Tag Archives: Look Local First

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!

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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!

I Love My Library

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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

How to Get the Love You Want

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Love is in the air. We’re rapidly approaching Valentine’s Day. Most of us are either pining for a partner, head-over-heels in love or struggling to keep the love alive with our partner. I have experienced all those states of being. Also, having been a United Methodist pastor for over 20 years, I have observed countless other’s heartache, joy and pain in their quest to find and keep love.

I am happy to report that it is possible to find and have a committed, long-term loving relationship that both deepens over time and has the same hot spark of those first few weeks of falling in love. I know this because I have it! My wife, Winter and I have been together more than seventeen years now and people still ask us, “Are you newly-weds?” I am amazed that I still fall more in love with her every day and she tells me she feels the same way.

“How can this be?” I would have asked 20 years ago. My marriage to my first wife had been on the rocks almost from the day we said, “I do.” We loved each other but after 7 years of struggling to make it work, we decided the best way to honor our commitment “to love and to cherish” was to let each other go.

What I have discovered was that the best advice my father gave me was “spot on.” He advised, “Marry your best friend.” What I wish he would have followed up that advice with was, “There is a big difference between very, very good and best.” The difference is that with your best friend, the two foundation stones of a relationship are easy. These foundation stones are not ‘hot sex’ and shared hobbies. Instead, they are trust and communication. Not very sexy. But, within a short period of time without trust and communication, you aren’t going to be doing anything considered sexy.

When you marry your best friend, trust is a given and communication is easy. Your best friend likes/loves you for who you are and vice versa. You can spend countless hours together and not get bored. You bring out each other’s best. You are able to call out the misses because you know you have each other’s best interest at heart. And, when trust and communication are firing on all cylinders, you will be enjoying all kinds of things that are very sexy indeed!

My life purpose has always been to grow health, wellness and joy in life. When pondering the most effective place to start working on this purpose, I remembered the poem written by an unknown monk around 1100 AD,

“When I was a young man, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as an older man, I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.”

So, I wrote my first book, “After Ever After: Finding and Keeping the Love of a Lifetime” with that in mind. It begins with me and ends with my greatest hope that everyone is able to have the love they most desire. If you are interested in exploring further how trust and communication can strengthen your relationships, I invite you to join me on Saturday, February 10 at 10:00 AM at the Francis Banta Waggoner Community Library for my workshop, “50 Ways to Love Your Lover.” I’ll be signing copies of “After Ever After” at the end of the workshop. You can also find the book for purchase at my blog at www.tomboomershine.com or you can purchase a copy at THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe.

Peace,

Tom Boomershine – DeWitt United Methodist Church Pastor & Founder of EcoSphere Coaching

Making Better Lives

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It was on May 7, 2007, when I saw my very first patient at Rock Valley Physical Therapy in our then new DeWitt location. Having been a physical therapist for exactly 10 years at that point, I had the experience and confidence needed, in addition to the support and trust from Rock Valley owners and my colleagues to be successful, but…I was scared! I was leaving the comforts of a clinic with several coworkers and loving what I was doing every single day. I was moving on to a clinic with only one coworker and very few patients to start with in a community that I knew very little about, despite growing up just down the road. It was change, and a big change in my life, and as we all know, change is hard!!

I grew up in Park View, Iowa and graduated from North Scott High School. I knew of DeWitt growing up, especially when it came to going to see a movie and getting ice cream with my family. It was in my later high school years and early college years that I knew I wanted to do something in the area of health care. It was after a day spent doing a job shadow with a physical therapist, that I was able to solidify my decision to choose this as my future career. I knew I had a passion for “making better lives” even before it had become the official tag line that I now live and practice by along with all of my colleagues at Rock Valley Physical Therapy. I attended St. Ambrose University and graduated with my Master in Physical Therapy degree in May of 1997. Before I started working for Rock Valley in 2001, I began my career in physical therapy with Genesis and even spent a few months working for Genesis Medical Center right here in DeWitt. Little did I know at that time what my future had in store for me in this amazing community!

