Grow Clinton Podcast

The Grow Clinton Podcast returns with Episode 266, featuring Tammy McClimon of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Clinton County, Iowa. Tammy joins us to share program updates, discuss the local impact of this remarkable literacy initiative, and reflect on the enduring importance of the vision Dolly Parton began in 1995.

For three decades, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped put books directly into the hands of young children, creating meaningful opportunities for families to read, learn, and grow together from the earliest years.

A Legacy That Begins With Books

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a book-gifting program that mails free, high-quality, age-appropriate books to enrolled children from birth through age five, regardless of family income. What began in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevier County, Tennessee, has grown into an international effort supporting children and families across the United States and several other countries.

The program is built on a simple but powerful idea: early access to books can foster a lifelong relationship with reading. Each monthly delivery gives children something of their own, creates opportunities for parents and caregivers to read aloud, and helps make literacy part of everyday family life.

Since its founding in 1995, the Imagination Library has reached extraordinary milestones. The organization launched a national replication effort in 2000, delivered its 200 millionth book in 2023, and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025. In 2024, one in seven children under age five in the United States received an Imagination Library book each month.

Tammy McClimon Shares Clinton County Updates

In Episode 266, Tammy McClimon updates listeners on Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Clinton County and discusses what the program means for local children, parents, caregivers, educators, and the broader community.

Her conversation with Grow Clinton highlights the value of investing early in children's development. Access to books supports more than reading readiness—it encourages parent-child connection, sparks imagination, and gives families practical tools to make learning part of daily life.

Literacy Is Community Development

Economic and community development starts with people, and supporting young children and families is among the most meaningful long-term investments a region can make.

A child who grows up surrounded by books has more opportunities to develop language, curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning. Families benefit from shared reading routines. Schools and early-childhood providers benefit when children arrive more prepared to engage with learning. Over time, these investments help strengthen the workforce, quality of life, and sense of opportunity that define a thriving community.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library demonstrates how a program with a deeply personal origin can become a powerful community asset. Its success depends on local champions, volunteers, funders, caregivers, and organizations that recognize the value of helping every child get a strong start.

Thank You, Imagination Library!

Grow Clinton extends its sincere appreciation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and to the local leaders, partners, and supporters who make the Clinton County program possible.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].    

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

Episode 265 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Maria Crooks, owner of The Deal Pit—Clinton, Iowa's newest destination for value-minded shoppers looking for great products at discounted prices.

The Deal Pit is a locally owned and operated bin store offering an ever-changing selection of merchandise at prices designed to make every visit feel like a deal.

A New Local Shopping Experience

Bin stores have become popular for their fun, treasure-hunt shopping experience. Inventory changes frequently, so shoppers may discover something new each time they stop in—from household items and seasonal products to everyday essentials and unexpected finds.

The Deal Pit brings that experience to Clinton with a local touch. Maria and her team have created a welcoming place where customers can shop for discounted items while enjoying helpful, friendly service.

Local Ownership, Great Energy

What makes The Deal Pit especially exciting is the people behind it. Maria and her staff are committed to unmatched customer support, a positive atmosphere, and helping customers enjoy every visit.

Their enthusiasm, service-first approach, and investment in a local storefront add to the energy of Clinton's business community. Small businesses like The Deal Pit create more than places to shop—they help strengthen commercial corridors, generate local activity, and contribute to a more vibrant community.

Whether you are a bargain hunter, a supporter of locally owned businesses, or simply curious about Clinton's newest retail addition, this episode is worth a listen.

Stop by The Deal Pit at:

2712 S. 25th Street, Unit H
Clinton, Iowa

For updates, store information, and more, follow The Deal Pit on Facebook.

Grow Clinton thanks Maria Crooks and the entire team at The Deal Pit for investing in our community and supporting sustainable economic success. We are proud to welcome and celebrate locally owned businesses that bring opportunity, energy, service, and new experiences to the Clinton area.

 Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].   

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

The Grow Clinton Podcast is pleased to welcome Alicia Christiansen, superintendent of the Northeast Community School District, for Episode 264.

As the 2026/2027 school year gets underway, Alicia joins us to share an update on the people, programs, events, and investments shaping the year ahead at Northeast. The conversation will cover enrollment, homecoming, fall activities, and the many opportunities available to Northeast students and families.

Listeners will also hear an update on the district's Career & Technical Education  (CTE) addition and renovation project. CTE plays an important role in preparing students for in-demand careers, connecting education to local employers, and strengthening the long-term workforce pipeline throughout the Greater Clinton Region.

