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In a four-hour car drive to a vacation destination, Tina Saland whipped out her laptop and drew a beautiful peacock with flowing rainbow feathers. The image would later become the logo for her brand-new business, CTS Creative, in Brooklyn, Iowa.
“Many businesses that perform design work have colorful logos,” says Saland, whose company brings designs to life on windows, apparel, and a wide variety of other products. “In my normal life, I usually hate multicolored anything, even lights, but my husband and I love peacocks!” (Plus, the pair have a pet peacock at home.)
Although Saland never formally learned design in school, she has been self-taught for over 15 years, gaining expertise in Adobe products such as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop. “I even took online classes — when I want to learn something, I commit to it. My kids joke that it is my downfall,” smiles Saland.
Then, Saland landed design work for a client while she had some free time. After a few months, she was seriously considering a future in design. “So far, the funnest part for me is watching ideas for designs transform into a business promotional product."
At her Brooklyn storefront (which she shares with her other business, Tina Marie Photography), CTS Creative can do anything — from printing logos on sweatshirts, creating vinyl designs for business windows or cars, designing business cards, or even creating specialized shirts for bachelorette parties (true story!). Saland has also designed stickers for fire departments, as well as apparel highlighting the Brooklyn community.
Before a project gets started, Saland likes to sit down with clients and review ideas of what a logo, design, or product should look like. “I usually do a proof for them so they can adjust it and tell me their vision. For logos, I create about 4-8 variations and the client picks their favorite.” When it comes to apparel, she might have a few questions for you: do you prioritize sizing, comfort, or durability?
Lead time for products is usually between 1-2 weeks (depending on the complexity of the design), and there is no order minimums or maximums required. Plus, no shipping costs on top of reasonable base prices. With the help of her husband, the turnaround time is quick.
“We have partners who help us do embroidery,” explains Saland. “For transfers, my husband basically prints ink onto film and then heat presses it onto a shirt.”
To look at CTS Creative’s full list of products — from leather notebooks to mugs to water tumblers — visit their website, ctscreativeco.com, or call 641-522-7184 if you are ready to bring your brand to life! You can also view Saland’s work on her Facebook page, @CTSCreative, for inspiration on how your business could liven up its design work. And if you’re looking for professional photography, Saland has her own business for that, too, @TinaMariePhotography.
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Before working in insurance, Dan McCue received a call. McCue was ready for a change — he was working remotely, feeling isolated from the community, and wanting a way to help others. When representative Chad Trimble from American Family Insurance asked him to become an agent, McCue was all in.
Now the head of McCue & Associates - American Family Insurance, he celebrated his inauguration to the Grinnell Chamber with a ribbon cutting and described his insurance company and services.
“Ugh, insurance,” laughs McCue. “Who gets excited about insurance?” But admittedly, he does, he told the Chamber Ambassadors. McCue and Associates, in partnership with American Family Insurance, sells auto, home, life, business, farm, and ranch services. Often, McCue works with customers who regularly rotate out their vehicles, and provides coverage for items susceptible to Iowa’s tornados and fickle weather (like hailstorms), including motorcycles, RVs, boats, and homes.
“Imagine the hail storm without insurance,” McCue told the Chamber Ambassadors. “Whoever owns a home dealt with siding, roof, paint, and window repair jobs. That is an average of $40,000 in damage that can’t be spent locally. Insurance is essentially a promise to restore your property into pre-loss condition.”
At American Family, McCue and Timble noted that agents are service oriented and prioritize one-on-one interactions with clients. “We like to have a grassroots focus and be visible in town,” says Timble. “That’s why we like to have a physical downtown location whenever possible.”
McCue is well resourced under the umbrella of American Family Insurance, which is approaching its 100th year in business. The insurance itself is “plenty large and secure” to provide peace of mind, and has $10+ billion dollars to cover accidents when needed.
