The August 2017 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 97 NO. 8 Partnership Kay Sackville Breuer PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER Vice President 319-208-0041 [email protected] Belinda Colwell Office Manager 319-208-0042 [email protected]
Khayree Duckett Communications 319-208-0048 [email protected] Steve Frevert Downtown Partners, Inc. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 [email protected] Cindy Henry Customer Relations Specialist 319-208-0052 [email protected] The Changing Visitor Economy Jeremy Hess Dir. of Economic Development by Jason Hutcheson 319-208-0050 [email protected] We knew it would happen. Construction at Iowa Fertilizer Company would slow one day, and we would see a softening in the visitor expenditure market. Our economy benefited in countless Jason Hutcheson President & CEO ways from Iowa Fertilizer Company, and the extended timeline proved valuable to local businesses. 319-208-0043 Although there will always be maintenance crews in and out of the plant, the construction peak has jhutcheson@greaterburlingtoncom concluded. Sherri Krause Area hotels are feeling the effects. You probably are as well. Chief Financial Officer 319-208-0044 The Convention & Visitors Bureau subscribes to a data service which tracks both occupancy and [email protected] average daily rate on a monthly basis. It is one of the quickest, most accurate methods by which we Brenda Levitt measure visitor activity. Visitor traffic effects not just the revenue of hotels, but also gas stations, Graphic Designer restaurants, retail, and other local establishments. 319-208-0047 [email protected] For the month of May, hotel occupancy was down 24%, and YTD, occupancy fell 17% year over year. In 2017, the average revenue collected per hotel room was $48.68 per day – down about 14% from this Rachel Lindeen Event Coordinator time last year. Although those numbers are discouraging, they are not surprising. We all expected this. 319-208-0046 The story doesn’t have to end there. As you are well aware, a group has been working diligently to [email protected] create competitive space for weekend sports tournaments during the winter months. The success of the RecPlex can be replicated (albeit on a slightly smaller scale) all year round - helping to support this Chelsea Tolle Convention & Visitors Bureau economic impact built in part by visitor traffic. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 [email protected] The current plans call for two facilities. One would showcase courts used in basketball, volleyball, and other court-related sports. In addition, a second facility will contain turf - enough for five soccer fields which can be used by a number of additional turf-related sports. On a conservative basis, these buildings should sell about 8,000 – 9,000 hotel room nights per year, and of course, the visitor spending in all kinds of categories along with it. It is no small task, as the price tag of this effort is $10 million. The hotel industry has stepped upina
major way financially to make this happen, but it will take broad community support to pull this off. SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is included in annual events fees. Non-members: $3 per issue. If you would like to learn more about this project, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d be happy to Periodicals postage paid at Burlington, Iowa. arrange for a personal visit to answer all of your questions. We can do this. Our economy depends POSTMASTER: The Partnership is published monthly by the Greater Burlington Partnership 610 North on it! Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601. POSTMASTER send address changes to Greater Burlington Partnership (USPS 001-692) 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601 page 2 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 om ON THE COVER Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Committee c
For the past 18 years, a small but mighty group of dedicated volunteers has made the Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic a Pictured on the cover are volunteers Patty Moad, Farmers & Merchants Bank Downtown Partners’ Farmers Market Steering Committee has & Trust; Trish Staub, Alliant Energy Burlington Generating Station; Kristin itshuge hands success. full running Annually, the the most committee successful begins event of making its kind plans in the in PicturedRowley, left EBS to and right Lynn Egan,bottom Record to Securities.top: Jerry Johnson, Additional Capitol committee Theater; region.the spring, With securing the support donations of Two for Rivers golfer Bank goodie & Trust bags and and door the Doreenmember Roy, not Gypsi, pictured Red is Screen Jennifer Door; Rowley, Wilma Great RiverHemphill, Health S Systems. & W Farm; leadershipprizes. They of new put market new ideas manager in place Jerry for Johnson, the events theduring Jefferson the day, Morgan Hoenig, Mogo Organic, Des Moines County Extension; Liz Ross, The volunteers for the Golf Classic have changed slightly, but St.such Farmers as the Market chipping is and poised putting to build contests, on the andsuccess they of handlast year’s write TwoRiversBank&Trust movethank from you notes the riverfront. to the numerous The steering sponsors. committee They alsosets vendor work the there are a few familiar faces that have given of their time and rates,registration plans special table and themes contest and holes events, and schedules help with entertainment, set up and tear Nottalents pictured: for severalSusan years. Gerst, Kristin Gerst Family Rowley Gardens; has been Lynda working on anddown. helps Without with the the logistics volunteers, of presenting it would abe large difficult event to put all of Graham-Murray,the committee Dietitiansince the Magician second Nutrition; event. Kristin Kathy Schneidercan handle any onthe a plans weekly in basis. place. question from her years of experience. Patty Moad and Jennifer Rowley began on the committee back in 2006, Trish Staub joined The Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic began in 2000 with in 2011, and our newest member is Lynn Egan, who began in 2014. the idea of a fun filled day where members could invite clients or The group has worked together for so many years, they all know reward employees for an afternoon of golf. The golf course has their duties, have a wealth of knowledge and offer fantastic insight long been seen as the place where deals are made and contracts for the event. are secured.
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 3 WE ARE LOOKING FOR PARTNERS LIKE YOU!
Fireball Run is all about telling the story of our community, and our businesses are what makes this place special. By sponsoring this event, your business has the chance to help share the story of Greater Burlington. Volunteers with the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau are currently in the process of reaching out to businesses about sponsorship opportunities. Feel free to contact Chelsea Tolle if you are interested in partnering but have not yet been contacted.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at GreaterBurlington.com/FireballRun. COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDING APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE
Each year the Greater Burlington Convention & Since 2008, the program has awarded over $240,000 in grants to attract new visitors to the area, enhance visitor experiences, Visitors Bureau sets aside a portion of the budget to support and strengthen quality of life for Greater Burlington residents. local events bringing visitors to Greater Burlington. If you or someone you know hosts a local event, we invite you to The 2018 Community Event Funding applications will submit an application. Events must submit a new application become available August 21 with a due date of October 2. each year to be considered for funding. The application is available at GreaterBurlington.com or by contacting Chelsea Tolle. 2018 Community Guide Events
There is still time to submit your events to The guide is shipped all across the United States and a few be included in the 2018 Burlington/West Burlington other countries, too. You never know who might come to your Community Guide. Be sure to include the event date, time, event because they read about it in the guide. location, contact information, and a brief description. Use To be included in the 2018 Community Guide, submit your this free marketing opportunity to promote your event by August 15 at GreaterBurlington.com. community event!
Marketing Options Galore! The Greater Burlington Partnership offers a wide A complete guide of options will be mailed to all variety of marketing options for your business members in mid-August, allowing you to take a to take advantage of, including sponsorships and look at what works best for your business and your advertising. Options include marketing to area overall marketing plan. Once you have made your business leaders or to the community, depending decision, contact Kay Sackville Breuer. on your preference.
page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Honoring Area Manufacturing
Help us honor Des Moines County manufacturers with the 2017 Manufacturer of the Year Award. Nominations are being accepted at Greater Burlington.com through September 1.
This year’s Manufacturer Appreciation Luncheon will be held on October 6 at Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference Center.
Presented by:
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 5 DPI Puts 300 Washington on the Market
With a new roof keeping it dry for the first time in decades, the month we had a massive volunteer clean out day to get rid of former Typewriter Shop at 300 Washington is ready for its story the decades of accumulated debris,” said DPI Executive Director to continue. Assisted by a Main Street Challenge Grant for the Steve Frevert. “It made a huge difference.” Aided by additional roof, a Historical Resource Development Program emergency Challenge Grant funds, Klingner & Associates has produced grant from the State Historical Society of Iowa to repair measured floor plans, useful for redevelopment. The building is deteriorated roof trusses, and Iowa DNR funding to identify now listed for sale with Jesse Caston of Terrus Realty. hazardous materials and clean up asbestos, Downtown Partners has given the building a new lease on life. “We’ve taken a building that everyone had written off as a lost cause and brought it back from the brink,” said Frevert, “and The organization acquired the long vacant building from the that’s an immensely satisfying feeling. We’re looking forward to City in 2016 and took the steps necessary to prevent further seeing what its future holds.” deterioration and make it a more attractive investment. “Last
page 6 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 PRESENTED BY:
FORE! Golf Towel: Casebine Community Credit Union Eagle: Two Rivers Bank & Trust The clubs are coming out for the 18th Cart: Air Choice One Annual Chamber Golf Classic on August Social Hour: Iowa Wesleyan University
24 at 12:30 pm. Golfers and sponsors Birdie: Anderson, Roberts, Porth, Wallace & Stewart LLP; alike are excited for this year’s event! Aspelmeier, Fisch, Power, Engberg & Helling, P.L.C.; Big River Play for the day will be a four person, Resources West Burlington; Burlington Trailways; Catfish Bend best shot tourney. Join us at Spirit Casino; Edward Jones – Joel Sieren; Farmers Savings Bank; Great Western Bank; Merit Construction; MidWestOne Bank; Rick Hollow a little early to take advantage Buller Financial Services; Southeast Iowa Regional Planning of the driving range and grab a bite to Commission; Summer Street Animal Clinic; Tyson Fresh Meats; eat. For additional information, contact and U.S. Bank Kay Sackville Breuer. Hole: Advanced Home Health Care; Carl A. Nelson & Company; L.J. Roth Restoration Service; Servpro of Burlington; Shearer’s Snacks; State Farm Insurance – Kent Brown Agency; and Team Staffing Solutions
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 7 Jefferson St. Farmers Market Thursdays 4:30 – 7:30 pm 200 – 500 blocks of Jefferson Street
c Join Us for a Night Under the Stars! Downtown Burlington Fifth & Valley Streets, Dusk Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Friday, August 4 Presented by: TD&T
page 8 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 The American Queen
The largest river steamboat ever built, the grand American Queen is an elegant triumph of American ingenuity. Lacelike detailing evokes memories of the riverboats that preceded her and inspired her designers.
Join us on the riverfront Saturday, August 19 to see the largest, most opulent riverboat in the world grace Burlington’s riverfront and welcome the passengers of the American Queen.
Passengers will explore our community from about 8 am – 5 pm.
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 9 GREATER BURLINGTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS Young Professionals Biz Tour Silgan Containers AUGUST 17, 5:15 - 7:15 pm YP OF THE MONTH Take a tour of Greater Burlington’s newest manufacturing facility! A new opportunity for YPs to see Silgan Containers, essica Dean the largest provider of metal food packaging in the Employer: Great Western Bank United States! Hometown: New London RSVP via the Facebook event or by YP Member: 5years emailing [email protected] Why did you join YP? I joined YP to network with other young professionals and became more involved with the SAVE THE DATE! community. I really enjoy attending the Lunch and Learns and 5:05 Socials.
YP Conference What Community organizations do you September 21, 1 - 4 pm volunteer for? I currently serve on the Board of Directors for PZAZZ! Convention & Events Center Downtown Partners, a member of the campaign The Greater Burlington Young Professionals will host the committee with United Way and recently 2nd Annual YP Leadership Conference in September. graduated from the Greater Burlington Leadership class. Keynote Speaker Randy Winegard, CEO/President - Winegard Company Why Greater Burlington? I grew up 20 minutes from Burlington and have Breakout Sessions always enjoyed all that it has to offer. There is Jeff Ebbing, Southeastern Community College always something to do, no matter what age Samantha Helmick, Burlington Public Library you are.
Unique about me: I enjoy all things Fall. I love the changing trees, pumpkins, Hawkeye football and sitting around the campfire. page 10 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 State of the Economy Luncheon
Be a part of this inaugural event which rallies elected officials, industry leaders, and local entrepreneurs around a single topic: the local economy.
What are the economic indicators signaling? How should public policies evolve to drive future growth? This luncheon will be an opportunity to set the tone for economic momentum and ensure the community and its policymakers agree on a coordinated direction. September 13, 11:30 am - 1 pm $ Spirit Hollow, G.G. Conn Pavilion
Platinum Sponsor: Momentum Sponsor: ITC Midwest
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 11 Neff’s Tire and Auto 324 N Main St, Burlington, 319-209-2138 CELEBRATING Gary Neff, Owner, [email protected] Neff’s Tire and Auto is here to take care of your auto service needs, BUSINESS SUCCESSES including all brands, new and used tires, brakes, batteries, and all other auto services. Stop in for all of your auto service needs.
