Grow Clinton Podcast

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by Dr. Brian Kelly, president of Clinton Community College. Dr. Kelly will share information regarding the community college's recent successes, including:

• Career Advancement Center
• Workforce education
• K12 partnerships w/regional school districts
• Nestle Purina PetCare career training 
• LyondellBasell partnership & Process Technology 

The Clinton Community College has remained a longtime partner in area education and job readiness, ensuring that tomorrow's workforce is prepared and equipped with the skills necessary to strengthen our regional employers. 

To learn more about the many programs available at Clinton Community College, please visit https://eicc.edu/services-support/location/ccc/. 

To 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 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 are joined by Savanah Necker-Levesque of Necker's Jewelers. 

With 130 years in business, Necker's Jewelers has proven itself to be a successful and customer-focused jeweler, located in DeWitt and Davenport, Iowa. Savannah will share information regarding the various brands available, many of which you can only expect to find in larger cities. Additionally, Necker's Jewelers is Iowa's only provider of Breitling watches — a significant honor for the locally owned and operated company.

We also discuss the successful Gift of Giving initiative and the Charity of the Month program. This April, Necker's is supporting the Children's Therapy Center. 

Also in April, Necker's will host Simon G in DeWitt featuring colored gemstones.

When asked what advice the Necker's team can share with our audience, they stated, "Take care of people and they will take care of you!" 

For more information, please visit Necker's Jewelers online at https://www.neckersjewelers.com/. 

To 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 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 are joined by Jenifer George, owner of Northend Sweets & Treats Ice Cream Shop.

Formerly known as Carol's North End Dairy Treat, the popular summer ice cream joint has been renamed and is undergoing a complete rebranding with a fresh and tasty new look. Jenifer will share insights regarding the new branding elements, which will include a mobile ice cream unit.

Not to leave those craving a classic baked good out of the mix, Northend Sweets & Treats will offer weekend bakery options! 

With a community-focused mindset, new ownership has introduced an offseason fundraising opportunity called Quarts of Joy. Local businesses and organizations can now sell quarts of delicious ice cream to raise funds for the passion programs.

Visit the new website at www.northendsweets.com or email Jenifer at [email protected]. 

To 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 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 are joined by Todd Noack of Life Connections Peer Recovery Services. 

Life Connections Peer Recovery Services is a non-profit organization that operates a Peer Recovery Center and Iowa’s first Peer-Run Respite House. The organization supports individuals wanting to begin or continue their journey by connecting them with services and resources that can guide them in living their best lives.

On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, Life Connections Peer Recovery Services will host the 2nd Annual Ride for Recovery in memory of Keaton Olson. Keaton's mother, Shelly Leab, enters the conversation, sharing the impact of her son's passing and the importance of recovery. 

Registration opens at 11:00 AM, and the starting location is Legends Draft Haus, located at 2118 Harrison Dr., Clinton, Iowa. The group will ride along the Illinois route, stopping in Galena and returning to Legends.

Cars, Jeeps, and motorcycles will all take part in the event!  

The cost is $20 per rider, and additional donations are welcome. After the ride, hang out at Legends for a silent auction, raffles, food, and live music.

For more information, contact Todd Noack at [email protected] or call 563-659-6625. 

To promote your member business, event, 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 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, Jenny and Andy are joined by Kari White and Megan Dove of the Downtoan Clinton Alliance (DCA). 

The DCA hosts a fantastic concert series called Music on the Avenue, which closes the 200 block of 5th Avenue South, right in the heart of Clinton's Downtown. Enjoy live music, dancing, a car show, food vendors, and refreshments (keep the cooler at home)!

Be sure to follow Music on the Avenue on Facebook --> https://www.facebook.com/MusicOnTheAvenueClintonIA.

Starts June 12th through August 14th, 2025.

Food Vendors: 5:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

Live Music 6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.

Music on the Avenue would not be possible without the support of sponsors. If you're interested in sponsoring the event series, please email [email protected]. 

To 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 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 members of the Clinton County Conservation office to discuss upcoming events, projects, the new 40-acre addition to public hunting grounds, and controlled burns on wildlife areas. 

Clinton County Conservation allows for wildlife/environmental education, offering camping, parks, Blue Heron Eco Cruises, Eden Valley Nature Center, school programs and field trips, youth hunter challenges, and EnviroKids. 

For more information and to access the events calendar, please visit https://www.clintoncounty-ia.gov/conservation/. 

Phil Visser can be reached directly at [email protected]. 

To 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 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 are joined by Gabbi Torres and Kip Simpson of Paint it Back. Paint it Back is a nonprofit organization focusing on community development through public art.

We will discuss the Paint it Back vision and mission, the 2025 event, and the festival's positive impact on the Clinton community. 

Gabi and Kip will also reveal how interested volunteers can get involved, support public art, and enhance the experience for artists and local art enthusiasts. 

For more information, please visit https://paintitback.org/. 

To 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 advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

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

Jenny & Andy interview Dr. Charlie Minnick and embark on a transformative experience designed for aspiring and current leaders who seek to turn their vision into impactful action. 

This training program, Leadership Unlocked: Empowering Your Potential, will equip participants with the essential skills, tools, and mindset needed to lead teams and organizations in today's dynamic environment.

Ultimately, management is about handling the day-to-day problems at work; leadership is about leading changes that challenge the day-to-day work. In both situations, conflicts are generated when what people care about gets threatened. The two most common ways of dealing with conflict (both ways are in our DNA) are to fight or give in. Neither works effectively for us or our organizations.

For more information on the Leadership Unlocked professional development series, visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1BH7MS26mR/.

This series is FREE to attend; space is limited. Reservations are required.

If you want more info on promoting 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 advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

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

In this 96th episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy & Jenny interview Senator Mike Zimmer of Iowa Senate District 35. 

The freshman Senator will share his experience in his first term as a state elected official. Mike was elected following Chris Cournoyer's appointment to the position of Lieutenant Governor.

Senator Zimmer sits on the following standing committees:

• Agriculture (Ranking Member)
• Education
• Health and Human Services
• Natural Resources and Environment
• Transportation 

Senator Zimmer can be contacted directly at [email protected]. 

 If you want more info on promoting 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 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 discuss registered apprenticeships with Martha Garcia-Tappa of Iowa Workforce Development. 

Martha will define registered apprenticeships, explain how a company will benefit from such a program, reveal the steps necessary to establish one, and tell interested participants where to become apprentices. 

Registered apprenticeships are essential because they offer a structured, industry-driven pathway for individuals to gain valuable skills and experience while providing employers with a skilled and reliable workforce, leading to increased productivity and retention.

For more information, please visit https://workforce.iowa.gov/apprenticeship.

Martha can be reached at [email protected]. 

If you want more info on promoting 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 advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

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