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Four years ago, attorney P.J. Mahaffey called up Robert Seer from his student days at Grinnell College to pose an interesting idea — would his college best friend, a Chicago attorney with 7 years of experience, be interested in moving to Grinnell to practice law alongside him?
“At the time, I was like ‘thanks, but no thanks,’” Seer laughs. Despite being great college friends and singing in an acapella group together, Seer was not ready to move to Grinnell quite yet. But over the years, the idea of Grinnell became more and more attractive to him — small community, great homes, and his old college town. “I also began to think, how many chances do people have to practice law with one of their best friends?”
So, this past summer, Seer moved back to Grinnell to join Mahaffey at his firm, Mahaffey Law Office, formerly Schild Law Office. Mahaffey Law Office operates differently than your typical law firm in bigger cities. Instead of the attorneys specializing in one area, they can take on a wide variety of services — civil litigation for action disputes, contract law, estate planning, and probate law, as well as juvenile cases and cases involving Grinnell College international students. However, Mahaffey does *not* do taxes. “When I was in law school, I told my father I wouldn’t do taxes, and my father respected it,” laughs Mahaffey.
Funnily enough, the founder of Schild Law Office, Don Schild, started out as a political rival against Mahaffey’s father, attorney Michael Mahaffey. But as they began working as competitors in the legal market, they learned to work well together and referred cases to one another. “Relationships are everything,” says Mahaffey. “And they developed a relationship with the community, too. If anyone has a question about real estate, they just call Don. It’s cool to see how we’ve become a community resource.”
After having learned tricks from the trade from his father’s 50 years of experience at his Montezuma and Grinnell offices, P.J. Mahaffey officially took the reins in summer of 2023. While Schild regularly comes into the office to assist with abstracts and other matters, Mahaffey has been in charge of melding Schild’s practice with his own.
“So far, it has been a wonderful partnership, and Don is a fantastic mentor,” says Mahaffey. Plus, Mahaffey and his family are excited to be operating from downtown Grinnell. In a way, Mahaffey’s father often jokes that the Montezuma office paved the way to having a presence right at Grinnell’s fingertips, which is a challenge across rural Iowa at the moment.
“There is a real crisis in the number of attorneys we have in Iowa, specifically in rural communities,” explains Mahaffey. “I went back to my law school alma mater, Drake University, to talk about how to get those people here.” He stresses the importance of owning a local firm — “we are more effective and more efficient. And my team here is all local from Poweshiek County, too, not just me.”
Currently, Mahaffey and Seer split their time between the Grinnell and Montezuma offices while Seer waits to have his license from Illinois transferred to Iowa. If you are in the market for legal services, give them a call at 641-236-6506 or visit their website, https://www.mahaffeylaw.net/. If they’re not able to help, they would be happy to refer you to someone who can!
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
Grinnell United Way is no ordinary non-profit — when you donate money to the organization, you donate to as many as nine organizations!
In Grinnell, United Way is a 100% volunteer organization, operating with an exclusive focus on raising money to support non-profit organizations in Grinnell.
“Even with organizations like the Poweshiek Housing Fund,” says President Ashley Grundler, “we make sure that our funds are being allocated and targeting the 10,000 folks living in Grinnell. It is a part of the United Way charter and mission."
When organizations apply for funds through United Way, the process is straightforward. Answer about 25 questions highlighting the organization’s work, deliver a budget and guidelines for a project, and tell the story behind the organization. Answer questions, deliver a plan, and tell a story — how many Grinnell community members will be supported if they receive these funds?
The non-profits United Way supports are focused in one of three key areas: education, overcoming financial hardships, and health — this last year, they supported various organizations, including Grinnell Farm To Table, Grinnell Community Early Learning Center, and Suds of Love.
“Between the eight members of our board, we wear different hats in the community and have connections to the work our agencies do,” notes Grundler. When community members reach out to Grinnell United Way for resources, their team can point them to the proper community organization for help.
But it cannot be done without fundraising efforts. This fall, the United Way team is preparing to launch their most critical fundraising campaign yet. Their goal? $90,000, all of which they are planning to allocate directly back into the community. “It’s a little backwards, but in a way it forces our hands to deliver on that amount to our organizations,” explains Grundler.
