Expand Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 2

Formerly Siouxland Magazine
Julie
Lohr
Living an
Authentic Life
Looking for
Something to Do?
Get on
Downtown
Partners
Email List
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has a
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Store!
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Volume 6, Issue 2

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY
“Be well with THRIVE”
(712) 870-2574
819 Gordon Drive • Sioux City, IA
Whole body Cryotherapy is the exposure of
a person’s skin to temperatures of -130 to
-170 degrees Celsius (-238 to -285 degrees
Fahrenheit) for a short period ( 3 minutes or
less.) At this temperature, the body activates
several mechanisms that have significant
long-term medical and cosmetic benefits.
RECOVERY AND WELLNESS
• Reduces Inflammation,Swelling, Pain
• Decreases Stress and Anxiety
• Boosts Immune System
• Increases Blood Circulation
• Full Body Detox and Better Sleep
CoSmetIC
• Increases Collagen Production
• Reduces Cellulite
• Improves Skin Conditions
• Accelerates metabolism
• Reverses the Signs of Aging
AthletIC
• Quicker injury recovery time
• Increase Stamina
• train harder
• Recover Faster
• Increase energy
• Reduction of muscle Soreness

Did You Know…
Offers Professional
Development Training?
Check it out
here
Or visit our website
Expand2More.com

Expand /4
We are here to live a BIG life. To explore our inner and outer
world, moving us towards the leading edge to discover what we
are capable of that can be of contribution. To create a life designed
with intention and executed with passion.
This publication aspires to be a source of inspiration. We are
committed to connecting you with community experts and
information to help you live your best life. It is our intention to
encourage balance in your life, reminding you to prioritize your
health and wellness while pursuing your dreams. We wish for you
to be healthy, strong and radiant. We wish for you to find meaning
in your work and be of service to those around you.
In these pages, you’ll find advice and resources, but you will also
find community and love. It is our desire to be by your side on your
journey, providing articles, video content, podcasts, trainings, and
live events. We are here for your expansion.
This is your life.
For those who want more…
To be more, do more and give more.

Editors
NOte
Expand / 5
Question for you…
Are You Willing to Expand with Me?
In the last issue, introducing the rebranding of
Siouxland Magazine as Expand, I shared my intention
to be a source of inspiration and provide a space that
fuels your growth and expansion. Ultimately, I want
you to engage with all that is Expand – a brand that
shares content in multiple platforms, but also gives
you the opportunity to attend trainings and live events.
Last month, we had an event at Rooted Boutique to
get the new magazine in your hands, let you meet
our cover person, Emily Vollmar, and watch a live
podcast interview with Emily. It was a chance to build
on the original interview published in January and let
the attendees ask their questions. It was also a great
opportunity to network. We are creating a community
of expanders – those who want to be more, do more
and give more.
We will be holding another event to introduce you to
Julie, this month’s cover person. I hope you decide to
attend and come with your questions for the podcast
interview. We will create a Facebook event with all
the details. Be sure to follow us and stay in the loop.
Over the next several weeks, you will also
see us expanding our offerings on leadership,
communication, and sales training. The details will be
on our website. If there is something you need for
your expansion, ask. We love ideas and feedback.
Together we can expand further.
Stacie
Stacie Anderson
Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC & Expand
Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach
Passionate about Leadership & Communication
Expand is owned and published by Empowering Conversations, LLC. All materials contained in this magazine (including text, content, and photographs)
are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any
way without the prior written consent of Empowering Conversations, LLC or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not
alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content.

e more
8-9
10-11
12-13
14-15
16-17
18-21
do more
24-25
26-27
28-29
30
31
33
give more
39
40-41
43
Table of Contents
Ask the Therapist – Speaking to Overwhelmed Mothers
Health is a Journey – The Dark Before The Rebirth
Mastering the Self Through Ancient Wisdom
Dare 2B Great – Spring is Coming
Living Lumin – Snow Day in Alaska
Cover Story – Dr. Julie Lohr
Small Business Spotlight – Crumb.
IWCI’s Business Feature – Red Valley Natural Foods Co.
SBDC – Taking Care of Business – Taxes and Accounting
Leadership Siouxland – Do You Have Glossophobia?
Experience Downtown – Springing Forward With a New Website!
Council Connection – Improving Sioux City With One Hand Tied Behind Our Back
Inclusive Peek – Dr. Dora Jung
Nonprofit Spotlight – SHIP
Hot Air with Tony Michaels – Not So Digital Footprint
ON THE COVER: Dr. Julie Lohr | Styled by Rooted Boutique | Photo Credit Anna Marie Photography

EXPAND | BE MORE / 7
Who are you becoming?
Being more is simply growing beyond who you were yesterday.
No perfection. Just progress.
It’s about living life to its fullest and learning from every moment
so that we show up healthier, stronger, and more radiant.
Our writers want to support you on your journey of self-reflection
and discovery of your fullest potential.
Be more.

EXPAND | BE MORE /8
ask the
Therapist
By Jackie Paulson
Q:
I am struggling with motherhood. I feel so overwhelmed and guilty all the
time. It feels hard to keep up with everything. I feel so overstimulated
by our schedule and the stress in our home. The whole experience of
parenthood is way harder than I ever expected. I didn’t see our life being
so busy when I first became a mother. I wish we had more time to enjoy
each other and feel connected. Now we all are just exhausted when we are
home and stare at our devices. I want to be better for my family. Help!
Dear Reader,
Thank you for your vulnerable and brave share. I am
sure there are many parents reading this right now
that could relate to what you are saying. I want to
take a moment to note that for the sake of the article,
I will be referencing mostly women and mothers,
however, I must emphasize that all of this can also be
a shared experience by those parents who identify
as men, transgendered, and/or non-binary.
As a therapist who practices from a decolonized
lens, I am acutely aware of how the systems in which
we live create many of the symptoms that we are
experiencing as individuals, couples, and families.
Many people come into my office and say, “what’s
wrong with me? I can’t keep up with everyone else,”
in some way or another. And some of the first layers
we explore, are how none of us were meant to keep
up at this pace as human beings.
The history of the society in which we find ourselves
is built on hyper-individualization, industry, and
productivity. The role of the mother or caregiver
has long been abandoned as something of
importance. Although most people will say that
it is in conversation, the overall systems in which
we live neglects the care of the caregiving, child

earing, teaching occupations - including the work
of the stay-at-home mother. I don’t have the word
count to go into this as much as I would like, but I
need you to know that you are not alone, that there is
nothing wrong with you, and it is very normal to feel
overwhelmed, isolated, and confused. It feels like
motherhood is expected to be done in isolation, plus
the added pressures of conforming to a fast paced
society that rewards doing more and spending more.
Already with a fresh kindergartener in tow - I am
amazed at how quickly my family could be swept up
in copious events and extracurricular activities. The
fear that my child is falling behind her peers is a real
thing. This is what I am talking about when it comes
to internal pressures that are coming from an outside
force. A family really needs to decide what their
values are going to be and sculpt their decisions
from that place. Otherwise, the sea is wide, and our
boat is small.
The overarching demand of capitalism will
surely engulf you if you are not rooted in your
own heart’s desires as a mother, parent, and
family. You must decide what your family has
the capacity to endure as well. Just because
you want to do something, doesn’t mean
you, and/or your child, or your family has
the capacity to do it - physically, financially,
or otherwise. We overspend in all areas of
our resources, both internally and externally,
in order to keep up with the fast-paced
rhythm of our culture. But the whole world
is showing all the signs and signals that we
are in desperate need of slowing down and
coming back to what matters most.
The high rates of physical disease, mental health
disorders, etc. show us that we are out of balance.
When looking at the root cause of many of these
issues, stress is the number one factor. We must start
looking at the quality of connections and support,
not the quantity of things we have, or the number of
social events on our calendar.
Send Your
Questions
I invite you to truly ask yourselves where all of
this stress originates; what is its core foundation?
You feel overwhelmed on a regular basis and are
acutely aware that the way that you are parenting
is out of alignment with what you truly desire.
Ultimately, we can’t get away from feeling this way
in parenthood at times, but one way that we can
create a bit more empowerment is by taking the
reins on the amount of stress we are under, and by
increasing the level of support we have in our lives.
This will mean you will need to let go of control,
ask for help, actually let others help. Allow it to
be imperfect, feel vulnerable in being held in the
messiness that is mothering in the modern age.
Take time for yourself, even as you feel guilty doing
it. Connect with other parents in ways that are more
quiet, intimate and real, and slow way down. There
may be some boundaries that need to be set in the
home and in the schedule so that you can come
back to your body as the mother, find your center,
be nourished, and be the muse of the household.
I understand I shared a lot here and there is much
more to say. But to summarize, I invite you to
consider decreasing stress where you can and
increase use of your support systems as much
as possible! You and your children are worthy
of being well-nourished in both the physical and
emotional realm. That won’t happen in a silo. We
need each other.
I offer various support circles and workshops to
help women, couples, and individuals learn about
their nervous systems and how that impacts their
relationships with their kids, partners, and their own
self-esteem. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d
like more specific support on how to find the ease
and pleasure in parenting that you are searching
and hoping for - knowing that as long as we live in
a stress disordered society, we will only be able to
go so far until there are more supportive systems
in place for mothers and caregivers. Do your best,
you are not alone. Again, I am here for you!
All my love,
Jackie
You can submit your question for “Ask the Therapist” by by simply scanning the QR
code or sending an email to jaclynpaulsongmail.com, putting “Ask the Therapist” in
the subject line. Your privacy is kept confidential. Our questions are often shared with
others. Let’s get answers together.
EXPAND | BE MORE /9
JACKIE PAULSON | LEAD INSTRUCTOR | E-RYT 500, LMHC
Jackie Paulson teaches yoga, is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa, and yoga teacher in Sioux City. She holds a deeply held intention in her work:
to empower somatic awareness that increases the connection and sacred wisdom within individuals and communities. Jackie facilitates in-depth yoga trainings,
experiential process groups, individual + couples therapy, and energy work. The inspiration that fuels her teaching includes philosophy, myth, depth psychology, and
subtle body practices. A lifelong student of the practice, Jackie completed her 300hr Yoga Teacher October 2017 and continues her education of Tantra and Somatic
therapy with teachers from around the world.

