February 2018 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL
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The February 2018 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 98 NO. 2 PARTNERSHIP PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER Kay Sackville Breuer Vice President 319-208-0041 [email protected] Belinda Colwell 2018 Office Manager 319-208-0042 Legislative Priorities [email protected] by Jason Hutcheson Steve Frevert Downtown Partners, Inc. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 The Iowa Legislature was called back to session last month to begin yet [email protected] another contentious season of Iowa politics. Revenue growth is not keeping up with proposed spending increases, Governor Reynolds is Cindy Henry Customer Relations Specialist still fairly new to the position, and it is an election year with candidates 319-208-0052 coming out of the woodwork hoping to be Iowa’s next governor. Republicans have strong majorities [email protected] in the House and Senate, and Democrats are still reeling from the beatings they took on collective bargaining and minimum wage last year. Jeremy Hess Dir. of Economic Development No money, hurt feelings, and election year politics. What could go wrong? 319-208-0050 [email protected] The Greater Burlington Partnership prepares legislative position statements on an annual basis to guide the advocacy efforts of the organization. It is important for Iowa to have a strong, vibrant business Jason Hutcheson climate, and many of the policy goals of the organization are centered around tax policy, economic President & CEO development, and quality of life issues. 319-208-0043 jhutcheson@greaterburlingtoncom Although the full policy document can be found on our website, here are some of the key issues on our radar this spring: Sherri Krause Chief Financial Officer Income Tax Reform – Iowa’s income tax system is uncompetitive and has some of the highest 319-208-0044 marginal tax rates in the industrialized world. The effective rate of tax is much better, yet the published [email protected] rates put the state at a disadvantage. The Partnership has long called for simplification and reform. Because of Iowa’s complexities and the recent tax cut at the federal level, businesses and individuals Chelsea Lerud Convention & Visitors Bureau within Iowa will face an immediate tax increase if the legislature fails to act. Even revenue-neutral Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 legislation would be better than nothing. [email protected] Water Quality – Iowans face long-term liabilities should the state fail to improve nitrate and phosphate levels in our streams and rivers. In addition, cities like Burlington face water-related Brenda Levitt Graphic Designer infrastructure bills that could easily top $200 million in the future. There must be a comprehensive plan 319-208-0047 to both improve water quality and upgrade aging infrastructure or the costs to future generations will be [email protected] monumental. Rachel Lindeen Talent Development – One of the most critical issues in economic development is talent. Our Event Coordinator communities must be able to attract and retain talent, and there must be a robust pipeline to train 319-208-0046 residents for in-demand occupations. Significant resources are deployed in education, yet we are losing [email protected] the global war for talent. There are no easy answers, but this topic must always remain at the forefront of Emily Pattee legislative discussions. Welcome Center Manager – Medicaid places significant strain on Iowa’s budget, and the program’s current 319-752-8731 Medicaid [email protected] administration has vastly complicated the practice of medicine for our local providers. In its current form, the program is not working as well as it could for those receiving services, the providers caring for patients or even the taxpayer. Reform is always challenging, and steps should be taken to improve Medicaid’s performance and cost-effectiveness. SUBSCRIPTIONS: SUBSCRIPTIONS: PricePrice is is $24, $24, which which is is included included There are major challenges facing the State of Iowa, and it will take bold measures, perhaps a bit of inin annual annual events events fees. fees. Non-members: Non-members: $4 $3 per per issue. issue. PeriodicalsPeriodicals postage postage paid paid at at Burlington, Burlington, Iowa. Iowa. compromise, and also a tone of civility to pass meaningful legislation. Hopefully, election year politics POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: TheThe PartnershipPartnership isis publishedpublished monthly monthly can take a backseat to true leadership. byby the the Greater Greater Burlington Burlington Partnership Partnership 610 610 North North FourthFourth Street, Street, Suite Suite 200, 200, Burlington, Burlington, Iowa Iowa 52601. 52601. POSTMASTERPOSTMASTER send send address address changes changes to to Greater Greater BurlingtonBurlington Partnership Partnership (USPS (USPS 001-692) 001-692) 610 610 North North FourthFourth Street, Street, Suite Suite 200, 200, Burlington, Burlington, Iowa Iowa 52601 52601 page 2 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 ON THE COVER c Jason Hutcheson Government Affairs Committee President & CEO 319-208-0043 jhutcheson@greaterburlingtoncom The Partnership is very involved in public policy through the wonderful volunteers on the Government Relations committee. Each year, the committee drafts a public policy agenda based on the results of surveys and other feedback that the Chamber of Commerce has received from its members. During the Iowa legislative session, the committee hosts monthly "Eggs and Issues" breakfasts. These sessions are a forum for Chamber of Commerce members to speak directly with area representatives at the state level. The committee also leads two regional lobbying trips - one to Des Moines and one to Washington, D.C. During these events, attendees advocate on policy issues and projects important to all of Southeast Iowa. Pictured from left to right: Wood Stortzum, U.S. Bank N.A.; Joel Sieren, Locally, the Government Relations committee moderates forums for local Edward Jones ; Patty Jaeger; Richard Goughnour, Des Moines County elections, providing an opportunity for voters to know where candidates Republicans; Jerry Jochims. stand on important issues. The volunteers on the committee help express Not pictured: Mary Beaird, Southeast Iowa Regional Airport; Matt Shinn, the business perspective on important issues at the local, state and national Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Bryan Bross, Klingner and Associates; Bob level. Their help is vital in influencing the future of our community! Bartles, Hope Haven Area Development Center; Sandy Dockendorf, Des Moines County Democrats; Jeff Burkhart, MidwestOne Bank; Chad Palmer, Energyficient. #GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 3 Volunteer Spotlight: JON HART EMPLOYER: Edward Jones COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING: Current - Vice-President of the Purple & Gray Foundation; Member of Kiwanis; Board Chairman of Burlington Waterworks, trustee since 1999; Former - President of Kiwanis; Chairperson of West Hill United Methodist Church, basketball coach at YMCA, and Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Ambassador How did you begin volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce? I joined the Chamber Ambassadors in 2009. It began as a way for me to get my name out there when I started with Edward Jones, but now I really do it more to say, “Congrats and welcome! I want to thank you for helping build this community.” There are times I go to a new business and say, “Wow, there’s a ton of possibilities in here. There’s something I can put on my gift shopping list.” I don’t know that I would learn about those places if it weren’t for the Chamber of Commerce. How do you find time to be involved? Most days I’m at the office, but I’m not really kicking off meetings until 8 or 8:30 am unless a client says I need to come in at a certain time. Otherwise, I put the ribbon cuttings on my schedule and I work around it. It's all about time management. What did you enjoy about being on the Board of Directors? I don’t spend a lot of time going to city council meetings, so the Chamber of Commerce is my opportunity to get a pulse on the community and ask if there are things I can do to help. I want to be involved; this is where I live. You’re better off trying to change things from within than sitting outside and complaining about it. We’re not always going to agree, but the Board of Directors gives a chance to have a dialogue. page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 What would you do? Presents Prepared Community: an Active Shooter Response Seminar Active Shooter Response Seminar Thursday, April 26, 8:30 - 11:30 AM or 1:30 – 4:30 PM Stay tuned for more details A Greater Burlington Leadership Initiative Chocoholic Frolic In the middle of winter, you deserve to indulge a bit! Sample a rich variety of delectable treats at the fourth annual Chocoholic Frolic in downtown Burlington. The event takes place on Saturday, February 10 from 2 to 5 PM. There are eighteen great tasting locations: Art Center of Burlington, 301 Jefferson The Iowa Store, 400 Front Beancounter Coffeehouse & Drinkery, 212 Jefferson Legacy Retirement Solutions, LLC, 215 Jefferson Burlington Vintage & Co., 515 Jefferson LOFT Market, 416 Jefferson Coleen’s Hidden Gems, 611 Jefferson The Medium/Weird Harold's, 411 Jefferson Country Friends & More, 413 Jefferson Natural Inspirations, 213 Jefferson Csky Boutique, 417 Jefferson Nature’s Corner, Inc., 423 Jefferson FiberAddicts, 403 Jefferson Original Cyns, 520 Jefferson Gypsi, 312 Jefferson Red Screen Door, 301 Jefferson Hopefully Yours, 617 Jefferson Therapy Group, Inc. Counseling Services, 506 Jefferson Advance tickets are $10 per person at the Iowa Store and Weird Harold’s - available through February 9, or $12 the day of and during the event at the same locations. You can also order tickets online at GreaterBurlington.com. PRESENTED BY: STATE FARM INSURANCE - GARY ROBERTS AGENCY #GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com page 5 2017 Annual Report - A YEAR IN REVIEW The artnership’sP Annual Report and Economic Scorecard is now available.