The Messenger recently asked dozens of community and business leaders to rub their crystal balls and answer this question. We received 27 responses and bring them to our readers as the first Messenger Spotlight of the new year.

One who I surely would have asked is former mayor and judge Albert Habhab. 2025 is the first year since 1952, when he opened a law practice in downtown Fort Dodge, that one of the city’s most famous citizens didn’t usher in a new year. He died a year ago at the age of 98. “The Judge” had long made it known he would host a birthday party on his 100th on Sept. 6, 2025. He may have fallen short, but some of his closest friends plan to mark that 100th anniversary on Sept. 6 at Community Orchard.

I know I reached only a small percentage of the city’s leaders with my question for the new year. I apologize for that. If you would like to contribute your thoughts in about 100 words on how your company or organization will help the Fort Dodge community grow in 2025, please drop me a note — paulstevens46@gmail.com — and we will publish them in a followup to this Spotlight.

With that, here are our responses:

Joel Allen, director, ISI (Iron Sharpens Iron), Team Camps

At ISI Team Camps, our New Year’s resolution is to continue driving growth and opportunity in the Fort Dodge community. Last year, our camp brought over 1,500 participants and their families to Fort Dodge, boosting the local economy and highlighting the incredible businesses that make your city special. We are deeply appreciative of Iowa Central Community College and its phenomenal campus, which provides the perfect environment for athletes to grow and thrive. This year, we aim to strengthen those connections, increase camp attendance, and showcase all that Fort Dodge has to offer, solidifying its reputation as a premier hub for youth sports and community excellence.

Kraig Barber, market president, First State Bank

At First State Bank we strive to work with community businesses and organizations to help facilitate their goals of growing and being successful each year. In order to help understand how a company wants to grow takes a concerted effort of asking and listening what their company is about and what goals they have, what goods or services it produces, how their operation is run, who their customer base is, and knowing about what resources are in the area and then try to put all of this together to facilitate a plan to help them be successful in the coming year. We do this one company at a time and each of these businesses then helps propel this area into a sustaining and growing place to work and live. Happy New Year!

Matt Bemrich, mayor of Fort Dodge

As I reflect on my final year as mayor, I recognize the incredible progress we’ve made as a community and the important work that remains. Over the past year, we’ve focused on strengthening infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and enhancing quality of life for all residents. However, there is still much to be accomplished. Key priorities include finalizing long-term infrastructure projects, fostering partnerships to attract new businesses, and addressing housing shortages to meet the needs of a growing population. It is also essential to continue building on our efforts to create a more inclusive and connected community. As we approach the end of this chapter, I remain committed to working diligently with city leaders, residents, and stakeholders to ensure a strong foundation for the future.

Terry Christensen, Iowa Group publisher

As the Messenger approaches 170 years serving readers and advertisers in North Central Iowa, our resolution for 2025 is to remain committed to providing the best in local news and sports coverage.

We are greatly appreciative of our numerous relationships with businesses, organizations and civic groups throughout the area, most of which are our friends and neighbors.

The Fort Dodge region has experienced so many positive improvements over the past decade, thanks to the countless number of people willing to help lead the way. We look forward to reporting even more success stories in 2025.

Charles Clayton, director, Athletics for Education and Success (AFES)

AFES New Year’s resolution is to continue Supporting and Believing in Fort Dodge! Even though we have been hit with negative news over the last few years, we believe Fort Dodge is greater than those negative things and has great people here and is still a great place to live and raise a family!

Don Decker, chairman, The Decker Companies

For nearly a century, The Decker Companies has been proud to be a part of the Fort Dodge community. Each year, our resolution has been to continue to build on the success of our company since my Uncle Loren Decker started it 93 years ago with a single Model B Ford truck. Last year we donated $1 million for the renovation of Decker Auditorium on the Iowa Central Community College campus and expect to continue to be a contributor to ICCC in the future.

