Grow Clinton Podcast

09/04/2026

In this episode, we welcome Tom Bowman and Ellie Kenney of Community Health Care (CHC), Inc. to discuss the organization’s work, current updates, and its continued commitment to accessible, patient-centered care in Clinton and across the Quad Cities region.

CHC provides comprehensive health services designed to meet people where they are, helping individuals and families access quality care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Their services support healthier households, a stronger workforce, and a more resilient community—essential foundations for long-term economic and community development.

Tom and Ellie share general CHC updates, including news about CHC’s new location and expanded services. A key topic is the addition of Behavioral Health services, formerly provided through Bridgeview Community Mental Health Center. Integrating these services into CHC’s broader care network helps strengthen access to mental health support while connecting patients with coordinated primary, dental, and other health resources.

The conversation also looks ahead to potential challenges related to Medicaid work requirements. Changes to eligibility and compliance processes can affect patients, providers, employers, and communities alike. Tom and Ellie offer valuable perspective on what these issues may mean for access to care and the people CHC serves.

We extend our sincere thanks to Tom Bowman, Ellie Kenney, and the entire Community Health Care team for their continued support of Grow Clinton and economic development in our region. Their dedication to improving health outcomes helps make Clinton a stronger place to live, work, raise a family, and build a business.

For more information or to see CHC's hours of operation, please visit https://www.chcqca.org/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
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- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

09/03/2026

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Eric Funk, Site Director at 3M in Cordova, Illinois.

Listen in to learn how a longtime regional employer is investing in innovation, operational excellence, workforce engagement, and a future that continues to serve customers around the world.

For more than five decades, 3M Cordova has been an important part of our region’s industrial base. Since opening in 1970, the site has grown into a Center of Excellence within 3M—supporting more than 16 technologies and a global supply chain that reaches 10 countries.

The Cordova facility helps bring familiar products to life, including Post-it Notes, Scotch Magic Tape, ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape, and several medical adhesives. Its work also supports new and evolving products, demonstrating the depth of innovation taking place right here in the Greater Clinton Region.

Recent investments and operational changes are positioning the Cordova site for the future. Consolidating production lines from a 3M facility in Alabama to Cordova creates opportunities for greater efficiency and more integrated operations. These investments reinforce the site’s ability to meet customer needs while strengthening its long-term role within the company.

During the episode, Eric also discusses examples of 3M’s work in the automotive sector, including:

- Panel Bond Adhesive, which provides strong structural bonding and may reduce welding needs, improve corrosion protection, and support cleaner finished repairs.
- EZ Sand products, which make sanding and finishing easier, reduce technical effort, and can help users save time during edging and shaping.

3M’s broad portfolio serves industries and customers worldwide, with solutions spanning transportation, manufacturing, health care, construction, communications, safety, energy, and everyday consumer needs. The company’s focus on applying science and technology to practical challenges is reflected in both its global impact and its local presence in Cordova.

Just as importantly, 3M Cordova is invested in the people and organizations of our region. Through volunteerism, product donations, resources, and employee expertise, the team supports schools, nonprofits, and community programs. Examples include Junior Achievement, sponsorship of the Career Expo, and the Cordova Care summer feeding and engagement program.

Grow Clinton thanks 3M Cordova for its continued commitment to economic development in the Greater Clinton Region. We appreciate the company’s longstanding investment in local jobs, innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships.

For additional information, visit https://www.3m.com/.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

09/02/2026

In Episode 259 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Justin Shaffer, superintendent of the Camanche Community School District, for a timely conversation about the district’s direction, priorities, and plans for students and families.

Camanche Community School District serves approximately 1,000 PK-12 students across three attendance centers in the City of Camanche and also serves families from Follets, portions of Clinton, and surrounding rural areas. Its close-knit structure helps the district deliver broad academic and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining an environment where students are known by name.

Looking Ahead

One major topic is the launch of full-day preschool in fall 2026. The program will operate Monday through Thursday on the same schedule as Camanche Elementary, with no preschool classes on Fridays. Iowa children who turn four on or before September 15, 2026, qualify for free preschool, making this an important new opportunity for local families.

Justin also discusses changes underway this school year and the district’s longer-term plans. Listeners will hear how Camanche Schools is continuing to adapt, strengthen student supports, and prepare learners for future success.

