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Newsletter |
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| South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce |
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Issue 16
May 2005 |
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In This Issue
President's Message
Golden Leadership Circle
Board Member of the Month
Business of the Month
Annual Spring Fling Thing
Membership Directory Updates
Scholarship Recipients
Breakfast B4 Business Highlights
Southside Revitalization Project
Annual Golf Outing
New Chamber Members
Membership Luncheon-April Highlights
Ribbon Cutting Highlights
Tradesmen Community Credit Union
Hampton Inn Refurbishes Bridge
Allegra Print & Imaging
Identity Theft
Golden Leadership Circle
Board of Directors
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| PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE |
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I recently attended the groundbreaking for the new "Welcome to Des Moines" sign, to be located at
the intersection of HWY 65/69 and Indianola Ave. Not only will this be a very attractive brick and stone
sign, but also one that will welcome thousands of motorists into the City of Des Moines. Mayor Cownie said
"I wish every entrance into the city had a sign that looked this nice". It should take another 60 to 90
days before the sign is completed.
I couldn't help but notice and remember all of the things, and people, and efforts that have gone into
this sign. I remember when Dave McClannahan was Chamber President in 2001, and how he invisioned this sign.
Many people have been involved with this project and I'd like to thank them for all they've done. Many Chamber
members and board members have been involved with this through their affiliation with the South Side
Revitalization Partnership. This group has really taken on this project, obtained volunteers, raised the
money, received donations from contractors/vendors, worked with designers, worked with the City, and will
bring this dream to reality. Jo Corigliano, Chair of SSRP, along with her board and members, have been working
on this for some time. Tom Akers, SSRP member, has been extremely instrumental with doing the bulk of the work
I just described, along with Ron Woods. There's no doubt, that without SSRP, we probably would not have this
sign. We surely need to thank them for all their efforts and can feel great that this sign is really a welcome
addition to South Des Moines.
Craig Krouch, President
222-2377
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| 2005 GOLDEN LEADERSHIP CIRLCE |
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AIB College of Business
Companies of Clarke
First American Bank
First Bank
Four Points Sheraton = DSM Airport
Iowa Realty = South Office
Southridge Mall
Speck Enterprises
Wakonda Club
Willow Creek Golf Course
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| BOARD MEMBER OF THE MONTH - AMAR SINHA |
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| Amar has been in the hospitality industry for the past 7 years and loves what he does! Prior to
joining the hotel business, Amar worked as District Manager with Bulk Petroleum and oversaw 17 CITGO
gas stations and a truck stop in the states of Iowa, Kansas and Missouri.
He joined the Knapp hotels in March 1999 and was one of the sales managers selling all three properties
that Bill Knapp owned at that time - The Inn at Merle Hay (Currently Best Western); The Inn at University
(Bed, Bath & Beyond location); and the Valley West Inn. Amar has been with the Four Points Sheraton Des
Moines Airport since December 2000. He has also been active in the South Des Moines Chamber as well and
has been a board member for the past two years.
Amar enjoys the hospitality industry and believes in making it a great day for his customers and clients
by providing a high quality of customer service.
Thank you, Amar, for serving on the South Des Moines Chamber Board!
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| BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - MIDWEST SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS |
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| Software Solutions Provider
Midwest Software Solutions specializes in HIPAA compliant software systems designed for attorneys,
CPAs, medical offices, and others.
The company currently offers affordable scanning, electronic medical billing and electronic medical
record solutions. These products update and streamline conventional filing systems and will dramatically
decrease the burden of paper storage.
Call Midwest Software Solutions today!
Alex Niswander, Owner
2110 Country Cove Lane
Altoona, IA 50009
(515) 967-7952
info@midwestsoftsolutions.com
www.midwestsoftsolutions.com
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| ANNUAL SPRING FLING THING (Formerly known as ANNUAL
STEAK FRY EVENT) |
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| South Side Sock Hop
Join Chamber members for a South Side Sock Hop (50's - 60's style) and enjoy some south side hospitality
and networking. Feel free to dress for the party in your poodle skirts, saddle shoes, ponytails or ducktails.
WHEN? TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2005
WHERE? AIB College of Business - Patio 2500 Fleur Drive
TIME? 5:00 Networking
6:30 Dinner
7:00 Program and Prizes
Proceeds will benefit:
ORCHARD PLACE
Cost: $20.00 per person
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Menu:
Choice of meat: Grilled Hamburgers ** Breaded Tenderloins ** Grilled Chicken
Shakes, Green Rivers, Fries, Onion Rings, Fruit, Veggies, Brownies & Cookies, Beer and Wine
HOOLA HOOP CONTEST
BUBBLEGUM
HOP SCOTCH
CAR SHOW
PRIZES FOR BEST MALE & FEMALE COSTUME
SILENT AUCTION
Call 286-4996 for tickets TODAY!
RSVP BY MAY 18, 2005!
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| MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATES |
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| Please make the following changes in your membership directory:
Hampton Inn Airport:
Add Cheryl Hayes as contact person to replace Ivy Magner.
REGIONS BANK:
Add Clark Raney as contact person to replace Kent Britton.
BLANK PARK ZOO:
Correct Address is: 7401 SW Ninth Street, Des Moines, Iowa
COLDWELL BANKER-MID AMERICA GROUP REALTORS
Gary Perkins phone number should be: (515) 224-8619; Fax number: (515) 224-8644
JOHN DEERE COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION:
Tony McKillip has been transferred to a different location. Please add Josh Ernst as contact person.
Josh's e-mail is: joshua_ernst@jdccu.org.
COMMERCIAL FEDERAL BANK:
Monty Dorman has been transferred to the Indianola Office. Please add Patti George to replace him.
Patti's e-mail is:
pattigeorge@commercialfed.com
Please delete "Club of Italian-Americans" from the Clubs & Organization Section.
Please change the telephone number of the Italian-American Cultural Center to: 280-3719
Delete the Italian Folk Dance Group and add the following:
Gruppo IL Trattenimento Italiano
Patricia Civitate
2200 S. Union
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 244-4672
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| SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS |
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| The South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of the 2005 South Des
Moines Chamber of Commerce Education Opportunity Grants. The recipients of this year's scholarships are:
Nicholas Babberl, son of Gary and Diana Babberl of 4913 SW 17th Street, and Elizabeth Dilling,
daughter of Steve and Karen Dilling, 1911 SW Payton.
Both are seniors at Lincoln High School.
The scholarship recipients are chosen on the basis of a competitive application process including
an essay explaining how the students have integrated the 6 Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness,
Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship) into their lives, and how life on the south
side has prepared them for life after high school. The scholarships will be presented to Babberl and
Dilling at Lincoln High's Senior Awards Night on June 2, and the students will be introduced to the
South Des Moines Chamber members at the Annual Spring Fling event on May 24.
Students will be available for photos at the South Des Moines Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling on
May 24 at AIB College of Business.
The 6 Pillars essays follow.
Linda (Lin) A. Phillips, MS, NCC, NCCC
SDM Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Chair
Career and Life Transition Counseling
200 Army Post Road, Suite 3
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
515.285.1249
lap001@juno.com
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"6 Pillars of Character" by Elizabeth Dilling
The six pillars of character have been a part of my life for a long time. Before they had a name,
my family taught me the values by example. The six pillars of character are: Trustworthiness, Respect,
Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. These values are something you don't wear like clothes,
but they do show what your heart and soul are made of.
Trustworthiness is important to me. I work hard to be honest with my friends, in my schoolwork or
activities, work, and with members of the community. I expect people to be honest with me so I should
be willing to give it in return. I pride myself for standing up for my values. Over the years there have
been family conflicts, but if any one of them needed me, I would be there for them: family comes first.
Respect is important to me. I have a very hard time respecting someone if they don't respect me. I make
every effort to be respectful of the other students in my class as well as teachers. We are all different
and need to be accepting of other people's beliefs and opinions. I learned at an early age to try to get
along and try to resolve any fights I'm around. I try to understand both sides and work to create a solution.
I take responsibility to heart. As a camp counselor, I am responsible for the safety and welfare of my
campers. It is my job to stay on our scheduled tasks, try to get all the campers involved and participating
in the activities, and to teach them lessons relating to our camp theme. I have been in many activities and
take responsibility to be at all the events I have agreed to, and participate to the best of my ability.
