greater burlington partnership newsletter vol. 95 …€¦ · why join? see what the buzz is about!...

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 10

The OCTOBER 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

TOURISM IMPACT ON GREATER BURLINGTON

This is the second time as the Chairperson for the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Steering committee that I have had the opportunity to share in the “Just a Thought” section of the newsletter. The first time I shared about the Wayfinding Study. Chelsea Tolle is working with Todd Mayfield from AXIA Creative to wrap up the study phase of this project. Thank you to everyone who has participated!

This time I wanted to focus more on the impact that the CVB and tourism has on the Greater Burlington area. I can only speak for myself when I say that I didn’t realize the impact tourism plays in the area until I joined the CVB Steering committee. If you are like I was, you may be surprised by the economic impact tourism has on Greater Burlington.

DID YOU KNOW?

As of September 1 the CVB has welcomed or assisted 33,814 visitors to the area. Each visitor to Greater Burlington spends on average $83 per day, while staying in the area an average of two days. These visitors have contributed an estimated economic impact of $4.9 million to the area. Almost $5 million has been spent in restaurants, retail stores, hotels, etc. so far this year! What a great thing to have people from outside the community import money into it!

Over the last few years of serving on the CVB Steering Committee, I have continually been impressed by the staff of the CVB and Welcome Center. These individuals and volunteers do a great job of working with various groups to make coming to Burlington an exceptional experience….and it shows.

RECPLEX FACTS AND FIGURES

One of the many reasons visitors come to Greater Burlington is because of the tournaments hosted at the RecPlex. During seasons 2012 – 2014, the RecPlex hosted 85 different tournaments. From those tournaments a total of 2,376 teams participated, with 70 percent of those teams traveling from more than one hour away. These three seasons have contributed a combined estimated economic impact of more than $26 million to Greater Burlington. Having so many other amenities available within the community encourages many teams to stay after the tournament and experience the area.

As a related side note: Many have heard about the “Imagine” goal of building an indoor recreational facility in our area. What a great way to help boost tourism during the colder months of the year! As you can see, the outdoor RecPlex plays a vital role in bringing people from all over to the community. It makes sense to me that adding the indoor facility would be the natural next step to help tourism all year long - not to mention adding a great amenity to the community.

As you can see from the numbers, tourism is big business in the area. The CVB does a great job as stewards of a portion of hotel/motel tax they are trusted with.

Thank you to all who make Greater Burlington such a great place to visit!

by Mike Shinn

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]

Carla McGrathMembership Recruitment [email protected]

page [email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

ON THE COVERWelcome to Greater Burlington! The members of the Hospitality committee are here to help make your time in the community a pleasant experience. From the summer interns program to the newcomers dinners, these volunteers are here to help people acclimate to the community they will call home.

Throughout the summer months, they spend nearly every week interacting with future young professionals. From teambuilding activities and lunch & learns, to a little friendly sporting competition, this committee encourages local interns to return to the area after graduation to start their careers.

During the rest of the year, they welcome all newcomers. Whether you are in your early 20’s starting your career or in your late 60s on the verge of retirement, the objective of the quarterly dinners is to share a few of the many amenities the community has to offer and present the opportunity to make new friends.

Pictured left to right: Stephanie Famelis, Shearer’s Snacks; Brett Bessine, Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Jose Ponce, General Electric Company; Peter Theisen, CNH Industrial; Traci Rauscher, Titan Broadcasting and Carly Bormann, Shearer’s Snacks

Photo Credit: Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership

“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

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 10

The OCTOBER 2015


MEET THE 2015 - 2016GREATER BURLINGTON LEADERSHIP CLASS

Row 1: Lanae Greene, Iowa Workforce Development and Eva Castillo, Hope Haven Area Development Center Corp. Row 2: Rachel Westfall, Two Rivers Bank & Trust; Rikki Garrett, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust; Dominique Palermini Cornick, Advanced Home Health Care and Carrie Carruthers, Winegard Company Row 3: Jamie Dengler, Great River Medical Center; Jesse Howe, American Ordnance; Samantha Helmick, Burlington Public Library; Kent Brown, State Farm Insurance - Kent Brown Agency; Josh Reid, Winegard Company and Brent Hartley, MidWestOne Bank Row 4: David Mackey, Dresser-Rand, Steam Turbine Business Unit; Brandon McCracken, Energyficient Systems, Inc.; Alec Cornick, Universal Fitness; Cindy Larson, Klingner and Associates, PC and Rachel Lindeen, Greater Burlington Partnership

GREATERBURLINGTONLEADERSHIP is a professional development series designed for individuals who want to develop and strengthen their leadership skills within the community.

