Rotarian McCubben appeared on the cover of the Tuesday “Messenger” announcing that he and several other investors had purchased the old Land of Lakes office complex in Southeast Fort Dodge. The facility has been vacant for some time, but with renovation can become a viable asset.
Chick-Fil-A Owner/Operator Adam Heynen
Adam, a graduate of Dort University and the University of Iowa, is the Owner/Operator of the Fort Dodge Chick-Fil-A franchise. He applied to be an Owner/Operator in 2022. He was selected after completing the 10-step process. He was a good candidate for our local franchise because he is an Iowa native and interested in living in Iowa. Others interested in becoming an Owner were not from the area, and Chick-Fil-A wants their Owners to be invested in their communities.
Adam planned to be a Physician’s Assistant, and his wife Jill planned to work in communications. Life took them in a different direction than they knew. It has been said, “We plan, God laughs.” That certainly seems to be the case with Adam, his wife Jill, and their two boys. It was important to Adam to find a vocation that gave him a sense of passion, where he could get up in the morning and look forward to going to work. He felt he could lead and could develop people, doing so through hospitality.
Chick-Fil-A is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and has over 3,000 stores. The founder of the chain is S. Truett Cathy, and current organizational leadership is now a third-generation Cathy family member (Andrew Cathy).
Chick-Fil-A generally has had stores in larger markets. In Iowa those markets included Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Waterloo. The company is looking to adjust the business model to create opportunities in smaller communities like Pella and Fort Dodge.
Be on the lookout for Peppermint Shakes and Tortilla Soup at Chick-Fil-A in the near future!
Jesse Ulrich was pictured on the front page of the Saturday “Messenger” with an article outlining the desires of ICCC to renovate the old Technologies Building (one of the oldest buildings on campus) to provide space for new programs in Agricultural Science. Expanded space will also go to the Dental Hygiene Program.
Rotarian Flattery provided the Second Opinion editorial to the “Fort Dodge Messenger.” Mr Flattery attempted to provide a simple, but very comprehensive overview of how Fort Dodge issues debt, for what purposes, and who will be paying off the debt. A small portion of the City debt is designed to be paid by the tax base. a large percentage of debt will be paid by user fees, Tax Increment Financing, and some lesser known boding for single purposes generally supported by special revenue flows.
Rotarian Kuhlman provided the Tuesday Second Opinion to the “Messenger.” The editorial was the need of United Way assistance by a growing percentage of the community. The message set the stage for the upco.ing United Way fund drive Chaired by the Club's own Elizabeth Stanek.
Rotarian Ulrich was pictured in the Tuesday “Messenger” helping celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BVU/ICCC partnership to help students take BVU courses from the ICCC campus.
Rotarian Kraig Barber asked the members to “save the date” of November 8th. That is the date of the annual fund raiser to benefit the Meals on Wheels Program of United Way. The event will be held at the Larimar Ballroom.
Two Rotarians were pictured in the Weekend “Messenger's Fort Dodge Business Connection.” Astra Ferris provided the monthly update for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, and Elizabeth Stanek was prominently pictured on the cover and again within the publication. Elizabeth has volunteered to be the Chair of the upcoming fund drive of the Greater Fort Dodge United Way. The publication contained numerous articles as to how the United Way uses its funds to help those in need within the community. It is an impressive array of programs, and the community owes Elizabeth a tremendous ovation for volunteering her time and talent.
The annual Rotary Christmas Program will be held on December 4th 2025 at the Smeltzer House. Be sure to mark your calendars for this very fun event. Other information and how to register will be forthcoming.
