Grow Clinton Podcast

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are again joined in the studio by Dr. Charlie Minnick. Dr. Minnick will share information regarding the upcoming Leadership Unlocked session sponsored by Grow Clinton with a focus on developing a recognition strategy to ensure a thriving workplace. 

Are your employees feeling truly seen and valued? Recognition isn't just a feel-good perk—it's a strategic driver of retention, engagement, and performance. 
This month's presentation is packed with practical, research-backed insights to help organizations move beyond token gestures and build a culture of genuine appreciation.

Key highlights include:

• Structure over spontaneity: Create intentional, equitable recognition plans tied to job roles and calendars.
• More than money: While compensation matters, clear growth paths and role diversification can be even more motivating.
• Recognize the person, not just the output: Align recognition with individual motivations and hidden talents.
• Beyond top performers: Celebrate consistent contributors, team wins, and peer-nominated efforts.
• Innovative strategies, real ROI: Reduce costly turnover and increase productivity with measurable recognition practices.

Whether you're an HR leader, team manager, or executive, this guide helps you turn appreciation into action.

Build a workplace where great people stay—and thrive!
For more information on the Leadership Unlocked series, please visit http://bit.ly/4mpplBr. 

To promote your business, organization, or upcoming event on the podcast, contact Grow Clinton at 563.242.5702 or www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton promotes business growth, builds community, and supports the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by Megan Dove of the Clinton County Development Association (CCDA). 

The CCDA, a non-profit organization and sponsor of the license for the Wild Rose Casino & Resort®, Clinton, provides financial assistance through grant programs to local organizations and charities that enhance the overall vitality and quality of life in Clinton County through their educational, social, cultural, and environmental programs and initiatives.

Megan will discuss the upcoming August 13th grant submission deadline, with awards announced in November 2025, details regarding the partnership with the Wild Rose Casino & Hotel, and a list of past funded projects.

To learn more about the CCDA and how your organization or charity can apply for grant funding, please visit https://clintoncountydevelopment.org/.

To promote your business on the podcast, contact Grow Clinton at 563.242.5702 or www.GrowClinton.com. 

Grow Clinton promotes business growth, builds community, and supports the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny discuss the upcoming Skyline Center Backyard Barbecue and the benefits of Home Health Care. Skyline Center works to include people with disabilities in the Clinton area communities, focusing on their abilities. Their mission statement, "Building Community, Supporting Choices," guides their daily activities. Skyline provides residential services, employment services, day habilitation, and home health services.

Their popular fundraising event, the Annual Backyard Barbecue, is on August 8th from 5-9 PM at their location, 2600 N 4th Street, Clinton, IA. This family event supports Skyline's services. Visit www.skylinecenter.org for details.

To promote your business on the podcast, contact Grow Clinton at 563.242.5702 or www.GrowClinton.com. Grow Clinton promotes business growth, builds community, and supports the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by Brant Carius and Joan Current of Clysar LLC, based in Clinton, Iowa.

Founded in 1963, Clysar is a leading North American producer of polyolefin shrink film, widely used in display packaging, product protection, shipping, and more.

For over 60 years, Clysar has focused exclusively on one thing: high-performance shrink packaging. With sharp focus and precision, Clysar LLC stands out as the only shrink film manufacturer that concentrates solely on meeting your shrink packaging needs.

Clysar LLC is known for being responsive and easy to work with, bringing flexibility and a positive attitude to your business and packaging challenges.

For more information, please visit https://clysar.com/.

Thank you, Clysar LLC, for your ongoing investment in Grow Clinton, supporting economic and community development across a bi-state region!

To learn how you can promote your member business or organization on the podcast, feel free to contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to encourage business growth, foster community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny interview James Stout and Shane Sawyer from the Iowa Department of Workforce Development, focusing on Home Base Iowa, a veteran relocation incentive program.

The four discuss the benefits of veteran relocation to Iowa and Clinton County, the associated incentives, the application process, and upcoming Veteran Success Fairs.

Contact James and Shane for more information about the 2025 Veteran Success Fairs!

• [email protected]
• [email protected]

Home Base Iowa is seamlessly integrated into IowaWORKS, the state’s largest jobs bank and a resource for finding careers across the state. Veterans receive personalized career assistance, and Iowa employers gain access to powerful tools and a database of qualified veteran resumes.

Clinton County, Iowa, has been a Home Base Iowa County since 2016. As one of the early adopters, Clinton County has helped nearly 70 veterans, supporting the workforce needs of our region's largest employers.

For more details about Home Base Iowa and the local incentives available, feel free to contact Andy Sokolovich at 563-242-5702 or email [email protected].

