Many businesses are experiencing revenue and/or expense challenges this year. Ours is no exception, as we have faced double-digit increases in printing and mailing costs as compared to prior year. This is not all bad, though, as it forces us to look at all our expenses, as well as our revenues, and seek better ways to do business. Aside from the business world, the same can be said for government entities, clubs, organizations and even our family finances. We may not always like these inspections, but they are necessary for growth and improvement.

Through it all, I am convinced we must implement three basic steps (and, of course, a bunch of more complicated ones) to make our way through. I picked these up over time, and I try to live by them, although I am far from perfect. Even so, I shared these with our staff, and I thought some of you might appreciate them, too.

Show up. Show up to work. Show up for personal commitments. Show up for anything you care about — and show up on time. And, when you can, show up in person. Don’t email. Don’t call. Don’t Zoom. Be there. Nothing else matters if you can’t show up. On a related note, don’t cancel or postpone or delay. Do what you say you are going to do and communicate your progress so others don’t have to wonder if you did something or not or doubt your follow-through. It sounds so simple, and it is. Show up.

Pull the wagon. Mitt Romney took immense criticism over this comment in his presidential campaign, but there is truth to it. When any nation, organization or company has more people in the wagon being pulled than those who are pulling it, disaster looms. For our company, pulling the wagon is about getting face to face with our customers and presenting ideas to grow their businesses. Internally, it's about continually pitching new ideas for editorial stories, events, distribution spots, advertising and any process improvements. We encourage our staff members to be positive and upbeat and offer to step up and go beyond the bare minimum of what is expected. Are you pulling the wagon, or are you expecting others to pull you?

Know it’s a journey. Very few problems are created or fixed in a day or a week or a month, and the work is never really done. The answers are in plowing forward, adjusting, plowing forward, adjusting, and so on. Progress will be made, as long as everyone is in it together, but the one broken link in the chain analogy holds true. Challenges have always existed, and they always will. They simply change. Some are bigger hills to climb than others, but challenges will exist perpetually — and so will the fight to accept and conquer them. It is not a sprint, though; it is a journey.

I am fortunate to work with great team members who understand these steps and make them part of their daily routines, even without me having to say them. I thank those who commit to this, and I challenge those who don’t. I hope you do, too, as I am truly convinced it makes our little spot in this big old world a much better place to be.

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman 
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

Best Jordan Creek Area Store

1. Von Maur

2. Christopher’s Fine Jewelry

3. Scheels

CIVIC SKINNY
AI legislation. Data centers. Free lube. A near Emmy win. And 222,617,547 alcoholic drinks.

By CITYVIEW staff

Ever wonder how — or if — our elected officials are dealing with Artificial Intelligence and how they are juggling the risks and benefits for their constituents? The National Conference of State Legislatures recently released a tool showing Artificial Intelligence legislation by state.

In 2025, 48 states and Puerto Rico introduced some form of AI-related legislation, while 26 states adopted or enacted more than 75 new measures. Examples of those actions include:

Arkansas enacted legislation clarifying who owns AI-generated content, which includes the person who provides data or input to train a generative AI model, or an employer if the content is generated as a part of employment duties.
North Dakota’s new law prohibits individuals from using an AI-powered robot to stalk or harass other individuals, expanding current harassment and stalking laws.
New Jersey adopted a resolution urging generative AI companies to make voluntary commitments regarding employee whistleblower protections.
New York enacted a law that requires state agencies to publish detailed information about their automated decision-making tools on their public websites through an inventory created and maintained by the Office of Information Technology.

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 2 cents this week, averaging $2.92 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 23 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.12, down 2 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.28. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.49 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 23 cents lower than the national average of $3.51.

Natural gas prices were down $.21 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.51  MMbtu.

Lowest gas prices in the metro area. www.gasbuddy.com

Costco in Ankeny (4000 N.E. Spectrum Drive) - $2.52

BP in Ankeny (102 N. Ankeny Blvd.) - $2.52

Kwik Star in Ankeny (202 S.E. Oralabor Road) - $2.52

Sam's Club in Ankeny (4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.) - $2.52

Surviving and thriving
Local cancer survivors share their stories of strength and resilience.

By Rachel Harrington

As has been widely reported in recent months, Iowa continues to have the second highest age-adjusted rate of new cancers in the U.S. and is one of only two states — the other being Kentucky — with a rising rate, according to the Cancer in Iowa Report produced by the Iowa Cancer Registry (see full report here). An estimated 21,200 Iowans will be diagnosed with new, invasive cancers this year. Yet, with cancer screenings and improved treatment methods, more Iowans are joining the estimated 171,535 cancer survivors living in the state now.

Good advice
Erik Erikson had just started an average workday in the spring of 2020 when his co-worker, Kraig Daugherty, noticed Erik was sweating profusely and struggling, even though it was still early in the morning. Daugherty mentioned his concern to Erikson, but he shrugged it off, not thinking much of it. The Eriksons’ daughter graduated in May of 2020, and, that summer, he began falling ill. At first, he thought it was stomach flu.
“Kraig initially sat me down and convinced me to do something about it and that something was wrong. I’m thankful he did.”

These celebrities were born on this date: Adriana Lima, Alissa Violet, Dave Franco, Cody Horn, Jrue Holiday, Chris Young, Lil Duval, Evelyn Gonzalez, Kendra Wilkinson

SUBMIT: Send your local birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle: What do you call a therapist for cyclists? A CYCLE-OLOGIST! - Gail Tomlinson, Carolyn Rogers. Or, Dr. Spoke! - William Snyder. Or, An advice peddler! - Sharon Hill Watkins. Or, CYCLO therapist! - Rex Post

Today's riddle: What is the hardest thing about learning to ride a bike?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or CITYVIEW magazine, contact:

Aaron Burns
Advertising Sales Manager
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 330
Mobile: 712-310-3860
aaron@dmcityview.com

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