this age is important? See the YP blog “Money
Management Tips For Millenials” and start saving
now!
29. Stand Out and Stand Up
As young professionals, we are the future of
this community. Stand out and be uniquely
you! Stand up for what you believe in, and be
respectful when you disagree with others.
Together, young professionals can continue to
make this community and its businesses better.
30. Join YP!
Young Professionals of Dubuque has so many
opportunities for you to get more involved in the
community and help you grow professionally and
personally. If you aren’t a member yet, sign-up
today! If you are a member, chat with the YP
board about getting more involved.

Sponsor
Highlight
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“YP is a great way to connect
and build future leaders in our
community. To Envision, YP is
a way for us to connect with
our clients and also allow our
team members to be part of the
community.”
- Tom Rauen, CEO

Upcoming Events
YP Symposium
Wednesday, November 17th
11:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Holiday Inn Dubuque
John Gronen
Wednesday, December 15th
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Holiday Inn Dubuque
YP Night at the Museum
Thursday, January 27th
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Dubuque Museum of Art

Thanks
Reading
FOR
For more information on YP Dubuque please contact the Dubuque Area Chamber at
office@dubuquechamber.com or 563.557.9200
Young Professionals Dubuque is a program of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce