Welcome to the 2nd Quarter! Hello, and welcome to The Union County Connection! It has been a while since you've seen us in your inbox - not because we've forgotten about you, but because there has been so much going on here at The Roundhouse and in Union County! We can't wait to share with you all what we've been up to as well as some exciting events and opportunities coming up. Let's dive right in! |
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April Recap On Tuesday, April 11th, Mindy and Chloe, along with other UCDA board members, attended the Iowa Rural Development Summit 2023 in Ames. We were proud to represent Union County, and we always look forward to opportunities to learn and connect with other communities! As a part of the summit, childcare success stories were shared, and Mindy had the privilege to tell the story of how the Greater Connections Childcare Center came to be. Getting the opportunity to highlight Union County and the amazing partnerships that we have at a statewide level is always exciting! The following week, on Wednesday, April 19th, our Lead UC Youth & Adults partnered with Southwestern Community College during their Pay It Forward (PIF) Week to host Meals from the Heartland. A record-breaking 87,000 meals were packaged, thanks to our amazing businesses and community members who helped us reach this milestone! |
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Imagine where you would be next year if you just start now... We've seen great success with our past Just Start workshops, that we decided to keep the momentum going with another one! Do you have a business idea that you just can't stop thinking about? Maybe you've even already started your new business. Whether you are in the dream phase or within your first three years of business, this one-day, action-driven workshop is for you! We can help you start or grow your new business. Lunch will be provided, and there will be a happy hour at Hot Air Brewing following the workshop. Click the banner below to learn more! |
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We kicked off our Uptown Clean Up Days on Thursday, April 21st in honor of SWCC's Pay It Forward Week! We had representatives from Iowa Focus, MATURA, and SWCC. Couldn't make it to this one? No worries! Join us the first Thursday of each month through November at The Roundhouse starting at 9 AM. If you can't make it right at 9, stop in during office hours, and start whenever works for you. Thank you to everyone who helps keep our Uptown District looking clean and beautiful! |
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The Market on Maple Committee has been hard at work since January preparing for Market on Maple 2023! With over 60 unique handmade, boutique & food vendors, you are sure to find some treasures. Not to mention it's taking place on Mother's Day weekend, so you can grab something for that special mother in your life! Be sure to follow the Market on Maple Facebook page for a sneak peak of our vendors as well as additional information about the event. |
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In 1957, in the rural town of Creston, Iowa, Robert Lewis and his son Earl, began R.E. Lewis Refrigeration. For more than 30 years, the family-owned business thrived by providing innovative industrial refrigeration to a wide range of clients. In the fall of 1991, Wayne Hanson purchased the corporation from Earl Lewis who had decided to retire. Recognizing R.E. Lewis’s solid reputation in the industry, Wayne decided to keep the name. Today, R.E. Lewis has expanded its corporate space and added an additional office in Dubuque, Iowa. Wayne continues to lead with the same principles of family values and hard work that transform new clients into long-lasting partners. We sat down to interview Amanda Davis, who has worked for R.E. Lewis Refrigeration for 15 years, starting out as a secretary, and she is now the Construction Coordinator. What made you want to work for R.E. Lewis Refrigeration?
As a young, single mom, I was looking for a flexible, daytime job, and R.E. Lewis Refrigeration had an opening for an office position. We also shared similar values such as putting family first.
What does a day in your life at R.E. Lewis look like?
Every day is a little different, but a lot of my duties revolve around assisting the admin team as well as project managers with various tasks that need done. I manage all our equipment rentals for all our jobs across the United States. In other words - I do a LOT of paperwork and must pay attention to details! I am also on the implementation team for our project management software, and I assist in setting up and maintaining weld certifications, insurance certificates, and new vendors. Besides these duties, I am also backup and can jump into any position throughout the admin team when needed.
What do you enjoy most about R.E. Lewis? In addition to the friendships I have built, working at R.E. Lewis has given me many opportunities for growth. They are very supportive of their employees. Throughout my career, I have helped developed processes and procedures and have learned how to network and build relationships with vendors and customers. Additionally, R.E. Lewis Refrigeration values serving our community. Some ways we have given back to our community include packing meals for Meals from the Heartland, hosting fundraisers and silent auctions to adopt a family to provide Christmas presents for, and we have also helped build 20 bunk beds to donate to Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Interested in a career at R.E. Lewis Refrigeration? Check out their open positions here. |
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“My husband and I both come from multi-generational farm families in the area, so it was an easy decision for us to set our roots in Union County. The beautiful countryside, quality rural lifestyle, and variety of unique local businesses all make UC a great option for families. Additionally, we enjoy the lakes and trails that offer a fun, local destination for all ages. Choosing UC was the best decision we made for our family!” - Francine Ide, Shannon City Resident |
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Coworker + Young Professional Spotlight Trevor Holland |
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Trevor Holland, an Indiana Native, started coworking at The Roundhouse in 2022. Trevor is the Regional Property Manager for Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity Housing Corporation. Hear what Trevor has to say about his experience as a Roundhouse coworking member below! "As a new face in the area, The Roundhouse has helped me meet other professionals in the area. The space gives me the flexibility of being in the heart of Uptown with all the amenities of an office space at a fraction of the cost. The Roundhouse has everything I need to keep myself productive and focused on work. I'm able to host meetings, collaborate with co-workers, and meet so many professionals and business owners in the community. I'm so thankful to have a space in Union County for young professionals and business owners to connect." Interested in learning more about coworking at The Roundhouse? Learn more and check out our membership options here! |
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Do you know someone tired of traditional restaurant jobs? Seeking something more flexible and creative? Wanting a unique experience and location? The Wallace Centers of Iowa is hiring a Farm Chef at the Wallace Farm near Orient. | | |
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Upcoming Events Click on the images for more information! |
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It's that time of the year! Check out our local Farmers' Markets in Creston & Afton starting in June. The Creston Farmers' Market will begin Monday, June 5th and run every Monday (besides July 3rd and Labor Day) through September 25th from 4-6:30pm at McKinley Park. |
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Want to feature a job opening in our next newsletter? Email us at Marketing@UnionCountyIowa.com. |
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