GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 … · It aims to raise $12 million to fund the project. SCC’s President, Dr. Michael Ash, says the college has secured funding

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 6

The JUNE 2015

RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365page 2

PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is included in annual events fees. Non-members: $3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Partnership is published monthly by the Greater Burlington Partnership 610 North 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

EDUCATIONFINANCE BROKEN

As of the publication deadline, the Iowa Legislature had not yet adjourned for the year- even though the last day of session was to be May 1st. The main issue holding everything else hostage: school funding. The argument is over the rate of growth in education spending. Republicans proposed a 1.25% increase and Democrats suggested 4%.

In my opinion, our school finance system in Iowa needs a major overhaul. It is broken in a number of places, and as a business association, we must demand change. For the amount of money Iowans spend on education, we deserve better.

The 42% Budget Slice – According to the Legislative Services Agency, the state budgeted about $2.9 billion for education in the current fiscal year. K -12 education comprises about 42% of all state spending. Yes - 42%.

A $4.2 Billion Price Tag – When you add local property taxes to the state allocation, Iowa spends more than $4 billion on K - 12 education and AEA services. With an estimated 480,000 students in Iowa, the price tag on per pupil basis is nearly $9,000. Add in preschool funding, infrastructure costs, and other miscellaneous budget items, estimates put the per student cost as high as $10,231.

Republicans Are Right – Schools should to be able to educate our children for $4.2 billion dollars per year. A classroom of even 20 students generates, on average, $180,000. If 42% of the state’s budget is not enough, how much is?

Democrats Are Right - At an annual budget increase of 1.25%, schools will be forced to make significant cuts over time. Mandatory expenses forced upon districts are increasing the cost of education at a much higher rate. Class sizes will go up should mandatory expenses exceed revenue.

Budget Deadlines Are Unfair – School districts must certify their budgets by April 15 each year. State law requires it. However, the legislature has made it common practice to determine funding after the deadline. How can school boards adequately balance income and expenses without knowing an income target? The practice is unfair and unacceptable.

Negotiations Tie District Hands – Personnel expenses, the largest cost to any district, are largely out of the control of school boards. Due to collective bargaining rules, the teacher’s union and the district must agree on the compensation schedule. If not, the district will enter arbitration. The arbitration process is prohibited from using private sector data. It can only compare the contract with other districts in Iowa. The system, in a sense, is rigged. Arbitration tends to lead to higher personnel costs than negotiation. There is no legitimate way under state law to control personnel costs without firm cooperation from the bargaining unit.

Teachers Are Working Hard – The vast majority of our teachers work hard and care about the future of our students. They deserve to be adequately compensated and supported by both the community and the state. Unfortunately, the system around them is structurally deficient.

Until we change the system, there will be arguments every spring about school aid. In a sense, we have reduced the education of our young people into a fight over money. We should all be ashamed, and while there are no easy solutions, we owe it to the taxpayers of Iowa to do better.

by Jason Hutcheson

Brenda LevittEcon. Development Research Coordinator [email protected]

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

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO [email protected]

Kay Sackville BreuerVice [email protected]

Steve FrevertDowntown Partners, Inc.Exec. Dir. [email protected]

Sherri Krause Finance Manager [email protected]

Belinda ColwellAdministrative Assistant [email protected]

David Toyer Dir. of Economic Development 319-208-0053 [email protected]

Mark Foster Program Dir. Govt. Relations and Young Prof. [email protected]

Julie Meloan BellWelcome Ctr & Group Travel Coordinator [email protected]

Chelsea Tolle Convention & Visitors Bureau Exec. Dir. [email protected]

Rachel Lindeen Dir. Member Services319-208-0046 [email protected]

page [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

ON THE COVERGreater Burlington Leadership has blossomed into an incredible program that allows emerging leaders to enhance their personal and professional skills while learning about the community and their peers. Upon completion of the 2014-2015 class, 59 individuals will have graduated from the intensive program.

While the cover features the Class of 2014-2015, all 21 of them, Greater Burlington Leadership is a team effort. A volunteer committee develops programming and implements each session with care and expertise. Employers allow participants to take a day away from the office. The community has embraced the group projects at a record level. For that, we say thank you.

Pictured from left to right, back to front:

Back row: Gina Hardin, DMC Emergency Management Agency, Melissa Helt, Southeastern Community College, Sara Hecox, SE IA Regional Planning Commission, Jenna Kuntz, CNH, and Paul Stevens, Sheakley Pay Systems

Third row: Marty Taeger, Winegard Company, Rochelle Swanner, Lunning Chapel, David Evans, Great River Health Systems, Thomas Salaway, Winegard Company, Joel Sieren, Edward Jones, and Ryan Nagrocki, Great Western Bank

Second row: Allyson Wooldridge, Farmers Savings Bank, Natalie Reinhart, Iowa State Bank, Andrea Walz Hartman, MidWestOne

Bank, Kyleena Snyder, Two Rivers Bank & Trust, Samantha Vidal, SunnyBrook Assisted Living and Deb Fowler, Century 21 Property Professionals

Front row: Angie Pilkington, Burlington Public Library, Kara Steward, Energyficient Systems, Becky Luers, Des Moines County Extension Services, Liz Ross, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Photo Credits: Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 6

The JUNE 2015


Golf Classic

SAVE THE DATE16th ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC

PRESENtED BY iconnect you/DANVILLE tELECOMAUGUSt 27, 12:30 PM SHOTGUN START

SPIRIT HOLLOWFor more information, contact Kay Sackville Breuer, [email protected] or 319-208-0041.

GREAT RIVER REGION TRAVELS TO D.C.Representation at all levels of government is one of the many benefits you receive for being a member of the Chamber of Commerce. But you also have the opportunity to interact with your elected officials on a personal one-on-one level by attending the Washington, D.C. Summit.

From June 24-26 representatives from the Great River Region will travel to meet with Senators Grassley and Ernst and Congressman Loebsack. Additionally, significant time is spent with their staff discussing federal issues that have an impact on the region and area projects.

Join us in being the advocate for business. Participants are responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. For more information, contact Mark Foster, Program Director, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

page 5 [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

FOLLOW US ON

www.greaterburlington.com319-752-6365

SEEKING PARTNERS FOR $50,000 SPORTS GRANT

MEMBER OF THE MONTHSchedule Your Small Business Energy Assessment Today!What’s in it for you?

• A trained energy expert visits your business to evaluate building construction and energy use

• FREE installation of energy-efficient products for instant savings

• A customized plan for energy and money-saving improvements

• Connects you to rebates from Alliant Energy

Call 1-866-267-7516 or schedule online at alliantenergy.com/startsaving.

ALLIANT ENERGY

The Greater Burlington Sports Commission, a committee of the Convention & Visitors Bureau, is currently seeking tourism sporting event partners to apply for a $50,000 state grant as a certified Regional Sports Authority District.

All new and existing sports related events attracting visitors from outside an 80-mile radius of Des Moines County are encouraged to apply to receive a portion of the grant. Eligible event expenses that would be covered by the grant include design and placement costs for advertising, design and mailing of fliers, event official fees, and required bid fees.

Funds must be spent during the time period of July 2015 – June 2016. Each selected partner will be required to contribute toward a portion of a $25,000 cash match. The amount for each partner will be based upon the awarded funds.

To apply to be a partner event, applications are due to Chelsea Tolle, Executive Director of the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau at [email protected] or 319-208-0045 by noon Friday, June 5.

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

RAISING FACILITIES AND FUNDS AS SCCEMBARKS ON BUILDING THE DREAM

Earlier this spring, Southeastern Community College began an ambitious expansion and renovation project. Called Building the Dream, it is the college’s largest infrastructure investment in over 20 years.

The initiative consists of three separate building projects to be located on SCC’s West Burlington and Keokuk campuses. The Health Professions Center and the Hall of Sciences will be located in West Burlington, and the Industrial Technologies Training Center will be located in Keokuk.

The Health Professions Center will be a virtual hospital with state-of-the-art human patient simulators, an ambulance simulator and high-tech collaboration classrooms. The two-story building will centralize all of the college’s health programs into a single facility for efficiency and collaboration.

