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The Region XII Council of Governments Newsletter September 2015
E X E C U T I V E B O A R D
Marty Danzer, Chair Carroll Co. Supervisor
Eric Skoog, Vice Chair,Crawford Co. Supervisor
Jerry Caraher, Secretary Guthrie Co. Supervisor
Guy Richardson, Treasurer Greene Co. Supervisor
Duane DeistAudubon Co. Supervisor
Ranell DrakeSac Co. Supervisor
C A L E N D A R
The ReviewSeptember
9 - RDC Loan Review Comm.; 11:30 AM, COG Training Room
10 - Executive Board/COG Housing; 12:30 PM, COG Training Room
October7 - RDC Loan Review Comm.; 11:30 AM, COG Training Room
8 - Executive Board Meeting; 5:00 PM, COG Training Room
8 - Policy Council; 6:00 PM, COG Training Room
November 11 - Veterans Day; Office Closed
12 - Executive Board Meeting; 12:30 PM, COG Board Room
19 - RWIB Meeting; 5:30 PM, COG Training Room
26, 27 - Thanksgiving; Office Closed
We’ve all heard the news that Denison’s Tyson plant announced they were closing on August 14th effective immediately, displacing 404 people. On the heels of this news, an expansion at Quality Food Processors was revealed. The COG has been assisting the community with both of these events.
TysonThe IowaWORKS office, which includes the COG’s Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA) staff members, arranged for an employee meeting on August 18th at Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) to discuss employment and training services available at IowaWORKS and to pass along information to help employees as they transition to other employment. Over 157 employees attended. IowaWORKS staff members and COG economic development staff were also present at the Mayor’s community meeting on August 21st, pictured above, offering services to employees who did not attend the previous meeting. Then, on August 25th, the IowaWORKS office partnered with the Chamber and Development Council (CDC) to host a job fair. Over 80 employers filled the Armory in Denison, making it necessary for some employers to set up in the parking lot! Over 200 individuals attended the job
fair and several people stated they found employment that day.As the WIOA grantee, the COG has applied for a grant to operate and staff a transition center in Denison. Planned to be open September 14th, IowaWORKS will be offering a variety of services to dislocated workers from this center on Highway 39. Services planned include job-seeking skills, resume writing workshops, and weekly “Meet and Greets” with local business representatives. The transition center will have a PC lab and a classroom. Staff will be present to assist customers with filling out applications, offer interview advice, and discuss available training options. For additional information about these services, contact IowaWORKS at 712-792-2685.
Quality Food ProcessorsSimultaneous to its work with the Tyson closing, COG economic development staff have been working in close partnership with CDC and the City of Denison to apply for funding assistance that will enable Quality Food Processors to undertake a major expansion at its Denison facility. Plans call for over $20 million to be invested in the expansion that will result in the creation of 200 new jobs. The City is seeking $1 million from the State of Iowa, the maximum award possible.
Denison Suffers Dislocation & Announces an Expansion
The COG’s Partnership Program is an opportunity for private, non-government businesses and organizations to become a part of the COG’s mission to provide various needed services to the region’s cities and counties. The Partnership Program philosophy is that all groups making up a community, including non-government entities like local businesses, are essential to promoting, advancing, and developing the community. The COG appreciates the investments made so far this year by the 2015 Partners listed below. For more information on the Partnership Program, follow this link or contact Rick Hunsaker at [email protected].
