Grow Clinton Podcast

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by Regan Michaelsen of Information, Referral & Assistance Services in Clinton, Iowa.

In support of the organization's mission to bridge the service gap for community members most in need, IRAS will host its inaugural Mother & Son Dance on Sunday, March 1st, from 2 PM - 4 PM at Clinton's beautiful Vista Grande event center.

Mothers & Sons will be invited to dance, laugh, smile, and make memories as a guest DJ keeps everyone out on the dance floor with current and classic hits!

Pre-registration is now open online via the following link: https://members.growclinton.com/events/details/mother-son-dance-2026-42141.

The deadline to pre-register is February 25th.

Registration before the deadline is $20 (mother & son), plus $5 per additional son. If you'd prefer to pay at the door the day of the event, registration increases to $30 (mother & son), plus $5 each additional son.

Save some cash and register in advance!

Included with the tickets are entrance to the event, light refreshments, a chance to win a door prize, and the burning of calories on the dance floor :)

This type of event fills up quickly because space is limited. Registration will close once the host facility reaches maximum capacity.

Again, access the link below to pre-register and secure your spot.

https://members.growclinton.com/events/details/mother-son-dance-2026-42141

For more information, please contact Regan Michaelsen at [email protected]. 

Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa.

Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

• Apple Music
• Spotify
• Amazon Music
• Buzzsprout
• Overcast
• YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

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

Guests Susan and Kate from the Clinton Public Library join hosts Andy and Jenny on this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast to fill us in on all the exciting news, events, and happenings at the historic Carnegie Library in Clinton, Iowa.

For more information, please visit www.ClintonPublicLibrary.us. 

Special Highlights: 

Tiny Art Show on Display at the Clinton Public Library from Thursday, February 5, to Saturday, February 28: View community members’ artwork throughout the main floor of the library. The display will then tour to the River Arts Center (Thursday, March 5–Thursday, March 26) and Clinton Community College (April). 

Brand-new Memory Lab: A community resource designed to help preserve personal and recorded histories. We’re offering one-on-one trainings on Tuesdays and Fridays in January through March to learn how to use various machines, such as different scanners.  

It's easy to sign up for a library card! Come in and visit us any time during open hours. 

Programs out in the community include: 

• BookTok Bingo event this past October at the Copper Mill
• Bringing Libraries and Schools Together (BLAST) effort
• Many off-site storytimes at preschools and daycares, crafts at assisted living facilities and nursing homes
• The Device Advice On-the-Go program is offered in collaboration with Clinton High School's Synergy programs.
• AND MORE! 

Resources include:

• Local history and genealogy collection 
• Collection resources: Books, audiobooks, large-print books, magazines, DVDs, TV shows, graphic novels, manga, pickleball kits, cookie cutters, cake pans, and more! 
• E-resources like e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazine through Libby app
• Stream movies and documentaries through Kanopy
• Stream music through Freegal 

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

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

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny interview Aaron McLarnan of The Discount Bins in Clinton, Iowa. At 1815 Lincoln Way, Unit B, you'll find Discount Bins; it's right next to Planet Fitness.

If you're looking for unbeatable deals, go no further than Discount Bins. Discount Bins updates their inventory weekly with new surprises, offering everything from necessities to name-brand deals at unbelievable prices. Get in the habit of shopping frequently because the top sales items sell out quickly!

Aaron will reveal new merchandise, the golden dollar sign, mystery boxes at the end of the week, raffles, gifts, contributions, and more!

Stay up-to-date with The Discount Bins—Clinton, Iowa, by liking their Facebook page!

"Clinton, Iowa, met all of our requirements, so we decided to move our operations there when we were prepared to expand into Iowa." The person mentioned is Aaron McLarnan.

Discount Bins' After Dark Truckload Sales are always a hit with customers. They offer Wayfair furniture at a price point of $30 per piece. We reserve Thursday nights for these events, allowing those who work on Friday to still take advantage of the fantastic sales!

Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa.

Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

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

You know them, you love them, and you crave their homemade soups, sandwiches, and sweet treats!

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny interview Shauna Hansen, a third-generation owner of Sweetheart Bakery and Homer's Deli, located in the historic Lyons Business District in Clinton, Iowa.

Sweetheart Bakery has been a family-owned bakery since 1950. Sweetheart Bakery specializes in decorated wedding cakes, anniversary cakes, and birthday cakes, along with decorated seasonal cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, Danish pastries, and coffee cakes. And we can't forget the world-famous Blarney Stone!

At Homer's Deli, located in the same building, deli sandwiches are made with only full-muscled meats, Wisconsin cheeses, and Sweetheart Bakery breads/buns, and various fresh toppings.

The coffee bar has been a wonderful addition to the business, serving up specialty coffee along with your breakfast goodies. Order one of our favorite lattes named after grandparents—Classic Charlie, Feisty Florence, or Nutty Baker!

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

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, 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 Colin and John Sullivan of Sully's Sports, located in Clinton, Iowa.

The four will discuss the recently launched but easily recognized Sully's Sports brand and retail space, the new Adcraft corporate headquarters building, and Adcraft's services, including corporate printwear solutions, fan gear, and team uniforms.

Want 10% off every purchase? Join the Sully's Shirt Club at https://sullyssports.com/products/sullys-shirt-club.

Sully's Sports, Clinton's premier shop, offers sporting goods, apparel, footwear, accessories, and a wide range of sale items to ensure your fit is on point and affordable.

Visit Sully's Sports online at https://sullyssports.com/.

For you unconventional baseball enthusiasts, Sully's Sports hosts a full selection of Savannah Bananas gear!

https://sullyssports.com/collections/savannah-bananas

Cheer on the Iowa Hawkeyes with an exclusive collection of excellent tees!

https://sullyssports.com/collections/iowa-hawkeyes-t-shirts

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at Grow Clinton Podcast .

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

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

Keith and Stacy Brooks of SKB Cyber join Andy and Jenny in this 200th episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast. 

At SKB Cyber, the team of pros takes pride in being an experienced, woman-owned technology and cybersecurity consulting firm dedicated to serving small to mid-sized businesses across the United States. With over twenty-five years of experience in technology consulting, the team of skilled professionals combines their deep expertise with a keen understanding of the evolving technology landscape across diverse industries. 

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

SKB Cyber recently announced that Chief Operating Officer Keith Brooks has earned his CMMC Registered Practitioner Advanced (RPA) certification. This accomplishment reflects Keith’s commitment to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity and federal compliance requirements.

For businesses that must meet CMMC standards, especially those supporting federal contracts, this certification matters. The RPA credential allows Keith to guide organizations through the entire preparation process, helping them understand what is required, identify gaps, and build a clear path toward compliance.

With this advanced designation, Keith brings clients:

• Precise, informed support throughout the CMMC readiness process
• An unmatched understanding of how to protect sensitive and regulated information
• Practical, real-world guidance to help organizations meet federal expectations with confidence

Keith’s dedication strengthens the work we do every day and reinforces our mission to deliver reliable, well-informed cybersecurity and IT services to businesses throughout our region.

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

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

Get ready for a lively episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast! Andy and Jenny are back from their holiday break, kicking off 2026 with Episode 199 featuring the delightful Dr. Angela Gabel from Gabel Chiropractic in Clinton, Iowa!

Dr. Gabel is known not only for her infectious laugh but also as a community icon with over 22 years of experience caring for hundreds of patients. 

Join us as we dive into her journey of discovering chiropractic care at just 14 years old—long before it became her calling!

We’ll explore what it’s like to be a staple in the same community for over two decades, growing alongside families, friends, and neighbors. 

With a passion for women, moms, and babies, Dr. Gabel shares her expertise in preconception, prenatal, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic care, highlighting how supporting moms can transform families for the better.

Angela is also a standout in mentorship, generously sharing her time and expertise with students and actively participating in local boards and committees.

Want to learn more? Check out https://www.gabelchiropractic.com.

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization dedicated to building community, boosting economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Don’t miss out! Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast on your favorite platforms:

Join the fun on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast!

Our mission? To spark business growth, strengthen community connections, and champion 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 Podcasts, Andy and Jenny are joined by Darryl Hogue and Kelli Parsons of River Bend Schools located in Fulton, Illinois.

For more information on River Bend Schools, please visit https://www.riverbendschools.org/. 