The Hall of Sciences will connect to the Health Professions Center by a skywalk and will feature modern labs for anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics, and faculty offices.

The Industrial Technologies Training Center will be located on the Keokuk campus and feature a large open lab for mechanical and electrical training equipment and a multipurpose computer lab.

SCC recently launched a capital campaign to support the Building the Dream initiative. It aims to raise $12 million to fund the project.

SCC’s President, Dr. Michael Ash, says the college has secured funding pledges of over 60% of the campaign goal to-date. “We’re very excited about the campaign’s progress. Already a number of donors have made significant dollar commitments for the projects, with more in the works.”

To assist in the fundraising endeavor, SCC officials recruited volunteers from across the region. Leading the charge are two alumni: Honorary Campaign Chair Randy Winegard of Winegard Company and Campaign Chair Mike Shinn, Rick Buller Financial Services.

Ash states, “We’re fortunate to have Randy and Mike leading the way. Having them at the helm will ensure solid leadership and support from the communities we serve.”

Shinn, graduate of SCC, stresses how important an educational institution like SCC is for the region.

“Like a lot of people in the area, I earned my associate’s degree from SCC. It helped me keep my college costs down. There are a lot of students out there like me who need the opportunity that SCC provides.”

Campaign volunteers come from across the region, with representatives from a number of communities and industries.

“SCC is an asset to everyone. It serves our residents, businesses and communities. It’s very energizing to me that the campaign leadership reflects the same diversity.”

For more information about the Building the Dream campaign, contact Becky Rump at [email protected] or 319-208-5065. For campaign updates and to watch project videos and live feeds of the construction progress, visit www.scciowa.edu/buildingthedream.

During the August 2013 board meeting, the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, at the recommendation of the Government

Relations committee, authorized a resolution supporting the renewal of the SCC debt service levy. The proceeds could only be utilized for facility improvements. Major projects incorporating both public and private dollars have now begun on the SCC Campus and this article

is intended to highlight the college’s use of those funds.


The &

Downtown Cinema

Bring your family and your competitive spirit for the 5th Annual SnakeBall Race on the Crookedest Street in the World.

Registration will begin at 9 am on July 18 at the top of Snake Alley. You can purchase a numbered Burlington Bees baseball for each member of the family, $10 each. Be sure to bring the kids to meet Bees players and get autographs as well. The best part is there are no special skills required; the winner is the ball that makes it the furthest down the Alley. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, along with a “Home Run” prize for the furthest distance. Use your throwing arm and hope for a bit of luck as you enjoy a nice summer Saturday morning.

For more information, contact Mark Foster, Program Director, at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

OUTDOOR MOVIES RETURN TO DOWNTOWN

Looking for a fun way to spend summer evenings with friends and family? Then grab a lawn chair and head down to the 5 & V – downtown Burlington’s outdoor theater! Four great movies will be shown on the side of Drake Hardware and Software at Fifth and Valley Streets this summer. There’s no admission for the events, though donations are accepted. The movies will start at dusk, but be sure to come down early for games and activities – and to pick out a choice spot. There will be snack and drink vendors on hand, too.

Check the Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page for updates in case of inclement weather. Downtown Partners thanks Drake Hardware and Software and Elks Lodge #84 for making the 5 & V Downtown Cinema possible.

SNAKEBALL: MAKE IT A FAMILY COMPETITION

JUNE 27Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

MOVIES START AT DUSK

SPONSORED BY

PRESENTING SPONSORHOME RUN SPONSOR:

AIR CHOICE ONE


The 2015 Small Business of the Year was awarded to Universal Therapy Group, LLC. Universal has experienced amazing growth in the last year with a recent expansion of its facility from 3,100 square feet to a new 12,000 square foot facility and expanding into four communities. A fifth location is also planned. Universal continues to exercise growth in the Greater Burlington community.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

TODAY AND TOMORROWCELEBRATINGSMALL BUSINESSES

The 2015 Distinction Award was given to The Buffalo Tavern. The Buffalo Tavern has seen great growth in the past years. With a new kitchen, doubling of employees and logging many volunteer hours, The Buffalo continues to cook up great success.

More than 240 Chamber of Commerce members celebrated small businesses and expressed their appreciation at the May 15 Small Business Appreciation Breakfast. Guest speaker Scott Siepker highlighted the strengths of Iowa and the importance of the impact that small businesses make in the community.

Each year, the Business, Retention and Expansion committee asks the public, small businesses and their employers to nominate companies that help make Des Moines County a great place to live and work. With many nominations, two businesses stood out and won a Distinction Award and the 2015 Small Business of the Year.

UNIVERSAL THERAPY GROUP, LLC

THE BUFFALO TAVERN

Pictured L to R: Scott Spear, Co-Owner, Lisa Nafziger, Business Retention & Expansion Chair, Cindy Spear, Co-Owner and Scott Leinbach, Operations Manager

Pictured: Lisa Nafziger, Business Retention & Expansion Chair and Owner Chase Gibb

DISTINCTION AWARD


The Des Moines County Business Plan Competition is an initiative created to foster new business development. The launch of the 8th annual competition began in December 2014, and the winners were announced at the Small Business Appreciation Breakfast in May.

This year’s competition saw great interest, with nearly 20 students participating in the mandatory business plan writing course. A record total of seven first drafts were critically reviewed by the judging panel during the first round. Four finalists were invited back and gave a presentation to a review committee, which then

awarded the prize packages to each business. Any and all business ideas were eligible, but additional points were awarded to those concepts most likely to generate additional employment, grow revenue quickly and add to the tax base.

In order to be eligible, businesses have to be new, independent, for-profit ventures in the seed or start-up stages. The business must be physically established within Des Moines County and have had a gross revenue of less than $50,000 in 2014.

The entrepreneurship committee administers the competition. “Throughout the competition and the entire year, we want to continue to encourage and support entrepreneurs to take that step and start their own business. No matter what step in the process you are in, our group is here to assist you,” said Mark Foster, Competition Administrator.

A total of $10,000 in grants acquired from the Partnering for the Future II Campaign was distributed to the winners. In addition, to the monetary awards, each winner received a complimentary 2015 Chamber of Commerce membership. The 2016 Business Plan Competition will begin in December.

OVERALL WINNER, MAJESTIC ESTATE RUNNER-UP, BARK & PLAY DAYCARE AND SUITES

3rd PLACE, HEATHER LANGE DESIGNS 4th PLACE, JWINSULATORS

Heather Lange, $1,000

Lorraine Guerra and Tammy Adams, $5,000 Ann March, $3,500

Monti Wagenbach, $500

Competition Judges L to R: Bill Partain, Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Chad Palmer, Energyficient Systems; Mike Hoffman, MikeWay, LLC; Jim Davidson, City of Burlington; Jeff Hanan, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission

BUSINESS PLANCOMPETITION ANNOUNCES WINNERS


3rd Annual Interns vs.Young Professionals Kickball Competition

Burlington RecPlexJune 22, 5:30 pm

After 2 years of the competition, the series is even with one win apiece. Young Professionals will welcome Summer Interns with a little friendly

competition. You can get on the roster to play, sit in the stands as a cheerleader or be a scorekeeper. RSVP to Mark Foster, Program Director

at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

GREATER BURLINGTONYOUNGPROFESSIONALS

Anthony Boyle, Vice President at C-Cat, Inc. YP Member: 2 Years

“In the pest management industry, we work every day to maintain public health and safe environments in homes and businesses around Burlington. YP and the Greater Burlington Partnership have been nothing but a positive experience for our business.”

Fun Fact: “I am the 3rd generation of my family to be involved in the business, which has been located in Burlington for more than 50 years.”

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH

www.midwestonebank.com

2015 PRESENTING

SPONSOR

Young Professionals is YOUR organization. Everything we do and are involved in is for the betterment of you and the Greater Burlington community. It is up to you to tell us what we are doing well, could use some improvement on, or are completely missing the boat on.

The survey is 100% anonymous, so be completely honest. Your feedback will help us as we plan for the remainder of 2015 and the years to come.

CALLING ALL YOUNG PROFESSIONALSWHAT DO YOU WANT OUT OF YP? WHAT CAN WE IMPROVE ON?