SILVER MEMBERSHIP - $500Bank Iowa, Denison
Home State Bank, Jefferson Iowa Corn Processors, Glidden
Mid-Iowa Insurance & Real Estate, CarrollMidland Power Cooperative, Jefferson
BRONZE MEMBERSHIP - $250Agri-Drain Corporation, Adair
Audubon County Econ. Development, AudubonAudubon State Bank, AudubonBadding Construction, Carroll
Bauer Built Manufacturing, Inc., PatonBruner, Bruner & Reinhart, Carroll
Carroll Area Development Corp., CarrollCarroll County State Bank, CarrollCommercial Savings Bank, Carroll
Coon Rapids Municipal Utilities, Coon RapidsDenison Job Corps Center, DenisonDenison Municipal Utilities, Denison
Drees Company, CarrollFarmers State Bank, Yale
Farner Bocken Company, CarrollGuthrie County State Bank, Guthrie Center
Holmes Murphy & Associates, West Des MoinesIowa Savings Bank, CarrollIowa State Bank, Sac City
Landmands Bank, AudubonMarne & Elk Horn Telephone Co., Elk HornPanora Telecommunications, Inc., Panora
People’s Trust & Savings Bank, Guthrie CenterPrincipal Fin. Group-Matt Ramaekers, Carroll
Raccoon Valley Bank, PerrySnyder & Associates, Atlantic
Sundquist Engineering, DenisonTempleton Savings Bank, Templeton
Templeton Telephone Company, TempletonUnited Bank of Iowa, Glidden
Western Iowa Networks, BredaWestside State Bank, Westside
P a r t n e r s h i p P r o g r a m
2THE REVIEW
From June 9th through the 11th, Mike Rath attended a Mobility Ventures (MV) Technician Training Session in South Bend, Indiana. The purpose of the class was to train technicians through classroom time and hands-on training in nearly every aspect of the unique vehicles. The class featured only six technicians from around the country, providing for both a great learning experience and networking opportunity for the technicians.
The MV-1, pictured above, is a special type of vehicle designed specifically for ADA accessibility and capable of accommodating nearly all clients without the special equipment upgrades required of a standard vehicle. Western Iowa Transit has been operating a number of MV-1 vehicles since 2012, which have been popular with
both drivers and clients.
Mike Rath is the service manager for Region XII COG. He can be contacted at [email protected] or (712) 775-7832.
Western Iowa Transit Continues Enhancing Service Capabilities
SECOND FROM THE LEFT: Mike Rath, Service Manager, at the MV tech class in South Bend, Indiana, June 11, 2015.
Western Iowa Transit System is pleased to announce the hiring of the following new drivers: Mike Kots
of Carroll and George Hunt of Guthrie Center. Mike will be a full-time employee, working out of the Carroll office, while George will be a part time driver assisting with transit services in Guthrie County. Both drivers bring extensive driving experience and are welcome additions to an already outstanding pool of drivers.
New Western Iowa Transit Drivers
3THE REVIEW
The Iowa Waste Exchange, one of the nation’s leading exchange programs, hosted the third annual Reusapalooza at the 2015 Iowa State Fair. Reusapalooza is an event that offers fairgoers a hands-on opportunity to create “upcycled” items out of everyday materials. The event is annually held during the fair in the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Courtyard.
This year’s event was held on Saturday, August 22, 2015. Area Resource Specialists, Shelene Codner and Julie Plummer, along with a host of other volunteers, including DNR staff members, assisted nearly
400 kids (and kids at heart) in crafting flower-power bird feeders from plastic soda bottles, refrigerator magnets from recycled compact discs and bookmarks made from recycled topographical maps.
All materials were collected, donated and prepared by the Iowa Waste Exchange.
The Iowa Waste Exchange is a program of the DNR and is administered by Region XII Council of Governments. For more information about the program contact Fred Kesten, (712) 792-9914, [email protected] or Shelene Codner, (319) 404-1942, [email protected].
The Iowa Finance Authority announced the recipients of the 2016 Down Payment Assistance with Rehabilitation Programs. Awarded five out of the six grants which were applied, Region XII COG will use these grants to assist homebuyers in awarded communities with the necessary down payment assistance to purchase their first home.
The down payment grants also include money for rehabilitation after closing. Common repairs include: new roofs, siding, windows, as well as furnaces and electrical updates.
The following communities partnered with Region XII COG and will be able to assist first-time homebuyers:
• Jefferson/Coon Rapids: $412,500 for 10 projects. City match of $25,000 for additional rehabilitation;
• Stuart (New Construction): $192,500 for 5 projects. City match of $12,500 is for technical fees. Program
grants $35,000 towards down payment of a new construction home.
• Manning: $224,400 for 6 projects. City match of $22,500 for additional rehabilitation; and
• Great Places Communities (Panora, Perry and Redfield): $206,250 for 5 projects. City match of $12,500 for additional rehabilitation.
• Home Base Iowa Communities (Glidden, Scranton, Templeton, Willey): $206,250 for 5 projects. City match of $12,500 for additional rehabilitation.
Local bankers, real estate agents, contractors, and interested program beneficiaries should contact Karla Janning, Housing Programs Coordinator, [email protected] or (712) 775-7825, for more information on how to work with this program.
