Grow Clinton Podcast

Grow Clinton

The Grow Clinton Podcast   Welcome to the Grow Clinton Podcast!Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of the Greater Clinton Region! We’re diving into the vibrant stories of the people, projects, and partnerships that are sparking innovation and driving progress right here.This podcast, brought to you by Grow Clinton, a lively 501(c)(6) nonprofit based in Clinton, Iowa, serves as your go-to source for all things related to business retention, attraction, and tourism. We’re here to celebrate the efforts that keep our regional economy thriving and buzzing with energy!Why Tune In?Nestled along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Greater Clinton Region is a powerhouse of manufacturing and creativity. With major employers and top-notch infrastructure—including three Class I railroads, a fantastic highway system, and direct river access—this region is primed for growth and investment. Whether you’re a business mogul, a community cheerleader, or just someone with a curious ear, you’ll be inspired by the incredible stories and expert insights that showcase how Grow Clinton is crafting a stronger, more connected community.Join the Fun!Want to shine a spotlight on your business or organization in our podcast? We’d love to hear from you!Give us a shout at the Grow Clinton office: (563) 242-5702Check us out at www.GrowClinton.com.Our MissionTo promote business growth, build community, and advocate the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region. 

  1. 3H AGO

    GCP211 - My G.E.A.R. Outreach w/Liz Estilow, Found & Executive Director

    Liz Estilow, founder and director of My G.E.A.R. Outreach in Clinton, Iowa, joins the Grow Clinton Podcast to share how her local nonprofit is bringing comfort and hope to children entering foster and relative care for the first time. In this episode, Liz explains how My G.E.A.R. Outreach walks alongside kids ages 0–18 at one of the hardest moments of their lives by providing thoughtfully packed welcome boxes and first overnight bags so no child has to arrive in a new home with nothing but a trash bag of belongings. Listeners will hear how the organization serves children and foster families across multiple counties in our region—supporting Iowa’s Clinton, Jackson, Scott, and Dubuque counties, as well as Whiteside, Carroll, and Lee counties in Illinois. Liz breaks down what goes into each Welcome Box, from toothbrushes and toothpaste to shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, a water bottle, a hair brush, a fun wash cloth, a comb, liquid bath soap, and even a night light—essentials that help a child feel seen, clean, and a bit more at home on day one. Throughout the conversation, Liz unpacks the heart behind the My G.E.A.R. mission: to give the hope of Jesus, equip kids with basic necessities, promote acceptance, and help restore relationships in our community. You’ll come away with practical ways to get involved. Ways to donate Give a one-time or recurring monetary gift to help cover the cost of Welcome Boxes (about 50 dollars each) and First Overnight Bags (about 150 dollars each).​Sponsor specific items for boxes and bags, such as toiletries, pajamas, socks, underwear, blankets, journals, or age-appropriate toys and activities.​Organize a supply drive through your business, church, school, or civic group to collect new hygiene and comfort items to pack into the kits.​Ways to volunteer Help assemble Welcome Boxes and First Overnight Bags, ensuring each child receives essentials, including toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, pajamas, and a stuffed animal.​Serve as a community advocate by sharing My G.E.A.R. Outreach’s mission, inviting others to give or host drives, and connecting the nonprofit with local organizations in Clinton and surrounding counties.​If you’re part of a group, arrange a volunteer day focused on packing kits or sorting donated items to prepare them for quick delivery to children entering foster or relative care.Visit the My G.E.A.R. Outreach website at https://mygearoutreach.org/.  Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: Apple MusicSpotifyAmazon MusicBuzzsproutOvercastHave an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    33 min
  2. 3H AGO

    GCP210 - 2026 Prince of Peace Irish Auction w/Lindsay Morhardt & Sara Krogmann

    You’re listening to the Grow Clinton Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Lindsay Morhardt and Sara Krogmann from the Prince of Peace Irish Boosters, here to share all the details about the upcoming Prince of Peace Catholic Schools Irish Auction.  Click the link to view the Facebook event page! https://www.facebook.com/events/1483472503374294/ You can register and secure your seats now at https://e.givesmart.com/events/MQR/ This year’s Irish Auction is set for Saturday, March 7th, 2026, with the theme “Eat, Drink & Be Irish,” bringing the lively feel of a traditional Irish pub to an evening of fellowship, laughter, and purpose in support of Prince of Peace Catholic Schools. More than just a fun night out, the auction helps sustain faith-centered education, strengthen academic excellence, and support students as they grow in Gospel values and Catholic tradition. Tickets are $60 per person, and reserved tables of eight are available for $430 if secured by February 14th; after that, tables are $480, so early reservations are encouraged.  During the episode, Lindsay and Sara will walk us through the evening’s schedule: cocktail hour begins at 5:00 PM, the buffet dinner starts at 6:30 PM, the live auction kicks off at 7:30 PM, and the silent auction opens online on March 1st, giving you even more ways to support Prince of Peace students and school programs.  They’ll also highlight the delicious buffet, featuring chicken Marsala or carved roast beef with sides and desserts from Creative Catering Caravan, and share more about this year’s Honorary Chairs, Gerry and Trudy Murphy, whose longtime service and presence have meant so much to the school community. Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa. Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: Apple MusicSpotifyAmazon MusicBuzzsproutOvercastYouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    29 min
  3. 3H AGO