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The Dark
BEFORE
The Rebirth
By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler
T
he first blade of green grass, the
first robin you hear, and the first day
you step outside without your coat; it is
the feeling that you have made it. You made
it through another winter. We may not experience
the fear of starvation our ancestors experienced
every winter; however, the mental struggle one
goes through with shorter days and isolation from
friends and family triggers an effect on us just as it
did on our ancestors.
Our daily life is often defined by our relationships
and rituals. These relationships and rituals are
intertwined with the cycles of nature. Summer
activities and rituals are much different from Winter,
Fall, or Spring. It is important to see the connection
between the seasons and our relationship to these
cycles so that we may appreciate the physical state
we are currently in.
Early springtime, for me personally, is the most
difficult season of the year. I find myself isolating
from my important relationships, sleeping too much,
seeking any type of warmth I can find (which is
typically heavy, fatty foods) and slipping into a bit
of a seasonal melancholy. I begin to feel apathetic
about myself and my relationships, and I experience
an increasing anxiousness for warmer weather to set
in.
In these slower and darker days, it is easy to become
critical of oneself. It is easy to say, “I won’t let myself
fall back into that dismal, depressed, and lethargic
pattern again this year.” It is equally easy to bypass
the experience and move on without thinking much
about it. However, when I consider my relationships
and rituals during this time, and how they relate
to nature and land, it is understandable that I may
become internal and self-reflective.
During early spring in the Midwest, we have been
experiencing colder weather and shorter days
for going on six months. During this time we have
watched our surrounding land and nature slip into

the death or hibernation stage. We have celebrated holidays, played in the snow, and enjoyed winter.It is the
dark before the rebirth.
This phase, a deep hibernation, is really an internal preparation for what is to come. It is a rest and recovery
phase before the days become long, hot, and strenuous. If we can acknowledge this time for what it is, a time
for healing, recovery, and inner reflection, then we are able to take responsibility for what we do with this time.
EXPAND | BE MORE /11
This can be a truly difficult activity to do. In our lives, there are a thousand distractions and unlimited ways to
remove ourselves from how we are feeling. But nature is here for us, still; even when she is not blooming and
feeding us, she is teaching us lessons in her stillness, teaching us to be still.
Spring is a time for cleansing. Many of the first greens, or weeds, to pop up in the spring are nutrient dense and
great support for the liver. The following activities are meant to promote inner reflection and stillness. I have also
listed herbs to assist the hepatic system, and a breathing activity to assist with releasing stress with the hopes
that in time, springtime can be appreciated for the wonderful time it is.
1. Begin Springtime Liver Cleanse
Add in one or more of the following
Lemon Water:
The sour aspects of lemon add a
wonderful support to the liver.
Digestive Bitters:
Burdock Root
Dandelion
Bitter Melon
Wormwood
Bitters stimulate digestive enzymes and
increase detoxification of stagnant lymph.
2. Ten Minutes of Reflection
Commit to ten minutes a day of silent reflection with yourself.
Liver Tonic Tea:
Dandelion Root, (Taraxicum spp.)
Nettle Leaf, (Urtica dioica)
Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus)
Oregon grape Root (Mahonia aquifolium)
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).
Dark Leaf Greens:
Nutrient dense greens such as kale, collard greens,
and spinach are a wonderful support nutritionally,
and they offer a gentle detox for your liver.
It is recommended to utilize this time to disconnect from technology. Find a quiet space for
yourself and lay down. Begin by taking a few deep breaths. Start to identify where you are holding
your stress, anxiety, pain, or any other emotion in your body. Try to stay present with yourself for as
long as possible. After you have finished, take some time to journal about what you experienced.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult with your doctor before
utilizing any herbal medicine.
Resources:
1. Chevallie, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. DK Pub.,
New York, c2000.
2. Skenderi, Gazmend. Herbal Bade Mecum. Herbacy Press.
Rutherford, NJ, c2003.
3. Tierra , Michael. Planetary Herbology. Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI.
c2018
4. Maier, Kat. A Season Model for Working with Depression.
Medicines from the Earth 2021
By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler, Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal
Apothecary + Teahouse
Her goal is to spread herbal knowledge to rural America in a
safe, constructive, and accessible manner.
Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary + Teahouse
www.meganandco.com
Trained at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism
Certified Clinical Herbalist
Certified Clinical Nutritionist
Certified Flower Essence Practitioner

EXPAND | BE MORE /12
Mastering
THE
Self
through
Ancient
Wisdom
By Erin Kuehl
he epic poem, The Bhagavad Gita, symbolically details the battles that we wage in our minds, “For him who
has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind
will be the greatest enemy.”
TThe Quest for a Fulfilled Life
We all harbor a desire to live fully, as our health, wealth, peace, and happiness depend on a healthy body
and a healthy mind. Achieving a fully integrated relationship between body and mind, where both listen
to each other with love, enables us to skillfully engage with the world.
What are the necessary ingredients to live a fulfilled life?
Countless paths lead to fulfillment, but today, our focus is on
habits. Good and bad habits, to be precise. We need internal
awareness of the causes and effects of our habits on our
physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Through a yogic
lens, we evaluate our samskaras—our imprints, habits, patterns,
and conditioning—working to create an internal point of focus
for refining the mind and achieving a clearer perception.
Neurologically, we tend to respond to situations in the same
manner as we did yesterday, forming habit grooves in our
Master the Mind, Master of Self
Ancient Wisdom traditions recognize the importance of
mastering the mind to master the self. Through body-mind
practices such as meditation, Tai Chi, chi gong, pranayama
(breathwork), yoga, and deep relaxation, practitioners
utilize techniques that cultivate deep body awareness,
relaxation, concentration, and meditation. These practices
influence the flow of impulses through connective tissue,
brains. These default grooves or pathways keep us trapped
in our own habits, patterns, and neural programming…
repeating, repeating, repeating mindless, rote behavior.
Soon, unconscious patterns can emerge that can keep us
from living a full and well-balanced life.
These repeating habits, responses, and behaviors elicit
mental stress; which in turn, creates physical malaise. Even
good or healthy habits can become stressful if adhered to
rigidly or unconsciously.
nerves, and glands. They slow respiration and metabolic
rates placing the body in a tranquil and observant
state, activating the parasympathetic nervous system.
Simultaneously, they create new neural pathways, rewiring
the brain, and restoring balance between the sympathetic
and parasympathetic nervous systems.

Finding Richness and fullness in Life
Abundance and fulfillment in life are not based on
our ability to travel or acquire material riches. Rather,
they are cultivated by adopting fresh perspectives
and altering the way we perceive the world. Simple
changes, such as taking a different route to work,
brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand, or subtly
modifying your daily routines and habits can aid in the
formation of new habit grooves and deepen awareness and
presence.
EXPAND | BE MORE /13
Breath Retention and Nadi Shodana: Breath of Balance
While small tasks like alternating the routes you take make headway in our journey to balance, profound changes in
neuroplasticity come with conscious breathwork or any of the mind-body practices.
Stress can alter our breathing patterns, leading to shallow breaths and restricted access to the lower lobes of the lungs. The
lower lungs are home to parasympathetic nerve receptor cells. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the
body’s relaxation responses. By breathing deep into the lowest parts of the lungs, we start to calm and quiet the body and
mind. Shallow breathing can cause an over-oxygenated state, which can lead to anxiety. Studies have shown that breath
lengthening and retention can bring carbon dioxide levels back to a balanced state, ultimately calming the body and mind.
Breathing techniques, such as kumbhaka - breath retention, and Nadi Shodana, a form of alternate nostril breathing, offer
a wide range of benefits including neuro-protective effects, increased self-awareness, reduced stress levels, and improved
mental clarity. These practices have been used for centuries as valuable tools for achieving a balanced and healthy mind/body
connection. They continue to be embraced for their transformative effects on well-being.
Kumbhaka - breath retention, may be practiced anywhere and at any time. Eventually, with practice, you will fall into
a natural rhythm of kumbhaka. To begin, inhale to a count of five, hold to five, exhale five, and hold five. Repeat and lengthen
the process if possible. Strive to specifically elongate the exhale, and the hold at the bottom of the exhale, to decrease anxiety
and create a sense of calm.
Nadhi Shodana will require you to alternate closing off each nostril, using the thumb and inner ring finger. Begin
in a relaxed position and close off the right nostril as you inhale through the left, hold, close left nostril and exhale right, hold,
inhale right nostril, hold, exhale left nostril, hold, inhale left, hold, and repeat for up to 3-5 minutes daily. Nadhi Shodhana helps
to balance both the right and
left hemispheres of the brain,
bringing balance, calming, and
rejuvenating the nervous system.
Mastering the self through
ancient wisdom and practices
lead to a more fulfilled and
balanced life. By exploring how
our samskaras, habits, effect
the mind, and harnessing the
power of mind body practices,
we embark on a journey of
self-discovery and self-mastery
that brings us closer to our
aspirations of health, happiness,
and inner peace.
“Our expert instructors guide students through various yoga styles,
meditation, and wellness practices, providing the tools to tap into
their inner wisdom and find balance in their lives. Whether you’re
looking for a challenging physical practice or a peaceful escape
from the demands of daily life, Evolve has something to offer.
Join us in our journey of self-discovery and evolution.
Erin Kuehl
hello@evolvesiouxcity.com
712-898-4286
Since 2012, Erin has been the driving force behind Evolve
Yoga and Wellness Center, a holistic healing hub in the heart
of Historic 4th Street that integrates Yoga and mindfulness
into transformative classes designed to nurture physical,
mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

eXPAND | BE MORE /14
Spring is Coming
I
am a Game of Thrones fan. The show
is centered around, “Winter is coming.”
Well, this article is letting you know that
“Spring is coming.” And, with that said,
you may need to make the adjustments to be ready
for summer. While working out is key, nutrition is
essential.
We have all met someone in life that can eat anything
they want and not gain a pound. Yet, if you so much as
look at a slice of pizza you’ll gain five pounds. Weight
change is controlled by calories in versus calories
out. That means that to lose weight, you need to eat
less calories than you burn. Conversely, you need to
eat more calories than you burn to gain weight (mass
gain cycle). This is broken down into macronutrients:
protein, carbohydrates, and fat. All of which have
their own calorie count per gram. Not all calories are
equal. Not everyone is the same.
The secret to fat loss does not lie within the realms
of weight training or hours of cardio, although that
helps. The secret comes from the utensil to mouth
ratio. Too many times I have heard individuals talk
about low or no carb diets, as if that is the ultimate
key to fat loss. While it has its place, it can have brutal
repercussions down the road, especially when weight
training. I was guilty of that, but now use the method
in cutting phases, not as a long-term solution.
We are going to focus on some common
misconceptions and discuss the worst
foods to eat for fat loss. We will hit some more
obvious foods that are an easy way to cut unwanted,
unwarranted, and empty calories from the diet.
Dare
2B Great
By Cody Rininger
Pancake Syrup
I would advise pancakes are not
going to get you closer to your goals
but let us stay focused on something
that offers ZERO to the cause; no micronutrients, no
antioxidants, nothing. It is high fructose corn syrup
with preservatives and artificial food coloring. Highly
refined sweeteners, such as syrup, cause your body
to crave more sugar. It is a vicious cycle. If you must
have pancakes and cannot live those brief moments
of your breakfast without a topping, then at least hit
up honey; which, at least offers something to the
body.
Coffee Creamer
This is an easy and effective way to cut out hundreds
of calories in your day. Sugar spikes insulin, thus
inhibiting fat burning and making you feel hungry.
Adding this or anything else to your morning brew
is like convincing yourself that fruit flavored donuts
are healthy. Make the change. If you need coffee that
bad, you can tough it out for eight ounces.

