august 2015 - Greater Burlington Partnership
Transcription
august 2015 - Greater Burlington Partnership
Partnership The AUGUST 2015 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 8 PRESIDENT & CEO’S LETTER Kay Sackville Breuer Vice President 319-208-0041 kbreuer@greaterburlington.com YOUR INPUT NECESSARY by Jason Hutcheson Belinda Colwell Administrative Assistant 319-208-0042 bcolwell@greaterburlington.com Mark Foster Program Dir. Govt. Relations and Young Prof. 319-208-0050 mfoster@greaterburlington.com Steve Frevert Downtown Partners, Inc. Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056 sfrevert@greaterburlington.com Jason Hutcheson As you are aware, there are roughly 700 members of the Chamber of Commerce, and from those 700 members, there are approximately 1,700 contacts receiving this monthly newsletter. As a business association, there is an inherent charge to represent the “opinion” or the “interests” of the membership. There are some issues (such as taxation and the regulatory environment) in which there is broad agreement among this diverse membership base. However, there are other issues (such as local spending priorities or controversial topics such as immigration) in which the membership base may not have a clear consensus. Regardless of the challenge, the Partnership is charged each fall with assembling the “official” policy positions of the organization. The process begins in August with an online survey asking for your input on a variety of issues. The Government Relations committee then takes your responses and drafts language representing the spirit of your opinions. The Board of Directors then approves the platform putting its seal of approval on the finer points. How then, does the organization adequately represent the varied opinions of 700 members? As you can imagine, rarely do 1,700 individuals among 700 different business interests and organizations agree on every issue. The organization’s policy statements tend to reflect majority opinion, but sometimes, very controversial issues may not have a clear majority opinion. In those cases, the Partnership may not have an “official” position regarding the issue. If you receive emails from the Partnership, you will receive a survey later this month called the ‘Political Action Policy Survey’. I would encourage your participation. In particular, there will be questions related to minimum wage as well as efforts by the Obama Administration to reclassify workers - specifically expanding overtime eligibility to all workers earning less than $50,000 per year regardless of duties or position. Both of these issues are likely to draw significant attention over the next 12 months, and it will be important to capture your thoughts on these issues. I take phone calls every year from members unhappy with a stance the Partnership may have taken on a particular issue. Sometimes the frustration can result in a dropped membership. Although it would be easier to be a benign organization with no courage on controversial issues, it is to your advantage to have a strong, local business organization willing to speak up. It is not easy, but it is essential. Check your email inbox of a survey later this month. We need to know your thoughts on a variety of topics. page 2 President & CEO 319-208-0043 jhutcheson@greaterburlington.com Sherri Krause Finance Manager 319-208-0044 skrause@greaterburlington.com Brenda Levitt Econ. Development Research Coordinator 319-208-0047 blevitt@greaterburlington.com Carla McGrath Membership Recruitment 319-208-0048 cmcgrath@greaterburlington.com Julie Meloan Bell Welcome Ctr & Group Travel Coordinator 319-208-0052 jmeloanbell@greaterburlington.com Rachel Lindeen Dir. Member Services 319-208-0046 rlindeen@greaterburlington.com Chelsea Tolle Convention & Visitors Bureau Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045 ctolle@greaterburlington.com David Toyer Dir. of Economic Development 319-208-0053 dtoyer@greaterburlington.com Brenda Wischmeier Director of Marketing 319-208-0040 bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com 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 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 Partnership The AUGUST 2015 GREATER BURLINGTON PARTNERSHIP NEWSLETTER VOL. 95 NO. 8 “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 ON THE COVER The group on the cover may be small, but they sure are mighty! Working tirelessly for the past five years, this group has helped the Greater Burlington Partnership fill a need that we couldn’t have done alone. Annually, the Greater Burlington Partnership sells numerous sponsorships and advertising options. In years past, staff members made phone calls, printed brochures and sent mailers year round, which was deemed inefficient. Through a streamlined process, this small but mighty group and one staff member accomplish more in less time, all while having a lot of fun. To learn more about this group and the Total Resource Campaign (TRC), see page 9. Pictured are (front row)Tammy Starkey Hopkins, Century 21 and Jayne Gobble, Community Action of Southeast Iowa, (back row) Lisa Nafziger, Great River Health Systems; Brian Hopkins, Century 21; Kevin Gobble, Aspen Financial and Amy Burkhart, Great River Home Health and