The Experience - Greater Burlington Partnership

February 2013
Vol. 93 No. 2
The Experience
A Newsletter for the Greater Burlington Partnership
Partnership Set to Promote
Area - p2
2012 Annual Report p7 - p10
View The Experience at www.greaterburlington.com
Partnership Set to Promote Area
Partnership Promotes at Explore Iowa Showcase
610 North 4th Street, Suite 200
Burlington, Iowa USA 52601
Phone: 319-752-6365
FAX: 319-752-6454
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.greaterburlington.com
The Iowa Newspaper Association (INA) is hosting its annual conference February 7 – 8 in Downtown Des
Moines. As a new marketing opportunity, in 2013 INA is inviting communities to exhibit at the Explore
Iowa Showcase. The Greater Burlington Partnership will be exhibiting on behalf of the Greater Burlington
community.
Volume 93 No. 2
Partnership staff will be meeting with newspaper professionals from across the state to share information and
present story ideas about Greater Burlington. “The Explore Iowa Showcase will provide a unique opportunity
to market the community to nearly 800 reporters, editors, and publishers attending this annual conference,”
said Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Additionally, we will
be welcoming the Iowa Newspaper Association board members to Greater Burlington for their annual board
meeting this summer, so this will be a great way to introduce members to the community.”
News
Member Input on Property
Taxes
Page 4
Member Profile of the Month
Page 5
Be A Marketing Ninja
Page 5
Member Meeting
Page 5
Membership Renewals
Page 7
2012 Annual Report
Pages 7 - 10
Calendar of Events
Page 11
New Members
Page 12
Business Successes
Page 12 - 13
Member Information
Page 13
Upcoming Partnership Events
Page 14
Partnership Calendar
Page 15
Shamrock Shuffle
Page 16
CVB Showcases Greater Burlington in Toledo, Ohio
Becky Kuster, Convention & Visitors Bureau Assistant
& Welcome Center Coordinator, will be traveling to
Toledo, Ohio February 15 - 17 for the Heartland Travel
Showcase. The show will highlight the friendliness and
warmth of America’s heartland. The Heartland Travel
Showcase is a regional show that gives communities
an opportunity to connect with tour operators. It
invites operators to step inside potential motorcoach
experiences, and get a taste of the sights, sounds, and
flavors that only America’s heartland can offer. Suppliers
showcase the best of what they offer in decorated
booths, making Heartland Travel Showcase an operator
experience like no other.
Harrington attends Site Selector Guilds Conference
Rob Harrington, Director of Economic Development, will be traveling to New Orleans February 24 -27 to
meet with a group of the top site selectors in the nation. This outbound marketing visit will be one of many that
Harrington will be taking throughout 2013. The Site Selectors Guild is a professional association comprised
of the world’s most respected site selection consultants and the Site Selectors Guild Conference is the largest
gathering of site consultants in the world. Guild members and guest speakers will be sharing knowledge, case
studies and programming tailored for an economic development audience.
Jason Hutcheson
Page 4
[email protected]
[email protected]
Front Cover & Annual
Report Cover Photo:
Program Director
319-208-0048
Belinda Colwell
Sherri Krause
Beth Nickel
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Administrative Assistant
319-208-0042
Ed Minard
319-750-2873
edminardphotography.com
[email protected]
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is
included in annual events fees. Non-members:
$3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at
Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Experience
is published monthly by the Greater Burlington
Partnership. POSTMASTER send address changes
to The Experience (USPS 001-692), 610 North
Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601
Sheila Newman
President & CEO
319-208-0043
Vice President
319-208-0041
Just A Thought
page 2
Kay Sackville Breuer
Finance Manager
319-208-0044
Steve Frevert
Becky Kuster
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045
Melissa Schwenker
CVB Asst. & Welcome Center
Coordinator 319-208-0052
Membership Director
319-208-0046
Rob Harrington
Brenda Levitt
Brenda Wischmeier
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Downtown Partners, Inc.
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056
Economic Development
Dir. 319-208-0053
Econ. Development & Govt.
Affairs Coord. 319-208-0047
[email protected]
Director of Marketing
319-208-0040
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
Annual Dinner Sells Out
The Greater Burlington Partnership is excited to announce that the
Annual Dinner is a sold out event. Thank you to members who
continue to support this event and the goals of the Partnership.
“I am looking forward to celebrating the success of the past year,” said
Mike Dick, 2012 Chairman of the Board. “The Annual Dinner is a
wonderful evening of business and networking.”
The Annual Dinner of the Greater Burlington Partnership will get
underway on February 8 at the Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference
Center. The evening begins at 6 pm with hors d’oeuvres and greetings
to one another during the reception. Dinner will follow at 6:45 pm
and proceed into the evening’s program. Throughout the evening,
a silent auction featuring numerous items from Greater Burlington
businesses is open for bidding.
The Greater Burlington Partnership staff is looking forward to
celebrating the growth and accomplishments of a successful 2012
with you.
Pasta & Politics
If you are familiar with Eggs & Issues you can imagine what Pasta and
Politics might look like. The Greater Burlington Partnership will host
a new legislative forum this year. You are invited to join Des Moines
County elected officials on public school boards, city councils and the
Des Moines County Board of Supervisors for lunch. Plan to bring issues
that affect you and your business.
RiverPark Place
Winegard Board Room
March 29, 12 - 1 pm
This event is a great way to communicate with your local elected officials.
Our first Pasta and Politics will include Des Moines County public
school boards and will be held on Friday, March 29. Lunch will be
served at 12 pm noon in the Winegard Board Room at RiverPark Place.
RSVP to Brenda Levitt, Economic Development & Government Affairs
Coordinator at [email protected] or 319-208-0047.
Young Professionals Provide
for Continuing Education
In the fall of 2008, a small group of Young Professionals were at a committee meeting and
began discussing what they could do to offer assistance to young adults and help them remain
and grow in Greater Burlington. The group decided to offer a scholarship to Des Moines
County high school seniors who would be attending Southeastern Community College.
YP Members - L to R: Traci Vantiger, EBS, Scott Noll,
SignTec, and Jennifer Chezum, Benefit Systems
With their idea in hand, how would they fund the scholarship? A couple of them started
sketching, and the idea of kitschy Burlington themed t-shirts was born. Four years later, the
t-shirts are still selling and have awarded more than $2,000 in scholarships.
If you would like to help, purchase a t-shirt and show your pride. They can be purchased at the Welcome Center, Coco Loco’s Gift Shop at The
PZAZZ!, the Great River Medical Center Gift Shop and www.greaterburlington.com.
Greater Burlington Young Professionals is a networking organization that provides opportunities to foster relationships with peers and to promote
the personal and professional development of more than 210 members. Thank you to the continuous support of the sponsors who help make YP a
success, including Presenting Sponsor MidWestOne Bank, and Gold Sponsors Big River Resources, CNH and Two Rivers. Learn more at
www.greaterburlingtonyp.com.
Headquartered in Danville,
Iowa, Danville Telecom has
been providing customers
in Iowa with a full range of
telecom services for over
100 years.
Locally owned and operated
102 South Main Danville, IA 52623
danvilletelco.net 319.392.4251
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com
page
3
Just a
Thought
Mandates Matter
It is no secret that the budgets of our local governing
bodies are under a bit of pressure. Because of the way
property taxes are structured, the business community
has a significant stake in the outcome of the annual
budgeting process. Those individuals making spending
decisions at the local level are not perfect. Inefficiencies
will always exist, and governments will always fund
programs and projects that some deem unnecessary.
“Our republic was designed to give ‘the people’
great influence over those elected bodies that are
closest to them-cities, counties, and school boards.
Unfortunately, the state and federal government
continue to impose more rules without adequate
regard to the costs of compliance. ”
Rules, regulations, and mandates implemented at the
state and federal levels have a big influence on costs at the
local level. Lawmakers at higher levels decide how local
entities can derive revenue, how they negotiate with their
employees, and even dictate the ways in which budgeted
items can be spent.
Let’s review some examples. The federal and state
governments, under the authority of environmental
protection, required cities to separate rain water from
sewage to prevent overflows into our waterways. While
I think most support the idea of preventing raw sewage
from being dumped in the river, the costs of separating
our sewer system is significant. Waterworks customers
will foot the bill for that for many years to come. In
addition, the regulators required expensive linings to be
We specialize in
laid in our landfill raising tipping fees to permanently
higher levels. Mandates for both came without dollars
from above.
When the state’s road budget tightened several years ago,
some state highways were ‘released’ to counties and cities.
Highway 99 was one of those roads. Those ‘released’
roads will be plowed and maintained forever, and local
jurisdictions have been required to absorb those costs.
Compounding the problem, the state legislature has
blocked efforts to increase road use tax dollars- requiring
local governments to raise property taxes in an effort to
pay for road maintenance.
Public employee unions wield significant power, thanks
to legislation on the books in Des Moines. Private sector
compensation data cannot be used in the negotiation
process, and the pension system is underfunded and
increasing in costs at a rapid rate. Next year, the City of
Burlington’s increase in the police and fire pension costs
will be $250,000. Within a year or two, the required match
on pension contributions will be nearly 35% of salary. This
system is designed and managed by the state government
and required for all cities of more than 10,000.
The state dictates the amount school districts can spend
per student and enforces a minimum wage for teachers.
Mandates on classroom size, services for challenged
students, lunch menus and even the curriculum is set
somewhere other than at the local level.
Our republic was designed to give ‘the people’ great
influence over those elected bodies that are closest to
them-cities, counties, and school boards. Unfortunately,
the state and federal government continue to impose
more rules without adequate regard to the costs of
compliance. The local property tax payer is picking up
the tab.
Those that represent Southeast Iowa in the state
legislature work hard on our behalf. Even so, we must do
better.
Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO
Greater Burlington Partnership
Member Input on
Property Taxes
The Partnership sent an
online survey to the entire
membership on January
15 regarding the subject of
property taxes. The prospect
of a property tax increase is
not welcome news, and the
Burlington City Council
has been wrestling with the
balance between raising
revenue and cutting expenses.
Jim Ferneau, Burlington’s City
Manager, provided the Board
of Directors an overview of
the budgetary concerns during
the January board meeting.
Many of the city fund balances
are in deficits, and there must
be a strategy to move those
fund balances into the black.
Failure to do so could cause a
downgrade in the city’s debt
rating, thereby increasing
future borrowing costs.
The Partnership is grateful
for the members that took the
time to complete the online
survey. The results were
shared with the city council
during its work session on
January 28. Although there
are no easy solutions, input
from Chamber members in the
process has been an important
step. View the survey results at
www.greaterburlington.com.
customers!
Burlington
Locations to Serve You
1233 N. Roosevelt
400 N. Main
752-2741
753-5488
Also Ft. Madison
Offering Complete
Tire & Auto Service
Over 24 tire brands available
email: [email protected]
www.billupstire.com
page 4
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
West Burlington
School District
West Burlington Independent School District is proud of its tradition of putting students first. Starting fall
2013, West Burlington ISD is implementing a 1:1 computer initiative. The focus of implementing a devicerich learning environment is to enhance instruction through technology. The district is providing secure and
easy access through a curriculum loft system. This system will allow parents to track homework assignments
and provide access at home for students. Student access will occur even if internet access is not available. All
high school students will be assigned a Kuno which he/she will be able to take home. All students in grades
3 to 8th will have access to the devices during the school day. Kindergarten to second grade students will use
the devices in their daily learning. West Burlington ISD views the added technology as an instructional and
learning tool; not a gimmick or gadget.
408 West Van Weiss Boulevard
West Burlington, IA 52655
319-754-5538
www.wbschools.us
West Burlington School’s achievement scores have been on a gradual upward trend. We have a specific,
research-based, and long- range professional development program for our teachers. We maintain specific
expectations for student success in our classrooms and hallways. Our facilities are unmatched in SE Iowa.
You will find our small school atmosphere as a nurturing and family-like environment, and we take school
and student safety very seriously. West Burlington Independent School District is a school “on the grow.”
Students First!
Be A Marketing Ninja
Member Meeting
The Greater Burlington Partnership invites you to “Be A
Marketing Ninja,” a no cost event for members. These mini
sessions are held the last Tuesday of the month over the noon
hour at the Greater Burlington Partnership in the Winegard
Board Room; you are encouraged to brown bag it, listen, learn
and share.
It’s your time to shine! A new benefit of membership, the
member meeting, will offer your business a time to shine.
Members can promote a new employee, product or service
and the Member Meeting is open to all members and their
employees. To be placed on the agenda for the February
27, 8:30 am Member Meeting contact Melissa Schwenker,
Membership Director, [email protected]
or 319-208-0046. The Member Meeting will be held at the
Greater Burlington Partnership.
This month’s “Be A Marketing Ninja” will be held Tuesday,
February 26 at 12 pm on “Mobile Websites & QR Codes” with
Dennis Fraise & Tim Larson, the cdot3 team.
Agenda includes:
RSVP by February 22 to Belinda Colwell, Administrative
Assistant, at [email protected] or 319-208-0042.
• Chamber of Commerce Spotlight
Save the Date: March 26 - “Creating Videos ”
Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership &
Jeff Ebbing, Southeastern Community College
• Community Spotlight
• Member Spotlight
RID
DG
IVIVEERRRI
GEE DEN
RR
NTTAALLCAR
CAREE
RIVER RIDGE DENTAL CARE
Commitment to
to Excellence”
“A“ACommitment
Excellence”
“ADR.
Commitment
to Excellence”
DAVID C.
CAMP
DR.DR.
DAVID
C. CAMP
DAVID C. CAMP
DR.NATHAN
NATHAN
M. HEUBNER
DR.
HEUBNER
DR. NATHAN M.
M. HEUBNER
700 N. Third Street • Burlington, Iowa 526
N. Third
Street••Burlington,
Burlington, Iowa
52601
700 N.700
Third
Street
Iowa
52
www.riverridgedentalcare.com
(319)(319)
752-1840
752-1840• www.riverridgedentalcare.
• www.riverridgedentalcare.com
(319) 752-1840 • www.riverridgedentalcare
700 N. Third Street
Burlington, Iowa 52601
(319) 752-1840
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com
page
5
2012 MEMBER RENEWALS
A-1 Appliance Repair
ABC Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service
Accounting Professionals of Burlington
AD Specialties Unlimited
Great Prairie Area Education Agency
Alcohol & Drug Dependency Service of SE IA
Aldo Leopold Pheasants Forever Ch. 271
Alfagomma America
Allgood Animal Hospital
Alternative Sales by Lisa
Altorfer Rents
American EyeCare and Freedom LASIK
American Red Cross - DMC Chapter
Anderson, Roberts, Porth & Wallace,
P.L.C. Law Firm
AndMer Apartments and Homes
Arby’s Restaurant
Arrowhead Motel
Aspelmeier, Fisch, Power, Engberg &
Helling
Bakers Pride
Bankers Advertising
Beames Welding & Repair
Becker’s Jewelers & Gemologists
Bel Canto Chorale
Berthel Fisher
Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care
Dr. Timothy Bockenstedt D.D.S
Borghi USA
Mississippi Valley Council, Boy Scouts of
America
Bridgeway
Brockway Mechanical & Roofing Company
Bruner, Cooper & Zuck
Budget Lighting of Iowa
Buffalo Wild Wings
Burke Installed
Burlington Area Family Practice Center
Burlington Bees Baseball Association
Burlington by the Book
Burlington Church of Christ
Burlington Eye Center
Burlington Family Eyecare
Burlington Jet Stop
Burlington Pediatrics Association, P.C.
