Targeted Small Business Highlights - Summer 2020
Apps Web Social, owned by Winfield Chan, was chosen as one of the 14 Best Web Developers in Des Moines by Expertise.com. Out of 36 developers in Des Moines, Web Apps was chosen based on a history of “delighted customers, outstanding service, credibility, experience, availability and professionalism.” As COVID-19 impacted small businesses, Apps Web Social offered its small business clients free digital advertising services.
Christa Nelson, owner of Epiphany – Your Creative Spark, located in Marion, was honored at the annual “9 Who Care” event hosted by KCRG and Show You Care. The event celebrates those giving back to their community in a big way. Christa’s nomination noted, “Christa dedicates a substantial amount of time and talent to help nonprofits achieve their missions. Beyond offering a low hourly rate to nonprofit organizations, her firm selects several nonprofits to routinely receive donated services.”
Fajen Consulting, owned by Micholyn Fajen in West Des Moines, was recognized by the Iowa chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA Iowa) and honored with the organization’s 2020 NOVA award for the Best Digital Marketing Campaign. This prestigious award recognizes the effective use of digital technologies and social platforms to reach audiences and influence and drive action. Judges cited the application of a well-rounded strategy and sound tactics that helped accomplish the campaign objectives. Combining digital marketing channels with traditional branding tactics delivered strong data-driven results.
Golden Openings, owned by Kimberly Baeth in West Des Moines was recently featured on KCCI for its effort to support businesses looking for a way to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the Des Moines Register for efforts to thank and support first responders and health care professionals.
Good2Go, Inc., owned by Lisa Garman in Davenport was recently featured by the Quad City Times for its fun approach to food delivery. Good2Go provides food delivery for local restaurants in the Quad City area.
Ellen Walsh-Rosmann, owner of Good Growing Enterprises, LLC dba Farm to Table Delivery in Harlan was interviewed as a part of Governor Reynold’s May 12 Press Conference focused on the state’s response to Small Business owners impacted by COVID-19.
Jennie Morton, owner of Herringbone Freelance in Cedar Rapids presented at the 2020 EntreFEST conference. Jennie’s session focused on “How to Create a Rockstar Case Study” built off her background in trade magazine publishing and college teaching. EntreFEST was held virtually this year in light of COVID-19.
Sue Gehling, owner of the Integrated Behavioral Health Services dba Classroom Clinic in Carroll was featured in Daniel Finney’s blog, The Paragraph Stacker, on Sue’s efforts to address the mental health gap in rural Iowa. Dan is a former Des Moines Register reporter who now writes editorial content on stories affecting Iowans.
Katherine McClure, portrait artist at Katherine McClure Photography in Prairie City was honored with a Bronze Medal at the 2019 International Print Competition. Her award winning portraits were on display in Nashville, Tennessee, at the Imaging USA convention in January. Her work includes “The Last Guests” that received an additional honor at the 2019 North Central District competition and was awarded the Fuji Masterpiece Award in the Portrait Category, the highest honor given for Professional Photographers of America (PPA) print competitions by Fujifilm.
Colleen Kinsey, owner of KinseyCo in West Des Moines was a featured speaker at a Des Moines Partnership Event: Top Five for Small Business: Website Psychology – 5 Ways to Skyrocket your Conversations. Colleen spoke on five tactics for using website psychology to maximize digital presence and create clarity for customers during COVID-19.
LOVOTO, LLC, dba Gnarly Pepper, located in Cedar Rapids and owned by Sara Gotch was selected by Agropur, a leading dairy company, to participate in Agropur’s InnoAccel Program Cohort, located in Montreal, Canada. Gnarly Pepper is a spice blend company that pairs its products with Greek yogurt to create dips and condiments.
Kim Augsperger, owner of Saxton, Inc. in Des Moines - a company that provides furniture and design for commercial interiors - was a featured speaker for a Greater Des Moines Partnership “Ask the Expert” series focused on advice for employers regarding expectation and tips on protecting workers returning to work and office spaces.
Soper Automotive, owned by Amy Soper in Windsor Heights, was featured in the Windsor Heights Bulletin for Soper Automotive’ s response to helping the community impacted by COVID-19; five percent of their profits were donated to the Food Bank of Iowa, supporting over 9,000 meals.
Amanda Pasket, owner of The Visual Element in Elgin, was highlighted by Apline Communications as a Midwestern Creative Innovator noting Amanda’s usage of broadband technology, 3D printer and social media to connect with clients across the U.S.