A Shared Mission

The district’s new mission statement provides a clear foundation for that work:

“Empowering every learner through a culture of growth, accountability, and partnership.”

That emphasis on growth and partnership aligns strongly with the role schools play in building a thriving Greater Clinton Region. Quality schools are essential to workforce development, family stability, business attraction, and the long-term vitality of our communities.

Thank you to Justin Shaffer and the entire Camanche Community School District team for their continued support of Grow Clinton and our mission to promote business growth, build community, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

09/01/2026

Grow Clinton Podcast Episode 258 will feature Travis Wright, CEM, and Bill Micheel of QTS for a discussion about QTS’s proposed data center campus in Clinton, Iowa.

QTS is in the early planning stages of exploring a potential multi-building data center campus in the Clinton area. Data centers are purpose-built facilities that house servers and related technology used to store, process, and securely transmit the digital information behind services such as online banking, health records, communications, cloud storage, education tools, business applications, and artificial intelligence.

The Conversation

During the episode, Wright and Micheel will explain what a data center is, why QTS is considering Clinton, and what a phased hyperscale campus could mean for the Greater Clinton Region. The discussion will cover the potential long-term investment, planning and approval processes, construction activity, operational careers, and opportunities for local contractors, skilled trades, suppliers, and workforce partners.

QTS states that its site-selection process considers reliable power, connectivity, existing infrastructure, and workforce availability. The company says Clinton’s industrial background, skilled workforce, and established infrastructure are among the factors that make the community a compelling location for a potential project.

Key Topics

QTS says it will coordinate with utility and grid partners well in advance of development and pay for project-specific energy infrastructure rather than shifting those costs to existing Alliant Energy customers. The company also says its facilities use closed-loop cooling systems that do not consume water for cooling once operational, with ongoing municipal use limited primarily to ordinary building functions such as restrooms, kitchens, cleaning, irrigation, and humidification.

On jobs and economic activity, QTS anticipates that a project of this scale could support thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of full-time positions, including roles in operations, maintenance, electrical and mechanical systems, IT, security, logistics, project management, and administration. The company also says it intends to prioritize local hiring where possible and work with area schools, technical colleges, workforce programs, unions, and businesses.

Informed Community Dialogue

Grow Clinton aims to educate our community’s elected decision-makers and constituents by sharing information that supports informed decisions about economic development projects in and around the Greater Clinton Region.

For additional QTS project information and community FAQs, visit https://q.com/data-centers/clinton.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclinton.com.

08/28/2026

Get ready to raise a glass, enjoy great food, and celebrate German tradition right here in Clinton!

In episode 257 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Grow Clinton’s Director of Marketing & Event Planning, Antonia “Toni” Gerks, joins the program to share details about Grow Clinton’s upcoming Inaugural Oktoberfest Celebration. This exciting new community event takes place on Friday, September 18th at The Copper Mill in Clinton.

The Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Celebration will bring together great food, festive drinks, live music, and plenty of fun in a lively, welcoming setting. Whether you have German heritage, enjoy a good polka band, or simply want a memorable night out with friends and colleagues, this is an event you will not want to miss.

This is a 21+ event, and guests must be of legal drinking age to attend.

Tickets are just $20 per person and include:

- Two drink tickets for German beer or wine
- One meal ticket for an awesome buffet of authentic German dishes
- Live entertainment from Euro Express, a German polka band from Chicago, Illinois

A fun, festive evening with friends, neighbors, and the Grow Clinton community!

Euro Express will keep the celebration moving with lively polka music and an authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere. Learn more about the band at https://www.EuroExpressBand.com.

Attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit by dressing the part. Break out your lederhosen or dirndl—or find an outfit online through retailers such as Amazon or Poshmark—and join us for a night full of music, food, fun, and community connection.

Space is limited, so now is the time to reserve your place at the table!

Register for the Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Celebration at https://www.growclinton.com/Oktoberfest.

You can also follow the event and invite your friends through the Grow Clinton Oktoberfest Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/share/14mhy4BTh1w/.

Listen to episode 257 of the Grow Clinton Podcast to hear Toni’s preview of this inaugural celebration, then secure your tickets and get ready for Oktoberfest in Clinton. Prost!

08/27/2026

Grow Clinton is pleased to welcome Renee Snyder of Bethany for Children & Families Mental & Behavioral Health to episode 256 of the Grow Clinton Podcast!