Other people are depending on me and I won't let them down.
Fairness is a characteristic to me that is hard to achieve. No matter how hard you try, someone won't be
happy. I try my hardest to treat people as I want to be treated and hope that is good enough. I try to make
compromises between two person's ideas and find the fairest and best way to make all involved happy.
Caring comes naturally to me. I plan on becoming a nurse so I feel that caring instinct. The fact that
I care about others is shown in how I keep in touch with so many of my friends. These aren't just my classmates,
they are friends from camp. They may be states away, but I try to stay in touch. I like to know what's going on
in their lives. I like to send little notes of encouragement to them if they are down. Just knowing someone
cares is the best thing to make troubles go away. Sometimes just listening to what they have to say is enough.
Citizenship is part of my daily life. I volunteer in community activities through school and church groups.
I can see the good that is done by helping others. When I volunteered at the Gatchel United Methodist Church's
Shalom Zone after school program, I could see the excitement in the girls' eyes when I would come back again.
I could feel that I was making a difference in their lives by just spending time with them, helping with
homework or supervising playground activities. I currently am a youth member of my church's Staff Parish
Relations Committee. My goal is to be a youth leader at a local church during and after college. I enjoy
sharing my faith and learning more from those around me.
The Six Pillars of Character are alive in my life. Being honest, respectful of others, dependable, fair,
compassionate, and active in my community are my core values. I will continue to strive to be the best person
I can be at college, in my working life, and my family life. I will continue to share my values with all that
I come in contact with.
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"6 Pillars of Character" by Nicholas Babberl
When I give someone my word I will always try my hardest to get that promise accomplished. If I am called
for a meeting or gathering then I will try my hardest to be there on time as to respect the others who were
there on time so that we can make the meeting as proficient as possible.
I respect people whenever possible; I do not make judgments about their appearance or about their first
impressions. I try to give them a fair chance at portraying themselves. My views of them are also flexible,
because they might have been having a bad day and were not their normal self and so my view of them could
change after getting to know them better.
I try to care about the issues that are given to me and try to complete them in a proficient and timely
manner. I try not to procrastinate or do the task in an incompetent manner just to have the task done. I also
care about others, if they are in need and I can lend a helping had I will offer to help. If someone asks for
my help and I cannot help them then I will think of people I now who might be able to. For example, I am on
the Lincoln Railmen All-Male Dance Team and we are a very community-conscious organization. We have organized
canned food drives and have worked at soup kitchens to feed the homeless. We have also helped move furniture
and other personals for families who are moving houses. Also, we have shared our talent in dancing to entertain
groups and organizations throughout the community ranging for about every type of business level and social level.
Fairness has also become a large issue in my life. If I am volunteering for an organization with small
children and the activity is something in sports, I know I have an obvious advantage. However, I will not use
that advantage willingly. I would hold back deliberately so that the children can have fun instead of me
shutting them out so that I can have the spotlight. Also, in my dance team, I believe that your talent level
should not reflect your position on the team. I believe that everyone has a voice in any matter because we
are a team and to be a team, we need to make non-executive decisions. However, we still need to respect our
coach who does have the ability to make the executive decision over us.
Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship are all huge platforms in my
character. Being a former Boy Scout I can also add to this list with our Boy Scout Code. It goes: A Scout is
Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent.
Many of these relate to the 6 Pillars of Character and are all integrated into my life as a morally responsible
person.
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| BREAKFAST B4 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS |
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| Breakfast B4 Business was held at US Bank at 4515 Fleur Drive on March 29, 2005. |
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| US Bank welcomed the South Des Moines Chamber with warm hospitality, colorful balloons
and refreshments. |
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Charlie Willms, Valerie Walte & Lori Thompson listened to Chamber President Craig Krouch's
remarks. |
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| The event was very well attended. This is an excellent opportunity for networking! |
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| Kevin Pearson & Rodney Janssen |
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Kevin Pearson hosted a very interesting early-morning get-together.
Many thanks to Kevin and his firm for the warm hospitality, the valuable insights he shared
with us, and the fantastic coffee he imported from Cup O'Kryptonite for the occasion. |
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| Southside Revitalization Partnership |
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| Update on the Proposed South Side Bike Trail that will connect the Easter Lake area to the Great Western
and head past Blank Park Zoo, Golf Course, Fort Des Moines Park, and Southridge Mall.
The City's citizen Bike and Trails Advisory Committee and the Park Board have given their recommendation
of approval to add a preliminary route for this trail to the City's Recreational Trails Master Plan Map. It
is anticiapted that City Council could potentially approve adding this trail to the City's master plan map
sometime in June. Once a trail has been added, it then becomes eligible to be placed in the schedule of
planned trail projects.
In the past, the City has matched its local funds for trail building withFederal monies, but the
availability of these federal funds depends on funding levels and the success in writing grants for these
funds. There is little doubt that a bike trail is coming and with the help of the South Side Revitalization
Partnership but the question is when. If the Project Destiny campaign, for a 1 cent sales tax for art, culture,
trails and amenities is proposed to tax payers and passed later in the year, this will greatly speed up the
process of making Des Moines the Trail Capital of the country. In addition to City and Federal funds, many
private donors have stepped forward to improve the City's Trail system. This includes the Principal Riverwalk,
Meredith Trail, and the Kruidenier Trail at Gray's Lake Park.
The Trail that is being proposed, if approved by City Council, may occur in the time frame of 2010 -2012,
depending on the availability of funds. Current trails that are being planned by the City include the Walnut
Creek Trail - connecting Water Works Park to the Clive Greenbelt Trail, the Waveland Trail - connecting much
of Des Moines' west side to the Walnut Creek Trail, and the Des Moines River Trail connecting downtown to the
Easter Lake area.
David Harkin CFP, CLU, ChFC
Financial Advisor
American Express Financial Advisors, Inc.
IDS Life Insurance Company
535 E Army Post Road Suite C
Des Moines, IA 50315
(515) 974-8528 Fax: (515) 974-8529
http://advisors.americanexpress.com/david.d.harkin
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| ANNUAL GOLF OUTING |
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The South Des Moines Chamber Annual Golf Outing will be held on Friday, July 22, 2005, at Copper Creek
Golf Course, Pleasant Hill. Tee off time will begin at 11:30. Dinner will be included.
Opportunities for hole sponsorships are available.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW & GET YOUR FOURSOMES TOGETHER! ======================================================================
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| NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS: |
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MIDWEST SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
Alex Niswander, Owner
2110 Country Cove Lane
Altoona, IA 50009
Telephone: 967-7952
E-mail: info@midwestsoftsolutions.com
www.midwestsoftsolutions.com
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DESIRABLES
Cheryl A. Taylor
5906 SW Ninth Street, Suite 3
Des Moines, IA 50315
Telephone: 953-5557
Fax: 953-5557
E-mail: jamescheryld@aol.com
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WELCOME TO THE CHAMBER!
IF YOU KNOW OF A NEW BUSINESS IN SOUTH DES MOINES, PLEASE CONTACT A BOARD MEMBER! WE WILL FOLLOW UP WITH A "WELCOME"
AND RIBBON CUTTING!
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| MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON OF APRIL HIGHLIGHTS |
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| Highlights of the April membership luncheon featured: |
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| Kim Poam Logan, Guest Speaker, Executive Director
of the Iowa Asian Alliance. |
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Julie Kincheloe, Vice President, presided over the meeting. |
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| This is the beautiful view from Wakonda Club |
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| RIBBON CUTTING HIGHLIGHTS |
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| The South Des Moines Chamber welcomed Dickey Doogan's with a ribbon cutting on April 5, 2005. Strong
support from Southridge Mall was evidenced by the large number of their staff in attendance. Dickey Doogan's
is now open seven days a wekk from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner. They are famous for their
steaks and ribs, but are perhaps best known for their bar-b-que, all of which is smoked on-premise.