Frosting
Satan himself brought frosting to mortals. I am not going
to waste your time on things like donuts and cake. So why
waste it on frosting? I mention frosting because not only
is it loaded with sugar, it is also one of the few items on
the shelf with high amounts of trans-fats. These are the
nastiest fats that raise bad cholesterol and lower your
good cholesterol. Trans-fats can also trigger inflammation,
which leads to belly fat. “But it’s so good!” Really? The
belly fat you gain is hard on your internal organs and bad
cholesterol is just bad. It causes your heart to work harder
and not smarter.
Salad Dressing
Everyone wants to diet with salads and then gets frustrated
when the fat reduction results are not produced. It’s always
a topic with my clients. Dressing is calorie dense with high
fat and sugar content. While lite and fat-free options are
better, the fat is typically substituted with higher amounts
of sugar to compensate for lower fat. As with everything,
check the labels. Place lower calorie options on the side.
I personally use small amounts of salsa. It’s as close as I
ever get to having a taco salad.
Margarine
Advertised as healthier than butter,
it is not. It is high in trans-fats and
lacks nutrition. Review frosting to
remind yourself of just how harmful
trans-fats are to your body. Try using small amounts of
olive oil (healthy fats) instead of using butter or margarine.
Moving on, let us break down a few misinterpreted healthy
snacks that are actually more harmful than helpful. This is
a general list of snacks that I give my clients to keep them
on the right side of Heaven; although, they would argue
that it’s hell.
Cheese
This is the most difficult side or snack for me to give up.
It’s so good, plus it has protein and calcium. But it is also
dense with fat. Remember, nine calories per gram of fat;
cheese is basically a sexy, fat cube. You just want more and
more. Take baby steps and start going for 2% fat versus
”
whole. Take it another step and cut those portions in half.
When I get frustrated with my own personal progress, I
find that, sadly, cheese is the one thing that has kept me
from reaching my next goal.
Dried Fruit
Another word for dried fruit would be candy
based on the sugar content. What
does that mean? Yes, fruit could make
you fat. Dried fruit is much easier to go overboard with
versus fresh fruit because of its sheer size. There is no
water, so it leaves you with sugar and calories. Not just
natural sugars as in fresh fruit but added sugars. By now
you are aware of the impact sugar has on our weight-loss
efforts by altering the blood sugar levels in our bodies,
and halting any burning of stored fat for energy. It also
produces more intense cravings. Go with fresh whole fruit,
or at the very least, make your own. Remember, you have
the power, take control.
“Remember, only you can make the necessary changes for a healthier and
more fit you. You either will or you won’t.
Energy Bars
Not all energy bars are created equal. Nothing truer
than the ultimate healthy snack for dieters and athletes/
weightlifters. The energy or protein bar is certainly an area
I know all too well. Most of these bars, including granola
bars, are just like candy bars with a different and sporty
name. On average, most of your bars will have 200-300
calories, and are saturated with sugar and calories, some
in excess of 500 per serving. When on the go, look for
something with high fiber and high protein. You want low
sugar content. On a side note, many low-carb bars contain
sugar alcohols, which could seriously mess with certain
individual’s digestive tracts.
Remember, only you can make the necessary changes for
a healthier and more fit you. You either will or you won’t.
Sacrifices need to be made. Join the Imperium Lifting
Crew and ask about the to be Fit (Physical Fitness) or the
to be Sustained Programs (Nutrition) offered with our new
membership options!
Photo Credit Truly Juli Photography.
EXPAND | BE MORE /15
Cody Rininger
website 2bimperium.com | phone 712-870-0758
email rininger@2bimperium.com
For more information on specific training and nutrition, contact Cody. He is certified by the
National Academy of Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor in Cardiorespiratory Fitness,
Heart Variance, Nutrition, Neuromuscular Flexibility, Supplements, and Mental/Behavior
Performance. He incorporates techniques for concentration, focus, motivation, and ways to
cope with anxiety. He has been featured in National Fitness Magazines and has spoken on
several national Podcasts. Cody received his Master’s in Instruction, so has first-hand experience
with differentiating personalized instruction, planning, and goal setting. He was named 2022
and 2023 Siouxland Trainer of the Year Award and nominated for 2024 Siouxland’s Choice Best
Weight Loss Center. Cody trains out of the Four Seasons in Sioux City and North Sioux City.

eXPAND | BE MORE /16
living
LUMIN
By Dr. Meghan Nelson
& Dr. Ryan Allen
“For a time I rest in the grace of the
world, and am free.
”
– Wendell Berry
Copper Bay Solitude.
Snow Day in Alaska
B
efore Meghan and I had kids, we had Alaska.
It was magical, a kind of time before time, as
it’s now hard to remember or even imagine
our lives before our children. And being in
the full throes of parenthood with a 13 yearold,
an 11 year-old, and a 9-year-old to keep up with, we
don’t spend a lot of time looking back on days before we
had them. On most days, I’m just happy if I remember to
brush my teeth.
But here we are at the beginning of the year, home for days,
now watching the snow blow and fall in the midst of a high
wind, sub-zero blizzard. Just a couple days in, it’s reminiscent
of the pandemic—schools and businesses closed, sports
shut down, life outside shifted inside. It’s a kind of cross
between begrudged ecstasy and bored delight.
One can only shovel so much.
But somewhere out there in that snowfield Earth, my vision
narrows as my eyelashes and eyebrows freeze. My breath
blows wild in the wind. I follow it down a snowy white path in
my mind and come to a winterland paradise. I see it all, what
was as it was, but here and now all present—a life within Life,
a self within Self, staring starry-eyed at the Northern Lights
outside the Schwabenhof. I’m dodging moose in the streets
of Anchorage at the Fur Rendezvous, grooving with Michael
Franti and Spearhead, dancing with dogs at the Iditarod
in Wasilla, hammering the halibut (and Basil Hayden) with
Spike and Zach in the Prince William Sound, fishing king’s on
the Deshka, so many memories, so much fun.
These moments are a gift from the past reborn in the present.
Valentine’s Day in Palmer, Alaska
We walk on foot after foot of thick slippery-slick Matanuska
River frozen ice.
Last night, word of a moose mounting and stomping a man
walking out of a Fred Meyer grocery store in Anchorage. Today,
rumor of a moose jumping off a cliff and landing on the Seward
Highway. “Look Daddy, moose are falling from the sky,” a small
boy is reported saying.
Lazy Mountain, thirty-five hundred feet tall, Matanuska Peak,
five grand, loom above, pictures fixed on a gray sky wall. At
our feet, bubbles trapped in ice, ribs and ripples in underwater
frozen ice waves, circular crystal fractal prisms where ice
fishermen once drilled holes and dropped their lines.
Individuals who weather the entire Alaska winter are called
sourdoughs. A posted warning in painted bold green:
“TRESPASSERS WILL BE SHOT!”
Off the ice, on the boot-packed powder dust we see moose
tracks and nibbled buds, trimmed hedges, hundreds of
thousands of black birch and spruce trees, and a single tiny
saucer-shaped bird nest planted and situated firm in the fork
of some birch branches.
We walk, tucked away ourselves, settled and nestled between
two distant glaciers—the Knik, pronounce the “K,” and the
Matanuska, blowing ten thousand year clean and cold, crisp
and old air in our direction.
Our fingers, our eyes locked, hand in hand, palm to palm, flesh
to flesh, warm body to warm body, vision to vision.
On the side of the road, two moose nibbling on birch buds.

Memorial Day at Eklutna Lake
Quartz-seamed, crop-circle patterned rock rubble rests
atop fine-hard charcoal gray-ash black sand lining the
shores of Eklutna Lake. Thin wisps of cirrus hover in paperthin
sheets ¾ up the top of Twin Peaks. Rolling seas of
spruce rollick amidst the base of snow-topped mountains.
The water, a perfect refractory, reflecting a mountain light
mirror. In the distance, tailless floating grebes calling forth
outward their best red-eyed common loon impersonations.
Closer to the mirrored water, rows of ribbed lines of
encrusted quartz sediment signal a time when the lake
rose to greater heights. The grebes, aside from some far-off
mountain runoff filtering and coursing downward cutting
earth and rocks and sand, the only sounds.
All calm, all quiet now in the liquid blue bright dewspattered
morning sky. The only movement, the shifting of
tufted puffy peak mountain clouds.
From my hand, a miniature-small snow-white quartz crystal
flings into the snow cloud mountain mirror and a ringed
ripple courses outward in concentric circles only delicately
interrupting the crystal water mirror’s calm. Over my
shoulder, behind me and mountains, the sun peaks its newmorning
bourgeoning brightening eye.
A bald eagle perched on a nearby branch eyes down at the
delicate ripple.
Minutes upon minutes, we stare.
Then, just as quick as
it was before slow, the
dimpled golf-ball white
headed eagle springs
and leaps forth and
hovers, then quickly
flaps and darts away.
Down the beach, atop
the round sand dollarflat
skipping rocks
hugging Eklutna Lake, I
stroll onward to the beat
of a woodpecker’s drum.
Halibut.
Quiet in Copper Bay
Into the peace of quiet things I find myself.
Silvers jumping in the bay,
muscular seal heads bobbing in glassy calm,
waterfalls flowing, terns flying,
mosquitoes hovering.
Before the others awake it is just me and these things
and a low-tide layer of indigo black mussels.
Just me sitting on a raincoat
underneath a Marmot sleeping bag
scattered on jagged rocks,
watching the rolled-out tide,listening,
glad not to be hearing sirens or ringing phones or
blaring televisions even as I still think of these things;
happy to be here—
on the Prince William Sound,
on Knight Island, in Copper Bay,
where the reflection of the mountains in the water
is clearer than the misted view
of the mountains themselves;
on the rocks,
listening to the stillness,
to the early morning darkness
making way for the earliest light,
to the calm, to the peace of these quiet miracles.
Up above, two bald eagles,
a male and a female in a flat-wing soar
whirl in dervish circles amidst mountain shadows.
There can be no mistake: a yellow tarsus
tucked into wet wood-browned bellies,
a white head, crown, and forehead,
massive yellow upper and lower mandibles,
hook-tipped beaks, and pointed tail feathers
white as the freshest Best Western linens.
The two fly,
circling in tight formation—
a dip of one primary, a dip in the other;
an inquisitive tilt of one neck,
an inquisitive tilt in the other.
EXPAND | BE MORE /17
Deshka River crew.
Far below,
my head rotates back and rests on a rock,
my eyes open to look up,
and for a second the circling eagles
disappear behind a cloud
and are gone.
A light mist of drizzle trickles to my cheeks.
We are free.
Lumin Therapy provides integrative health and education for the mind, body, and spirit to those suffering or struggling to step into and live their heartfelt
mission and purpose. Through the practice of physical therapy, medical therapeutic yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and resiliency mentoring, Dr. Meghan
Nelson, DPT, and Dr. Ryan Allen, Ph.D., bring their over forty-plus combined years of knowledge and experience serving individuals, families, and
organizations to learn and heal and live without boundaries.
Photo Credit Michael Lee.

Expand | Cover Story / 18
Julie
Lohr
Be More
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I am a reformed people pleaser. I used to worry about making
everyone happy and cared what they thought of me. On my weaker
days, I still do. Childhood taught me that to be seen, heard, or given
affection or any attention, you must achieve, work, or perform at a
certain level to be worthy.
As an adult, I’ve discovered that all that truly matters is what God, my
husband, and my children think of me. What other people think of me
is none of my business. My pastor, Fr. David Hemann, gives excellent
homilies regularly. He once said that if 100% of the people in your life
approve and like you, you are doing something wrong. He said that
if 100% of the people dislike and disapprove of you, you are doing
something wrong. If about half of the folks around you like you and
half dislike you, then you are LIKELY living an authentic life where you
stand up for what you believe, and do not make decisions based on
others’ opinions. It resonated with me. I left Mass feeling like I was
definitely living an authentic life.
What is your life purpose? Do you have a personal
mission statement for this phase of your life?
I think my life’s purpose is to be a wife, mother, and dentist. I want to be
the best version of myself. I do not have a personal mission statement,
but if I did, it might just be about surviving. The last two years have felt
like I’m living in survival mode. Just keep swimming, as Dory says in
Finding Nemo.
As a business owner and a mother to four children, one with a
disability, I often feel that I am operating at my maximum capacity for
18 hours a day, seven days a week. When my mother was diagnosed
with terminal brain cancer at 61, I wasn’t sure I could handle the
heartache or additional stress. It was gut-wrenching watching her
suffer and knowing that my mom was going to leave this earth far
earlier than expected. In addition to that, my associate dentist also
moved away to be closer to his wife’s family. Carrying the entire clinical
load while trying to help my mom navigate a cancer journey was
extremely challenging. As the sole provider at the dental practice, I
was overwhelmed. I relied on my Catholic faith and friends to help me
through. I surrendered control and trusted in God’s timing, survived,
and thrived in the chaos.
What drives you?
My children are my driving force. Providing for them keeps me going.
I want my children to have less stress and worry than I did. My parents’
divorced when I was nine, it was traumatic. My kids deserve to have