    GCP209 - 3rd Annual Education & Business Partnership Symposium w/Dr. Wes & Stacy

    In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny interview Grow Clinton's Stacy Borgeson and Dr. Wes Golden regarding the 3rd Annual Education & Business Partnership Symposium. Where: Northeast High School – 3690 Hwy 136, Goose Lake, IA When: Thursday, March 5th, 2026, at 5:30 pm -7:30 pm Follow the link to register! https://clintonia.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/40877. The 3rd Annual Education & Business Partnership Symposium brings together educators and business professionals to foster collaboration and innovation in the education sector. With a focus on creating meaningful partnerships between schools and local businesses, this symposium offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and exchange ideas. Don't miss out on this in-person event where you can connect with like-minded individuals, gain valuable insights, and explore new possibilities for enhancing education-business relationships. If you represent an employer, have students close to graduation, or are just interested in learning more, please consider attending! Follow the link to register! https://clintonia.chambermaster.com/eventregistration/register/40877. This event is free, but we ask that you register. A meal will be served.  In past symposiums, we've had the privilege of hearing directly from students and business leaders as they shared their experiences and perspectives. We will continue with that this year as well, and already have 10 students prepared to share their experience. These conversations have highlighted the power of collaboration between education and industry, giving students a voice while allowing businesses to share real-world insight on workforce needs and career pathways. The impact has been meaningful, sparking new ideas, stronger partnerships, and a deeper understanding of how we can better prepare our future workforce together. The Inaugural Symposium stemmed from the creation of an internship guide to share with businesses. Students need work experience before graduating from high school, and we need our local businesses to partner with our schools to provide it.  What better way to show that than to host a symposium that brings everyone together to reach a common goal?  Participating schools include: Clinton, Camanche, Fulton, Northeast, Calamus-Wheatland, and EICC. We currently have 22 businesses registered; however, we would love to see more register. The goal is to see 100 registrants, and we are currently at 73, with 3 weeks to go!  Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region. Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: Apple MusicSpotifyAmazon MusicBuzzsproutOvercastYouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    25 min
  4. 4H AGO

    GCP208 - All About Homes for Iowa w/David Miller, Executive Director & Great Guy!

    Welcome to Episode 208 of the Grow Clinton Podcast! Today, Andy and Jenny are joined by David Miller, Executive Director of Homes for Iowa, a mission‑driven nonprofit transforming the way Iowa addresses affordable housing, workforce development, and second‑chance opportunities. Learn more at HomesForIA.com. David brings a mix of public leadership and entrepreneurial grit to his work. Since stepping into the Executive Director role in July 2025, he has been guiding Homes for Iowa’s expansion across the state, helping build quality, affordable homes while strengthening Iowa’s workforce and reducing recidivism through hands‑on trades training. At the heart of Homes for Iowa’s work is a powerful idea: homes are more than structures; they are opportunities. Built through a unique partnership with Iowa Prison Industries and the Iowa Department of Corrections, these homes provide incarcerated individuals with real building‑trades experience and a meaningful path toward success upon re‑entry, while also delivering attainable homes to income‑eligible families across Iowa. In today’s conversation, we explore: How Homes for Iowa is tackling the housing shortage with innovative construction and delivery models.The impact of job‑skills training on workforce readiness and reduced recidivism.Real stories of families and individuals whose lives have been changed through homeownership and second chances.Whether you are passionate about community development, workforce solutions, or creative nonprofit innovation, this episode offers valuable insight into building stronger communities across Iowa. Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa. Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region. Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: Apple MusicSpotifyAmazon MusicBuzzsproutOvercastYouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    36 min
  5. FEB 9

    GCP205 - 2026 Mother & Son Dance w/Information, Referral & Assistance Service

    In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny are joined by Regan Michaelsen of Information, Referral & Assistance Services in Clinton, Iowa. In support of the organization's mission to bridge the service gap for community members most in need, IRAS will host its inaugural Mother & Son Dance on Sunday, March 1st, from 2 PM - 4 PM at Clinton's beautiful Vista Grande event center. Mothers & Sons will be invited to dance, laugh, smile, and make memories as a guest DJ keeps everyone out on the dance floor with current and classic hits! Pre-registration is now open online via the following link: https://members.growclinton.com/events/details/mother-son-dance-2026-42141. The deadline to pre-register is February 25th. Registration before the deadline is $20 (mother & son), plus $5 per additional son. If you'd prefer to pay at the door the day of the event, registration increases to $30 (mother & son), plus $5 each additional son. Save some cash and register in advance! Included with the tickets are entrance to the event, light refreshments, a chance to win a door prize, and the burning of calories on the dance floor :) This type of event fills up quickly because space is limited. Registration will close once the host facility reaches maximum capacity. Again, access the link below to pre-register and secure your spot. https://members.growclinton.com/events/details/mother-son-dance-2026-42141 For more information, please contact Regan Michaelsen at irasmichaelsen@gmail.com.  Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa. Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region. Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: Apple MusicSpotifyAmazon MusicBuzzsproutOvercastYouTubeFor more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    24 min
  6. JAN 30

