Business Notes for June 1, 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

At Pugh Hagan Prahm, Patrick J. Ford has joined as a member, specializing in real estate transactions and developments, landlord/tenant, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and business entity formation; and Alparslan O. Zora (“Alp”) has joined as an associate, specializing in real estate, estate planning, probate and trust administration, business entity formation, acquisitions, and contract law.

At Farmers State Bank, Justin Salow has joined as senior vice president, chief financial officer; and Nick Glew has joined as vice president, business development & commercial lending.

Promotions

Jason Neighbor has been promoted to senior vice president, chief operations officer, at Farmers State Bank.

Certifications

The Woodlands Skilled Nursing Facility, part of the Meth-Wick Community, has received a certificate of achievement for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives. Certificate of achievement recipients have committed to establishing a stroke-specific rehab program, providing stroke education to all staff members, implementing evidence-based protocols and policies, and continuous quality improvement. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S. and approximately 795,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke, according to the American Heart Association’s 2023 statistical update. Participation in the American Heart Association’s post-acute care initiative can help facilities support faster and more effective recovery from stroke through standardized coordination, adherence and implementation of evidence-based care.

Other news

New showroom: Skogman Remodeling and Repair announces the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new showroom at 5615 Fourth St. Ct. SW #2, Cedar Rapids. The event will take place on Wednesday, June 5, from 3 to 5 p.m., featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:15 p.m. in with the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. This marks a significant step in the evolution of Skogman Remodeling and Repair, which has its roots in the merger of D&B Remodeling and HRT Remodeling and Repair. The consolidation aimed to unify the strengths of both companies under the Skogman brand, enhancing service offerings and customer experience. The new showroom offers clients a space to explore design ideas and consult with experienced professionals. The grand opening will include a charcuterie board from Prairie Moon on the Go and refreshments from Lions Bridge Brewing. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at SRRGrandOpening.eventbrite.com.

Small Business of the Week: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has announced Huffman’s Farm & Home of Lee County in southeast Iowa as her small business of the week. In 2002, Bob Huffman and his brothers, Mike and Hank, founded Huffman’s Farm & Home after their experience working at their father’s welding shop, Huffman’s Welding & Machine, which still is running after more than 50 years. The brothers recognized the opportunity to expand into the retail industry when clients would not only pick up their welding products but also purchase tools. Huffman’s Farm & Home offers an extensive selection of tools and products ranging from mowers and toys to feeders and electrical parts. Over the years, the business has steadily expanded, growing from a 10,000-square-foot store to a now more than 30,000-square-foot operation, along with two additional locations. Later this year, the business will celebrate its 23rd anniversary. 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.