Business Notes for Aug. 3, 2025

The Gazette’s Business Notes is a compendium of the week’s promotions, new hires, certifications, added business lines and business events, among other items, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and the rest of the Corridor. Information and photos can be submitted at https://www.thegazette.com/business-notes/submit/

New hires

BankIowa has announced the addition of Brian O’Hair as a business banking officer in its Cedar Valley market.

Dr. Marie Volbrecht has joined Mercy Medical Center’s Psychiatry Team.

Sara Hubbell has joined Mercy Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic as a nurse practitioner.

Lori Lane has joined Horizons as community development consultant.

Promotions

At Horizon, Jim Miller has been promoted to vice president of development; Dawn D'Amico has been promoted to director of human resources; Antonio Rivera has been promoted to catering manager; Stephanie Schmidt has been promoted to marketing and events coordinator; and Cynthia Nodland has been promoted to Linn County volunteer coordinator.

Elections

Mike Gary, a financial adviser with Principal, now is also a board member for Variety, the Children’s Charity of Iowa.

At Horizons, new 2025-2026 board directors are Jackson Blais, Lindsay Glynn, Emily Honings and Sharayah Owens. Horizons’ 2025-2026 executive board of directors are Kelly Edmonds, chair; Tara Dumolien, vice chair; Matt Heinricy, treasurer; Eric Gutschmidt, secretary; and Adam Conzemius, immediate past chair.

Other news

Deficiency-free survey: Meth-Wick Community has announced that for the second consecutive year, its skilled nursing facility, The Woodlands, has earned a deficiency-free survey from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). The unannounced inspection spanned four days, with a team of five state inspectors thoroughly reviewing records, interviewing staff and residents, and observing care in action. At the conclusion of the survey, no concerns were cited. Surveyors praised The Woodlands team for error-free medication passes and procedures, excellent infection control practices, and attentive care. They also noted that residents and family members they spoke with were happy and consistently positive in their feedback. Staffing levels, training, and overall preparedness also were highlighted as strengths. State surveys are conducted annually to ensure nursing homes meet rigorous health and safety standards. A deficiency-free rating is a rare achievement that reflects the highest standard of care.

Small Business of the Week: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has announced Sweets by Keke of Chickasaw County in northeast Iowa as her small business of the week. Founded in January 2021 by Jenny Bouillon, Sweets by Keke has grown quickly over the past four years and is well-known for the quality of its baked goods. The small business offers imaginative flavors, quality service, and gives back to the community. Bouillon, alongside her husband Randy, and children Kenzie, Chelsie, and Carver, provide donations to local organizations for veterans, contribute to fundraisers, and give donations to the local fire department. Ernst, chair of the Senate’s Small Business Committee, is naming one exceptional small business of the week in each of Iowa’s counties during this congressional session.