If you haven't already eaten at Dickey Doogan's, stop in soon to enjoy their casual, family-friendly
atmosphere. We welcome them to the South Side and wish them continuing success! |
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| Dickey Doogan's Roadhouse Grill |
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South Des Moines Chamber members enjoying refreshments |
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| Overhead sign gives fair warning! |
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Ribbon Cutting - Dickey Doogan's - 4-5-05 |
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| BLANK PARK ZOO RIBBON CUTTING |
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| Ribbon Cutting - 4-25-05 |
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New "Do The Zoo" Sign |
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| Front of the spacious new ZooPlex. |
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The Zoo Crew |
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Some of those who attended were not Chamber members!
Can we sign him up? |
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| GROUNDBREAKING EVENT for the NEW OFFICIAL "WELCOME TO DES MOINES" SIGNAGE on HIGHWAY 69 - April 27, 2005 |
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| Out with the Old |
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In with the New |
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| The dignitaries who presided |
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Groundbreaking |
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| TRADESMEN COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION THIRD ANNUAL
CHARITY CAR SHOW |
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(Featuring Harley Davidson Motorcycles)

2930 SE 14th Street - Des Moines, Iowa
The proceeds of this benefit show will go to the Children's Miracle Network, whose mission is
"Helping Hospitals Help Kids".
DATE: June 11, 2005 TIME: 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ADMISSION: Free
RAIN DATE: June 25, 2005
Come join us for food, fun, and games. Trophies will be awarded, and door prizes will be given.
Also don't miss out on the music provided by Good Vibrations DJ's.
* Pre-registration for cars and motorcycles will be $10.00, day of show $15.00
For more information, call Dave or Kristen at 282-3606
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| HAMPTON INN REFURBISHES BRIDGE |
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Hampton Inn Des Moines Airport and Des Moines West joined together to refurbrish one of the famous
bridges of Madison County = Hogback Bridge in Winterset on May 4th.
They volunteered to paint and landscape the Hogback Bridge. Be sure to visit the bridge at the
Winterset Festival this fall.
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HAMPTON® NAMED BEST MID-PRICE HOTEL CHAIN WITHOUT FOOD & BEVERAGE BY BUSINESS TRAVEL NEWS
Hampton, the national brand of more than 1,250 mid-priced Hampton Inn® and Hampton Inn & Suites® hotels,
today announced that it has been ranked as the No.1 mid-price hotel chain (without food & beverage) by the
Business Travel News "Top U.S Hotel Chain Survey."
The annual results, which were published in the February 7, 2005 issue of Business Travel News, revealed
that Hampton topped eight of ten survey categories, including "Physical Appearance of Hotels," "Helpful,
Courteous Staff," "Quality In-Room Business Amenities," and "Overall Price-Value Relationship." "We are
honored to share this top ranking in the BTN survey with the Hampton brand," said [GM FULL NAME], general
manager of the Hampton Inn [CITY/LOCATION]. "This recognition is further evidence of our commitment to provide
exceptional service and accommodations as part of our ongoing, significant brand enhancement program "Make it
Hampton."
The highly successful 'Make It Hampton' program, the first phase of which has been completed in nearly
1,300 existing hotels, is the single largest transformation ever undertaken by a hotel brand to enhance the
guest experience at its hotels. With this innovative program, Hampton is raising the bar for the mid-market
hotel segment and giving Hampton hotels a leg up on the competition, particularly older brands that have
neglected to maintain levels of guest and quality satisfaction.
Located at 5001 Fleur Drive, the Hampton Inn is located near Des Moines Airport and offers free hot
breakfast, free high Speed Internet, and 100% customer satisfaction.
To make reservations at any Hampton hotel, travelers can visit the Hampton Inn Web site at
hamptoninn.com
or call 1-800-Hampton. Hampton participates in the Hilton HHonorsâ guest reward program,
which allows its members to DoubleDipâ by simultaneously accumulating both hotel points and airline miles
with each qualifying stay.
CONTACT: Cheryl Hayes
Hampton Inn Des Moines Airport, Des Moines Iowa
515-287-7300
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| ALLEGRA PRINT & IMAGING ANNOUNCES FOOTPRINT FUND
AWARD RECIPIENTS |
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| Local nonprofit organizations to receive no-cost print communications services
Jim Eaton and Pat Rhoades, owners of Allegra Print & Imaging in Des Moines announced the recipients
of this year's Allegra Print & Imaging FootPRINT Fund, which helps nonprofit organizations "leave a
footprint" in the community by awarding print services for promotional and informational materials.
