Partnering with Peanut Butter

My name is Andy Sokolovich, and I serve as the Existing Industry Manager for the Clinton Regional Development Corporation. I have been involved in the creation of the Clinton County Community Student Loan Assistance Program for over a year. In that time, we have fostered a collaborative environment focused on the growth and wellbeing of our county. A strong member of that collaboration has been the DeWitt Chamber & Development Company. Angela, Molly, and April have been supportive from the start and will serve as valued partners in the promotion and expansion of the program. Their involvement has been the linchpin to our continued success, and I am thankful to have such a dedicated and responsible team within Clinton County.

The Clinton County Student Loan Assistance Program launched on August 1st, 2019. The program aims to attract talent to the county through a first-of-its-kind student loan payback initiative.

The idea was sparked after I read an article featured in Crain’s Business highlighting a Chicago-based entrepreneur assisting private companies in the development of a student loan payback incentive. The report stated that “When [student] loan repayment is offered, people are 85% more likely to accept a job.” That statistic was shared by the CEO of Peanut Butter, David Aronson.

With that amount of success, could the same result apply to talent attraction within a county?

I contacted David Aronson and posed the same question over the phone. David had not yet considered applying the tactic to community growth but was willing to partner in investigating the possibilities. Over 12 months, David and I coordinated with Clinton County Auditor, Eric Van Lancker, to design a program built around collaboration and the common goal of growing our county’s tax base. With $1.5 trillion in national student loan debt and 45 million Americans paying toward that debt, the need for assistance was evident.

The conversations which ensued revealed a collaborative desire from other organizations interested in expanding the program.

Our partners now include:

City of DeWitt

City of Clinton

City of Camanche

Central DeWitt School District

Clinton Community School District

Camanche Community School District

The layering of partners allowed us the ability to adjust the program to reduce administrative expenses while providing a more robust and attractive incentive.

The return on investment we will receive far surpasses the financial stake in the program. Taking action to expand our population supports the workforce demands of our county-based employers, encourages new construction and home purchases, increases student enrollment in our schools, and ensures the growth of a healthy economy. The economic multiplier resulting from the attraction of one family is massive!

Plus, we can now leverage the program to recruit our sons and daughters back to the communities that helped raise them. If an individual leaves our county seeking a form of post-secondary education and creates unpaid student loan debt; as a result, they will qualify for the program upon their return.

The development of this program is progressive and outside the box. It’s this type of action that will shine a light on the many benefits associated with calling Clinton County home.

For more information, please visit the Clinton County Student Loan Assistance Program.

Please help us by sharing the program with your friends, family, and peers.

~ Andy Sokolovich, Industry Manager at Clinton Regional Development Corporation

Musings of the Iowan of the Day

I am an Iowa girl through and through.

I was born in Davenport. I spent summers on my grandpa and grandma’s farm near the Quad Cities.  I am Iowa State University educated. And I have lived all but two years of my adult life in the great state of Iowa. My husband passed away years ago, and our four children have grown and flown, but I am still here. I will always be an Iowan. I really cannot imagine living anywhere else. Simply put, I love this state.

Nevertheless, it came as a total surprise to me when I received a phone call telling me I had been selected as Iowan of the Day at the Iowa State Fair. I was one of 10 state residents who were chosen by the Blue Ribbon Foundation for recognition each day of the fair, based on  their “strong work ethic, loyalty to helping others and an exceptional sense of Iowa pride.”

A lot of people have personal profiles that are similar to mine, so I am not certain why my name managed to float to the top of the nominations. After all, there are about 3.5 million residents in this state.

What I do know is this: Iowa is great because of her people. Iowans care about each other and are quick to step up and help fellow citizens and causes when there is a need. Some might say Iowa’s strength is her volunteers.

Iowa has been good to my family and me. Our children all received their K-12 educations in the Central DeWitt Community School District (CDCSD), have gone on to higher education and have careers that are rewarding and meaningful to them. They have had a strong work ethic modeled for them all their lives. They experienced “Iowa Nice” in the form of support, encouragement, and kindness from their teachers, “first job” employers, Sunday school teachers, scout leaders, coaches, mentors, friends, neighbors –and even people who didn’t know them particularly well but still cared about them.

The greater community of DeWitt was absolutely the best possible place my husband, Al, and I could have chosen to make our home back in 1972. I am so glad we did. And the longer we stayed, the more we realized we needed to be a part of giving back to make sure the community didn’t lose its hometown feel.