What is the district prioritizing next?

Future improvements and opportunities for Northeast Community School District students, staff, families, and the broader community

Northeast Community School District provides important educational programming and community leadership for the region, including convenient access to district resources such as registration, calendars, menus, staff information, and more through its website.

Supporting Our Region's Future

Strong schools are essential to strong communities. They help families thrive, prepare the next generation of workers and leaders, and contribute directly to the quality of life that makes the Greater Clinton Region a great place to live, learn, work, and grow.

Grow Clinton sincerely thanks Alicia Christiansen and the entire Northeast Community School District team for their continued support of economic and community development throughout the Greater Clinton Region.

Their commitment to students, families, workforce readiness, and community progress makes a meaningful difference.

For more information, visit https://www.northeastcsd.org/. 

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].  

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

Episode 263 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Cheri Monahan, Director of Customer & Business Solutions for ITC Midwest, for an important conversation about the electric infrastructure that supports homes, businesses, industry, and future economic growth across our region.

Cheri joins Grow Clinton to explain how the electric grid works behind the scenes and why reliable, well-planned electric infrastructure matters as the Greater Clinton Region prepares for new investment and increased energy demand.

Transmission vs. Distribution

A key part of the discussion is the difference between electric transmission and electric distribution service.

ITC Midwest is focused on high-voltage electric transmission: the regional network that moves large amounts of electricity over long distances and connects generating resources, communities, and utilities. ITC Midwest operates and maintains more than 6,600 circuit miles of transmission lines across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin.

In Clinton, Alliant Energy provides the local electric distribution service that delivers power from the broader transmission system to homes, businesses, schools, and industrial customers. Put simply, transmission is the high-capacity regional system that moves electricity where it is needed, while distribution is the local network that brings that power directly to customers.

Both functions are essential, and they must work together to support reliable service and economic development.

The Role of MISO

The episode also highlights the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, commonly known as MISO. MISO manages and plans for the electric grid across a large regional footprint, monitoring supply and demand and helping coordinate the infrastructure needed to keep the system reliable. Its grid information reflects both real-time and forecasted electricity supply and demand conditions.
misoenergy

For projects with significant electric needs, coordination among ITC Midwest, MISO, local utilities, and project developers is critical to determining what capacity is available today and what upgrades may be needed to serve future users.

That planning process supports a grid that is not only reliable, but also efficient and capable of responding to changing economic and energy needs.

Investing in a Stronger Grid

Cheri will also discuss ITC Midwest's continuing investment in infrastructure designed to strengthen the regional electric grid. The company reports investing $6 billion in regional grid improvements since 2007, focusing on reliability, reduced congestion, and access to generation resources.

These investments are increasingly important as communities and employers depend on dependable electricity for manufacturing, technology, health care, housing, transportation, and everyday life. A strong transmission system helps position the region to meet current needs while preparing for future growth.

Preparing for Future Opportunity

A proposed data center project and the electric-demand considerations associated with a project of that scale. Data centers can require substantial and highly reliable power, making early coordination and long-term infrastructure planning essential.

ITC Midwest will work with the developer, MISO, and Alliant Energy to evaluate the project's needs and identify how to provide the necessary electric capacity. This partnership approach helps ensure that major development opportunities are considered thoughtfully, with the long-term reliability of the local and regional electric system in mind.

For the Greater Clinton Region, this type of coordination is an important part of being ready for new investment, job creation, and business expansion.

Thank You, ITC Midwest!

Grow Clinton extends its sincere thanks to Cheri Monahan and the entire ITC Midwest team for their continued support of economic development in the Greater Clinton Region. Their work to strengthen transmission infrastructure, collaborate with utilities and communities, and help plan for future energy needs plays an important role in creating a competitive environment for business growth.

Learn more about ITC Midwest at https://www.itc-holdings.com/itc-midwest/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected]. 

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

Grow Clinton is pleased to welcome AJ Martin of Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) to Episode 262 of the Grow Clinton Podcast.

In this episode, AJ discusses BJRY's work, services, and commitment to supporting industrial customers through dependable rail transportation solutions. BJRY has contracted with the City of Clinton, Iowa, to provide third-party industrial railcar switching services for customers located in the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park.

This new service represents an important asset for businesses that depend on efficient rail access, reliable freight movement, and flexible logistics options. By providing professional switching services within the park, BJRY helps strengthen the infrastructure that makes the Greater Clinton Region an attractive place for industrial investment, expansion, and job creation.

The Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park is uniquely positioned to support rail-served development, offering businesses access to critical transportation connections and development opportunities. BJRY's industrial switching capabilities further enhance the park's value for current tenants and prospective companies seeking a strategic Midwest location.

Listen to Episode 262 to learn more about Burlington Junction Railway, its history, its wide range of rail services, and how its partnership with the City of Clinton supports continued economic development in our region.

Learn more about the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park on Grow Clinton's Rail Park page located at https://www.growclinton.com/business-development/industrial-economic/railpark/.

For more information about Burlington Junction Railway, including its services and company history, visit https://www.bjryrail.com.

Grow Clinton sincerely thanks Burlington Junction Railway for its investment in the Greater Clinton Region and for supporting Grow Clinton's ongoing economic development efforts. Partnerships like this help ensure that Clinton remains ready to serve industrial employers, move products efficiently, and compete for future business opportunities.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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

In this episode, we welcome Tom Bowman and Ellie Kenney of Community Health Care (CHC), Inc. to discuss the organization's work, current updates, and its continued commitment to accessible, patient-centered care in Clinton and across the Quad Cities region.

CHC provides comprehensive health services designed to meet people where they are, helping individuals and families access quality care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Their services support healthier households, a stronger workforce, and a more resilient community—essential foundations for long-term economic and community development.

Tom and Ellie share general CHC updates, including news about CHC's new location and expanded services. A key topic is the addition of Behavioral Health services, formerly provided through Bridgeview Community Mental Health Center. Integrating these services into CHC’s broader care network helps strengthen access to mental health support while connecting patients with coordinated primary, dental, and other health resources.

The conversation also looks ahead to potential challenges related to Medicaid work requirements. Changes to eligibility and compliance processes can affect patients, providers, employers, and communities alike. Tom and Ellie offer valuable perspective on what these issues may mean for access to care and the people CHC serves.

We extend our sincere thanks to Tom Bowman, Ellie Kenney, and the entire Community Health Care team for their continued support of Grow Clinton and economic development in our region. Their dedication to improving health outcomes helps make Clinton a stronger place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.

For more information or to see CHC's hours of operation, please visit https://www.chcqca.org/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Eric Funk, Site Director at 3M in Cordova, Illinois, and Administrative Assistant Briana Davis. 

Listen in to learn how a longtime regional employer is investing in innovation, operational excellence, workforce engagement, and a future that continues to serve customers around the world.

For more than five decades, 3M Cordova has been an important part of our region’s industrial base. Since opening in 1970, the site has grown into a Center of Excellence within 3M—supporting more than 16 technologies and a global supply chain that reaches 10 countries.

The Cordova facility helps bring familiar products to life, including Post-it Notes, Scotch Magic Tape, ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape, and several medical adhesives. Its work also supports new and evolving products, demonstrating the depth of innovation taking place right here in the Greater Clinton Region.

Recent investments and operational changes are positioning the Cordova site for the future. Consolidating production lines from a 3M facility in Alabama to Cordova creates opportunities for greater efficiency and more integrated operations. These investments reinforce the site’s ability to meet customer needs while strengthening its long-term role within the company.

During the episode, Eric also discusses examples of 3M’s work in the automotive sector, including: 

• Panel Bond Adhesive, which provides strong structural bonding and may reduce welding needs, improve corrosion protection, and support cleaner finished repairs.
• EZ Sand products, which make sanding and finishing easier, reduce technical effort, and can help users save time during edging and shaping.

3M’s broad portfolio serves industries and customers worldwide, with solutions spanning transportation, manufacturing, health care, construction, communications, safety, energy, and everyday consumer needs. The company’s focus on applying science and technology to practical challenges is reflected in both its global impact and its local presence in Cordova.

Just as importantly, 3M Cordova is invested in the people and organizations of our region. Through volunteerism, product donations, resources, and employee expertise, the team supports schools, nonprofits, and community programs. Examples include Junior Achievement, sponsorship of the Career Expo, and the Cordova Care summer feeding and engagement program.

Grow Clinton thanks 3M Cordova for its continued commitment to economic development in the Greater Clinton Region. We appreciate the company’s longstanding investment in local jobs, innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships.

For additional information, visit https://www.3m.com/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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

In Episode 259 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Justin Shaffer, superintendent of the Camanche Community School District, for a timely conversation about the district’s direction, priorities, and plans for students and families.

Camanche Community School District serves approximately 1,000 PK-12 students across three attendance centers in the City of Camanche and also serves families from Follets, portions of Clinton, and surrounding rural areas. Its close-knit structure helps the district deliver broad academic and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining an environment where students are known by name.

