TUESDAY, NOV. 10, 2020 | IN THIS ISSUE

• Godwin named permanent CEO at ACT
• In the CBJ: Celebrating this year's Women of Influence
• Casey's to buy Bucky’s convenience store chain
• Derecho claims in Iowa stand at $1.6 billion
• Linn Co. offering funds for economic development
• Corridor events, KCRG-TV9 headlines and First Alert Forecast
Godwin named permanent CEO at ACT
Janet Godwin has been named the permanent CEO of ACT Inc., the Iowa City-based nonprofit learning organization. She had been serving as interim chief executive officer since the May departure of Marten Roorda.

Ms. Godwin, a 2018 CBJ Woman of Influence, is a 30-year veteran of ACT who began her career with the nonprofit in 1990. After starting in an entry level role in test development, she worked her way up the ranks to positions in information technology and client engagement, as well as senior-level positions including vice president of operations, chief of staff and chief operating officer, the post that she has held for nearly six years. She has also served on a number of volunteer boards, including the Iowa City school board, which she currently leads as president.

“I’m honored and excited to lead ACT through its transformation to support all students at every stage of their learning journey,” Ms. Godwin said in a statement. “Now more than ever, ACT has a responsibility to fight for fairness in education and to provide learning, navigation and assessment services that will help learners and educators alike make informed decisions on their paths to success."
 
ACT's Board Chair Dan Domenech praised Ms. Godwin's "clear vision, strong leadership and deep-seated passion for the ACT mission," which includes providing opportunities "for learners to find success in college and career."

Look for more on this story in Monday's print and digital editions of the CBJ.

IMAGE: Janet Godwin
In the CBJ: Celebrating this year's Women of Influence
There were only a handful of people in the ballroom at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center for this year’s Women of Influence awards ceremony on Nov. 3, but gratitude and emotion filled the room, perhaps more than ever.

In what Dawn Kluber, executive director of the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business Executive MBA Program, called a “much needed bright spot in a really tough year,” this year’s event saw recipients sitting at their own socially distanced tables and giving heartfelt speeches from the podium or via video. It was delivered virtually through a live Zoom/Facebook broadcast, which reached more than 1,100 viewers by the next day.

Originally planned for early April, the Women of Influence ceremony was rescheduled multiple times as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in the state. The CBJ is glad we were able to finally recognize these remarkable women with a proper ceremony, presented by the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, Collins Aerospace and Delta Dental of Iowa.

While it wasn’t the typical Women of Influence celebration, with hundreds of well-wishers merrily eating, drinking and socializing like we’ve had the previous 15 years, it was still a special evening in an otherwise uninspiring year.

New this year was the recognition of an Emerging Woman of Influence for her early career success and recognition within her peer group. Our inaugural honoree, Megan Lehman, who admittedly comes “from a long line of weepers,” choked up when thanking her family, including the “world’s best parents.”

“This honor is as much about them as it is about me,” she said. “Without their example of endless faith, relentless persistence and absolute love, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

Libby Gotschall Slappey also credited her family with her success, especially her rule-breaking mother, who instilled in her many attributes she has carried through adulthood.

“More than anything else, it was self confidence that any female needed then and needs now to compete in this world still disproportionately run by old, white Christian men,” she said, in a message that resonated against the backdrop of a contentious Election Day. 

Cedar Rapids Community School District School Board President Nancy Humbles spoke of how her parents stressed the importance of hard work and a good education.

“As a young Black woman growing up in the Des Moines community, my parents instilled in me and my siblings at a young age that if we worked hard and did the right thing, the benefits would outweigh the challenges that may lay ahead,” she said. “Serving as my first role models, my parents led by example and worked hard.”

Patti Seda recalled growing up believing that influence and leadership was about being “bold and loud.” But a series of quiet, behind-the-scenes mentors changed her mind.  

“When I really think about the people who influenced me, it would seem that influence happens in the quiet. … I don’t think the ringleader has to be in the ring with the whistle, microphone or the whip. I think the ringleader needs to be outside the ring where they are encouraging, listening and asking a lot of questions.”

The members of this year’s class were selected by last year’s honorees from more than 50 nominations. They have varying backgrounds and career paths, but they all have made an impact on their workplaces and community.

In this issue, the CBJ is reprinting their profiles which originally published in March, right before the original ceremony was to be held. Much has happened since then, including an ongoing pandemic, devastating derecho and a deep recession. We hope the lives and achievements of these women stand as a pillar in turbulent times.

Read more about this year's Women of Influence in this week's CBJ digital edition.
Casey's acquires Buchanan Energy for $580M
Ankeny-based Casey’s General Stores Inc. on Monday announced a $580 million deal to acquire Buchanan Energy, the owner of Bucky’s Convenience Stores, a mid-sized chain located primarily in Illinois and Nebraska.

The all-cash transaction includes tax benefits valued at $80 million, for a net after-tax purchase price of $500 million, according to Casey’s.

Founded in 1980, Buchanan Energy now operates 94 Bucky’s retail stores and 79 dealer locations, as well as multiple parcels of real estate for future new store construction. The deal will increase Casey’s footprint to more than 2,300 stores across the Midwest, and add to the company’s growing new store pipeline, which sat at 86 sites in September, according to a Q1 earnings call.

The deal will also allow Casey’s to manage fuel supply agreements with its new dealer network of stores, providing the company with more flexibility when it comes to M&A activity, and another income stream while leveraging its increased scale for fuel procurement.

President and CEO Darren Rebelez said that Casey’s leadership expects the deal “will quickly be accretive” to the compahy’s EBITDA and earnings per share. They have also said they expect to achieve $23 million in annual synergies within three years.

“In January of this year, we outlined our business strategy to achieve top-quintile EBITDA growth and deliver on our purpose ‘to make life better for communities and guests every day’,” Mr. Rebelez said. “We’ve been hard at work executing on our strategic vision to reinvent the guest experience; creating efficiencies to improve the shape of our business and to fund future growth; and accelerating our new store builds and acquisitions. Adding Bucky’s to the Casey’s family is aligned with our strategy.”

The transaction is anticipated to close by the end of calendar year 2020, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
Derecho claims in Iowa stand at $1.6 billion
More than 200,000 insurance claims have been filed in Iowa since the Aug. 10 derecho lashed the state with 100-plus mph winds, according to a summary released by the Iowa Insurance Division and reported by the Des Moines Business Record.

Of those claims reported as of Nov. 2, nearly 160,000 claims totaling more than $1.6 billion have been paid, and insurers are holding more than $1 billion in reserves to be used for the remaining claims, the regulator said in a press release.

"As policyholders pursue claims under their insurance contracts, we encourage property owners to continue to work diligently with their insurance company and agent as they obtain the necessary repairs," Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said in the release. "Adjustments can take time, but we have seen other challenges, including early cold, snow and some shortages of materials and contractors. Delays in replacement of grain bins have garnered attention."

Consumers who believe that an insurance company is providing less than was promised in their contract can file a complaint with the Iowa Insurance Division, which will review the contract and claim details. Some unique complaint areas generated from the historic weather event include delays in the inspection process, delays in actually getting the repairs made and delays in communication.

To date, the division has received just over 90 derecho-related claims complaints.
Linn Co. offering funds for economic development
The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for Linn County’s Economic and Community Development Fund, which works to foster and support economic growth and development initiatives.
 
This is a competitive grant process open to eligible organizations located in Linn County or that have a branch location in Linn County. This year $130,000 is available.
 
Grant funds must be used for projects or programs that benefit Linn County residents. Priority is given to programmatic and capital projects over requests for operating support. Preferred applications will be for projects/programs that accomplish the following:

  • Promote economic growth and/or community development in Linn County
  • Demonstrate return on investment dollars
  • Do not duplicate current economic development initiatives
  • Demonstrate a sustainability plan for project continuation beyond Linn County funding
 
The application deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 25. Application information is available on Linn County’s website at LinnCounty.org.
Connect with the CBJ

The CBJ’s mission of informing and connecting the Corridor’s business community is more important than ever. Our news operations will continue researching and reporting on the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic through our multiple distribution channels. Here’s how you can connect with us today and moving forward:

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Short Term Event Planner

Nov. 11
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Cedar Rapids, 8:30 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MCICR.
 
1 Million Cups, by 1MC Iowa City, 9 a.m., online. Join for community connections and presentations by entrepreneurs, established companies, experts and more. Free. For more information, visit facebook.com/1MillionCupsIC.

Annual CLA Midwest Construction Surety Forum, by CLA, 10 a.m., online. “Surety Update: Tax and Accounting Considerations in a Pandemic” will cover impacts to the construction industry. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3jwYqm4.

Year-End Planning Opportunities, by CLA, 11 a.m., online. Learn about the Paycheck Protection Program, year-end tax strategies, and owner and organizational leader transitions. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/2Tz04Jk.
 
Membership 101, by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 3:30-4:30 p.m., online. Meet other new members and learn how to get the most out of your EA membership. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/3kkz5wV.
 
Make Your Mark, by Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, 5-7 p.m., The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids. Join ImpactCR for this end-of-the-year celebration. Free. To register, visit bit.ly/2GpPQrH.
See something we missed?
Send tips, leads, corrections, etc. to [email protected].
Headlines from KCRG-TV9
These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9 

The Iowa Department of Public Health reported another record number of COVID-19 hospitalizations today with 1,135. Over the last 24 hours 166 patients were admitted to the hospital, 196 are in the ICU and 89 are on ventilators. The state also reported an additional 4,441 cases and 27 COVID-19 related deaths over the last 24 hours. As of 10:30 a.m. today, the state’s data a total of 161,257 COVID-19 cases and a total of 1,872 COVID-19 related deaths since the pandemic began. As cases continue to rise, some hospitals in Des Moines are reporting they are at capacity. KCRG-TV9 checked with hospitals in Eastern Iowa. UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s said they’re not at capacity, but are seeing a record number of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

The Benton Community School District is moving to all online classes for a week starting on Wednesday. In a statement to parents, the district said COVID-19 is causing staff shortages and student absences. As a result, it will conduct classes remotely from Nov. 11-18. Staff will be at school preparing virtual learning experiences while students will stay home and access classes online. The district said it plans to review data on Mondays of each week and will notify staff and parents if it plans to extend the days of online-only instruction.

These news items are provided by KCRG-TV9
Your KCRG-TV9 First Alert Forecast
Rain will continue through Eastern Iowa throughout the afternoon and evening. There is a short window in which thunderstorms could form. A few could be strong to severe along the eastern edge of our viewing area, especially from a Dubuque to Iowa City line and points east. Some areas are track to pick up a total of one inch or more in some spots. By 8 p.m., most of the heavy rain looks to push out and we will be leftover with cloud cover that will decrease throughout the overnight hours. Temperatures will drop into the 20s area-wide, for a chilly start to your Wednesday. We stay dry the rest of the week with highs in the 40s and 50s before another chance of rain moves in Saturday.