two parents who love each other and provide a secure home
life. My husband and I prioritize each other and our marriage.
We connect every morning and evening.
We work together, and that is difficult. We have nontraditional
gender roles, and are a very traditional and conservative
couple. We accepted the trajectory of our lives as God’s
will for us after our oldest son was injured and nearly died.
Chris, my husband, felt being a stay-at-home dad was really
hard. For me, being the sole provider was brutally difficult.
We envied each other and struggled with resentments.
We leaned on prayer and our love for each other to get us
through those first 21 years of marriage. We will do the same
for the next 20 years. We laugh together and continue to
date. We love to exchange witty banter and fun sexy talk. We
truly enjoy each other and know we are soul mates. I know
it sounds corny but who isn’t looking for what we have? We
know we are lucky, and do not take it for granted. Chris is
a wonderful husband and father. I feel incredibly blessed to
have him in my life.
What have been the most valuable lessons you
have learned?
Life is short, precious, and fragile. Live each day of your life
to the fullest and strive to enjoy each moment. Choose to be
happy, to find joy in your career and your chores. Decide to
be thankful instead of complaining and focus on what is right
instead of what is wrong. I have learned that unconditional
love from your parents cannot be underestimated in terms of
its importance in a child’s life. The negative impact of trauma
from abandonment and rejection from your parents cannot
be understated.
Do you have morning rituals or daily habits
that enhance your life?
I start my morning early with water, attempting not to
trip over my two dogs. I make a cup of coffee, read my
devotionals, and a couple of pages of a good book
while loving my pups. I am currently reading Financial
Happiness, by Mike Finley. I write a few things that I am
grateful for in my gratitude journal and then give myself
15 minutes to hit social media, news, and weather.
Then it’s either to the gym to meet my trainer, meet my
friend Amanda for a run outside or at a fitness center, or
I go downstairs to my home gym. When my kids were
younger, nights and mornings were so unpredictable.
After my workout, it’s getting everyone ready and out the
door. My prayer time and exercise set the stage for me to
have a healthy, productive, and positive day.
Bringing babies, toddlers, and preschoolers up during the
night is a real challenge when you are a mom who works
full-time outside of the home. With the kids getting older,
I have a more predictable morning routine now. Another
daily habit is positive self-talk and shutting down negative
thoughts once I recognize I am drifting down that path.
What are your non-negotiables?
We are raising our children to value these traits: respect
for the truth, authenticity, accountability, honesty, and
integrity. These qualities are all interrelated. I expect these
characteristics in myself, and I hope for them in others.
Expand | Cover Story / 19
A dose of a new perspective can change your whole outlook.
Perception is your view of reality. How do you see the world?
How do you fit in it? Can you open your mind to see what
is outside of your narrow worldview? Can you imagine
someone having bigger obstacles to overcome than your
own? Can you visualize someone enduring more tragedy or
hardship in their life than you have, and yet they approach
each day with gratitude and positivity?
When people you care about show you clearly that they do
not value you the way you do them, listen and learn from it.
Many people choose to avoid difficult conversations. Conflict
delayed is conflict multiplied. Left unaddressed, hurt feelings
only lead to deeper wounds. When people show you their
true colors, believe them. Do not make space for people who
do not value what you bring to the relationship.
There are some people in life that can drain the life out of a
room with their negativity. They complain and whine and do
nothing to improve their lot in life. They often have a fixed
mindset. I struggle with this type of person, the 50% who do
not care for me.
I gravitate towards positive people who have a growth
mindset. They self-reflect and want to continue growing
and improving in all aspects of their lives. They are openminded
to constructive criticism and strive to learn new
things, especially about themselves. They enjoy a challenge
and do not seek comfort, because being comfortable creates
weakness.

Expand | Cover Story / 20
What habits have you built into your life that
increase your stamina and help you power
through long days?
Dentistry is taxing on the mind and body. It is a very
stressful profession. Many people have high anxiety
levels at the dentist’s office, and the person responsible
for diminishing that anxiety while completing excellent,
painless dentistry, and staying on schedule is your dentist,
in other words, me. You are required to be on all day
long. Stamina is definitely required due to holding static,
unnatural positions all day. I’ve done that for the last 15
years and it has created muscle imbalances in my body.
Exercise has helped me
combat pain and stress. I
enjoy long-distance running.
It clears my head and allows
my mind to wander and be
creative. Strength training
has also been beneficial
as it provides variety and
challenges to my workouts.
My trainer, Laura Groseth, has
taught me so much in the last
year and a half. She opened
my eyes to the importance of
mobility training for a lifetime
Julie and Amanda; running buddies.
of healthy joints and agility.
Flexibility, balance, and range of motion of our joints are
all things that seem to decrease in our bodies as we age.
That does not have to happen. If we train our bodies in
mobility, they can function and move at a high-level very
late in life. She has helped me prevent injuries, as has my
physical therapist, Jane Stanley. I am very grateful to these
two women who have taught me so much about how to
take care of my body.
How do you decompress or unwind?
I love to be in nature, walking, running, hiking, kayaking,
and playing with the dogs. A long walk at Adams Nature
Preserve is relaxing and peaceful or taking the dogs to
Bacon Creek to run at the dog park. They both help me
let go of work stress. We have kayaks, and some of my
favorite memories with my kids were kayaking on Lake
Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park or at Lake
McDonald in Glacier National Park.
I love watching comedy. Chris makes a mean Moscow
mule and delicious homemade margaritas, and a cold
drink on the couch watching Sebastian Maniscalco is a
good way to chill out.
I love going to the spa for a massage or a facial when I’m
on vacation or a hot bath with some scented oils. The kids
got me some of those battery-operated candles to put
around my big bathtub, too. It’s lovely. When I come home
from work, I like to light a couple of candles throughout the
house to make everything feel cozy. Pizza and game night
with the kids, followed by a movie and a glass of wine on
the couch, is perfectly blissful after a long week at work.
Where do you find joy?
I find joy in helping my patients achieve healthier mouths.
Some of them struggle with complicated dental problems
that require spending a lot of time in the chair. When we
complete a treatment plan, and the patient and I both feel
proud and satisfied with the result, it is a wonderful feeling.
I also enjoy teaching, mentoring, and training my team. We
work well together. We often can anticipate each other’s next
move in a procedure. That doesn’t just happen organically.
It takes time working together, perfecting policies and
procedures, and working through patient scenarios that
didn’t work so well. Leading my team has been a humbling
experience for the last 11 years. It has helped me grow as
a person and an employer. They taught me as much as I
taught them.
I find joy in watching my children grow, learn, and thrive.
I love watching them play and laugh together. They are
beautiful and unique humans with incredible souls. Jack is
incredibly resilient and becoming such a handsome young
man. Savannah is strong, athletic, and hard-working in
school. Landon is sweet and affectionate, always wanting to
help me and his dad around the house. Charlotte is quickwitted
and is always making us laugh.
I find a lot of joy in my
marriage. Chris is my best
friend. I cherish the quality
alone time we have together.
He puts me back together
when I am falling apart. We
have so much in common and
are aligned with each other
on all the big stuff: religion,
politics, family goals and
ambitions, and our goals as a
couple. We love to travel, just
the two of us. Hiking, golfing,
snorkeling, and exploring
new places are things we enjoy doing together.
Julie and her husband, Chris.
I find joy in Christian music. The songs shift my mood in
wonderful ways. I find joy in writing. Currently, I am writing
my memoir with the help of another talented writer. It has
been therapeutic for me to go back through coping with the
memories of my childhood, including my mom’s death, to
find meaning and understanding. I am hoping my children
will want to read it someday. I find joy in learning new skills
and taking up new hobbies. This year, I am working to
become proficient with firearms and striving to become a
confident shooter. And, I find joy in running with Amanda.
She is hilarious and makes me laugh. I find joy in spending
time with my dear friend, Samantha. She helps me become
a better person and a gentler mother.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to people who are living their best lives. I admire
people who remember that they are living the lives they
prayed for to God. A grateful heart to God for all your
blessings in life makes you radiate light to others around
you. I admire my fellow women dental practice owners in
the trenches with me, raising their families and working
hard to provide for them. I look up to people who are not

“I admire my fellow women dental practice owners in the trenches with
”
me,
raising their families and working hard to provide for them.
afraid to speak the truth. People who are intelligent and
work hard. People who have earned their success. These
people have fortitude and tenacity. They are gritty folks like
Elon Musk, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Tucker Carlson, Candance
Owens, Rand Paul, Tim Scott, Allie Stuckey, Abby Johnson,
and Vivek Ramaswamy.
How do you want to be remembered?
I want to be remembered as someone who you could
have counted on. I want my children to remember me as a
mother who always unconditionally loved them. A mother
who recognized that children who may be acting unlovable
are actually demonstrating that they need love the most at
that moment. I want to be remembered as someone who
helped people reach their full potential. I hope people
think of me as someone who served others. I want to be
remembered as a generous, kind, and faith-filled woman.
I want people to remember me as someone who served
God and loved her country.
Expand | Cover Story / 21
Do More
What drives you?
In a career that is incredibly important to me, I am driven
by a never-ending desire to achieve excellence. My patients
and staff put their trust in me. It is an incredible responsibility
to consistently deliver top-notch results to my patients and
create a thriving working environment for my staff.
What sets your business apart from the rest?
A patient recently told me I should use his marketing idea.
He was in the chair and starting to get numb. He is tough,
tall, broad, and fit, with multiple tattoos and steel-toed
boots. Pretty sure he was the most well-armed patient I have
ever had in my chair. He was grateful to get in as we moved
his appointment up when we had a cancellation, and one
decayed tooth was starting to hurt him. He said, “I know you
are swamped, but if you ever need an advertising slogan,
I got one for you.” I could tell he was being authentic, and
he smiled. I said, “Okay, let’s hear it.” He grins and says,
“Lohr cares more.” He went on to explain that he’d been to
several dental offices in his lifetime and had never felt that
his dentist truly cared about him until he came to my office.
That just made my day. He was so genuine and grateful that
we were helping him. That is what sets our office apart from
the rest!
What is the client’s experience?
The client’s experience should be personalized,
individualized care that prioritizes their oral health. We
value relationships based on trust and work to earn that
trust. Dentistry is not a commodity. My skill level is not the
same as every dentist. Each dentist has a different set of
talents for different procedures. We use trusted, exceeding
industry standards materials in our office that are made in the
best labs in the USA and not outsourced overseas.
How do you approach obstacles or setbacks?
I approach challenges in my life with discipline, resilience, and
fortitude. I give myself precisely 15 minutes to wallow in selfpity
when things go wrong or encounter a setback. After that,
it’s full steam ahead with a positive outlook.
What has been the most valuable lesson you have
learned?
I learned that doing dentistry is the easy part. Running a
business and being a consistent and effective leader is the
challenge. I am required to make important business decisions
daily that have repercussions. I do not have a lot of time to
belabor them and must be decisive. It is difficult, but each year
that passes, I gain valuable experience. I make decisions with
more ease and no longer overthink them.
What are your non-negotiables?
I must work with people who share my strong midwestern
work ethic. I have a rural/agricultural part of my upbringing
that I take pride in. I sometimes joke about being farm-strong.
You cannot be part of my team if you are not a hard worker.
What makes you proud?
I am proud that we made it through massive phases of
renovation while keeping our office open and surviving the
pandemic. It was brutal. There were so many times when I
felt disheartened, discouraged, overwhelmed, and even a bit
hopeless. It was very hard, but we persevered.
What are you doing to better our community?
I am passionate about the FIRE Foundation in NW Iowa.
Witnessing the momentum of inclusive Catholic education
in our community and Le Mars’s Catholic community has
been extremely fulfilling. I serve on the board of directors,
and we are proud of the growth and success of our nonprofit
organization. FIRE is changing the landscape of Catholic
education in a beautiful and positive way for all the children
attending Catholic schools in the diocese.
Lohr Family Dentistry, P.C. is located at 2918 Hamilton Blvd,
Sioux City, IA

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EXPAND | Do MORE / 23
How do you contribute?
When we find meaning in our work it feeds the soul.
Our work can be an expression of love when we weave service
into the cracks, contributing to our community by delivering
excellence in everything we do.
Whether we run our own business,
or work at a level of excellence as if it were ours -
It is felt by others.
Our writers encourage your professional development
and contribution to our community, and provide you
the tools and resources to
do more.

