OCTOBER 2024 RECAP

There are so many great things happening

at SPMB. This issue is filled with features, fun events, giving back to our community and

personal achievements.

#spmbproud

We recently welcomed Annie Hardin to our firm's litigation practice. Annie has jumped right in to support our firm's clients and is also active in our community!

Let's get to know a little bit about Annie.

1. What drove you to become an attorney? Growing up, Erin Brockovich was my favorite movie. The story inspired me, but I always said I never wanted to step foot in a courtroom…joke’s on me! I’m a litigator.

2. What has been your experience at SPMB so far? I have enjoyed meeting so many people. I have had the opportunity to get involved in areas of the law that are new to me and very exciting.

3. Where did you grow up and where do you currently live? I grew up in Cedar Rapids (go Warriors!). After living in Chicago for the prior 8 years, I moved back to Cedar Rapids in May 2023.

4. Tell us about your family. I have a blended family that includes my mother, Juli (of Jules Bakery) my half-sister, Paige Junge (a teacher), my half-sister Lynne, my chosen sister, Natalie Clouse (attorney at Bradley & Riley), and a plethora of nieces and nephews!

5. Do you have pets? Cooper, an 8-year-old cocker spaniel, is my heart and soul!

6. Do you have any hobbies? I love to cook and travel. If I had not gone to law school, I was considering moving to Paris, and going to culinary school.

7. Are you a movie or TV buff? Not really but I enjoy both, especially scary movies.

8. Is there a specific kind of music you enjoy? I’m all over the place – give me the 90s boy bands, hip-hop from any era, alternative indie rock, classical, or some old school honky-tonk.

9. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I knew I wanted to be a lawyer from the age of 11.

10. What’s something about you most people don’t know?  I can speak conversational French and I have been to Paris more than a dozen times.

Annie with her mother and sister, Paige, at Bøyabreen Glacier, in Fjærland, Norway.

Annie with her mother and sister, Paige, cheering on the Hawks at Kinnick Stadium.

Annie with her family, (left to right, sister Paige, Annie, mother Juli, sister Lynne, and niece Emma).

Cooper.

Bob Hatala

enjoying his

new pilot’s license, making a steep turn at 5,000 feet.

Way to go Bob!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

Winner! Shannon Miller-Miller

Haley McCurdy

Cassandra Muckey

Robyn Burmeister

Runner-Up: Aisha Abdallah

Terri Claire

Michele Slater

Pamela Baney

GUESS THE NUMBER OF CANDIES

SPMB COSTUME CONTEST 1st - Gypsy Witch (Cassandra Muckey), 2nd - Piñata (Terri Clair) and 3rd - Ricky Bobby (Rhonda Hollister)

HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREATING

THANKS TO OUR SPMB TEAM FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE

ESPECIALLY FOR YOU - RACE AGAINST BREAST CANCER

SPMB SUPPORTS THE HOPE LODGE FOR CADY DAY OF SERVICE

Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC participated in the Cady Day of Service by preparing care packages and serving a meal to the patients staying at the Russell and Ann Gerdin American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in Iowa City.

COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE!

FIRM STORE

The cold weather has arrived!

Stay warm with a cozy vest or another item from our firm store!

https://envisiontees.chipply.com/spmb/

We have added backpacks!

If you have recommendations for items to add to the store, please send to Juli Gotto.

RYAN SHELLADY TO PLAY JAXTON IN

THE THANKSGIVING PLAY

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY OUR HAWKEYE TAILGATE!

DARREL AND PAUL MORF WERE A HIT AT OUR RECENT SPONSORSHIP OF THE PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE PERFORMANCE AT CSPS!

WELCOME SARA BLONG

Sara Blong recently joined the firm as a legal assistant to Matt Hektoen. Filling the shoes of Elizabeth Brandt is for sure a challenge, but Sara has jumped right in and is doing a great job for our real estate practice.

Let's get to know Sara.

1. What is your professional background? I have worked at engineering firms for last 16 years.

2. Where did you grow up and where do you currently live? I grew up in Dubuque and now reside in Cedar Rapids.

3. Any pets? I have a dog named Stella.

4. What activities do you enjoy outside of work? I like to camp, go to concerts, take trips & golf with friends. In the summer, I like to ski and in the winter I love watching football.

5. What types of music do you listen to? I'm pretty eclectic – anything from pop to jazz.

6. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian. 

7. What’s something about you most people don’t know? I'm the youngest of 8 siblings my mom turns 91 in November.

Sara and her English Bulldog, Stella.

Please stop by the 9th floor to introduce yourself to Sara!

Top: Angie with family and Right: Angie on a friend's trip.

WELCOME ALEX HOPE

We have a new smiling face in our Coralville office! Alex Hope joined the firm as a legal assistant, working with Ryan Shellady. Alex is an Iowa Grad and plans to attend law school down the road.

Here's a quick Q&A with Alex.

1. Where did you grow up and where do you currently live? I grew up in both Sioux City, IA and Rosemount, MN, and I currently live in Coralville!

2. Tell us about your college career so far. I graduated from the University of Iowa in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Health and Human Physiology: Health Studies. While at Iowa, I participated in Dance Marathon and was given the opportunity to be a Family Representative for a couple different families. The kiddos are truly resilient and an inspiration to many, including myself. I enjoyed participating in different activities, and dancing with them at the Big Event. 

3. Any hobbies to speak of? I really enjoy traveling and experiencing new things, especially with my family and friends. I recently took a trip to Seattle where I visited three National Parks; North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic. My next travel goal is to visit Glacier National Park in Montana, or Banff National Park in Canada. As much as I love visiting the mountains, I do enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach. One of my favorite beach destinations is Destin, Florida. The water and sand are absolutely beautiful.

4. Do you have pets? I currently have a nine-year-old cat named Boo. I adopted him from the Iowa City Animal Shelter last year. He loves to eat, sleep, and cuddle! As much as I love Boo, I am a huge dog person. I grew up with labs my whole life, and plan to get one soon. 

5. What’s something about you most people don’t know? I am Italian! My great-grandmother, who was full Italian, taught me how to make her homemade spaghetti and meatballs. It is, by far, one of the best meals I have ever had!

Thanks for sharing and welcome to the firm, Alex!

Alex vacationing in Seattle, outside Olympic National Park.

Alex with her friends.

Alex with her family.

COMMUNITY CALENDARS

Cedar Rapids Economic Alliance Calendar of Events

Corridor Business Journal Events

Marion Chamber Events Calendar

Greater Iowa City, Inc. Calendar

ISBA CLE Calendar

WEBSITE ANALYTICS | SEPTEMBER 2024

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