Business

NORTH LIBERTY– Admittedly, residents of North Johnson County are rather spoiled when it comes to enjoying the area’s lakes and open waterways. Coralville Lake, the Iowa River and Lake Macbride provide easy access to freshwater fishing, boating and swimming.
But scuba diving? Here in Iowa?
Yes, it’s a thing. And, a new business in North Liberty offers all of the gear, training and travel options you need to channel your inner Jacques Cousteau.

By Chris Umscheid
North Liberty Leader
NORTH LIBERTY– Chris Emmons loves cars– particularly European imports– and knows their owners love them too.
Emmons opened the doors of Emmons Automotive Services fulltime on Nov. 1 in a brand new building just off of Highway 965 in North Liberty. While they gladly work on domestic vehicles, with affordable options for repairs, their focus is on European models. BMW and Mercedes are particularly special to Emmons, but he is also qualified to work on Audi, Volkswagen, Rover, Mini and Fiat.

North Liberty Leader
TIFFIN– It was a no-brainer for Aimee Pitlick when she was approached two years ago to be the director of a new childcare facility in Tiffin.
“I missed it. I missed the kids. I missed the work, the good things, the babies,” said Pitlick. “You have such an ability to make such a huge impact on them.”
Having already run Tiffin’s former Busy Bees Preschool and Daycare from 2005-2010, and with a business degree from the University of Northern Iowa, Pitlick was well prepared to take on the task of helping plan a childcare facility from the ground up.

NORTH LIBERTY– It can happen to anyone– even the experts.
After 20-plus years of experience as a certified professional accountant (CPA), Jennifer L. Palmer wasn’t too shocked when she became a victim of tax return identity theft.
“The bad guys are getting more sophisticated and smarter,” she said. “It’s very lucrative and very organized crime.”
Palmer– who has served the North Liberty community since 1995– said while there’s not much one can do to avoid falling prey to these criminals, there are some precautionary measures to be taken.

By Janet Nolte
North Liberty Leader
SOLON– Susie Garton was driving through town when she noticed something that would turn out to be the final catalyst for an idea she’d had for a couple of years.
“I saw someone was taking down the sign for Main Street Massage,” she said.