Like many families, we have had our share of crises as the result of accidents, illnesses, Al’s death, and our grandson’s life-threatening heart defect. Each time, we have been wrapped in DeWitt’s love and caring culture. That is something we can never repay.

And so, volunteering is my small way of paying it forward for all the blessings and kindnesses we’ve been shown. All the wonderful, thoughtful, kindhearted and helpful people who live in Clinton County inspire me. They are the reason I try each day to do my best to make our small part of the state the best it can be. It is why eastern Iowa is the best place to live, work, do business and raise a family.

I am humbled and proud to have been recognized as a volunteer, but it really all boils down to the advice Central DeWitt grad, Dean Banowetz offered to the Central DeWitt graduating class at commencement last May. “If you see something that needs to be done, do it,” Banowetz challenged.

Do what you can, when you can. Practice the Golden Rule. Share what you have to share. Be helpful instead of hurtful. Know that even a small act of kindness that seemingly may go unnoticed can give someone the boost they need to go on with their day.

There are big and small ways to be get involved. It doesn’t take a huge time commitment to raise your hand and say, “I can bring a pan of bars,” or “I’d like to help with that project.”

But the more you do become involved, the more you will want to do a little more —because that is what living in a small community is all about.* 

Mary Rueter, Community Volunteer Extraordinaire

* If you’d like to volunteer or get involved in the DeWitt area, reach out to the DCDC staff for suggestions, download our list of Clubs & Organizations, or visit our Employment & Volunteer Opportunities page on the DCDC website.  If you have a volunteer opportunity your organization would like to share, you can post it on that page as well.

Opportunities in a Small Town

My name is Brea Baxter and I am currently 18 years old. My parents are Scott and Carla Baxter, and I have three brothers: Brady, Brett, and Briar. I was born and raised here in DeWitt. I just graduated Central DeWitt High School and will be attending the University of Iowa in the fall… go hawks!

Growing up in a small town has given me many opportunities in which I am very grateful for; such as being able to run around the neighborhood as a child and knowing many people around the community who have supported me for years. I’ve always felt safe in the community and I think that is something I have taken for granted.

When I was in third grade; I had just gotten off the bus from St. Joseph’s Catholic School to Ekstrand Elementary, joyfully hopping onto my bike to venture home. I was about halfway there when suddenly, I lost control and crashed. As I sat there crying, I realized I was unable to walk, later finding out that I had broken my ankle. Minutes passed by until finally, a lady in a van pulled up to me, quickly rolling down her window, anxiously questioning if I was okay. Unsure, I nervously respond to the stranger, announcing that I had hurt my ankle in the wreck and was unable to walk. She then responded, asking if I would like a ride home. At that specific point, I was a little hesitant because I had no idea who this lady was, but before I could respond, she stepped out of her car and loaded my bike into her van. After getting my bicycle situated, she walked over to me, swiftly picking me up into her passenger seat. She drove me right towards my house, without me even giving her directions… it turns out she was a friend of my parents! After that incident, I felt as safe as I could be, and that’s all because of growing up in a small town. 

This past year I had the pleasure of working at Meant to Be with Flowers and Blondies Coffee Out Back. I started out working for Lisa Duffy and Beth Hughes in the summer of 2018, and I soon fell in love with the work. I had signed up for the Internship class which is offered through the high school for seniors and was unsure of where I wanted to do it. After a few weeks of working with Lisa and Beth, it was very clear that I wanted to do my internship with them and learn more about the small business world. Throughout my internship, I had the honor of learning more about the principles of home decor and flower arrangements, multitasking and time management, along with organizational skills. I have gotten more comfortable with customer service and have learned the basics of how a small business operates. I even had the opportunity to go to the DCDC Year in Review and Annual Meeting of 2019 where I learned about the success of all the local businesses. One of my favorite parts of working in a small community is knowing many customers by name and knowing their drink when they pull up to the drive-through and say, “I’ll take my usual.” It makes you feel like you have a sense of community, which is exactly what the smaller businesses in DeWitt offer for everyone. Having business owners and employees greet you, smiling, showing that they care about their customers makes any experience better, but especially when picking up flower arrangements from Meant to Be with Flowers, or getting a coffee from me in the mornings at Blondies Coffee Out Back.

Overall, I never could imagine not living in a small town, like DeWitt. Through different hardships, the community has endured like sports games won and lost, transitioning students from old school buildings to brand new ones, or new businesses coming to town, all the people of DeWitt have come together and gone through it as one. DeWitt is not only a place where you want to shop but also a place where you and your family can live safely, as me and mine have for 25+ years.