River Bend Community Unit School District #2 serves Fulton, IL, and surrounding areas (Garden Plain, Albany), operating Fulton High School (FHS), River Bend Middle School (RBMS), Fulton Elementary (FES), and a preschool, focusing on student growth with "Steamer Success Indicators" like critical thinking and wellness, offering robust college/career prep through partnerships with nearby colleges and career centers, and planning potential facility upgrades for gyms, classrooms, and performing arts. 

District Focus & Vision:

• Steamer Success Indicators: Emphasizes communication, critical thinking, wellness, perseverance, and innovation for well-rounded students.
• Community & Collaboration: Aims to build strong community ties and shared learning experiences for students, staff, and parents.

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at Grow Clinton Podcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Want to promote your business or upcoming event? Connect with Grow Clinton at (563) 242-5702 or visit our website at www.GrowClinton.com.

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

In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny host Emma Johnson and Lee Jacobsen of Nestle Purina PetCare Company, located in Clinton, Iowa.

The belief that pets and people are better together has guided Nestlé Purina PetCare for over 90 years.

The company cares deeply about the quality of its food because they share their customer's passion for pets.

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

Purina's Clinton factory produces some of the company's most popular pet food and treat brands and is a hub for new products. The pet food production expansion includes new cooking and packaging lines that will be used to make various pet food brands, including Purina ONE, Purina Pro Plan, and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets. Pet owners' growing demand for the company's nutritious, science-based dog and cat foods, which use high-quality and trusted ingredients, drives this expansion.

Recently, the Clinton factory made a significant capital investment by constructing the ASRS, an automated storage and retrieval system. The massive vertical structure functions as a "vending machine"-style system, enabling the safe and climate-controlled storage of palletized products. Robotics and other technologies ensure ease of use, tracking, shipping, and loading of trucks.

"The pet care industry is dynamic and thriving, and Purina's role as the category leader is one that we take seriously," said Andrea Faccio, Chief Growth Officer at Purina. "The ongoing investment in our business, including this expansion in Clinton, sets us up for continued growth in the future and helps us meet increasing demand from pet owners who have placed their trust in Purina to deliver nutritious and high-quality dog and cat foods."

Nestlé Purina PetCare creates richer lives for pets and the people who love them. Founded in 1894, Purina has helped dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by offering scientifically based nutritional innovations. Purina manufactures some of the world's most trusted and popular pet care products, including Dog Chow, Purina ONE, Pro Plan, Fancy Feast, and Tidy Cats.

The more than 8,700 U.S. associates at Purina take pride in the company's trusted pet food, treat, and litter brands, which feed 51 million dogs and 65 million cats every year. More than 500 Purina scientists, veterinarians, and pet care experts ensure our commitment to unsurpassed quality and nutrition.

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Want to promote your business or upcoming event? Connect with Grow Clinton at (563) 242-5702 or visit our website at

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 Keith Gutierrez of 7 Hills Brewing and the 7 Hills South Brewpub in Clinton, Iowa.

We'll hear about the history of 7 Hills Brewing, how they chose a location in Clinton, and the team's plans for the future!

For more information, please visit 7 Hills South online at https://www.7hillsbrew.com/clinton.

At 7 Hills South, craft brewing meets community spirit in the heart of Clinton, Iowa. Located in a beautifully renovated historic church at 238 Fourth Ave S, Keith is excited to bring the celebrated 7 Hills brewing tradition to southern Iowa.

The 7 Hills Brewing story began in Dubuque in 2017. Today, Keith has expanded across the Midwest with locations in Dyersville and Platteville, Wisconsin. At 7 Hills South, the team is passionate about three things: exceptional food, innovative craft beer, and outstanding service.

The Clinton location specializes in fruit-forward brews and experimental IPAs featuring bold New Zealand hops, crafted by our experienced master brewer Scott Lehnert. While the beer is out of this world delicious, what truly sets 7 Hills South apart is its commitment to being a family-friendly gathering place where everyone feels welcome.

Grow Clinton is a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization committed to fostering community, driving economic development, and promoting tourism in Clinton, Iowa.

Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations:

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

Follow the Grow Clinton Podcast on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast.

Our mission? To ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Want to promote your business or upcoming event? Connect with Grow Clinton at (563) 242-5702 or visit our website at www.GrowClinton.com.

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