TAKES JUST A FEW MINUTES: WWW.SURVEYMONKEY.COM/S/GBYP2015


GREAT RIVER QUICKCAREGreat River QuickCare celebrated the expansion and remodel of their

clinic with staff and Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Great River QuickCare is located at 624 Roosevelt Ave Ste 101, Burlington.

STATE FARM INSURANCE - KENT BROWNState Farm Insurance – Kent Brown Agency celebrated the Grand

Opening with staff and Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. Kent Brown Agency is located at 2723 Mount Pleasant St, Burlington.

BUSINESS SUCCESSES

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MEMBERSHIP?Rachel Lindeen, Director of Member Services

Can Answer That Question! [email protected]

Great River Christian School 426 Harrison Ave, Burlington, 319-753-2255, www.greatriverchristianschool.orgJon Frischkorn, Administrator, [email protected] River Christian School is a non-denominational Christian school. The purpose of the school is to provide a program of Christian education offering regular courses of study that from God’s perspective. Each worker at Great River Christian School is here to serve the Lord by helping parents mold the life and character of their child.

NEW MEMBERS SEEKING MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT POSITION

View the full position profile at www.greaterburlington.com.


To Submit Calendar Informationwww.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfmJUNE

5 - Bart . From the Heart Verse 2 Capitol Theater - 8 pmwww.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com

5 - Dr. Baltazar T. Archimedes Medicine Show Burlington Public Library - 10 amwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

5 - 7 - Free Camping & Fishing Weekend Des Moines County Parks www.dmcconservation.com

5 & 19 - Witte Observatory Complex Open Big Hollow Recreation Area - 7 pmwww.dmcounty.com

6 - National Trails Day Flint River Trail - 9 amwww.dmcounty.com

6 - Cyn-A-Palooza 500 Block of Jefferson www.facebook.com/CynAPalooza

6 - Canoe Big Hollow Big Hollow Lake - 9 am - 12 pmwww.dmcounty.com

7 - Burlington Municipal Band Summer Concert Crapo Park Band Shell - 7:30 pmwww.muniband.org

8 - “How To” Nights @ the Library Burlington Public Library - 6:30 pmwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

11 - Lunch at the Top First United Church of Christ - 11:30 amwww.firstuccburl.org

12 -BYU Young Amabassadors Capitol Theater - 12 pmwww.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com

14 - Burlington Municipal Band Summer Concert Crapo Park Band Shell - 7:30 pmwww.muniband.org

16 - 21 - Burlington Steamboat Days Main Stage Line-up 16 - 38 Special 17 - Dustin Lynch 18 - Martina McBride 19 - The Red Rocker Sammy Hagar 20 - Three Days Grace 21 - The Band Perry www.steamboatdays.com

20 - Steamboat Days Parade Downtown Burlington www.steamboatdays.com

21 - Snake Alley Art Fair Snake Alley - 8 am - 4 pmwww.artcenterofburlington.com

26 - Friday Fest Port of Burlington - 5:30 - 8 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

27 - Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 5 & V Outdoor Cinemawww.greaterburlington.com

Multiple Dates:

Bees Schedule, visit www.gobees.com

Farmers Market Thursday ‘s 5 - 7 pm4 & 25 Port of Burlington 11 & 18 Jefferson St.

Burlington RecPlex, visit www.burlingtonrecplex.com

For complete event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com.

PARTNERSHIP HAPPENINGS

4 & 25 - Farmers MarketPort of Burlington - 5 - 7 pm

11 & 18 - Farmers MarketJefferson St. - 5 - 7 pm

17 - Connect for SuccessGreater Burlington Partnership - 7:30 am

22 - YP vs. Interns KickballBurlington RecPlex - 5:30 pm

24 - Be an Advocate in D.C.Washington D.C.

26 - Friday FestPort of Burlington - 5:30 - 8 pm

www.greaterburlington.com

BE SOCIALGet updates on recent news and events from the Greater Burlington Partnership via social media. For links, visit

www.greaterburlington.com.

ETHANOL IS

CLEAN.