Brea Baxter

Bringing Health and Wellness to DeWitt

I want to say thank you for such a warm welcome to the community! My Vital Force Wellness Center opened our doors in downtown DeWitt in April and we have had such a good time getting everything up and running.

I am Dr. Kari Rene, a Holistic Naturopath, moved here from Colorado. I have had a vision to have a wellness center that offers several services and products that help people on their wellness journey. My daughter, Emily also moved here from Colorado to finish her Health Coaching and to be the store manager. When we came to Iowa and started looking for a location, we loved the feel of DeWitt and the community right away.

My story began in Natural Health Alternatives back in 2002 when my mother passed away from a massive heart attack when she was only 49 years old. I knew my family history of heart disease was not good. My maternal grandfather had passed at age 37 from a heart attack, my father had a heart attack, and my paternal grandfather had several heart attacks and bypass surgeries.  I quickly realized I wanted to do something different for my health and didn’t want my children to experience losing a parent so young. So, I went back to school and that lead into a passion to encourage and teach others to become healthier too. Health is a journey we all have to start somewhere!

Health and wellness are becoming more and more popular these days. So many people are tired of being sick and tired! As individuals and as a community we want to be healthier and have more vitality. Many people are learning that preventative health care is something they want to learn more about, and that there are more natural approaches to taking care of our health.

At My Vital Force Wellness Center I do consultations and health assessments to help people create a plan for better health. I also love to do consultations for stress management and emotional healing. I love talking about ways that we can Regain and Retain Health.  

Dr. Bonnie Bauer of DeWitt Chiropractic and massage therapist Teresa Martens of The Country LMT learned about my vision of opening the Wellness Center and it was no doubt they wanted to bring their collective knowledge and practices together for the community at the Wellness Center. Together we have numerous therapies and wellness packages available to help people become healthier.

Come by to see the new Wellness Center, ask questions and look around. Everyone here at the Wellness Center is honored to be part of our wonderful community and we look forward to better health for everyone!

Dr. Kari Rene, Holistic Naturopath

Frances Banta Waggoner Library – Growing in Size and Resources!

If you’ve stopped by the library over the last few years and have seen a tall woman typing away at a very disorganized desk behind the circulation counter, that would be me—my name is Jillian Aschliman, and I am your local librarian. I’ll be celebrating my third anniversary of working for the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library this coming July, and I’ve truly enjoyed the time I’ve spent here in DeWitt over the last few years. In fact, if someone had told me back when I was graduating from my Master’s program that I’d be the director of a library in a great town like DeWitt in just a few years, I wouldn’t have believed it. Because my journey here wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.

After I graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Madison with my MLIS, I was enthusiastic, armed with new knowledge about the library world, and ready to jump right into my new career field. It didn’t take long to be hit with the cold-hard reality of the library job market. Library jobs were few and far between, even in a place like the Quad Cities where there are libraries almost within a 10-15 mile radius of one another. I worked multiple odd jobs for almost a year before I was able to find a full-time position and I still consider myself very, very lucky. Not all job seekers have the same experience when making the transition to a new career.   

Those who have recently been on an active job search know that it is almost a full-time job in itself. Plus, if you’re in an over-saturated job market like I was back in 2012, a simple misstep on your resume or cover letter can make or break your chances to get your foot in the door for an interview.  Not only are job seekers searching for the right position, but crafting a well-rounded, eye-catching resume and cover letter is time-consuming—and overwhelming at times. Hopefully, a new resource at the library can help local job seekers get an extra boost to improve their application materials and interviewing skills.

Earlier this year, the State Library of Iowa provided each library in the state with a subscription to BrainFuse JobNow, a suite of online resources that provide job seekers with the capability of searching for job openings in the area as well as a wealth of career resources that includes life resume and interviewing skills coaching, personalized resume and cover letter advice, and more. Looking to possibly change careers? Take the eParachute quiz (based on the popular job-hunting series What’s Your Parachute?) to see what career fields are best suited to your skills and interests. Don’t have the time to set up a live appointment with a career coach to go over your resume or cover letter? Simply upload your document in their Resume Lab, and one of the BrainFuse experts will review and return it to you with suggestions in one business day.

