Business Notes

Awards

The Association of Fundraising Professionals published a white paper written by Dee VandeVenter, partner, and Justin Tolan, chief fundraising adviser, of ME&V. The paper, “Resilience Plays Remarkable Role in Fundraising Campaigns,” was reported as the second most requested white paper in the AFP data base.

West Music Co., the exclusive dealer for Steinway pianos in Eastern Iowa and western Illinois, has won an Steinway & Sons Partners in Performance Award, given by the piano maker. West Music also received this award in 2006 and 2010.

The Heritage Agency's Heritage pet assistance program has been recognized by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging with an Aging Innovations Award. The Tails-a-Waggin Pet Assistance Program helps older adults care for their companion pets.

The Best Western Plus Longbranch in Cedar Rapids has received the Best Western Director's Award for outstanding quality standards. The Director's Award recognizes those Best Western International hotels scoring in the top 20 percent among the 2,400 North American properties in cleanliness and maintenance.

Seminar

Collins Community Credit Union and First Community Trust will hold a free estate planning seminar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, at CCCU, 1655 Jordan St., North Liberty. For reservations: (319) 626-3593 or bsabel@fctrust.com.

The CenStates chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association will meet from 1 p.m., Sept. 21, through 5 p.m., Sept. 22, at the Cedar Rapids Marriott. For more information, visit www.censtatesttra.com.

A comprehensive class for income tax preparers will be offered Monday and Thursday mornings beginning Sept. 12, at Raymond James, 779 Mormon Trek Blvd., Iowa City. The class is designed to teach skills necessary to pass the newly required the Internal Revenue Service exam. For more information, call (319) 338-2799.

ABWA new-member orientation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m., Sept. 21 at the Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Ave. RSVP to vicepresident@abwacr.org For more information, go to www.abwacr.org.

Calendar

Some 115 businesses and organizations will participate in the Corridor Goes Casual for Kids day on Thursday. Employees will donate $5 each to come to work in casual attire. The event, coordinated by Phelan's Interiors of Cedar Rapids, will aid more than 40 not-for-profit children's groups in the area. For details on how companies can take part, go to www.corridorcasualforkids.com or call 319-363-9634.

APICS (The Association for Operations Management) Cedar Valley chapter will meet at 6 p.m., Sept. 13 at the Best Western Plus Longbranch Hotel Restaurant & Convention Center, 90 Twixt Town Road NE, Marion. Keynote speaker will be Dennis Jordan, vice president Economic Development with Priority One. RSVP by Sept. 9 to cedarvalleyapics@gmail.com or call Jerry Johnson at (319) 431-4351.

The Cedar Rapids Public Relations Associates will meet at 11:30 a.m., Sept. 8, at the Clarion Hotel & Convention Center, Cedar Rapids. Nick Ireland, marketing manager for Premier Guitar, will speak on audience versus circulation. Reservations required by 5 p.m., Friday, and can be made at www.crpra.com.