The GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 94 NO. 2 Partnership Kay Sackville Breuer Vice President 319-208-0041 PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER [email protected] Belinda Colwell Administrative Assistant 319-208-0042 [email protected]
Steve Frevert THE POWER OF Downtown Partners, Inc. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 [email protected] THINKING BIG Mark Foster Program Dir. Govt. Relations and Young Prof. 319-208-0050 [email protected] Jason Hutcheson At a meeting about a year ago, a local executive said to me, “We’ve got to encourage big President & CEO 319-208-0043 thinking in this community. If we think small, that’s what we’re going to get.” [email protected] While I certainly see small thinking at work from time to time, this community has also demonstrated its Sherri Krause ability to think big: our world-class library, the Capitol Theater, Community Field, RiverPark Place, FunCity, Finance Manager 319-208-0044 Crapo Park, and the list goes on and on - far too many examples to list here. None of these things would have [email protected] occurred without some big thinking overcoming a few skeptics along the way. Becky Kuster As a midsize river community located in the Midwest, we are probably a bit more risk averse than the national CVB Ass. & Welcome Center median. Although we have pockets of entrepreneurial spirit, we lag in start-ups and the attraction of venture Coordinator 319-208-0052 capital. Risk aversion isn’t all bad, and our conservative tendencies have probably helped us in recent history. [email protected] As a community, we have weathered quite a bit over the last few decades. The resilience of our people is Brenda Levitt pretty amazing. We don’t give up, and we generously support the things we believe in. Although we don’t Econ. Development Research enthusiastically support crazy ideas, we aren’t afraid of thinking big - and the private sector is responding. Coordinator 319-208-0047 [email protected] Investors are taking risks in real estate again. Condos are being erected along Gear Avenue, new acquisitions Rachel Lindeen have been made in Downtown Burlington, and additional living units are under construction in multiple Membership Director areas. Businesses are remodeling and/or expanding facilities, manufacturing plants are purchasing new 319-208-0046 equipment, and new retail destinations are periodically sprouting up. The paint has barely dried from Great [email protected] River Medical Center’s numerous expansions, and Hope Haven is solidifying its plan for a permanent facility Sheila Newman that will serve its clients well into the future. Let’s also not forget about Iowa Fertilizer’s nearly $2 billion Program Director investment. I could cite many more examples of risk-taking. 319-208-0048 [email protected] The Purple & Gray Foundation has some big plans for Bracewell Stadium, and the Imagine Steering Beth Nickel Committee will soon be unveiling plans for a new indoor recreational facility. Both projects entail big Convention & Visitors Bureau thinking. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 [email protected] As an organization, the Partnership has spent the last year outlining a five-year strategy for continued economic growth, and subsequently raised the dollars necessary to implement that strategy. The plan was David Toyer Dir. of Economic Development tested against both large and small businesses, and our investors spoke very clearly: set the bar high, take risks, 319-208-0053 and encourage aggressive leadership. [email protected]
We are all aware of the fragile economy and the concerns of governmental budgets. Small thinking would Brenda Wischmeier allow these two factors to stifle both public and private investment. We can’t let that happen, and we can Director of Marketing certainly balance our ‘wants’ with the resources available. 319-208-0040 [email protected]
Whether it is your small business, your church, the non-profit organization in which you serve, or just your SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is circle of friends, encourage the big thinking. While things don’t always go as planned, without risk, there is included in annual events fees. Non-members: $3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at no reward. Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Partnership is published monthly by the Greater Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO Burlington Partnership. POSTMASTER send address changes to The Partnership (USPS Greater Burlington Partnership 001-692), 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601
page 2 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 NEWSLETTER HAS NEW LOOK The Greater Burlington Partnership has a new modern look for the “I have enjoyed working with the photographers and volunteers, newsletter and a name change. Using brighter colors, larger fonts, and I am looking forward to what is planned for 2014,” said Brenda and higher quality images, the newsletter will continue to grab Wischmeier. “If you are a volunteer, your phone may ring soon for the attention of the 1,700 Chamber of Commerce members who that cover photo opportunity.” receive a copy each month. If you have any thoughts, suggestions or questions on the new look “It was time to make a change to the monthly newsletter, and name, contact Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing at previously called The Experience,” said Brenda Wischmeier, [email protected] or 319-208-0040. Director of Marketing. “The title The Partnership represents all four divisions of the Greater Burlington Partnership and ties the organization together in the title.” Local photographers have graciously volunteered their time and talents allowing the Partnership to showcase their work on the cover with the volunteers who help make the goals and accomplishments of the Greater Burlington Partnership possible. ON THE COVER The DPI Business Development Committee works to make downtown Burlington a promising place to invest. Whether you are opening or expanding a business, rehabbing a building or doing new construction, or undertaking upper-story residential development, the committee advocates for business and property owners to help you achieve success. Major projects have included establishing the railroad quiet zone, acquiring the Bookend Buildings for redevelopment, and completing business and building inventories. Encouraging beneficial building codes and assisting with grant and tax credit opportunities have also been keys to seeing projects completed. Pictured L to R: Becky Anderson, Legacy Partners, Bob Brueck, Brueck Construction, David Beckman, Beckman Law Offices, Last year the committee received a USDA grant to undertake Dennis Imler, Retired Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust, Mike a comprehensive market analysis project. The resulting report Darnall, McConnell Lofts and Todd Darnall, McConnell Lofts. can be found at www.greaterburlington.com/downtown_dev_ proj.cfm, and an executive summary will be distributed to all Photo Credits: Brandy Swartz Photography & B Gallery, downtown businesses. www.photographybybrandy.com taken at McConnell Lofts.
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 3 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Greater Burlington Leadership community in the upcoming months. 2013-2014 continues to challenge Greater Burlington Leadership is an participants and empower them to be intensive professional development better leaders. Class participants have series designed to strengthen leadership had the opportunity to engage with skills by empowering and educating numerous community leaders, learn people who live, work or have interest about hot topics in Greater Burlington in Greater Burlington. The series is and why they are important. Each presented by the Greater Burlington session offers experiences for the Partnership. participants to examine their own lives, The Greater Burlington Leadership series personality traits and how leadership If you would like to learn more about is successful because of the participating businesses and volunteers who welcome the fits with their careers. Greater Burlington Leadership, visit class participants to engage and learn . www.greaterburlington.com or contact During a few sessions, the class visited with As in past years, the class participants Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President, (above) Curt Schmidgall, will develop a group project to give at [email protected] Winegard Company and (below) back to the community. Many ideas or 319-208-0041. Craig Upton, KPI Concepts. have been brainstormed, and the list has been narrowed down. Project details will be shared with Chamber of Commerce members and the
Leadership
page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 DOWNTOWN PARTNERS RECEIVES MAIN STREET CHALLENGE GRANT Downtown Partners is one of just 14 organizations in Iowa to a longtime eyesore finally contribute to downtown’s revitalization.” receive a Main Street Challenge Grant this year. The state recently The 1920s building, included in the West Jefferson National announced the $75,000 award, which was the maximum amount Register Historic District, has been vacant for almost 37 years. available. Downtown Partners applied for the funding on behalf of Steepletown Development, LLC, a group of local investors who will Steepletown Development plans to rehab the building for a be rehabbing the former J.C. Penney building at 500 Jefferson. restaurant tenant. “There are some really nice features for that kind of use – great location and frontage, large open spaces, mezzanines, “We are excited to see work finally being done on the building, and original details,” said Frevert. Rehab work is expected to begin and DPI is glad to be able to assist financially,” said Steve Frevert, by spring. For more information, contact Steve Frevert, Executive Executive Director of Downtown Partners. “We were eligible to Director of Downtown Partners at [email protected] apply because we’re a certified Main Street program. Though we or 319-208-0056. are just a pass through for the funding, DPI will benefit by having
Business Telephone Systems Copiers - Computers/Networking Shredders - Typewriters Facsimilies - Calculators - Printers
50
319-752-5603 / 800-842-3770