In addition to the job seeking features, BrainFuse has free resources for veterans, students, and adult learners:

  • BrainFuse LearnNow: a library of self-study lessons, videos, practice tests and the option to connect with a live tutor.
  • BrainFuse Adult Learning Center: provides academic assistance designed for adult learners including GED practice tests, Microsoft Office Help, skills building for numerous academic topics, and more.
  • BrainFuse VetNow: provides support to veterans and their families in locating eligible benefits, employment transition assistance, and more.

The BrainFuse JobNow and VetNow resources are available to the entire community. Unlike other library database subscriptions, a library card is not required to access any of the site, and can be easily accessed from home. Simply visit the library’s website, scroll to the bottom of the homepage, and click on the BrainFuse JobNow and VetNow logo. Still need help? Stop on by the library—we’d love to help you get started on the right path.

Jillian Aschliman, Frances Banta Waggoner Library Director

Supporting DeWitt, Growing A Business

In the DeWitt community, Krieger’s has been a longstanding community leader helping to raise tens of thousands of dollars for various projects in DeWitt. Currently, the dealership has raised nearly $20,000 for the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library.  We also do a yearly drawing on prom night, giving some lucky student their first vehicle.  Other projects that we are proud to be part of are the yearly cake auction and the annual golf tournament sponsored by the Lions club. Krieger’s through the years has been a donor to many other silent auctions and private fundraisers.  We do this because we love being part of DeWitt and know that a strong community supports its local businesses.

Krieger Auto started way back in the 1920’s when two young automobile mechanics worked together at the local Ford dealer in Muscatine, Horst and Strieter. Joseph Krieger and Charles Henderson were the mechanics. Charles opened his own garage in 1931, known as Henderson’s Garage in downtown Muscatine. Joe joined Charles in 1932 and they became equal partners in the garage. Soon after, Chevrolet stopped by the garage and asked them to take on Chevrolet, and as time went along during the 30’s, the two partners acquired numerous other franchises, including Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and Cadillac. The original dealership operated out of a 3 story building, with service on the first floor, the second story was the showroom, and a body shop utilized the third floor.

In 1951, General Motors wanted to separate the Pontiac – Cadillac franchise from Chevrolet and Oldsmobile. Marvin Krieger then designed a new building at the corner of Sycamore and Mississippi Drive that would house Henderson’s Chevrolet – Oldsmobile. After a few tough years running the two garages together, they decided to go their separate ways. Henderson’s Chevy Olds continued to run out of the new building and Krieger’s Pontiac Cadillac out of the three-story garage.

The beginnings of Krieger’s in 1956 were a tough going. A young Marvin Krieger struggled to operate the business. Marvin invested in hiring quality employees to help run the operation. Hiring great folks like Warren Tutt, Carson Schwandke, John Sprouse and Evie Lange, the business started to flourish. This started the principles of the “Krieger Way” of doing business.

Hiring Quality employees and treating them as such, providing exceptional Customer Service, and staying true to our small town values will add up to a bright future for everyone.

You will find a breath of fresh air blowing through every Krieger’s location. It is a new spirit of service that starts with a good neighbor approach and a renewed dedication to listening. Krieger Auto Group has been serving customers since 1956. Selling and servicing new and pre-owned Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Lincoln, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles. Hiring quality employees and treating them as such, providing excellent customer service, and staying true to our small town values will add up to a bright future for everyone.

We are excited to work with the DCDC in strengthening our ties to the community.  This summer we plan to sponsor one of the outdoor movie nights and other events to give back to the community that has given so much to us.

Whether you are looking for a new or a high quality used car, truck or SUV Cross-Over, quality mechanical service or repair, an experienced detail department to clean and freshen up your vehicle, you can depend on the decades of experience at Krieger’s of DeWitt. Krieger’s Auto Group, a proud partner in the Muscatine and DeWitt communities.  “Shop us once you are Family for life”.

~Mark Christenson, Sales Manager at Krieger’s DeWitt 

A Sunny Outlook For Business!

In January of 2018, my husband Larry and I purchased Sun Central Tanning Salon in DeWitt.  At
that time we really didn’t know much about the tanning industry but we were excited to be a part of a small business venture in DeWitt.

