The JULY 2019 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 99 NO. 7 Partnership PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER Belinda Colwell Office Manager 319-208-0042 [email protected] Steve Frevert Downtown Partners, Inc. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 [email protected] Barb Gerst Director of Finance 319-208-0044 HELLO FROM THE NEW CEO [email protected] Cindy Henry by Della Schmidt Customer Relations Specialist 319-208-0052 [email protected] Jeremy Hess Dir. of Economic Development 319-208-0050 Greetings, Greater Burlington! I am so excited to be joining this community. During these first [email protected] few weeks, I have had some great conversations with City officials, business owners and the Chelsea Lerud staff at the Greater Burlington Partnership and have been impressed with the tremendous pride Convention & Visitors Bureau Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 people feel towards the Greater Burlington area. I look forward to learning more about the [email protected] hopes and dreams for the future of this region. Brenda Levitt While exploring my new home, I have been struck by the plethora of assets contributing to the Graphic Designer 319-208-0047 region’s quality of life. The natural beauty, the Mississippi River, the historic structures and many [email protected] recreation offerings that are second to none. Coupling that with the strength of Great River Health System, robust tourism amenities, a phenomenal historic downtown district, thriving Rachel Lindeen Event Coordinator retail operations and diverse manufacturing sector, it all comes together to make the Greater 319-208-0046 Burlington area a very desirable place to live, work and play. [email protected] In the coming months, I will be out in the community meeting with leaders to listen and learn Emily Pattee Welcome Center Manager & more about the opportunities for the Greater Burlington area. I will be scheduling several Young Professionals Listening Round Tables where I want to hear about the visions that you have for your businesses 319-752-8731 [email protected] and the area. I welcome your voice at the table. Dustin Roth I will be digging deeper into the workforce needs. Recruiting, retaining and developing talent Marketing & Communications Dir. is a top priority for the next several years. It will require a multi-faceted approach. We will need 319-208-0048 [email protected] to develop new programs to address the growing gap between employer needs and worker skills. We need to help prepare today’s students for future in-demand careers in the major Kay Sackville Breuer Vice President industry sectors throughout the Greater Burlington area. Further, we need to identify barriers 319-208-0041 to recruiting talent and then develop strategies to address those concerns. Partnerships will be [email protected] critical for success. Della Schmidt I am looking forward to the challenges ahead. Hopes, dreams, opportunities – I want to hear President & CEO 319-208-0043 them all. Together, let’s continue to build the Greater Burlington area to its full potential! dschmidt@greaterburlingtoncom

SUBSCRIPTIONS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: PricePrice is is $24, $24, which which is is included included inin annual annual events events fees. fees. Non-members: Non-members: $4 $3 per per issue. issue. PeriodicalsPeriodicals postage postage paid paid at at Burlington, Burlington, . Iowa. POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: TheThe PartnershipPartnership isis publishedpublished monthly monthly byby the the Greater Greater Burlington Burlington Partnership Partnership 610 610 North North FourthFourth Street, Street, Suite Suite 200, 200, Burlington, Burlington, Iowa Iowa 52601. 52601. POSTMASTERPOSTMASTER send send address address changes changes to to Greater Greater BurlingtonBurlington Partnership Partnership (USPS (USPS 001-692) 001-692) 610 610 North North FourthFourth Street, Street, Suite Suite 200, 200, Burlington, Burlington, Iowa Iowa 52601 52601 page 2 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 ON THE COVER c RAGBRAI® Volunteers

The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride across Iowa celebrates Featured on the cover are a number of the Committee Chairs and Executive its 47th year with a special twist. For the first time in its history, Committee members, including: there will be two communities featured as a stop that sit along the Deb Fowler, Executive Chair #1 Mississippi River. Burlington was selected as an overnight stop for Andrea Walz Hartman, Executive Chair #2 the first time. It is estimated that 20,000 to 30,000 people will visit on Joe Jolin, Executive Chair #3 July 26, 2019. Over 10,000 riders will take part in the annual event. Darren Grimshaw, Executive Chair #4 Eva Castillo, Chair – Volunteers Finding a place for 30,000 people to sleep, having enough food Bob Gabby, Chair – Signs available, providing entertainment and even having enough Gina Hardin, Chair – Public Safety bathrooms, showers and trash cans is a monumental task. Combine Breydn Hill, Chair – Electrical those variables with additional traffic, road closures, and being on Keely Kangas, Chair – Campgrounds the lookout for severe weather, all while trying to ensure that Shanna Krogmeier, Chair – Communications Greater Burlington is the best host it can be, takes a very dedicated Vickie Levins and MaryAnn Jordahl, Co-Chairs – Housing crew of volunteers. Nick MacGregor, Chair – Transportation Jenna Meeker, Chair – Information Center Burlington RAGBRAI has 16 committees all working together for Angie Moore, Chair – Public Safety planning purposes. Additionally, each of those committees has Stephanie Nagrocki and Joanna Schneden, Co-Chairs – Hospitality several volunteers who will be helping the week or day of the big , Chair – Showers and Sanitation event on Friday, July 26. Mike O'Neil and David Kroll, Co-Chairs – Beverage Garden /Entertainment Kristin Rowley, Chair – Food & Vendors Gary Szymula, Chair – Ride Right Wayne Thomson, Chair – Law Enforcement Nathan Toops and Brennan Patterson, Co-Chairs – Medical