[email protected] • www.greaterburlington.com

MANUFACTURERSAPPRECIATIONLUNCHEON

Candidates running for Burlington City Council and West Burlington City Council will address questions asked by representatives of the Greater Burlington Partnership’s government relations committee at two upcoming debates.

The Burlington City Council candidates’ debate will be held Tuesday, October 6 at 5 pm, in the Council Chambers at Burlington City Hall (400 Washington St). Invited candidates competing for two seats are John Fenton, Shane McCampbell, Antoinette Wilson and Dan Wischmeier. The debate will be televised live on Channel 18 and is open to the public.

The West Burlington City Council candidates’ debate will be held Tuesday, October 13 at 5 pm in the Council Chambers at West Burlington

City Hall (122 Broadway St). Invited candidates competing for three City Council seats are Rod Crowner, Gary Deen, Therese Lees and Rick Raleigh. Also invited is Hans Trousil, who is running unopposed for Mayor. The debate is also open to the public and available for viewing at www.westburlington.org.

For any questions regarding the Partnership’s government relations events, policies or actions, contact Mark Foster at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE DEBATES

OCTOBER CELEBRATES MANUFACTURERS

TERRY RICH, PRESIDENT AND CEO, IOWA LOTTERYPZAZZ! ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX OCTOBER 2, 11:30 am

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CAREER EXPLORATION DAYThis fall, local high school students from Danville, West Burlington, Mediapolis, Notre Dame and Burlington will have the opportunity to listen, see and learn at Des Moines County manufacturers.

Each student has the option to choose from various advanced manufacturing career fields and job shadow a potential career choice with hands on learning. The goal of this one day experience learning is to increase awareness of jobs available in Des Moines County.

School counselors work with area students who express interest to sign up. In past years, more than 50 area students have participated each year.

www.greaterburlington.com

SPONSORED BY

FOLLOW US ON

www.greaterburlington.com319-752-6365

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

GREATER BURLINGTONYOUNGPROFESSIONALS

Charlie Nichols, City Planner - City of Burlington Hometown: Mount Vernon, Iowa YP Member: 1 Year

“When Amanda and I moved to Burlington, we didn’t know anyone. It’s much harder to adjust to a new job and a new place without a group of friends to help ease the transition. Young Professionals provided us with that group of friends and has continued to bring new people into our lives.”

Fun Fact: “I once backpacked around Europe for 8 months. I was also Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2006.”

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH

www.midwestonebank.com

PRESENTING SPONSOR

www.greaterburlingtonyp.com

WHY JOIN?

SEE WHAT THE BUZZ IS ABOUT!

Because you know you’ve always wanted to! And now is the best time to join. Send your application in by October 31 and your $65 membership fee covers the remainder of the 2015 events and all of the 2016 events. That’s 15 months for the price of 12!

5:05 SOCIALOCTOBER 8, 5:05 pm @ MARTINI’S

This is always one of the best after-hours events of the year! Martini’s offers half-priced drinks for club members, along with tasty appetizers so you can enjoy this relaxed evening filled with plenty of networking and fun. Stop by at your convenience and stay for as long or as little as you would like.

LUNCH & LEARNOCTOBER 30, 12-1 pm at PZAZZ!

Professional Development is a tool every Young Professional can use. Featured speakers offer tools you can use in your career and leadership roles in the community. Sponsored by Great River Entertainment.

EVENTS ARE FREE FOR YP MEMBERS, $15 FOR NON-MEMBERS. THE FIRST EVENT IS COMPLIMENTARY FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS.

COME TO ONE OF THE UPCOMING EVENTS ON US!


All members of the Chamber of Commerce can receive and post an entry in Friday Facts. Friday Facts is a weekly email, sent to all Chamber of Commerce members, filled with upcoming events, business promotions and community fundraisers.

To receive Friday Facts or for more information, contact Belinda Colwell at [email protected] or 319-208-0042.

DID YOU KNOW...?FRIDAY FACTS 1,447 CONTACTS43% OPEN RATE

THE DETAILS YOU NEED TO SUBMIT A FRIDAY FACT!

• DATES YOU WANT YOUR INFORMATION IN FRIDAY FACTS• TITLE• DESCRIBE YOUR LISTING• DATE AND TIME OF LISTING• CONTACT INFORMATION

DUE BY 12 pm ON THURSDAY TO BE INCLUDED IN THAT WEEKS FRIDAY FACTS

www.greaterburlington.com/chamber/friday-facts Average Email Blast Open Rate is 23% - www.mailchimp.com

ETHANOL IS

CLEAN.

Highway 34 & Beaverdale RdWest Burlington319-753-1100

www.BigRiverResources.com

Big River Resources


DISCOVER DOWNTOWN HOLIDAYSFOR THE

We invite you to enjoy downtown Burlington for the Holidays! Not just a one day event, but

a destination for the holiday fun all season long. The holiday season downtown Burlington lasts

from October 30 through January 1. The holidays provide something for everyone - from shopping, parades, trick or treating, and dining to events for the entire family. Downtown Burlington is helping

you build memories this holiday season!

Your Bridge to the Future

PRESENTING SPONSOR


Ghosts and goblins will have a chance to haunt downtown Burlington on Thursday, October 30. Trick or Treat hours are from 4 to 6 pm, with treats available at dozens of participating merchants. This is one of downtown’s biggest family draws!

Come experience a magical night! Dozens of storefronts on Jefferson Street will come to life during the 17th annual Living Windows celebration on Thursday, December 10 from 6 to 8 pm. The event includes ice sculpting, carolers, puppet shows, treats, crafts, storytellers, free horse drawn trolley rides and much more. Stop by Santa’s Cottage in Nancy Neafie Park, sample holiday goodies, and do some shopping, too.

Trolley Sponsor is TD&T CPAs and Advisors, P.C.

TRICK OR TREAT

It’s not too early to start thinking about it - plans for the holiday season are already underway in Downtown Burlington! Area businesses, schools, churches and organizations are encouraged to participate in the annual Lighted Holiday Parade on Saturday, November 28 at 5 pm. This year’s theme is “Snowflake Season.” Parade entry forms can be downloaded at www.greaterburlington.com/downtown/downtown-events/lighted-holiday-parade.

Gold Sponsor is Refreshment Services Pepsi and Grand Marshal Sponsor is Two Rivers Bank & Trust.

LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE

Kick off your holiday season with a favorite event – downtown’s Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 8. Get a head start on holiday gift buying at the specialty retail shops, sample food and refreshments, and register for the giveaway of $1,000 in Downtown Dollars. Gather your friends and family and join us for this special day of shopping and fun. Register for prizes at all participating merchants, and at 4 pm gather at the Art Center, 301 Jefferson, to see if you are a winner! Afterwards, enjoy dinner at one of our great restaurants.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

LIVING WINDOWS


BUSINESS SUCCESS

Burlington Army Recruiting Center550 S Gear Ave, Ste 63B, Burlington, 319-753-6763David Guenther, Recruiting Officer, [email protected] you to learn valuable job skills, while getting the training and experience you’ll need to get ahead. Whether you choose to serve in the Army or Army Reserve, select from many exciting career fields.

Deliver it Iowa.com304 18th St, Fort Madison, 319-481-3784, www.deliveritiowa.comTyson Heagy, OwnerFood, grocery, retail, errands and more! We will do the shopping for you and deliver it right to you! Not only do we shop, but we will also do dry cleaning runs, bill pay and small package delivery!

Eyecare Max1734 N Roosevelt Ave, Ste 100, Burlington, 319-754-5425, www.eyecaremax.com Connie McManis, [email protected]. David McManis is back in the Burlington area with a full service optometry office specializing in medical and routine eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. Something for every budget, and we accept most insurance plans.

EZ Media3019 West Ave, Burlington, 319-752-7221, www.ezmediasat.com Melisa Gutierrez, Owner, [email protected] Efrain Gutierrez, Owner [email protected] EZ Media offers DirecTV, Dish and Exede Internet and CenturyLink. We are a firm believer of keeping business local and are locally owned and operated. Our focus is exceptional customer service.

