GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. …...Lee Iacocca posed this question in his 2007...

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 94 NO. 6

The JUNE 2014

RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365page 2

PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is included in annual events fees. Non-members: $3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Partnership is published monthly by the Greater Burlington Partnership 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601. POSTMASTER send address changes to Greater Burlington Partnership (USPS 001-692) 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601

WHERE HAVE ALLTHE LEADERS GONE?

Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO Greater Burlington Partnership

Lee Iacocca posed this question in his 2007 book with the same title. Plenty of folks debate the effectiveness of the cigar-toting automotive magnate, but he certainly knows a thing or two about leadership. In his view, the challenges facing the nation and American business today may outweigh the potential of the leaders currently in place. It would be difficult to outright dismiss his claims if you looked at Congress even for a brief minute. New leaders must emerge.

In our own corner of the world, we have a strong community built by many leaders past and present. But what about tomorrow’s emerging leaders? Are they identified? Are they ready? How do we know?

The Greater Burlington Leadership program is one of the Partnership’s most acclaimed programming initiatives. Spearheaded by Kay Sackville Breuer and the corresponding committee, this program provides participants with a nine month immersion in topics such as economic development, civic engagement, personal growth, human relationships, etc. It isn’t just a series of classes. Leadership graduates are changed individuals - just ask them. They see the community differently, view their companies in a new light, and even go through a process of examining themselves.

You or members of your team can be a part of this group. Nominations are currently being accepted until June 15, and you can learn more at www.greaterburlington.com. It is well worth the time and investment.

SEED CAPITAL AVAILABLE FOR START-UPS There was an attempt a few years ago to start a local equity fund which would have been paired with mentoring and guidance for start-up or early stage companies which illustrated strong growth potential. Although the seed capital fund was never fully established, the movement sparked conversation regarding assistance for entrepreneurs and access to private capital.

A new organization has emerged in the Cedar Rapids area called the Iowa Startup Accelerator. The group, financed entirely by private investors, specializes in offering assistance (both mentoring and seed money) to young tech-based companies in an attempt to prepare them for the venture capital market or major equity offerings. The goal is to accelerate the rate of growth of the company and streamline the financing process.

The group gave some presentations in Greater Burlington last month and is currently seeking clients from Southeast Iowa. A total of 10 companies will receive $20,000 in seed capital for partnering with the accelerator. If you know of a company that might be interested, the website to learn more is www.iowastartupaccelerator.com.

Brenda LevittEcon. Development Research Coordinator [email protected]

Brenda Wischmeier Director of Marketing 319-208-0040 [email protected]

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO [email protected]

Becky KusterCVB Ass. & Welcome Center Coordinator [email protected]

Kay Sackville BreuerVice [email protected]

Beth Nickel Convention & Visitors Bureau Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 [email protected]

Steve FrevertDowntown Partners, Inc.Exec. Dir. [email protected]

Sherri Krause Finance Manager [email protected]

Sheila Newman Program Director [email protected]

Belinda ColwellAdministrative Assistant [email protected]

David Toyer Dir. of Economic Development 319-208-0053 [email protected]

Mark Foster Program Dir. Govt. Relations and Young Prof. [email protected]

Rachel Lindeen Membership Director319-208-0046 [email protected]

page [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 94 NO. 6

The JUNE 2014

ON THE COVERGROWING TOURISM IN THE AREA Marketing and promoting the Greater Burlington community as a premier destination to both leisure and business travelers is the mission the Convention & Visitors Bureau Steering committee. They focus on making decisions that will grow tourism in the area. The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau Steering committee is a group of 10 dedicated individuals that realize the value tourism has on the Greater Burlington community. The Steering committee meets on a monthly basis and is the body which provides guidance regarding the annual marketing plans, facilitates grant programs, and finalizes annual reports. Some of the projects the Steering Committee is working on in 2014 include the development of a new grant program called Invent an Event, the review and selection for Community Event Funding award winners,

executing a community wide wayfindings study, and the implementation of new programs which will drive additional traffic to the Welcome Center.

Pictured Bottom Row L to R: Mike Shinn, MidWestOne Bank, Angela Beenken, DMC Historical Society

Top Row L to R: L.J. Pritchard, Titan Broadcasting, Bob Winkler, Catfish Bend Casino, Steve Staebell, Two Rivers Insurance, Randy Kester, Burlington Trailways

Not Pictured: Kent Rector, DMC Conservation, Christy Pfeifer, Comfort Suites, Rod Crowner, City of West Burlington, Becky Shockley, City of Burlington

Photo Credits: Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership

PARTNERSHIP RECOGNIZES SMALL BUSINESSES Over 150 members of the Chamber of Commerce celebrated small business week and shared their appreciation of local firms at the May 16 Small Business Appreciation Breakfast.

The organization is pleased to officially release the 6th Annual Small Business Survey Report. This report is the result of conducting 70 personal visits with small businesses in the county. Des Moines County businesses remain positive and are looking toward the future. For the fourth straight year, sales and revenue are on the rise. Employers are seeking to fill available positions and are looking to increase staff and many businesses are actively looking to renovate, relocate or expand in the coming months. Check out the entire report at: www.greaterburlington.com/bus_services.cfm

Read about the Small Business of the Year winner and the Small Business Competition winners on page 6.


Golf Classic

SAVE THE DATE15th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

AUGUSt 28, 12:30 pm SHOTGUN STARTBURLINGTON GOLF CLUB

For more information contact, Kay Sackville Breuer, [email protected] or 319-208-0041.

GREAT RIVER REGION TRAVELS TO D.C.Speaking for you at all levels of government is one of the many benefits you receive for being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. But you also have the opportunity to interact with your elected officials on a personal one-on-one level by attending the Washington, D.C. Summit.

On July 8 and 9, members from the Great River Region will be traveling to meet with Senators Grassley and Harkin and Congressman Loebsack. Additionally, significant time is spent with their staff discussing federal issues that affect the region and area projects.

Join us in being the advocate for business. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. For more information, contact Mark Foster, Program Director, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

The &

Downtown Cinema

Bring your family and your competitive spirit for the 4th Annual SnakeBall Race on the Crookedest Street in the World.

Registration will begin at 9 am on July 12 at the top of Snake Alley. You can purchase a numbered Burlington Bees baseball for each member of the family, $10 each. Be sure to bring the kids to meet Bees players and get autographs as well. The best part is there are no special skills required, the winner is the ball that makes it the farthest down the Alley.

Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, along with a “Home Run” prize for the farthest distance. Use your throwing arm and hope for a bit of luck as you enjoy a nice summer Saturday morning.

For more information, contact Downtown Partners at 319-752-6365.

OUTDOOR MOVIES RETURN TO DOWNTOWN

Looking for a fun way to spend summer evenings with friends and family? Then grab a lawn chair and head down to the 5 & V – downtown Burlington’s outdoor theater! Four great movies will be shown on the side of Drake Hardware and Software at Fifth and Valley Streets this summer. There’s no admission for the events, though donations are accepted. The movies will start at dusk, but be sure to come down early for games and activities – and to pick out a choice spot. There will be snack and drink vendors on hand, too.

Downtown Partners thanks Drake Hardware and Software and Elks Lodge #84 for making the 5 & V Downtown Cinema possible.

SNAKEBALL: MAKE IT A FAMILY OUTING

JUNE 27Despicable Me 2Sponsored by Dr. Mark C. Pothitakis

JUNE 21 - FrozenSponsored by: Elks

MOVIES START AT DUSK

GET YOURCommunity Guide

www.greaterburlington.com

RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365page 6

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

C-CAT, Inc.

1st PLACE WINNER $6,000 2nd PLACE WINNER $2,000

Bella Ragazza - Wendy Klein

3rd PLACE WINNER $1,500 4th PLACE WINNER $500

Total Relaxation and Wellness - Elizabeth ShaverThe Corner - Mikel Cline

This year the Small Business of the Year went to a company that received multiple nominations. One customer nomination commented that this business goes above and beyond saying “My elderly mother in law raves about the service technician that changed her light bulbs in the basement for her. ”

C-Cat, Inc. exceeds expectations in every way. They have increased their sales, their number of employees and their product line.

They have called Burlington home for over 50 years and are a big believer in buying local and in giving back to the community through volunteerism and donations. They are regular pests about keeping up with current regulations and helping to educate others.

Barn on the Ridge - Kevin & Jennifer Glendening

SMALL BUSINESS COMPETITION WINNERSBob Boyle, President & Anthony Boyle, Vice President


Last month Baker’s Pride, Inc. announced plans to invest $9.6 million in new equipment to expand the company’s production capabilities and create 62 full time jobs.