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 3 Flood Update

Downtown Burlington is getting back to normal floodwall did not fail, and it is not complete. after dealing with the third highest flood on record, Additional permanent floodwall construction is along with strong winds and heavy rains. Those with slated for 2020. This and other flood remediation buildings and businesses affected by the flood and improvements partially depend on local sales tax recent storms should have reported damage to the income. Amazon does not care if our riverfront is Des Moines Co. Emergency Management Agency, protected, and neither do out of town malls or big 319-753-8206. box stores. Spending your dollars locally does make As we deal with the aftermath of the flood, it’s a difference. important to remember that the permanent

Partnership Night Out...

... at the Bees AUGUST 10 The Greater Burlington Partnership is excited to partner with the Burlington Bees again this year! Enjoy all of the action on August 10 at Community Field when the Burlington Bees take on the , followed by fireworks. Game begins at 6:30pm . Pre-order Tickets are $4 each when buying 10+ tickets by Monday, August 5. Burlington Bees staff will contact chamber of commerce members by phone, or call the Bees directly for tickets at 319-754-5705.

GO BEES!

page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 REGISTERED OFFICIALS ON l MAIL-IN DEADLINE l ONLINE DEADLINE l TEAM FEE AUGUST 3 - 4 EVERY COURT JULY 12 JULY 15 $144 Register Now! On the Mississippi Riverfront

Gus Macker, the original 3-on-3 festival, is more than just a basketball tournament. It’s a weekend festival for the whole family! Even if you aren’t a player, stop down to the riverfront to check out the action!

FRIDAY NIGHT SPECIAL GAMES Starting at 6 pm • Game #1 Midwest Magic vs Burlington Fire Department Back for a rematch. The Magic took home the trophy last year - who Partnership Night Out... will it be this year?

• Game #2 Great River Health System vs Great River Entertainment Two sponsors go head-to-head.

SATURDAY SPECIAL EVENTS • Dinky Dunk Contest Qualifying rounds 2 - 4 pm | Finals Sunday, 10 am Anyone under the age of 16, under 6 ft tall is eligible to participate.

• Dunk Contest Noon at Top Men’s Court Any registered player is eligible to participate. Signups will take place Saturday morning.

* Must be registered with a team to participate in dunk contests.

Presented by

Want to be involved with the event? Help out by volunteering! Sign up for a time slot at GreaterBurlington.com/visit-us/gus-macker/. No basketball knowledge is needed! Sign up at MACKER.com/burlington-ia

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 5 A Very VintageJuly Market 20, 9 am – 4 pm | Downtown Burlington A one-day outdoor extravaganza, A Very Vintage Market is a place for shoppers and vendors to share their passion to reuse, remake, and restyle. The market features over 100 high quality vendors with antique and vintage décor, repurposed, reimagined, or upcycled items, handcrafted goods, architectural salvage, primitive and farmhouse accents, as well as local eats.

Presented by Titan Broadcasting

Entertainment Sponsor: Pinned It Creations

page 6 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 BURLINGTON RAGBRAI OVERNIGHT / FRIDAY, JULY 26

Flash back to 2009 Burlington RAGBRAI Volunteer Jen Hawes helps a rider at the information center. RALLY TO THE ALLEY T-SHIRTS VOLUNTEERS On Sale Now! Volunteers are needed to welcome riders to Greater Burlington. Various opportunities will begin at 6 am on ® Commemorate the 2019 RAGBRAI with a Rally to Friday, July 26 and last throughout the day. Additional the Alley Shirt. The shirt is soft to the touch, made of a help for cleanup will be needed on Saturday, July 27 blend of materials. Perfect for wearing on a bike ride or from 9 am – 12 pm. lounging around the house. Volunteers are needed at the Information Centers, Buy shirts at BurlingtonRAGBRAI.com for $20 each Campgrounds, the Party, and Shuttle Stops. Sign up at or stop by the following local retail stores to pick BurlingtonRAGBRAI.com. yours up today: Bickel's Cycling & Fitness; CocoLoco's Gift Shop; Nick's Cycling & Fitness; Myrtle Vera's THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Hallmark, LLC; Original Cyns; Red Screen Door. Platinum Sponsor