Highway 34 & Beaverdale RdWest Burlington319-753-1100

www.BigRiverResources.com

Big River Resources


MeM

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INfo

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IoNSoutheastern Community College’s Center for Business

recently released the Summer Edition of the Options Catalog. The Options Catalog is a great resource to refer to when looking for professional development or skills training for your employees. Course offerings include the areas of business and professional development, computer technology, health, industrial technology, environmental & industrial safety, general interest and online.

If you would like a supply of the Options catalog for your business, contact Beth Nickel at [email protected] or 319-208-5388.

TICKETS ON SALE FOR STEAMBOAT DAYSTickets are available for the June 16 - 21 Steamboat Days 2015. Steamboat Days has an action packed outdoor six-day music festival lineup ready to rock! This year’s lineup includes 38 Special, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, The Red Rocker Sammy Hagar, Three Days Grace and The Band Perry.

Don’t forget to participate in the special event days. These days include golf tournament, talent show, art in the auditorium, special guest day, senior day, kids day and the Steamboat Days Parade.

Tickets are $60 if purchased by June 15 and $65 if purchased June 16 - 21. Purchase tickets at Hy-Vee #1, Hy-Vee #2, Casebine Credit Union, Three I Credit Union, Weird Harold’s, Frank Millard and Co., Steamboat Days Office or at www.steamboatdays.com.

MISSISSIPPI VALLEY VETERANS MEMORIALThe Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial committee was founded in 2011 with the mission to recognize the service men and women from the entire region and to protect their place in local history. To date, approximately 1600 veterans will be honored with their name inscribed on the memorial. The memorial is projected to be installed in West Burlington, near the RecPlex, in June of 2015. A dedication event will be held on July 4, 2015 at 1 pm.

The memorial is very close to becoming a reality, but needs your help to accomplish the goal. Please consider a donation to this wonderful project. All donors will be recognized on the memorial. To donate or have a veteran honored on the memorial, contact Andie Gerst at F&M Bank at 319-754-2264.

NEW OPTIONS RELEASED

SNAKE ALLEY ART FAIRSnake Alley Art Fair celebrates 48 years and welcomes you to learn about and buy art from regional artists while strolling and listening to musicians. Vendors will have food and beverages available for purchase. Kids will have the opportunity to create art at the activity station. Rain or shine, the Snake Alley Art Fair goes on in Heritage Hill. For more information, visit www.artcenterofburlington.com.

U.S. Cellular invites Chamber of Commerce members to attend a Fleet Management Lunch and Learn on June 19, from 12 - 1 pm at the Greater Burlington Partnership. See live demonstrations on fleet management solutions and how technology can help save on your business operating costs.

Solutions covered will be fleet management, employee management, document flow and elimination of excess paper work.

For more information and to RSVP contact U.S. Cellular at [email protected].

FLEET MANAGEMENT LUNCH & LEARN

Is your business running low on Community Guides? If the answer is yes, contact Chelsea Tolle, Executive Director of the Convention & Visitors Bureau at [email protected] or 319-208-0045 to restock your supply.

RESTOCK YOUR COMMUNITY GUIDES

RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365page 14www.greaterburlington.com

Join fellow business owners for an opportunity to connect entrepreneurs with community peers. Tax expert Mike Dick, CPA Associates, PC will answer questions to help

support your new or existing business.

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mark Foster, Program Director, at [email protected]

or 319-208-0050. Deadline to RSVP is June 16.

TAX TALKFOR ENTREPRENEURS

WITH MIKE DICKCPA ASSOCIATES, PC

www.greaterburlington.com

Sponsored by: RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists, Inc. & Servpro of Burlington Beverage Sponsor: Fleck Sales Music by: Bluzillion

FRIDAY FESTPORT OF BURLINGTON

WELCOME CENTER JUNE 26, 5:30 - 8 pm

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Thursdays, 5 –7 pmPort of Burlington

June 11 & 18 will be held on Jefferson StreetSPONSORED BY GREAT WESTERN BANK

CONNECT FOR SUCCESSJUNE 17, 7:30 - 8:30 AM

WINEGARD BOARD ROOM


Matt Shinn, Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Mark Foster, Program Director

Laura Beckman, Alliant Energy, Bill Partain, Two Rivers Bank & Trust, Cyndi Parks, Two Rivers Bank & Trust and

Dana Johnston, Drake Hardware & Software

“Greater Burlington shall be a growing center of commerce, industry, education, healthcare,

entertainment and culture, providing a great place to live, work and operate a business.”

