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The 2017YEAR IN REVIEW

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The past year has been one of transition as the economic development deal of our generation, Iowa Fertilizer, celebrated its evolution from a construction project to an operating business. During the four years of labor-intensive construction, hotel occupancy increased 19.8% and taxable retail sales jumped 14.9%. It was a terrific time indeed. As we return to normalized conditions, it requires an intense look at our underlying economic indicators and a thorough examination of the way we do business in the Greater Burlington area.

One Vision. Four Missions. That Is the Partnership Way.Whether it is providing community leadership on issues that matter, aggressively pursuing the attraction of capital, recruiting visitors to spend discretionary dollars here, or radically transforming Burlington’s core, the Partnership has evolved to be the community’s thought leader in economic strategy. With individual operating divisions under consolidated management, this community’s organizational model for economic vitality diminishes the turf wars over funding and praise that plague the political spectrum in most peer group communities.

Soon, the Community Foundation of Des Moines County will officially join the Partnership structure and will transform the assets available for charitable giving for generations to come.

High Expectations and AccountabilityThis community invests heavily in economic and community development, and it has high expectations as a result. The investors, board members, and volunteers of the Partnership have

created an atmosphere that celebrates success yet continually resets the expectations of the future. There is an insatiable appetite for continuous improvement and a robust economic climate. Policy can always be improved, the community image can always be enhanced, there is always room for expansion, and there are always more properties to be redeveloped. The work is never finished.

This organization’s track record is unmatched among peer group communities. That doesn’t happen by accident. Its financial statements are audited every other year, and the staff team is regularly evaluated for performance and skill set alignment. Even in a strong economy, there is pressure to do more with less, and the Partnership is constantly evaluating its operating expenses to best position your investment for results.

The Future Is What We Make ItThis report is a summary of historical activity during 2017. It is published to celebrate organizational accomplishments, report on the progress of established goals, and provide a glimpse of the economic indicators ahead.

As the books are closed on 2017, we stand ready for the year ahead. There will be plenty of challenges to tackle, but there will also be a myriad of opportunities awaiting pursuit. As the regional hub for culture, health care, dining, entertainment, and employment, Greater Burlington has always felt larger than its population suggests. We can absolutely continue to build on our strengths, and I want to personally thank you for your support of economic vitality in this place we call home.

MESSAGE FROM THE CEO

#1 Purchasing Power Index, 2015, 2016 & 2017 ~ SmartAsset.com

Indoor Sports Facilities Initiative

Community Foundation - Distributed 4 Grants

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO

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MESSAGE FROM THE CEO 2017 HAPPENINGS

#1 Big Muddy Cup, 2016 & 2017 ~ Site Selection Magazine

#17 Top Micropolitan ~ Site Selection Magazine

#1 Purchasing Power Index, 2015, 2016 & 2017 ~ SmartAsset.com

Indoor Sports Facilities Initiative

Community Foundation - Distributed 4 Grants

New State of the Economy Luncheon

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Chairperson - Aaron Baltisberger, Two Rivers Bank & Trust Chairperson Elect - Tim Fencl, Danville Telecom/i-connect youPast Chairperson - Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern IA and Western IL Treasurer - Jon Hart, Edward Jones

#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

Mary Beaird, Southeast Iowa Regional AirportMike Bredar, Frank Millard and CompanyAmy Burkhart, Titan BroadcastingMichelle Caston, Mann’s McDonald’s L.C. Joshua Cloke, Acuity FinancialSheila Crowner, RE/MAX Real Estate SpecialistsTony Diaz, Jimmy John’sShauna Freitag, Young House Family Services

Sue Frice, Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Rick Hall, Product Development Services, LLCMelissa Jones, Great River Health SystemAndrew Mahoney, Kozlowski Law FirmKevin Mueller, KPI ConceptsJustin Myers, Myers ConstructionTom Peterson, Silgan ContainersDann Quam, Mazzio’s Italian Eatery

Marlis Robberts, Robberts, Kirkman & Engler, LLLPChris Smith, Carl A. Nelson & CompanyCindy Spear, Universal Therapy GroupWood Stortzum, U.S. Bank, N.A.Rochelle Swanner, Lunning ChapelKaren Taylor Andrea Walz Hartman, MidWestOne BankScott Zaiser, Zaiser’s Landscaping

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.