Burlington School District
Burlington Steamboat Days
Camera Land
Capitol Theater Foundation
Capps Insurance Agency
Carter Chiropractic Clinic
Carter Nursery
Casebine Community Credit Union
Casey’s General Store #2019
C-CAT, Inc.
cdot3
Century 21 Property Professionals
CenturyLink
Childrens’ Dental Center of SE IA
Christ Episcopal Church
City Carton Recycling
Burlington Civic Music Association
Clean Sweep Chimney Care
Cleveland Dermatology
Comfort Suites Hotel & Conference Center
page 6
Community Action of Southeast Iowa
Conn Communications
Construction Management Services
Contract Services
CPA Associates, P.C.
Craftsman Press
Crossroads RV Park
Dave Bessine Electric
Deery Brothers
Dennis Company
DMC Board of Supervisors
DMC Conservation
DMC Emergency Management Agency
DMC Farm Bureau
DMC Heritage Center
DMC Regional Solid Waste Commission
Design Homes
Designer’s Viewpoint
Details
Digital Office Solutions
DMC Mutual Insurance Association
Drake Hardware & Software
Dresser-Rand, Steam Turbine
Business Unit
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #150
Eastern Iowa Tire
Ebert Supply
Edward Jones, Joel Sieren
Edward Jones, Jon Hart
Elks Lodge
Embellishments & Designs
Energyficient Systems
Executive Transportation
Farmers Savings Bank
Federal Mogul Ignition Products
First Congregational Church
Floyd’s E-Z Way Container Service
For Our Birds & Gardens
Fort Madison Bank & Trust Co.
Frank Millard & Company
French-Reneker-Associates
Friends of Community Field, NPC
Gasland
George’s Lawn Mower
Golden Eagle Distributing Co.
Great River Entertainment
Great River Medical Center
H & L Mack Truck Sales Corporation
H & R Block
H. Daniel’s & Associates
Rick Hall
Harmony Bible Church
The Hawk Eye
Hawkeye Pedershaab
Heritage Medical Equipment & Supplies
Heritage Park Pharmacy
Heritage Trust for Preservation and Restoration
Hope Haven Area Development Center
Horse & Buggy Museum
Huffman’s Farm & Home
Iowa Hospice
Iowa State Bank
The Iowa Store
Iowa Wesleyan College
Ivy Bake Shoppe
The Board of Directors asks fellow business and organizational
leaders to help the Chamber of Commerce be a catalyst by renewing
their memberships. The renewing members are listed as of January 18.
Those members listed in bold also made voluntary contributions.
Renewing members will be recognized in the newsletter through May.
J & M Displays
Jeff ’s West Avenue Auto
Terry Johnson
Junior Achievement of the Heartland, Inc.
Kellogg, Dr. Roderick E.
Kevin Moore Professional Carpentry
Keystone Products
Kitchen Solvers
Kiwanis
Klingner and Associates
Krafty Kids Klothing
KSB Insurance Services, LLC
Lindon Wines
Lips To Go
Lisco
Little Angels Childcare
Lowe’s Appraisal
Luckenbill Appraisal Service
Lunning Chapel
Manpower
Mazzio’s Italian Eatery
Mann’s McDonald’s L.C.
Dr. Mary Schilling McManis D.D.S.
David McMurray
Media Development
Ann M. Menke, CPA, P.C.
Merit Construction
MFS Mutual Insurance Company
Mi Pueblo Real
Midwest Vinyl Products
MidWestOne Bank
MikeWay, LLC
Miracle Car Wash
The Mississippi Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn
Modern Welding Company of Iowa
Mohrfeld Electric
MTC Technologies
Napoli Pizza and Restaurant
Nature’s Corner
New Beginnings Clinic
Norm’s Koestner Electric
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Burlington Notre Dame
Nunnikhoven Mold Company
Oliver Tri-County Heating & Air
Oppenheimer & Co.
Optimist Club
Original Cyns
Peace in Balance, Stephanie Cook
Ploeger Recruiting Services
PPG Industries
Prairie Ridge Care & Rehabilitation
Preferred Products Corporation
KDMG-KKMI-WQKQ-KHDKKBUR-KBKBAM Radio Stations
Prugh Funeral Service
Dr. Brad Randolph D.D.S.
Reif Oil Company
Reliable Pest Solutions
Rexroth Chiropractic Center
Ritter’s Florist, Garden Center & Landscaping
River Ridge Dental Care
Roederers Pit Stop
Burlington Rotary Club
Salvation Army Corp
Sears
ServiceMaster Clean of Burlington
Servpro of Burlington
S.G. Construction
The Sherwood Company
Snyder & Associates
Snyder’s - Lance
Solar Imput
SE IA Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention
Coalition
SE IA Builders Association
SE IA Parrot Head Club
SE IA Regional Airport Authority
SE IA Regional Planning Commission
SE IA Symphony Orchestra
Southeastern Community College
Sperry Union Store
Squirrel’s Nest Bed and Breakfast
Standard of Beaverdale
State Farm Insurance - Dave Vavroch
State Farm Insurance - John Korschgen
Sterzing Food Company
Styltique
Subway
SunnyBrook Home Care
Target
Dr. Larry Taylor
TD & T Financial Group, P.C.
