Business Notes for Dec. 21, 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.

Promotions

At Hills Bank, Melissa Flowers was recently promoted to first vice president, financial reporting officer, in the Hills office.

Appointments

The Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation has announced four new additions to its board of directors: Torri Freese, Alliant Energy; Rob Wenzel, Novak Heating and Air; Rod Hanssen, Premier Staffing; and Sami Scheetz, Linn County Board of Supervisors. The 2026 HEDCO executive leadership roles are: chair, Heidi Sand, Hawkeye Electric; vice chair, Rusty Smith, Farmers State Bank; and treasurer, Tyler Wright, Dave Wright Auto Group.

James Klein of Cedar Rapids Bank and Trust, has been named to the UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital board of directors.

Jenni Friedly has been selected to serve as chief operating officer for UnityPoint Health.

Andrew Mong of Basepoint Wealth has been elected to the board of directors for Willis Dady Homeless Services.

Katie Kula of Basepoint Wealth has been elected to the board of directors of the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy.