YP Handbook: Leave Your Card

Every once in a while, we’ll come across a YP blog post that features ImpactCR.  Who doesn’t love when your group is recognized for how awesome we are?  Christoph Trappe hung out at the ImpactCR table at the Corridor Welcome Reception and came across a pretty innovative way to hit up those who might be a little… shall we say… lazy.

Email News: Easy to sign up – Drop Card in Bowl

I admit it.  I’m lazy.  I don’t want to fill out long forms (on paper or online) to sign up for email newsletters.  You might not want to either.

With that in mind this caught my eye at the ImpactCR table at the Corridor Welcome Reception at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance on May 7, 2013.

This is so easy.  Leave your card in the bowl to stay in touch.  No lengthy sign-up required.

Fishbowl  

The easier the sign-up the more likely I am to get on the list, especially if I’m on the fence or whether to sign up or  not.

Full disclosure:  I’m on the ImpactCR Board, staffed the table that night but had nothing to do with the set-up.  Thanks, Mallory Mohwinkle!

Christoph and Katie

While my opinion may be slightly biased, this is pretty genius!  Quick, to the point and I don’t have to wait for someone else to fill out the signup sheet and I can move on to more important stuff like networking and finding out about local businesses and organizations.  Great job, Mallory!  Huge thanks to Katie and Christoph for manning the table.

Editors Note:  Permission to use this blog post (original post here) and pictures was granted by Christoph prior to publishing this post.

Salsa Siren

20130403-151416.jpg

I know I’m not the only one who heard those sirens blaring on their way to work this morning! That’s right friends! It’s another Siren Wednesday and who would we be if we didn’t have something up our sleeve for tonight’s networking event at Gringo’s.

In addition to a pretty awesome Taco bar, Tallis Strub of Cannon Studios will be there to help us get in the Mexican mood with a little salsa action! For more information about Tallis visit her website. She will begin a beginner lesson at 7pm and will get you movin’ and groovin’ while you network.

For more information visit our event page here. !

As always, Siren will be from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Tonight’s venue is Gringo’s! See you there!

Young Professional Profile: Katie Johnson

I’m so excited to kick off our newest feature here on the ImpactCR Blog!  We love everything about young professionals and thought we should put some faces out there of people who are active in the ImpactCR community and {bias aside} pretty awesome.  To start, I thought we should tell you about our fearless leader, Katie Johnson.  

 

Katie J Profile

 

What is your job title, and what are your daily responsibilities?

  • Marketing Manager at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
  • Full time student, Masters of Social Work, University of Iowa

At JAEI, I am responsible for marketing, branding and promotions. Things like web site updates, event promotions, information dissemination, press releases, etc. I am also currently in the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Iowa where responsibilities are to read, read, write and (this semester) intern at the St. Luke’s Child Protection Center.

How did you get to where you are today with your career?

In my time working in the non-profit world I’ve been lucky to work with a multitude of volunteers, board members and co-workers who have taught me many lessons in leadership, work ethic and organization. They’ve pushed me to continue to improve.

What are your top tips for other young professionals?

  • Try something that makes you uncomfortable or intimidates you – e.g., attend a networking event and talk to strangers, volunteer for a project you don’t have much experience in, join a group (like ImpactCR!) you’ve been putting off, etc. You learn so much about yourself outside of your comfort zone, and meet inspirational people when you least expect it.
  • Keep your attitude/outlook in check. Too often I find myself thinking self-defeating thoughts that do nothing but waste time and halt progress. When you’re head is right, good things come!

What is your role with ImpactCR?

Chair of the Board of Advisors

How many miles away are you from your hometown?

Approximately 12 miles

Besides being active with ImpactCR, what is your favorite thing to do in Cedar Rapids?

Just one favorite?!?! When the weather cooperates I love running the Cedar Valley Nature Trail. It cuts through so many great points in the city. I also have a great relationship with food, and enjoy trying out any and all eateries here in CR.

Thanks Katie! I love the first tip about doing something uncomfortable or that intimidates you.  You can grow and learn so much about yourself by stepping outside of your comfort zone.  Have you gotten where you are today by taking on a project or opportunity that was a little intimidating or uncomfortable?  We’d love to hear about it!  I can’t wait to see who will be next on our YP Profile!  Do you have someone you want to know about?  Feel free to nominate a young pro that interests you.

 

BigWig Lunch Talk – John Bloomhall

If anyone else is feeling the same way as I am, you’re ready for Spring to be here anytime now.  Since when did Mother Nature decide it would be cool to make Iowa a winter wonderland in March?  Am I right?  Although, if nature repeats itself, St. Patrick’s Day will be here in 5 short days and we’ll all be in t-shirts getting sunburned while partaking in SAPADAPASO’s annual parade and other green festivities downtown.  This white stuff just needs to melt and disappear.

I know we’ve been a little quiet on the blog front, but we’re back and have some great partnerships and new initiatives launching in the next month or so, and I hope to have lots of great stuff to share soon!

For those of us who prefer immediate gratification, you will be happy to know that we have a fantastic event lined up tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm.  I’ve talked about our BLT’s before here, and it’s back!  We are happy to have Diamond V CEO John Bloomhall at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance over the lunch hour.

John Bloomhall

If you aren’t familiar with Mr. Bloomhall, I’ll have you know he’s a pretty busy man and is very passionate about the community.  Mr. Bloomhall is the third generation of his family to lead the worldwide animal feed ingredient company. He has fulfilled his passion for community over the years having served on various boards, including Brucemore, Kirkwood Community College Foundation, Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, Tanager Place, Indian Creek Nature Center… the list goes on!

dv-logo

He has received many honors, including the Entrepreneurial Achievement Award by the Iowa Biotechnology Association for his commitment to supporting the industry through facility expansion, job creation and product innovation. He also received the 2010 Ernst & Young Entreprenuer of the Year award in Agriculture for the Central Midwest Region.

Pretty impressive, right?  We thought so!  This is just a little snapshot of what he has accomplished throughout his professional journey, and we invite you to learn more and see how his journey may impact your own.  Who doesn’t want to know how a BigWig became… well… a big wig?  Come prepared with questions and your lunch (a BLT perhaps?).  See you then!

ImpactCR + Legally Blonde The Musical

Omigod, you guys!  Did you hear the news?!  Theatre Cedar Rapids is bringing Legally Blonde The Musical to town!  Exciting, right?!

Legally Blonde

In support of our three ImpactCR Advisory Board Members (and one past board member) in the cast, our Members and Mixers Committee is having a night at the theatre.  All you have to do is mention ImpactCR and buy tickets for the March 22nd show and you’re in!

I’m sure many of you have seen the 2001 movie, but here’s a refresher:

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn’t take “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.  Based on the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

As a special treat after the show, our three lovely ladies will take you on an exclusive tour backstage.  Ah-ma-zing!  I can’t wait!  Tickets are on sale now, but they’re going fast!  Don’t forget to mention ImpactCR when you buy yours today.  Until then, I’ll be brushing up on my Bend and Snap.

Casino Vote Forum

As you have probably seen in the paper, on TV and Facebook, there is a HUGE vote coming up on March 5th.  Do you know where you stand on the idea of bringing a casino to Linn County?

Casino

Part of ImpactCR’s mission is to provide opportunities to become educated and informed on standing issues in our community.  ImpactCR’s Civic and Community Action Committee is bringing you the Casino Vote Forum tomorrow, February 12th at the National Czech and Slovak Museum from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

We have asked some pretty major players to sit on the panel, so join us tomorrow night and they can answer your questions before you vote.

Register for this free event here!   Don’t forget to locate your Linn County polling place, prior to March 5th.  See you tomorrow!

Twisted Siren Wednesday

While the sirens have already blared this month, it does not mean that Siren Wednesday has gone by the wayside.  Rather, it is coming back with more bells and whistles than ever before!  This month, Members and Mixers is bringing you… wait for it… Twisted Siren Wednesday.

Siren with a twist, you say? 

Why yes, I do say.  This month, we will be bringing you a Siren like never before!  Many come to Siren for the social aspect, to meet new people and network.  Others come to catch up with friends, have a beer or two and celebrate Hump Day.  No matter what your reasons for attending Siren Wednesday, this Wednesday will be a little different.  A little like speed dating.

Get your mouse off that Red ‘X’ button!  Just chill.

speed networking

A little mix of speed dating, but speed networking style. Sounds awesome, right!?  For those of you who find your cozy little table and stay put for the duration of Siren, this is for you.  It won’t last long, but there’s no doubt that you will make a ton of connections.  Even if you don’t make a ton of connections, you might make one or two important ones.

Now that you shy ones have stopped hyperventilating, gather some business cards and get ready for some fun tomorrow after work!  We will be seeing you from 5:30pm – 7:30pm at The Vault, formerly known as Piano Lounge, aka Penguin’s Comedy Club, aka Harrington’s Sports Bar.  Right.

The Vault

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a comedian, or would like to watch others who dream of being a comedian, or those who enjoy getting laughed at with, Comedy Open Mic Night starts at 7:30!  $2 liquid courage domestic bottles all night long and there’s no cover!

See you tomorrow night!

Be The Match

Be-the-Match-R_RGB

2012 has come and gone, the new year is here, and it’s time to get serious.  For a moment.

If someone told you that you could save someone’s life, would you do it? Each year, thousands of people with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma are in need of a bone marrow or stem cell transplant.  In many cases, their greatest hope is finding a match on the national marrow donor program registry.

ImpactCR is teaming up with the family of David Lee Graybill and the Iowa Marrow Donor Network for a donor drive at the NewBo City Market from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, January 5.  People ages 18-44 are encouraged to register for the national Be The Match Registry® and potentially be a life-saving donor to someone in need.

David Lee Graybill was 58 years old when he lost his battle with leukemia.  He was the first adult in the state of Iowa to receive a stem cell transplant from umbilical cord blood donations.  While the transplant was not a success for him, his family is excited to share his story with others and encourage the community to join the registry and help save lives.

“Our father lost his battle, but we know he would want us to share his story,” said Amber Mussman, David’s daughter and member of the ImpactCR Leadership and Service Committee.  “It is our hope that we can raise awareness of the need for donors and encourage more people to join the registry and Be The Match!” 

When you join the Be The Match Registry®, you become part of every patient’s search for a bone marrow donor.  Thousands of patients with blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, sickle cell and other life-threatening diseases need a bone marrow transplant.  You could be the one to save a life.

Visit Be the Match Registry, for more information.

Editors Note: This is a press release from Amber Mussman, member of ImpactCR Leadership and Service Committee, and past ImpactCR Leadership and Service chair.

Not Appropriate for Work – Ugly Holiday Sweater Party Recap

To save face for all those involved, this may not be appropriate to view at work.  What am I saying?!  Of course it is!  No one can put on a horrifically ugly holiday sweater and really expect that they are going to get away with it.  Which is why I was in full force Saturday night gathering all sorts of evidence… aka pictures.  To post on here.  That’s right!  For those of you who were brave enough to participate in the Best of Ugly walk off at our Annual Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest, I have proof that you deserve to be on the Worst Dressed List.  Don’t fret… for this party, it’s a good thing!

If you missed what was probably the most epic Ugly Holiday Sweater Party yet, here are a few pictures from the contest.  For those of you who might have participated in the contest, don’t be nervous.  They are not that bad.  (Please pardon the evil eyes.  Taking pictures in zero light with an iPhone flash is not the greatest idea I’ve ever had.)

Now please… sit back, relax and enjoy the feature presentation!

Thank you to all of the Fire and Ice Festival sponsors, the Metro Economic Alliance, Hoopla, Freedom Festival, RuffaloCODY, Dublin City Pub,  Z102.9, DJ Lady J, Clare from the Schulte & Swann Morning Show, and Tyler Ryder.

All in all, it was a successful night.  Think you have what it takes to win next year?  I think you do!  So start planning the greatest ugly holiday outfit now, and we’ll see you in 2013!