Silgan Containers 1000 N Roosevelt Ave, Burlington, 319-752-8613, www.silgancontainers.comJim Moses, Plant Manager, [email protected] As the largest provider of metal food packaging in the United States, Silgan Containers is trusted by America’s most respected brands. Our reputation is based on a foundation of quality, excellence and unsurpassed technical expertise, enabling us to be a dedicated solutions-based partner to our customers.

The Countess Bed & Breakfast501 N 5th St, Burlington, 319-750-7976, www.countessbandb.comJudy Taylor, Owner, [email protected] to this delightful four bedroom Bed and Breakfast, where the highlight is the Lincoln room where the late President himself stayed. This historic gem is not to be missed for your next visit to Greater Burlington.

NEW MEMBERS

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION & OUTREACH DES MOINES COUNTY

Chair Ben Heckart, staff and council members celebrate the Grand Opening of the new location at Southeastern Community College

1500 West Agency Road, Building 600, Room 605 in West Burlington.

SMITH’S COIN LAUNDRY

Owner Janice Smith, staff and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the Grand Opening with a Ribbon Cutting. Smith’s Coin Laundry is located at 325 N Roosevelt Ave, Burlington.


It seems to make sense to prioritize in order of priority.

Do the urgent stuff first. Deal with the cranky customer who’s about to walk out, the disenchanted and difficult employee who hasn’t had the right sort of guidance (lately), the partner who is stomping his foot.

The problem with this rational prioritization is that it means that the good customers, the valuable employees and the long-suffering but loyal partners are neglected. And they realize that they should either get squeaky or leave.

If the only way to get your attention is to represent a risk, people will figure that out.

(The other problem is that you end up spending all your time with cranky, disenchanted, difficult people who are stomping their feet.)

Posted by Seth Godin, August 6, 2015. www.sethgodin.com

USEFUL BIZ TIPS

Starting a new business, or think now is finally the time to take that hobby of yours to the next level? The Entrepreneurship committee is here to help!

Each year the Greater Burlington Partnership holds a competition for grant funding for individuals with an idea and a desire to start a new business. Creating your own business takes tenacity, passion and planning. And we want to see you succeed!

Participants begin the competition by enrolling in a business plan course offered by Southeastern Community College Center for Business. From there, they will receive one-on-one mentoring assistance as they continue to develop their business plans. First drafts

will be submitted to a judging panel that will provide feedback and invite finalists to the next round. Finally, contestants will give an in-person presentation to the judges who will award grants at the annual Small Business Appreciation Breakfast.

“It’s exciting to see the interest in the competition grow every year,” said Mark Foster, Competition Administrator. “Last year we saw four quality plans that all have great potential to succeed. The Greater Burlington community continues to prove it has the ability to be a place that entrepreneurs can thrive in.”

For additional details, contact Mark Foster at [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

EVER THOUGHT ABOUT RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?

UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685)1. Publication Title: The Partnership Newsletter 2. Publication Number: 0000-1692 3. Filling Date: 10-01-15 4. Issue Frequency: Monthly 5. Number of Issues Published Annually : 12 6. Annual Subscription Price: $48 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington IA 52601 (Des Moines County); Contact Person: Brenda Wischmeier, Telephone (319) 752-63658. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: Greater Burlington Partnership, 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington IA 52601 9. Full Name and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Greater Burlington Partnership, 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington IA 52601 Editor: Same Managing Editor: None10. Owner (If the publication is published by a nonprofit organization, give its name and address): Greater Burlington Partnership, 610 North Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington IA 52601 11. Known bondholders, mortgages, and other security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities: None. 12. Tax Status: The purpose, function, and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during preceding 12 months. 13. Publication Title: The Partnership Newsletter 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 10-01-2015 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Member Information

Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filling DateA. Total Number of Copies 1838 1815B. Paid and/or Requested Circulation:(1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscription Stated on Form 3541 213 207(2) Paid In-County Subscription Stated on Forum 3541 1462 1446(3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter, Sales, 0 0 and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution(4) Other Classes Mailed through USPS 0 0C. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 1675 1653 D. Free Distribution by Mail(1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: 49 50(2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541: 84 82(3) Other Classes Mailed though USPS 0 0 (4) Free Distribution Outside the Mail: 0 0 E: Total Free Distribution: 133 132F. Total Distribution: 1808 1785G. Copies Not Distributed: 30 30H. Total: 1838 1815I. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: 92.64% 92.60%16. Electronic Copy Circulation A. Paid Electronic Copies 0 0 B. Total Paid Print Copies 1675 1653 C. Total Print Distribution 1808 1785 D. Percent Paid (Both Print & Electronic Copies) 92.64% 92.60%17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Publication required. Will be published 10/01/15 in the October 2015 issue of this publication. 18. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties). /s/ Brenda Wischmeier – 10/01/15


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

1 - Farmers Market Port of Burlington - 5 pm(Last Farmers Market of 2015) www.greaterburlington.com

2 - Specifically for Seniors - Iowa’s Hidden Treasures Burlington Public Library - 10 amwww.burlington.lib.ia.us

2 - Witte Observatory Complex Open for Public Viewing Big Hollow Recreation Area - 7 pmwww.dmcounty.com

3 - 12:1 Run/Walk Harmony Bible Church - 7 amwww.twelve1run.com

3 - Street Art & Home Brew Art Center of Burlington - 3 - 6 pmwww.artcenterofburlington.com

3 - Oktoberfest Port of Burlington - 4 - 10 pmwww.iowalions.org/burlington

3 - Hurricane Ruth Burlington Capitol Theater - 8 pmwww.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com

3 - The New Breed The Washington - 8 pmwww.facebook.com/ 304872828832

3 - Dustin Pittsley The Washington - 9 pmwww.facebook.com/ 304872828832

4 -SCC Open House SCC West Burlington Campus - 4 [email protected]

6 - 144 Envelopes Reception McConnell Lofts - 6:30 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

8 - Young Professionals October 5:05 Social Martini’s Grille - 5:05 pmwww.greaterburlingtonyp.com

8 - Celebrity Night Fundraiser & Auction with Gary Dolphin PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex - 5:30 pm www.sccblackhawks.com

9 - Think Floyd Memorial Auditorium - 7 pmwww.bma-live.com

10 - Shooting Range Certification Starr’s Cave Nature Center - 2 pmwww.dmcounty.com

13 - Art Beat: BYOB Workshop Art Center of Burlington - 6 - 9 pmwww.artcenterofburlington.com

16 - Witte Observatory Complex Open for Public Viewing Big Hollow Recreation Area - 7 pmwww.dmcounty.com

16 - Chad Elliot Concert Starr’s Cave Nature Center - 7:30 pmwww.dmcounty.com

17 - Paddle in the Park Big Hollow Lake - 9 amwww.dmcounty.com

23 - Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience Memorial Auditorium - 7 pmwww.bma-live.com

24 - Façade Project Tour Downtown Burlington - 1 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

24 - Fall Classical Concerts Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra at Burlington Capitol Theater - 3 pm www.seiso.us

24 - Hairball Memorial Auditorium - 8 pmwww.bma-live.com

24 - 25 - Burlington Monster Match Burlington RecPlexwww.southeastelitesocceracademy.com

25 - People Project celebrate burlington! Memorial Auditorium Parking Lot - 12:30 pmwww.artcenterofburlington.com

25 - PZAZZ! Carving for a Cause Competition PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex - 2 pmwww.thepzazz.com

28 - Black Hawk’s Final Resting Place - Life Learning Series SunnyBrook of Burlington - 2 - 3 pm319-752-0260

29 - Cantus Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pmwww.burlcivicmusic.com

30 - Young Professionals Lunch & Learn PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex - 12 pmwww.greaterburlingtonyp.com

30 - Downtown Trick or Treat Downtown Burlington - 4 - 6 pmwww.greaterburlington.com

Multiple Dates:Southeastern Community College, visit www.sccblackhawks.com

Burlington RecPlex, visit www.burlingtonrecplex.com

For complete event details, visit 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.


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HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE

Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Des Moines County celebrated with an open house on September 10 for its Satellite Office at Southeastern Community College, 1500 W Agency Rd, room 605, located in the Welding Building. This office is open to the public Monday - Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm. Contact Becky Luers, Community Specialist, at [email protected] or Lisa McPherson, Program Assistant, Family Nutrition Program at [email protected] to learn more about programs and resources for families and businesses.

