West Bend, Iowa Donald Miller General Manager, Northwest Communications The Grotto... and a WHOLE...
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Transcript of West Bend, Iowa Donald Miller General Manager, Northwest Communications The Grotto... and a WHOLE...
West Bend, Iowa
Donald MillerGeneral Manager, Northwest Communications
The Grotto . . .
and a WHOLE lot more!
History
Established in 1856 First town in Palo
Alto County Special tax of 5 cents
was voted on for the building of the railroad within Township borders
Celebrating 150th anniversary in 2006
Community Snapshot
Population – 834 Municipal electrical, water, sewer & gas Communication services, ie telephone, CATV &
Internet provided by Northwest Communications West Bend-Mallard High School – Grades PreK
through 2nd and 8th through 12th in West Bend St. Peter & Paul Catholic School – K through 6th
Amenities
Municipal Swimming Pool Ice Skating at Grotto Pond West Bend Golf & Country Club Public Library Professional Services
Doctor, dentist, lawyer
Community Daycare Center
AttractionsThe Grotto of the Redemption
Began in 1912 by Father Paul Doberstein. Largest accomplishment of its kind in the world
Father Doberstein died in 1954 In 1946, Father Louis Grieving came
to assist, staying for 50 years completing the project
80,000-100,000 tourists each year
Other Attractions
Historical sites Old School House & Post Office Sod House Historical Museum – A funding drive has been
started for a new building for the Museum Old Fashioned Soda Fountain at The Villager Lodging
Park View Inn & Suites Campground at Grotto
Variety of Shopping Choices
Business Climate 88 Businesses 8 of top 10 businesses have
10-30 employees Over 66% of West Bend
households fall above $40,000 in annual income
Approximately 75% of businesses are owned or managed by people under 50
Approximately 10 businesses have their main headquarters in West Bend with satellite offices in other communities
Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Country Club
Project began in 1977 Sold $200, $500 & $1,000 shares, offered rebate
toward membership for shareholders Lots of volunteerism involved in project
Economic DevelopmentMedical Doctor Committee
Project began in 1979 Donations from the community to build a medical building A Doctor was then recruited and in the mid 80’s 2 two new doctors
purchased the practice of which one is current at the clinic In the mid 90’s the building was also sold to the doctors Currently, the Clinic is part of Palo Alto County Health Systems – and a
Partner in Mercy Health Network 8 employee including a full time doctor and a PA
Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Ford
Ford dealership began in 1919 Various owners until 1986 when the business was going to close Four employees sold 140 shares at $500/share. Shareholders had
to purchase 2 shares 1998 – sold to private owners and currently has 8 full time
employees
Economic DevelopmentA & B Hardware
Previously Our Own hardware Purchased by 6-7 community investors 1989 Moved to new location Closed in 2001
Economic DevelopmentSchool Addition
Large committee put together the proposal and plan $1.1 million dollar addition to the school 1992-1993 passed a bond issue with an 82%
approval rating
Economic DevelopmentWest Bend Community Lumber
Opened in 1993 – was an existing lumber yard in the process of foreclosure 200 shares sold to approximately 70 shareholders Run by Board of Directors 5 full-time & 15 part-time employees plus a full-time plumber
and electrician
Economic DevelopmentDentist & Eye Clinic
1994 project Funds through USDA Loan to purchase equipment Building financed by the Doctors’ Committee
using proceeds from the sale of medical clinic Brought eye doctor and dentist to West Bend
Economic DevelopmentCountryMaid, Inc. - Butterbraid
1989 CountryMaid was started by a local family in their basement
Produce Butterbraid - braided bread and carmel rolls. They are sold for fundraisers through dealers
1997 West Bend Econ Dev applied for a Rural Economic Development Loan/Grant (REDLG) to build a building The building was build and leased to own As funds are paid back, they go into
Revolving Loan Fund to be re-loaned Approximately 15 employees
RISE Grant, TIF program through the city for land & roads
CountryMaidGrowth & Future
Purchased additional building in 2003
Cookie dough product released Q2, 2003
Moved to 100% employee owned structure also in 2003
New meat based product to be released in Q3, 2004 Plans for building expansion, new products and additional 30 jobs by
2008. Currently employ approximately 40 Good corporate citizenship – 5 year commitment to West Bend
Historical Society for assisting in the construction of new museum
Economic DevelopmentRevolving Loan Fund
Established with CountryMaid REDLG in 1997
Businesses apply for loans for expansion, purchase and growth
Run by committee using guidelines approved by USDA
Typically award 5%-5 to 10 year loans
Since inception, over $450,000 has been loaned to 12 businesses
Economic DevelopmentI-LEARN Video Conferencing
RUS Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant (DLT) awarded in 2000
$350,000 plus $150,000 (30% match) from 3 telephone companies Established video conferencing system for 3 schools, hospital & 2
satellite clinics Classes taught over the system Monthly costs to school districts – provides 7/24 use
Economic DevelopmentPark View Inn & Suites and
Conference Center Existing motel purchased by shareholder capital
414 shares/217 shareholders Estimated $150,000 in-kind donations Run by Board of Directors
Lots of development initially Community meetings Field trips to other motels $1000/share – not $10,000. Offered payment plans
New motel built in 2002 36 rooms – 6 themed suites Pool, hot tub & sauna, poolside party room Conference center can seat 160
80% USDA loan guarantee $250,000 donation from City. TIF for new utilities 10% stay because of the Gotto
Economic DevelopmentPrairie Creek Assisted Living Center
10-unit Assisted Living facility Connected to Care Center REDLG awarded in 2001 which funded a portion of the building
As loan is paid back, the funds go into the Revolving Loan Fund City setup a $250,000 tax rebate program
Economic DevelopmentSkoglund Meats
Approximately 5300 square foot new locker facility currently under construction
Business purchased by current owners in 1978
Will allow USDA certification for state-to-state selling of products
Only locker with this certification within an 80 mile radius
REDLG zero-interest loan helped to fund building
City committed to $300,000 water & sewer project
Economic DevelopmentSpec Home Revolving Loan Fund
New Program – established in 2003 to create spec homes
20% of Revolving Loan fund used for spec home construction
Additional $75,000 revolving fund through the WBEDC was established by Northwest Telephone Cooperative Association
Projects are managed by West Bend Economic Development
West Bend also offers tax abatements and housing incentives for new homes
Economic Development Park Project
2003 new park next to high school New basketball/tennis court
was constructed Improvements to shelter
house New playground equipment
Joint effort between the WBM Community School, City of West Bend, Economic Development & Chamber of Commerce
$20,700 project – Over $18,700 has been donated by 100 contributors Sold yards of cement for fundraiser
$10,000 of labor was donated by construction companies. Grade school kids raised over $500
Future Projects
New Historical Museum Spec Home(s) Feasibility study for Bio-Diesel plant by Max
Yield Cooperative CountryMaid expansion
West Bend, Iowa
www.WestBendIowa.comwww.WestBendGrotto.comWest Bend City Hall 515-887-2181 [email protected]
The Grotto . . .
and a WHOLE lot more!