““I am very passionate about being engaged in the community and the support of strong leadership within the Chamber of Commerce. The area once again

received Top Micropolitan, continues to be involved in solving the challenges of our community, and looks for opportunities to grow the communities we serve. It is encouraging to see the outpouring of support ensuring that the Greater Burlington area continues to be a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.

MEET THE BOARD

AARON BALTISBERGER, BOARD CHAIRTWO RIVERS BANK & TRUST

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Marlis Robberts, Robberts, Kirkman & Engler, LLLPChris Smith, Carl A. Nelson & CompanyCindy Spear, Universal Therapy GroupWood Stortzum, U.S. Bank, N.A.Rochelle Swanner, Lunning ChapelKaren Taylor Andrea Walz Hartman, MidWestOne BankScott Zaiser, Zaiser’s Landscaping

• Released a Summary of Findings related to criminal activity within the community. The report detailed 11 key findings, including vocal support for additional police officers.

• Challenged aspiring elected officials and helped voters make informed decisions by hosting debates for each local school district and two city elections.

• Greater Burlington Leadership put the spotlight on downtown alleys by installing better lighting and new artwork while also engaging 180 students during Hound Town Days for alley cleanup.

• Celebrated sellout crowds at numerous business-growth and relationship-building events such as the Annual Dinner, Business After Hours, Manufacturers Luncheon and the Small Business Breakfast.

• Young Professionals were inspired and engaged on a variety of community topics during the annual conference, featuring keynote speaker Randy Winegard.

91.2% a record-setting and industry-leading renewal rate for Chamber of Commerce membership

47 new members joined the Chamber of Commerce supporting community development and investing in business growth

228 Young Professionals voluntarily invested time and energy into connecting and learning more about the community

24 ribbon cuttings and ground-breaking ceremonies were held to celebrate business success

1,825 attendees at Business After Hours engaging and connecting business leaders

By the #sKEY HIGHLIGHTS AARON BALTISBERGER, BOARD CHAIR

TWO RIVERS BANK & TRUST

Chairperson - Gary Hoyer, Great River Entertainment, LLC Chairperson - Elect - Donna Mann, Mann’s McDonald’s L.C. Past Chairperson - Charlie L. Walsh, Farmers & Merchants Bank & TrustTreasurer - Bryan Bross, Klingner and Associates, P.C.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Dr. Michael Ash, Southeastern Community CollegeSarah Beckman, CPA Associates, P.C.Tom Broeker, Des Moines County SupervisorBob Fleming, City of BurlingtonDan Gifford, City of West BurlingtonJim Leiting, Big River ResourcesRon Massner, S.G. Construction

Ken Reif, Valley DistributionMark Richardson, Great River Health SystemJerry Sherwood, The Sherwood CompanyMatt Shinn, Two Rivers Bank & TrustSteve Shupp, Alliant EnergyDr. Steve Titus, Iowa Wesleyan UniversityCraig Upton, KPI Concepts

MISSION: The Economic Development division exists to add and retain jobs and grow the tax base of Des Moines County.

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MEET THE BOARD

GARY HOYER, BOARD CHAIRGREAT RIVER ENTERTAINMENT, LLC

Economic growth and development are easy things to support but very challenging to accomplish. As we celebrate our successes, it’s clear we still have

work to do! Another year as a top 25 Micropolitan and the unprecedented back to back “Big Muddy Cups” indicates that Greater Burlington continues to lead with excellence, innovation and commitment. A bright future lies in a regional approach to industrial and commercial development combined with further expansion of tourism, working together to continue our upward momentum.

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By the #s• Economic development in the region remains strong as Greater

Burlington continues to be nationally recognized as a peer group leader for both investment and economic activity.

• Sold 10 acres with Flint Ridge Business Park’s Lot 30 and engaged the City of Burlington to extend Broadway Street in its upcoming Capital Improvement Plan.

• Initiated the rights to redevelop industrial property in West Burlington to bring job creation opportunities to dormant industrial facility and 30 developable acres.

• Capitalized on an unprecedented national interest in the State of Iowa/BNSF Certified 152 acre commercial site at IAAAP with property tours, international company meetings, and site selector awareness campaigns.

• Renewed the Reciprocal Marketing Agreement with development groups in Henry and Lee counties to further enhance the region’s marketability and partnership on workforce strategies.

$232 million in private investment capital since 2014

733 new primary jobs since 2014

3.1% record low unemployment

1.8% growth in personal income*

$28,223,927 taxable value of development in Flint Ridge Business Park

$857,888 annual property taxes paid by tenants in Flint Ridge Business Park

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

*Bureau of Economic Analysis U.S. Department of Commerce

STEERING COMMITTEE

Chairperson - K.C. Fleming, Great River Health System

Deb Brinkley, Happy Joe’s of BurlingtonKirk Danforth, Burlington Regional RecPlexJim Davidson, City of Burlington Tammy McCoy, Art Center of BurlingtonWayne Riniker, Westland Mall

Mike Shinn, Rick Buller Financial Services/Berthel FisherJeremie Slagle, Great River Entertainment, LLC Carla Meierotto, Burlington TrailwaysKelly Fry, City of West Burlington

MEET THE COMMITTEE

K.C. FLEMING, CHAIRGREAT RIVER HEALTH SYSTEM

MISSION: The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is dedicated to marketing and promoting the Greater Burlington community as a premier destination to both leisure and business travelers.

8 #GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

““2017 will definitely be remembered for the Fireball Run! The contestants were amazed at all the area has to offer and the wonderful hospitality they received.

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, which named Snake Alley #1 on their top 100 “Odd Spots” in the entire country, was also impressed with the area. Ultimately, 2017 was another great year of welcoming visitors by car, train, plane and boat. 2018 will be even better as we continue to make Burlington a great place to live, work, play… and VISIT!

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• Plaque installed at the base of Snake Alley celebrating it being named Unbelievably Crooked by Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! and its Odd Spots Across America Campaign.

• Showcased Greater Burlington to the 40 teams of Fireball Run: Big Country, the Amazon Prime series’ 11th season. Over 155 students played special roles in the event to be broadcast in the Fall of 2018.

• Seven local lodging properties came together to implement the Greater Burlington Destination Fee program with funds collected to support the Indoor Sports Facilities.

• Through its community event grant program, the CVB invested $70,000 in 21 events, which brought over 43,067 visitors to the Greater Burlington area.

• Transformed the atmosphere of the newly renovated Port of Burlington Welcome Center to better engage visitors to the community and enhance Greater Burlington’s image.

3,881 guides shipped to 50 states and 24 countries

922 events submitted to the online event calendar

49,716 event calendar pageviews

12,800 visitors at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center, representing 50 states and 29 countries

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By the #sKEY HIGHLIGHTS

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chairperson - Zach James, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission Chairperson - Elect - Janine Clover, America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa Past Chairperson - Julie Anderson, Hope Haven Area Development Center Treasurer - Ryan Nagrocki, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Becky Anderson, Berthel Fisher Laura Beckman, Alliant Energy Mike Darnall, McConnell LoftsJessica Dean, Great Western BankJim Ferneau, City of BurlingtonTyler French, The Washington

Hillaurie Fritz-Bonar, Art Center of BurlingtonJerry Johnson, Burlington Capitol TheaterBill Partain, Two Rivers Bank & Trust Doreen Roy, Gypsi and Red Screen Door Stephanie Waples, Klingner and Associates, P.C.

MEET THE BOARD

ZACH JAMES, BOARD CHAIRSOUTHEAST IOWA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

MISSION: Downtown Partners preserves and revitalizes downtown Burlington by enhancing its economy, infrastructure, and historical and cultural features.

An unbelievable amount of change to our downtown has happened over the past decade! It has been truly amazing to witness. We should all be proud

of this accomplishment and the ongoing changes taking place in redevelopment projects like 300 Washington Street, the Tama Project, and First Congregational Church. I urge everyone to take time to head downtown to witness all of these improvements for themselves and to get on board for more great changes from Downtown Partners, Inc. in 2018!

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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Completed the roof work and stabilization efforts of 300 Washington Street and placed it on the market, preparing the formerly abandoned building for redevelopment.

• Worked with and supported The Som as a semifinalist grant awardee in Main Street Iowa’s Open 4 Business competition.