Sponsors Air Choice One & SEIA Regional Airport Alliant Energy Burlington Trailways The Cellular Connection Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust Great River Entertainment Great River Health System Great Western Bank Menke and Company MidWestOne Bank Nick's Cycling & Fitness Pancheros Mexican Grill Silgan Containers Standard of Beaverdale / Beckman TV & Appliance Steindler Orthopedic Clinic

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 7 SHUTTLES ROUTES Shuttles will be provided, with designated stops at The riders will enter into town off of 406, head around Southeastern Community College, Westland Mall, GRMC on Washington Road, head south on Gear Ave, Burlington High School, Notre Dame Schools, Edward east on West Ave, south on Howard, then east on Mason Stone Middle School, Crapo and Dankwardt Parks, Road crossing Highway 61 to make their way to the and the YMCA. Shuttles will drop off and pick up in campgrounds. Downtown Burlington.

page 8 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 BURLINGTON RAGBRAI OVERNIGHT / FRIDAY, JULY 26

THE PARTY Eric Pettit Lion Grab your friends and head down to the Burlington Jera & the Absoluts Riverfront for live music, food and cold drinks. Burlington RAGBRAI is hosting a fun-filled afternoon and evening of live music:

2 pm Eric Pettit Lion

3:30 pm Jera & The Absoluts Stumptown

5 pm Stumptown

7 pm Spazmatics Spazmatics Catfight 10:30 pm Catfight

FOOD & VENDORS CAMPGROUNDS The Food and Vendor Committee is now accepting Campgrounds will be located applications for all vendors, including all for profits, at the following locations: nonprofits and churches. The application is available Burlington High School at BurlingtonRagbrai.com. All for profit and nonprofit Notre Dame Schools vendors participating in the RAGBRAI festivities setting Edward Stone Middle School up along the route, serving a meal, vending at the party Crapo and Dankwardt Parks location or adding additional services to daily business Burlington Area YMCA must fill out a Food and Vendor application. Southeastern Community College Westland Mall will be the RV campground For more information on Burlington’s RAGBRAI plans, visit BurlingtonRAGBRAI.com | Facebook.com/BurlingtonRagbrai

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 9 5 & V Outdoor Movie Night Fifth & Valley Sts. | Downtown Burlington

How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Presented by FRIDAY, JULY 12 Smallfoot Presented by SATURDAY, JULY 13

BOAT DOCKING JULY 20 American Queen, 8 am - 3 pm The community is invited to the Port of Burlington to view this majestic vessel docked on our riverfront. Subject to change based on Mississippi River levels

page 10 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Greater Burlington Young Professionals Welcomes Brenda Hartje & Steven Stransky to the YP Leadership Council! Brenda has been in YP for three years and is employed by Great Western Bank. Steven has been in YP for one year and is employed by Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission. They will make a wonderful addition to the team!

GREATER BURLINGTON YP SPOTLIGHT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Sydney Gerst Employer: U.S. Bank, N.A. ARE YOU: Hometown: Burlington BETWEEN THE AGES OF 21 - 40? YP Member: 3 years LOOKING TO MEET NEW PEOPLE? Why did you join YP? I wanted to get acquainted with other WANTING TO PREPARE YOURSELF TO young professionals in the area and become more involved CLIMB THE CAREER LADDER? in my community. I've learned so much more about Greater Burlington since joining YP. WHO ARE WE? Which community organizations do you volunteer We are “young people” from all types of career fields who want to meet like-minded people and grow in our community. Greater for? I am an active volunteer with Great River Hospice and Burlington Young Professionals is a social networking organization participate annually in the Walk to End Alzheimer's and JA that provides opportunities to foster relationships with peers and Bowl-A-Thon. to promote the personal and professional development of our members. What do you enjoy most about the area? I love the mixed bag feel of our community, exploring the different eateries Greater Burlington Young Professionals is proud to deem itself in town and attending live music. I think it's amazing that we “The Voice of the Future.” We are a program of the Chamber of have organizations like the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Commerce, a division of the Greater Burlington Partnership. and Civic Music to give us a reprieve from our busy lives and nourishment for the soul! HOW DO I GET INVOLVED? Greater Burlington Young Professionals is based on a comprehensive Unique about me: Music is incredibly important to me, and calendar of events. It is up to you to determine your involvement I’m not picky. My family teases me about my eccentric taste. I throughout the year. The more events you attend, the more people can listen to and enjoy almost anything! you will meet and build relationships with. WHAT KIND OF EVENTS DO YOU HOST? Each event has a focus of either Social Networking or Professional Greater Burlington Young Professionals Development. The events include 5:05 Socials, Lunch and Learns, a professional and social group for individuals and Business Tours. between the ages of 21 - 40.