Plus, if McCue cannot place a client with their insurance coverage, there are 140 other carriers that American Family can help place clients with. With increasing premiums after Grinnell’s two derecho storms and hailstorms, McCue is ready to take a personal look at your circumstances and provide the best recommendation. And whether you wish to verify insurances you have outgrown or add extra coverage, McCue is accepting clients at 641-236-3311. McCue offers 30 minute consultations, free quotes on his services, and extends regular insurance reviews for his clients. If you are in need to insure your home, a vehicle, or a cool motorcycle, McCue & Associates is here!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Jessica Trivedi moved to Grinnell from Chicago in the spring of 2024. She loved it immediately — the intricate architecture, the cozy neighborhoods, and the heart-warming diversity Grinnell College brings.
But she had to start somewhere. So she attended our New Resident Welcome.
“I like that New Resident Welcome is an event where everyone knows you’re new — businesses and volunteer organizations love to talk to you about their work. It really makes you feel like you’re wanted. I remember thinking, ‘This is my place.’”
Trivedi occasionally volunteers at the Louis Sullivan Bank (our Chamber office!) and provides tours. “The biggest advice I have for new residents is to volunteer somewhere that is the right fit. I love architecture and history, so here I am.”
After New Resident Welcome, Trivedi took home a deeper appreciation of Grinnell. “In the world of online shopping, it’s nice to spend money with our local stores and businesses. I get my haircuts with Brandy [at B. Nicole Salon] and do my shopping at McNally’s and Farway.”
Plus, there are cool people all over town. “Walk around and meet your neighbors,” Trivedi suggests. “I found out I live next to a political scientist, a ceramicist, and an art director!”
Register for our New Resident Welcome event on September 25 to connect with locals and new residents over a free meal!
Link: /en/events/new_resident_welcome/
Attention long-standing residents! It is our final push to recruit new Grinnell residents to the Grinnell Chamber’s New Resident Welcome event on September 25 — register them today! As we approach our celebratory event, we are concluding our #SponsorshipSaturday series with Luther Flooring Covering 236 Inc.! They’ll share some of their services and tips for both new and long-standing residents.
The team at Luther Floor Covering is a well-oiled machine. When you walk in, Cassey Cinqmars will take care of you from start to finish with the help of her field team. Together, the team handles installations with a professional touch. “I’m adamant about having prestigious work,” says Cinqmars. Some information and recommendations from Luther:
1. Luther Flooring is 100% behind the community. In the last few years, they’ve sponsored events like Ag Day, the Mayflower’s 75th anniversary celebration, and UnityPoint’s upcoming Unity in the Community Fun Run on Oct. 4. Plus, they helped *cover flooring* (winky face) at some of our favorite local businesses.
2. Concerned about price? No worries — Luther Floor Covering schedules free consultations to thoroughly discuss your flooring options and needs. Plus, receive a *free measure at your house and a free estimate!* The Luther team is also available to consult outside of business hours, including the weekend!
3. Luther Floor Covering doesn’t have a mile radius limit — they’ll travel to Searsborough, Lynnville, Guernsey, Marshalltown, and Newton. No matter where you live, they’ll make sure to understand your vision.
4. Luther’s products range from hardwood flooring and luxury vinyl plank to ceramic tile, carpet tiles, backsplashes, custom showers, fireplaces, and more.
5. Cinqmars recommends using the Grinnell Chamber website to find local events, news, and stories about our business members. She also recommends the Grinnell Farmers Market as a way to directly meet friendly farmer entrepreneurs.
6. Cinqmars’ favorite place? “Definitely Prairie Canary because my youngest daughter works there,” laughs Cinqmars. The blackened salmon sandwich is her favorite! Her daughter also works at the Periodic Table, so “I love to get wine and a charcuterie board there. They’re so good!”
The most fun part about working at Luther is getting to know the customers. “I love getting to know their backgrounds and how they live,” says Cinqmars. I like knowing their favorite colors, why they want certain flooring, and what memories are associated with them.” Explore today's style, designs, and patterns with our New Resident Welcome sponsor today! Hours: Tues.- Fri., 9 AM-5 PM and Sat., 10 AM-2 PM.
Leaders are useless, said no one ever. In communities across the state, and within our own Poweshiek County, the need for individuals to step into leadership roles is increasingly paramount.
Back in 1994, the PLP - Poweshiek Leadership Program was born. The PLP was an idea that couldn’t be shaken — what if there was a program that gave participants various networking opportunities? Or perhaps taught individuals about resources right at home and taught folks to relay information to their community? In essence, create a program that empowers individuals with a deep understanding of their own community.
The program is an immersive, nine-month experience where participants come together once a month for a full-day session. Each session is a deep dive into a different aspect of Poweshiek County, covering everything from the agricultural economy and local government to education and non-profit organizations.
"The PLP helps participants understand what it takes to become a better community member," says Amy Blanchard, program manager at the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation (GPCF). GPCF, with the support of an advisory committee, is now the PLP’s new home. Previously supported by the Poweshiek County Extension Office, the GPCF now facilitates the program. “Every program needs a good backbone,” says Blanchard. “It speaks to the strength of the program that it can continue under our umbrella.”
Last year alone, participants toured places most people never get to see, such as the local jail and courthouse, and local economic drivers like Bayer Crop Science, a seed corn producer, and Key Cooperative, an agricultural co-op. In other sessions, participants visited local school districts in Montezuma and Grinnell, and took a driving tour of the county, meeting with mayors and clerks in towns like Deep River and Malcom. Focuses on agriculture and food insecurity are at the crux of the PLP, too.
“We met with mayors and clerks who told participants about their local youth engagement, local businesses, and their signature events to come back to,” shares Blanchard. “We asked them what they are most excited about within their communities and what is challenging for them, too.”
Iconically, participants work together to debate an issue on the floor of the Iowa State Capitol — with the help of local legislators. “Teamwork is part of being a leader,” says Blanchard, “and these skills are on display with the mock debate on the House floor.”
According to Blanchard’s records, about 650 individuals have graduated from the program over the years. “I love a good Excel sheet,” she laughs. “It is fun to read through the list and see where alumni are now.” Many graduates stay local, such as the current mayor of Brooklyn, a local school administrator, and our very own Chamber president, Rachael Kinnick.
But for those who move outside of Grinnell, the PLP impact is still there, big and small. “The program teaches you how to operate in any community,” says Blanchard. “For example, if you move, you might find the local food bank and figure out a way to volunteer.”
At the heart of the PLP experience is to open yourself up to the people and resources your community has to offer. “Those who participate in the program are more likely to engage in their communities in a more meaningful manner,” notes Stephanie Beatty, an advisory committee member. “You have a better idea of what it takes to become a stronger community member, build a network, and understand where you live as a whole.”
Businesses can sponsor their participants for the course of the leadership program — help your employee take a step towards community, knowledge and leadership. The cost of the program is $400, so bookmark this post for the next application cycle!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
Believe it or not, Gunnar Johnson was once new to the town of Grinnell. Now, he is the owner of Summit Carpentry, LLC, a Grinnell Chamber member specializing in all aspects of construction and woodworking (learn more from our Chamber Visit post from July 29). As part of our New Resident Welcome #SponsorshipSaturday series leading up to our event on September 25, Johnson will share some advice and his favorite places in town!
“Being a transplant to Grinnell, I’ve seen what it is like to be new in town and be welcomed!” says Johnson. “It was so infectious to meet locals who really care about the community, and it rubbed off on me." His suggestions:
1. “Become friends with locals and meet people through people,” he advises. Also, he says the trick is to keep your dollars local, because not only do you support your community, you also meet other locals this way. Win-win.
2. Johnson’s favorite restaurant? Pagliai's Pizza Grinnell for sure! Johnson couldn’t help but appreciate all the love that the owner, Joey Pagliai, puts into his restaurant and community. “He is a great example of being a great presence in town.”