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 5 TOURISM YEAR IN REVIEW The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau had a busy 2013 implementing new programs, obtaining new business, and retaining existing business for the community. Tourism started out slightly down in the first half of 2013; however, numbers came in very strong later in the year. Greater Burlington continues to see the tourism industry grow; in fact, tourism is a $121 million industry in Des Moines County. Tourism spurs economic development and 2013 creates jobs for Greater Burlington. Tourism related jobs range from hotels to restaurants, convenience stores to retail stores, Visits, Views & Likes! banks to construction projects. Tourism imports dollars into the community, lessening the taxes local residents pay. VisitBurlingtonIowa.com In 2013, the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau 175,016 Page Views was directly responsible for booking, servicing, and/or providing 55,266 Visits financial support to 41 conventions, meetings, group tours, With of visits via mobile device reunions and sporting events. These 41 events attracted 65,230 18% people to the area. Based upon statewide averages for visitor spending, these events 3,128 Likes generated an economic impact of $5,414,109 for the local economy. For every dollar of hotel/motel tax the Greater Burlington Port of Burlington Welcome Center Convention & Visitors Bureau invested in tourism sales and marketing in 2013, the return on investment was $15.21 of direct 10,615 Visitors spending in the Greater Burlington community. Visitors from 48 states and 23 countries The future looks bright for tourism in 2014, and it is our promise to work to attract more visitors to experience our community! INVENT AN EVENT Have an idea for an event that would drive tourism to Greater Burlington? Do you need a major sponsor to get the event started down the road to success?
Invent an Event will provide seed money to start a new event taking place between October – March! Prize Pool Winner(s) Announced June 1! $8,000 For more information, contact Beth Nickel, Executive Director of Convention & Visitors Bureau, at [email protected] or 319-208-0045. Apply by April 30 at www.visitburlingtoniowa.com!
page 6 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365 TRAVEL TO THE CAPITOL Join the Greater Burlington Partnership as they travel on February 5 and 6 to the state capitol to communicate regional priorities to our state legislators and department heads. The participation fee of $100 per person will include numerous Q&A sessions covering transportation, political action, M-Power U Students and more! A legislative reception and breakfast with leadership is also included. WELCOME NEWCOMERS TO Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor GREATER BURLINGTON Reynolds will keynote the evening reception. Bright and Do you know anyone new to the Greater Burlington area? early on February 6, there Do you have a new colleague, neighbor or friend? If so, the will be a breakfast buffet and Greater Burlington Partnership wants to welcome any of Sponsored by: discussion with the legislators these newcomers to Greater Burlington through our New that lead both houses of the Connections hospitality program. Iowa legislative branch. Each quarter the Greater Burlington Partnership will show RSVP to Mark Foster, them all of the amazing things Greater Burlington has to Program Director of Government Relations, at offer! We will give newcomers an opportunity to mingle with mfoster@greaterburlington. other newcomers as well as those that have lived in Greater com or 319-208-0050. Burlington for most of their lives. Participants are responsible Send a name and contact information to Mark Foster, Program for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Call Director of New Connections, at [email protected] the Holiday Inn Downtown or 319-208-0050. The New Connections program is a benefit of Mercy Area, 515-283-0151, the Chamber of Commerce membership. and mention the Great River Region Days room block.
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 7 GOAL OF VISITING 90 AREA BUSINESSES REACHED
Each year the Business Retention and Expansion Committee of the Greater Burlington Partnership conducts existing business interviews with local businesses. The Partnership wants to COMMUNITY STRENGTHS know what it is like for you to do business in Des Moines County. What are your challenges? What are your future “Big enough for places to see and things plans for growth? What are our communities’ strengths and weaknesses as a place to do business? to do, small enough for a small town These visits are incredibly valuable to the Greater Burlington feel and affordable housing” Partnership. Feedback is used from local businesses to help shape programming and lobbying efforts in Des Moines and “Progressive, growing, forward Washington D.C. thinking and positive community” Starting in 2007, the Partnership moved to an interview format known as BEST; Business Expansion and Strategic Trends. BEST is the state’s brand for the software program Synchronist. “Nice community with caring people All data collected during these visits is confidential. The data is and a sense of community” aggregated and analyzed at the Partnership and on a state level.
Data collected and analyzed helps us to: • Identify growth opportunities to support local industry Thank you to the 90 businesses that participated in • Forecast economic investment collecting this data in 2013. The Greater Burlington • Provide a vehicle to identify issues to incorporate into the Partnership has begun scheduling 2014 local program of work Small Business calls, and the Business Retention and • Connect businesses with local and state resources to assist growth and address business needs Expansion committee and staff are looking • Generate quantifiable facts to support business attraction forward to meeting with you. marketing initiatives • Provide community and state leadership insight for If you would like to participate, contact Sheila allocation of resources Newman, Program Director, at snewman@ • Assist with the creation of effective and competitive public policy greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0048. • Predict companies at risk of downsizing or closing
page 8 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 2014 LABORSHED REPORT AVAILABLE
So, what is a laborshed report? The simplest explanation is that it’s a compilation of data and demographics on the area’s workforce that looks at a region’s total potential workforce (employed and unemployed), including level of education, age, average wages, benefits, willingness to change or accept employment, commute patterns and more.
How can your business use it? Information within the laborshed report can better help your business understand the demographics of the type of worker you’re trying to hire, including information on their job search techniques and the wage thresholds that will influence qualified candidates to change or accept employment.
What’s changed since the last report? The biggest change is a 7.8% increase in the total potential labor force. Other differences since the 2011 report highlight changes in the characteristics of the workforce.
Total Potential Laborforce 125,797 116,611 Willing to Change or Accept Employment 22,297 21,194 % Employed 75.6% 71.6%
% Self Employed 2013 11% 2011 10% % Employed (Willing to Change Employment) Search for Jobs by: Internet 86.7% 73.8% Search for Jobs by Newspaper 38.7 54.1% % Unemployed (Willing to Accept Employment) Search for Jobs by: Internet 81.3% 66.7% Search for Jobs by Newspaper 31.3% 54.5% % Who Changed Jobs in Last Year for Better Wages 17.4% 12.5% Average Commute Distance Acceptable to Change Jobs 28 miles 25 miles Number of Workers Commuting out of Greater Burlington 1,704 1,409
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 9 The Board of Directors asks fellow business and organizational leaders to help the Chamber of Commerce be a catalyst by renewing their 2014 MEMBER RENEWALS memberships. The renewing members are listed as of January 10. Those members listed in bold also made voluntary contributions. Renewing members will be recognized in the newsletter through May.
A-1 Appliance Repair Fairfield Inn & Suites Per Mar Security Services ABC Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Fareway Food Stores Pierson Farms 2014 Abstract Title and Escrow Services of Iowa Federal Mogul Ignition Products Pink Box Confections Accounting Professionals of Burlington Financial Adjustment Bureau Players Workshop AD Specialties Unlimited First Presbyterian Church Ploeger Recruiting Services COMMUNITY Alfagomma America First United Church of Christ Rexroth Chiropractic Center Altorfer Rents First United Methodist Church Rheinschmidt Tile and Marble GUIDES Alzheimer’s Association Flint Cliffs Manufacturing Ritter’s American Cancer Society Floyd’s E-Z Way Container Service River Basin Publications ARE HERE American EyeCare and Freedom LASIK FMA River Ridge Dental Care AmericInn Frantz Community Investors Roederers Pit Stop Ameriprise Financial French-Reneker-Associates Salvation Army Corp. AndMer Apartments and Homes Friends of Community Field, NPC Sears Arby’s Restaurant George’s Lawn Mower Sheakley Pay Systems Arnold Refrigeration Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Sherwin-Williams Company Aspelmeier, Fisch, Power, Engberg Western Illinois Sherwood Company & Helling Global Reach Internet Productions Slumberland Furniture Barking Dog Promotions Great River Medical Center Solar Imput Bockenstedt, Dr. Timothy, D.D.S. Great River Plumbing Southeast Iowa Builders Association Bridgeway Great River Surgeons Southeast Iowa Building & Brozene Hydraulic Service Grinstead, Pierce & Associates Construction Trades Council Budget Lighting of Iowa Gypsi Southeast Iowa Parrot Head Club Burke Cleaners H. Daniel’s & Associates Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Burlington Apartments Happy Joe’s of Burlington Authority Burlington Bees Baseball Association Heritage Park Pharmacy Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Burlington by the Book Heritage Trust Commission City of Burlington Huffman’s Farm & Home Squirrel’s Nest Bed and Breakfast Burlington Community School District Hy-Vee Food Store- Angular St. Ambrose University The Greater Burlington Burlington Municipal Band Foundation Ideal Ready Mix Company State Farm Insurance - John Korschgen Community Guide is Burlington Produce Industrial Motors Steffes Group Burlington Short Line Railroad International Eyecare Center SunnyBrook Assisted Living ready to be distributed Burlington Trailways Ivy Bake Shoppe Taco John’s Capitol Theater Foundation iWireless Taylor, Dr. Larry with 40,000 printed Cardon Industries J & M Displays TDT Financial Group, P.C. copies and with more Casey’s General Store - Des Moines Ave Jern’s Heating and Air Conditioning Temp Associates Casey’s General Store - Mount Pleasant St Jimmy John’s Triple S Leasing, LLC than 30,000 website Two Rivers Bank & Trust Casey’s General Store - Summer St Junior Achievement of the Heartland hits a year! Casey’s General Store - West Ave Kellogg, Roderick UniQue Personnel Consultants CCAT Kempker’s True Value Universal Therapy Group, LLC Agency Century 21 Property Professionals Kenny’s Roller Ranch & Rec Center Village Cooperative of Burlington Child Care Resource & Referral of Kevin Moore Professional Carpentry Vocational Rehabilitation Services The Community Guide Southeast Iowa Keystone Products Weird Harold’s is a great advertisement Christ Episcopal Church Kim Anne Photography Wendy’s Clean Sweep Chimney Care Kiwanis West Burlington Christian Church for your business and Cleveland Dermatology Klingner and Associates, PC City of West Burlington CNH KPI Concepts West Burlington Honda just one of the great Comfort Suites Hotel & Conference Let’s Travel West Burlington School District benefits of the Chamber Center Lips To Go Westland Mall Community Health Centers of Lovers Playground Westland Theatres of Commerce. Southeastern Iowa, Inc. Martini’s Grille Ed Whitham Conn Communications MFS Mutual Insurance Company Wilson Rentals CPA Associates, P.C. Midwest Janitorial Service & Supply, Inc. Winegard Company To order a supply, Curly Inn Salon, Day Spa & Boutique MidWestOne Bank WorkSource Dave Bessine Electric Mississippi Valley Callers Association Wunderlich Excavating & Plumbing contact Becky DMC Board of Supervisors Mississippi Valley Veterans’ Memorial Young House Family Services Kuster, Convention DMC Emergency Management Agency Mobil 1 Lube Express Burlington Prolube Zaiser’s Landscaping DMC Regional Solid Waste Commission Modern Welding Company of Iowa & Visitors Bureau Designer’s Viewpoint Mohrfeld Electric Renewals listed as of Details Napoli Pizza and Restaurant January 10, 2014 Assistant, at bkuster@ DMC Mutual Insurance Association National Alliance on Mental Illness of Eagle Corporate Apartments Great River Area greaterburlington.com or Eastern Iowa Tire Norm’s Koestner Electric 319-208-0052. Elks Lodge Northwestern Mutual ETC ComputerLand Nuclear Care Partners
page 10 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 NEW MEMBERS BUSINESS SUCCESSES Hedge Above LLC 101 Highway 61, Wapello, www.hedgeabove.com Geoff Proffit, Owner, [email protected] Your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood by the time we’re finished. Don’t spend another minute of your free time tending to your lawn. The professionals at Hedge Above LLC will take care of everything for you. Your landscaping priorities are at the top of our list. Papa Murphy’s 1108 W Agency Rd, West Burlington, 319-752-7413, www.papamurphys.com Pati Langer, Supervisor Papa Murphy’s lets you make your own freshly made take-n-bake pizza. Each Papa Murphy’s pizza is made to order with fresh ingredients. Cory Richards American Family Insurance 901 N 6th St Burlington 319-753-2952 www.coryrichardsagency.com Cory Richards, Agent [email protected] Cory Richards American Family Insurance is an insurance agency that can offer Village Cooperative you dependable auto, home, business, health and life insurance as well as other insurance products. Cory Richards will work hard to assist you in selecting the Village Cooperative of Burlington breaks ground at the corner of appropriate insurance coverage that meets your unique needs. Mason Road and Cambridge, celebrating the special event with owners, management and future residents. PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS - USE YOUR CHAMBER BENEFITS
The Partnership Newsletter Friday Facts The premier communication piece of the Greater A weekly update featuring “What’s New” in and around Burlington Partnership, The Partnership newsletter is Greater Burlington that is emailed to more than 1,100 printed monthly and distributed to 1,700 businesses with business people each Friday. page 13 dedicated to members events and happenings. Community Calendar Business Successes An online community calendar for members to have the Celebrate your business successes with the Chamber of opportunity to submit their event, celebration or open Commerce Ambassadors by scheduling a ribbon cutting. house. The online community calendar receives more than 1,500 hits every month.
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 11 To Submit Calendar Information FEBRUARY www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm
1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23 - 97th Annual Iowa State Bowling 15 - Winter Classical Concert Association Tournament Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm King Pins Bowling Center at PZAZZ! www.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com GREATER www.iowabowl.com 16 - Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra 1 - Youth Ice Fishing Clinic Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 7:30 pm BURLINGTON Big Hollow Recreation Area - All Day www.iwc.edu PARTNERSHIP www.dmcconservation.com 21 - 22 - American English 7 - Guest Organ Recital - Catherine Taylor Burlington Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm HAPPENINGS First United Methodist Church - 7 pm www.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com www.iwc.edu 21-23, 27-28 - “Visiting Mr. Green” by Jeff Baron 5 - 6 - Great River Region Days 8 - Mississippi Valley Calling Classic Players Workshop - Multiple times Des Moines State Capitol PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center - 8 am 319-753-6623 www.thepzazz.com 11 - Young Professionals 22-23 - Home & Garden Show Lunch & Learn 8 - Switchback PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center - Sat. 10 am Sun. 11 am Great River Health Systems - 12 pm Burlington Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm www.thepzazz.com www.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com 25 - Early Stage Support Group for Southeast Iowa 15 - Eggs & Issues 9 - Ana Miller Voice Recital Alzheimer’s Association Office - 10:30 am Winegard Board Room - 7:15 am Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 3 pm www.alz.org 19 - Greater Burlington Leadership [email protected] 26 - Fireworks Greater Burlington Partnership 11 - Southeast Iowa Care Partner Support Group Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pm Winegard Board Room - 8 am Alzheimer’s Association Office - 10:30 am www.burlcivicmusic.com www.alz.org 27- Annual Manning Lecture - Rev. Dr. Renita Weems 20 - Business After Hours Great River Health Systems - 5 pm 11 & 25 - NAMI Connections Support Recovery Support Group Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 7 pm Burlington Public Library - 6:30 pm www.iwc.edu 25 - Be a Marketing Ninja 319-392-4016 For event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com. Greater Burlington Partnership 13 - Annual Owl Prowl Winegard Board Room - 12 pm Starr’s Cave Nature Center - All Day www.dmcconservation.com February 1 - May 18 27 - Young Professionals 2014 Iowa State Bowling Glow-in-the-Dark 5:05 Social 14 - 5th Annual Widows Valentine Luncheon PZAZZ! Huckleberry Hall C 5:05 pm Thielen Funeral Home - 12 pm Association Tournament! www.thielenfuneralhome.com Over 5,000 bowling participants plus family and For Partnership Event details, 15 - “The Miracle Worker” Presented by Montana Repertory Theatre visit www.greaterburlington.com Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 7:30 pm friends will travel to Greater www.iwc.edu Burlington over 15 weekends to participate in this statewide 15 - Scenic Rivers Wine Trail Valentines Celebration Scenic Rivers Wine Trail -10 am - 5 pm Tournament. Best of luck to www.scenicriverswine.com all of the participants!
ETHANOL IS CLEAN.
