greater burlington partnership newsletter ......2016, selecting vendors, working on logistics,...

PartnershipGREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 97 NO. 7

The July 2017

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

D.C. Summit 2017

Transportation and Infrastructure – Most everyone agrees that major investments in our transportation networks and in our nation’s general infrastructure are needed. The deferred maintenance bill is coming due. Although President Trump has talked about a trillion dollar infrastructure package, there is some fuzzy math regarding that formula. Unless the price tag for infrastructure is added to the national debt, it seems likely that Congress will require a new, dedicated revenue stream for highways, bridges and roads.

Essential Air Service - This ensures commercial flights out of Burlington, appears likely to continue despite its elimination in the President’s proposed budget.

Immigration – There is much rhetoric regarding immigration and border security. As the time of this publication, SE Iowa had 1,056 advertised job openings at a time when the unemployment rate is near 4%. As Congress determines the future of immigration policy, the business community continues to reiterate the need to welcome those with skills and work ethic to the United States. The biggest burden to a strong economy right now is a lack of motivated labor. Our representatives seems reasonably supportive of legal immigration for workers so long as we have border security.

Regulatory Reform – Both Republican and Democratic Presidents have loved new regulation. While some regulation has merits, the pendulum has swung way too far and has been choking small business. Our delegation went with a story regarding a small construction project involving federal money. Several years ago, the contract was 28 pages. After just a couple years of regulatory assailment, that same contract has become 132 pages- way too much for a small construction firm to digest and competitively bid.

President Trump, very early in his tenure, signed an Executive Order calling for a rollback of regulation, repealing two rules for every new rule created. Naturally, nothing is easy in Washington. The repeal of a rule is just as complicated as the implementation of a new rule. A rule change must be proposed and published, and the public is given between 90 and 180 days to respond to the change.

While we are likely to see some deregulation over time, the federal government is just very, very slow.

Last month, about a dozen leaders from Southeast Iowa traveled to Washington, D.C. for the annual DC Summit. It is always interesting to go to our nation’s capital after a major election, but I was very curious about the environment this year.

Individual meetings were held with Congressman Loebsack and Senators Grassley and Ernst. As expected, all were very gracious and listened intently to some of our concerns. Each seemed uncertain about the future of specific policy items. In general, the House and Senate disagree on many things, the Senate still needs about 60 votes to pass any meaningful legislation, and the White House remains unpredictable on many topics.

Gridlock continues.

Here are my takeaways regarding a couple of our priority issues:

c

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

“There is real value in sending a local delegation to DC. There is so much rhetoric, spin, fake news, and bias that attempting to get the facts from afar regarding any number of policy items is very difficult. Calling on our elected officials, looking them in the eye, and presenting reasonable evidence to support our positions has value. Hopefully, you can join us next year.”

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

PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER

by Jason Hutcheson

Jason HutchesonPresident & CEO 319-208-0043jhutcheson@greaterburlingtoncom

Brenda LevittGraphic Designer [email protected]

Kay Sackville BreuerVice [email protected]

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

Sherri Krause Chief Financial Officer [email protected]

Belinda Colwell Office [email protected]

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

Rachel Lindeen Event Coordinator319-208-0046 [email protected]

Cindy Henry Customer Relations Specialist [email protected]

Jeremy HessDir. of Economic Development [email protected]

Khayree Duckett Communications & [email protected]

ON THE COVER A Very Vintage Market

Pictured left to right bottom to top: Jerry Johnson, Capitol Theater; Doreen Roy, Gypsi, Red Screen Door; Wilma Hemphill, S & W Farm; Morgan Hoenig, Mogo Organic, Des Moines County Extension; Liz Ross, Two Rivers Bank & Trust

Not pictured: Susan Gerst, Gerst Family Gardens; Lynda Graham-Murray, Dietitian Magician Nutrition; Kathy Schneider

Downtown Partners’ Farmers Market Steering Committee has its hands full running the most successful event of its kind in the region. With the support of Two Rivers Bank & Trust and the leadership of new market manager Jerry Johnson, the Jefferson St. Farmers Market is poised to build on the success of last year’s move from the riverfront. The steering committee sets vendor rates, plans special themes and events, schedules entertainment, and helps with the logistics of presenting a large event on a weekly basis.

c

In its second year, A Very Vintage Market has more than doubled in size! DPI volunteers Hillaurie Fritz-Bonar, Art Center of Burlington, and Pat Curtis, Titan Broadcasting, co-chair this highly successful event in downtown Burlington. A Very Vintage Market takes place in the 200 to 800 blocks of Jefferson St. on Saturday, July 15 from 9 AM to 4 PM. It features antique and vintage décor, repurposed, re-imagined, or upcycled items, handcrafted goods, architectural salvage, and primitive and farmhouse accents, along with live music and a wide variety of food vendors.

Aided by a corps of dedicated volunteers, Hillaurie and Pat guided A Very Vintage Market from its inception in 2016, selecting vendors, working on logistics, developing a comprehensive marketing campaign, and of course running the market itself. The results was the largest inaugural DPI event in memory, with thousands of people thronging the downtown throughout the day. This year’s greatly expanded market continues the mission of providing shoppers and vendors a fun opportunity to share their passion to reuse, remake, and restyle!

Pictured: Hillaurie Fritz-Bonar, Art Center of Burlington; Pat Curtis, Titan Broadcasting.

page 3#GreaterBurlingtonPartnership • GreaterBurlington.com

HIGHWAY 61 MOVING FORWARD

Last month, the Iowa Department of Transportation released its draft Fiscal Year 2018-2022 Transportation Improvement Program. The Program details the state plan for infrastructure improvements over the next 5 years.

The Partnership is pleased to report that the Program included construction for four-lane improvements to U.S. 61 in Des Moines and Louisa counties from north of Mediapolis to 1 mile north of Iowa 78.

Highway 61 is a vital artery for goods and services being shipped in and out of this part of the country. Additionally, accident and fatality rates are between one and a half to four times the state and national averages on the uncompleted two-lanesection of Highway 61.

Highway 61 has long been a priority to the safety and economic growth of southeast Iowa, and we are delighted to see the Department make progress on this front.

Members of the Highway 61 Coalition Dan Wiedemeier, Bob Beck (Chair of the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors), Gary Folluo (Lee County Board of Supervisors), and Brian Carter (Des Moines County Engineer), traveled to Coralville on June 13 to share our support with the Iowa Transportation Commission and reiterate our commitment to the completion of a four-lane highway for the entire section of U.S. 61 from Burlington to Muscatine County.

61coalition.com

Pictured left to right: Zach James, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning commission; Gary Fulluo, Lee County Supervisor & Vice Chairman of the Coalition; Terry Knoke, Poepping & Associates; Gina Riherd, City of Mediapolis Councilwoman; Bob Beck, Des Moines County Superviosr & Chairman of the Coalition; Dan Wiedemeier, H. Daniels & Associates, and Brian Carter, Des Moines County Roads Department.

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

D.C. SUMMIT ‘17

D.C. Summit 2017 attendees: Mary Beaird, Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Authority; Aaron Burnett, City of Keokuk; Khayree Duckett, Greater Burlington Partnership; Jim Ferneau, City of Burlington; Jason Hutcheson, Greater Burlington Partnership; Rachel Lindeen, Greater Burlington Partnership; Tom Marion, City of Keokuk; Mike Norris, Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission; Kristi Ray, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce; Meg Richtman, Iowa Wesleyan University; Wood Stortzum, U.S. Bank, N.A.

Once a year, delegates from Southeast Iowa make a trip to our nation’s capital. Local issues from Des Moines, Henry, and Lee Counties are presented to our federal elected officials in Washington, D.C. This year’s trip included visits with Senator Grassley, Senator Ernst, and Representative Loebsack.



5 & V OUTDOOR CINEMAFifth & Valley Streets Downtown BurlingtonMovies Start at Dusk

Sing - Friday, July 7Presented by Dr. Mark Pothitakis

Moana - Saturday, July 28Presented by Mobil 1 Lube Express Burlington Prolube

Titan BroadcastingTitan Broadcasting


Jefferson St. Farmers Market Thursdays 4:30 - 7:30 pm, 200 - 500 Blocks of Jefferson

Sidewalk Sales Downtown - July 13 - 15

A Very Vintage Market Last year’s inaugural Very Vintage Market in downtown Burlington was a blockbuster success, and now it is growing even bigger! Over 100 vendors – more than twice as many as last year – will set up along Jefferson Street on Saturday, July 15 from 9 AM to 4 PM with antiques, vintage-inspired décor, repurposed items, handcrafted goods, architectural salvage, primitives, and more. Contact Downtown Partners if you’d like more information.

DOWNTOWNSUMMER FUNSUMMER FUN

Sponsored by

n

Each season of Fireball Run, the teams are assigned a missing child to actively advocate for during the Adventurally. This partnership with the Child Rescue Network is America’s largest active recovery effort for missing kids. In 10 seasons, the contestants have aided in the recovery of 44 missing children.

