Business

  Gift cards top many people's holiday wish lists again this year, and State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald wants Iowa consumers to protect the value of those cards by following a few basic tips. "Some of those gift cards will never be redeemed, and nobody can afford to let money go to waste," stated Fitzgerald. "Whether you are giving or receiving gift cards this year, these tips can help ensure that they will be an enjoyable holiday present.

  Customers to see reduction in electric bills due to rate refunds and cost management plan   Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), a subsidiary of Alliant Energy Corporation (NYSE: LNT) received an oral decision today from the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) regarding its electric rate case. In its oral decision, the IUB approved an annual revenue increase of approximately $114.

  In our continued effort to promote the development of new business in Vinton, Vinton Unlimited would like to make you aware of a conference which will provide you with some new information about starting a business.       SCORE presents: “How to Really Start Your Own Business” seminar This workshop is in 3 parts: 1st session on Tuesday, January 4th, 2nd session on, January 11th and final session on January 18th.

  New brand identity and retooled web site launched by parent company Clickstop. What was old becomes new again, according to the adage. This certainly applies to the recent transfer of ownership and re-branding of SpaceSavers – a 20-year player in the housewares industry. SpaceSavers. com was purchased by eCommerce company Clickstop in September.

  Evening Meals -Serving Time: 5:30-6:30 pm Tuesday, January 4th Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Peas, Pears, Bread Pudding w/Raisins, WW Bread, Margarine and Milk. Activity: Pinochle/5 Crown/Spades @ 6:00 pm Tuesday, January 18th Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Green Beans, Fruited Jello, Cereal Bar and Milk.

    During the Vinton Unlimited After 5 event Friday evening, Matt Betterton and his staff at Betterton Family Chirpractic displayed the architect’s drawings for their new building.      Work will begin in the spring at the new site, on West 13th Street, near Theisen’s and the First Christian Church.

  4th STREET DINER NEWS 4th Street Diner HACAP North Benton Center 202 East Fourth St Vinton, IA 52349 319-472-4761 Serving Buffet from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday through  Friday. A choice of salads is available on the buffet. Everyone is WELCOME! Suggested contribution for  individuals 60 years old or older, and their spouse  (regardless of age) is $2.

  Fireside Winery receives accolades during Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition   In the wine world few wine competitions possess the prestige associated with it as does the Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition.  Organized and led by Doug Frost, one of three people in the world to hold both the Master of Sommelier and Master of Wines accreditations – and for the second year in a row Fireside Winery was invited to the competition.

  David Wrage received the Benton County Farm Bureau Federation recognition award at the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) annual meeting in Des Moines on December 1st. IFBF President Craig Lang, left, and IFBF Vice President Craig Hill, right, made the presentation to David Wrage (center). Benton County Farm Bureau received an Outstanding designation for its 2010 programs related to policy development; policy implementation; communication; ag education; strengthening the organization; and promoting the benefits of membership.

  Everywhere you look there are signs of the holidays – decorations, Christmas trees, festive lawn decorations and advertisements for this year’s “must-have” gifts. Unfortunately, along with all of this holiday cheer comes a tremendous amount of additional waste. During the few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, we generate an additional one million tons of waste per week compared to any other time of the year.