Temp Associates
Tenderfoot Carpets, L.P.
Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory
KGRS The Mix 107.3/ KBKB The Bull 101.7
TriOak Foods
Two Rivers Levee & Drainage Association
Burlington/West Burl. Area United Way
Universal Therapy Group, LLC
U.S. Cellular
U.S. Gypsum
Valley Distribution Corporation
Vernon Company
Vetter’s, Inc. - Culligan Water Technologies
Video Production Services of Iowa
Village Cooperative of Burlington
Water Works Carwash
Weird Harold’s Records, Cassettes & CD’s
Wendi Riggens Photography
Wendy’s
City of West Burlington
West Burlington School District
Westland Apartments
Westland Mall
Westland Theatres
Whitham, Ed
Wildlife Lakes Elk Farm
Wilson Rentals
Winegard Company
Young House Family Services
Zaiser’s Landscaping
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365
2012
Annual
Report
Making Connections,
Building Community
A Year of Growth & Accomplishment
Chamber of Commerce
• Reached 734 Chamber of Commerce members, an all-time high
• Implemented a member retention program that included
•
•
•
•
visits to 77% of members including personal phone calls,
notes honoring continued membership, personal visits to
the member business, one-on-one surveys and the use of
social media to promote the member business
Provided support and assistance to the City of Burlington
in recruiting the new city manager. Partnership team
members provided input during the interview process,
educated candidates about the city during community
tours, and provided community information and gift baskets
Promoted buying local during the holiday season through
social media, newspaper and radio
Greater Burlington Leadership continued with 12
participants for the 2012-2013 series and 10 graduates of the
2011-2012 program
Greater Burlington Young Professionals membership
reached 210 and programs included five Lunch and Learns,
three tours of local businesses and the community, 10 social
events, a Relay for Life team and a scholarship awarded to
a West Burlington Senior who is now enrolled at SCC
Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Reached $118 million in tourism expenditures for Des
Moines County - a growth of more than 14% over the
previous year
• Launched the Greater Burlington Connector Program
producing 42 leads for future meetings and convention business
• Developed the Greater Burlington Sports Commission
and submitted an application to become a Regional Sports
Authority District
• Successfully welcomed and coordinated tours for more
than 2,400 visitors to the community with the return of
the American Queen and the Queen of the Mississippi
• Increased traffic to the Port of Burlington Welcome Center
by 20 percent
• Attracted and serviced 15 new groups consisting of meetings
and conferences, motor coaches, and reunions
1 Vision,
A growing regional center of commerce, ind
and culture which provides a
Facebook and Other Social Networking
The Greater Burlington Partnership
continues to embrace technology
and remain relevant to Chamber
of Commerce members, investors,
community leaders and volunteers.
In addition to regularly updating
the website, the Partnership is also
engaged in social media networking
sites including Facebook, LinkedIn,
Twitter and YouTube.
Staying Connected
Economic Development
Downtown Partners
• Assisted in the restoration of the Capitol Theater with a
$1 million I-Jobs grant
• Developed enhanced site plans for three lots within Flint Ridge
Business Park for use in marketing proposals
• Welcomed 19 business starts, relocations and expansions
• Successfully executed 10 outbound marketing missions
throughout the United States to develop leads and prospects in
targeted industries
• Saw the completion of 11 new apartments through a
multi-family housing grant
• Sold two of the Bookend Buildings for redevelopment and
obtained a $175,000 I-Jobs grant for their rehabilitation
• Hired a professional economic developer to lead the efforts of
the division
• Launched the Burlington Lightscape Project to illuminate
key downtown steeples, towers, and features
• Launched new workforce development programs including the
career exploration days and an internship program designed to
welcome college students to the community
• Worked with the City to receive a $500,000 Community
Development Block Grant for façade rehabilitations
• Presented 46 retail and special events to bring people
downtown
• Sold the fourth shell building to a locally-owned company
poised for growth
• Formulated a new housing committee to share information,
enhance tax credit programs, and ensure adequate housing
stock exists
• Recorded more than 3600 volunteer hours
• Worked with Winegard Company, Alfagomma America and
other existing companies on expansion opportunities
, 4 Missions
• Encouraged five new companies with the 5th Annual Des
Moines County Business Plan Competition
dustry, education, health care, entertainment
a great place to live and work.
Stay Connected
Facebook Fan Pages
Greater Burlington Partnership
Greater Burlington Iowa Convention & Visitors Bureau
Downtown Burlington Iowa
Linkedin
Greater Burlington Partnership
Twitter
Greater Burlington Partnership
You Tube
Greater Burlington Partnership
Downtown Partners
Continued
Momemtum
This community is undergoing
significant change. I have little
doubt Greater Burlington
will emerge from the national
economic uncertainty with
stronger companies, leaner
governments, and optimism
for the future. For sure, our
conversations have changed.
Whether it is parking, housing,
building inventory, or highway
development, managing
and accommodating growth
are now the topics of most
meetings. It has been quite
some time since those were the
major issues facing southeast
Iowa.
