Buzz Bites

In this episode of Rayser's Buzz Bites Community Corner miniseries, host Emily Burds interviews Emily Zimmon from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cedar Rapids in Eastern Iowa. Rayser's own COO, Angie Hoover, joins the discussion as well.

They discuss the organization's mission and programs, the process of becoming a Big Brother or Big Sister, upcoming fundraising events, and the importance of community engagement. They also...

In this episode of Rayser's Buzz Bites Community Corner miniseries, host Emily Burds interviews Melissa Wall from Horizons - Meals on Wheels, along with CarePro's executive director Danielle Schwiebert, who currently sits on the Horizons Board of Directors.

They discuss the Meals on Wheels program, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of good nutrition. They dive into the shared client demographics and challenges be...

In this episode of Rayser's Buzz Bites Community Corner highlight, host Emily Burds interviews Jess Netolicky and Charity Tyler from the Cedar Rapids Library Foundation, along with Rayser's own Sean Williams, who is involved in the organization.

They discuss the foundation's role in funding innovative programs and services of the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Jess Netolicky explains her role as a development associate a...

The gals are back from Vegas and ready to chat about their "high-rolling" days in Sin City at the TEA EO23 Conference!

In this recap, Buzz Bites host, Emily Burds and Rayser's COO Angie Hoover discuss their experience at the Employee Owned 23 conference.

They cover various topics, including keynote speeches on safety, engaging the multi-generational workforce, and the future of AI and technology.

They also talk abo...

We're back! After an unexpected hiatus, we are up and running again and launching a brand new series!

Welcome to the Community Corner! Throughout the next several months, we will highlight various community organizations that our employee-owners are involved in to share the great work these charities do in the community and how YOU could get involved.

To kick us off, we are thrilled to be featuring Waypoint Services!...

The IA/NE Chapter Chat is taking over again to chat about the 2023 Midwest Regional Conference!

Chapter Chat host Emily Burds (Rayser Holdings) is joined by Brian Crotty (HDH Advisors), Bob Theisen (DISTek), and Cathy Maddox (Commonwealth Electric) to chat about their experience at the 2023 Midwest Regional Conference, held in Minneapolis, MN Septemeber 20-22!

The group chats about what it was like being a part of record...

We're bringing back our "Voices of Leadership" miniseries to introduce you to Dave Rice, the new General Manager of J-TEC!

Rayser's Buzz Bites host Emily Burds sits down with Dave to find out about his backstory, his approach to leadership, and why he is excited about employee ownership. They chat about J-TEC's potential for expansion and some of Dave's favorite things and places to be. Welcome to the...

We headed "Up North" to talk ESOP!

Rayser Buzz Bites Host Emily Burds sits down with Rayser's CEO Michelle Jensen, and COO Angie Hoover, to discuss their experience in Minneapolis at the 2023 ESOP Association's Midwest Regional Conference.

The gals break down their week of educational sessions and roundtables and share their favorite sessions and biggest takeaways! They highlight the awesome networking...

Please welcome our newest board member, Trevor Monnig, to the Buzz Bites Podcast!

Trevor joined the Rayser Board of Directors this past summer and has hit the ground running, learning all he can about Rayser and its subsidiaries.

Buzz Bites host, Emily Burds, sits down with Trevor to get to know him a bit better. He elaborates on his background and what inspired him to want to join the Rayser community in this way. He sh...

Have you ever wanted to learn more about another area ESOP? Here is your perfect opportunity with our latest TEA Chapter Chat Takeover!

The TEA Chapter Chat "Member Spotlight" series kicked off with our friends at The Stark Group!

Spotlight host Bob Theisen (DISTek Integration) sits down with Bob Gaffney, CFO of The Stark Group, to chat about how their organization promotes employee ownership within and outside the...

We're back with another TEA Chapter Chat Takeover!

It's a party for our second TEA IA/NE Chapter Chat episode!

Host Emily Burds (Rayser Holdings) brings together some chapter friends to discuss their experience at the 2023 ESOP Association National Conference in Washington, D.C., back in May.

Joining Emily for this discussion are Chris Paxson (LBS), current VP of Programming for the Chapter, Sam Mintle (Wright Service...

Welcome to the launch of our new miniseries "A Day In the Life" where we chat with employee owners from around Rayser about what they do in their roles.

We're kicking things off by highlighting KELTEK Sales and chatting with Andrew Ketcham about how he enjoys being a part of the sales team that works with KELTEK's customers across Iowa. Andrew shares his insights into the public safety sector and all that he...

We're talking about the Coolest Places to Work in this week's Buzz Bites episode!

Host Emily Burds catches up with Rayser's HR manager, Kala Liebe, to chat about the Coolest Places to Work Survey that is currently available for employee owners to participate in. The gals discuss what the survey is all about, what the feedback tells leadership, and the major changes and additions that have been made because of the f...

Who's ready for the 2023 Employee Owner Event this Friday?!

The EAC is so excited to bring together the Rayser community for this annual celebration of ownership. EAC Chair Deanna Jackman-Steggall, Vice-Chair Amy Lewey, and Advisor Angie Hoover chat with Buzz Bite's host Emily Burds, about what employee-owners can expect from this year's event!

They break down the agenda for the evening and all the fun that atten...

And we're back with part two of our 2023 National Conference Recap!

Emily Burds, Amy Lewey, Angie Hoover, and Deanna Jackman-Steggall gather again to chat about their experience in Washington, D.C., back in May, where they attended the TEA National Conference!

In part two, the gals talk about their experience during the conference portion of their trip to D.C. The four chose to divide and conquer to not miss any of the grea...

Welcome to the 2023 ESOP Association National Conference Recap!

There is so much good stuff to cover that we are splitting this recap into two parts, breaking down all the action!

Emily Burds, Amy Lewey, Angie Hoover, and Deanna Jackman-Steggall sit down to chat about their experience in Washington, D.C., back in May, where they attended the TEA National Conference!

In part one, the gals dive into the first part of ...

It's a Chapter Chat takeover! We're sharing the first episode of the TEA IA/NE Chapter Chat podcast featuring a great discussion about the TEA Annual Awards for Communications Excellence - aka AACE!

Join host Buzz Bites host Emily Burds, who is a member of the Communications Subcommittee for the IA/NE Chapter, as she chats with Cathy Maddox from Commonwealth Electric about the ins and outs of submitting and winning an ...

We wrap up our Committee Highlights series as Buzz Bites host Emily Burds, dives into all things EAC (ESOP Advisory Committee) with EAC Chair Deanna Jackman-Steggall!

The gals chat about their work with the EAC, including the four main areas that the EAC is responsible for and the current roster of representatives that help cover every location of Rayser to help keep all employee owners informed.

They talk about their big...

Our Committee Highlights series continues as Buzz Bites host Emily Burds, chats about Community Service with Lorene Buerger and Alexis Videgar!

The gals share the impact of the community service committee's work across all locations and their opportunities to get involved.

They talk about the upcoming events employee owners can look forward to and why community service is one of our core values here at Rayser.

Th...