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Learn how to install the free software required to view our Groovy Movies

The Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors are using the latest technology to provide you with a lasting memory of your grand opening or celebratory event. In addition to photos, we have movies! You can download and view your event in streaming video from this website. It's best to have high-speed access to the Internet. Details on how to get the most out of this technology are below on this page.

he Dubuque Ambassadors are proud to present a new feature on the World Wide Web. Movie clips of grand opening ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, and virtually any and all celebratory events attended by members of this Chamber of Commerce organization.

At right you will see the latest ceremony we attended.

The movie clips are in Windows Media and RealMedia format, and your browser should be equipped with the software plug-in to enable you to view and hear video content on this Web site. If you have difficulties, click here.

Videos produced by Gary Olsen in cooperation with the Dubuque Community School District.

History of the Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors

he Dubuque Area Chamber Ambassadors organized in 1963 as an extension of the Dubuque Industrial Bureau. The Ambassadors had two major functions: to attract business from other cities to come to Dubuque; and to assist Dubuque businesses to promote their products and encourage expansion-thus increasing employment.

In 1975, the Dubuque Industrial Bureau merged with the Dubuque Industrial Development Corporation. The Corporation joined with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce in 1978. The Chamber added a full-time staff working in the area of economic development and consequently, the goals and objectives of the Ambassadors have changed over the years.

Today, the Chamber Ambassadors' objective is to assist the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Dubuque in business recognition and public relations. Objectives are completed by ribbon cuttings, ground breaking ceremonies, grand openings and certificate presentations.

The Chamber Ambassadors are dedicated to the economic growth and development of the Tri-State area. This group of 40 high spirited people has made a commitment to recognizing businesses for their accomplishments and contributions to the Tri-State area community.

Chamber Ambassadors and the Years They Were Inducted

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August 2006

Office Depot is a national chain that now has a location in Dubuque, IA at Asbury Plaza. Right off the bat, Office Depot used the occasion of their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting to give checks for school supplies and office supplies to local charitable organizations including the Dubuque Community Schools and the Dubuque School District Foundation. Students were there from Lincoln Elementary to accept the gift. Nice touch.

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August 2006

Angeles Retirement Community, located in Dubuque's growing West End District, is a magnificent complex as you will see by the video. As we were filming, moving vans were arriving quite regularly, and that must mean people are eager to locate there. It is a trend in Dubuque housing that is coming at just the right time.

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August 2006

Aarons is located in Wacker Plaza, and they specialize in furniture, electronic, computers and appliances. According to their management team, they will not be undersold. This chain of retailers has been very successful throughout the country, and now they have a wonderful location in Dubuque in an extraordinarily convenient location with plenty of parking.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

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July 2006

What an outstanding local company, a family business success story. What started out as a means to keep his concrete construction crews working throughout the winter has turned into a major family owned business for founder Jim Edwards and his three sons. Cast architectural stone is a huge business, and it requires skilled labor. Needless to say, the Edwards family cares deeply for its employees for it was as you recall, Jim Edwards' desire to keep them working year 'round because he knew how important these skilled employees were to his business. And with this in mind, maintaining a safe working environment is a critical factor in Edwards Cast Stone Company's success formula. They are so conscientious that OSHA awarded the company and its workforce with a prestigious prize, the SHARP Award (left). The Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors were invited to the festivities to help this fine local company celebrate its success.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

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July 2006

Habitat for Humanity in Dubuque just built a new house in what's called a "Blitz Build." A Blitz Build is accomplished by a lot of cooperative people getting together to build a house from the foundation up in about seven days. What a monumental coordination of effort! Todd Swift, the chairman of the area Habitat for Humanity that builds homes for qualified families who wouldn't be able to afford a more traditional home, says the Blitz Build calls attention to how a community of tradespeople and contractors can pull together for a great and common cause that really benefits everyone, not just the family who moves in. The neighborhood benefits, and the area agencies and participants, volunteers and the city benefit from this altruistic enterprise. And in this episode we introduce a new talent via the Dubuque Community Schools, Miss Linsay Haverland. She interviews Todd Swift in the video.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

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June 2006

The Kristie Fens Agency (Allstate Insurance) opened on Cedar Cross Road in Dubuque to a worthy fanfare and well wishes from the Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors. Ann Michalski, City Council and Mayor Pro-tem, was on hand for the dedication and ribbon cutting, and she is always wonderful in her comments when it comes to entrepreneurial women in our community. Kristie Fens' story is one of hard work, dedication, expertise, and taking advantage of circumstances and creativing a great enterprise to take care of a growing list of dedicated and loyal customers. Dubuque is a relationship town, and Kristie Fens is a great example of how to work that to everyone's mutual advantage, business and customer alike.

