TUESDAY, NOV. 21, 2017  |  IN THIS ISSUE  
Story2Robert Stanley, longtime leader of Stanley Consultants, dies at 85 
 
Stanley Consultants and the Stanley Foundation have announced the passing of both organizations' chair emeritus Richard H. Stanley, who died on Nov. 17 following a brief illness. He was 85.  
 
A highly respected professional engineer, businessman and world citizen, Mr. Stanley devoted his life to Stanley Consultants, the Stanley Foundation and the international community. Friends called him a consummate professional and a gracious and humble gentleman. 
 
Mr. Stanley served his entire professional career at Stanley Consultants. He was elected president in 1971, and served as chairman from 1984 until 2007, at which time he became chair emeritus. He retired in 2013. For more information about Mr. Stanley's distinguished career, follow this link.
 
Mr. Stanley also devoted himself to creating a more peaceful and just world through his leadership of the Stanley Foundation. He served on the foundation's board since its inception in 1956, as president from 1984-2007, as chair from 1984-2017, and most recently as chair emeritus. For more information on Mr. Stanley's contributions to international peace and security, see this statement from the Stanley Foundation. 
 
Mr. Stanley's obituary is available at the Wittich Funeral Home website

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC has named URealty in Cedar Rapids as the newest member of its franchise network. 

The firm will now do business as Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corridor. Broker/owner Alissa Gardner has over a decade of experience in the Iowa mortgage and real estate industries, and has served the Cedar Rapids market for five years. A member of the Greater Cedar Rapids Home Builders Association, Ms. Gardner has expertise in new construction and relationships with local contractors that bring her clients specialized guidance on the area's housing stock.
 
"People do business with us because we have a big heart as well as a high standard of professionalism - ideals we recognized in Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate's core values," Ms. Gardner stated in a press release. "In so many cases, the real estate industry is only relevant to the consumer every seven years or so when it's time to sell a house. BHGRE differs in that the brand is interwoven into the consumer's daily life. That connection will enable us to seamlessly grow and better communicate our ongoing commitment to the Cedar Rapids community." 
 
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Corridor also has a culture of philanthropic engagement, exemplified by Ms. Gardner's work with the Commission of Hope nonprofit initiative, which encourages commission-based industries to donate to charitable organizations. She is also a member of Rotary International.
Story3In this CBJ: Our 2017 Financial Executives of the Year
 
They work mostly in the shadows, but the financial insight and analysis skills of this year' s Financial Executives of the Year have undoubtedly put their respective organizations in the spotlight.

This year' s class of five honorees, hailing from both private and public sectors, demonstrates that modern financial leaders are more than just budget hawks or numbers crunchers. Indeed, CFOs and controllers must now be fluent in all aspects of their organizations and the business world at large - whether in HR or sales or tech - to help their organizations grow.

"As financial executives, we wear many hats: trackers, reporters, enforcers, navigators, fixers and financial fortune tellers," said Dawn Jaffray, senior vice president and CFO of UFG, who helped present the awards on Nov. 15 at the Cedar Rapids Marriott.

"We can be the McGyver of finding a way to get something done with limited resources. We can be the Captain Sully of landing our financials when unforeseen circumstances arise. We can be forensic superheroes like Ben Affleck in 'The Accountant,' ensuring that the rules and regulations are enforced in an attempt to bring order, fairness and accountability to the forefront."

Sometimes, like honoree Stephanie Phelps, senior vice president and CFO of Aegon Asset Management, financial executives aren't just asked to wear a new hat; they're required to step into a new uniform altogether.

"I was willing to pitch hit when our CEO left the company and we had some other turnover from management," she said in receiving her award. "The moral of the story is you really do have to step outside of your box in order to grow."  
 
Read full profiles on this year's Financial Executives of the Year in this week's print or digital editions of the CBJ.
Story4Eco-friendly pet store to open in Marion on Black Friday 
 
Home Grown Pets, a locally owned business featuring all natural, American-made eco-friendly pet supplies will open its new Marion location at 999 44th St. this Friday for the Black Friday shopping rush. 
 