EXPAND | DO MORE / 24
Small Business spotlight
C
rumb. is a small-batched scratch bakery
established in Sioux City, Iowa. Their bakery
offers a wide variety of baked goods, from
cookies and bars to cakes and cheesecakes.
They even provide catering for small groups
and events. They find joy in sharing homemade goods
with their family and friends. This was the motivation
for starting the business, to expand it to include more
people. This is still a part-time operation, but they are
driven each day by the reaction of their customers. It is
about being part of a significant milestone, brightening
someone’s day, or just creating a memory.
Crumb. is unique regarding the products they offer,
taking a traditional item and putting their spin on it.
For example, they make a sauce for their cheesecakes
based on a margarita recipe they tried during the
pandemic. Likewise, their Toasted S’mores cookies
were born out of an idea to capture fall nights around
the campfire. They look for inspiration in the items they
make from their experiences. Their biggest challenge
has been figuring out what items will sell the best at
events; predicting demand has been difficult because
Crumb Cheesecakes.
Lexa and Jake Hawkins.
it changes from week to week or event to event. Their
greatest reward has been the feedback they receive
from their customers. When they share their stories
about how their products have been a part of a
celebration or caused a tiff over who got the last bite
as part of a family evening, those are the stories that
make it all worth it.
The community has been a great support, from
individuals to other businesses. Over the past few
years, they have been fortunate enough to participate
in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that is present in
Sioux City. When they moved into their commercial
kitchen space, help from entrepreneurs like Matt and
Amy Thompson, owners of ArtSUX, and the Rent Relief
Program from Downtown Partners made the move
possible. Ongoing support on spreading the word
about their business and educational programs offered
by Iowa’s West Coast Initiative and the Siouxland
Chamber of Commerce have been invaluable. Then
there is the Sioux City Farmer’s Market, it has been a
fantastic place for them to grow their business. Their
experience with the farmer’s market is on the list as
being the most influential experience. It is where, as
a small business, they get to interact with the farmer’s
market community, and have the chance to work on
their business in real-time.

The other experience that has been influential is
being active in the events hosted by Downtown
Partner, Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, Siouxland
Chamber of Commerce, and the other opportunities
presented by the colleges and universities in the
area. All of these provided some opportunity to
network or learn about topics that small businesses
can relate to. Supporting small businesses and
startups is critical for the community. The people
behind these small businesses are the ones planting
their roots in this community. On occasion, you may
hear someone say there is nothing to do in Sioux City
and the surrounding areas. These small businesses
are the ones that are making things happen, so
we have things to do in this community. We have
unique small businesses like breweries, food trucks,
bakeries, dog treat makers, restaurants, jewelry
makers, photographers, and the list goes on and
on. All these small businesses support each other
because they recognize the importance of keeping
business local, and they need the community’s
support to keep growing.
EXPAND | DO MORE / 25
When asking Jake Hawkins, the owner of Crumb.,
how the community could support their business, he
said, “The most helpful thing the community can do
to support us is not just spend money with us but
spread the word about what we are doing.” It makes
a difference to share with others that Sioux City has
some amazing entrepreneurs doing pretty great
things in the community. He hopes that you will help
spread the word.
Cinnamon Rolls.
Crumb. has moved into their commercial kitchen space.
The next step is to open a retail presence in that space.
It is unclear when that will happen yet. Until then, they
are looking forward to 2024 and growing their business
at the Sioux City Farmer’s Market and through other
collaborations, like the one they have with Main and
Abbey at the Hard Rock. They are also working on
adding an online store so you can order their products
straight from their website. Now that is a delicious
improvement.
Siouxland Magazine is Committed to
Supporting Siouxland’s Local
Small Businesses and Nonprofits.
We have a platform,
and we want to share it with you.
Get in front of the community by joining
Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight.
Get the details by scanning
the QR code or visit
siouxlandmagazine.com.
Smore Cookies.
Photos Contributed by Crumb.

EXPAND | DO MORE /26
Red Valley
Natural Foods Co.
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative Feature
Short description of your business:
We are a natural and organic grocery store located
in Sioux City, IA. We specialize in organic, natural
products and specialty diets. We carry everything
from locally raised grass fed beef, whole grains,
fluoride-free toothpaste, and everything in
between. Our purpose is to provide our customers
with wholesome clean foods, free of antibiotics,
pesticides, and other poisons.
What motivated you to start your
business?
We saw the need for a larger selection of organic
and clean daily eating options in the Siouxland
Area. We enjoy spreading healthy eating habits
and improving our customers’ lives by providing
these options.
What’s unique about your business?
You may find an organic section in any typical
grocery store, but there is no one that showcases
local producers and Midwest families in these
products.
We also carry a large variety of many different
specialty diet-based foods. Our employees are
knowledgeable in these specialty diets and are
eager to help you find solutions to daily diet needs.
We also have an in-house chef that prepares fresh,
healthy, ready-to-eat options.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve
had to overcome as you’ve grown your
business?
The biggest challenge when starting and growing
any business is finding the appropriate capital.
What has been your greatest reward?
Throughout the journey of starting up an organic
and natural food grocery store, the greatest reward
we have seen is the change in our customers’ lives
on their journey to healthier, holistic living and
eating. The positive response from our customers
is something we never could have guessed would
happen, and effects our lives in such a positive
way as well.
Business Owners: Jordan and Vianna Hobbs
Business Name: Red Valley Natural Foods Co.
Main Products/Services: Organic and specialty diet grocery store
Location: 600 Water Street, Sioux City, IA 51103
Connect: www.redvalleynaturalfoods.com
How have you benefited from the
startup community in Sioux City and the
region? What resources did you use?
The community resource that helped give us the
courage to start our business was visiting with
the regional director of America’s SBDC, located
in Western Iowa Tech Community College. He
was able to give us good insight into researching
the business market and presenting our plan to
potential capital investors.
Why is it important for the community to
support startups and small businesses?
When you support a small business, you are
directly impacting a local family’s life, not some

EXPAND | DO MORE / 27
CEO that you’ll never know or meet. You can watch the local business and
family grow and improve over time from the support you give them and
know that the money you spend is going towards making your community
a better place.
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew
when starting your business?
You should talk to people in a similar line of business to get an insider’s look
at everything that is involved in starting your own business and being selfemployed.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a
business?
Seek wisdom from fellow business owners and be ready and willing to give
everything you’ve got to push your business into succeeding.
How can the community continue to help your business?
It isn’t about supporting our business specifically, it’s about supporting as
many small local businesses
as possible, because that is
how you help build a better
community.
What are some future
goals for your company?
We are hoping to continue
to grow in the future creating
a more positive impact on
our community’s health. We
are excited to continue to
support more local businesses,
producers, farmers, and families
through our store outlet, and in
doing so, create a more positive
impact on our community’s
health.
Owners Vianna and Jordan Hobbs
Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) is a collaboration between the economic
development organizations in Plymouth, Monona, and Woodbury
counties, and includes the following organizations: City of Sioux City,
Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, Siouxland Economic
Development Corporation, The Siouxland Initiative, Le Mars Business
Initiative Corporation, Woodbury County, and Monona County. Learn
more about IWCI at www.IAWestCoast.com.
Photos Contributed By Red Valley Natural Foods Co.

EXPAND | DO MORE /28
SBDC
Taking Care of Business
By Todd Rausch
Taxes and Accounting
Small business owners should understand the
federal, state, and local tax and accounting
requirements as this will help you with record
keeping, filing tax returns accurately, and making
timely payments to the government. Failure to file and pay
tax obligations may result in financial penalties in addition
to interest on amounts outstanding. Tax and accounting
for small businesses can be complex; this guide serves as
a starting point for resources and information to help you
navigate your next steps – speaking with a tax professional.
Small business owners should remember these five
important items that affect small businesses taxes:
1. Business structure.
2. Tax deductions.
3. Startup costs write-offs (Deduct up to $5,000 only if
total startup costs are $50,000 or less).
4. Pay quarterly taxes.
5. Keeping track of the amount of taxes due/refunded.
The business structure chosen when starting a business
will determine the taxes small businesses pay, as well as
how and when to pay them.
Review key tax calendar dates using the IRS Online
Calendar. Exceptions: If the tax year does not start on
January 1, follow the IRS fiscal year due dates. Also,
be sure to review tax due dates by classifications of
businesses.
IRS Tax Guides for Small Businesses
As a small business owner, it is important to understand
your federal, state, and local tax obligations. The Internal
Revenue Service (IRS) provides plenty of information to
help small business owners when filing their taxes. The
Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is the main
resource for entrepreneurs. Additional resources include
the following:
• Business Taxes – provides the five general types of
business taxes and their tax forms.
• Small Business Tax Workshop – eight lessons to help
small businesses learn how to file taxes.
• Online Learning and Educational Products – links to
virtual tax workshops and SBA Learning Centers.
• Starting a Business – resources to new/prospective
business owners and checklists for starting a
business.
• Industries/Professions Tax Centers – specific
industries tax centers.
• State Government Websites – links to each state
website, and guidance to doing business in each
state.
• Sale of a Business – tax guidelines to follow once a
business is sold.
• Tax Guide for Small Businesses.
Accounting Methods
There are two primary accounting methods for
businesses to report revenues and expenses – cash
accounting and accrual accounting. It is important to
understand the difference between the two, as once
you select a method, you should maintain that for the
duration of your business; unless, of course, you get an
exemption from the IRS to change your method.
Cash accounting is an accounting method when
revenues are recorded when payments are received
and expenses are recorded when they are paid.
Accrual accounting is when revenues and expenses are
recorded when they are billed and earned, regardless
of when the money is received and paid. Small
businesses with average gross receipts of $25 million
or less in the prior three-year period are allowed to use
the cash method of accounting.
• Cash-Based vs. Accrual-Based Accounting – an
explanation and differences.
• Pros and Cons of Cash and Accrual.
• Cash Flow Analysis for Small Business Owners – how
cash flow analysis is conducted.