3. Enjoy the local parks! “My kid loves playing at all the parks, whether at Ahrens Family Center or the splash pad in Central Park. Jay's Deli is across the street, so we always stop in for sandwiches and ice cream.”
4. Grinnell Craft Brewhouse is a hidden gem, according to Johnson. Here, you can enjoy a drink, a good board and card game, and bring and eat food from a local restaurant.
5. Grin City Bakery and the Strand 3 movie theatre are kid-approved! Enjoy a yummy donut or a popular movie with your family in the closeness of downtown.
“With the size of Grinnell being so small, we are so fortunate to have great food options. We have the best pizza in the state, phenomenal donuts, and a family favorite lunch spot at Jay’s Deli. I hope new residents take advantage of it!” If you are a new resident interested in chatting with more local residents and business owners, make sure to register for our New Resident Welcome event on September 25!
Link to register! New Resident Welcome registration website.
Monica St. Angelo was always a lover of the arts. As a classically trained dancer, she taught ballet at Grinnell College and choreographed for the Grinnell Community Theatre for musicals like the Music Man. So it was no surprise she began working at the Grinnell Area Arts Council (GAAC).
The GAAC is a community favorite, known for hosting local artist exhibitions, theatre performances, and Music in the Park. When St. Angelo came across the operations manager position at the GAAC, it was the perfect time for a new career — she had gathered experience as an owner of a yoga studio and had been a former GAAC board member in the early 2000s. But after 7 years in her operations role, she recently stepped into a leadership role as GAAC’s newest executive director.
“It was a natural promotion,” says St. Angelo. “I was already doing a lot of the work of an executive director and because of that, I know the organization well.”
Ten years ago, establishing the role of an executive director became a focus within the board. The role would 1) solidify the GAAC as a pinnacle of the Grinnell community, 2) be a point person for the organization and gather new ideas, and 3) ensure that GAAC programming fit with community needs.
What does the role mean for St. Angelo? “It means to make sure the bills are being paid,” laughs St. Angelo, “but in all seriousness, the executive director just has that freedom to think about the future, what we can do today, and what we can do next.”
Much of what is currently programmed at the GAAC are long-time community favorites such as Music in the Park and Studio 6 Afterschool Program. In her new role, St. Angelo says that she and her board are focused on what the community loves so far and expanding arts-focused opportunities in the community.
Most recently, GAAC celebrated with an opening reception of A Breath of Line / A Body of Color by local artist John Weaver, who grew up in Gilman, Iowa, and now splits time between Grinnell and the Netherlands. During other times of the year, the GAAC showcases art from Grinnell College’s art majors, too, as well as art from local elementary, middle, and high schools.
In October, the GAAC will also launch their first-ever Spooky Town exhibit, which will showcase artwork from students from Studio 6 and run in conjunction with their children's Spooky Haunted House on October 25.
“I strongly believe that everyone should have the opportunity and freedom to be creative. We all start when we are kids — everyone is simply an artist in some way. I’m excited to offer opportunities for people to be involved, whether watching performances by the Grinnell Community Theatre, joining the Community Band, or making art at the Stew Makerspace.”
At the GAAC, the art never stops. Over the summer, St. Angelo procured artwork from different community events and hubs, such as Storytime Art in the Park, LINK, and Drake Community Library. Together, the pieces will serve as part of a larger scavenger hunt in the spring. The public art project is inspired by how loved the wheat paste murals were by the Grinnell community
If you would like to support the Grinnell Area Arts Council, consider contributing a monthly recurring payment of as low as $10, or attending events or workshops that help cover costs for staffing, supplies, and more. Plus, businesses can sponsor GAAC’s programming. Watch out for fundraising efforts, such as the Stew Fest Fundraiser, or support local artists directly through events like the local artist market.