Team Burlington has been assigned the case of Erin Pospisil from Cedar Rapids. Erin went missing in 2001 at the age of 15. Her story can be found at ErinPospisilismissing.org. Team Burlington will distribute over 1,000 posters throughout the 2,000 mile journey to see if they can learn anything new about Erin.

The Race to Recover America’s Missing Children

WELCOME CENTER “Did You Know?”

The mural at the Welcome Center is a one of a kind work of art by local artist, David Garrison. Installed in 1988, it has survived three major floods and still looks beautiful!

Did you know it will even talk to you? The mural is full of Burlington history. It will tell you stories of Chef Blackhawk, Aldo Leopold, the Mighty Mississippi River and more. Come learn about the stories of Burlington through this fantastic piece of art.

The Welcome Center is open daily 10 am to 4 pm.


Community Event Information Is Needed! Work will soon begin on the 2018 Burlington/West Burlington Community Guide, a full color, 80-page publication that is used to market the area. About 35,000 guides are printed annually, with over 22,000 online views. The guide is shipped all across the United States and a few other countries, too! To be included in the 2018 Community Guide, submit your event by August 15 at GreaterBurlington.com. Be sure to include the event date, time, location, contact information, and a brief description. Use this free marketing opportunity to promote your community event!

For more information, contact Chelsea Tolle.


All events are free for YP members, $15 for non-members. The first event is complimentary for prospective members.

GREATER BURLINGTON

YOUNGPROFESSIONALS

505 SOCIALJuly 13, 5:05 pm

The Drake Restaurant

Enjoy a summer evening on the Patio at The Drake! Stop by for a fun evening of networking and socializing with other

YP members and partake in the fun!

LUNCH & LEARNJuly 26, 12 pm

Great River Health Systems Blackhawk Room

Mark Richardson, President and CEO of Great River Health Systems, will address the current state of the nation’s healthcare

and how it affects us nationally and locally.

RSVP by July 21via the Facebook event or by emailing [email protected]

YP OF THE MONTH Jennifer Link

Employer: MidwestOne BankHometown: Oquawka, IL YP Member: 3 yearsWhy did You Join YP: I was encouraged to join by friends & co-workers. After attending my first event I knew right away it was something I would enjoy! It’s great way to interact with positive individuals in the community.What community organizations/events do you volunteer for? I like to keep busy by coaching my daughter’s volleyball team, serving on the board of directors for Steamboat Days, as a member of the Burlington Noon Lion’s Club, and as a presenter for Junior Achievement. Why Greater Burlington: I grew up in a small town in Illinois, and the City of Burlington has always played a vital role in my life. I am happy to now call this my home and to be able to give back to a community that offers so much to me. It’s a great place to live, and there is always something to do! Unique About Me: I am a military brat; I was born in Frankfurt, Germany.


Young ProfessionalsARE YOU:• Between the ages of 21-42? • Looking to meet new people? • Wanting to prepare yourself to climb the career ladder?

THEN YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IS FOR YOU!

WHO ARE WE?We are more than 250 young people from all types of career fields who want to meet like-minded people and grow in the community we call home.

WHAT KIND OF EVENTS DO YOU HOST?Each event has a focus of either Social Networking or Professional Development. The events include 5:05 Socials, Lunch & Learns and Business Tours.

The $65 annual membership fee covers all of your costs (including meals) for nearly 20 events throughout the course of the year!

I WANT TO JOIN! HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?Visit GreaterBurlingtonYP.com to learn more and fill out the application.

We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events!


PaRkSIde BRewING comPaNy

CelebratingBuSINeSS SucceSSeS

Parkside Brewing Company celebrated the Grand Opening of their new brewery located at 2601 Madison Ave, Burlington.


neW

MeM

bers

Beancounter Coffeehouse & Drinkery212 Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-850-1939

thebeancountercoffeehouse.com

Suann Wells, CEO/Owner, [email protected]

The Beancounter Coffeehouse & Drinkery offers organic fair trade coffee,

which helps support animal shelters. They also offer lunch, lite plates,

and pastries by the in-house pastry chef. In addition, there is wine, beer

and choice spirits. Open seven days a week with an inviting and relaxing

atmosphere.

Coppes Pest Solutions3608 West Ave, Burlington, 319-754-6683, coppespestcontrol.com

Ben Gulick, President, [email protected]

Coppes Pest Solutions is a third generation, family owned business

providing the highest quality residential and commercial pest

management solutions to Southeast Iowa and West Central Illinois

since 1952.