"My customers urged me to explore and expand," said owner Dustin Bessine, who previously ran the Burlington-based pet store Coral Reef for 16 years. "With their support, I am excited to open my new Marion store."

The store will feature local suppliers as well as nationally known brands for dogs, cats, reptiles and fish. Home Grown pets will also breed small animals, including reptiles, fish and birds in the store.
 
The shop will be open on Friday from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit the company's Facebook page.  
Story5CID officials urge planning ahead for holiday travel
 
Because of high traffic levels during Thanksgiving week  Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) officials are asking passengers to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to their flight departure.
 
Thanksgiving and spring break are traditionally the two busiest times at CID, according to airport officials. This past year CID has seen an increase in seat capacity, with larger aircraft and some additional flights. That, combined with full flights for the holiday, can require more time to get through the security checkpoint.
 
"We always ask people to arrive at least 90 minutes early to avoid any last-minute issues," CID Marketing Director Pam Hinman stated in a press release. "We know one of the benefits of CID is how easy it is to arrive and get to your gate, but during busy travel times it is essential to arrive early to ensure you don't miss your flight."
 
She also encouraged travelers to check the Federal Transportation Security Administration website at https://www.tsa.gov/ for all the latest information regarding prohibited items for carry-on luggage.
 
The airport has implemented several new customer enhancements to make travel out of CID less stressful and more efficient, including:
  • Fly-Through Parking: Customers are able to enter the parking lot with a credit card (eliminating the need to take a ticket) and then use the same credit card to exit the parking lot, streamlining the process.
  • CID Valet Services: Full-service valet is available by placing a reservation at  https://flycid.com/valet-parking/. When you arrive at CID, pull up in front of the Guest Services booth along terminal drive. A CID Guest Services associate will be waiting for you. Upon your return, your vehicle will be ready for you curbside of the terminal. The introductory price for this customer service is $12 per day. Payment is made when you return from your trip.

EventHeadlinesShort-Term Event Planner

Nov. 24
New Bohemia Open Coffee , by NewBoCo, 8-9 a.m., Roasters Coffeehouse, 1100 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids. Join this bi-weekly meeting to discuss entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. Free.
 
Nov. 27
Coralville Roundtable , by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce, noon-1 p.m., Texas Roadhouse, 2520 Corridor Way, Coralville. Roundtables are social lunches over the noon hour. All are invited to network, keep up-to-date with chamber and community events and frequent a member restaurant or business. Free for members. Call the chamber (319) 337-9637 if interested and not a member.
Get in on it

Forward the FREE CBJ Business Daily newsletter to your friends and colleagues, and share the feeling of being informed! Use our fast, one-minute subscription to the CBJ's newsletters here, or check out our other subscription options here.

See something we missed? Send tips, leads, corrections, etc. to [email protected].
Headlines from CBS2/FOX 28
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28  
 
Marion Police are now investigating threatening social media posts sent to Linn-Mar students Monday night. In an email obtained by CBS2/FOX28 sent to students, parents and staff, a recently opened Twitter account sent "odd and disturbing" tweets to sophomore students. In the email, Linn Mar Principal Jeff Gustason said every indication of the posts point to it being someone trying to create panic and draw attention to themselves. The school district is aware of the posts and is trying to identify who's responsible. While school will not be canceled for the day, increased police patrols will be seen Tuesday at Linn-Mar High School as a precaution. Read the full statement on the district's website.
 
These news items are provided by CBS2/FOX 28 
CBS2 Chief Meteorologist Terry Swails' Weather First Forecast

Colder air is moving in today in the wake of a strong cold front. Temperatures will slowly fall through the 30s through the day. Winds will be very strong out of the northwest and lead to wind chills in the upper teens to low 20s through the afternoon. Winds will relax tonight and under clear skies temperatures will fall down into the teens by Wednesday morning. Cool air will remain in place Wednesday with high temperatures in the mid 30s. Then warmer air starts to move back in and it will be sunny and pleasant for Thanksgiving Day in eastern Iowa. Temperatures will be in the mid 40s Thursday afternoon.