Extension & Outreach in Des Moines County offers programs that supports families, horticulture, 4-H youth development, business and industry, communities, agriculture and continuing education. Iowa State University Extension builds partnerships and provides research-based learning opportunities to improve the quality of life in Iowa.

SUPERVISORY CERTIFICATE

SCC...PROGRESS AS PROMISED!Southeastern Community College invites you to see the progress that is being made on October 4 from 4 - 6 pm. Tour the new and renovated facilities, including Loren Walker Arena, Wagner Athletic Complex, Yohe Library, Art Studio, Callison Hall and the Health Professions Center.

After the tour take a moment and watch the women’s volleyball squad perform drill demonstrations and men’s basketball team scrimmage in the updated gym.

Stay for pizza following the men’s scrimmage. To save your spot, contact Julie today at [email protected] or 319-208-5121.

Southeastern Community College is located at 1500 West Agency Road in West Burlington.

CHARLES E. WALSH HONORED FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICECharles E. Walsh, President of Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust, was recently honored by the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA) for more than 50 years of service at a bank. The award was presented to Walsh during the IBA Annual Convention on September 21 in Des Moines.

“Iowa banks have been a trusted resource for Iowans for more than 100 years. We are honored to have the commitment and experience of bankers like Walsh, who work to provide valuable service to customers and their communities,” said IBA President and CEO John Sorensen.

Walsh’s career began in 1964 at West Burlington Savings Bank, formerly known as West Burlington Bank. In 1969, he joined Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust.

Outside of banking, he has always been a believer in community, serving on numerous area foundations and boards. In 1997, Walsh was presented the Emmy Award from the Greater Burlington Partnership.

“The F&M Bank Board and staff are very proud of all the accomplishments by Walsh. His knowledge of the industry and history of banking has been invaluable to Southeast Iowa. The finance industry has made tremendous changes in the last 50 years, and Charles E. Walsh has led us through them all,” said Charles L. Walsh, CEO of F&M Bank & Trust. “We are all very thankful that he has been our mentor.”

Leader, manager, supervisor, team leader – no matter what your official title, you’re expected to get the job done through others. Join CBIZ for a twelve module course that provides new and experienced supervisors with the tools and skills for building personal confidence in their leadership role. You will see the relevance of the training, rapidly acquire the skills, and quickly put them to use on the job. This program is designed for anyone who manages people in manufacturing, retail or service industries. To learn more or register, call Beth Nickel at [email protected] or 319-208-5375.

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION & OUTREACH DES MOINES COUNTY IS NOW OPEN

Member Information is a benefit of your Chamber of Commerce membership. To get your article featured, contact Brenda Wischmeier at [email protected].


MARK YOUR CALENDARS2015 UPCOMINGPARTNERSHIP EVENTS

MANUFACTURERS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON OCTOBER 2 - PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex

144 ENVELOPES RECEPTION - OCTOBER 6McConnell Lofts - Downtown Burlington

TOUR DOWNTOWN FACADE PROJECTS - OCTOBER 24Downtown Burlington

DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT - OCTOBER 30Downtown Burlington

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE - NOVEMBER 8Downtown Burlington

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS - NOVEMBER 19Barn on the Ridge

LIGHTED HOLIDAY PARADE - NOVEMBER 28Downtown Burlington

HOLIDAY BUSINESS SHOWCASE - DECEMBER 7Burlington Golf Club

www.greaterburlington.com www.greaterburlington.com

Join us with your co-workers to build your network at Business After Hours and grow your business!Brought to you by the Greater Burlington Partnership

BUSINESS AFTER HOURSADVANCED HOME HEALTH CARE

AT THE ART CENTER OF BURLINGTONOCTOBER 15, 5 - 7 pm

The Art Center of Burlington301 Jefferson St.

Downtown Burlingtonwww.advanced-homehealthcare.com

DOWNTOWN TOUR FACADE PROJECTS

In 2013, the City of Burlington was awarded a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to rehab façades and

storefronts of fifteen buildings in three blocks of Jefferson St. Now that the construction is wrapping up, representatives of Klingner & Associates, the City, and Downtown Partners will lead a free public walking tour of the newly completed projects. Join us for a special

look at the work completed and to find out about the surprises uncovered in this multi-year downtown revitalization project.