Vision of the Greater Burlington Partnership

AMERICAN PLANNINGASSOCIATION - IOWA CHAPTER SELECTS GREATER BURLINGTON AS HOST COMMUNITYThe Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that the American Planning Association-Iowa Chapter will be hosting its 2016 annual conference in Greater Burlington. This three day conference will take place October 19-21, 2016 and draw approximately 200 participants. American Planning Association - Iowa Chapter is a professional organization designed to develope creative organizational plans, strong leadership and professional planners within the organization.

A local host committee has been formed to assist APA-Iowa Chapter with planning the conference. The local committee will be responsible for arranging conference space and catering, planning and designing mobile workshop sessions, and arranging additional activities for conference participants. The local committee had the opportunity to welcome APA-Iowa Chapter board members on Friday, May 8 for a site visit of conference facilities and potential reception venues.

“Designing the mobile workshops will provide the opportunity to showcase the many unique aspects of Greater Burlington,” said Chelsea Tolle, Executive Director Greater Burlington CVB. “The planners will leave the conference in awe of how much Greater Burlington has to offer.”

CHAMBERRECEIVES ACCOLADES

The Government Relations program of the Chamber of Commerce recently received the 2015 Public Policy Award by the Mid-America Chamber Executives during the annual meeting.

The award was given based on numerous efforts of the Government Relations committee and staff members. The award noted that in the past year, the Chamber of Commerce had partnered to host the Gubernatorial Debate, which was broadcast on CSPAN, registered two lobbyists and provided assistance for the Highway 61 Coalition.

Mid-America Chamber Executives is a multi-state professional development organization promoting regional economic prosperity through the Chamber of Commerce community.

Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President, and Rachel Lindeen, Member Services Director, attended the conference for continuing education.

The Downtown Partners Board of Directors was recently recognized at the Main Street Iowa Awards in Des Moines for its achievements. The 2014 board received an honorable mention as Committee of the Year due to its planning, fundraising, and event support. The boatd also received an honorable mention for the inaugural Social Media Scavenger Hunt as Best Special Event.

In addition, Cyndi Parks of Two Rivers Bank & Trust was recognized as Downtown Partners’ Volunteer of the Year. “Main Street organizations are volunteer driven,” said Downtown Partners Executive Director Steve Frevert. “The continuing revitalization of downtown Burlington is due in large part to the dedication of these fine people. I was pleased to see them honored at the statewide awards.”

DOWNTOWN PARTNERSRECOGNIZED AT MAIN STREET AWARDS

GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP

Follow Us On

RiverPark Place610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200

Burlington, Iowa 52601TELEPHONE 319-752-6365

FAX 319-752-6454E-MAIL [email protected]

WEB SITE www.greaterburlington.com

TODAY AND TOMORROWGREAT LEADERS

A strong community has strong leaders, and each year the Chamber of Commerce offers Greater Burlington Leadership, a professional development series designed to strengthen leadership skills within the community.

Greater Burlington Leadership gives both experienced and developing leaders a broader view of civic responsibilities and opportunities with a wide spectrum of area businesses and people who shape the community.

APPLY NOW... At www.greaterburlington.com by June 15. A volunteer committee selects candidates based on several criteria.

SESSION DAYS... Monthly sessions are held at various locations throughout Greater Burlington and run from 8 am – 5 pm. The dates are September 16, October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 9-10, March 9, April 13, May 18 and May 25

SESSION TOPICS... Each session offers a variety of activities and topics including Workforce, Education, Economic Development, Government Relations, Healthcare, Public Safety, Communications and Environment.

THE INVESTMENT... Tuition for Greater Burlington Leadership is $895 for members paid prior to the first session and is non-refundable. Additional expenses for the Government Relations program may be incurred and include travel to Des Moines, an overnight stay and additional meals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION... Contact Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President at [email protected] or 319-208-0041. G

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Documents

GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 … · It aims to raise $12 million to fund the project. SCC’s President, Dr. Michael Ash, says the college has secured funding