The Partnership’s economic development team worked with Baker’s Pride to identify and apply for state incentives that would help move the project forward, leading to the award of Targeted Jobs Withholding Tax Credits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority. In addition, the Partnership helped the company identify the opportunity to utilize Iowa’s research activities tax credits.

The Targeted Jobs Withholding Tax Credit is a pilot program enacted by the State in 2006. The program that allows the diversion of withholding funds paid by an employer to be directed toward the growth and expansion of targeted businesses located within a pilot city. Burlington is one of five pilot cities.

Baker’s Pride, Inc. specializes in the packaging of breads and doughnuts for food companies and distributors. The company has been in existence for 35 years and was acquired by Amincor, Inc. in October of 2008. The company has multiple facilities in Burlington, including its Mt. Pleasant Street Bakery and Jefferson Street Bakery.

BAKER’S PRIDE TO EXPAND

3 BROCHURES YOU NEVER KNEW WE HAD The Greater Burlington Partnership recently released two new brochures, the Burlington and West Burlington retail opportunities guides. Each guide highlights six available buildings or sites in Burlington and West Burlington. The guides can be used as a quick reference for developers interested in retail expansion in the Greater Burlington area. For a complete listing of available properties visit www.greaterburlington.com. Under the Business & Industry tab you will find options to locate available buildings and sites.

If you have property you would like to include in the guides or on the website, contact Brenda Levitt at [email protected].

The Community Quick Reference gets a face lift! Pages of information has been added to the Community Quick Reference or CQR, if you like acronyms. Call the office to request this brochure filled with community data including demographics, transportation stats, major employers and much more, 319-752-6365.

SEEKING PARTNERS FOR $50,000 SPORTS GRANT

The Greater Burlington Sports Commission, a committee of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, is currently seeking tourism sporting event partners to secure a $50,000 state grant. The Iowa Tourism Office certifies up to 10 Iowa communities as Sports Authority Districts. The Greater Burlington Sports Commission will be submitting an application to become one of the 10, and a recipient of the $50,000 grant.

All new and existing sports related events that attract visitors from outside an 80-mile radius of Des Moines County are encouraged to apply to receive a portion of the grant. Some eligible expenses would include design and placement costs for print, TV, radio, and internet advertising, design and mailing of brochures and fliers, design cost for website, and required bid fees. Funds must be spent during July 2014 – June 2015.

Each selected partner will be required to contribute towards a portion of a $25,000 cash match. The amount for each partner will be based upon the awarded funds. To learn more about the grant or to receive an application, contact Beth Nickel at [email protected] or 319-208-0045.

Mack & Used TrucksSince 1956

www.hlmack.com319-394-9143

ETHANOL IS

CLEAN.

Highway 34 & Beaverdale RdWest Burlington319-753-1100

www.BigRiverResources.com

Big River Resources

WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE

APPLY NOWApply online at www.greaterburlington.com by June 15. A volunteer committee selects candidates based on several criteria and encourage individuals of all ages to apply.

The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present Greater Burlington Leadership, an intensive professional development series, designed to strengthen leadership skills by empowering and educating people of all ages who live, work or have interest in Greater Burlington. The program gives both experienced and developing leaders a broader view of civic leadership responsibilities and opportunities through direct contact with a wide spectrum of institutions and people who shape the community where we live and work.

Annually, participants receive information on a number of topics and new projects in the community. Here are a few of the opportunities in which previous classes were able to take part:

• Generations in the workforce and how it relates to day to day work habits and styles

• Tour of KPI Concepts and CNH or other area manufacturers to learn first hand how they are growing in today’s economy and dealing with issues such as workforce

• Community tour with stops at the Capitol Theater, upper story development and historical places in the area

• Personality styles and how we work with others

• Tour of Lock and Dam 18 and an in-depth look at the Mississippi River

• Tour of the Iowa Capitol and one-on-one time with area Legislators, discussing issues important to our businesses and the community

• Issues in the education system including new trends such as the One-to-One Initiative and interactive classrooms

THE SESSIONSMonthly sessions are held at different locations from September through May. Sessions run from 8 am to 5 pm. Each session incorporates a full day of activities which may include a combination of presentations, tours, discussions, training, simulations and more.

Session Topics - Workforce, Education, Economic Development, Government Relations, Agriculture, Healthcare, Public Safety, Communications and Environment

Session Dates - September 17, October 15, November 5, December 10, January 14, February 10-11, March 11, April 8, May 13 and May 20

THE INVESTMENTTuition is $795 for members and $1295 for nonmembers to be paid prior to the first session and is non-refundable. Additional expenses for the Government Relations program include travel, stay and meals to Des Moines.

GREATER BURLINGTONLEADERSHIP

GREATER BURLINGTON LEADERSHIP GIVING BACK

It starts with an idea, then the collaboration begins and the result is an amazing impact! Participants of Greater Burlington Leadership are charged with giving back to the community through a collaborative effort. Participants work together learning numerous leadership skills, including time management, patience, delegation and communication. Each project represents the ideas of the participants and will make an impact in someone’s life.

Greater Burlington Leadership has now completed its third group project. The current project benefits the Des Moines County Humane Society. Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships of Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live, presented by Nationwide Insurance, will be used for the current needs of the Humane Society.

Previous projects included the Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, which produced proceeds of $21,000 and was used for the continuation of the after school programs in Burlington. The inaugural project, Occupy Hunger, produced more than 2,800 non perishable food items and $2,400 for local food pantries and fed countless residents.

The impact from Giving Back to the community is huge. In three years, approximately over $45,000 has been raised. The Greater Burlington Partnership is very proud of the success these classes have had in Giving Back. It will be exciting to hear what project the Greater Burlington Leadership class 2014 - 2015 decides to Give Back to.

EVERY YEAR A NEW IDEA GIVES BACK


INTERNS VS. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS KICKBALL COMPETITION

JUNE 16, 6 pm AT THE RECPLEXLast year the Interns did their best to embarrass the Young Professionals in a friendly game of kickball. This is the opportunity for Young Professionals to seek revenge. Get competitive and bring the family along to watch. RSVP to get on the roster by June 13. All YP’s are invited to cheer on their cohorts.

BIZ TOUR AT BORGHI USA, INC. TOURS ARE JUNE 23, 5:05 & 5:30 pm

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2ND ANNUAL INTERNS VS. YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

GREATER BURLINGTONYOUNGPROFESSIONALS

www.midwestonebank.com

2014 Presenting Sponsor

Jose Ponce, Requisition Engineer at General Electric Company: “I’m originally from Elmhurst, Illinois. I’ve now been a member of YP for two years. It’s a great way to network with people my own age and it keeps me informed about what’s going on in Burlington.”

Fun fact about Jose: “Most people don’t realize I have a twin brother. To answer the follow up question that comes with that: no, we are not identical. I am older by 13 minutes. And yes, 13 minutes matters because that makes me the older brother.”

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH

REWARDS LOCAL STUDENT WITH SCHOLARSHIP

The 2014 recipient is Kaylee Dochterman of West Burlington High School. YP Leadership Council member Alicia Allen, Northwestern Mutual, presented Kaylee with the scholarship during the awards ceremony. Since 2009, Greater Burlington Young Professionals have awarded more than $3,000 in scholarships made possible through the sales of t-shirts promoting Greater Burlington.

www.greaterburlingtonyp.com

Greater Burlington Young Professionals exists to encourage young professionals to become active members of the Greater Burlington community, offering monthly networking and professional development opportunities.

One way Greater Burlington Young Professionals gives back is to encourage young adults to strive in education. Annually, a scholarship is awarded to an area high school senior who will be attending Southeastern Community College.


Blair House Nursing & Rehab 1212 Indian Hills Dr, Burlington, 319-752-4100 Jean Westerbeck, Administrator, [email protected] House Nursing and Rehab is a 60 bed Skilled Nursing facility specializing in short term rehabilitation. Our unique neighborhood design creates an environment for an individualized approach to providing care. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available on site.

Hamilton Place Apartments 3325 Sterling Dr, Burlington, 217-223-7904Todd Shackelford, Owner, [email protected] Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging is proud to be a part of beautiful Burlington Iowa with our low income affordable Independent Senior Apartments. Each of the 15 apartments will have many modern amenities, helping our residents age in place.

