February 2012 Vol. 92 No. 2

The Experience A Newsletter for the Greater Burlington Partnership

2011 Annual Report p7 - p10

Greater Burlington Leadership p16

View The Experience at www.greaterburlington.com Existing-Business Calls Spring into Action 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 Burlington, Iowa USA 52601 Phone: 319-752-6365 As we enter a new year, economists expect 2012 will be FAX: 319-752-6454 E-mail: [email protected] a better year than 2011. What does that mean for your Website: www.greaterburlington.com business? What are the challenges your business faces? Volume 92 No. 2 Do you have plans for future growth? What projects News should have the attention of our community leaders? 2012 Legislative Statements The Economic Development Division of the Greater Page 3 Burlington Partnership exists to add and retain We Need Your Connections jobs and help grow the tax base of Des Moines Page 3 County. To fulfill this mission, the organization Air Choice One Awarded must fully understand the local competitive business Additional Year Page 4 environment. As a result, the Partnership is again Member Profile of the Month calling on existing businesses. We want to hear from Page 5 you. Mark Your Calendars From now until April, the Business Retention & Page 5 Member Renewals Expansion (BRE) committee will be making visits. Page 6 The committee has set a goal of conducting 90 2011 Annual Report personal, one-on-one interviews with business Page 7 - 10 owners and managers of companies within Greater 2011 Existing-Business Survey Report New Members Burlington. In 2011, we conducted 83 of these visits Page 11 and shared the aggregated results at our Small Business Successes Business Appreciation Breakfast. Page 11 Calendar of Events Covered topics include product/service adjustments, workforce needs, political hot buttons, and even Page 12 questions about the future of the community. Although individual interviews are held in strict confidence, Member Information the data from each call will again be gathered and published in a trend report released at the Small Business Page 13 Appreciation Breakfast on May 18. Upcoming Partnership Events Page 14 If your business is contacted by a member of our Business Retention and Expansion Committee, please Partnership Calendar schedule an hour of your time to visit with them. Your input is extremely valuable. If you have any questions Page 15 or would like to participate, please contact Brenda Levitt at [email protected] or 319-208-0047. Greater Burlington Leadership Page 16 Kay Sackville Breuer Jason Hutcheson Sheila Newman Vice President Economic Development Existing Industry and Workforce Just A Thought 319-208-0041 Exec. Dir. 319-208-0043 Specialist 319-208-0048 Page 4 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Front Cover Photo: Ed Minard Steve Frevert Sherri Krause Beth Nickel 319-750-2873 Downtown Partners, Inc. Finance Manager Convention & Visitors Bureau

edminardphotography.com Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 319-208-0044 Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Dennis Hinkle Kela Lehman Melissa Schwenker President & CEO Administrative Assistant Membership Director SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is 319-208-0050 319-208-0042 319-208-0046 included in annual events fees. Non-members: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] $3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Experience is published monthly by the Greater Burlington Jaime Howard Brenda Levitt Brenda Wischmeier Partnership. POSTMASTER send address changes CVB Asst. & Welcome Center Econ. Development & Govt. Director of Marketing to The Experience (USPS 001-692), 610 North Coordinator 319-208-0052 Affairs Coord. 319-208-0047 319-208-0040 Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

page 2 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 2012 Legislative Position Statements The Chamber of Commerce exists to be a catalyst for economic business can and will overcome the impacts of rising taxes and fees growth and community development in Des Moines County. It is and increased regulation. We must remember businesses do have the imperative that a successful chamber work within the political realm option to do business in other communities, states and countries. to advocate positions important to business. The purpose of this set of position statements is to reflect those issues that this Chamber The 2012 “Political Action Agenda Survey” revealed serious of Commerce believes are in the best interests of the business concerns on the part of businesses in our community. Businesses community in Greater Burlington and Des Moines County. These feel threatened and uncertain about the future. When business lacks statements reflect the opinions of membership as measured by the confidence, decisions to expand and add employees are deferred. annual “Political Action Agenda Survey,” are recommended by the There is no sustainable recovery without a healthy, vibrant private Government Affairs Committee and are adopted by the Board of sector business climate. Full attention needs to be paid to creating an Directors. environment where business can compete and succeed. The federal government, State of Iowa and our local community must The 2012 Legislative Position Statements can be found on the do everything possible to encourage investment and job creation. Partnership’s website at www.greaterburlington.com/chamber_ There is an alarming trend to take business for granted and assume legislative.cfm. that the factories, shops and offices will always be there and that We Need Your Connections! The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is working to attract more meetings, conferences, and conventions to Greater Burlington. You can make a difference and be a connector for Greater Burlington. If you serve on a board, belong to a club or association, or serve on a committee you might be a Greater Burlington Connector! “Greater Burlington has had most success in booking meetings or events in the community as a result of having a local resident who served as a connector,” said Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are asking local residents to help us bring thousands of new dollars into our community.” Getting involved is simple. Visit www.greaterburlington.com and click on the Greater Burlington Connector button. Fill out a form with your contact information and a listing of boards, committees, clubs, associations, and/or groups you belong to and submit. Once your information is received the Convention & Visitors Bureau will take it from there. All residents who submit a connector form before May 15 will be entered in a drawing to win a Kindle Fire. For more information contact Beth Nickel, Executive Director Convention & Visitors Bureau at [email protected] or 319-208-0045.

Brenda Wischmeier Director of Marketing 319-208-0040 [email protected]

[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 3 Cash welfare payments, medical assistance and yes, even unemployment insurance have moved into the category Air Choice of “expected” or “deserved” or “entitled”. In one, perhaps Just a two, generations we have moved from a time when a One Awarded person would do anything possible to avoid drawing unemployment or welfare in any form to a point where Thought many will accept it without reservation and for as long Additional Year as it will last. Recent reports indicate that many of those The Federal Department drawing unemployment will wait until they have about of Transportation has re- three weeks of benefits left before they begin to look for a selected Air Choice One job. That is true whether the unemployment benefit runs as the Essential Air Service Entitlement or Opportunity? 26 weeks or 99 weeks. provider for Southeast Iowa I have often said that the goal of parents should be to This is the case even though we have employers with jobs Regional Airport for a one- raise children to be responsible adults. Further defined, going unfilled. We have companies deciding to not make year period extending from the objective is not to satisfy every whim and wish, nor investments because they are not sure they can fill the job February 1, 2012 until January to make sure that the child has it easier than the parents slots. 31, 2013. Air Choice One did, and it is certainly not to ensure that the child never The key question of the political season in which we will continue to provide encounters any hardship or challenge. Of course families now are engaged should be how do we steer our nation are places of loveJason and Hutcheson, support, but Executive that should Director not commercial air service to both Economic Development back to a place where people expect and prefer to make Chicago and St. Louis. This overshadow the fact that parents have a duty to prepare their own way? How do we get back to a national spirit their childrenGreater to be capable, Burlington self-supporting Partnership adults. agreement may be extended of self-reliance and self-determination? How do we for an additional three years if begin to undo the sense of entitlement that has seeped so Before you think that I have lost my way and am headed Air Choice One implements toward a twilight career in family counseling, let me move pervasively into our culture? on. It is my view that government should take much the an electronic ticketing and Please do not misinterpret. This nation should be a baggage agreement with a same philosophy. The role of government is not to take place that takes care of those who cannot take care of care of huge numbers of our population by providing major carrier at Chicago themselves and it should be a place that provides a hand- O’Hare International Airport them income, food, housing, healthcare, etc. The role of up when circumstances necessitate. What we cannot government is to establish an economic system whereby continue to become is a place where people are rewarded and/or Lambert-St. Louis most people can and will support themselves. The for doing nothing and the motivation to work and International Airport during system should encourage self-reliance and discourage succeed is squelched. the next twelve months. dependence. I would hope that whether you tend to vote “D” or you Air Choice One was preferred “The key question of the political season tend to vote “R” you will agree that it is time to “help by the Regional Airport them that help themselves,” and you will let your elected Authority Board, the cities in which we now are engaged should be representatives know with your letter, email, phone call of Burlington and West how do we steer our nation back to a and/or vote that we desire to be a nation of opportunity Burlington and the Greater place where people expect and prefer and not entitlement. Burlington Partnership. Cape to make their own way?” Air had submitted an EAS Dennis Hinkle, President & CEO proposal for Southeast Iowa The United States is on a slippery slope. Step by step, Greater Burlington Partnership Regional Airport with daily incrementally, over time we have moved to a status where flights to St. Louis only. more and more people have learned to be dependent For the year ending September on the government for their survival and well-being. 30, 2011, Air Choice One Support that was put in place to be temporary and transitional has become a way of life and expectation. carried 12,461 passengers to and from Burlington.

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page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 MEMBER OF THE MONTH Your Other Family Doctor

At Summer Street Animal Clinic, we strive to provide compassionate, high quality health care to our patients and their guardians. Our doctors, Dr. Merlin Van Zee, Dr. Heath Hillyard and Dr. Maggie Hoenig, along with our highly trained support staff of veterinary technicians and client service representatives, understand that pets are part of the family! We take great pride in providing your pets with the most advanced veterinary care available in our area. We offer in-house diagnostics including blood chemistry analyzers and radiographs. We also custom-tailor your pets’ vaccines to match their lifestyle, and we have a complete pharmacy that carries the most current and trusted forms of heartworm preventatives, as well as flea and tick preventatives. In addition to client education and preventative medicine, our doctors also perform routine surgical procedures such as spays and neuters, dental cleanings, and advanced orthopedic surgeries. During all of our surgeries, our doctors are assisted by technicians who monitor your pet’s vitals using advanced equipment during the procedure. We offer gas anesthesia for all our patients, as well as pain management during and after your pet’s procedure. Our recent clinic addition created a separate area for our hospitalized patients that allow our staff to closely monitor your pet all day. 6457 Summer Street, Burlington, IA 52601 1/2 mile south of the airport Stop in today and we would be happy to give you a tour of our clinic and to talk with you about all 319-752-1566 the services we can offer you and your pet. At Summer Street Animal Clinic, your pet’s health is www.summerstreetanimalclinic.com always our top priority! Mark Your Calendars The Greater Burlington Partnership offers a number of events focused on networking, marketing your business, and community events. The complete calendar of events is listed on the popular event calendar at www.greaterburlington.com/events. A new feature of the calendar is to filter events according to your interests. To easily view all of the Greater Burlington Partnership events check the Greater Burlington Partnership box and you will be set to mark your calendar. Be sure to check back on a regular basis as new events are added and details are added for existing events. The website event calendar is a great tool to use for community events as well. You can look up community events or even add a new event. To submit an event, visit www.greaterburlington.com/events and click on “Submit an Event.” Once you have completed the quick and easy form, your event will be posted in the calendar within 48 hours. “Each month more than 800 visitors are viewing the online calendar through the Greater Burlington Partnership’s website. The visitor can search by the month, day of the week or even a category,” said Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing. “Be sure to check out the Greater Burlington Partnership on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin to keep up with additional event reminders.’

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[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 5 The Board of Directors asks fellow business and organizational 2012 MEMBER RENEWALS leaders to help the Chamber of Commerce be a catalyst by renewing their memberships. The renewing members are listed as of January 13. Those members listed in bold also made voluntary contributions. Renewing members will be recognized in the newsletter through May.

A-1 Appliance Repair Community Foundation of DMC Huffman's Farm & Home Reif Oil Company ABC Fire Extinguisher Sales & Service Conn Communications Hy-Vee Food Store #1 Reliable Pest Solutions Absolute Wellness Center CPA Associates Hy-Vee Food Store #2 Rexroth Chiropractic Center Abstract Title and Escrow Services Cray, Goddard, Miller, Taylor & J & M Displays Rheinschmidt's Flooring America Accounting Professionals of Burlington Chelf J & S Electronic Business Systems River Ridge Dental Care Alcohol & Drug Dependency Service Danville Community School District Jim's Lock & Safe Salvation Army Corp Allgood Animal Hospital Danville Telecom Terry Johnson ServiceMaster Clean of Burlington Altorfer Rents Deery Brothers Junior Achievement of the Heartland S.G. Construction American EyeCare and Freedom Dennis Company Dr. Yadolah Karnama Sheakley Pay Systems LASIK Des Moines County Conservation Dr. Roderick E. Kellogg Shottenkirk Superstore American Red Cross - DMC Chapter Des Moines County Emergency Kevin Moore Professional Carpentry Southeast Iowa Parrot Head Club Ameriprise Financial Management Agency Keystone Products Southeast Iowa Regional Planning AndMer Apartments and Homes Des Moines County Farm Bureau Kiwanis Commission Arby's Restaurant Des Moines County Heritage Center Klingner and Associates Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Arrowhead Motel Des Moines County Regional Solid KSB Insurance Services Southeastern Community College Art Guild of Burlington Waste Commission Let's Travel Sperry Union Store Aspelmeier, Fisch, Power, Digital Office Solutions Lindon Wines Squirrel's Nest Bed and Breakfast Engberg & Helling DMC Mutual Insurance Association Lips To Go St. Ambrose University Aspen Grove Cemetery Association Fraternal Order of the Eagles #150 Luckenbill Appraisal Service Standard of Beaverdale Bankers Advertising Edward Jones, Joel Sieren Lunning Chapel State Farm Insurance - John Beames Welding & Repair Embellishments & Designs Manpower Korschgen Agency Becker's Jewelers & Gemologists Energyficient Systems Hamilton-Walters Detachment Sterzing Food Company Beckman Law Offices, P.L.C. Fareway Food Stores Marine Corps League Styltique Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Farmers Savings Bank Mazzio's Italian Eatery Summer Street Animal Clinic Berthel Fisher First Christian Church McCann Mechanical Swanson, Engler, Gordon, Benne & Big River Resources West Burlington First United Methodist Church Mann's McDonald's L.C. Clark Bob Dodds Insurance Agency Beverly Fisher McGladrey Dr. Larry Taylor Budget Lighting of Iowa Floyd's E-Z Way Container Service Dr. Mary Schilling McManis D.D.S. TD & T Financial Group, P.C. Buffalo Wild Wings FMA David McMurray Temp Associates Burke Cleaners Fort Madison Bank & Trust Media Development KGRS The Mix 107.3/ KBKB The Burke Installed Frank Millard & Company The Medium Art Store Bull 101.7 Burlington Apartments French-Reneker-Associates MFS Mutual Insurance Company Tri States Public Radio Burlington Bees Baseball Association Fye Excavating Midwest Vinyl Products TriOak Foods City of Burlington Gasland Mississippi Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn Two Rivers Bank & Trust Burlington Jet Stop George's Lawn Mower Modern Welding Company of Iowa Unique Screen Media Burlington Pediatrics Association Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Mohrfeld Electric Uniquely Yours Personal Training Burlington Produce Western Illinois MTC Technologies Universal Therapy Group Burlington Public Library Golden Eagle Distributing Nature's Corner Valley Distribution Corporation Burlington School District Great River Medical Center Norm's Koestner Electric Vetter's, Inc. - Culligan Water Tech. Burlington Steamboat Days Great River Surgeons Northwestern Mutual Financial Wendy's Burlington Trailways The Growth Coach Network West Burlington Christian Church Burns & Sons Direct Appliances H & L Mack Truck Sales Corporation Burlington Notre Dame City of West Burlington Capitol Theater Foundation Rick Hall Nunnikhoven Mold Company West Burlington School District Capps Insurance Agency Halo Hair Studio Oliver Tri-County Heating & Air Westland Mall Carter Chiropractic Clinic Hass-Thielen Funeral Home Original Cyns Westland Theatres Casebine Community Credit Union The Hawk Eye The O'Rourke Group Wilson Rentals Casey's General Stores Heritage Medical Equipment & Pierson Farms/Pierson, Inc. Winegard Company C-CAT Supplies Ploeger Recruiting Services Iowa Workforce Development City Carton Recycling Heritage Park Pharmacy Dr. Mark C. Pothitakis D.D.S. WorkSource Clean Sweep Chimney Care Heritage Trust for Preservation and Preferred Products Corporation Burlington Area YMCA-YWCA Cleveland Dermatology Restoration KDMG-KKMI-WQKQ-KHDK- Young House Family Services Comfort Suites Hotel and Historic Nauvoo Illinois Nauvoo KBUR-KBKBAM Radio Stations Zaiser's Landscaping Conference Center Mission QCI Thermal Systems Community Action of SE Iowa Hope Haven Area Development Ctr Quality Inn

page 6 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Rick Buller, Legacy Partners 2011 Chair of the Board

The past year has been an amazing year for the Greater Burlington Partnership. I want to thank the many volunteers and tremendous staff who have positioned our area for great opportunities to come in the future! It has been an honor to serve as the 2011 Chair. So many volunteers have come forward that I believe we have a tremendous vision for where we want our organization and business community to advance in the coming years.

I can only “Imagine” what our community will look like as we dream, plan and build for the future. We will be a healthier community both financially and physically. It is great to see so many working toward the “Blue Zone” designation. Regardless of the outcome, it will raise awareness for our physical wellbeing, and many will benefit.

Corporate expansion by KPI Concepts and Winegard are just two projects that will help grow our community and bring value to all. Case New Holland has added a production line that will employ hundreds. Our economic development division continues to locate potential newcomers to our area that will also move us forward.

A seamless transition to the future was graciously enabled by Dennis Hinkle as he informed the executive committee of his retirement plans. A great deal of thought and discussion went into the process of selecting his successor. Dennis has proven to be a great head coach who has prepared one of our own, Jason Hutcheson, to take the lead in guiding our organization. Jason will take the baton from Dennis and continue our progress. Every individual on the search team was excited about Jason’s vision for our future.

It is exciting that our community has activity firing on all cylinders! Our downtown area is growing and exceeding expectations, making this a vibrant area of town. The Convention & Visitors Bureau hit a milestone of exceeding $100 million in tourism expenditures. Economic Development is key to our community, and the balance of working with new and existing industry has proven beneficial to all. The Chamber of Commerce works to influence government officials. Membership has grown. Promoting the value of our organization doesn’t just happen but is a well-planned and executed process to market the successes and values. It is our great staff that makes this happen – thank you to each and every one of you!

Two years ago, Scott Smith said “I cannot predict the future, but I am confident that this organization will continue to do great things.” The past two years, our organization has persevered, and we see many great things happening in Southeast Iowa! I am excited about the continued successes to come for our area.

Rick Buller, Past Chair Legacy Partners Making Connections, Building Community Small Business Competition Winners - Economic Development Greater Burlington Leadership - Chamber of Commerce

2011 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Partnering for the Future • 1,000 new direct jobs – 602 new jobs announced to date • $100 million in new, private capital investment - $52 million invested to date • 60 existing-business visits per year – 83 visits made in 2011 • $100 million per year in tourism expenditures - $102.9 million reached in 2010 • 25 downtown residential units - 20 residential units completed or under construction • 25 business units - 38 business units added • Retire RiverPark Place Mortgage – On target to retire in January 2013 Chamber of Commerce • Greater Burlington Young Professionals ended the year with 184 members, exceeding the goal of 150 members, and held more than 20 events in the areas of social and professional development • Greater Burlington Leadership was developed and successfully implemented • Total Resource Campaign was completed for the Greater Burlington Partnership with the help of more than 70 volunteers • Active efforts were made to recruit candidates for local public office • Chamber of Commerce membership climbed to 675 members at year end, a record in recent history Bookend Buildings - Downtown Partners, Inc. Cabela’s King Kat Classic Fishing Tournament - Convention & Visitors Bureau Economic Development • Launched new workforce initiative • Participated in eight outbound marketing trips to attract new jobs and capital investment • Increased attendance at recognition and appreciation events including: Manufacturers Appreciation Luncheon and Small Business Appreciation Breakfast • Significant involvement with existing business expansion and retention projects • Completed 83 personal visits with existing businesses • Sold additional property in Flint Ridge Business Park • Assisted area entrepreneurs through the annual business plan competition Convention & Visitors Bureau • Reached $102.9 million in tourism expenditures for Des Moines County • Expanded hospitality program to convenience stores • Implemented “Golden Ticket to Your Backyard Adventure” promotion • Promoted Greater Burlington at seven trade shows to attract potential visitors, groups and meetings • In addition to the new website, a mobile site was developed • Selected and hired a consultant to complete a key attraction study • Successfully attracted and hosted the Cabela’s King Kat Classic Fishing Tournaments • Printed and distributed 50,000 Community Guides Downtown Partners, Inc. • Bookend buildings were purchased, exteriors were improved, and the property was marketed for redevelopment • Surpassed $50 million benchmark in private investment since 1986; additional $25 million underway at this time • 4 residential apartments completed in 2011, 11 under construction, 29 more planned • Comprehensive downtown survey undertaken with Planning students from University of Iowa • Streetscape improvements including mural retouch, County Seat benches, and two façade loans • Celebrated 25th Anniversary as Main Street community with reception and special tours Greater Burlington Partnership 2011 Board of Directors Chamber of Commerce Chairperson Julie Anderson, Hope Haven Area Development Center Deb Mulch, Burlington Community YMCA/YWCA Rick Buller, Legacy Partners Dave Beach, Hy-Vee Food Store LJ Pritchard, Titan Broadcasting Chair-Elect Eric Benne, Swanson, Engler, Gordon, Benne & Clark L.L.L.P Eric Reisinger, MidWestOne Bank Mike Dick, Carl A. Nelson & Co. Bryan Bross, Klingner & Associates Lynn Ritter,Ritter’s Florist Joe Cochran, CPA Associates, P.C. Michelle Russell, Rheinschmidt’s Flooring America Treasurer Dan Davis Lance Shaver, Federal Mogul Ignition Products Jeff Burkhart, Farmers & Merchants Sue Eastin, US Bank Judy Stevens, Re/Max Real Estate Specialists Bank & Trust Rodney Gibbons, Slumberland Furniture Theresa Thielen, Hass Thielen Funeral Home Laura Hubbard, Case New Holland Marvin Thomson, Two Rivers Investment Services Bill Malcom, MTC Technologies Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of E. Iowa and W. Illinois Brian Messer, Farmers Savings Bank Garth Workman, BL Robinson Electric Supply Co. Economic Development Chairperson Bob Beck, Des Moines County Supervisor Tom Rudy, American Ordnance Bill Hassel, MidWestOne Bank - Retired Bill Ell, City of Burlington Mike Schmidt, Johnson Holding Company Chair-Elect Kent Gaudian, Two Rivers Bank & Trust Matt Shinn, Two Rivers Bank & Trust Randy Pflum, TriOak Foods Gary Hoyer, Great River Entertainment Craig Symons, U.S. Bank Jerry Krause, MidWestOne Bank Hans Trousil, City of West Burlington Treasurer Doug Martin, Dresser-Rand Charles L. Walsh, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust Steve Delaney, The HawkEye Mark Richardson, Great River Medical Center Convention & Visitors Bureau Chairperson Melinda Bickel, Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness Kirk Danforth, Burlington RecPlex Michele Schnicker, MidWestOne Bank Vikki Christy, Burlington Golf Club Randy Kester, Burlington Trailways Rod Crowner, City of West Burlington Christy Pfeifer, Comfort Suites Jim Davidson, City of Burlington Steve Staebell, Two Rivers Insurance Downtown Partners, Inc. Chairperson Becky Anderson, Legacy Partners Nick Giberson, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust Dennis Imler, Farmers & Merchants Jerry Baum, Catfish Bend Dana Johnston, Drake Hardware Bank & Trust Danny Bessine, Weird Harold’s Dwight Mulch, Preferred Products Chair-Elect Todd Darnall, National Research Bureau Christa Perkins, Geode RC&D Cyndi Parks, MidWestOne Bank Shawn Foehring, Bistro 322 Janet Stottmeister, The Hawk Eye Bob Fleming, City Council of Burlington Doug Worden, City of Burlington Treasurer Bill Fry, First Federal Savings Bank Brian Isom, TDT Financial Group, P.C. Making Connections, Building Community

Designed, Created and Implemented in 2011: 4 Divisions 1 Organization 1 Brand

www.greaterburlington.com NEW MEMBERS 5th Prestige Burlington, 319-850-2006, www.5thprestige.com Josh Danielson, Web Developer, [email protected] Burlington’s newest web design and development firm making websites that you will be proud to show your customers. Our top priority is crafting a site that perfectly fits your business with a focus on making the process as easy and simple as possible. Allstate Insurance - Tracy Martin Agency 214 Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-752-3530, www.allstateagency.com Tracy Martin, Owner/Agent , [email protected] Providing customers with an outstanding level of service. I look forward to Westland Theatres helping families like yours protect the things that are important. Roger Hansen, Timothy Burcham, staff, friends and Ambassadors Auto Electric celebrated their Grand Opening on January 4. Westland Theatres is 1909 Orchard St, Burlington, 319-457-1376, www.autoelectricplus.com located at 550 S Gear Ave Ste 3, West Burlington. Kevin Long, Owner, [email protected] Specializing in complete automotive electrical and fuel injection repair. General repair work, tune-ups, complete front & rear suspension repair. I also install remote car starter or alarm systems on a boats and motorcycles. BUSINESS SUCCESSES The Nauvoo Grand Bed & Breakfast 2015 E Parley St, Nauvoo, 217-453-2528, www.bbonline.com/il/nauvoogrand Kim Orth, Office Manager, [email protected] The inn is available to host your private meetings, receptions or other events. Call today and make your reservation to enjoy Nauvoo in an intimate historic setting surrounded by idyllic orchards and vineyards! Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services 1000 N Roosevelt Ave, Burlington, 319-753-2231, www.ivrs.iowa.gov Sue Frice, Rehabilitation Supervisor The mission of the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services is to work for and with individuals who have disabilities to achieve their employment, independence and economic goals. Westland Apartments 507 Vernon St, West Burlington, 319-752-4797, www.bhmanagement.com Mark Tanmer, Property Manager, [email protected] Westland Apartments offer affordable housing for elderly and disabled AmericInn residents in Westland Manor, and one and two bedroom conventional apartments at Westland Village. Our great location and quiet, safe Rica Patel, staff, and Ambassadors celebrated their new remodel on January 11. neighborhood provides for a relaxing lifestyle. AmericInn is located at 628 S Gear Ave, West Burlington.

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[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 11 February Calendar of Events

12 - Second Sunday Performance Des Moines County Heritage Center — 3 pm Sponsored by Performances by local entertainers who donate their time and talent to benefit the work of the Historical Society. For more information, www.dmchs.org or 319-752-7449. 4 - Late Skate 17 - Earle & Stuart Concert Kenny’s Roller Ranch — 7 pm - 12 am Starr’s Cave Nature Center — 7:30 - 9:30 pm Skate 7 pm till midnight for 10 bucks. Includes admission and skate rental and 5 hours Singer-songwriters Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart will be performing live at Starr’s Cave of fun on wheels. We do great parties - check us out at www.kennysrollerranch.com. Nature Center in Leopold Loft. Doors open at 7 PM. Tickets are sold at the door and are $10 for adults and $2 for children and students. Refreshments are served at 4 - Mississippi Valley Calling Classic intermission. For more information, 319-753-5808. PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center — 8 am The Mississippi Valley Callers Association will host the Mississippi Valley Classic. 18 - Friends of the Burlington Public Library Book Sale The event itself is a sanctioned event that will entitle the winner to participate Burlington Public Library — 9 am - 4:30 pm and represent the State of Iowa in the World Duck Calling Championship. In Hundreds of used books for sale. For more information, 319-753-1647. conjunction with the day’s main event, three other waterfowl calling contests: a youth 18 - Award Winning Drama “Doubt” duck calling contest, a goose calling competition, and the Bernie Boyle Regional Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium — 7:30 pm Duck Calling contest. For more information, www.callingclassic.com or 319-768-5906. The Montana Repertory Theatre presents the award winning drama, “Doubt”. 10 - BHS Athletic Booster Club Cake Auction Free admission. Sponsored by the Hawlmayer Endowment for the Arts. For more Burlington Community High School Gym — 6 pm information, www.iwc.edu or 800-582-2383. A fundraiser for Burlington Community High School athletics. There will be a live 18 -19 - Burlington Home and Garden Show auction in the high school gym after the varsity girls game, half time of the varsity PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center — Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun 11 am - 3 pm boys game and in the high school cafeteria during both games. Auction items in the From planning to enjoying, over 60 vendors offer you ideas to make your home your past have included professional baseball tickets, golf packages, and Iowa Hawkeye castle. For more information, www.935kkmi.com or 319-752-5402. tickets. Join the fun and support the Burlington High School student athletes. 26 - Burlington Civic Music Presents VOCES8 10 - 12 & 16 - 19 - Player’s Workshop Presents “Flamingo Court: Life in Three Condos” Memorial Auditorium — 7:30 pm Little Theater — 8 pm The foremost young British a cappella group, VOCES8 performs a repertoire ranging A comedy by Luigi Creatore. Directed by Steve Poling. from Renaissance polyphony to unique pop and jazz arrangements. Founded in 2003 11 - Death By Chocolate by ex-choristers of Westminster Abbey, the group’s distinctive interpretations have The Drake — 7 - 9 pm earned first-place awards in choral contests in Italy and Spain. Working in both in sacred Death By Chocolate is a fundraiser for GRADE A PLUS, which is a community and secular categories, they win praise for their stunning performance. The octet also anti-drug coalition. The funds raised through this event will be used to promote has had an impact on educational programs in England. For more information, responsible use of legal substances and the nonuse of illegal substances. For more www.burlcivicmusic.com or 319-752-0336. information or to purchase tickets, www.gradeaplus.com or 319-752-6027. 11 – Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra Winter Classical Concert Memorial Auditorium — 7:30 - 9:30 pm Enjoy a “feast” full of tantalizing music mystery with the Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra. The performance will include Dukas “Sorcerer’s Apprentice;” Tchaikovsky “Little Russian” and Sibelius “Pohjola’s Daughter.” For more To Submit Calendar Information information, www.seiso.us or 319-385-6352. www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm

page 12 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Get Your Tickets for the Taste of Fine Wine, Connect with Iowa Leadership Series

Arts & Ale Scholarship Fundraiser The Greater Burlington n Partnership welcomes Roger The 6th annual Taste of Fine Wine, Arts & Ale is scheduled for Friday, Lande, Director of the Iowa

March 30 at the Pzazz! Event Center at 6 pm with a silent auction and two Department of Natural Resources. o hours of tasting an estimated 80 wines, beers, ales and locally roasted i coffees, followed by a live auction. Local purveyors participating include Lande has long been active in protecting and preserving Iowa’s Lindon Meadows, Baxter Winery, Millstream Microbrewry, Fleck Sales natural resources as a hunter and and Golden Eagle Distributing. Digger’s Rest will provide samples of

fisherman. Roger was an Eagle at specialty roasted coffees. Donated Coca Cola products will also be available. Scout and, as a youth active in Throughout the evening Pzazz! chefs will feature a wide array of delicious Scout and Izaak Walton league hot and cold appetizers and desserts, including Lenten specialties. projects to protect the soil, air, Net proceeds from the event will help fund SCC scholarships for local woods and water. students enrolling at SCC and college mini-grant projects. The event will The luncheon will be on February 15 from 11:30 am - 1 pm in the rm also include a large student art show where a number of pieces will be Winegard Board Room at the Greater Burlington Partnership. available for purchase. Silent and live auctions will include numerous unique Cost to attend the luncheon is $15. and exciting items donated by college employees, students, alumni and RSVP to Kela Lehman at [email protected] or friends of SCC. 319-752-6365. No cancellations or refunds after February 13.

Tickets are $50 each, sponsor tables for eight people will be $500 and will fo include reserved seating, proximity to the auction stage, party favors, and hors d’oeuvres and desserts at the table. Again this year transportation Girl Scout Cookies Have Arrived n will be provided to pick up and deliver Lee County patrons to and from The girls of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois the event. To order tickets or reserve sponsor seats, contact Julie Glasgow will have cookies in-hand for their much-anticipated annual sale at 319-208-5062 or [email protected]. To donate an item or service, this year, as a council-wide direct sale replaces order-taking for later contact Becky Rump at 319-208-5065 or [email protected]. The deadline delivery. to RSVP is 4:30 pm March 29. Girls will begin selling Feb. 11 and continue through March 18, with I booth sales launching Feb. 17. r Notre Dame - Save the Dates The cookie sale is the largest girl-led business in the country, and provides vital financial support for individual, troop and council