The Decker Development Park on the east side of Fort Dodge, part of the Cross-Town Connector Improvement Project, includes MidAmerican Energy; Moeller Furnace & Air, a longtime Fort Dodge company, who plans to move into their new facility in 2025; FORCE America, a hydraulic company, who is building a new manufacturing facility in the Park; and a new sale to a multi- national company who is currently in the due diligence process for building a facility as well.

Not all of our contributions are as visible, but important to us and to the community. We just committed to a $100,000 contribution for a new surgical center at UnityPoint Health– Trinity Regional Medical Center; and we will continue to support local organizations, contribute food to food pantries, and sponsor a family through employee contributions during the holidays, just to name a few.

Dave Flattery, market president, Availa Bank and member of City Council

At Availa Bank, our New Year’s resolution for 2025 is to continue to strengthen our commitment to the Fort Dodge community by offering financial products and services that meet the local needs. Additionally, we will continue to support local organizations, including the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance to promote economic growth. For 2025, at Availa Bank we will continue to encourage our team to be involved in the community to foster a thriving Fort Dodge and region.

Leah Glasgo, president, UnityPoint Health

New Year’s Resolution for UnityPoint Health — Trinity Regional Medical Center: “Promote Health, Wellness, and Community Collaboration to Foster a Stronger Fort Dodge and surrounding communities in 2025.” We will continue to focus on accessibility in rural Iowa to key services such as cardiology, surgery, family medicine, oncology and women’s services, retain and recruit talented and caring healthcare workers, develop partnerships that help us meet the needs of our community, and provide excellence in patient-centered care. This work will not only strengthen the hospital’s mission but also contribute to the broader growth of Fort Dodge, creating a healthier and more resilient community. Wishing you all a healthy, Happy 2025 from all of us at UPH Fort Dodge!

Mary Green-Warnstadt, executive director, Main Street Fort Dodge

The New Year’s resolutions for Main Street Fort Dodge include long- and short-term goals.

With this holiday season winding down, we recently launched a fundraising campaign for downtown Christmas lights. We want to enhance our festive Merry on Main Street activities by reimagining the light displays along Central Avenue for the 2025 holiday season.

Looking long-term, our Main Street program will develop Community Transformation Strategies for downtown. The process will rely on the input of property and business owners as well as residents and local leaders to determine our future priorities. Interested in joining the conversation? Email us at info@MainStreetFD.org.

Phil Gunderson and Rob Gunderson, owners, Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Fort Dodge and Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home of Manson

Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services along with Larson-Weishaar Funeral Home is resolved to serve our communities and the families who call upon us at the time of loss. Adapting to changes in technology, services requested and the ways families wish to memorialize is very important to us. We are resolved to helping reduce the stress and simplify the ease in the funeral pre-planning experience. Our staff will continue to provide post-service follow-up and care in support of those who grieve, as well as our community services of remembrance. Gunderson’s and Wieshaar’s will continue to be involved in the success, growth and improvements in our communities and region.

Luke Hugghins, business partner, McClure

For many years, McClure has been a proud partner in developing infrastructure and assisting in economic development planning throughout Fort Dodge and the surrounding region. In 2025, McClure will continue to seek opportunities to grow both locally and nationally. The local communities we serve are the core of our business, and we are excited to welcome back Fort Dodge native, Nick Bennett, who has accepted a full-time position as a Staff Engineer.

Matt and Abigail Johnson, owners, Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota

Happy New Year to all the readers of The Messenger! As always, we feel incredibly blessed and grateful to be a part of the community of Fort Dodge. We thank you all for your continued support over the years. Looking forward to 2025, our resolution is to be a helpful and positive influence in this community that we value so deeply. We believe having a team mindset with other businesses and the community as a whole will continue to strengthen the path forward. We want to continue to be a part of the positive momentum that is elevating Fort Dodge and making it an even better place to live, work and play.