Tax Software
Small business owners may be overwhelmed when it
comes to selecting software to prepare their tax returns
or identifying tax professionals. Some key features to look
for in tax software include budget-friendly, ease of use,
excellent customer service, e-filing return options, and data
security.
The most commonly used tax software include:
• TurboTax
• H&R Block
• Jackson Hewitt
• TaxSlayer
Additional Resources
Are you already in business or thinking about starting
your own small business? The SBDC has various small
business resources available to you.
• Small business help topics here: Small Business
Information Center.
• Business reports - Small Business Snapshots.
• Industry-specific research - Market Research Links.
• Small business cybersecurity resources.
• Pandemic business resources - COVID-19
Publications.
EXPAND | DO MORE / 29
Accounting Software
Small business owners need to budget, track expenses, pay
suppliers, categorize transactions, keep detailed, accurate
books, and therefore require accounting software.
The most common accounting software for small businesses
include:
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• FreshBooks
Cloud-based accounting software is on-demand software
hosted remotely for recording and storing encrypted
financial data online. The pandemic forced many
accounting teams to transition to work from home to follow
local COVID-19 mitigation protocols. The workplace shift
resulted in an increasing demand for cloud-based solutions.
A recent survey of more than 3,000 accounting professionals
indicated that nearly two-thirds of businesses plan to adopt
cloud-computing technology within the next two years.
• Research Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloud-
Based Accounting Solutions.
• Business Software Marketplace – More than 300 cloudbased
accounting solutions for small businesses.
• Sage Business Cloud Accounting – An example of a
cloud-based accounting software.
• Regardless of the tax and accounting software vendor
that you use for your business, it is important to be aware
of their cybersecurity safeguards.
Remember, you can receive free professional business
advice and free or low-cost business training from your
local Small Business Development Center!
The SBDC is federally and state funded with the sole purpose
of helping small businesses to succeed! Our entire purpose
is to help you move your business forward.
Todd Rausch, Regional Director for the Small Business
Development Center at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
| 712-274-6454 | Todd.rausch@witcc.edu
Kletschke Wealth
Management Group
Personalized Investment Strategies
Tax and Accounting Resources
• 5 Things to Know About Your Balance Sheet – U.S. Small
Business Administration.
• State Tax Obligations – U.S. Small Business
Administration, identifies tax requirements by state.
• Common Small Business Tax Deductions – Provides the
most frequent expenses deducted by small businesses
Additional Information for Business Expenses – IRS.
• Find a CPA – American Institute of CPAs.
• CPA Directory – searchable by zip code.
• Tax Rates for All 50 States – Federation of Tax
Administrators.
• Employer W-2 Filing Instructions & Information – U.S.
Social Security Administration.
• Small Business Taxes & Management.
Korey Kletschke, CFP ® , ChFC ®
Associate Vice President/Investments
Branch Manager
(712) 252-6956
www.kletschkeinvest.com
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com

expand | DO MORE /30
Leading the Way
Leadership Siouxland
By Peggy Smith
Do you have glossophobia?
I
f you do, you are not alone – 75% of people have
it. So – what is it?
Glossophobia is the strong fear of public
speaking. It is a Greek word – Glossa, which
means tongue, and Phobos that means fear or
dread. People are more scared of speaking in public,
than are scared of heights, spiders, snakes, tornados, fires,
or hurricanes. Why are we so frightened of speaking in
public? Often, we worry about forgetting what we want to
say, or that people will laugh at us, or that people will tune
us out. We might even worry that we will do such a great
job, we will be asked to speak in public again.
If you have glossophobia, it helps to understand what
your audience will be paying attention to when you speak.
Studies show that 45% of the audience reaction is based
on your voice – how you say what you say. Another 45%
of their reaction is based on how you execute – your body
level of understanding, or do you need to adjust your
talk? What is the intended outcome of your speech?
Determine if there is something specific the audience
needs to learn. I love this quote from the Change Cycle
training course – “Information and communication
are never synonyms – information is giving out, while
communication is getting through.” It is vital that
your presentation accomplishes true communication
– that the audience understands exactly what you are
conveying. Another great quote from George Bernard
Shaw is: “The single biggest problem in communication
is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Surveys in almost every business will show that
employees feel that there needs to be more, and better,
communication from managers, leaders, and within
their work group. Learning to be comfortable speaking
up in meetings, presenting your viewpoint and ideas,
and delivering your message in a way that is heard and
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.
– George Bernard Shaw
language, your gestures, your personal presence. And
lastly, 10% is based on what you say – the words you speak.
There are some suggestions that you can use to help you
overcome your fear. Since the manner in which you speak
is vitally important, be sure you are choosing a topic that
you are passionate about and is meaningful to you. If you
are talking about something that is extremely important to
you, your talk will be genuine, and your own personality
will shine through. Your audience will give you grace if you
fumble or say ah. Speaking from the heart means you will
automatically have inflections in your voice – and power in
what you say. Making good eye contact will help both you
and your audience – and allows you and those listening to
really connect.
It is important that you are prepared with the content of
your speech. You need to know your topic; however, even
more importantly, you need to know your audience. What
is the demographic makeup of the group to whom you
are presenting? Do they have previous knowledge of
your topic, or is this something new, which requires you to
provide more basic information? Are you speaking at their
”
understood is very important as you strive to be a leader.
Allowing your audience to see your true, authentic self is
the most relevant element of any speech you deliver.
Leadership Siouxland was privileged to hear from
Stacie Anderson during the January session. She is the
embodiment of authenticity and demonstrated that
people listen when you speak from your heart. Here’s
hoping that you can face your glossophobia and move
past it to become a great leader and communicator!
The mission of Leadership Siouxland is to develop diverse,
passionate leaders who positively impact our community for
today and tomorrow. Leadership Siouxland began in 1984
and is proud of the over 1200 graduates who make positive
differences each and every day. To learn more, contact
Peggy Smith, Executive Director, at 712-898-8594 or email
info@leadershipsiouxland.org.
Peggy Smith, Executive Director of Leadership Siouxland, an
organization devoted to developing leaders who make a positive
difference in the Siouxland community.

HOTEL
CAFE
MUSEUM
Experience
Downtown
EXPAND | DO MORE /31
Springing Forward with a New Website!
J
ust like nature, Downtown Partners
has been growing & developing… a
brand new website is ready to bloom!
It proudly features cool downtown
businesses, exciting downtown events,
helpful business information, and so much
more. This new and improved design caters to a
broad spectrum of interests and needs.
Discover your favorite businesses
As the online hub for downtown, our website is
often the first step into discovering what unique
services or items businesses offer. With more than
400 business listings, they are sorted into categories
where you can easily find their contact information
and social media links. A guarantee to find exactly
what you’re looking for and more.
Tailor it to your business
Downtown businesses can personalize both their
business listing and events on our website! If you
haven’t already, be sure to claim your business
listing by requesting an account at the bottom of the
page. With this account, you’ll be able to describe
your business, mark your location, add website and
social media links, upload images, and list your
downtown events for us to help you promote.
The website also makes finding downtown business
resources simple! You’ll find information about our
Rent Relief program, Storefront Grants, and other
additional resources under the Doing Business tab.
These tools can be used to help you stay up-todate
and connected to Downtown Partners. Not to
mention, you’ll find more information about the best
parking and transportation options available.
Find out what’s happening
From dance parties and scavenger hunts to the best
live music, our website features downtown events
that make planning out your weekend adventures a
breeze. Be the first to know about all the things to do
in Downtown Sioux City each week by signing up for
our e-blast on the website.
Now it’s time to plan your next Downtown Sioux City
adventure
Contributed
at downtownsiouxcity.com!
by Downtown Partners,
Don’t
a non-profit
forget to
follow
organization
us on social
that works
media
with
and
downtown
stay up-to-date
stakeholders
with
to
all
the
create
great
a vibrant,
events
expanding
and projects
downtown.
happening
To learn
downtown.
more about
Downtown Partners and stay up-to-date with downtown
projects and events, visit downtownsiouxcity.com
LIVE
MUSIC
• downtown market •
THIS
IS
SPORTS BAR
P
TAILGATE
PARTY

Council
Connection
By Alex Watters
EXPAND | DO MORE / 33
Improving Sioux City With One Hand Tied Behind Our Back
T
he City Council recently met with our local
delegation (senators and representatives)
to discuss our goals, priorities, and how the
legislature in Des Moines can help us. We
discussed various topics, some that are rumored to be
at risk of losing funding and others where improved
processes could greatly improve our efficiency and
operations. However, one of the topics presented by
Teresa Fitch, City Finance Director, caused me the greatest
concern. I wanted to share my perspective in hopes that
praise and blame get properly directed.
As an elected official, I open myself up to criticism and
feedback. At times, it can be difficult to hear; however,
I also believe that it can give us ideas for improving our
community. Unfortunately, House File 718 appears to do
nothing but harm our taxpayers, and limit our ability to
fund essential services. The Governor signed this bill on
May 4, 2023, and essentially set parameters on what local
governments can tax their citizens to meet budget needs.
In year’s past, if your community experienced an increase
in the total value of assessed properties, the amount of tax
dollars could increase by the same percentage. However,
with this bill, various levies were consolidated into a newly
defined, adjusted, City General Fund Levy (CGFL), which
has a growth limitation based on property tax growth. If a
city experiences between 3% and 6% growth in assessed
value, the State will now only allow a 2% increase in the
CGFL. If the assessed value grows by 6% or more, the State
will only allow a 3% increase in the CGFL.
While initially lower taxes might be exciting initially,
sometimes that can be to the detriment of a community.
The City of Sioux City has kept their taxes as low as
possible, utilizing fund balances in place of raising taxes,
and decreasing taxes when possible. These funds are used
for a various City services including: public safety, parks
and recreation, library services, the museum, subsidizing
the airport, the Convention Center, and Tyson Events
Center, in addition to day-to-day operations. As costs of
services continue to rise, this levy limitation may hinder the
necessary funds to maintain existing services and public
safety. The impact of this bill is $603,076 in lost property tax
revenue for the FY 2025 budget year (2023 Assessments).
If the City experiences 6% growth in assessed values, the
3% CGFL growth limit would amount to a loss of $11.4
million in property tax revenue in the next five years. If the
City only experiences a 4% growth in assessed values, the
2% CGFL growth limit would amount to a loss of $10.8 million
in property tax revenue in five years.
The $10.8 million to $11.4 million in lost revenue in the next
five years would go a long way in funding existing services and
expanding others. The City has used fund balances for years to
be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers, with not having those
excess fund balances. The City may have to look at cutting or
modifying existing services. However, the Governor and state
legislature seem to believe they would do better if that money
was directed to them.
I believe that if I’m spending foolishly and increasing taxes at a
rate that doesn’t make sense, the citizens of Sioux City will hold
me accountable at the ballot box. I trust our local governments
to manage their money. If the State doesn’t, perhaps the State
Auditor could assist, but please urge your elected officials to
stop bills like this that are stripping services and funds used to
help our communities.
Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City
awatters@sioux-city.org

Could a Thief Steal Your Phone Number?
Here’s How SIM Swap Scams Happen:
Do you enjoy high-tech thrillers like Mission Impossible? Whether you do or not, if someone
stole your cell phone number, you could find yourself embroiled in a techno-drama of your
own. How would this happen, you ask? Cybercriminals are becoming adept at something
called “SIM swapping.”
WHAT IS SIM SWAPPING?
SIM swapping is a way for someone to steal your mobile phone number. It happens when a
criminal tricks your cell phone provider into transferring your phone number to their SIM card
(the small, plastic chip inside a mobile device that tells it which phone number to use).
HOW DOES A SIM SWAP ATTACK WORK?
Once a thief has stolen your phone number, stealing your identity becomes relatively easy.
This is because your number is likely tied to your bank, email and social media accounts.
Fraudsters with your number could try logging into these accounts — and then intercept the
confirmation codes that were supposed to be texted to your device! Once inside, the bad
guys can drain your financial accounts, take out loans in your name and scrape your email
contacts to scam friends and family.

WAIT ... JUST HOW EASILY CAN MY PHONE NUMBER BE STOLEN?
WAIT ... JUST HOW EASILY CAN MY PHONE NUMBER BE STOLEN?
To find out how easy it is to pull off a SIM swap scam, Princeton researchers recently tested
To find out how easy it is to pull off a SIM swap scam, Princeton researchers recently tested
five major U.S. cell phone providers. They were alarmingly successful, completing 39 fake SIM
five major U.S. cell phone providers. They were alarmingly successful, completing 39 fake SIM
swaps in 50 attempts. What does this tell us? If someone sets their sights on your cell number,
swaps in 50 attempts. What does this tell us? If someone sets their sights on your cell number,
the odds are not in your favor.
the odds are not in your favor.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SIM SWAP FRAUD?
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF SIM SWAP FRAUD?
If you notice any of these warning signs, you should contact your cell phone
If you notice any of these warning signs, you should contact your cell phone
provider immediately:
provider immediately:
GETTING LOCKED OUT OF YOUR PHONE’S ONLINE ACCOUNT. Contact your cell provider
GETTING LOCKED OUT OF YOUR PHONE’S ONLINE ACCOUNT. Contact your cell provider
immediately if you suddenly find yourself locked out of your phone service’s online account—
immediately if you suddenly find yourself locked out of your phone service’s online account—
a SIM swap may be the cause.
a SIM swap may be the cause.
NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, EVEN WITH GOOD RECEPTION. If your phone loses service or you
NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, EVEN WITH GOOD RECEPTION. If your phone loses service or you
cannot receive calls or texts when reception is clearly present, it’s time to notify your provider.
cannot receive calls or texts when reception is clearly present, it’s time to notify your provider.
PHONE SERVICE NOTIFICATIONS FOR THINGS YOU DIDN’T DO. Be alert for notifications of
PHONE SERVICE NOTIFICATIONS FOR THINGS YOU DIDN’T DO. Be alert for notifications of
suspicious activities. Most cell providers will notify you when something out of the ordinary
suspicious activities. Most cell providers will notify you when something out of the ordinary
happens to your account.
happens to your account.
If you suspect that you’re a victim of a SIM swap scam, call your mobile carrier and let
If you suspect that you’re a victim of a SIM swap scam, call your mobile carrier and let
them know that you didn’t make changes to your account. You should also get in touch with
them know that you didn’t make changes to your account. You should also get in touch with
your bank and check for transactions that aren’t yours. Subscribing to a reputable credit
your bank and check for transactions that aren’t yours. Subscribing to a reputable credit
monitoring service is also advisable. (At SNB, we offer a Value Checking account that includes
monitoring service is also advisable. (At SNB, we offer a Value Checking account that includes
credit monitoring and identity theft protection service).
credit monitoring and identity theft protection service).
HOW TO PREVENT SIM SWAPPING:
HOW TO PREVENT SIM SWAPPING:
Take these extra precautions to avoid falling victim to SIM swap fraud:
Take these extra precautions to avoid falling victim to SIM swap fraud:
LOCK YOUR PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR SERVICE CARRIER.
LOCK YOUR PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR SERVICE CARRIER.
Many carriers offer a “Number Lock” (or “Port Freeze”) to protect your mobile
Many carriers offer a “Number Lock” (or “Port Freeze”) to protect your mobile
number from an unauthorized transfer. Once a number is locked, it cannot be
number from an unauthorized transfer. Once a number is locked, it cannot be
ported to another line or carrier unless you remove the lock — usually with a PIN
ported to another line or carrier unless you remove the lock — usually with a PIN
number or by physically walking into the store. If your cell carrier allows a number
number or by physically walking into the store. If your cell carrier allows a number
lock, it’s a good idea to get the extra protection.
lock, it’s a good idea to get the extra protection.
LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION YOU SHARE ONLINE.
LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF PERSONAL INFORMATION YOU SHARE ONLINE.
Fraudsters will latch on to the smallest details in order convince your carrier
Fraudsters will latch on to the smallest details in order convince your carrier
that they are you. Avoid posting anywhere public your full name, address, phone
that they are you. Avoid posting anywhere public your full name, address, phone
number and birth date. Also, do not overshare details of your personal life on social
number and birth date. Also, do not overshare details of your personal life on social
media. Chances are, you’ve included some of these details in the online security
media. Chances are, you’ve included some of these details in the online security
questions used to verify your identity.
questions used to verify your identity.

EXPAND | DO MORE / 36
DON’T FALL FOR PHISHING EMAILS, TEXTS AND CALLS.
Phishing messages are also a popular way for cybercriminals to get sensitive
information. Criminals will often try to impersonate trusted institutions, relying
on the assumption you won’t hesitate to answer their question or scrutinize their
email. Your bank, the government and reputable health offices will never contact
you out-of-the-blue and ask for your personal information. Hang up or delete the
message, and instead contact the institution on your own.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS AND SECURITY QUESTIONS.
Use a strong password that is nearly impossible to guess, and contains 12
characters or more to protect your cell phone’s online account (and all of your
online accounts, for that matter). Also, use identity questions that even close
acquaintances couldn’t guess.
USE FACE/TOUCH ID AUTHENTICATION WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
Whenever possible, use mobile apps that support two-factor biometrics (Face/
Touch ID). On the SNB Mobile App, for example, you can set up a fingerprint reader
or facial recognition as a login requirement. Even thieves who have your phone
number cannot duplicate your biometric information.
But perhaps most importantly, protect the financial well-being of you and your loved
ones by partnering with a strong community-based bank like Security National Bank.
Our employees live and work in Siouxland, and we take pride in serving and protecting
our community. If the unthinkable happens, our team of financial professionals is here
to assist you in every way possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michelle Hacker is the Digital Services Officer at Security
National Bank, overseeing all personal and business digital
platforms for customers. She is a graduate of Iowa State
University and has nearly a decade of experience in the
technology and financial service field.
SNBonline.com
Member FDIC

EXPAND | GIVE MORE / 37
“The meaning of life is to find your gift.
The purpose of life is to give it away.” -Pablo Picasso
We can give of ourselves through our work.
We can rise to the call when we are needed to volunteer
or participate on a nonprofit board.
We can hold space to comfort someone in need -
Lend an ear or a shoulder.
When you think you have nothing to give -
Give more.

So beautiful,
you may want to design your home around it.
712.252.4431
siouxcitydoor.com
2500 Dace Ave., Sioux City, IA 51106
Overhead Door Co. of Sioux City
The industry leader for over 100 years, Overhead Door garage
door systems add beauty distinction and value to any home.

Inclusive
DPEEK
o
R
”
A”
Dr. Dora
Jung
What challenges have you experienced in Siouxland?
Overall, my experience in the community has been wonderful. There are some areas that, in my opinion, are in development
such as growing the mindset of moving forward together. Siouxland has a wealth of diversity, not only in culture or language.
Capitalizing on this diversity will enhance opportunities for all members of the community and support long-term economic
growth. Having a mindset that includes every group in the community is key to ensuring that everyone has an
opportunity to be a successful member of Siouxland.
How has Siouxland been welcoming?
Siouxland has been very welcoming to my family and me. The professionals in this area are very welcoming
and supportive. For the last several years, I have experienced many people who take the time to help
whenever I need something. Coming from a different community and country, I’ve had to connect with
many people to grow personally and professionally. The support I have received has been the key to my
desire to stay in the community. When the professional community is inclusive and kind, new people want
to stay in the area, bring their families, and recommend the area to others. I am grateful to the people in
Siouxland who have made my transition here a great one.
What do you want the people of Siouxland to know?
I would like people to remember how beautiful the Siouxland area is and how lucky we all are to live here. I would like them to remember
that together we can achieve wonderful things for all. Great things are achieved when we love and focus on what we have and make the best
out of what we have. Siouxland is an area with great things and people, including its wealth in diversity. We should continue to love all of that,
focus on those things, and make the best of what we have to showcase our community for what it is - a great place and a great community!
“If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.
– Mother Teresa of Calcuttag
In Spanish
¿Qué desafíos ha experimentado en Siouxland?
En general, mi experiencia en la comunidad ha sido maravillosa. Hay algunas áreas que, en mi opinión, están en desarrollo, como el aumento
de la mentalidad de avanzar juntos. Siouxland tiene una gran diversidad, no sólo en cultura o idioma. Aprovechar esta diversidad mejorará las
oportunidades para todos los miembros de la comunidad y respaldará el crecimiento económico a largo plazo. Tener una mentalidad que incluya
a todos los grupos de la comunidad es clave para garantizar que todos tengan la oportunidad de ser miembros exitosos de Siouxland.
¿Cómo ha sido la acogida de Siouxland?
Siouxland ha sido muy acogedora para mi familia y para mí. Los profesionales en esta área son muy acogedores y solidarios. Durante los últimos
años, he conocido a muchas personas que se toman el tiempo para ayudarme cuando necesito algo. Al provenir de una comunidad y un país
diferente, he tenido que conectarme con muchas personas para crecer personal y profesionalmente. El apoyo que he recibido ha sido clave para
mi deseo de permanecer en la comunidad. Cuando la comunidad profesional es inclusiva y amable, las personas nuevas quieren quedarse en
el área, traer a sus familias y recomendar el área a otros. Agradezco a la gente de Siouxland que ha hecho que mi transición aquí sea excelente.
¿Qué quieres que sepa la gente de Siouxland?
Me gustaría que la gente recordara lo hermosa que es la zona de Siouxland y lo afortunados que somos de vivir aquí. Me gustaría que recordaran
que juntos podemos lograr cosas maravillosas para todos. Se logran grandes cosas cuando amamos y nos concentramos en lo que tenemos
y sacamos lo mejor de lo que tenemos. Siouxland es un área con grandes cosas y gente, incluida su riqueza en diversidad. Deberíamos seguir
amando todo eso, centrarnos en esas cosas y aprovechar lo mejor que tenemos para mostrar a nuestra comunidad tal como es: ¡un gran lugar y
una gran comunidad!
“Si eres humilde nada te tocará, ni la alabanza ni la deshonra, porque sabes lo que eres.
– Madre Teresa de Calcuta
EXPAND | Give more /39

EXPAND | Give more / 40
Nonprofit spotlight
SHIP
Want to join
Stacie on a
Facebook
Spotlight?
Fighting For Those Without a Voice
SHIP is the non-profit organization in
Sioux City, Siouxland Human Investment
Partnership, which provides leadership in
response to identified community needs and
collaboratively supports the delivery of health,
human services, education, and public safety in Siouxland.
To put it more concisely, these are the people behind the
scenes who devote all their time and effort to connect
resources to the people who need them the most; they
allocate state and federal funds to the best use locally. The
organization traces its beginnings to 1998.
“Prior to 1998, decategorized child welfare and Early
Childhood Iowa (ECI) dollars were state-prescribed;
officials in Des Moines decided where funds for programs
for children, or families with children, in the child welfare
system, were distributed. At about this time, our legislature
noticed that every community in Iowa is different. For
example, Ida County is rural, whereas Woodbury and
Polk County are urban. You can’t have the same types of
programming in all three communities because their needs
and gaps are different. The legislature decided to allow
each county to apply for those dollars and then make
boards around those dollars so that they could decide
what’s best for their community and prescribe what funding
and programs would be best for their community. That was
how SHIP was formed,” stated SHIP Executive Director Matt
Ohman.
As stated on its website, SHIP is the Decategorization (DCAT)
Board for Woodbury County. DCAT is a collaborative child
welfare and juvenile justice planning process. Since its
inception in 1999, SHIP has evolved into an organization
capable of administering initiatives focusing on health,
human services, education, and public safety, with a scope
of pre-birth to death in serving its constituents. Currently,
20 members serve on the SHIP Board, specializing in early
childhood and child welfare. Initially, the Early Childhood
Iowa was only Woodbury County, but in 2011, Ida County’s
ECI Board merged with SHIP to make one area.
“I think that every single person employed at SHIP is on
a mission to zealously fight for human beings who don’t
have a voice for themselves; that’s why we get out of bed
every day. For me, specifically, it’s the children because the
children we serve, and their families are the most at-risk
in our community. Some of them fall through the cracks.
That’s our job, to find the cracks and find the kids and do
what we can to help them,” stated Kerri Hall, Government
Relations/Advocacy & Early Childhood Director.
The Board then facilitates community forums addressing
issues confronting the Siouxland community. It builds
collaborations among community entities to meet the
needs of the citizens, seeks allocations and funding for
programs and services, and this way evaluates the delivery
of programs and services while also advocating for their
sustainability.
“In some instances, we also can provide Employer of Record
services to organizations that need assistance providing
benefits, payroll, and human resources to employees, and
Fiscal Agent services to organizations that need assistance
administering grants and other funding. In addition to
managing funds, we also have a lot of programs of our
own,” shared Matt.
I think that every single person employed at SHIP is on a mission to zealously fight for
human beings who don’t have a voice for themselves; that’s why we get out of bed every day.
– Kerri Hall