While challenges will always
exist, this organization is
charged with providing
leadership and implementing
solutions to a variety of topics.
The 4 boards of directors set
the strategic vision for the
Partnership and work to ensure
the programming is relevant
and the goals are innovative.
Our investors continue to set
high performance standards
and our members continually
encourage us to do more.
Membership in the chamber of
commerce is at an all-time high
and perhaps this high level of
accountability has played a role
in that membership growth.
I am proud of our volunteer
leadership, staff members,
partner organizations, and
member companies. The
spirit of collaboration is quite
encouraging. Together, we
will all continue to improve
this place we call Greater
Burlington.
Jason Hutcheson,
President & CEO
Mike Dick, CPA Associates
2012 Chairman of the Board
I want to thank everyone involved with all of the entities that comprise the Greater Burlington
Partnership. It has truly been an honor to serve as the chair of the organization over the last year. The
staff made running the various board meetings easy, and the astounding number of members and
volunteers serving on all of the committees really helped get things accomplished.
It has been a year of transition for the organization. Dennis Hinkle retired and Jason Hutcheson has
taken over as President and CEO. I had two major goals for the year. The first was to ensure a smooth
transition between Dennis and Jason, and it happened seamlessly. One of Jason’s first priorities was to
hire a professional to lead the Economic Development division. In July, Rob Harrington came aboard,
and Jason and Rob are poised to lead the organization to new heights. My other goal was to see the
Chamber of Commerce membership exceed 700 members for the first time in history. As reported at the
latest board meeting, our current membership level is 731. Congratulations to the staff and volunteers for
helping to achieve this goal!
Several positive developments have materialized in the region during 2012. Probably the two biggest
announcements were the Iowa Fertilizer Company in Wever and the Winegard Company expansion
project in Fareway Center. Iowa Fertilizer Company promises several thousand construction jobs
over the next few years, and 165 permanent jobs in the plant when fully operational. The number of
permanent ancillary jobs that will be created is currently unknown but is estimated in the hundreds.
This is great news for southeast Iowa. The Winegard Company expansion will allow the company to
consolidate some of its operations from various places throughout Burlington, while also renovating a
current eyesore into a nice park-like setting with commercial and retail space. Furthermore, Case New
Holland continues to add manufacturing and assembly jobs. While not the employment level Case
enjoyed in the 60’s and 70’s, several hundred new jobs are very welcome and a sign of a strengthening
economy.
New jobs in the area require additional housing. Downtown Partners, Inc. has been instrumental in
spurring the renovation of upper story apartments in the downtown area – many are currently occupied
and several more are in various stages of completion. The Frantz-Hobart apartment renovation project
will bring additional apartments to the downtown area and will rehabilitate two existing buildings. And
finally, the Capitol Theater reopened in June to rave reviews. It’s really nice to see all of this activity
returning to downtown Burlington after several decades of decay.
The local economy is really starting to hum, and I’m excited for the future of the Greater Burlington
area and the Greater Burlington Partnership. There is always more to be accomplished, but the staff and
membership of the Partnership are always up to the challenge. Our future looks bright!
Here’s to a prosperous 2013 and beyond!
Mike Dick, Past Chair
CPA Associates
Februar y
Calendar of Events
1 - Friday Night Live Presents Brushfire
The Boogaloo Cafe - 10 pm
www.thepzazz.com
319-768-5600
2 - American English: The Complete Beatles Tribute
The Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm
319-237-1099
14 - Teens Love Stinks Chocolate Fest
Burlington Public Library - 6 pm
www.burlington.lib.ia.us
2 - Ice Fishing Clinic
Area E at Big Hollow Recreation Area - 10 am - 12 pm
www.dmcconservation.com
15 - Ham & Bean Supper
Burlington Memorial Auditorium - 5 - 7:30 pm
319-572-0242
8 - Curtis & Loretta Concert
Leopold Loft at Starr’s Cave Nature Center - 7:30 & 9:30 pm
www.dmcconservation.com
17 - Southeast Iowa Symphony Winter Concert
Memorial Auditorium - 3 pm
www.seiso.us
9 - Friends of the Burlington Public Library Book Sale
Burlington Public Library - 8 am - 5 pm
www.burlington.lib.ia.us
18 - Children’s Juggling Show
Burlington Public Library - 10 am
www.burlington.lib.ia.us
9 - Mississippi Valley Calling Classic
PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center - 8 am
www.callingclassic.com
22 - Burlington Civic Music Presents The Hunt Family
Burlington Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pm
www.burlcivicmusic.com
10 - Second Sunday
Heritage Center’s Bart Howard Room - 3 - 4 pm
www.dmchs.org
23 & 24 - Home & Garden Show 2013
PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center
www.thepzazz.com
9 - Afternoon Movie - Ice Age: Continental Drift
Burlington Public Library - 2 pm
www.burlington.lib.ia.us
23 & 24 - 10th Annual Family Spring Bluegrass Music Festival
Comfort Suites Hotel
www.tsbafestivals.org
13 - Owl Prowl
Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve - 7 - 8 pm
319-753-5808
24 - Elks Lodge #84 Rummage Sale
Burlington Elks Lodge - 8 am - 1 pm
www.elks.org/lodges/home.cfm?lodgenumber=84
14 - 4th Annual Widows’ Valentine Luncheon
Thielen Funeral Home - 12 pm
www.thielenfuneralhome.com
For complete event details, visit
www.greaterburlington.com.
14 - Romantic Italian Valentine Dinner
La Tavola Italian Eatery - Reservations Only
To Submit Calendar Information
www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm
Get Your
Burlington
T-Shirt
Buy Yours Today at the Welcome
Center, Coco Loco’s Gift Shop at
The PZAZZ!, the Great River
Medical Center Gift Shop and
www.greaterburlington.com
See page 3 for more information
Does your
business
need a
better fix?
We can help.
866-722-4692
www.scciowa.edu
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com
page
11
NEW
MEMBERS
Alternative Sales by Lisa
Southeast Iowa, 319-759-3962, www.alternativesalesbylisa.com
Lisa Elder, Owner, [email protected]
Alternative Sales by Lisa will handle the liquidation of your personal or
business property. Held at your residence or at an alternative site. We are an
alternative to holding an auction with an estate or moving tag sale.
Triple S Leasing LLC
4051 West Ave., Burlington, 319-751-3812
Don Sheedy, Partner, [email protected]
Joe Skelley, Partner, [email protected]
Scott Spear, Partner, [email protected]
Stonegate Village has 58 highly energy-efficient apartments consisting of 1, 2 &
3 bedroom units in existing and new buildings. New units will include a washer,
dryer, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, cable and trash pickup.
BUSINESS SUCCESSES
H & P Performance
Alex Peitz, Jesse Howard, owners and Ambassadors celebrated their Grand
Opening on November 27. Located at 312 Dry Creek Ave., West Burlington.
Burlington Eye Center
Mississippi Valley Veterans’ Memorial
Todd Lange, President, fellow committee members and Ambassadors
celebrated the new site on November 27. Located at
409 West Division St., West Burlington.
Sales Sheets
Newsletters
Booklets
Brochures
Labels
Cartons
Packaging
and More!
Stop in, call us, or visit us online
for your next printing project.
Joe Farrier - VP Sales
Steve Curry - Sales Representative
Jim Gilbertson - Sales Representative
Kristen Logan - Customer Service
Tammy Newberry - Customer Service
2811 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington
(319) 754-5359
www.doranandward.com
page 12
Teresa Carter, President, Dr. Thoele, O.D., Dara Henneke, Office Manager,
staff and Ambassadors celebrated International Eyecare’s 10th location on
December 5. Located at 580 S. Roosevelt Ave., Burlington.
Our business is
your business.
• ManagedNetwork
Solutions
• BusinessCommunications
Solutions
• Networking,Cablingand
ComputerSolutions
• PremiseSecuritySolutions
810W.5thStreet
Wilton,IA52778
Phone:563-732-3535
www.ITPTechs.com
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
La Tavola Italian Eatery will start taking reservations for
Valentine’s Day on February 4 at 10 am. To keep an intimate
setting no tables larger then four people will be taken. La Tavola
Italian Eatery is located at 316 N. 4th Street. To make your
reservation call 319-768-5600. Follow La Tavola Italian Eatery on
Facebook for the Valentine’s Day menu specials.
Ham & Bean Supper
Member Information
Bring Your Valentine to La Tavola
Italian Eatery
The Hamilton-Walters Detachment, Marine Corps League invites
you to their annual Ham & Bean Supper on Friday, February 15
from 5 - 7:30 pm at the Burlington Memorial Auditorium. Tickets
can be purchased in advance or at the door for $5. Door prizes
will be drawn every half hour while you listen to live music
from the Rivermen. To purchase your tickets or find out more
information contact Rick Belville at 319-572-0242.
For Our Birds
Owner John McCormick and Ambassadors celebrated their new
location on December 5. Located at 2535 Mount Pleasant St., Burlington.
Great River QuickCare Expands Hours
Great River QuickCare will expand its hours to include weekday
mornings and weekends. In addition, nurse practitioner Kendra
Struck began seeing patients at the clinic. She joins nurse
practitioner Tami Fischer. A service of Great River Health
Systems, Great River QuickCare provides affordable treatment
of common illnesses. The clinic is intended for people without
a family physician or when an immediate appointment is not
available for those with a physician. The clinic is open to anyone
18 months and older. For more information visit
www.greatriverquickcare.org or 319-768-4320 located at
624 S. Roosevelt Avenue, Suite 101 in Burlington.
February Brings Full Calendar to Library
Advanced Home Health Care
Leah Galvin, CEO, staff and Ambassadors celebrated their new
membership on December 12. Located at 1525 Mount
Pleasant St., Burlington.
Seniors are encouraged to attend the Specifically for Seniors series
at 10 am on February 1 to learn about women and war. Children
will love a visit from Clifford on February 6 at 1 pm or the juggling
show at 10 am on February 18. Teens have a special event each
Thursday night at 6pm. All ages are welcome at the Friends of the
Library used book sale on Saturday, February 9. Take a computer
class, watch a movie, or learn more about wine. You can do it all at
your library this February. Find out more at the
www.burlington.lib.ia.us or call 319-753-1647.