“Many people have spent years and energy in keeping the Arts Council thriving,” says St. Angelo, “but most importantly, keeping its legacy going.”
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
When you walk into Alta Bella by the The Edge Hair Studio's, the experience is electrifying — a beautiful lavender smell, rows of colorful shampoo bottles, and a makeup section that reminds you a bit of Sephora.
This morning, the Chamber Ambassadors celebrated Alta Bella’s name change and service additions with a ribbon cutting. Alta Bella means “total beauty” in Italian, explained owner Laura Maurer, and that is exactly what her hair salon delivers.
Maurer was always into beauty. Starting in 8th grade, she styled her sister’s hair, cut her stepdad and cousins’ hair, and trimmed many loved ones’ bangs. “I always liked making people feel good about themselves,” says Maurer. “When someone first comes in, I usually ask first: ‘What bothers you when you look in the mirror?’”
Her current hair salon is drastically different from the little salon she owned on the farther side of town. But after the 2020 derecho storm in Grinnell, she decided to move to Commercial St.“I decided to expand to a bigger space and hoped that the market would join us,” recalls Maurer.
And expand they did — Maurer and her staff bought new hair and makeup products, invested in high technology facial treatments, and delved into the future of skin care and rejuvenation by hiring a medical director.
Maurer highlighted one of their newest services – the Exion Face Applicator machine and EMFACE to the Ambassadors, products they recently began offering from a cutting edge company in Prague in the Czech Republic. The EMFACE machine primarily uses radiofrequency heating to stimulate collagen and elastin production, as well as build up facial muscles for optimal rejuvenation.
The EMFACE machine can treat different parts of the face, from the eyes to cheek bones to foreheads — whether to build collagen back up or reduce fine lines and puffiness. “With your cheeks, it builds your muscles up but doesn't burn fat, so you don’t look so hollow afterwards.” Collagen is a molecule that the body naturally produces, explains Maurer, but with a boost of production, it helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles.
“The Exion machine is not to make you look twenty years younger than you actually are,” says Maurer, “but to help you look fresh using non-toxic treatments throughout the body.” The machine is also a “muscle builder” and works to give areas more volume, such as lifting cheeks, and eliminating jowl. Exion helps produce more elastin, preventing sagginess in the skin.
The medical director helps choose which treatments are right for Alta Bella clients — signing off on treatments and helping clients feel secure when undergoing these noninvasive treatments. Maurer’s staff is also incredibly talented, not only equipped with extensive hair styling experience, but are certified in conducting treatments using the EMFACE and Exion machines.
And if you are looking for a glamorous beauty experience, the staff at Alta Bella have a makeup section to shop from. Plus, they can do your makeup — whether for bridal showers, prom, or just a simple touchup after an appointment.
Ready to jump into your beauty journey? Visit Maurer and her team at 804 Commercial St. to set an appointment, or view their services on their website: https://mysite.vagaro.com/theedgehairstudios. They are also looking to hire an esthetician, so if you are skilled and available, reach out to join their team!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Happy Saturday, Grinnell residents! Here are some fun facts and tricks from our sponsor, UnityPoint Health — Grinnell Medical Regional Center, as part of our New Resident Welcome #SponsorshipSaturday series!
UnityPoint Health - Grinnell (UPH) is made up of a huge team that cares for the Grinnell community. But three gals work diligently behind the scenes to show the world what happens on the inside. Meet the UPH marketing team: Steph Lair and Christina Prevette, senior marketing communications specialists, and Maddy Turpin, marketing communications specialist. Together, they promote UPH’s upcoming events, news, and services, such as their new machinery, external partnerships, and emergency care services.
On September 25, 2025, they will greet new residents at the Grinnell Chamber’s New Resident Welcome event! In the meantime, they want to share some news and hidden gems around the Grinnell community to both new and long-standing residents alike:
At the New Resident Welcome, expect a few things from the UPH Marketing Team! Get information pamphlets about UnityPoint physicians and services, and walk away with free giveaway items, like bandaid holders, hand sanitizer and more! Long-standing residents, make sure to follow UPH and the Poweshiek Public Health page for announcements of new services, pointers in taking care of your health, and free support groups or primary care.
“It’s great meeting new people in town,” says Lair. “And we don’t need to talk about healthcare [at New Resident Welcome], so just come and say hi!” Make sure to register today: /en/events/new_resident_welcome/.
Crack, snapple, pop! That’s how your back will sound when you visit Converge Chiropractic PLLC with Dr. Blake Pearson… just kidding, of course! Dr. Pearson is a well-known *gentle* chiropractor in Grinnell, and we celebrated his inauguration to the Grinnell Chamber with a ribbon cutting!
When Dr. Pearson was younger, he was rear-ended in a car accident, emerging with a whiplash injury he mitigated by using muscle relaxers. But when he couldn’t move his body as well, even with this treatment, he decided to visit his first chiropractor, Dr. Ford. “I thought at the time, ‘wow, this isn’t a bad career path,’” he tells the Chamber Ambassadors.
Eventually, Dr. Pearson opened his chiropractic and wellness clinic in 2020, after purchasing the building in the fall of 2019. Despite the many obstacles thrown his way while trying to open his doors, Pearson is celebrating 5 years of doing business in Grinnell!
“Chiropractic essentially means using your hands to help heal the body by moving the vertebrae,” explains Dr. Pearson. “We use our spine often, so there is naturally a lot of wear and tear on it — essentially, we move the nervous system from misalignment to make us feel better.” At his clinic, Dr. Pearson has several adjustment rooms, a sauna, and a massage room for those seeking a massage therapist. Plus, Dr. Pearson has an arsenal of tools at his clinic, such as the tens tool, a portable unit that helps with muscle spasms and to distract the brain from pain.
Most of the time, many of Dr. Pearson’s clients come in with generic lower back pain. However, his areas of care extend beyond that. Not only does he treat muscle spasms or trauma-related cases from accidents, but he also treats people with headaches, scoliosis, arthritis, and disc issues. As someone who specializes with most muscular skeletal issues, he also coaches clients on strengthening weaker muscles in the body and develops personalized care plans. “A lot of the time, we see people who either overdo it with their back muscles, or don't use their core or glute muscles enough.”
Alongside Dr. Pearson is his wife, Megan, who works part-time at the practice. Megan grew up receiving chiropractic care as part of her regular healthcare — ever since she was 7 years old! “When I started dating Blake, I got a little nervous. What if he is not a good chiropractor? I’ll have to put up with adjustments I don’t want for the rest of my life!” She laughs as she tells the story, confirming with the Chamber Ambassadors that Dr. Pearson gives great adjustments and is the (chiropractic!) one.
Together, the Pearsons experienced an infrared sauna in Des Moines and Seattle and decided to bring it to Grinnell. “We thought, well, we have our own wellness clinic, so why not?” says Megan. The Pearsons’ infrared sauna is different from a typical sauna — instead of hot air that wafts around at 200 degrees, this one uses infrared waves to penetrate body tissues at 145 degrees in the cabin. “It really isn’t as oppressive,” says Megan, “and there is a ton of research about its benefits — it helps with heavy metal detox, promotes hormone health, alleviates joint pain, and stress.”
Although many of Dr. Pearson’s clientele skews a bit older, he regularly sees patients as young as 2 years old. Noting that often women are the primary driver for family healthcare, he funnily adds that eventually the husbands can’t resist and opt in to care, too! Plus, cost shouldn’t deter you from stopping in to see him. “Health care isn’t a luxury; we make sure to make our services affordable so more people can receive care,” shares Pearson. His practice takes virtually all insurances; set an appointment by calling 641-236-9852!
In late September, Converge Chiropractic will also host an open house to celebrate their five-year anniversary! Stay tuned on the Chamber’s communication channels for more details.
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