Iowa Waste Exchange: Iowa State Fair Reusapalooza 2015
Iowa Finance Authority, Region XII COG Announce First-time Homebuyer Programs
IWE Staff and volunteers help children “upcycle” from the DNR Courtyard on August 22, 2015 at the Iowa State Fair
Additional grants are available through private foundations and ongoing programs. If you are looking for funding for a specific project, please contact Chris Whitaker, [email protected] or 712-775-7811, for assistance in locating funding opportunities.
September 2015 Grant Update
Upcoming Grants
4
Funding Program Recipient Amount ProjectAssistance to Firefighters Grant Carroll Fire Department $40,477 Replacement of cascade fill station
Assistance to Firefighters Grant Coon Rapids Fire Department $67,600 Bunker gear
Iowa Waste Exchange Region XII COG $430,000 Iowa Waste Exchange
EDA Partnership Planning Region XII COG $61,000 Economic development planning
HOME Down Payment Assistance Region XII COG $192,500 Stuart new construction
HOME Down Payment Assistance Region XII COG $224,400 Manning Homebuyers Assistance Program
HOME Down Payment Assistance Region XII COG $206,250 Home Base Communities Homebuyers Assistance
Program (Glidden, Scranton, Templeton, Willey)HOME Down Payment Assistance Region XII COG $412,500 Coon Rapids & Jefferson Homebuyers Assistance
ProgramHOME Down Payment Assistance Region XII COG $206,250 Great Places Homebuyer Assistance Program (Panora,
Perry, Redfield)
Timmerman Charitable Trust Carroll Athletic Association $5,038 Carroll Merchants Park Redevelopment
Renze Charitable Trust Glidden Fire Department $5,000 Natural gas generator
Funding Program Purpose Deadline Eligible Applicants
Iowa West Foundation Community development, economic development, edu-cation and human needs projects
October 1, February 1, 2016
Local governments and non-profit organizations in Audubon, Carroll and Crawford Counties.
Peter Kiewitt Foundation Community development and recreation projects October 15Local governments and non-profit organizations within a 100 mile radius of Omaha Nebraska.
Solid Waste Alternatives Program (SWAP)
Emphasis for selected projects is placed on tonnage avoided or reduced, sustainability and ability to replicate.
October 1, January 1, 2016
Local governments, public or private groups
Branching Out Tree planting November 1 Cities served by Alliant Energy
Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT)
Recreational, Educational, or Entertainment Attractions available to the general public. October 15 Local Governments
CDBG Water and Sewer Fund
Grants to assist cities and counties with sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facilities, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements and rural water connections.
January 8, 2016 Cities and Counties
CDBG Community Facilities and Services
This annual competitive program offers grants to assist communities for a variety of projects including day care facilities, senior centers, vocational workshops and other community services such as stormwater projects
January 22, 2016 Cities and Counties
CDBG Housing Fund Owner-occupied rehabilitation for single family homes being used as the principal residence. January 15, 2016 Cities and Counties
CDBG Downtown Revitilization Program
Provides grants to communities for a variety of projects and activities contributing to comprehensive revitaliza-tion in historic city centers.
February 5, 2016 Cities and Counties
Small Town Sign Replacment Program
The program will provide up to $5,000 of signs and signposts per applying community on a first- come, first-served basis
Ongoing Cities
Federal Rec Trails Program Acquisition, construction or improvement of recreational trails and related facilities. October 1 Cities and Counties
Recently Awarded Grants
5working for YOUR community!Increase Local Board and Commission Effectiveness
N E W S T A F F
Lauren Subler has joined the Local Assistance Department as a Regional Planner. A Maria Stein, Ohio native, Lauren recently completed her degree
in City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University. Lauren is looking forward to learning about the region and assisting area communities.
Ashley Owen has joined the Local Assistance Department as the Housing Programs Assistant. A Carroll native, Ashley brings five
years experience with other housing programs in the area. Ashley lives in Carroll with her two little girls and husband, Matt.
Subler
Owen
Region XII is pleased to have the opportunity to host Jeff Schott, the Director of the University of Iowa’s Institute of Public Affairs, for an informative evening open to area residents participating in local boards and commissions. Schott brings extensive experience in legal requirements of boards as well as enhancing local organization effectiveness. As a city manager and more recently a counselor across the state, Schott has the experience and advice that will be valuable to all area officials of local boards and commissions.