Coming up Saturday, March 31 is Burlington Notre Dame’s Gym-Sized e Garage Sale. Any items from your basement, attic or garage make great initiatives. The price will remain the same for the eight varieties contributions for the sale. Don’t pitch! Save to donate in March. Also, of cookies, at $3.50 a box. All of the proceeds – $2.59 per box or Sunday April 15 is the 33rd Annual God’s Portion Day. This is Notre Dame approximately 75 percent – stay in the council. Catholic Schools’ major fundraiser, and proceeds help supplement the Those who would like to purchase cookies, but do not know a Girl schools’ budget. We will be collecting donations and looking for support Scout, visit www.girlscoutcookies.org for a list of cookie booths. mb in a variety of ways. Area businesses have generously donated items for our live auction and silent auction each year. If you would be willing to donate an item to God’s Portion Day or the Garage Sale, call Val Giannettino, To Submit Member Information Development Director 319-754-8431 ext. 385. We greatly appreciate the Send to Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing community support we receive each year for these important fundraisers. [email protected] Me

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[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com page 13 Greater Burlington Leadership

Government Affairs Session

Business After Hours Heart and Vascular Center Proudly & Great River Cardiology Supported by: February 16, 5 - 7 PM Ivy Bake Shoppe

Join us with your co-workers to build your network at Heart and Vascular Center & Great River Cardiology 1221 South Gear Avenue Business After Hours and grow your business! West Burlington, IA 52655 Brought to you by the Greater Burlington Partnership www.greatrivermedical.org

Lunch & Learn Getting Fit featuring Jamie Dengler February 15, 12 – 1 pm Eggs & Issues Great River Medical Center, Blackhawk Room RiverPark Place RSVP to [email protected] or Winegard Board Room 319-208-0041 by February 13. February 18, 7:15 AM 505 Social Chamber of Commerce members are invited Catfish Bend Casino, Pullman Car Lounge to a legislative breakfast with invited guests February 23, 5:05 - 7 pm Representative Tom Sands, Representative Sponsored by: Fun City Dennis Cohoon and Senator Tom Courtney. Open to individuals ages 21–42. Annual membership is $55. For more information, contact Kay Sackville Breuer at Sponsored by: [email protected] or 319-208-0041. MidWestOne Bank www.greaterburlingtonyp.com

page 14 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 (J) Johnson Conference Room (W) Winegard Board Room February 2012 (A) Alliant Energy Executive Conference Room MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY 1 2 3 6 pm (Comfort Suites Hotel and Conference Center) Annual Dinner

6 7 8 9 10 12 pm (J) Great River Region Days (Des Moines) 7:30 am (A) Farmers Market Committee Greater Burlington Leadership (Des Moines) Value-Added Ag 7:30 am (A) Government Affairs 8 am (J) Ambassadors 13 14 15 16 17 12 pm (J) 7:30 am (J) 5 pm (Great River Heart and DPI Business Development BRE Committee Vascular Center) Business After Hours 12 pm (Great River Medical Center Blackhawk Room) YP Lunch & Learn

20 21 22 23 24 7:30 am (W) 7:30 am (A) 5:05 pm (Catfish Bend Board of Directors Entrepreneurship Committee Casino) YP 505 Social 12 pm (J) 12 @ 12 4 pm (A) Leadership Program Committee 4 pm (A) Future Workforce 27 28 29 8 am (Weird Harold’s) DPI Marketing & Promotions 11:30 am (J) DPI Design Committee

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[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 Greater Burlington Leadership Greater Burlington Leadership 2011-2012 has proven to be a success after the first five sessions. Greater Burlington Leadership is a professional development series designed for individuals who want to develop and strengthen their leadership skills within the community. The program gives both experienced and developing leaders a broader view of civic leadership responsibilities and opportunities through direct contact with a wide spectrum of institutions and people who shape the community. To date, the participants have focused on topics including personality styles, team building, workforce, education and entrepreneurship. They have had the opportunity to learn about a number of local businesses, including company histories and taking tours. “The Leadership class has given us some great opportunities to examine Working on Teambuilding participants Tim Fencl, iWireless, Josh Cloke, Two Rivers our lives, personality traits and exactly how that fits into work. It Insurance Services, Brandi Chapman, First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa, and Tony Diewold, Klingner and Associates strategize to accomplish the task at hand. has definitely helped me embrace those things and will be used in my professional life going forward,” said Lisa Nafziger, Great River Business Health. An additional component of Greater Burlington Leadership is for the class to participate in a group project. This year’s class will be hosting a food drive in partnership with the Burlington Bees. “My favorite part of this process has been the ability to meet and work with other individuals who have a common goal. We have been able to learn a lot about area employers and ourselves,” said Josh Cloke, Two Rivers. If you would like to help the class reach their goal, stay tuned for additional information on the food drive. If you would like to learn more about Greater Burlington Leadership, visit www.greaterburlington.com or contact Melissa Jones, Heritage Medical Equipment & Supplies, Josh Cloke, Two Rivers Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President, 319-208-0041. Insurance, and Byers Wolf, Energyficient, learn from a student in the Graphic Communications program at Southeastern Community College.

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