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In the 85 years of operating here in Iowa – more recently expanding into several neighboring states – GreenState Credit Union's asset size has grown from a mere $450 to around $11 billion. GreenState Foundation president, Tara Wachendorf, says the mission is to reinvest back into the community through charitable giving with a focus on financial health, affordable housing and the environment. North...

There's always a goal, or goals plural , as Libby Nachtrieb takes her talents and runs with them. Exploring different trades and often on the go she describes integrating all those interests within her newly opened shop, Queens Never Sleep , as legitimizing the effort. From cosmetology to crafting and more it's a non-stop creative process. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional...

With North Liberty Blues & BBQ rapidly approaching it feels appropriate to bring this episode out of the archive. Also, because Mosley's will be serving their delicious BBQ at the event again this year! Sean Keller is doing work at Mosley's Barbecue and Provisions and this summer he's bringing his not-really-Carolina-style barbecue home to North Liberty. We got a preview of where he'll do his work...

It's nearing the end of  National Bike Month , but that doesn't mean you have to stop riding. Check out this episode from the archive that fits May's pedal power theme. Nate Kullbom is a serious bike racer, going the distance to find racing opportunities near and far. After coming on board as the manager of Sugar Bottom Bikes around [now seven] years ago he has been working to bring riding events...

While the question of where we go once we die remains contentious, there is an answer for where our organs and tissue can go to best serve those still living who are in need. Heather Butterfield, Director of Strategic Communications at the Iowa Donor Network , talks about how a single organ donor can help save up to eight lives, and a tissue donor can help fifty to three hundred people. North Libe...

A passion for food led the way as three friends, all chefs, decided to follow their shared dreams and open a restaurant together. The result? A modern American pub with new takes on classic dishes. General Manager, Ty Medema, talks about how he and partners Shane Durian and Zephaniah Leaton brought the Copper Boar to life. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and na...

When it comes time to pass the torch the hope is that the person receiving it will be as dedicated as the one passing it along. At All Seasons Automotive , owner Jim Neff has found this opportunity with his son and longtime employee, Justin Neff. Mechanics born out of a passion for the trade, when it comes to cars, motorcycles and racing, their interests and pursuits are often aligned. North Liber...

Here's one from the archives, and well timed as North Liberty's aquatic center is presently looking for lifeguards as well as summer swim lesson coordinators . Katie McGrane moved to North Liberty when she was in the fifth grade and spent her time immersed at the North Liberty's pools. When she turned 15, she earned her lifeguard certification and got her first job working at the pool. Now, she's...

Mental health issues are the often overlooked and frequently misunderstood challenges that can affect any one of us. Whether because of genetics or due to trauma, lasting for a short or long term, mental illness does not discriminate. Karen Smith, who is a Mom on a Mission for Mental Health , knows this firsthand and is looking to share her story and educate others. North Liberty is the headquarte...

It takes a village to raise a child, and nowhere is this more visible than in the efforts of the Lions Clubs of Iowa. Passionate about protecting children's vision, volunteers paired with the University of Iowa through Iowa KidSight offer free screenings across the state. KidSight Program Manager, Lori Short, was so moved by what she saw from the Lions' collaboration and sense of community that sh...

At the intersection of science and construction is oral surgery, at least for Dr. Kyle M. Stein of North Liberty Oral Surgery and Dental Implants as he describes his appreciation for the meticulous attention to detail needed while being able to work with his hands. And though his clinic is brand new, Dr. Stein has been in the field for well over a decade now. North Liberty is the headquarters of l...

Where might one find a technologist developing a new VR project mingling with a healthcare professional working on their doula certification? This scenario multiplied by many and always evolving is a typical scene at the North Liberty CoLab , where owner/manager, Jeff Schweitzer, says that the best ideas are built out of the diversity of creatives that come through. North Liberty is the headquarte...