Hospice. Photo Credit: Brenda Wischmeier, Greater Burlington Partnership info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 3 Golf Classic AUGUST 27, 12:30 pm SPIRIT HOLLOW Golfing and sponsorship opportunities are still available and range from $250-$1,000. For additional information, contact Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President, at kbreuer@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0041. PRESENTING SPONSOR GOLF SPONSORS The clubs are coming out for the 16th Annual Golf Classic! Golfers and sponsors alike are excited for this year’s event. Play for the day will be a four person, best shot tourney. Come a little early to take advantage of the driving range and grab a bite to eat. EAGLE: CART: Two Rivers Bank & Trust Air Choice One BIRDIE: Anderson, Roberts, Porth, Wallace & Stewart LLP, Big River Resources West Burlington, Bix Basement Systems, Catfish Bend Casino, CNH, Edward Jones – Joel Sieren, Farmers Savings Bank, Great Western Bank, Iowa Wesleyan College Merit Construction, MidWestOne Bank, Summer Street Animal Clinic, U.S. Bank and Universal Fitness HOLE: Advanced Home Health Care, Great River Home Health & Hospice, International Eyecare Center, Jimmy John’s, QPS Employment Group, Servpro of Burlington, State Farm Insurance – John Korschgen Agency and Thielen Funeral Home & Crematory DRIVING RANGE: Iowa Fertilizer Company ETHANOL IS CLEAN. Big River Resources Highway 34 & Beaverdale Rd West Burlington 319-753-1100 www.BigRiverResources.com page 4 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 HOME IOWA CRITERIA MET MEMBER BASE OF THE MONTH Des Moines County has met the criteria to be designated as a Home Base Iowa (HBI) community, and the application is pending. Des Moines County joins nineteen existing communities that are certified in Iowa. The following criteria needs to be met to become a Home Base Iowa Community: a percentage of area businesses need to sign on, local government supports the effort, signage is added designating the community as a Home Base Iowa Community and the community offers incentives in addition to those in the statewide HBI Act. Des Moines County offers qualifying Veteran or Service Member relocation, career and education assistance when relocating here. In addition, there are complimentary hotel rooms available to help with the interview process. A Des Moines County ambassador community tour is offered along with a gift basket which includes a day pass to a local fitness center, two rounds of golf with cart at Flint Hills Golf Course as well as discounts and gift cards for local restaurants and retailers. The cities of Burlington and West Burlington have offered family day passes to city pools. Southeastern Community College offers in-state tuition to all veterans and their qualifying family members. Area banks offer up to $300 off closing costs and .025% off consumer loans. The city of Burlington w w w. h o m e b a s e i o w a . g o v offers a ten-year split scale residential tax abatement in a targeted area of seven years at 100%, 75% in year 8, 50% in year 9, and 25% in year 10. There is also a city-wide abatement schedule for 3 years at 100%. Veterans are invited to visit Des Moines County and the new Mississippi Valley Veterans Memorial. For more information, contact Brenda Levitt, Economic Development Research Coordinator, at blevitt@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0047. TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDING Each year the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau sets aside funding from the budget to support local events bringing visitors to Greater Burlington. If you or someone you know hosts a local event, we invite you to submit an application. Events must submit a new application each year to be considered for funding. The 2016 Community Event Funding applications will become available August 10 with a due date of October 2, 2015. The application is available at www.greaterburlington.com or by contacting Chelsea Tolle, Executive Director of the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau, at ctolle@greaterburlington.com. FOLLOW US ON www.greaterburlington.com 319-752-6365 info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 5 RECOGNIZING AREA MANUFACTURERS OCTOBER 2, 11:30 am PZAZZ! ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX EXHIBITS OPEN AT 11:20 am Join us to recognize area manufacturers and guest speaker Terry Rich, President and CEO of the Iowa Lottery. Prior to that, he was CEO of the Blank Park Zoo, President and CEO of Rich Heritage Inc., a national marketing and television production company that produced shows for HBO, ESPN and Comcast, among others, and Vice President of Marketing for Heritage Communications Inc. As an entrepreneur, Terry developed Rich Heritage Inc., along with four other companies including radio station KBBM, US Digital Video, Newsletter Ease and the World Championship Soccer League, LLC. Guest Speaker Terry Rich, President and CEO of the Iowa Lottery He has appeared on national television in many roles and has won numerous entrepreneurial and leadership awards in television production and marketing. Rich graduated from Iowa State University and is Governor Emeritus at ISU and Director Emeritus of the Blank Park Zoo. PRESENTING SPONSOR To RSVP contact, Belinda Colwell, Administrative Assistant by September 28 at bcolwell@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0042. NOMINATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7 Help us honor Des Moines County Manufacturers and submit a nomination. With just a few moments of your time answering three questions, you can submit a nomination. Find the nomination form at www.greaterburlington.com. “ALL ABOARD” FOR AREA SCHOOLS Planning is underway for the 2015 Teachers Appreciation Reception hosted by the Future Workforce committee. The event will be held on September 2 from 4 - 6 pm at the PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex. More than 30 local businesses have signed up to sponsor. We encourage sponsors to all have fun, decorate to this year’s theme “Pick up the Steam in 2016” and help us show appreciation for the area educators and staff. To sponsor or find out more information, contact Rachel Lindeen, Director of Member Services, at rlindeen@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0046. WELCOME SPONSOR A group of Des Moines County educators at the photo booth last year. page 6 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365 GREATER BURLINGTON YOUNG PROFESSIONALS 5:05 SOCIAL Kelly O’Shea’s - August 11, 5:05 pm YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE MONTH 5:05 Socials are always relaxed evenings filled will plenty of networking and fun. Stop by at your convenience and stay for as long or as little as you would like. Dominique Palermini, Advanced Home Health Care Hometown: Montrose LUNCH & LEARN Burlington Golf Club - August 18, 12 - 1pm Featured speaker Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, will show us some basic and advanced lessons on business etiquette, dinner etiquette and everyday etiquette. All events are free for Young Professionals members, $15 for nonmembers. First event is complimentary for prospective members. RSVP is required for all events via the Facebook page or by contacting Mark Foster, YP Program Director, at youngprofessionals@greaterburlington.com. www.greaterburlingtonyp.com YP Member: 2 Years “Young Professionals is an excellent way to meet new people and get involved with the community. Greater Burlington YP puts together some really great events while always having a lot of fun. They also have some really great educational ones, too.” Fun Fact: “I was one of the co-founders of the Greater Keokuk YP group.” 2015 PRESENTING SPONSOR info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com www.midwestonebank.com page 7 DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON FALL SIP, TASTE & STROLL SEPTEMBER 25, 5 - 8 pm Did you miss the Spring event? Here is your opportunity to join numerous wineries and breweries for samples hosted throughout downtown. It’s a perfect way to try new tastes while browsing great shops in downtown. The Fall Sip, Taste & Stroll is hosted by Downtown Partners and sponsored by Country Friends. For more information contact Mark Foster, Program Director, at mfoster@greaterburlington.com. 144 ENVELOPES In the coming weeks, Downtown Partners volunteers will be approaching area individuals and businesses for a unique fundraiser. The idea is to receive donations corresponding to a dollar amount on an envelope, from $1 to $144. This stands to be a significant fundraiser in which no one entity is asked to contribute a major amount. Plans are underway for a thank you reception on October 6. All donors will be invited, and those who attend will be eligible for special door prizes. Watch the Downtown Burlington, Iowa Facebook page, Friday Facts, and the September Partnership newsletter for details. MOVIES START AT DUSK Looking for a fun way to spend summer evenings? Grab a lawn chair and head down to the 5 & V! No admission, though donations are accepted. The movies start at dusk, but come early for games and activities. 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. The Downtown Cinema AUGUST 1 ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, AUGUST 7 NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY PADDINGTON BEAR SPONSORED BY SPONSORED BY DR. MARK C. POTHITAKIS page 8 & TD&T CPAs and ADVISORS, P.C. RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 MARKETING YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO BUSINESS LEADERS PLAN YOUR 2016 BUDGET TOTAL RESOURCE CAMPAIGN The Greater Burlington Partnership offers a wide variety of sponsorship and advertising options. They include marketing to area business leaders and the community, depending on your preference. Amy Burkhart, Great River Home Health and Hospice aburkhart@grhs.net or 319-768-3392 A complete guide of the options will be mailed to all members in early August, allowing you to take a look at what works best for your business and your overall marketing plan. Once you have made your decision, feel free to contact one of the volunteers featured on the cover of this month’s newsletter and on page 3 or Kay Sackville Breuer, Vice President, at kbreuer@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0041. VOLUNTEER CONTACT INFORMATION Brian Hopkins, Century 21 letmplay@mchsi.com or 319-457-0044 Tammy Starkey