    GCP204 - Discount Bins of Clinton, Iowa, w/Aaron McLarnan, Store Manager

    In this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast, Andy and Jenny interview Aaron McLarnan of The Discount Bins in Clinton, Iowa. At 1815 Lincoln Way, Unit B, you'll find Discount Bins; it's right next to Planet Fitness. If you're looking for unbeatable deals, go no further than Discount Bins. Discount Bins updates their inventory weekly with new surprises, offering everything from necessities to name-brand deals at unbelievable prices. Get in the habit of shopping frequently because the top sales items sell out quickly! Aaron will reveal new merchandise, the golden dollar sign, mystery boxes at the end of the week, raffles, gifts, contributions, and more! Stay up-to-date with The Discount Bins—Clinton, Iowa, by liking their Facebook page! "Clinton, Iowa, met all of our requirements, so we decided to move our operations there when we were prepared to expand into Iowa." The person mentioned is Aaron McLarnan. Discount Bins' After Dark Truckload Sales are always a hit with customers. They offer Wayfair furniture at a price point of $30 per piece. We reserve Thursday nights for these events, allowing those who work on Friday to still take advantage of the fantastic sales! Community building, economic development, and tourism promotion are the goals of Grow Clinton, a proud 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization in Clinton, Iowa. Our mission is to ignite business growth, strengthen community ties, and advocate for the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region. Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: - Apple Music - Spotify - Amazon Music - Buzzsprout - Overcast - YouTube For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    19 min
  7. JAN 30

    GCP203 - All About the Clinton, Iowa, Public Library w/Susan & Kate

    Guests Susan and Kate from the Clinton Public Library join hosts Andy and Jenny on this episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast to fill us in on all the exciting news, events, and happenings at the historic Carnegie Library in Clinton, Iowa. For more information, please visit www.ClintonPublicLibrary.us.  Special Highlights:  Tiny Art Show on Display at the Clinton Public Library from Thursday, February 5, to Saturday, February 28: View community members’ artwork throughout the main floor of the library. The display will then tour to the River Arts Center (Thursday, March 5–Thursday, March 26) and Clinton Community College (April).  Brand-new Memory Lab: A community resource designed to help preserve personal and recorded histories. We’re offering one-on-one trainings on Tuesdays and Fridays in January through March to learn how to use various machines, such as different scanners.   It's easy to sign up for a library card! Come in and visit us any time during open hours.  Programs out in the community include:  BookTok Bingo event this past October at the Copper MillBringing Libraries and Schools Together (BLAST) effortMany off-site storytimes at preschools and daycares, crafts at assisted living facilities and nursing homesThe Device Advice On-the-Go program is offered in collaboration with Clinton High School's Synergy programs.AND MORE! Resources include: Local history and genealogy collection Collection resources: Books, audiobooks, large-print books, magazines, DVDs, TV shows, graphic novels, manga, pickleball kits, cookie cutters, cake pans, and more! E-resources like e-books, e-audiobooks, e-magazine through Libby appStream movies and documentaries through KanopyStream music through Freegal Subscribe to the Grow Clinton Podcast at the following locations: - Apple Music - Spotify - Amazon Music - Buzzsprout - Overcast - YouTube For more information about the Grow Clinton Podcast, visit www.Facebook.com/GrowClintonPodcast. Have an idea for a podcast guest? Send us a message!

    35 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Grow Clinton Podcast   Welcome to the Grow Clinton Podcast!Get ready for an exciting journey into the heart of the Greater Clinton Region! We’re diving into the vibrant stories of the people, projects, and partnerships that are sparking innovation and driving progress right here.This podcast, brought to you by Grow Clinton, a lively 501(c)(6) nonprofit based in Clinton, Iowa, serves as your go-to source for all things related to business retention, attraction, and tourism. We’re here to celebrate the efforts that keep our regional economy thriving and buzzing with energy!Why Tune In?Nestled along the beautiful Mississippi River, the Greater Clinton Region is a powerhouse of manufacturing and creativity. With major employers and top-notch infrastructure—including three Class I railroads, a fantastic highway system, and direct river access—this region is primed for growth and investment. Whether you’re a business mogul, a community cheerleader, or just someone with a curious ear, you’ll be inspired by the incredible stories and expert insights that showcase how Grow Clinton is crafting a stronger, more connected community.Join the Fun!Want to shine a spotlight on your business or organization in our podcast? We’d love to hear from you!Give us a shout at the Grow Clinton office: (563) 242-5702Check us out at www.GrowClinton.com.Our MissionTo promote business growth, build community, and advocate the sustainable economic success of the Greater Clinton Region.