With a continuously growing list of things to do, insider benefits from partnering organizations, and an extensive support network, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Johnson County does all the hard work for you. Executive Director, Daleta Thurness, and Director of Volunteer Growth and Success, Tyson Wirth, talk about being present and how the positive impact goes both ways. North Liberty is the hea...

The creative process is for many an act of exploration and self-discovery. For artist Kimberlee Rocca , a self-described "Monday Girl" who loves getting to work, it's a necessary outlet for a continuing stream of ideas needing release. When not designing custom homes for the family business she's in the studio piecing together all the elements of her latest creation. North Liberty is the headquart...

A young person's education doesn't stop at the end of the school day, and that's where United Action for Youth comes in offering safe, communal spaces for this continued learning. Kylie Buddin, Prevention Director, and Tony Branch, Youth Engagement Director, refer to themselves as facilitators and act as guides, tailoring programs to the needs of the kids. North Liberty is the headquarters of loca...

Iowa is second in the U.S. for the production of wind energy and stands mightily with the top producers worldwide. For Jesse Bermel, Director of Midwest Developments at Triple Oak Power , this is a point of pride. Having discovered his own passion for conservation through his grandparent's garden, Jesse works with communities toward responsible development for a more sustainable future. North Libe...

Too often one doesn't know the value of something until it's gone. When it's a large body of water undergoing a long, slow disappearing act it's easy to understand how something so devastating might go overlooked. But Jon Kounkel, from Friends of Coralville Lake , says if left untreated one day we will wake up to a marshland where the lake once stood. North Liberty is the headquarters of local med...

What began as mild fascination with pictures in youth quickly evolved into an all-consuming passion. Maryam Thompson, of Maryam Thompson Photography , discovered the joy of photographing people with the birth of her son, and earliest favored subject, and made it her career. The promise to her clients is, "I change the way that you see yourself." North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, re...

Of the many uses for fire, whether cooking, heating, illumination, even as ambient decoration, Spotix has you covered. Company president, Aaron Verhorevoort, refers to the business model as being like a wheel; Spotix is the hub connecting a multitude of various niche markets offering goods from grills, fire pits, fireplaces, and all the accessories, additions and components in between. North Liber...

While the competition is stiff – like a stiff drink – Johncy's Liquor Store offers a wide array of continually updating beverages to satisfy anyone's preferred flavor. With nearly two decades of being in the business, owner Johncy Menezes has developed his own personal tastes which trend local though sometimes with a tropical twist. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financ...

For the challenge of tracking wildlife in real time while not necessarily in the vicinity of, researchers need precision instrumentation. Chris Kochanny, CEO and President of Vectronic Aerospace 's North American division, has been producing GPS collars and monitoring animal activity out of his basement before there was ever a committed office. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, reg...

In his retirement Mickey Mantle is quoted as saying, "Nothing's ever been as fun as baseball." When it comes to the great American pastime from t-ball on up to high school prep, Matt Eckhardt, operations manager of North Liberty Coralville Baseball Softball , says that there are three goals for the league: learn the sport, make friends, and have fun. North Liberty is the headquarters of local medi...

It's easy to become quickly overwhelmed when planning a wedding. There are so many details even with the smallest of affairs. Coordinating between vendors, family members and guests while trying to get it all just right. Emily McMahon, of Soirée Wedding Planning , helps organize, design, and direct each unique event while placing the emphasis on creating a memorable experience. North Liberty is th...

It's easy to take lighting for granted when it comes to designing a space. Whether it's a remodel or a fresh start, every detail counts especially in how it will be lit. Kim Miller, of Illuminate , helps clients to develop multi-tiered lighting systems that will serve both as utility and aesthetic to bring out the most in the built environment. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, reg...

Peggy Cullivan has been working with ice cream for two and a half decades. All of it at Heyn's , the shop she now owns. She still loves eating ice cream, especially blueberry cheesecake flavor, her favorite since she was 12. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs gettin...