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 11 100+ Like Minds, a yearly fundraising event that donates to the Community Foundation of Des Moines County. Pictured Left: Amy O'Brien, Tammy McCoy Community Foundation of Des Moines County Becomes Affiliate of the Keokuk Area Community Foundation

The CFDMC has recently transitioned away from Iowa charitable causes. In addition, decisions and the Quad Cities Community Foundation and has control over using local investment advisors to manage become an affiliate of the Keokuk Area Community the funds will allow the CFDMC to keep donation Foundation. This comes with a host of benefits. Being dollars local. an affiliate will continue to allow the CFDMC to The Community Foundation of Des Moines County’s offer the Endow Iowa Tax Credit. The credit allows mission is to connect donors and philanthropists taxpayers to receive a 25% Iowa tax credit, in addition with the causes they care about most, and ensure to normal federal charitable income tax deductions, for their contributions will continue to grow Des Moines gifts made to permanent endowed funds that benefit County far into the future.

For more information about the Community Foundation of Des Moines County and who to speak with about donating, visit CFDMC.org.

page 12 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 2020 COMMUNITY EVENTS NEEDED

Work will soon begin on the 2020 Burlington/West Burlington Community Guide, a full color, 80-page publication that is used to market the area. Forty thousand guides are printed annually, with over 22,000 online views. The guide is shipped all across the United States, and many other countries, too! To be included in the 2020 Community Guide, submit your event by August 30 at GreaterBurlington.com. Be sure to include the event date, time, location, contact information, and a brief description. Use this free marketing opportunity to promote your community event!

For more information, contact Dustin Roth.

Please welcome these new members by sending an email, liking their Facebook page or visiting their website. Even better, stop by to introduce yourself, exchange business cards and help grow their network as well as your own!

Check N Go 411 W Agency Ste 3, West Burlington, 563-275-3742, checkngo.com Anneliese Lilienthal, Store Manager Offering easy, straightforward money solutions when you need them most. Getting a loan from them means that you will get high quality service and NEW MEMBERS the money you need - when you need it.

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 13

SAVE the DATE

AUGUST 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 – Farmers Market Jefferson St, 4:30 pm

EVENTS 2 – Gus Macker Special Games Burlington Riverfront, 6 pm

3 - 4 – Gus Macker, 3-on-3 Basketball 2 - 3 – Burlington Bees vs 12 – 5 & V Outdoor Cinema 24 - 30 – Des Moines County Fair Burlington Riverfront How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World Des Moines County Fairgrounds Community Field, 6:30 pm Fifth & Valley Streets, Dusk 7 am - 10 pm 3, 16 – American Queen docking GoBees.com GreaterBurlington.com DesMoinesCountyFair.com Port of Burlington, 8 am

4 – 4th of July Celebration 13 – 5 & V Outdoor Cinema 24 - 26 – Burlington Bees vs Beloit 8, 24 – American Duchess docking West Burlington Downtown Smallfoot Snappers Port of Burlington, 8 am