Award recipients include: Alzheimer's Association - Greater Des Moines Chapter, Food Bank of Iowa,
IRIS (Iowa Radio Reading Information Service), MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Prevent Blindness
Iowa, American Heart Association, Rebuilding Together, Autism Society, Iowa Hospice Organization, Iowa
TAG (Talented And Gifted), Visiting Nurses, Children and Family Urban Ministries, Blank Park Zoo, Des
Moines Health Center, Youth Homes of Mid-America, City of West Des Moines Human Services, Planned Parenthood
of Greater Iowa, Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation, The Home Connection, Greater Des
Moines Habitat for Humanity.
The Allegra Print & Imaging FootPRINT Fund, launched earlier this year, awards $10,000 annually to
nonprofit organizations and associations seeking financial assistance for graphic design, printing, and
mailing of brochures, newsletters, handouts, invitations, programs and other print communications.
Applicants that qualify are eligible to receive up to $1,000 each during 2005.
Award recipients were selected by a review panel based on how print services will be used to further
organization goals including service expansion, program enhancement and maximization of existing resources,
as well as the organization's innovation and resourcefulness.
"Allegra Print & Imaging in Des Moines is proud to be part of a community that has so many fine
organizations," said Eaton. "This year's winners of the FootPRINT Fund demonstrate the type of commitment
and ingenuity that we are looking for in recipients of this award. We are honored to support them in their
local efforts."
Allegra Print & Imaging launched the FootPRINT Fund as part of its Community Care Campaign, a nationwide
effort supported by the company's franchise headquarters, Allegra Network. The FootPRINT Fund was developed
to help unite and strengthen local communities by assisting eligible nonprofit organizations and associations
in building their awareness and increasing local support.
To be considered for a FootPRINT Fund award, nonprofit groups, associations and charitable organizations
must submit a completed application. Next year's applications will be available in January at 1000 Thomas Beck
Rd. or on our Web site at
www.allegradsm.com.
"The FootPRINT Fund award is intended to make it a little easier for our community organizations to make
a difference, one step at a time," said Rhoades. "And it is a way for us at Allegra Print & Imaging to thank
the community for its ongoing business and support."
Allegra Print & Imaging in Des Moines features traditional and advanced printing technologies including
full-color printing, mailing, graphic design services, digital color output direct from computer disk, on-line
file transfer, high speed copying, complete finishing services, print management solutions and project consulting.
Allegra Print & Imaging is a member of Allegra Network LLC, one of the world's largest printing franchises
linking nearly 500 locations in the United States, Canada, Poland and Japan.
For more information, call 515-244-1414 or visit the company's Web site at
www.allegradsm.com.
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| IDENTITY THEFT |
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| This subject is so important, that we wanted to run it again for your own information!
The fastest-growing crime to retailers: Identity Theft
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years,
and their hard earned money, cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of their good name a credit record.
Just today alone there was 27,123 identity theft victims. In our country last year there were over 9.9
million victims. Unfortunately, if you become a victim, identity theft restoration is time consuming,
expensive and unpleasant. Each victim will spend an average of $1,495 and 600 hours getting his or her
finances straightened out, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. And that’s not counting lawyer’s
fees.
Five years ago identity theft was not even considered a crime. Today there are over 27 million victims,
with less than 5% of the criminals getting caught. No one is exempt from it, no one can stop it, and it is
not going away. This is the crime of the future. Making smart decisions every day with our personal information
is a must to minimize the chance of being hit.
Take the first step as an individual
Today there are over 2.36 billion errors on our credit reports. Starting March 1st, Iowans can order one
free credit report per year under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The FACT Act has set up the
centralized service from the three major credit reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. For your
free credit report, call (877) 322-8228 or visit
www.annualcreditreport.com
. You can also mail a request to
Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. Even if you have perfect credit,
you should review your credit report for errors. The Federal Trade Commission FTC believes 25% of all current
credit reports have at least one error on it. Review your report carefully.
Take the first step as a business owner
The FACT Act was passed in December 2003, but rules were written just recently on the disposal provision.