McLaughlin Freight Services, Inc. 604 Main St, Mediapolis, 319-394-9263, www.mclaughlinfreightservices.comDan McLaughlin, President, [email protected] Freight Services, Inc. was founded by Daniel McLaughlin in 2003. As a family owned business we commit ourselves to provide you with satisfaction in all matters. McLaughlin Freight Services provides a personal one to one business working relationship with our customers and carriers. We love what we do and take great pride in the relationships we have created within the freight industry. It is our mission to dedicate ourselves to delivering the highest quality of trucking services to our customers. Our reputation has been achieved by focusing on the needs of our customers through honesty, integrity and accountability. We are continuously striving to ensure that your needs and expectations are met throughout the entire logistics process.

The Red Screen Door 301 Jefferson St Ste 4 Burlington, [email protected] Roy, OwnerThe Red Screen Door offers a beautiful array of country vintage and unique accessories for your home! A perfect place to find that unique gift.

THE RED SCREEN DOOROwner, Doreen Roy, Staff and Chamber of Commerce

Ambassadors celebrate the Grand Opening of The Red Screen Door located at 301 Jefferson St. Downtown Burlington.

Do you have a Business Success to share with the Greater Burlington Partnership? Contact Rachel Lindeen, Membership Director at

[email protected] or 319-208-0046.

MEMBERSNEW

BUSINESS SUCCESSES


To Submit Calendar Informationwww.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfmJUNE

PARTNERSHIPHAPPENINGS

16 - Interns VS. Young Professionals Kickball Competition

RecPlex - 6 pm

18- Pasta & Politics Winegard Board Room - 12 pm

21 - 5 & V Cinema Corner of 5th and Valley - Dusk

23 - Young Professionals Biz Tour

Borghi USA - 5:05 & 5:30 pm

27 - 5 & V Cinema Corner of 5th and Valley - Dusk

27 - Friday Fest Port of Burlington - 5:30 pm

For Partnership Event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com

1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 - Burlington Municipal Band Crapo Park Band [email protected]

1 - Teddy Bear Picnic Lake Starkerwww.addsiowa.org

1 - Greater Midwest “Hawkeye Classic” Baseball Tournament Burlington RecPlex www.burlingtonrecplex.com

2 - 7 - YMCA Blood Drive MVRBC 3407 Agency St.319-208-0158

3 - Magician Rick EugeneBurlington Public Library - 2 pmwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

5 - Gallery Hop Downtown Burlington www.greaterburlington.com

5-7 - Snake Alley Festival of FilmBurlington Capitol Theaterwww.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com

5-8- Cynapalooza400 Block of Jeffersonwww.originalcyns.com

7 - Kids Fishing DerbyBig Hollow Recreation Area - All Daywww.dmcounty.com

7 & 21 - Happy Joe’s Blood Drive MVRBC 3407 Agency St.319-208-0158

7 - National Trails DayFlint River Trail - 9 amwww.dmcounty.com

8 - Buy, Sell & Trade Flea MarketSCC/DMC Fairgrounds - 6 [email protected]

10-15 - Burlington Steamboat Days Main Stage Line-up 10 - Jerrod Niemann - 8 pm 11 - Karmin - 8 pm 12 - Chris Young - 8 pm 13 - Toby Keith - 8 pm 14 - Halestorm - 8 pm 15 - Hairball - 8 pmPort of Burlington www.steamboatdays.com

13 - NAMI Connections Support Group Burlington Public Library - 6:30 pm319-392-4016

13 & 27 - Explore Science and ArtBurlington Public Library - 10 amwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

14 - Kids YogaBurlington Public Library - 10 amwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

15 - Snake Alley Art FairSnake Alley - 8 am - 4 pm319-754-8069

16 - Friday Night CruisesDowntown Burlington 319-754-8459

20 - University of Iowa Donation Fundraiser - A Musical Journey of WomenCapitol Theater - 7 [email protected]

21 - 5 & V CinemaCorner of 5th and Valley - Duskwww.greaterburlington.com

24 - Snakes AliveBurlington Public Library - 2 pmwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

24 - Early Stage Support Group for SE IA Alzheimer’s Association Office - 10:30 amwww.alz.org/greateriowa

26 - Welcome Center Kid Activities Welcome Center During Farmers Market - 4:30 - 6 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

27 - Explore Science and ArtBurlington Public Library - 10 amwww.greaterburlington.com

27 - Friday FestPort of Burlington - 5:30 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

27 - 5 & V CinemaCorner of 5th and Valley - Duskwww.greaterburlington.com

27 - In the Matter of RalphCapitol Theater [email protected]

28 - Live at the Tiki Barn Tiki Barn on Tama Rd - 7 pmwww.southeastiowaparrotheadclub.com

29 - AC Tournament Trail Burlington RecPlex - 5:30 am - 1 pmwww.burlingtonrecplex.com

Multiple Dates:Bees Schedule, visit www.gobees.com

Burlington Public Library, visit www.burlington.lib.ia.us

Des Moines County Conservation visit, www.dmcounty.com

Farmers Market Every Thursday at the Port of Burlington 5 - 7 :30 pm

For complete event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com.


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IoNBACONPALOOZA SEEKS VENDORS

STEAMBOAT DAY TICKETS Tickets are available for the June 10 – 15 Steamboat Days. Steamboat Days has an action packed outdoor 6-day music festival line-up ready to rock! This year’s line-up includes Jerrod Niemann, Karmin, Chris Young, Toby Keith, Halestorm and Hairball.

Tickets are $60 if purchased by June 9 and $65 if purchased June 10 - 15. Tickets can be purchased online at www.steamboatdays.com.

We all love bacon, and that’s a fact. Sign up today and show off your bacon loving culinary skills. The first ever Southeast Iowa BaconPalooza is currently accepting registration for vendors. If you think you have a bacon-brimming dish the world just should not live without - BaconPalooza is the time to show it off! The BaconPalooza will take place at Memorial Auditorium on June 26. Vendor registrations are due by June 15. For questions or to register contact Chelcee Cheers at [email protected].

NATIONAL TRAIL’S DAY RIDEIn honor of National Trail’s Day on June 7 the Flint River Trail is coordinating a bicycle ride. A long and short ride option will be available to riders.

The long ride will start at Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness at 10:30 am and consist of 13 miles one way to Big Hollow Recreation Area or 26 miles round trip. The short ride will begin at the Flint River Trail South Rest Area off of North Prairie Grove Road at 11:30 am and features 7 miles to Big Hollow Recreation Area or 14 miles round trip.

A lunch will be served at approximately 12:30 pm at Big Hollows RV Campsite Shelter. To sign up, contact Zach James, Planning Director of Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission at [email protected] or 319-753-5107.

THE 2nd ANNUAL “MOST BEAUTIFUL” CONTEST Time to roll up your sleeves, dust off the shovels, and make your property shine!The Imagine Appearance and Attractiveness committee has launched the 2nd Annual “Most Beautiful” Contest. The purpose of the contest is to encourage local businesses and residents to beautify their property. Simply click on the “Most Beautiful” contest button and complete the form by June 13. Once you apply….all of the improvements need to be completed before judging begins on June 23.Every applicant will receive a sign declaring “One of Burlington’s Most Beautiful.”First place winners will receive a certificate of recognition and a sign declaring “Most Beautiful” from the Imagine Committee.For more information contact Beth Nickel, Executive Director of Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, at [email protected].

55th ANNUAL SHO-QUO-QUON GOLF TOURNAMENT The Burlington Golf Club invites you to sign up for the 55th Annual Sho-Quo-Quon Golf Tournament on July 9 at 7:30 am. Entertain your customers, clients, employees and friends. Participation is $95 per person plus cart, includes a full breakfast, delivered box lunch and roast sirloin dinner. Enjoy a day of food, drinks, golf and fun! For more information or to sign up a team, contact the Burlington Golf Club at 319-752-2769.

WELCOME EXCHANGE STUDENTSOver the past decade Greater Burlington has had the honor of hosting a number of international students from all over the world including China and Japan. These students have felt welcome in both the public and private schools, so much that many have come back to attend colleges in the United States, including Southeastern Community College. Kudos must be given to all of the community members that have hosted these exchange students and kudos to the educators.

For more information, on these students check out the full story written by Jermaine Pigee in The Hawk Eye.

GET YOURCommunity Guide



Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss education with the leaders of the Des Moines County schools. The June Pasta & Politics will feature school board members

from four Des Moines County schools and Southeastern Community College. Lunch will be ready at 11:45 am and

the forum will begin at 12 pm. Lunch costs $10.