To find out how you can promote your member business or organization on the podcast, contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to promote business growth, build community, and support the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Jenny and Andy are joined by Tim and Jess Hartsock of Core-Vens Insurance, based in Clinton, Iowa.

The Core-Vens team discusses the company's history, future plans, industry changes, and answers common questions to help you choose the right policy for your personal or business needs.

Core-Vens & Company, Inc. was founded on September 1, 1963, by Bill Core and Ray Vens. The office was located at 1531 North Second Street, in the former Joyce Lumber Company building. Known for their proactive approach, the Core-Vens agency quickly made a significant impact on the insurance scene for Clinton's residents and businesses.

Bill Core served as president from 1963 to 1975. In 1976, Ray Vens was elected president, a role he held until 1993. That year, Ray Vens reorganized the company and stepped down as president. His son, Chris Vens, was elected president and CEO and continues in that role today.

For more information, visit https://www.corevens.com/.

To learn how you can promote your member business or organization on the podcast, contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to promote business growth, build community, and support the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny welcome Deanna Posey, owner of Deanna's Java in Clinton, Iowa.

With multiple locations in Clinton, Deanna's Java is the perfect stop for coffee lovers of all ages. From classic brewed coffee to specialty energy drinks, Deanna's Java offers something for everyone!

Deanna shares her entrepreneurial journey and her passionate commitment to growing the Clinton community.

Be sure to follow Deanna's Java on Facebook to get updates on special deals and new menu items!

For information on promoting your business or organization on the podcast, contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to promote business growth, strengthen community ties, and support the long-term economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by representatives from Law Jones Cremation & Funeral Care in Clinton, Iowa.

Matthew and Levi Jones have extensive experience caring for families from all backgrounds. Each family chooses Law Jones because they know they are experts in the field, committed to excellent service, and uphold the highest integrity.

With a new facility under construction in Clinton, Iowa, the two share their insights on changes in death care, funerals, and the impact of technology.

The team at Law Jones Cremation & Funeral Care invites you to discover what has made Law Jones Funeral Home the premier provider of healing experiences in the community. 

Grow Clinton extends heartfelt appreciation to the entire Law Jones community for choosing to grow their business in Clinton!

For more information, please visit https://www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com/.

To promote your member business or organization on the podcast, feel free to contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702, email [email protected], or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to encourage business growth, foster community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny sit down with Stacy Borgeson, Grow Clinton's Director of Workforce Development & Talent Attraction, to discuss the region's workforce challenges, in-demand skill sets, available programs, and resources for workforce and talent attraction.

Stacy highlights the newly launched Process Technology Program through Clinton Community College, Home Base Iowa, and the Clinton County Community Student Loan Assistance Program.

We also discuss the services available to our members that help identify quality job candidates through Grow Clinton's Career Awareness Program. Job seekers can upload their resumes and contact information via the Grow Clinton website at www.GrowClinton.com, and their information will be shared with dozens of regional employers.

Workforce development and talent attraction are key priorities in the Grow Clinton strategic plan. Without immediate access to a trained workforce, many regional employers will struggle to meet market demands. Therefore, Grow Clinton has built strong relationships with statewide leadership in Iowa and Illinois to develop cost-effective training opportunities that prepare individuals for careers in our area.

Grow Clinton also engages students in the K-12 educational system by organizing facility tours, inviting employers for speaking engagements, and connecting young professionals with hiring managers interested in supporting work-based learning, internships, and apprenticeships.

For more information on workforce development and talent attraction, please get in touch with Stacy Borgeson at sborgesongrowclinton.com.

To learn how you can promote your member business or organization on the podcast, feel free to contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to encourage business growth, foster community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny welcome Aaron and Anthony from Brown's Shoe Fit, located in the charming Downtown Clinton District on the 200 block of 5th Avenue South.

The two share information about the company, local ownership, inventory and brands, as well as upcoming sales and events.

As a member and investor in Grow Clinton, Brown's Shoe Fit utilizes various marketing opportunities to tell the Brown's Shoe Fit story and highlight the excellent selection of workwear, athletic shoes, stylish dress shoes, casual sandals, and hiking boots. 

If you're unsure about your foot size and shape, Brown's Shoe Fit offers innovative technology designed to ensure you get the perfect-fitting shoe or boot for your specific foot.

Contact Aaron today to schedule a visit and enjoy a personalized customer experience! Email Aaron at [email protected].

For information on promoting your member business or organization on the podcast, feel free to contact the Grow Clinton office at 563.242.5702 or visit us online at www.GrowClinton.com.

Grow Clinton's mission is to encourage business growth, foster community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!