Looking Ahead

One major topic is the launch of full-day preschool in fall 2026. The program will operate Monday through Thursday on the same schedule as Camanche Elementary, with no preschool classes on Fridays. Iowa children who turn four on or before September 15, 2026, qualify for free preschool, making this an important new opportunity for local families.

Justin also discusses changes underway this school year and the district’s longer-term plans. Listeners will hear how Camanche Schools is continuing to adapt, strengthen student supports, and prepare learners for future success.

A Shared Mission

The district’s new mission statement provides a clear foundation for that work:

“Empowering every learner through a culture of growth, accountability, and partnership.”

That emphasis on growth and partnership aligns strongly with the role schools play in building a thriving Greater Clinton Region. Quality schools are essential to workforce development, family stability, business attraction, and the long-term vitality of our communities.

Thank you to Justin Shaffer and the entire Camanche Community School District team for their continued support of Grow Clinton and our mission to promote business growth, build community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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

Grow Clinton Podcast Episode 258 features Travis Wright, CEM, and Bill Micheel of QTS for a discussion about QTS’s proposed data center campus in Clinton, Iowa.

QTS is in the early planning stages of exploring a potential multi-building data center campus in the Clinton area. Data centers are purpose-built facilities that house servers and related technology used to store, process, and securely transmit the digital information behind services such as online banking, health records, communications, cloud storage, education tools, business applications, and artificial intelligence.

The Conversation

During the episode, Wright and Micheel will explain what a data center is, why QTS is considering Clinton, and what a phased hyperscale campus could mean for the Greater Clinton Region. The discussion will cover the potential long-term investment, planning and approval processes, construction activity, operational careers, and opportunities for local contractors, skilled trades, suppliers, and workforce partners.

QTS states that its site-selection process considers reliable power, connectivity, existing infrastructure, and workforce availability. The company says Clinton’s industrial background, skilled workforce, and established infrastructure are among the factors that make the community a compelling location for a potential project.

Key Topics

QTS says it will coordinate with utility and grid partners well in advance of development and pay for project-specific energy infrastructure rather than shifting those costs to existing Alliant Energy customers. The company also says its facilities use closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water for cooling once operational, with ongoing municipal use limited primarily to ordinary building functions such as restrooms, kitchens, cleaning, irrigation, and humidification.

On jobs and economic activity, QTS anticipates that a project of this scale could support thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of full-time positions, including roles in operations, maintenance, electrical and mechanical systems, IT, security, logistics, project management, and administration. The company also says it intends to prioritize local hiring where possible and work with area schools, technical colleges, workforce programs, unions, and businesses.

Informed Community Dialogue

Grow Clinton aims to educate our community’s elected decision-makers and constituents by sharing information that supports informed decisions about economic development projects in and around the Greater Clinton Region.

For additional QTS project information and community FAQs, visit https://q.com/data-centers/clinton.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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

Get ready to raise a glass, enjoy great food, and celebrate German tradition right here in Clinton!

In episode 257 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Grow Clinton’s Director of Marketing & Event Planning, Antonia “Toni” Gerks, joins the program to share details about Grow Clinton’s upcoming Inaugural Oktoberfest Celebration. This exciting new community event takes place on Friday, September 18th at The Copper Mill in Clinton.

The Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Celebration will bring together great food, festive drinks, live music, and plenty of fun in a lively, welcoming setting. Whether you have German heritage, enjoy a good polka band, or simply want a memorable night out with friends and colleagues, this is an event you will not want to miss.

This is a 21+ event, and guests must be of legal drinking age to attend.

Tickets are just $20 per person and include:

• Two drink tickets for German beer or wine
• One meal ticket for an awesome buffet of authentic German dishes
• Live entertainment from Euro Express, a German polka band from Chicago, Illinois

A fun, festive evening with friends, neighbors, and the Grow Clinton community!

Euro Express will keep the celebration moving with lively polka music and an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. Learn more about the band at https://www.EuroExpressBand.com.

Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing the part. Break out your lederhosen or dirndl—or find an outfit online through retailers such as Amazon or Poshmark—and join us for a night full of music, food, fun, and community connection.

Space is limited, so now is the time to reserve your place at the table!

Register for the Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Celebration at https://www.growclinton.com/Oktoberfest.

You can also follow the event and invite your friends through the Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/share/14mhy4BTh1w/. 

Listen to episode  257 of the Grow Clinton Podcast to hear Toni’s preview of this inaugural celebration, then secure your tickets and get ready for Oktoberfest in Clinton. Prost!

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

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