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May 2006

Kim Tully takes the microphone and introduces this fantastic new business in the historic Fourth Street shopping District in Dubuque. Among the great businesses belonging to the Dolter family in Dubuque (Basket Expressions just down the street on Bluff), This store brings the excitement and bling on fashion's cutting edge to Dubuque.

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May 2006

Among the thorny problems that accompany economic growth and business success is traffic and congestion around your major intersections. Take the intersection of JFK, US 20 and Cedar Cross Road. A solution to the congestion at that intersection was this project that enabled University Ave., that feeds JFK, to extend directly to US 20 sufficiently east of the former intersection, and allowing traffic that needs to access Theisen's Farm & Home and other businesses to the east on 20 a more direct route. The results so far have been excellent. The engineering that went into the roadway was nothing short of monumental. A deep gully had to be tiled and filled in with enormous loads of fill, and the job took a good part of a year to complete. The Dubuque Ambassadors were on hand the day the barracades were removed and traffic lights turned on. Your tax dollar investment went right to work.

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May 2006

Target Store on Dodge Street does not stand still. It has embarked on some major expansions and reconfigurations of its retail space several times over the years. Under the management of Mike Tosky, the venerable discount store that specializes in brand names and exclusive designer merchandise has added food and a baby section to its aisles, and the Ambassadors were on hand to celebrate the grand opening to the public. Congratulations Mike and staff.

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May 2006

How many ribbon cuttings have the Ambassadors performed that were followed by the actual business motoring off down the Mississippi River? Not many. This new luxury yacht, moored at the Catfish Charlie's American Marine docks in Dubuque across from the Dubuque Greyhound Park, has dinner cruises, catering opportuntities, and reasonable prices that are sure to be a hit with local families looking for a unique venue for small wedding receptions, family reunions, anniversary parties and whatever event you have planned.

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May 2006

Bartini's bar on Historic Main Street is destined to be a hit in this neighborhood, and its proximity Cafe Mana Java has sparked a unique business relationship that is actually linked along a rear corridor between the businesses. Besides a great menu of drinks, Bartini's offers the famous brick oven wood roast pizzas to customers, and the strategy has not only expanded the opportunities for Bartini's but doubled the pizza business for neighbor Cafe Mana Java. Now that's a strategic business partnership!

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May 2006

Higley Chemicals is an old name in Dubuque that has provided supplies and cleaning agents for businsses in the Tri-State Area for generations. What is lovely about this ribbon cutting is that a family, well known to Dubuquers, the Picketts, have returned to Dubuque to purchase and operate the business. Val Pickett and his family invited the Ambassadors to celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded Higley Chemical that now offers a line of paper products as well as their celebrated line of cleaning materials, solutions, coatings, and grease and grime removers. These cleaning products are original formulas that are extremely popular because of their effectiveness, and they are formulated right here in Dubuque.

Reza James Interiors Grand Opening on Main Street

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May 2006

Reza James Interiors is a interior design and furniture importing business that has a special flare for, textures unique woods, and exotic art. The business seeks out craftsmen from around the world, and nearly everything in the store is one-of-kind. You have to visit this place located in the historic Main Street District.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements. Just click on them.

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May , 2006

In a beautifully converted building on the corner of Asbury and Carter is the new headquarters for the Dubuque Right to Life organization. The facility was expertly designed from an existing building that once housed a water conditioning service and, before that, a service station. Now the building provides an entirely new service, educating the community as to the values and services or this Dubuque Right to Life..

On hand for the ribbon cutting was the Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors and the president of the Chamber, Rusty Knight. Mayor Roy Buol and the County Board of Supervisors' Wayne Demmer.

There's some great footage of pizza crust tossing which is a fine illustration of just how hand-made these Falbo Brother's Pizzas are.

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May 11 , 2006

Falbo Brother's Pizza, in the Premier Bank Plaza on Kennedy Circle, is only the fifth franchise in this fabulous pizza restaurant that originated in Iowa City, IA. That's where owner, Jeremy Noel, worked and learned his trade. Now he owns his own. "I wanted to come home to Dubuque where I grew up, and I didn't want to work for someone else," explained Jeremy to the Ambassador camera. "I wanted to start something of my own." More than half of his business is pickup and delivery. But they also sell pizza by the slice, and they do a very brisk lunch business among the growing variety of businesses and employees in the area.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements. Just click on them.