Mike Johnson, Calvert & Johnson Insurance Services

As far as a resolution for our business, I would say that we are going to try and continue our giving/donating in 2025 as a corporation to making an impact with the youth in our community. A long time ago, our agency decided that the best way to invest in the Fort Dodge area was to concentrate on our youth and support Fort Dodge Community School District, St. Edmond Catholic School and Iowa Central Community College. Our belief is that by investing in our youth, we are committing to the future of Fort Dodge for not only the coming year but hopefully many years to follow. Thank you for your continued support of the Messenger and the Fort Dodge area.

Randy Kuhlman, CEO, Fort Dodge Community Foundation and United Way

Our resolution is to continue to invest in community projects and programs that will improve the quality of life for all citizens and continue or work to make Fort Dodge a safer community and a place where people will want to live, work, and raise their families.

Kerrie Kuiper, executive director, Visit Fort Dodge

Visit Fort Dodge has the same basic resolution each year: bring visitors to our community! In 2025, our resolution is focused on encouraging and recruiting residents to talk about the good things happening in the community. We want residents to know they are an important part of bringing visitors to town, especially as they talk about entertainment, recreation, dining, and shopping opportunities. By inviting others and talking about the positives of the community, residents make a huge impact on how successful we are.

Mike Larson, market president, First Interstate Bank

The mission in 2025 for First Interstate Bank to continue to be a resource and partner for individuals, businesses, government and non-profit organizations to be able to rely on. Regardless, if it is partnering with time, talents, collaboration or capital.

We are committed to the community and its mission of quality growth while making it a phenomenal place to live, grow a business and raise a family.

My resolution is to make First Interstate Bank the employer of choice and the bank of choice, by making it an easy place to bank and work.

We truly believe in giving back to the community we serve.

Chad Lennon, West Region president, Woodruff Construction

Woodruff Construction will continue to support our community through our philanthropy on projects that serve the needs of various organizations in the community. The past year alone we finished the press box for the Iowa Central Rugby Team field, contributed to the design and construction of the gateway monuments on the Albert Habhab Veterans Memorial Bridge, donated needed concrete repairs at the Fort Dodge Public Library, raised funds for Community and Family Resources, and made significant cash donations to many local public and private organizations. Our employee owners will continue to build the future of our community and families with purpose, this year and forward.

Monsignor Kevin McCoy, Holy Trinity Catholic parish / St. Edmond Catholic School — Fort Dodge, and St. Mary Catholic parish / St. Mary Catholic School — Humboldt

Our Catholic community of Webster County is filled with much hope and optimism for 2025. As a community of faith, we will continue to invite folks to know the saving power of God in Christ Jesus; welcoming all to join us in prayer and worship as well as in our efforts to help provide for the food insecure through our food pantry and partnership with Upper Des Moines Opportunity. St. Edmond Catholic continues to offer educational formation rooted in Christian principles, and is welcoming new students, thus expanding the community we serve. The Marian Home and Village provides for the needs of those aging in our community with not only independent living opportunities and skilled care, but also looking forward to the opening of the newly rebuilt assisted living facility along MLK Drive adjacent to the campus on Sixth Avenue North.

Dennis Quinn, chief of police, Fort Dodge

The new year’s resolution for the Fort Dodge Police Department is first and foremost to continue to be committed to the safety, security, and well-being of our community. We hope to accomplish this through building trust and strong partnerships with our community members. As strong community partners, we will work to make Fort Dodge a place where people want to live and work. Fort Dodge is a wonderful city with a great many exciting things on the horizon. The Fort Dodge Police Department looks forward to being a part of this.

Rebecca Reitmeier, owner, Bloomers on Central Coffee Shoppe

After being flooded out of the Trolley Center a year ago, we are excited to announce 2025 as the “Year of the Bloom” for Bloomers on Central Coffee Shoppe. Despite the challenges, we made the decision to keep our business downtown, staying true to the vision established by the original owner over 30 years ago.

We resolve to reopen Bloomers in 2025 to continue supporting the growth and vibrancy of the downtown community. Our mission remains the same: to be a central hub for local gatherings, fostering connections and creating a welcoming space where everyone feels at home.

Maury Ruble, 6-12 principal, St. Edmond Catholic School

St. Edmond Catholic’s New Year’s resolution focuses on fostering a vibrant educational experience that unites students and adults in a shared mission to strengthen the Fort Dodge community. By emphasizing academic excellence, respect, and service, the school aims to create a nurturing environment where learning transcends the classroom. This commitment not only enhances academic growth but also builds lasting relationships among families and local organizations, promoting a stronger, more connected Fort Dodge. Through various programs and initiatives, St. Edmond strives to inspire active participation and a sense of belonging for all, paving the way for a brighter future together.

Dan Scott, CEO, Citizens Community Credit Union

Credit unions are built on a “people helping people” philosophy and our commitment to that at Citizens Community Credit Union only continues to grow. Community is one of our core values and volunteerism is a corporate goal, which eclipsed 1,400 hours in 2024. So I look for us to continue being a leader in donating our time and resources in 2025. Not just to make a positive impact in Fort Dodge, but all seven of the communities we operate in throughout NW Iowa. We firmly believe that when the community succeeds, everyone succeeds.

Bill Shimkat and Ed Shimkat Jr., co-owners, Shimkat Motor Co.

As a proud family-owned business rooted in Fort Dodge, Iowa, Shimkat Motor Company resolves to inspire growth and togetherness in 2025. We will continue supporting initiatives like Coats for Kids, ensuring no child faces winter unprepared, and seek new ways to uplift our community. By supporting community initiatives and promoting shopping local, we aim to keep our small business community strong. We challenge fellow businesses and residents to get involved, give back, and help make Fort Dodge stronger. Together, we can achieve more — because we’re proud to call Fort Dodge home. Let’s make it a remarkable year!

Ryan Smith, president, Kingsgate Insurance

At Kingsgate, our New Year’s resolution is to continue to find ways to be a resource, beyond insurance, for our clients. The world continues to become a more complicated place; we resolve to bring solutions that can help simplify it. Clients are faced with a myriad of issues that involve risk, whether it’s the loss of tangible assets or navigating the complexities of compliance related risk. We resolve to scour the marketplace to find solutions that can help them focus on doing what they are best at, running and growing their businesses in 2025.

Julie Thorson, president and CEO, Friendship Haven

My hope for Friendship Haven that will also help the Fort Dodge community grow in 2025 is to continue to welcome new residents to our campus so many already call home. Whether that is people moving to Friendship Haven from outside our area or people who are moving in from their long-time Fort Dodge homes movement is growth and growth is good for everyone! We have openings available in River Ridge our Catered Living neighborhood. We would encourage people to consider 2025 the perfect time to move to Friendship Haven! In 2025 Friendship Haven will celebrate our 75th year!

Tracy Trotter, executive director, Marian Home

As we look ahead to 2025, Marian Home is excited to announce the opening of our Assisted Living in the first part of the year, at 925 Martin Luther King Drive.

Marian Home will continue to enhance the quality of life for seniors, expanding services, and fostering a vibrant, supportive community. Our goals for the upcoming year reflect our ongoing commitment to providing a safe, fulfilling, and inclusive environment for all residents and we remain committed to making retirement living affordable for all. Collaboration with local organizations, healthcare providers, and businesses will continue to be a cornerstone of our operations. By expanding our network of partnerships, we can offer residents a wider variety of services and ensure they have access to the support they need both within and outside of our community. Our goals for 2025 reflect our unwavering commitment to creating a place where seniors can enjoy a fulfilling, faith-filled and rewarding lifestyle that is supported by a compassionate team.

We believe that a successful retirement community should not just meet the basic needs of its residents but enrich their lives with opportunities for growth, connection, and peace of mind.

Dr. Jesse D. Ulrich, president, Iowa Central Community College

Our resolution is to continue our efforts for students to come to Iowa Central and finish their degree and/or certifications in the shortest amount of time possible with the least amount of student loan debt so they can have a better life.