During the episode, Renee will discuss important changes at Bethany for Children & Families and how the organization continues to serve individuals, families, and communities throughout Clinton and the surrounding area. The conversation will highlight Bethany’s evolving approach to mental and behavioral health services and the organization’s ongoing commitment to accessible, responsive community care.

Mental and behavioral health resources play an essential role in building a strong regional workforce, supporting families, and helping communities thrive. Bethany for Children & Families is a valued community partner whose work contributes directly to the quality of life and long-term vitality of the Greater Clinton Region.

Listeners will learn more about the organization’s services, its local impact, and what these changes mean for residents seeking support across the region.

For more information about Bethany for Children & Families and its mental and behavioral health services, visit https://www.bethany-qc.org/.

Grow Clinton thanks Renee Snyder and Bethany for Children & Families for their continued support of economic development, community development, and tourism throughout the Greater Clinton Region.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email mailto:[email protected].

08/25/2026

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast puts the spotlight on one of Clinton’s premier annual events: the 15th Annual Clinton Half Marathon. Shannon Sander-Welzien, Executive Director of YWCA Clinton, joins us to discuss the race weekend, the community energy behind it, and why this event continues to bring runners, families, volunteers, and visitors to downtown Clinton.

A Clinton Tradition

Set for Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 7:30 AM, the Clinton Half Marathon offers three race distances: a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. The course begins near 5th Avenue South in Historic Downtown Clinton, travels along Riverview Drive beside the Mississippi River, and features the challenging climb toward Eagle Point Park and its scenic river overlook.

Whether you are an experienced runner pursuing a personal best, a first-time participant looking for a new challenge, or a supporter cheering along the route, the Clinton Half Marathon delivers an unforgettable experience and a great reason to spend the weekend in Clinton.

A Full Weekend Downtown

Race weekend begins with the YWCA Clinton Street Fest on Saturday, September 12, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in downtown Clinton. The free, family-friendly event includes a kids' fun run, food, music, and activities that bring the community together ahead of race day.

The Street Fest and Half Marathon create a vibrant downtown weekend that showcases Clinton’s hospitality, riverfront scenery, local businesses, and community pride. It is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience all that Clinton has to offer.

Shannon shares more about what runners and spectators can expect this year, how the YWCA Clinton prepares for the event, and the importance of community participation. Listeners will also hear how the Half Marathon has become a meaningful tradition that supports local connection, tourism, and a strong sense of place in the Clinton region.

Registration is available for the 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. Participants are encouraged to register early, particularly because race shirts are guaranteed to the first 500 registrants. Awards will be presented to overall and age-group winners, and every finisher receives a medal.

For race information and registration, visit https://www.clintonhalfmarathon.com.

Follow the Clinton Half Marathon page (https://www.facebook.com/clintonhalfmarathon/) for updates, race-weekend information, and reminders.

Grow Clinton sincerely thanks YWCA Clinton for its continued support of Grow Clinton and the work we do to advance economic development, community development, and tourism throughout the region. The Clinton Half Marathon and YWCA Clinton Street Fest are outstanding examples of events that build community pride, welcome visitors, and strengthen the vitality of downtown Clinton.

08/24/2026

Grow Clinton is proud to bring you episode 254 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, featuring Clinton's own Heather Carlson—wife, mom, professor, counselor, and IRONMAN athlete. Heather sits down with us to share the story behind her IRONMAN Jacksonville finish and the lessons that go far beyond the finish line.

Heather's path to IRONMAN wasn't straight. Recovering from surgery and injury forced her to slow down and rebuild, teaching her patience, resilience, and trust in the process long before race day ever arrived. That experience shaped not just how she trained, but how she approached every part of her life.

Training for life, not just for race day

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is Heather's perspective that endurance training isn't just about crossing a finish line. She shares how the discipline and mindset she's built through triathlon have made her a better parent, professor, and counselor—proof that the habits we build in one area of life ripple into everything else.

As a busy mom balancing a full-time career with serious training demands, Heather also gets real about the juggling act. She talks candidly about finding balance between family, work, and training, and what it actually takes to make room for a big goal without losing sight of the people who matter most.