May , 2006

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Rusty Knight, our splendid president of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, presides over this Ambassador ribbon cutting at Shapes for Women, located in Dubuque's Center Grove district (next to Warren Plaza) in that new business complex with the palm trees. It's a thoroughly entertaining if not informative event. The world of fitness for women has an able advocate in this franchise operation that puts a number of specially tailored exercise devices and routines in a half hour circuit which is a very popular strategy for the busy woman. But what really makes this video unique is the conversation at the end of the tape between council persons Ann Mikhalski and Joyce Connors. Both women are strong advocates for female entrepreneurism, and it was fascinating to hear them speak candidly on this topic.

The ribbon is clipped on this wonderful retail space on Dubuque's South End.

Dubuque Chamber Ambassador Shannon Gaherty takes us on a whirlwind tour of the new Hy-Vee Store on Locust.

This Hy-Vee has something new, "Hy-Vee Baby," that stocks everything from baby formula to baby gifts (they even have a computerized baby gift registry right in the department. All photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

April 18, 2006

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Hy-Vee has truly emerged as a grocery, gas and convenience store powerhouse in our community, and now their new location, long awaited since the departure of Eagles at that same location in Dubuque's South End District, affirms their position. But you know what makes Hy-Vee one of the best food retailers in a neighborhood? They are one of the most generous businesses in the area, supporting everything from local organizations to national ones like Juvenile Diabetes. Then there are these business reasons why they are successful: They continuously innovate, offering more of what people want. A Hy-Vee Health Market, Starbuck's Coffee Shop, floral shop, the best deli around, in-store restaurant, dry cleaning establishment, banking (Dupaco Community Credit Union at this location), and they have a community room that they make available for clubs, classes or occasions like a wedding or baby shower. And since we're on the subject, Hy-Vee has established a new "Hy-Vee Baby" department. From baby food and the expected necessities to baby gifts (in-store computerized registry). So join the Ambassadors and store manager Denny Hartough for the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration. Also, Ambassador Shannon Gaherty takes you on a whirlwind tour of the new store.

March 31, 2006

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Anyone familiar with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is totally familiar with the famous Philly cheese steak sandwich. There are many pretenders to the recipe, but an enterprising Dubuque family who has ties to Philly, decided to bring back the authentic sandwich, the "real deal" to their beloved hometown. Their first shop opened this fall at famous Five Points intersection, the gateway to the Eagle Point Neighborhood, the corners of Rhomberg, Elm and Garfield Streets. Meet the owners of this newest of family businesses, and make a date to buy a Philly cheese steak basket with fries and a fabulous dill pickle, or a Vienna (Chicago Style) hotdog, or fish (for the Lenten season). Trust the Dubuque Ambassadors who sampled the sandwiches anf fish at the opening. You'll love it!

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Video by Ambassadors Gary Olsen (Dubuque Community Schools) and Jack Leblond (Net-Smart).

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The turtle above is linked to a non-streaming RealPlayer video that is most suitable for dialups. It doesn't stream, and will play when fully downloaded. The rabbit and rocket are linked to progressively larger RealPlayer streaming media files. The Windows Media button is linked to a Windows Player file. If you want to keep a version on your hard drive or to burn to a CD, you can download the larger movie (non-streaming version) by clicking here. You can also right click on this link and choose "Save Target" and copy the entire movie to your hard drive to burn to CD later. High speed network connection recommended.

Mike Portzen, owner of Mike Portzen Construction, speaks before friends, honored guests and the Dubuqe Chamber Ambassador on the occasion of the opening of his new headquarters on Highway 20 West.

March 21, 2006

here's an area adjacent or near Barrington Lakes west of Dubuque (205 Stone Valley Drive) where Portzen Construction Company has developed some parcels for industrial or retail purposes and that's where Mike Portzen decided to locate his dream of 17 years, a new construction company headquarters that befits this incredibly successful company. Portzen began his enterprise as many contractors do, engaged in concrete work, installing sidewalks, and he became a great and reliable supplier of his services to the City of Dubuque which became one of his best customers over the years. Today, Portzen Construction is a major player in area excavation, commercial construction and civil engineering projects with a fleet of trucks, machinery, and a band of extraordinary craftsmen that deliver excellent results on time and on or under budget more often than not. Join the Dubuque Chamber Ambassadors and Mike Portzen's many friends and customers as we inaugurate Portzen Construction's new headquarters.