Big River Resources Highway 34 & Beaverdale Rd West Burlington 319-753-1100 Mack & Used Trucks Since 1956 www.hlmack.com www.BigRiverResources.com 319-394-9143
page 12 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 The Shamrock Shuffle is Back! Burlington Notre Dame Catholic
Celebrates God’s Portion Day n
Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School celebrates the
35th anniversary of God’s Portion Day on Sunday, April o
6. God’s Portion Day is Notre Dame Schools biggest i fundraiser of the year. God’s Portion Day is a full day of fun, food and family
activities, plus a silent auction and live auction with at Burlington Kiwanis is excited to announce the return of the fabulous items and great deals to be had, so save the date Shamrock Shuffle. The 5K run/walk will take place on Saturday, and make plans to join us at Notre Dame, 702 S. Roosevelt March 15 at 10 am in Crapo Park. Again this year, the Shamrock Avenue in Burlington. If you or your business would like Shuffle will be a color run, and participants will enjoy the festive to make a donation to God’s Portion Day, please contact rm course as they run through bursts of color. Val Giannettino, Development Director, at In 2013, $21,000 was raised for the two Burlington Community [email protected] or 319-754-8431 ext. 385. Middle School after school programs. New for the 2013-2014 Catholic Education impacts our community in a very school year is an after school program for West Burlington positive way, and we are grateful for your support. elementary students. Kiwanis provides both financial support fo and a number of volunteers to keep the programs running. If you would like to help support the Shamrock Shuffle through Burlington Community School District n sponsorships, please contact Sam Manka, 319-754-6526 or Kindergarten Round-Up / Four Year Old [email protected]. Preschool Registration
For more information, visit www.burlingtonkiwanis.com, I Like “Burlington Shamrock Shuffle” on Facebook or email The Burlington Community School District will be “Rounding up” next year’s kindergarten students March [email protected]. r 14 through 24. We are also registering four year olds for our Grayhound Preschool Program. Why Advertise in The Partnership Newsletter? e All families with a child who will be five (for Advertising in The Partnership is a great way to advertise your Kindergarten) or four (for Preschool) on or before business and support the programs at the Greater Burlington September 15 are encouraged to call 319-753-6791, ext. Partnership. 110 for more information.
The Partnership is the #1 marketing piece for keeping Chamber of We are excited to have you visit our buildings, meet mb Commerce members involved and up to date. Four spots remain our teachers, and see for yourself what a great place the available to advertise your business. Ads are only $62.50 a month. Burlington Community School District is! To advertise, contact Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing, “Inspiring and Challenging Students through Diverse at [email protected] or 319-208-0040.
Opportunities” Me To Submit Member Information Send to Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing, [email protected]
OFFICERS DIRECTORS Chamber Board of Directors Chamber Board of Directors Aaron Baltisberger, Two Rivers Bank & Trust Jon Hart, Edward Jones Chairperson Dave Beach, Hy-Vee Food Store Dara Henneke, International EyeCare Center Jeff Burkhart, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust Sonya Belger, Styltique John Jennison, Riley Paint Company Deb Brinkley, Happy Joe’s Jim Kammerer, Great River Health Systems Past Chairperson Lea Burke, Burke Installed Kim Korschgen, State Farm Insurance Bryan Bross, Klingner & Associate Robert Boyle, C-CAT Mary Beth Sanchez, J & S Electric Business Systems, Inc. Chair-Elect Jim Carter, Retired, Dresser Rand Gary Schmeiser, Sterzings Food Company Laura Hubbard, CNH Lynn Egan, Record Securities Don Sheedy, Peaches Cafe & Steakhouse Aaron Engberg, Winegard Company Frank Shipley, Synder’s-Lance, Inc. Treasurer Massimo Eritale, Alfagomma America Judy Stevens, Re/Max Real Estate Specialists Brian Messer, Farmers Savings Bank Tim Fencl, Danville Telecom Byers Wolf, Energyficient Systems Deb Fowler, Century 21 Property Professionals Kathy Wunderlich, George’s Lawn Mower, Inc.
Vision – A growing regional center of commerce, industry, education, health care, entertainment and culture which provides a great place to live and work. Mission – The Chamber of Commerce is a business association that exists to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and community development in Greater Burlington, Iowa.
[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 13 Business After Hours Great River Wellness Plaza February 20, 5 - 7 pm
Join us with your co-workers to build your network at Great River Wellness Plaza Business After Hours and grow your business! 1221 S Gear Ave West Burlington, IA 52655 Brought to you by the Greater Burlington Partnership www.greatrivermedical.org
EGGS & ISSUES February 15 at 7:15 am MARKETING DEPARTMENT OF ONE! EPIC WIN OR EPIC FAIL? BE A MARKETING NINJA February 25 at 12 - 1 pm The February Eggs & Issues is on Saturday, February 15 in Winegard Board Room the Winegard Board Room at RiverPark Place. Breakfast will be ready at 7:15 am. The legislative forum starts at Are you a marketing department of one? If so, you are encouraged 7:30 am. Rep. Dennis Cohoon, Rep. Tom Sands, and to attend this session of “Be a Marketing Ninja.” Free to Chamber Senator Tom Courtney are invited guests. of Commerce members. Bring your lunch, listen, share and learn. Business owners, marketing staff, human resources and Special thanks to administrative staff are encouraged to attend. the sponsor: RSVP to Belinda Colwell, Administrative Assistant at [email protected] or 319-752-6365 by February 24. RSVP to Mark Foster, Government Relations Program Upcoming Dates: March 25 Director, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050. “Marketing with Your Chamber of Commerce Benefits” Upcoming Dates: March 15 and April 19 with Rachel Lindeen and Brenda Wischmeier www.greaterburlington.com page 14 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 WISCHMEIER JOINS AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION OF IOWA
NICKEL AND KUSTER TAKE TOURISM MARKETING ON Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing of the Greater Burlington Partnership, joins the American Marketing Association (AMA) of Iowa. THE ROAD
AMA is one of the largest professional The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau knows the importance associations for marketers. The Iowa chapter of traveling outside of the community and meeting face-to-face with potential currently has more than 350 members with visitors. “Tradeshow marketing is an important component of our marketing mix,” more than 8,000 members worldwide. The Iowa said Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors chapter is governed by a Board of Directors who Bureau. “Being able to deliver information and answer questions to potential volunteer time to make the conferences, lunches visitors in person helps consumers feel confident about their travel decision.” and socials possible. The 2014 Tradeshow Schedule includes: Highlights of the AMA Iowa chapter include year-round monthly programming, the • Iowa Sports & Vacation Show annual NOVA Awards program, networking • Quad Cities Women’s Health & Lifestyle Fair opportunities, leadership opportunities and a variety of forms of communications. • Heartland Travel Showcase “I am looking forward to the learning, leadership opportunities and networking that AMA Iowa • Travel Iowa Marketplace offers and using those ideas for the Greater • Iowa Meeting’s Marketplace Burlington Partnership,” said Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing. Be sure to Like “Visit Burlington Iowa” on Facebook to follow the travels For more information on AMA Iowa, visit that Beth Nickel and Becky Kuster, Assistant Director of the Greater www.amaiowa.com. Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, will be making.
[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
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS: NETWORK, LEARN AND HAVE FUN!
Young Professionals is a social networking organization for everyone ages 21-42! Whether you are blue collar or white collar, you can enjoy all of the benefits that Young Professionals have to offer. Events include 5:05 Socials, Lunch & Learns and Business Tours. The more events you attend, the more people you will meet and build relationships with. View the 2014 events at www.greaterburlington.com. Join us on Facebook to see photos, event reminders and much more!
Contact Mark Foster, Program Director of Young Professionals, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050 for details. Young Professional of the Month Marcus Chezum, Drake Hardware & Software “I wanted to LUNCH & LEARN be with other professionals my age, and YP was the perfect way February 11, 12 - 1 pm @ Great River to introduce myself and find common ground with other people. Anyone from the very shy to the most outgoing person is able to Health Systems, Blackhawk Room get great benefits out of the Young Professionals.” 2014 Presenting Sponsor February 27, 5:05 pm @ Huckleberry Hall C Break out your Glow-in-the-Dark gear! www.midwestonebank.com