Business Notes for Oct. 12, 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

James K. Weston has joined Phelan Tucker Law as a partner. He practices in general civil litigation, including personal injury and wrongful death, defamation, insurance, business law, and contracts.

Jillian Litchfield, DO, has joined Iowa Eye Center as an ophthalmologist.

Promotions

Stephanie Schumacher has been promoted to senior vice president, mortgage lending, in the Mount Vernon office of Hills Bank.

Kudos

Greg Hanshaw, president and CEO of Community 1st Credit Union, has been recognized with the Iowa Credit Union Foundation’s (ICUF) Community Impact Award. Hanshaw was honored for his commitment to improving the financial well-being of members and strengthening communities across Iowa.

Other news

New facility: Can Shed has opened a new, modernized facility in Iowa City at 1534 S. Gilbert St. Suite 400. The new space spans 4,954 square feet and features the latest technology and equipment, natural light and a mural honoring Iowa City. A ribbon cutting was held this past Wednesday.

New ownership: Northtowne Cycling + Fitness, which has served Cedar Rapids area cyclists for more than 100 years, has a new owner. Derek Meier of Cedar Rapids officially acquired the store from longtime owners Derek and Jodi Stepanek on Oct. 1. Plans are underway for a community open house in early November.

Small Business of the Week: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has announced Staats Awards of Henry County in southeast Iowa as her small business of the week. Founded in 1898 by E.G. Staats and now owned by the Patten and Webster families, Staats Awards offers a variety of recognition awards and promotional materials for fairs, livestock shows, organizations, and businesses. Staats Awards’ trophies and ribbons are a mainstay at the Iowa State Fair as well as at festivals, livestock and horse shows, agribusinesses, schools, corporations, and community events nationwide. 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.