Efforts include everything, from fundraising letters and fundraising nights, like Pagliai's Pizza Grinnell's “Pags Give Back Night.”. Once a month, the board comes together to discuss fundraising efforts, as well as create various committees to discuss other important needs of the organization. Kris Mensing, the treasurer of United Way of Grinnell, invites volunteers to join him in his accounting and budgeting conversations. “I’m the budget guy,” he told Ambassadors, “and although it is taxing to be strict about budget, it is rewarding to be able to allocate correctly.”
Plus, he adds that if accounting isn’t your strength, you can volunteer to create different aspects of the fundraising campaign, public relations, or outreach work.
Any donation helps. Stop into the Chamber to collect a brochure to mail your check in, or give online on www.GrinnellUnitedWay.org. If you would like to volunteer to help, whether through accounting, public relations, or social media, email info@grinnellunitedway.org. If you are or know a non-profit leader, encourage them to apply for a grant through United Way! After all, 97% of funds go directly to their partner agencies that impact about 3,500 Grinnellians. Be the next one to live united. Make an impact.
Chamber Ambassadors, from left to right:
What is one way to keep Grinnell on its toes? By bringing the Nutcracker ballet to town, of course! This year’s Thanksgiving weekend will premiere a huge production — or rather, a magical musical performance — right here in Grinnell!
When Ballet Des Moines contacted Sarah Smith about hosting the Nutcracker in Grinnell, it seemed like a great opportunity.
“I really wanted a more local connection if the production were to be held here,” says Smith. “So when they said we could have auditions here in Grinnell and cast local people, that’s when I got excited.” Local dancers from around Poweshiek County auditioned for the Nutcracker’s Grinnell performance last spring, and 30 of them were casted for the upcoming number. The performers range from 5-20 years old (including a Grinnell College student), and are now on their third rehearsal before the exciting premiere.
“Plus, we convinced Ballet Des Moines to host rehearsals here instead of having families drive to Des Moines,” smiles Smith. But to make the production possible, she recruited help from Monica St. Angelo at the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and Erin Bustin, the director of the Grinnell School of Music.
According to St. Angelo, Ballet Des Moines intentionally employs local dancers and performers in the area to put on these performances. “Outside of big cities like Chicago and Minneapolis, it is somewhat unusual in the Midwest to have a professional ballet company whose members are paid a living wage,” St. Angelo remarks, who is classically trained in ballet. “But it means jobs for both the professional and local dancers, and so it is important we support them as they consider pursuing a career like this in the future.”
On October 1, tickets dropped — so far, the show has already sold about 300 tickets for a 700-person venue at the Grinnell High School auditorium. “People throw around the word ‘world class,’ but this show is really that,” says Bustin. “Children having the opportunity to dance alongside professional dancers and train alongside them is really unique. For those 30 kids, this is an amazing life experience.”
The economic impact of the show is also expected to be huge. With 1,400 tickets on the line between two shows, people outside of Iowa are already calling ahead to secure their spots, according to St. Angelo. “We’ve been fielding calls for months already from people outside of Iowa who are planning to visit family over the holidays,” she says.
“This show is something the whole community can be excited about — it's a big deal!” laughs Bustin. “With the show’s success, we can expect a return of the Ballet Des Moines to put on a show.” Some businesses are already prepping for the Nutcracker craze — West Side Family Restaurant is offering a Nutcracker special menu that weekend and Bates Flowers by Design already ordered Nutcracker-themed merchandise.
For those wanting to watch the show, tickets are on sale online: $50 general adult admission and $10 child admission. With the help of the three organizations, child tickets were subsidized to support families experiencing a magical night together.
If your business would like to sponsor a part of the Nutcracker to help offset the subsidized ticket prices, contact Erin Bustin at director@grinnellschoolofmusic.org. Any sponsorship support helps! Tickets are on sale now, too and can be purchased for either 7 PM, Saturday, Nov. 29, or 1 PM, Sunday, Nov. 30: https://www.etix.com/ticket/o/193397/nutcrackeringrinnell.
According to Bustin, any seat in the auditorium is a great look at the magical show — plus, handicap accessible entryways and seating means anyone can enjoy the show!
Chamber Ambassadors from left to right:
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:
