TUESDAY, NOV. 28, 2017  |  IN THIS ISSUE  

 
Ms. Maes has more than 20 years of transportation leadership experience, most recently as president of Swift Logistics LLC. She held leadership roles of progressive responsibility for Schneider National and Gateway, including in global logistics, network planning and finance.

A graduate of West Virginia University with a bachelor of science in business administration, Ms. Maes majored in accounting and finance. She started her career as an auditor for KPMG, gaining 10 years experience in audit accounting for various organizations and industries.
 
"Kimberly's experience with multiple large customers in several industries honed her financial acumen and created a foundation for a successful transition into transportation leadership," CRST International COO Hugh Ekberg stated in a press release. "She has built successful logistics and brokerage businesses within large asset-based companies. Kimberly has the proven results and know-how to leverage business analytics to generate profitable growth. We look forward to the positive impact Kimberly's leadership and experience will bring to our customers and our team."
 
CRST International Inc. has eight operating companies and projects 2017 annual revenues in excess of $1.4 billion. Its transportation solutions include expedited van, flatbed, dedicated services, brokerage, transportation management, high-value product white glove moving services and drayage and warehouse services.

Emcee Andy Stoll wrapping up NewBoCo's 2016 edition of Launch Day at the Paramount Theatre. 
Five companies from the Iowa Startup Accelerator's 2017 cohort will take the Paramount Theatre stage on Dec. 7 to introduce their businesses to the community.  

The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative's (NewBoCo) Launch Day will begin at 5 p.m. with a reception, followed by the program at 6 p.m.

The event will be the first NewBoCo Launch Day to dedicate a portion of the program to an annual review and look towards the future. Businesses that will be presenting at Launch Day include: 
  • Noviqu, a company with a mission to provide simple and engaging solutions for the manufacturing industry.
  • GOVRED, which uses 21st-century technology to solve longstanding problems in policing and public safety.
  • Funeral Direct, which simplifies funeral planning by helping families find affordable services and organize highly personalized memorial experiences online. 
  • Urbie, an online marketplace dedicated to local food. 
  • SmartScripts, a full-service pharmacy delivering an easy, safe, more convenient experience for people managing multiple medications. 
 For tickets and other information about Launch Day, click  here.

The First Federal Credit Union board of directors has announced an agreement to accept the members of Eaton Employees Credit Union, located in Spencer, Iowa.

The merger was effective earlier this month following approvals by the  National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and the Iowa Division of Credit Unions.  First Federal is coordinating the transition of Eaton members into First Federal's operating system. 

"We are pleased to welcome Eaton Employees Credit Union members as part of our organization", First Federal President and CEO Tom Chalstrom stated in a press release. "First Federal Credit Union is one of the oldest credit unions in Iowa and our legacy of meeting the financial needs of our members will now extend to the members of Eaton Employees Credit Union."

The credit union plans to relocate the Eaton Employees Credit Union to a new, more accessible location in the first quarter of 2018, Mr. Chalstrom added.

With the merger, First Federal is able to provide its products and services to all residents in Clay, Dickinson and Buena Vista counties.
 
In a letter to members of Eaton Employees Credit Union (EECU), First Federal noted that all accounts will have the same terms, rates and balances and will be fully insured by the NCUA to the fullest extent permitted. EECU employee Cathy McKibben has agreed to remain in a similar position with First Federal Credit Union to assist current customers in the transition. 

Editor's note: This is the final installment in a three-part CBJ series on the Corridor's explosion in senior housing options. Read the first one here.

Retirement savings and income often override other factors when it's time to choose between senior living options in the Corridor, although a rapidly expanding range of financial structures has helped. 

New senior housing options range from affordable "deep subsidy" senior apartments with few services that can rent for as little as $500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, to assisted living and nursing care facilities that charge 10 times that much. The initial concern for the seniors looking to move into a senior community may be whether they have the credit standing or financial resources to be accepted, but the long-term concern is whether they'll run out of money.

Fortunately, Iowa remains one of the best places in the nation for the cost and quality of senior living communities. Caring.com ranks Iowa second-best in the nation for senior living care, and U.S. News rated Iowa fourth among the states.

According to Caring.com, the average cost of a private one-bedroom unit in an assisted living community in Iowa is around $42,210 per year, some $1,000 less than the national average. Iowa tied for eighth among the states in a ranking or overall quality of life and health care, and was in the top 20 on senior care costs, which were close to the national median cost.

An analysis of the housing needs of the Cedar Rapids metro area by Maxfield Research in October 2016 looked at the fees and rents being charged.

Memory care facilities have the highest rates, from $4,945 to $6,700 per month, while assisted living facilities cost from $3,580 to $5,300, and independent living in continuing care retirement communities costs between $2,100 and $5,000. The range in prices depend mostly on the level of services provided, but also the size of the living space, and the amenities and programs offered by the community.
 
To read the full, subscribers-first story in this week's CBJ digital edition, click here.


Anne Armknecht
The Arc of East Central Iowa has named Anne Armknecht as its new executive director following a national search.
 
Ms. Armknecht has more than 30 years of experience in executive planning, administration, communications and financial oversight in the nonprofit sector, most recently as CEO of the Vera French Community Mental Health Center in Davenport. She holds a MBA in health care from St. Ambrose University and a bachelor's degree in psychology. 
 
The Arc of East Central Iowa is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing service and supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in a seven-county area in east central Iowa 

"We are very pleased to announce this appointment," Arc of East Central Iowa board Chair Ellen Mouw stated in a press release. "Anne will bring leadership and passion to the organization and a deep sense of commitment to serving individuals with disabilities and their families. She has dedicated her career to the nonprofits sector and has a breadth of perspective and experience."
 
Nov. 29 
1 Million Cups, by 1 Million Cups, 9-10 a.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. Join for community connections, startup pitches and free coffee. Free. For more information, visit ow.ly/ugBr30dH83X. 
 
Introduction to Innovation, by NewBoCo, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Geonetric, 415 12th Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids. If you are ready to make innovation more than just a goal for your organization, join NewBoCo for this lunch-and-learn exploring innovation strategy. Cost: $49, includes lunch. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/2y17XxB.
 
Nov. 30 
Planning for Success: Charitable Gift Strategy Seminar, by Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Elmcrest Country Club, 1 Zach Johnson Drive NE, Cedar Rapids. This half-day seminar will explore recent developments in charitable planning and successful planning strategies. Topics will include relevant law changes, available tax credits and real donor success stories. Free. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/2ArN51a. 
 
Making Personnel Development a Priority, by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 8-9:15 a.m., Economic Alliance, 501 First St. SE, Cedar Rapids. This program will bust myths around employee development, and provide ideas and strategies for how to create or refresh development initiatives in your organizations. Karen Schumacher, co-owner of Crescendo Leadership Development, will lead this program. This program is part of Kirkwood Community College's Continuing Education and Training Services. Free. For more information or to register, visit bit.ly/2yIUnfg.

Ribbon Cutting: Hilton Garden Inn, by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, 4:30 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 328 S. Clinton St., Iowa City. Join the Chamber Ambassadors for this ribbon-cutting. Free.
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Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28  
 
A criminal complaint obtained by CBS2/FOX28 sheds more light on what led to a fatal shooting in southeast Cedar Rapids earlier this month. Heidi Stephens, 33, was shot in the back of the neck at a residence in the 1500 block of Second Avenue SE on Nov. 20. She was declared brain dead on Wednesday and has since been taken off life support.  The complaint states that Ms. Stephens got into an argument with  24-year-old Zackary Ildefonso  on Nov. 20 after he allegedly stole her purse the previous day. Mr. Ildefonso then shot at Ms. Stephens and another man and fled. Police  received a tip on Mr. Ildefonso's whereabouts and arrested him Nov. 24. After he was arrested, he admitted to using a stolen Smith and Wesson .357 revolver to shoot at Ms. Stephens and the other man, but claimed he did so because he feared the man with Ms. Stephens had a knife. Mr. Ildefonso also admitted he had a 2015 burglary conviction out of Benton County. Mr.  Ildefonso is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, trafficking stolen weapons and control of a firearm by a felon.
 
T hese news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28 
CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast

Clouds will increase during the morning hours as a cold front approaches the area. Given the amount of dry air in place, we are not expecting much of any precipitation although a few sprinkles are possible. Behind the front, skies will partially clear into the afternoon. Temperatures will only climb a few degrees with 50s areawide before they start falling as winds switch to the north bringing in colder air with gusts over 20 mph at times.  Dry air begins to move back in tonight clearing out the skies. Winds will also lighten setting up a cold night as temperatures drop into the 20s.