Food Freedom218 N 3rd St, Ste 716, Burlington, 319-759-6424, michellekuster.com

Michelle Kuster, Owner, [email protected]

Food Freedom is a private nutrition practice focusing on non-diet nutrition

and eating disorder recovery. Owner Michelle Kuster works across the

spectrum of eating concerns from stress or worry about food to clinical

eating disorders.

The Extra Heartbeat Foundation324 McLean St, Iowa City, 317-775-7910, extraheartbeat.org

Mitch King, Founder/President, [email protected]

The Extra Heartbeat Foundation was founded by Mitch King in 2014

and is committed to developing educational experiences built upon

community, sports and play to empower and encourage Iowa youth to

realize and go after their dreams. To support this mission, Mitch started by

hosting the Extra Heartbeat Football Academy. As the foundation grows,

there has been a second pillar of community connection established. To

impact a community and future generations IT TAKES US ALL. The Extra

Heartbeat Foundation believes in the philosophy “Alone we can do so

little, together we can do so much.”

Bike Rentals Bike rentals are back at the Port of Burlington Welcome Center! Take advantage of this opportunity to explore your community in a new way. Choose to use a bike for an hour, half day or full day. All rentals include the use of a helmet and bike lock. Bring a form of identification to the Welcome Center to start your adventure today!

Bike rentals are available now through October, during normal business hours. For more information call 319-752-8731 or visit GreaterBurlington.com/WelcomeCenter.

Flint River Trail 319-753-8260 flintrivertrail.org

The Flint River Trail is approximately seven miles long and connects Flint Bottom Road north

of Burlington to Big Hollow Recreation Area. This section of trail includes roughly six miles of

designated off-road trail that consists of a lime chip surface, with the remaining mile utilizing

existing roadways. Come enjoy the deep rugged woodlands, sheer limestone bluffs, numerous

river outlooks, working Iowa farms, and interpretive sites as you travel along the trail corridor.

Future construction is planned to connect this section to the paved portion of trail along the

riverfront in the City of Burlington. The next phase of construction will head east from Flint

Bottom Road, through Starr’s Cave Park & Preserve and end at Irish Ridge Road.

North Gorge Trail9831 Golf Course Road, Burlington

319-753-8117 facebook.com/North-Gorge-Trail-System-1484640071831308/

North Gorge Trail is a single-track, multi-use recreational trail system, used by mountain bikers

and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Enjoy Your Summer Riding Greater Burlington’s Trails


FINANCIALADJUSTMENTBUREAU INC.

Commercial • Professional • Retail

No Collection ~ No Charge

Uncollected BillsCan put a real squeeze onyour business’s budget.

Let the professionals at the Financial Adjustment Bureau

take care of your past due bills and bad checks.

Call today! 319-753-6756612 Jefferson • Burlington, IA

SAVE the DATEAUGUST3, 10, 17, 24, 31 - Jefferson Street Farmers Market Downtown Burlington - 4:30 pm

3 - Will Watch - A Shakespeare Film Festival, Capitol Theater - 6:30 pm

4 - 5&V Outdoor Cinema Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemDowntown Burlington - Dusk

6 - Burlington Municipal Band Concert Crapo Park Band Shell, 7:30 pm 13 - West Burlington Flea MarketDMC Fairgrounds - 6 am - 12 pm

18 - Jefferson Street Cruise Night Downtown Burlington - 5 - 9 pm 24 -Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic Spirt Hollow - 11 am

SEPTEMBER7, 14, 21, 28 - Jefferson Street Farmers Market Downtown Burlington - 4:30 pm

10 - West Burlington Flea MarketDes Moines County Fairgrounds - 6 am 14 - YP ConferencePZAZZ! Convention & Event Center

18 - Jefferson Street Cruise Night Downtown Burlington - 5 - 9 pm 22, 23, 24 - Fall Craft & Vendor Show Westland Mall - 10 am - 5 pmwestlandmall.net

26 (12 pm) & 27 (10 am) - Fireball Run Downtown Burlington

JULY HAPPENINGS

2 - Burlington Municipal Band Concert Crapo Park Band Shell 7:30 - 8:30 pmmuniband.homestead.com

4 - West Burlington 4th of July CelebrationDowntown West Burlington6 am - 11 pmwestburlington.org/july-celebration 4 - South Hill’s Hoops & Eats on the Street Community CelebrationSouth Hill Neighborhood - Maple Street 11 am - 10:30 pmthehawkeye.com

7 - 5 & V Outdoor Cinema - SingFifth & Valley StreetsDusk GreaterBurlington.com

8 - Symphonic Blast performed by Southeast Iowa Symphony Orchestra 13- Crapo Park Band Shell8:15 pm - 10 pmseiso.us

9 - West Burlington Flea MarketDes Moines County Fairgrounds 6 am - 12 pmwestburlingtonfleamarket.com

13- YP 505 SocialThe Drake Restaurant - 12 pm GreaterBurlingtonYP.com

15 - A Very Vintage MarketDowntown Burlington9 am - 4 pm GreaterBurlington..om

16 - Burlington Municipal Band ConcertCrapo Park Band Shell 7:30 - 8:30 pmmuniband.homestead.com 21 - Jefferson Street Cruise Night Jefferson Street 5 - 9 pm

21 - Devin Clemons BandThe Washington8 - 11 pmthewashingtonmusic.com

25 - Aug. 1 - Des Moines County FairDes Moines County Fairgrounds8 am - 10 pmdesmoinescountyfair.com

26 - YP Lunch & LearnGreat River Health SystemsBlackhawk Room - 12 pmGreaterBurlingtonYP.com

28 - 5 & V Outdoor Movie, MoanaFifth & Valley Streets Dusk GreaterBurlington.com 30 - Burlington Municipal Band Concert Crapo Park Band Shell 7:30 - 8:30 pmmuniband.homestead.comGET MORE EVENT DETAILS:

GreaterBurlington.com

6, 13, 20, 27 - Jefferson Street Farmers MarketDowntown Burlington, 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm



Deery Collision Center Earns Official Certification and Prestigious Top Automaker Recognition

To be in the BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTContact Brenda Levitt

Deery Collision Center has been officially Certified by Assured Performance, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization for maintaining the right tools, equipment, training, and facility necessary to repair the participating Automaker brand vehicles according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In achieving the Certification, Deery Collision Center is now an integral part of the most advanced repair capable and efficient auto body repair network in the world. Adding these credentials, Deery Collision Center is officially recognized by Assured Performance, FCA, GM, and Nissan.

Burlington Area Homeless Shelter

Notre Dame POT O’ BLUE & GOLD

The Burlington Area Homeless Shelter provides emergency shelter and support to those in need in Burlington and the surrounding area while maintaining dignity and respect of these persons.

In addition to providing basic food and shelter, the Burlington Area Homeless Shelter will work with community organizations to assist those in need with building self-esteem and to establish themselves to become self-supporting citizens. Additional resources include laundry, personal items, bus transportation, job seeking skills, the daily newspaper, access to vouchers for clothing and any other needs that can be met.

All people who stay at the shelter must have an Iowa ID, give background information, and follow a policy and procedures manual.

On July 15, the Shelter will be celebrating its 4-year anniversary. Since opening July 15, 2013 until June 1, 2017, there have been 365 adults, 68 children for a total of 433 residents and have provided 7,825 nights of service. The Burlington Area Homeless Shelter is funded through generous donations from the community. They do not receive any grants nor any state or federal help.

The Burlington Area Homeless Shelter is located at 123 N Marshall Street in Burlington, Iowa. The Shelter’s phone number is 319-754-6791 or contact Char Blodgett, Executive Director, by email: [email protected].

memBeR SPoTLIGHT


M

eMbe

r s

POtl

igHt

Tickets are now on sale for the 20th annual Notre Dame Pot O’ Blue & Gold CASH raffle! This year the drawing will be held at Burlington Notre Dame Catholic School on Saturday, September 30. If your business would like to take advantage of some wonderful sponsorship opportunities, please call Val Giannettino, Development Director at 319-754-8431 ext. 385 or e-mail [email protected] .

100% of the proceeds stay local and support Notre Dame Catholic School. Tickets will be available at area financial institutions, Hy-Vee stores, and other retail locations in Burlington and West Burlington. A complete list of retail outlets and information is available at burlingtonnotredame.com.

ORDER YOUR 2017 COMMUNITY

GUIDE SUPPLY

319-752-6365

RiverPark Place610 N 4th St, Ste 200

Burlington, Iowa 52601TELEPHONE 319-752-6365

FAX [email protected]


Partnership Night at the Bees - JULY 28The Greater Burlington Partnership is excited to partner with the Burlington Bees again this year! Enjoy all of the

action on July 28 at Community Field when the Burlington Bees take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Your business is encouraged to treat your employees and customers to a fun night out. As a member of the Chamber of Commerce, you can take advantage of great deals with the Bees as well. Tickets for the

evening’s game are $3 (half price) with a minimum of 10 tickets purchased. The Bees interns will be calling members regarding ticket purchase, or call the Bees at 319-754-5705.

Follow Us On

greater burlington partnership newsletter ......2016, selecting vendors, working on logistics,...

Documents