Pinned It Creations 400 Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-572-0560, pinneditcreations.com Jamie Grabowski, Owner, [email protected] Pinned It Creations offers Pinterest inspired DIY workshops including walk in make‘n’takes, private parties, kids camps, team building classes, and more. Pinned It Creations is the 1st place winner of Greater Burlington’s 2017 Small Business Plan Competition. Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living 4925 West Ave, Burlington, 319-752-1200, rosebushgardens.com Director, [email protected] Rosebush Gardens Assisted Living is proud to be Iowa owned and managed. Rosebush Gardens is also part of the Blair House Rehabilitation FAREWAY FOOD STORES Center campus. We are a 36-apartment assisted living facility that Store Manager Dan Klinkenberg cuts the ribbon celebrating the newly remodeled store. provides 24/7 care. We have three spacious apartment designs to select from including one bedroom, one bedroom deluxe and two bedroom. NEW MEMBERS
OPTIMAE LIFESERVICES Optimae LifeServices celebrated their new Community Integration Program with a Ribbon Cutting.
page 12 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Lights! Camera! Action! Presented by: Setting the Stage for Success Planning is underway for the 2017 Teachers Appreciation Reception on August 30 from 4 - 5:30 pm at PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex. More than 20 business will be on hand to help celebrate Des Moines County educators and staff.
Bike Rentals Mountain, Fat Tire & Tandem Bikes Hour, Half-Day & Full-Day Rentals Rent them at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center Open Daily 10 am - 4 pm GreaterBurlington.com/WelcomeCenter
Uncollected Bills Can put a real squeeze on your business’s budget. Let the professionals at the Financial Adjustment Bureau take care of your past due bills and bad checks. Commercial • Professional • Retail No Collection ~ No Charge Call today! 319-753-6756 612 Jefferson • Burlington, IA FINANCIAL ADJUSTMENT BUREAU INC.
#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 13 AUGUST HAPPENINGS SEPTEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Jefferson Street Farmers Market 7, 14, 21, 28 - Jefferson Street Downtown Burlington, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm Farmers Market GreaterBurlington.com Downtown Burlington, 4:30 pm 1 - Des Moines County Fair 13 - West Burlington Flea Market 13 - State of the Economy Luncheon Des Moines County Fairgrounds Des Moines County Fairgrounds Spirit Hollow, G.G. Conn Pavilion 8am-10pm 6am - 12 pm 11:30 am - 1 pm desmoinescountyfair.com WestBurlingtonFleaMarket.com 21 - YP Conference 3,4,5-Will Watch - A Shakespeare 17 - Young Professionals Biz Tour PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center Film Festival Silgan, 5:15 - 7:15 pm 1-4pm Capitol Theater, 6:30 - 11 pm GreaterBurlington.com BurlingtonCapitolTheater.com 26 & 27 - Fireball Run 18 - Jefferson Street Cruise Night Downtown Burlington 4 - Live After 5 Downtown Burlington, 5 - 9 pm Port of Burlington, 5 - 8 pm 28 - Business After Hours SteamboatDays.com 18 - The Evan Stock Band with Comfort Suites, 5 - 7 pm Shamemaker 4-5&VOutdoorCinema The Washington, 8 pm 29 - Sip, Taste, & Stroll FantasticBeastsandWheretoFindThem TheWashingtonMusic.com Downtown Burlington, 5 pm Fifth & Valley Streets, Dusk GreaterBurlington.com 19 - American Queen Docking Downtown Burlington Riverfront OCTOBER 6 - Burlington Municipal Band Concert 6 - Manufacturers Appreciation Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 - 8:30 pm 19 - Paddle in the Park MuniBand.Homestead.com Luncheon BigHollowLake,9am-12pm Comfort Suite Conference Center, DMCConservation.com 8, 16, 23, 30 - Open Climbing 11:30 am Starr’sCaveNatureCenter,1-4pm 19 - Bluzillion with Boat Motor DMCConservation.com 12 - YP 505 Social The Washington, 8 pm Martini’s Grille, 5:05 - 7:30 pm TheWashingtonMusic.com 10 - Life is Your Art Informational Series: Making a “Bucket List” 19 - Business After Hours 24 - Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Access Systems, 5 - 7 pm ArtCenterofBurlington,6-7pm Spirit Hollow, 11 am GreatRiverHospice.org GreaterBurlington.com 27 - Downtown Trick or Treat Downtown Burlington, 4 - 6 pm 11 - The Lucky Losers with Cathy Lemons 24 - Search for Life Beyond Earth in Space & Phil Berkowitz and Time The Washington, 8 pm Edward Stone Middle School, 7 - 9 pm TheWashingtonMusic.com GET MORE EVENT DETAILS: 25 & 26 - Mediapolis Town & Country Days SAVE the DATE GreaterBurlington.com Mediapolis Downtown & Park Facebook.com/TownandCountryDaysMepoIowa