PASTA & POLITICSJUNE 18 at 12 pm

Special thanks to the sponsor:

RSVP to Mark Foster, Government Relations Program Director, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

BURLINGTON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

FRIDAY FESTPORT OF BURLINGTON JUNE 27, 5:30 - 8 pm

Sponsored by: Burlington Steamboat Days and Servpro of BurlingtonBeverage Sponsor: Fleck Sales Music by: Eric Pettit Trio

PRESENTED BY: THE LAMBERT ST. LOUIS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Thursdays, 5 –7:30 pmPort of Burlington

Farmers Market is supported by Great Western Bank of Iowa.



Doug Loon of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce visits with Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President and Rachel Lindeen, Membership Director after his

presentation during the annual conference.

Deborah Durham, Director of the Department of Economic Development Authority, Lt. Governor, Kim Reynolds and Governor Brandstad congratulate

Dana Johnston, Drake Hardware & Software after she received the award.

BREUER AND LINDEEN ATTEND MID AMERICA CHAMBER EXECUTIVES

Vice President Kay Sackville Breuer and Membership Director Rachel Lindeen attended the annual Mid America Chamber Executives (MACE) conference for educational opportunities, high-level networking beyond their colleagues in their own states, and a chance to better understand the key policy, economic, and workforce issues affecting all of the MACE states. The keynote speaker was Harrison Coerver, co-author of Race to Relevance and Road to Relevance.

MACE is made up of chamber professionals belonging to their state chamber executive organization or state chamber of commerce in the six-state area of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. MACE is the go-to organization for chamber news, resources and networking in the Upper Midwest and is served by a board of directors.

After serving as President of MACE in 2011-2012, Sackville Breuer finished her third term on the board of directors upon the conclusion of this year’s conference. “Volunteering and mentoring other executives is a worthwhile experience,” said Sackville Breuer. “I enjoy meeting other professionals throughout the Midwest and learning new ideas to keep the Partnership relevant.”

DANA JOHNSTON DPI VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Dana Johnston, Co-Owner of Drake Hardware & Software and TurnKey Creations who was recently recognized as Downtown Partners’ Volunteer of the Year at the Main Street Iowa Awards in Des Moines.

Dana has been actively engaged in all aspects of Burlington’s Main Street program for many years. She owns two businesses in downtown, and her upstairs condo was included on a tour of downtown residences. Dana has been instrumental in the success of the 5 &V Outdoor Cinema, which is projected on her building. She also secures event sponsorships and assists with the annual SnakeBall fundraiser.

Dana has served on the Downtown Partners Board of Directors since 2009 and was Chair in 2013.

SURVEY SHOWS STRONG DEMAND

RiverPark Place610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200

Burlington, Iowa 52601TELEPHONE 319-752-6365

FAX 319-752-6454E-MAIL [email protected]

WEB SITE www.greaterburlington.com

Recognizing the importance of housing to economic growth, the Partnership recently conducted the 2014 Housing Survey. The survey is used to gain objective input from a cross-section of Chamber of Commerce members, employers and employees, measuring their opinions on Greater Burlington’s housing marketplace, needs and policies.

Over 290 people responded to the survey indicating strong support for more housing options. Here are some highlights.

Follow Us On

• 42% of respondents have looked for housing (for sale or for rent) in the past 18 months

• 65% of respondents who looked for housing indicate they were looking to buy a home

• Over half of respondents (52%) indicate they did not find housing that met their needs

• Of respondents that did not purchase a home the top two reasons were: available housing did not meet their need (44%) and housing was too expensive (31%)

• Of respondents that did not rent the top two reasons were: housing was too expensive (41%) and housing was in poor condition (36%)

• 17% of respondents indicate lack of housing as the top reason for difficulty in recruiting and retaining employees

• 45% of respondents describe the area’s housing as “available but old and poorly maintained”

• 86% of respondents indicate Greater Burlington needs more housing options

• 93% of respondents support area cities taking an active role in encouraging new housing development

• Looking at policies cities can use to support housing, respondents are most likely to support tax abatement (45%) and public development of subdivisions (24%)

• Only 15% of respondents indicate they do not support policies to encourage new housing development

AVAILABLE HOUSING A TOP CONCERN

GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. …...Lee Iacocca posed this question in his 2007...

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Transcript of GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. …...Lee Iacocca posed this question in his 2007...