I feel very fortunate to own a small business in DeWitt and to be a part of this thriving community!  I realize that owning a small business takes lots of hard work, commitment, and a dedication to make every customer that comes in the door feel like they are special.  Our main focus at Sun Central is for people to feel welcome, comfortable and take care of their needs. I enjoy being told on a daily basis that “I am the best part of their day”. People are always so happy to be here and their smiles are contagious, bringing sunshine in with them no matter what the weather is! DeWitt is becoming a “destination small town” and I am honored to be part of the retail businesses.  I feel we do our best to direct people to other shops in town if they are looking for something that we do not offer.  When customers realize that the retail businesses are working together it makes their shopping experience even more rewarding.  As a business owner, I really enjoy the DCDC’s Look Local First Campaign we have lots of customers, local and visitors to the community, talking about the program and the Chamber Bucks drawings.  It is exciting to see all the ways that the Chamber is there to help out all small businesses.

Soon we will be moving to our new location 606 9th Street (the old police station) where we are
excited to offer 2 different levels of UV tanning, Airbrush Spray Tanning, Red Light Therapy, Retail Items, Custom Clothing, Vinyl Graphics, CBD Oil and Lotus Energy Drinks. We will also have 4 house stylists running their own business inside our Salon. Without all the support from our wonderful customers, The DCDC and the community this move may not have happened! So Thank YOU to all!

My husband Larry and I are blessed with 3 wonderful children, Kadi 28, Joshua 26 and Noah 14. We also are blessed with 2 grandchildren Elliana 11 and Boston 2, with grandbaby #3 due at the end of March named Delilah.  We also have 4 wonderful fur babies Maci, Shelbi, Molli, and Gunner. I enjoy hunting, camping, baseball and spending time with family. When I am not at the Salon you will most likely find me at either one of my son’s sporting events or my grandkids. They keep me on my toes for sure! My husband and I are very excited to have our own business in DeWitt as well as having great family memories!

OPPORTUNITY – Iowa Small Business Owners

What I’m about to tell you will all sound “too good to be true” and you’ll keep waiting for the “catch” when you learn that this Small Business Program will cost you $0. It is my belief that the intention is to simply help small businesses grow.

We are fortunate to live in a town that fosters great connections to the people and businesses in it. We are able to share our successes and work together to find ways to help small businesses grow in DeWitt. The DeWitt Chamber & Development Company is one of the organizations that supports and encourages those business and personal connections. That’s why I reached out to them to help me share this opportunity with our small business, with the hope that a few of our small businesses become even better, which would impact the overall vibrancy of our DeWitt economy.

I am Mary Sandry, co-owner of Sandry Fire Supply in DeWitt. Last year I participated in a program called 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB), a collaborative training program sponsored by Goldman Sachs.  The goal is to put existing small businesses through a business education program which fosters business growth.  I am excited to share that this program is now going to be available to up to 60 small businesses in Iowa through a “state-wide” collaboration between Iowa Community Colleges.  It will cost nothing for these businesses to participate.

I learned about 10KSB when I was looking for someone/something to help Bob and I evaluate our business and assist us with planning for its future. My experience was without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever done for myself and our business.

Although I will admit that I was completely skeptical and particularly cautious, it turned out to be a great decision.  The program consists of a combination of online and in-person sessions, along with training in such things as financial statements, hiring practices, marketing, negotiations, etc., I ended up gaining so much more. The networking opportunities and the shared experience with like-minded business owners were invaluable.

The opportunity to work side by side with business owners who experience the same challenges with business operation and growth was incredible.  I have established what I hope to be life-long relationships with contacts who truly want to help me grow my business.

We have used the guidance from the program to develop a new marketing plan for Sandry Fire which gives us the reach we needed to establish new connections and ultimately grow.  We have enhanced numerous in-house processes and software programs that allow for continued growth and improved customer support. Best of all, 10KSB has given me the confidence and courage to take the steps to grow and develop ourselves into the company that supports our core values.

Since completing the program in November 2017, our business has experienced an almost 50% growth.  Although we cannot attribute all of that to this program, I do believe that it has made a difference in the future of Sandry Fire Supply.  We have the knowledge and resources to continue to grow.

Participation in this program will be a significant commitment of your time.  Time to learn and grow – while continuing to operate your business.  But the opportunity to make your business better is truly one you shouldn’t pass up.

Please consider applying for this opportunity.  If you have any questions or would like to hear more about 10KSB, feel free to contact me (mary@sandryfire.com) or check out the 10KSB Iowa website (www.10KSBapply.com/iowa) to learn more about their mission and what other businesses have gained through this opportunity.

Good Luck – and “Let’s Make Small Big” in Iowa!

 

Mary Sandry

Sandry Fire Supply LLC

Serving Those Who Serve Our Communities

I Love My Library

Books have always been an important part of my life. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit The Old Library. Just stepping inside immediately transported me back to the hours I spent in the children’s section as a young girl. I can still remember the shelf where I could find the latest installment of The Boxcar Children. However, what surprised me most was how small it felt. The shelves are long gone, but it is truly amazing how the staff was able to provide such a wealth of information and services in such a small environment. In the late 1980’s, citizens recognized the need to improve the library and designed it to better meet the needs of the community. Just like in 1989, the time has come again to improve the library in order to fulfill library patrons’ needs.

The libraries of the 21st century are not just about books. Although I will be the first to admit that books are still important in a library. It is also about providing residents with WiFi, computers, meeting spaces, diverse programs, makerspaces, and so much more. The staff at the Frances Banta Waggoner Community Library has done a tremendous job over the years with providing many of these opportunities to its patrons. However, so many people are taking advantage of what the library has to offer that more space is needed. So again, we have come to a crossroads. It is time to improve and expand our current facility.

Expanding the current library will allow for more access to technology. Last year alone, the library’s computers had over 12,000 login sessions. In today’s digital world many of us forget that not everyone has WiFi readily available. Libraries work to lessen the digital divide to make sure that all citizens have the ability to use technology and have access to information. Library patrons will continue to be able to use the library’s WiFi and also have access to more than just the current six computers.

An expanded facility will also allow for more flexible and adaptable seating. People can connect with others who have similar interests. The meeting spaces in our current facility were reserved nearly 800 times last year alone. There have been instances when the current space would not hold enough people, so businesses had to look elsewhere for meetings or training sessions. A library’s goal is to provide a community gathering space for all. More space is needed to ensure this goal is being met.

I have lived in DeWitt nearly all my life. My family and I use the library on a regular basis. I love my library, and I am proud to live in a community which recognizes the need to expand and improve the facility to better meet the needs of the people it serves. Libraries transform lives and create lifelong learners. My life was transformed at that small library on the corner of 6th Avenue and 9th Street. Now, I am beyond overjoyed to realize that once again I have the possibility of using and enjoying an expanded facility which will provide even more benefits for this town and its residents.

-Jen Kizer, Enthusiastic Library Expansion Supporter and Patron

Crossroads Triathlon Step One: Sign Up!!

The DeWitt, Iowa Crossroads Triathlon has been part of my annual “to do list” for more than a decade.  The event is beginner friendly with lots of community spirit and always a challenge no matter how many triathlons you have completed.

For me the idea of having a physical challenge bucket list is a must.  I have learned since I was 10 years old that saying yes by signing up is a good way to motivate the mind and body.  I have been picking out annual endurance sporting challenges for about as long as I can remember.  Triathlons first captured my attention when I was in high school.  What has been important to me is that the events I pick be achievable but also challenging.  How far can I go and what might I get to experience? How fast can I complete the event relative to my current fitness?

My first triathlon was the Quad City Triathlon in the late 1980s.  I had read about and saw pictures of pro triathletes that were very inspiring.  I was working as a lifeguard at Scott County Park Pool and enjoyed running and biking.  Swimming competitively was far different than the fitness and skill necessary to lifeguard.  My weakness would definitely be the open water swim.  What helped me say yes to the challenge and sign up for the event was a new life guarding friend.  He was a competitive swimmer and strong biker.  His worry was the run which I convinced him was no big deal.  My friend and I both finished despite struggling so much on our weaknesses during the event.  We were filled with a sense of accomplishment and a sense of euphoria that can’t be purchased.  We both were hooked and continued to pursue rewarding experiences through endurance sports.

30 years later there are many more triathlons to pick from in Eastern Iowa.  Jeff and Amy Castro started the Crossroads Triathlon and it is now continued by the DeWitt community with the support of DeWitt Parks and Rec and First Central State Bank.  The triathlon has a less crowded time trial start with self seeding and a challenging yet accessible course.  My goals each year have changed.  I was able to be part of a team with my wife and oldest son in 2017 which was a lot of fun.  I also get excited to encourage new participants to complete their first triathlon; whether as leg for a team or individual.  2018 will also offer a youth triathlon which has my 3 kids excited to see if they can complete the swim, bike, run challenge.

The first step to experiencing the sense of accomplishment and triathlete euphoria is to sign up.  Regardless of your current fitness level, registering will motivate you to physically prepare and feel great doing so.  Check out this great event and I am sure you too can make endurance sports part of your yearly experiences!

Ron Zimmer, DeWitt Resident and Triathlete