Twenty years into my career as a physical therapist and 10 years into my time working here in DeWitt, I still absolutely love working as a physical therapist and I love “making better lives”. Physical therapy is such a rewarding career. On a daily basis I am able to help and witness people’s lives improving by decreasing their pain, helping them return to work, play in a sport again or to be helping them return to the activities they are passionate about. Another thing to love about my career is we have fun! Every day is different and every person is different but we make the physical therapy process as enjoyable as possible as we help make their lives better. Finally, I enjoy the relationships I have made with all of my clients and their families. I have the opportunity to know that I cannot always completely resolve every problem in every person, but I am certain that I can make at least something better in the life of every person that is under my care.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision to leave the comforts of my clinic in Davenport to make that difficult change and take on the professional opportunity I was given to open a clinic for Rock Valley in Dewitt. The DeWitt community as a whole has also played a role in our ability to “make better lives”. I have felt welcomed into this community from day one and have developed so many wonderful friendships through the lives I interact with in the clinic and from my involvement in the DeWitt Noon Lions and the DCDC. I am happy to say we are now busting at the seams in our clinic located adjacent to the Dewitt Fitness Center with our amazing team of four full time, two part time and two per diem employees who are all extremely passionate about “making better lives” for every client who walks through our doors. I am overjoyed to be able to “make better lives” for such wonderful people in such a fantastic community.

Kerri Hanna – Physical Therapist & Clinic Manager at Rock Valley Physical Therapy DeWitt Location

It was Meant To Be!

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In January of 2014, my husband Kevin and I purchased the established business of Meant To Be in downtown DeWitt. At that time we added fresh flowers to the store, which was the reason for the name change to Meant To Be With Flowers. I completed Floral Design Schooling in West Palm Beach from South Florida Center for Floral studies in 2013. It had always been a passion for me to become a floral designer and I truly enjoy decorating and searching for new, unique ideas!

I grew up in a small town in Northeastern Iowa on a dairy farm, and I have always had a passion to work hard, play hard, be kind and pray! 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 Meant To Be With Flowers is for people to feel welcome and regardless if they purchase anything or not, that they feel at home! I enjoy hearing our customers call this their “happy place”, or when they say they would like to “bottle our smell up and take home”! We have a special candle always burning, butter maple syrup is our signature scent. One of our hometown customer service details is every customer that comes in the door is greeted with a delicious chocolate mint.

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 businesses owners 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 hear customers for miles away talking so highly of DeWitt!

My husband Kevin and I are blessed with four wonderful children, Jenna 25, Krista 23, Colin 20, and Kara 16. I enjoy golfing, exercising, spending time with family and the long hours of being a small business owner. I feel my reward for the long hours and commitment to the business is helping people find those unique gift items, decorating for hours for each holiday, which our entire store is now Christmas! And of course I love to visit with customer and listen to their likes in home décor! Have a Happy Holiday Season and stop by to view our decorated LIVE Window during the upcoming Hometown Christmas Window Walk, on December 2nd!

Lisa Duffy – Owner of Meant to Be With Flowers

Fresh Food & Friendly Conversations

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At the core of community is the sharing of food. A farmer’s market is a shared space wherein folks meet face to face and talk about food. Perhaps this explains why the number of farmer’s markets nationwide have increased from 1755 in 1996 to 8,144 in 2013. A farmer’s market connects people together. A farmer’s market provides space for friendly conversations with folks who actually have grown, harvested and prepared food. Folks at a farmer’s market share not only the food itself, but also information about how the food is grown and prepared. Shoppers at a farmer’s market can ask questions and express their preferences in face to face conversations with vendors.

‘Walkable space’ is a term used by city planners and developers to refer to a shared space within community that is accessible on foot. There’s really nothing new about this concept—in plain English, we call this space a “park”. Such shared spaces seem to connect people together and enhance the quality of life in a community. Here in DeWitt our farmer’s market is centrally located on the east side of Lincoln Park Thursday afternoons (between 3:30-6:30PM) from May thru October. Although we struggle from time to time with unpleasant weather, on good days many folks seem to enjoy a walk to the market from their homes. There is grass, shade, benches, and picnic tables, and a playground nearby. The DeWitt Farmer’s Market is a relaxing way to get some exercise on a summer afternoon and to visit with neighbors. It doesn’t cost as much money as some other outdoor entertainment. It’s truly a nice walk in the park.

John Ivens, Farmers Market Manager

With So Many Choices, Why Look Local First?

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No one business can be all things to all people. And the number of options available to shoppers is greater than ever. Online vendors, big box stores and franchise businesses offer many advantages. Small Businesses have distinct attributes and advantages as well, and hopefully, give you reasons to Look Local First.

Small Businesses represent community, an interdependence among its residents, neighbors and city leaders. They offer personalized service and unique finds, but more importantly – a slower pace, and an experience to be enjoyed with family and friends. They know, enjoy and appreciate their customers, and they cannot exist without local support.

THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe opened its doors on June 20, 2011 after a nine month renovation of the former Martha’s Café. The name recognizes in part, the historical crossroads of two transnational highways 30 & 61 at DeWitt’s downtown intersection of 6^th Avenue & 10^th Street. DeWitt’s many quality of life amenities along with its nice downtown and music along 6^th Avenue, its proximity to the Quad City area and surrounding communities, made it seem like a good location to open a new business.

This was truly a family endeavor and partnership. As such, it was not only an investment in DeWitt, but a time of making memories and rejuvenation following a period of ill health. Indeed, it was the beginning of a new and adventuresome journey that still continues to this day. Having celebrated our 5^th Anniversary this past June, we can say that “It is good to be here.” For truly, the best part of this journey so far has been sharing ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Experiences’ with so many people along the way.

That’s what Small Businesses are about: Personal Connections and integrating what we do into everyday life. Just one of many reasons to Look Local First. Do enjoy all that DeWitt has to offer. Experience Your Hometown…. And Meet Us at THE CROSSROADS. Be Inspired!

Linda Snyder – Owner of THE CROSSROADS Inspired Living & Garden Cafe

The Logic of Looking Local First

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Options by the numbers. Thirteen companies offer insurance services in DeWitt which cover home, auto, life and health needs. Over ten financial institutions present a variety of services such as banking, investing, and accounting; and six of them offer tax service, which is important to note during tax season. If you are wanting to change your look, try one of the five hair salons like Touch of Bliss Salon Spa or the two barber shops in town. Four printing and signage companies like Custom Art and Signs offer many different custom services for your business or personal needs. With all those options and competitive prices, you don’t have to look out of town.

Reliable problem solvers right around the corner. You don’t have to call an 800 number and be put on hold. Not only are there many options and quality service, there’s a bounty of highly trained professionals right here in DeWitt. Frustrated with spreadsheets at work? Hasenmiller Spreadsheet Solutions specializes in optimizing your time by customizing spreadsheets. Need some advice on a house addition? Consult with one of the three highly experienced construction companies, three electrical contractors or two plumbing and heating companies in town. Does your car need a tune up? Take advice from the three long-standing mechanic shops right around the corner. Three attorney offices offer legal expertise to business and individual clients, which saves a trip to larger cities when dealing with legal matters.

Welcoming community equals business growth. While offering services locally, many companies stretch their territory to a large part of Midwest zip codes. Sandry Fire Supply not only provides gear and equipment to many surrounding states’ fire departments, but also provides emergency car-cutting training to places in South Africa and Europe. Kirby Water Conditioning and Jansen Electric both service a 60-mile radius from DeWitt, offering their expertise to many communities. On the other hand, Grace Lutheran Camp and the Clinton County Fairgrounds literally keep themselves local; however, they service people from all over the region with their extensive community rental facilities.

Giving back. Locally owned businesses build strong communities by supporting local causes. Evidence is in the long list of contributors at a local fundraiser. Title sponsors at a charity event. It’s visible at the Veterans Memorial, a collaboration of companies such as Holst Construction, Hansen Monuments, Jansen Electric and others, who brought their quality of work to a meaningful project.

Rooted in DeWitt, these professional service companies provide us with the advantage of their expertise every day. Reliable problem-solvers with dependable service, highly trained and price competitive. Look Local First. It’s all here, right around the corner.