Grow Clinton Podcast

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a dedicated time to share resources, break the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind people that support, hope, and connection are available.

In episode 268 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Shawn Hickey, Outreach Coordinator for Speak Out Against Suicide (SOAS). Shawn joins us for an important, compassionate conversation about suicide prevention, mental health awareness, and the role each of us can play when someone in our lives may be struggling.

SOAS serves individuals and communities throughout Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois with a mission centered on advocacy...

Episode 267 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Chris Evans, Day Hab Associate Director at Pathway Living Center, Inc. in Clinton, Iowa.

Chris joins the podcast to share more about Pathway Living Center, its history, the services it provides, and the important work the organization does to support the individuals it serves.

Listeners will gain a closer look at the people, programs, and purpose behind an organization that makes a meaningful difference for individuals and families throughout the Clinton area.

Pathway Living Center plays an important role in our region by providing services and...

The Grow Clinton Podcast returns with Episode 266, featuring Tammy McClimon of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Clinton County, Iowa. Tammy joins us to share program updates, discuss the local impact of this remarkable literacy initiative, and reflect on the enduring importance of the vision Dolly Parton began in 1995.

For three decades, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has helped put books directly into the hands of young children, creating meaningful opportunities for families to read, learn, and grow together from the earliest years.

A Legacy That Begins With Books

Dolly Parton's Imagination Li...

Episode 265 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Maria Crooks, owner of The Deal Pit—Clinton, Iowa's newest destination for value-minded shoppers looking for great products at discounted prices.

The Deal Pit is a locally owned and operated bin store offering an ever-changing selection of merchandise at prices designed to make every visit feel like a deal.

A New Local Shopping Experience

Bin stores have become popular for their fun, treasure-hunt shopping experience. Inventory changes frequently, so shoppers may discover something new each time they stop in—from household items and seasonal prod...

The Grow Clinton Podcast is pleased to welcome Alicia Christiansen, superintendent of the Northeast Community School District, for Episode 264.

As the 2026/2027 school year gets underway, Alicia joins us to share an update on the people, programs, events, and investments shaping the year ahead at Northeast. The conversation will cover enrollment, homecoming, fall activities, and the many opportunities available to Northeast students and families.

Listeners will also hear an update on the district's Career & Technical Education  (CTE) addition and renovation project. CTE plays an important role in preparing students for in-demand careers, connecting education to local e...

Episode 263 of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Cheri Monahan, Director of Customer & Business Solutions for ITC Midwest, for an important conversation about the electric infrastructure that supports homes, businesses, industry, and future economic growth across our region.

Cheri joins Grow Clinton to explain how the electric grid works behind the scenes and why reliable, well-planned electric infrastructure matters as the Greater Clinton Region prepares for new investment and increased energy demand.

Transmission vs. Distribution

A key part of the discussion is the difference between electric transmission and electric distribution service.
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Grow Clinton is pleased to welcome AJ Martin of Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY) to Episode 262 of the Grow Clinton Podcast.

In this episode, AJ discusses BJRY's work, services, and commitment to supporting industrial customers through dependable rail transportation solutions. BJRY has contracted with the City of Clinton, Iowa, to provide third-party industrial railcar switching services for customers located in the Lincolnway Industrial Rail & Air Park.

This new service represents an important asset for businesses that depend on efficient rail access, reliable freight movement, and flexible logistics options. By providing professional switching services within the park...

In this episode, we welcome Tom Bowman and Ellie Kenney of Community Health Care (CHC), Inc. to discuss the organization's work, current updates, and its continued commitment to accessible, patient-centered care in Clinton and across the Quad Cities region.

CHC provides comprehensive health services designed to meet people where they are, helping individuals and families access quality care regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Their services support healthier households, a stronger workforce, and a more resilient community—essential foundations for long-term economic and community development.

Tom and Ellie share general CHC updates, including ne...

The latest episode of the Grow Clinton Podcast features Eric Funk, Site Director at 3M in Cordova, Illinois, and Administrative Assistant Briana Davis. 

Listen in to learn how a longtime regional employer is investing in innovation, operational excellence, workforce engagement, and a future that continues to serve customers around the world.

For more than five decades, 3M Cordova has been an important part of our region’s industrial base. Since opening in 1970, the site has grown into a Center of Excellence within 3M—supporting more than 16 technologies and a global supply chain that reaches 10 countries.
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In Episode 259 of the Grow Clinton Podcast, we welcome Justin Shaffer, superintendent of the Camanche Community School District, for a timely conversation about the district’s direction, priorities, and plans for students and families.

Camanche Community School District serves approximately 1,000 PK-12 students across three attendance centers in the City of Camanche and also serves families from Follets, portions of Clinton, and surrounding rural areas. Its close-knit structure helps the district deliver broad academic and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining an environment where students are known by name.

Looking Ahead

One major topic is...