March 1, 2006

Dr. In Jun Chong has opened his own chiropractic practice at 3219 Asbury Road (just east of Walgreens on JFK and Asbury). Make no mistake... this is a family enterprise. His sister (also a chiropractor and his supportive parents were on hand for our Ambassador ribbon cutting on March 1. We had a great turn out. Meanwhile, Dr. Chong is a columnist in the newspaper, All Iowa Sports and Fitness , and a contributor to vue365 magazine. The location of this business on Asbury Road is ideal for a small chiropractic practice. There's excellent parking, for example, and it's easy to get in and out on Asbury Rd. "Our mission is to get you back to health and to give you the tools to keep you healthy," says Dr. Chong.

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February 23, 2006

here was a hint of spring in the air as we joined the staff of Wells Fargo Home Mortgage at their new Dubuque office in that professional building behind Village Inn on JFK Road. Steward Sandstrom, CEO of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce is the master of ceremonies for this ribbon cutting, and he also interviewed the Wells Fargo district manager (above), to learn of his company's desire to locate an office in our Dubuque market. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage offers cutting edge services. You can manage your Wells Fargo mortgage and other accounts quickly and easily online, whenever it's convenient for you. Have your mortgage payment automatically deducted from your checking or savings account each month, and relax knowing that your payment will be on time, every time.

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The turtle above is linked to a non-streaming RealPlayer video that is most suitable for dialups. It doesn't stream, and will play when fully downloaded. The rabbit and rocket are linked to progressively larger RealPlayer streaming media files. The Windows Media button is linked to a Windows Player file. If you want to keep a version on your hard drive or to burn to a CD, you can download the larger movie (non-streaming version) by clicking here. You can also right click on this link and choose "Save Target" and copy the entire movie to your hard drive to burn to CD later. High speed network connection recommended.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

February 15, 2006

or those of us with parents who may need a little more protection from the riggors of life, or for those in our audience looking for just the right place to improve our own quality of life and free us from the burdens of maintenance and security worries, this may be the ideal place.

With three locations in the Midwest, including Albert Lea, Minnesota, Madison, Wisconsin, and now Dubuque, Iowa (near Medical Associates West Campus), Oak Park Place retirement communities are extremely popular, clean, beautifully appointed, and chock full of amenities and thoughtful design.

According to their marketing materials, Oak Park Place represents "independence when you want it.  Assistance when you need it. Oak Park Place was designed to meet the current, future and unexpected needs and wants of the senior adult. We will provide constant independence with a little help, when you need it."

We meet the manager of this fine facility, Karen Kloss, and we also get a tour of rooms and common areas with Anna Murry-Francois, a sales representative with Oak Park Place. Come join us on this tour and ribbon cutting conducted by the Dubuque Area Chamber Ambassadors.

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The turtle above is linked to a non-streaming RealPlayer video that is most suitable for dialups. It doesn't stream, and will play when fully downloaded. The rabbit and rocket are linked to progressively larger RealPlayer streaming media files. The Windows Media button is linked to a Windows Player file. If you want to keep a version on your hard drive or to burn to a CD, you can download the larger movie (non-streaming version) by clicking here. You can also right click on this link and choose "Save Target" and copy the entire movie to your hard drive to burn to CD later. High speed network connection recommended.

Photos on this page are linked to printable enlargements.

February 8, 2006

or the past seven years, Premier Bank has become one of the largest commercial lenders in the area. In the bank president's office, all Jeff Mozena has to do is look out his window to be reminded of his bank's incredible success. The ever-growing Asbury Plaza has helped move the center of commerce west of Dubuque, but Premier's development projects are not just here... they're everywhere. Continuous growth, excellent and thoughtful hometown service, and a connection to the community that comes from local ownership, Premier Bank is changing the face of Dubuque in some very positive ways. Their signs dot construction sites all over the area, from new home sites to new places to shop, recreate, and transact your business.

It was 1998 when Premier Bank was formed around Jeff Mozen's dining room table. Banks throughout Dubuque were merging with out-of-town institutions, and local and area banks seemed to be changing names almost monthly. Jeff and his family and friends thought the time was right to form a truly locally owned bank.

The architecture of the new bank is evocative of the style of Frank Lloyd Wright and Alfred Caldwell (early 20th Century) and much of the furnishings are in the classic mission style. The bank building is a showcase for local art and craftsmanship. Limestone from Becker Stone, windows from Eagle Window and Door. The finest, most talented craftspeople in the area contributed their best to this project. The interior space is as spectacular as the exterior. "The major influence here," Jeff explains, "Is our own Eagle Point Park." Eagle Point Park and its buildings represent a treasure of this style. The buildings that stand there are a monument to American spirit and vision since they were built during the nation's (and our community's) most difficult economic times.