SHIP Programs:
• Beyond the Bell
• BOOST GO
• BOOST
• R-Entry
• SHIELD
• SUNS
Programs SHIP funds:
• CAA’s Child Care Nurse Consultant
• Crittenton Center Programs
• Functional Family Therapy
• Ida County Preschool Program
• Lutheran Services in Iowa: HOPES Program
• Mary Treglia Community House Preschool
Programs SHIP serves as
Fiscal Agent or Employer:
• Growing Community Connections
• Health and Human Services
• Juvenile Court Services
• Hope Street of Siouxland
• Sky Ranch Behavioral Services
EXPAND | Give more /41
• Preschool Scholarships for Low-Income Families
• Siouxland District Health HOPES
• Urban Native Center
Building a Stronger Connection with
the Native American Community - the
Annual Memorial March to Honor Lost
Children
“A strong example of what SHIP does in action is our
involvement with the Annual Memorial March for the Lost
Children. We saw the need to help facilitate a discussion,
elevate the situation to another level, and then address
how we could collaborate and assist to help make progress
and make things better,” said Kerri.
Woodbury County has the highest Native American
population in the state. Disproportionately, if you look
at the number of children in the foster care system and
if you look at the juvenile court, the demographic most
represented is Native American children.
“A lot of our dollars went to programs for the Native
American youth and their families. We worked alongside
Frank LaMere, a long-time community advocate and
activist, with whom we did a lot of programming. A few
years ago, we started working with Terry Medina, another
well-known Native American advocate in the community.
Through our work with Frank and Terri, we participated
in the Memorial March; we now help organize that event
for the community and partner with them. The Memorial
March takes place the Tuesday and Wednesday before
Thanksgiving, “stated Matt.
The Memorial March started 20 years ago; its original
purpose was a protest against the local health and human
services. At that time, a concentrated number of children
had perished while in foster care, the majority of them
Native American children.
“After that first Memorial March, Health and Human Services
started meeting with the Native American Community
more regularly, and SHIP formed the Community Initiative
for Native Children and Families. Representatives from
Juvenile Court and DHS, non-profits, and community
members would meet each month. Today, we do a lot of
community planning with that group. The Memorial March of
today is truly less of a protest and more about collaboration,
unity, and the community working together to make the
system better for Native American children and their families.
It’s more of a celebration of working together to fit their needs
better; however, we still remember the lost children before
reaching this point. It’s a peaceful collaboration, and we’re
very proud to be a part of it. SHIP elevates issues very well.
We bring the whole community together around those issues,
and then we facilitate discussions on how to deal with those
issues positively,” said Matt.
For more information about SHIP, to become involved
with the organization, or to inquire about becoming a
board member, please get in touch with Kim Jenkins
at SHIP at (712) 222-6389 or email her at kjenkins@
siouxlandship.org.
Amy Buster has been a writer/editor for the past 25 years,
specializing in newspaper and magazine publications.
Siouxland Magazine is Committed to
Supporting Siouxland’s Local
Small Businesses and Nonprofits.
We have a platform,
and we want to share it with you.
Get in front of the community by joining
Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight.
Get the details by scanning
the QR code or visit
siouxlandmagazine.com.

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Hot
Air
By Tony Michaels
EXPAND | Give more /43
P
lease don’t read this article and immediately
contact the producers from the tv show
Hoarders. I have a weakness. If you read this space
on a regular basis, you know I have numerous shortfalls.
I never throw away anything. Once I get my mitts on something,
it becomes part of my personal collection. I once was given the
world’s ugliest brown office chair. The upholstery was made with
material resembling burlap. Did it end up in the landfill? Nope.
It sits right next to my bed, against the wishes of my lovely wife.
You see, I had a mentor, Jim, who invested in me way more than
anyone else. He cared and correctly lectured me many times while
I was in that sweaty chair. I took those lectures as pain decades
ago. Now, I cherish those memories and I miss him more than you
can ever imagine. Life moves fast. Sometimes, key figures move
on to a higher calling. I just can’t get rid of the chair . . . ever.
I have a closet full of stuff 100 miles south of where I pen this
essay. It’s in my parents’ attic. I have visitation rights with it about
every five years. I just know my mother and father would love me
to take those boxes to my Northside Sioux City home. But I would
have to get rid of 20 years of radio industry magazines. Oh no. I
shared too much.
You’re calling the producers right now, aren’t you?
This generation now probably has a much bigger digital footprint
than I will ever produce. However, my box of nostalgia has
better memories than images from Instagram, Snapchat, and
Lookeyatmeallthetimeville. That’s a social platform, right? Ok. If
you are under 45, please avert your eyes.
My cherished keepsakes in a dusty old attic include mixtapes.
Some of them were made for me, and some for pretty girls that
were returned to me. By the way, mixtapes required taping tunes
off the broadcast radio and mixed by a dual cassette recorder.
Man, that was 1989 magic, baby! A Spotify playlist is child’s play.
This work of art was like Casey Casem painting on the ceiling of
the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, or something like that.
You’ll also find newspaper clippings from every Husker football
win, a relative that won a spelling bee, or got arrested for stealing
blank cassette tapes from Radio Shack.
Printing off results from a Google search just doesn’t pack the
same punch.
This concept will be alarming to Tik Tokkers. I used to receive
actual letters and birthday cards you can hold in your hands. They
came from loved ones, my inner circle, girlfriends or someone
I knew on some surface level basis of connection. I’m sure they
have probably forgotten my name.
Did some of those letters smell like Night Rhythms perfume
from a high school double date of Sleepless in Seattle? You
Not So Digital Footprint
betcha! Researchers say the sense of smell will evoke the strongest
memories and I clearly remember having sweaty palms even more
than when I was sitting in the ugly brown office chair. My nerves
were as high as the Empire State building.
Jelly Roll recently accepted a Country Music Association Award
and said, “I want to tell you that the windshield is bigger than the
rearview mirror for a reason, because what’s in front of you is so
much more important than what’s behind you.”
I agree with that statement. I also know that memories I can hold
about amazing people who have graced my life and made it better
are well-worth the closet space.
At least that’s what I’m going to say when the tv crews from Hoarders
show up on my doorstep.
Tony “Michaels” Michalski is an author of “Tacos and Beer
Atmosphere” and former radio broadcaster. He is also the co-host
of the podcast, Starting Conversations with Stacie and Tony, and is
the new Account Executive for Siouxland Magazine.

Expand | Give more / 44
United by bridges
United by soccer
Creating Unforgettable Game Day Experiences:
At Siouxland United F.C., their goal is to make game day not just about soccer—it's
an immersive experience designed to captivate fans of all ages. The ownership of
the club will create an atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation, where
the stadium pulses with energy as supporters proudly display their team colors and
wave banners in passionate support of the beloved Outlaws.
Assisting in orchestrating this
unforgettable experience is Siouxland
United’s esteemed Gameday
Operations Director, Dagwood Bugge
from Le Mars, IA, who brings a wealth
of event management expertise. With
a track record of collaborating with
industry icons like Hugh Hefner, Red
Hot Chili Peppers, and Sharon & Ozzy
Osbourne, Dagwood ensures that
every detail is flawlessly executed.
The soccer club's vision for game day events is inclusive and diverse, catering to a
wide range of tastes and preferences. From vibrant tailgating and social gatherings
before kickoff to a dedicated kids' zone featuring bounce houses and visits from
their mascot, Big Bad Bronco Hattrick, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Adults can indulge in live music or DJ performances, beer sales, and the thrilling
spectacle of watching Siouxland’s only Premier Men’s Soccer Team.
Tic
Siou
com
pric
Bish
Whe
Out
acc
exc
a 20
and
By p
and
com
pro
loca

EXPAND | GIVE MORE /45
s:
d
Ticket Sales & Community Involvement
Siouxland United F.C. is dedicated to making soccer accessible to everyone in our
community, and their ticket sales reflect this commitment. With affordable
prices and special promotions for families and groups, attending a match at
Bishop Heelan Memorial Field is affordable for fans from all walks of life.
Whether you're looking for single-game passes, season passes, or the exclusive
Outlaw Posse Membership—which grants members exclusive
access to club events, photo opportunities with players,
exclusive discounts, an inaugural SUFC official match jersey,
a 2024 SUFC scarf as well as a special edition beverage cup,
and lots more—there's an option for everyone.
GET YOUR
TICKETS
HERE
Siouxland United F.C. is dedicated to fostering
inclusivity and accessibility within the community
through partnerships with local businesses and
organizations. These collaborations allow the club to
distribute complimentary tickets to lower income
communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of
their financial situation, has the opportunity to enjoy
the excitement of live soccer action.
By providing access to matches, Siouxland United aims to break down barriers
and create opportunities for individuals and families from all backgrounds to
come together and experience the thrill of the game. These partnerships
promote inclusivity but also strengthen the bonds between the club and the
local community.

2023 Winners
Siouxland Magazine is proud to host the 13th annual 2024 “10 Under 40”
recognition! The highly anticipated issue comes out in September, featuring young professionals
in Siouxland who are making a real difference in our community. Nominations will be open starting
March 1. The form can be found on our website at Expand2More.com.
Here is what we look for in Siouxland’s 10 Under 40.
Look around to your co-workers, employees, bosses, friends, colleagues, and think about who meets the
following criteria:
• Under the age of 40 as of December 31st, 2024 (Yes, you may have to ask, but he/she will be
honored that you are thinking of them for an award!)
• Is a business owner or high executive/manager/director (or has experience in this area) within their
organization. This can be a large corporation, small business, or non-profit organization.
• Must be in their current position or have had experience in a managerial role for at least one year.
• Lives and works in the Siouxland area (approximately a 60-mile radius around Sioux City.)
Has a history of displaying:
• Vision and Leadership
• Innovation and Achievement
• Growth/Development Strategy
• Community Involvement/Contribution
• Consistent display of excellent character
and ethics
presented by

Spring Staples, Nuanced Neutrals, Floral Accents, + More
EXPAND | GIVE MORE / 47
Spring Staples
A beloved favorite, the Boyfriend
Blazer, is back, now in a crisp new
print and color (fuchsia kiss plaid)
for one of spring’s must-have fresh
and bright looks. Easy to layer and
looks great with denim or a pair of
dress pants for a more professional
look!
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One of spring’s most dominant
trends is a full range of blanc tones.
Crisp and fresh, warm and nuanced,
approachable and interesting. From
Ecru to Vanilla, explore the shades
that will brighten your wardrobe.
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