6:30 am – 11:30 pm Fifth & Valley Streets, Dusk Community Field, 6:30 pm WestBurlington.org/index.php/July- GreaterBurlington.com GoBees.com 21 – Young Professionals Biz Tour Lindon Wines, 5:15 pm Celebration 13 - 15 – Burlington Bees vs 24 – Nature at Night 22 – Greater Burlington Partnership 5 – First Friday: The Eastman Story Starr’s Cave Nature Center, 8 pm Golf Classic Burlington Public Library, 10 am Community Field, Sat & Mon 6:30 pm DMCCconservation.com Spirit Hollow, 10 am Burlington.lib.ia.us Sun 2 pm GoBees.com 26 – RAGBRAI® 26 – Teachers Appreciation Reception 6 – 8 Greater Burlington PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center Burlington Bees vs 14 – Burlington Municipal Band BurlingtonRAGBRAI.com 4 - 5:30 pm Community Field, 6:30 pm Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 pm SEPTEMBER GoBees.com MuniBand.org 28 – Burlington Municipal Band 5, 12, 19 & 26 – Farmers Market Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 pm Jefferson St, 4:30 pm 6 – Symphonic Blast 19 – Cruise Night MuniBand.org Crapo Park Band Shell, 8:15 pm Jefferson St, 5 pm 12 – Young Professionals Leadership SEISO.us 31 – Downtown Coffee & Conversation Conference 20 – American Queen Boat Docking The Washington, 5:15 pm PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center 7 – Burlington Municipal Band Burlington Riverfront, 8 am - 3 pm GreaterBurlington.com 1 pm Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 pm GreaterBurlington.com MuniBand.org 18 – State of the Economy Luncheon G. G. Conn Pavilion at Spirit Hollow 20 – A Very Vintage Market 11:30 am - 1 pm 10 - 12 – Burlington Bees vs Downtown Burlington, 9 am - 4 pm Ft. Wayne TinCaps GreaterBurlington.com 20 – Marketing Know How Community Field, 6:30 pm Series – Digital Media GoBees.com 20 – Paddle in the Park Greater Burlington Partnership, 8 am Big Hollow Recreation Area, 9 am - 12 pm 11, 18, 25 – Farmers Market DMCConservation.com 26 – Business After Hours Martini’s Grille, 5 pm Jefferson St, 4:30 pm - 7 pm GreaterBurlington.com 21 – Burlington Municipal Band 27 – Fall Sip, Taste & Stroll Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 pm Downtown Burlington, 5 - 8 pm MuniBand.org

page 14 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Burlington/West Burlington Des Moines County Fair SAVE the DATE United Way Annual Kickoff July 23 - 30 The Pacesetter Division of the Burlington/West Burlington There's truly something for everyone at the Des Moines Area United Way will convene for their Annual Kickoff County Fair! Plenty of shopping opportunities, great Luncheon on Wednesday, July 24 at Noon at the PZAZZ! homemade food and treats, music and entertainment, Convention & Event Center. Approximately 110 firms games and contests - and of course, the time-honored and employee groups, Pacesetter Committee members and tradition of 4-H kids showing their prize animals. New representatives from the local United Way funded agencies to the fair this year is the Smokin' Gun Donkey Sort on will be attending the kickoff luncheon. Saturday evening, and the popular kids Mutton Bustin' returns on Monday. Camp with friends or visit for a day - Please call 319-752-7831 for reservations. come make memories at the Fair! For more information or for vendor and registration Paddle in the Park forms, visit DesMoinesCountyFair.com. July 20, 9 am - 12 pm Des Moines County Conservation Environmental Friday Fest - Event Date Change Education staff will be on Big Hollow Lake once a month from June thru October. Get out on the water for some Due to recent flooding Friday Fest, previously scheduled paddling fun as we explore the lake. A limited number of to be held June 14, is now being held August 30, 5 - 8 pm boats are available, and space is limited. Registration for at the Port of Burlington. each event is required in advance by calling Starr's Cave at 319-753-5808. Visit MyCountyParks.com for more information. SCC Alumni Association Golf Outing On July 19, Southeastern Community College Alumni Association 24th Annual Golf Outing begins with a great Fourth of July Celebration box lunch at 11 am followed by a 4-person best shot Celebrate the 4th of July with a day and evening of fun in starting at 12:30 pm at Sheaffer Memorial Golf Course. West Burlington. Start the day with a pancake breakfast, The cost is $90 per person, $600 for a sponsored team. then enjoy a craft show, bicycle races, youth talent show, Other sponsorships also available. Sponsorships received parade and more. There will be live music and food by July will be entered into a special raffle for John Deere vendors all day, with the beloved annual fireworks show Classic tickets. as a grand finale. Contact Val Giannettino for more information, For more information, visit 319-208-5065 or [email protected]. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT WestBurlington.org/July-Celebration.

To submit member information, contact Brenda Levitt

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 15 RiverPark Place 610 N 4th St, Ste 200 Burlington, Iowa 52601 TELEPHONE 319-752-6365 FAX 319-752-6454 [email protected] GreaterBurlington.com

The region’s largest farmers market takes place every Thursday from 4:30 – 7 pm on the 300 - 500 blocks of Jefferson in downtown Burlington. Note: There is no market on July 4. For information about weekly market activities, visit Jefferson St. Farmers Market on Facebook or call Downtown Partners.

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