page 14 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 PROJECT: Crayon BOOTS vs BADGES Fundraiser The F&M Community Foundation’s annual school A series of three back-to-back slow-pitch softball games supply drive, Project: Crayon, is currently underway. The beginning at 11 AM on August 6 will raise money for F&M Community Foundation, a 501(c)3, has continued the Burlington Police Department’s K-9 unit. A friendly to assist teachers and students with needed classroom rivalry between teams including members of every police supplies for nine years because of community generosity. and fire department in Des Moines County, along with Due to budget cuts and the current economy, teachers MedForce employees and Des Com dispatchers, will vie are being forced to spend more of their own money to for the win. There will also be a silent auction and a gun purchase the classroom supplies. Project: Crayon helps raffle. A K-9 demonstration will be held between the to lighten their financial load by collecting new school second and third games and a MedForce helicopter will supplies and monetary donations. 100% of all donations land on the field before the first game to deliver game benefit Burlington, West Burlington, and Mediapolis balls to the umpires. The public can get a close-up look Elementary Schools. All school supplies are needed. If at the helicopter and other emergency vehicles during you’re not sure what to provide, let the F&M Foundation and after the games. The first 100 children will receive a do the shopping for you. Donations can be dropped off “goodie bag full of fun stuff.” Tickets can be purchased in at any F&M Bank & Trust location until August 11. For advance at the Burlington Police Department or the West more information, contact Brenda Wischmeier Burlington Fire Department for $5 per person, $10 per at [email protected]. gun raffle ticket. See you at Community Field! facebook.com/groups/532981270237270
UNITED WAY Campaign Kickoff Notre Dame POT O’ BLUE & GOLD The Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way’s CASH RAFFLE Annual General Campaign Kickoff Luncheon will be The drawing will be held on Saturday, September 30 at held Wednesday, September 20 at noon in the Pzazz! Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School. Tickets are Convention and Event Center. The United Way General available at Notre Dame, area financial institutions and Campaign officially begins with the Kickoff Luncheon other retail outlets in Burlington and West Burlington. and will run through November 30. The Annual Kickoff Seventy-five cash winners and a grand prize of $100,000! Luncheon is sponsored in our community by F&M Bank Your purchase of a Pot O’ Blue & Gold ticket helps Notre & Trust, Great Western Bank, MidWestOne Bank, Two Dame with 100% of the proceeds going to the school to Rivers Bank & Trust and U. S. Bank. All United Way support our teachers’ salaries, curriculum, technology and supporters and volunteers are welcome to attend. For teachers retirement fund. For more information, contact reservations or more information, please contact the MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Val Giannettino, Development Director at United Way Office at 319-752-7831. 319-754-8431 ext. 385, [email protected] To be in the MEMBER SPOTLIGHT or visit Notre Dame’s website burlingtonnotredame.com. Contact Brenda Levitt Thank you for your support!
ORDER YOUR 2017 COMMUNITY GUIDE SUPPLY 319-752-6365
#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
WELCOME CENTER “Did You Know?” Did you know that the Welcome Center has over 300 brochures on display? Many of the attractions highlighted are throughout Iowa, but we also have a few for Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin, too! Next time you need to plan a family getaway, stop at the Welcome Center first and see what catches your attention. The Welcome Center is open daily 10 am to 4 pm.
Follow Us On