OCTOBER 24, 1 pmTOUR STARTS AT THE CORNER OF

THIRD AND JEFFERSON


AREA STATISTICSAT YOUR FINGERTIPSWhether you are looking for the latest statistic on productivity and income, labor force, or housing trends comparing Des Moines County to Iowa and the U.S. we have you covered. The Greater Burlington Partnership offers the Economic Dashboard to anyone at www.greaterburlington.com. Go to the Business & Industry tab and then click on the Demographics and Statistics link to gain full access to interactive data and demographics at a click of your mouse.

At www.greaterburlington you can also find the Cost of Living Index Calculator, COLI. This calculator allows you to compare Greater Burlington to any of the 300 communities participating in the index across the United States. The COLI is the “gold standard” source for comparing prices, and the overall cost of living data is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNN Money, and the President’s Council of Economic Advisors.

Another tool available to you and your business is JobsEQ through Chmura Economics & Analytics. JobsEQ is an online access point to local labor market data. Employment, wages, and demographic data are provided on a region or zip code level of detail. Among the questions we can answer are “What-if” questions, such as the number of related occupations, workers and similar skill sets that can be tapped to fill your needed position. Also found is what training might be needed and where to get it. Just give us and call, and we will run the numbers for you!

If you do not find data you are looking for, contact Brenda Levitt at [email protected] or 319-208-0047.

MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS ARE INThank you to the 118 members and investors that responded to the Overtime Policy Survey last month. Using your answers and comments, the Partnership was able to submit comments to the Department of Labor. Consensus showed that there is great uncertainty about the proposed rule. Three concerns were provided in your comments.

1. The raising of the salary threshold of exempt employees is significant. 49% of members believe the threshold should be established between the current threshold of $23,660 and $50,440. More than doubling the threshold would create a financial burden for many employers.

2. Setting a blanket policy threshold for every community throughout the country creates unfair barriers. $50,440 is a lot more money in Burlington, Iowa than in New York City. Rather, we would welcome a threshold that is based upon median income in the surrounding area.

3. Finally, employers have a concern about the change in workplace culture this would create. Many employees and employers have come to expect a certain type of flexibility in the 21st century. This proposed rule would challenge that flexibility.

The Department of Labor will be issuing a final ruling in the coming months. Members will be informed of that rule when it is released.

For additional details contact Mark Foster, Government Relations Program Director, [email protected] or 319-208-0050.

MEMBER IMPACT ISSUE: WHITE COLLAR OVERTIME POLICY

CHAMBER BOARD DELIBERATES BALLOT INITIATIVEDuring the September board meeting, the following resolution was approved.

The Board of Directors of the Burlington/West Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Greater Burlington Partnership, expresses its support for the Burlington Law Enforcement Center Bond Referendum provided the City of Burlington can issue the proposed bonds without raising property taxes.

The current facility is unsuitable for our police officers and the proposed acquisition and renovation of the US Bank facility is more cost effective than the construction of a new facility and more practical than repairing the current structure.

The board of directors has reviewed the City of Burlington’s proposal and has adopted this resolution on September 15, 2015.

Statement issued by Jason Hutcheson: “I am proud of our board of directors for taking so much interest in this important issue. It is clear that something must be done to provide an adequate home for Burlington’s Police Department. It will be important for the voters to fully understand the pros and cons of both approving or rejecting the ballot initiative. An organization such as the Chamber of Commerce can and should play an important role in sharing the facts. Over the next 30 days, you will see more information about this topic.”

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DOWNTOWN PARTNERS144 ENVELOPES RECEPTION

The Downtown Partners board members are finishing up the “144 Envelopes” fundraiser, where contributors are asked to make donations corresponding from $1 to $144. A sneak peek thank you reception will be held on October 6 at 6:30 pm at the McConnell Lofts, 206 N. Fourth St.

Donors at all levels receive an invitation for two to the reception; bring it along for a chance to win special door prizes. The reception includes food, beverages, live music, a silent auction of unique items, and tours of the development.

Donations will be accepted at the event. If you have questions or would like to contribute, contact Steve Frevert at [email protected] or 319-208-0056.

The 144 Envelopes Reception is made possible by Deery Brothers Toyota.

Last Year at the 144 Envelopes Reception

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