The mental game

IRONMAN is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. Heather opens up about overcoming self-doubt, embracing discomfort, and building the kind of grit that carries you through mile 100 of the bike or mile 20 of the marathon. She reflects on race day ex*****on and the lessons learned along the way—and why celebrating the finish matters more than chasing a perfect performance.

Consistency over motivation

Perhaps the most practical piece of wisdom Heather shares: motivation fades, but consistency wins. She breaks down how small, daily habits compound into big achievements, and why showing up on ordinary days makes the extraordinary days possible.

It takes a village

Heather quickly points out that an "individual" accomplishment like IRONMAN is never really achieved alone. She credits her coaches, family, and friends for helping her get to the starting line—and the finish line—reminding listeners that community and support are essential ingredients in any big goal.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts.

- Apple Music
- Spotify
- Amazon Music
- Buzzsprout
- Overcast
- YouTube

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

08/20/2026

Economic development projects often generate questions long before a public announcement is possible.

- How are projects identified?
- Why are some details confidential?
- When are local governments involved?
- What does Grow Clinton do behind the scenes to help companies evaluate opportunities in the region?

In episode 253 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, President & CEO Andy Sokolovich and Vice President Matt Parbs offer an inside look at Grow Clinton’s economic development process, from the first project lead through development agreements, public announcements, and implementation.

The conversation provides helpful context for residents, businesses, elected officials, and community partners who want to understand better how economic development works in Clinton County and the surrounding region.

From Leads to Local Opportunities

Andy and Matt discuss how economic development leads are generated and how Grow Clinton works with developers, companies, site selectors, and regional partners. Every project follows its own path, but the process often begins well before a prospective developer publicly identifies a community or site.

Grow Clinton helps prospective projects evaluate factors such as:

- Available and developable land
- Appropriate zoning and land-use compatibility
- Utility capacity and infrastructure needs
- Transportation access and site readiness
- Local and industry-specific ordinances
- Workforce, housing, quality-of-life, and community considerations
- Potential public-private partnerships and development agreements
- Complying with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements

Why Confidentiality Matters

Many prospective developers and companies require non-disclosure agreements before sharing project details with a local economic development organization.

Confidentiality is not unusual; it is standard in professional economic development work. A company may need to protect competitive information, land-acquisition strategies, financing plans, customer relationships, operational details, or internal business decisions. Premature disclosure can jeopardize a project, affect property negotiations, create market speculation, or cause a developer to choose another location.

Andy and Matt explain how Grow Clinton balances the need for confidentiality with its responsibility to keep appropriate stakeholders informed. As projects advance, Grow Clinton works with the relevant local governments, utility partners, landowners, legal counsel, and other parties necessary to evaluate and complete the opportunity.

Working With Local and Regional Partners

Successful development is a team effort! Grow Clinton works closely with the City of Clinton, City of Camanche, City of Fulton, and Clinton County, along with utility providers and other local, regional, and state partners.

The episode explores when and how those partners become involved in a project. Depending on the opportunity, collaboration may include:

- Reviewing potential sites and land availability
- Confirming zoning, planning, and ordinance requirements
- Evaluating water, sewer, electric, gas, broadband, and other infrastructure needs
- Identifying development constraints and site-preparation needs
- Coordinating discussions with property owners and developers
- Considering incentives, public improvements, and financing tools
- Drafting, reviewing, and executing development agreements

Development agreements are especially important because they establish clear expectations among the parties involved. They may address project commitments, timelines, infrastructure responsibilities, performance requirements, incentives, and other terms that help protect the public interest while supporting responsible investment.

Addressing Misinformation with Facts

Economic development can be complicated, and limited public information during a confidential project can sometimes lead to assumptions or inaccurate information. Andy and Matt address common myths about Grow Clinton’s work and explain how the organization communicates accurate, timely information to key stakeholders and elected officials.

Grow Clinton’s role is to pursue opportunities professionally, protect confidential information when required, coordinate with public and private partners, and help communities make informed decisions when projects are ready for public consideration.

The organization is committed to sharing information at the appropriate time and through the appropriate channels, especially when projects require public action, formal agreements, hearings, approvals, or infrastructure investment.

Catch all of the Grow Clinton Podcast episodes, available wherever you listen to podcasts — Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, Buzzsprout, Overcast, and YouTube (Grow Clinton Podcast).

For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit https://www.facebook.com/growclintonpodcast.

Have an idea for a show topic or guest? Email [email protected].

08/11/2026