Hopkins, Century 21 tammy@starkeyhomes.com or 319-457-1290 Jayne Gobble, Community Action of Southeast Iowa jaynemjg@yahoo.com or 319-753-0193 Kevin Gobble, Aspen Financial kevin.gobble@lpl.com or 319-758-1040 Lisa Nafziger, Great River Health Systems lnafziger@grhs.net or 319-768-3491 “As co-owner of Summer Street Animal Clinic, the ability to review the menu of sponsorships allows us to place our advertising dollars toward events and programs throughout the year more efficiently and effectively. We at Summer Street Animal Clinic feel that advertising with the Greater Burlington Partnership is money well spent. What better way to partner with someone that works so hard to support Burlington’s businesses.” Heath Hillyard, Co-Owner Summer Street Animal Clinic info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 9 INTERN PROGRAM WELCOMES FUTURE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WORKFORCE During the next decade, the Greater Burlington community and other communities across the nation will be vying for the necessary workerforce to fill job vacancies. The Partnership recognizes that the success of a community will depend greatly on its workforce. That’s why in its fourth year, the interns program has proven to be a major necessity in attracting soon to be college graduates. 32 interns from 11 different organizations participated in this year’s summer interns program. With an event nearly every week of the summer, these future young professionals were given the opportunity to network and have fun through a variety of outlets. Interns enjoyed a game at Community Field and cheered on the Bees! Throughout the summer, interns participated in numerous events including: • Lunch & Learns • Team building session and cookout at Starr’s Cave • Golf at Flint Hills • Kickball against Young Professionals • Toured Big River Resources • Shooting at Big Hollow • Volleyball at the RecPlex for Tuesday night league By making their time in our community a pleasurable one, we look forward to many of these individuals graduating in the coming years and returning to the area to work, play and raise a family. The interns program is hosted by the Hospitality committee, another benefit of your Chamber of Commerce membership. This program is led by Mark Foster, Program Director at the Greater Burlington Partnership. Interns played a friendly game against the Greater Burlington Young Professionals at the Burlington RecPlex. Another intern program will be in the works for 2016. Details are sent to employers in April. MEMBER IMPACT ISSUE: POSSIBLE CHANGE IN WHITE COLLAR OVERTIME POLICY The Department of Labor, at the order of President Obama, has recently announced a proposed rule that would extend overtime protections to nearly 5 million white collar workers within the first year of implementation. As the current rule reads, 40 hour a week salaried employees are exempt from overtime if they make more than $23,660 per year. The proposed change would more than double that threshold to $50,440 per year. So what’s this mean for the employer? Business owners will have to make the decision to either boost their managers’ salaries over $50,440 or convert those same employees to hourly pay, and they would at page 10 least make a little more in overtime. Other options include hiring more part time staff to do the work and cut base pay and benefits to keep total compensation the same overall. The complete notice of the proposed rulemaking can be viewed at www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/NPRM2015/ We want to know how you feel about this possible change and how it would impact your business or organization. The Chamber of Commerce will be relaying your comments to the Department of Labor. Contact Mark Foster, Program Director with your comments. RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 NEW MEMBERS Any Wear Apparel 2621 Mount Pleasant St, Burlington, 319-754-5110 Joni Manske, Owner, anywearapp@gmail.com Any Wear Apparel is your full service screen printing and embroidery source. Big or small orders are welcome with quick turn around. Check out their fan wear at the 2121 Mt. Pleasant St location, everything for the Iowa, Iowa State, Burlington, West Burlington, Mediapolis and Danville fan! See Any Wear Apparel for all of your sporting good needs. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP? QPS Employment Group 214 E Jefferson St, Burlington, 319-850-3270, www.qpsemployment.com Laura Rasmussen, Regional Marketing Coordinator kcleaver@qpsemployment.com QPS Employment Group is a full-service employment agency that specializes in industrial, technical, office clerical and professional placements. QPS places workers in temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire positions and has grown to be the largest privately-held staffing firm in Iowa. QPS responds to both its employees and customers, finding employment for applicants and taking initiative to resolve customers’ staffing needs. Carla McGrath, Membership Recruitment CAN ANSWER THAT QUESTION! cmcgrath@greaterburlington.com 319-208-0048 BUSINESS SUCCESS ACCESS SYSTEMS Pam Patrick, Office Manager, staff and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the new location of Access Systems with a Ribbon Cutting. