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Authentic flavor. Bold design. A drive to bring something truly different to the table. Restaurateurs Ozzy Aguirre, Ariel Barrios and Raul Gomez, part of the Ozzar Group behind Café Tacuba, Mextizo, Tequilero, and now Xolo in North Liberty, have created more than just places to eat. They're building vibrant spaces rooted in heritage, energy, and heart. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

From the archive in recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Each year in the U.S. one in five adults will experience a mental illness. Physician assistant and co-owner of Meadowlark Psychiatric Services in North Liberty, Melissa Gentry, says that the first step in prevention is caring for oneself through diet and exercise. The next step is knowing when to reach out and ask for help. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Regenerative practices aren't just for sprawling farms or big operations – they can start in a backyard, a garage, even a single compost bin. Adam Schechinger, creator of Iowa Worm Farm, is proving just that, using worm castings, biochar, and a whole lot of curiosity to rebuild soil and rethink waste. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

With autism, the signs of aren't always easy to read. Behavioral indicators can be conflicting and unique to the individual. With younger children it's more of a challenge as their personalities are still developing. Lo Mullins, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst at Lighthouse Autism Center, says that early diagnosis is important in that it is so impactful. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Often, when people think of art, they do so with a capital “A”. Images of en plein air painters, theories on the interplay of shape and color, the word “juxtapose” and lots of chin rubbing. But at Artisan Insight Studios, studio director and joint owner, Roxanne Erdahl, encourages casting off inhibitions to just come in, have fun and be creative. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

From the archive:  Cory and Kim Nelson moved to North Liberty for his career and opened Next Level Extreme Fitness for her sense of community. That community grew quickly, leading to their expansion and the feeling that they're home for good. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Insurance, it's necessary but is often overwhelming. What needs coverage, how much, if you need to use it what happens then, all the while these details are evolving along an ever-shifting landscape. Christa Payne, an agency owner at Country Financial, says it's her role to help cut through the jargon and help make it easier for people to digest. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

With all that most people have going on, and so few hours in the day to do it, cooking takes a sizable chunk of already limited time. Time planning what to make, time shopping, prep time, time spent cleaning up... Lora Miller, owner of Naomi's Kitchen, producers of readymade take-and-bake meals, says what she's really selling her customers is “time”. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Whether arranging flags several times a year along the avenues, churning out innumerable pancakes for their annual fundraiser, or slinging hot dogs and burgers at events around town, everything the North Liberty Optimists do is for the kids. New president elect, Kristy Ballard, says that the club is a wonderful family to belong to that works hard and enjoys what they do. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

We are bound together by humanity, a shared need for compassion and support, and we are best able to succeed when doing so together. Ryan Bobst, Executive Director of the North Liberty Community Pantry says, “We could not do the service that we do without volunteers.” Already doing so much, and with a new location in the works, the Community Pantry will be able to do even more. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

It's always a good time to talk about mental health. Here's one from the archive where we do just that. The science says it's important to be good to oneself, but that's not always easy. Doctor Todd Verhoef, founder of Psychiatric Associates, says there is no one-size-fits-all plan for coping with life's challenges. That's where mental health professionals can help in developing a personalized wellness strategy for you. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Benjamin Franklin once said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” So then, turning to a team of knowledgeable financial advisors seems the smart choice for securing and growing one's investment. Chris Harris, Vice President of Wealth Enhancement Group's Hawkins Team, says that with a nationwide network of experts, they've got you covered. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

From serendipitous beginnings, an unexpected job offer has become nearly thirty years of helping others to feel whole again. Cheryl Schlote, owner of Scarlet's Unmentionables, says she is exactly where she needs to be: restoring the confidence of her clients who have undergone mastectomies by fitting them with personal prosthetics. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

As we cross over into Autumn it's a nice time to sit outside around a fire pit and check out this episode from the archive. 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 Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

In Old Town, there is a new shop inside an old building full of new - and some vintage – clothing and accessories. Julie Fontanini, owner of The Cherry Street Boutique, and her dedicated team, welcome shoppers to come find something comfortably fashionable while exploring the core of North Liberty. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

There are so many details needing attention when getting married it can easily become overwhelming. It's important to find people who are not only professional, but with a true passion for the event. At Heart to Heart Bridal and Formal, owner and manager Rochelle Jeffers and her conscientious crew of stylists all feel a personal connection with every bride to be. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

As concerns with Iowa's water quality continue to grow, here is a relevant episode from the archive. 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 media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Computers have been integrated into nearly everything. Most of us who know enough to get by don't ever really get into the deeper nuts and bolts, or 1's and 0's, of our tech systems. That's where Nate Folker, of EZ Solutions, comes in. Helping to build, secure and maintain various systems, business and personal, Nate keeps operations running smoothly, and sensitive data protected. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Childcare is increasingly difficult to come by. Not only is it in high demand with limited availability, but finding the right fit can be a challenge. Heather Cummings, owner of North Liberty's BEST Academy, describes their before and after school, and summer camp programs, as being focused on keeping kids active and engaged with plenty of physical exercise, field trips, and the teaching of life skills. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Being a comedian is no joke. It's a lot of hard work putting in the hours on stage, traveling, marketing oneself, and constant networking. Professional funnyman and author, Nathan Timmel, describes it both as a business and a learned defense mechanism verging on personal therapy. He's really hoping that you will like him and have some laughs at the same time. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Nothing bridges cultures and brings people together like fun, fresh, delicious food. Emilio Estrada, self-proclaimed “good eater”, as well as the co-owner of Ándale Cantina Bar & Grill – or Andale 2 for short – selects popular recipes from his hometown in Mexico, La Piedad de Cabadas, and nearby regions to create an authentic experience. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

With so many different types and styles as well as delivery methods and fun little processes for augmenting the flavor of beer, where does one even start to find what works for their palette? Alec Travis, co-owner and head brewer at Field Day Brewing Co., says stop on in and the knowledgeable staff at Field Day will point you in the right direction. Oh, and the food's good too. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

In the time of phone books, clever business names using letter/number combinations would ensure a top spot for better visibility. Co-owner, service manager and lead service technician, Scott Jones, explains that's how A2Z Heating and Plumbing got its name more than 20 years ago, and over the years they have filled in each letter with something they do, except maybe X and Z. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Teamwork makes the dream work and individual instruction is helpful as well. Whether as a group, or one-on-one, the coaches at Diamond Dreams can show you how to improve your game. With a twenty thousand square foot facility, general manager Kyle Sherman says that along with baseball and softball there are many other opportunities as well. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.http://northlibertyiowa.org/52317http://northlibertyiowa.org/52317

It's easy to become overwhelmed by options for giving. With so many charities and so much need, it can be difficult to know where funds might serve best. The Community Foundation of Johnson County helps ease the process by offering a catalog for giving, as well as making sure those gifts get to where they need to go. As president and CEO, Shelly Maharry says, “There's a place for everyone at the Community Foundation.” North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows when you're awake, he knows if you've been bad or good, so be good for goodness sake! For this special Christmas episode, we're chatting with Santa Claus. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community. Proudly produced in North Liberty, the heart of ICR Iowa.

It can be difficult to know whether a challenging behavior is an indicator of some deeper lying condition or just a phase that might eventually be grown out of. Speech therapist and therapy manager, Caitlin Thornburg, says that at Sensory Kids parents are encouraged to trust their instincts as it is better to address potential problems early on before they lead to greater struggles ahead. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Getting into higher education has its own learning curve and is especially challenging when going it alone. For young people who would be the first in their families to attend college, or generally just benefit from some extra guidance toward future career goals, Julie Robinson, and the team of volunteers at Iowa LEAP, work tirelessly to demystify the steps toward success. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

There's a lot that goes into moving, whether it's cross-country or just to the other side of a care facility, especially when one has been in place for many years. Gina Ballestrasse-Ernster considers all the details, small and large, and has helped seniors move both to and from North Liberty through her relocation service, Smooth Moves by Gina. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Another episode from the vault. As we enter into fall, and the weather continues to cool down, what better way to spend time indoors than by discovering new board games to share with friends and family. For Josh Karau and Jason Clark of Geek City Games and Comics exploring fantasy worlds is just another day at work. In contrast to its digital counterpart, board gaming culture is built on imagination,  socialization, and as we come to discover there is something for everyone. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Want to cook authentic Latin cuisine but not sure where to get all the unique ingredients? Maybe you're just looking for real, cane sugar soda, or craving hot, fresh tamales. After a lengthy visit to see family in Mexico, Edgar Reynoso Ayala and Sara Puffer decided to open their own mercado, El Azul, here in town. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

Trendsetting experiential patio dining, a new wave of craft beers, and a multitude more taps than most places would have dared, mother and son restauranteurs, Matt, and Faye Swift, discuss how Reds Alehouse was a pivotal project for them both. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 with hickory, pork, time and a two-ton, custom-built pit. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 closer to home. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 a pool manager helping pool goers stay happy and safe. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.http://northlibertyiowa.org/52317

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 headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 she started the North Liberty chapter. North Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.

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 Liberty is the headquarters of local media, regional financial and national transportation companies and home to solar energy and tech startups, and entrepreneurs getting their big ideas off the ground. Get to know your new business community.