• Bolstered the attendance at the Farmers Market by increasing new vendors for a second year in a row and tripling vendor booths at the second annual A Very Vintage Market, drawing visitors from hours away.

• Worked with the City of Burlington to achieve the Iowa Great Places designation, opening up eligibility for special project grants.

• In an effort to better the communication with downtown business owners and employees, launched Downtown Coffee & Conversation, an informal quarterly gathering.

• Received a $75,000 Main Street Challenge Grant to complete the restoration of the grand waiting room floor and white box the former diner space at the historic depot, preparing it for commercial use.

50 public event days

$3,572,735 invested in building improvements and property purchases

3,733 volunteer hours recorded

$279,814 average taxable value per acre in downtown Burlington

65% of Downtown Partners’ budget comes from the private sector through fundraisers, sponsorships, operating grants, and contributions

By the #sZACH JAMES, BOARD CHAIRSOUTHEAST IOWA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION

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MEET THE BOARDBOARD OF DIRECTORSBob Bartles - Chair, Hope Haven Area Development CenterDr. Michael Ash, Southeastern Community CollegeVince Copeland, South Hill Neighborhood AssociationJulie Edmonds, Taeger SeedTeresa Garcia, Southeastern Community CollegeBob Hesler

Mike Hoffman, MikeWay LLCJerry JochimsTom Johanns, Two Rivers Bank & TrustTammy McCoy, Art Center of BurlingtonMike Norris, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning CommissionAmy O’Brien, Great River Health System

Jim Olson, Great Western BankJerry ParksMichelle Randall, Southeastern Community CollegeKent Schmidgall, Buckingham AdvisorsKeith SchulzDennis Wilson, Wilson Rentals

MISSION: The organization’s mission is to enhance the quality of life within Des Moines County by providing a means for permanent charitable giving to meet the needs of all donors and the community for today and tomorrow.

The Partnership has a management agreement to operate the Community Foundation of Des Moines County.

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Jim Olson, Great Western BankJerry ParksMichelle Randall, Southeastern Community CollegeKent Schmidgall, Buckingham AdvisorsKeith SchulzDennis Wilson, Wilson Rentals

FUTURE BUSINESS PLANS

Expand: 11.3%Remain Stable: 88.6%Downsize: 0.8%

Expand: 11.0%Remain Stable: 87.1%Downsize: 1.9%

SOUTHEAST IOWAIOWA

16% increase in average home selling price74 average number of days on the market

$109,470 median home value 224 number of building permits issued in 2016277 number of building permits issued in 2017

$590,083,472 taxable retail sales in FY 2016$573,623,768 taxable retail sales in FY 2017, a decrease of 2.8%

(Five years ago, taxable retail sales were $513,556,000)

DES MOINES COUNTY ECONOMIC STATS

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WORKFORCE

11% Increase in manufacturing employmentfrom 2016 to 2017

3.1% Unemployment in Des Moines County

145,706 = Available workforce (ages 18 - 64)

Individuals employed in laborshed area

18.3% of Greater Burlington’s workforce is employed in the manufacturing sector

$54,742 Average household income

132,637

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EMPLOYMENT STATS:

22 ,384 = Number o f employed Des Moines County res idents1 ,076 = Number o f unemployed Des Moines County res idents1 ,043 = Number o f unf i l l ed jobs on Southeast IowaJobs.com

ANNUAL MANUFACTURING JOB GROWTH PROJECTIONS

Occupation Growth Rate Median WageIndustrial machinery mechanics 2.7% $22.58

Construction laborers 1.9% $15.57

Heavy tractor trailer/truck drivers 1.4% $19.13

Freight labor & material movers 1.0% $13.06

Production workers 0.9% $13.03

Maintenance & general repair workers 0.9% $17.58

Packagers 0.8% $10.12

Welders, cutters, solderers 0.8% $17.15

Light truck & delivery 0.7% $13.67

Testers, sorters & inspectors 0.7% $16.67

* Source - Iowa Workforce Development Occupational Projections 15

5 Reasons to Shop Local

If you would like additional information about the Greater Burlington Partnership,

visit us online or contact us directly.

Greater Burlington Partnership 610 N 4th Street Suite 200 Burlington, IA 52601319-752-6365 GreaterBurlington.com