The workshop will be at 5:30 PM on October 7 at the Region XII Council of Governments office, 1009 East Anthony Street, Carroll. There is a $10 fee for participants, and dinner is included. The agenda and RSVP information for the meeting can be found by following this link or contacting Chris Whitaker, [email protected] or (712) 775-7811.
Schott
If you know someone that can benefit, have them call JoAnn Olberding at (712) 775-7777 for an application. These funds improve the ownership opportunities of residents as well as the quality of housing in communities. These programs will only remain for a short period of time.
Housing Funds Remain in Certain Cities
Available Down Payment Assistance Projects:
Carroll (1)
Available Down Payment with Rehabilitation Projects:
Audubon*Glidden*Panora*Perry*
Schaller*Scranton*Westside*Nevada (8)
Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation :
Stuart (1)Ralston (2)Lytton (1)Panora (7)Glidden (2)
*Shared program. Only 4 total remain.
A D M I N I S T R AT I O N
Rick Hunsaker, Executive Director ................................................. [email protected] Pauli, Fiscal Officer ....................................................................... [email protected] Lehmann, Revolving Loan Fund Administrator................... [email protected] Scott, De-Cat Coordinator.............................................................. [email protected] Olberding, Executive Secretary ........................................... [email protected]
L O C A L A S S I S TA N C E
Chris Whitaker, Local Assistance Director ..................................... [email protected] Parker, Regional Planner ............................................................... [email protected] Subler, Regional Planner..............................................................lsubler@region12cog.orgFred Kesten, Iowa Waste Exchange Program Manager ...................... [email protected] Codner, Iowa Waste Exchange Specialist................................. [email protected] Janning, Housing Programs Coordinator................................ [email protected] Muhlbauer, Housing Inspector ........................................ [email protected] Owen, Housing Programs Assistant...........................................aowen@region12cog.orgJean Blum, FSS Coordinator..................................................................... [email protected]
W E S T E R N I O WA T R A N S I T
Tom Feldman, Transit Director ......................................................... [email protected] Rath, Service Manager.................................................................... [email protected] Anthofer, Transit Assistant............................................................ [email protected]
W O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T
Beth Winquist, Workforce Director............................................... [email protected] Smith, Career Development Specialist......................................... [email protected]
1009 East Anthony Street, PO Box 768, Carroll, IA 51401 | (712) 792-9914 | www.region12cog.org
This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint filing cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call (866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or email at [email protected]
STAFF
6THE REVIEW
SAVE THE DATESEPTEMBER 17, 2014
WHAT Employer Educator Summit Sponsored by Western Iowa Advantage & Iowa Workforce
WHEN 8am to 1pm - September 17th, 2014
WHERE Carrollton Inn - Carroll, Iowa
RSVP Sarah Gomez [email protected] or 515-523-1262
EMPLOYER EDUCATOR SUMMIT
Mark your calendars for the 2014 Educators Conference.
“An innovative conference and a glimpse into the future of local educators.”Keynote Speaker: Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds
Where are the skilled workers that will keep our communities moving forward? They are currently in the K-12 school system. Help shape your community’s future by helping shape the workforce of tomorrow. Join us to learn how the education system and our business community can work together to develop citizens who possess the right skills for our changing society.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Did you know that 50% of Iowa’s jobs require workers with “middle skills” but that only 33% of our workforce has these skills? Workforce availability and its quality have been identified one of our region’s most pressing needs in order to remain vibrant and viable. To this end, Western Iowa Advantage (WIAD) and IowaWORKS are again partnering to host the third Employer Educator Summit, sponsored by Western Iowa Advantage and the Employers Council of Iowa (ECI). Registration is still open and can be completed by visited WIAD’s website www.westerniowaadvantage.com. The event will be held at the Templeton Center in Templeton
on September 17 beginning at 9:00 AM. Keynote addresses will be given by Director Deborah Durham of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Director Beth Townsend of Iowa Workforce Development. Job Corps students who pursued technical skills local businesses needed and found employment in the region will share their journey and provide advice to businesses in the hiring of young adults. Those attending the Summit will learn more about how our education system and our business community can work together to develop a workforce that possesses the right skills for our changing economy.