Waiting for past due bills to be
paid, but getting no response?
Time to call
Financial Adjustment Bureau Inc.
The professionals will
take care of those past bills
and bad checks for you!
Commercial • Professional • Retail
No Collection ~ No Charge
FINANCIAL
ADJUSTMENT
BUREAU INC.
Contact Marty Dean
612 Jefferson • Burlington, IA
319-753-6756
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com
page
13
Leadership
2012- 2013
2013-2014
Program Seeks
Candidates
Business After Hours
Bickford Assisted Living
and Memory Care
February 21, 5 - 7 pm
Visit
www.greaterburlington.com
Join us with your co-workers to build your network at
Business After Hours and grow your business!
Brought to you by the Greater Burlington Partnership
Bickford Assisted Living and Memory Care
3301 Sterling Dr.
Burlington, IA 52601
www.enrichinghappiness.com/burlington.com
for more information
505 Social
Eggs & Issues
RiverPark Place
Winegard Board Room
February 16, 7:15 am
Chamber of Commerce members are invited to a
legislative breakfast with invited guests Representative
Tom Sands, Representative Dennis Cohoon and
Senator Tom Courtney. RSVP to Brenda Levitt at
[email protected] or 319-208-0047.
www.greaterburlington.com
page 14
YP Members Brandon and Shawna Graham
invite you to Roederer’s Pit Stop
1100 Chalfant - Burlington
February 27 - 5 pm
COST: Free to members and prospective members, $15 to nonmembers.
Are you a Young Professional looking to get involved, meet new people
and grow your network? Join Greater Burlington YP! Membership is
open to those living and working in Greater Burlington ages 21-42.
2013 Presenting Sponsor
www.midwestonebank.com
www.greaterburlingtonyp.com
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
February 2013
MONDAY
TUESDAY
4
5
1 pm ( J)
Farmers Market Committee
11
( J) Johnson Conference Room (W) Winegard Board Room
(A) Alliant Energy Executive Conference Room
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
6
7:30 am (206 N. Fourth)
Executive Committee
12
7
12 pm ( J)
YP Leadership Council
8
7:30 am ( J)
Value Added-Ag
13
6 pm (Comfort Suites &
Conference Center)
Annual Dinner
14
15
7:30 am (A)
Government Affairs
12 pm (Beckman Law Offices)
DPI Business Development
8 am ( J) Ambassadors
18
19
7:30 am (W)
Board of Directors
20
21
22
8 am (Weird Harold’s)
DPI Marketing & Promotions
7:30 am ( J)
BRE Committee
4 pm (A) Future Workforce
11:30 am ( J)
DPI Design Committee
5 pm (Bickford Assisted Living)
Business After Hours
25
26
12 pm (W)
Be A Marketing Ninja
27
8 am (A)
Entreprenuership Committee
28
8:30 am ( J)
Member Meeting
5 pm (Roederer’s Pit Stop)
YP 505 Social
3940 Division St • Burlington, IA
Business Telephone Systems
Copiers - Computers/Networking
Shredders - Typewriters
Facsimilies - Calculators - Printers
H&L Mack Truck Sales Corp.
319.752.2828
www.thielenfuneralhome.com
Since 1956, providing new
Mack and used trucks.
Genuine Mack
parts, sales and service
50
319-752-5603 / 800-842-3770
Hwy 61 South
Mediapolis, IA 52637
319.394.9143
www.hlmack.com
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com
page
15
RiverPark Place
610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200
Burlington, Iowa 52601
TELEPHONE 319-752-6365
FAX 319-752-6454
E-MAIL [email protected]
WEB SITE www.greaterburlington.com
Leadership
is $20 before March 1 and includes a Shamrock Shuffle t-shirt.
After March 1 or at 8:30 am the day of the event, registration is
$25. You can download your registration form at
www.greaterburlington.com or contact Amy Burkhart at
319-850-0055. Forms are also available at F&M Bank & Trust,
MidWestOne Bank and Two Rivers Bank & Trust.
If your business would like to support the event, sponsorships
are also being sought. To obtain a sponsorship form, please
contact Mike Shinn at 319-208-2631.
In March, the members of Greater Burlington Leadership will
kick off their group project in hopes of raising funds for the
After School Programs at Aldo Leopold and Edward Stone
Middle Schools. The after school programs provide additional
educational opportunities, healthy snacks and a safe place
to go for at-risk youth from after school until 5 pm Mondays,
Tuesdays and Thursdays and is a joint venture between the
Burlington School District and the Burlington Kiwanis Club.
Greater Burlington Leadership is an intensive professional
development series designed to strengthen leadership skills
by empowering and educating people who live, work or have
interest in Greater Burlington. The series is presented by the
Greater Burlington Partnership.
To learn more about Greater Burlington Leadership or
nominate a candidate for the 2013-2014 series, visit
www.greaterburlington.com/chamber_gbl.cfm.
The St. Patrick’s Day themed 5K event is set for Saturday,
March 16, 10 am in Crapo Park. Participants will run or walk
through bursts of color along the festive course. Registration
your bridge to the future
Follow Us On
Burlington-West Burlington
Mt. Pleasant-Mediapolis
888-331-BANK or 319-754-BANK
Member
www.fmbanktrust.com
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