The law requires the destruction — "shredding or burning" or "smashing or wiping" — of all paper or computer
disks containing personal information "derived from a consumer report" before it is discarded.
That means that if you do a credit check on one employee before you hire them, or you get private information
from a service that came originally from a credit report, you fall under the rules. The disposal provision goes
into effect June 1. By then, all businesses, whether employing one worker or 1 million, will be responsible for
private information regarding employees and potential employees.
FACT Act is just one of many recent laws aimed at protecting consumer and company privacy, including medical
records, credit information and corporate trade secrets. If you do not destroy and information gets out, there
are penalties, according to National Association for Information Destruction (NAID):
- Civil liability. An employee could be entitled to recover actual damages sustained if his or her identity is
stolen as a result of your inaction. Or you could have to pay statutory damages of up to $1,000 per employee.
- Federal fines. The federal government could fine you up to $2,500 for each violation.
- State fines. States can fine up to $1,000 for each violation.
Additional steps to minimize your risk – Keep personal information private
- Never give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone unless you initiate the
call and know you can trust the business.
- Shred or tear up papers with your personal information, such as bill statements and mail solicitations for
credit cards. Always take your ATM and credit card receipts.
- Remove extra information from your checks, such as SSN, date of birth, address, and middle name. Checks
can be lost or stolen, or information copied.
- Memorize your social security and PIN numbers and passwords. Don't carry extra credit cards, Social
Security card, birth certificate, or passport, unless essential.
- Choose an "assigned" driver's license number from the DOT. (Don't use your SSN.)
- Don't reveal financial or unnecessary personal information on sweepstakes entries, prize offers, warranty
cards, subscriptions, city directories, etc. Information often is sold and circulated -- increasing your junk
mail and the risk of Identity theft.
- Ask the national credit reporting agencies NOT to give your name to solicitors. (Credit reporting agencies
sell lists to credit card marketers and others.) To remove your name, call 888-567-8688 (888-5-OPT-OUT.) You
may request to be removed for two years, or you may request permanent removal.
- Examine your account statements every month to prevent unauthorized charges.
If your identity’s been stolen – Act immediately
- Place a fraud alert on your credit report and review your credit reports.
- Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.
- File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.
- File a complaint with the FTC.
Information from the FTC can be found at:
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
FTC ID Theft Hotline: toll free 877-IDTHEFT
Article submitted by Dave McClannahan of First Bank - 3401 SW 9th Street, Des Moines, IA
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| GOLDEN LEADERSHIP CIRCLE |
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| BOARD OF
DIRECTORS |
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| Executive Board |
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Craig Krouch, Vice President
West Bank
222-2377 |
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Juliana Kincheloe
Iowa Realty
453-5296 |
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Dr. Sara Neil, Secretary
South Des Moines Chiropractic Center
244-1823 |
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John Kendeigh, Treasurer
Coco & Ermels CPA
285-2382 |
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Joan Bindel, President
AIB College of Business
246-5390 |
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Shar Pardubsky, Sr.Vice President-Greater
Greater Des Moines Partnership
DSM Partnership
286-4998 |
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| Board of Directors |
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Shirlee Buschow
AIB College of Business
246-5324 |
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Alan Kincheloe
Faller & Kincheloe, PC
362-5672 |
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Teresa Holland
Southridge Mall
287-3881 |
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Gary Calvert
Iowa State Bank
287-3750 |
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Dave Harkin
American Express Financial Advisors
974-8528 |
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John Irving
Baker Electric, Inc.
288-6774 |
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John Kirchoff
Dewey Ford
289-4960 |
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Cyndi Lorenzen
Radisson Hotel/Johnny's Italian
Steakhouse
222-1921 |
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Dave McClannahan
First Bank
244-6355 |
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Amar Sinha
Four Points Sheraton DSM Airport
287-6464 |
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Mary Ellen Nicklaus
Companies of Clarke
247-0000 |
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Ron Wyckoff
Wyckoff Industries
287-6000 |
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Sadie Smid
Allegra Print & Imaging
244-1414 |
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STAFF: Mary Knueven
South Des Moines Chamber
286-4996
Fax: 286-4974 |
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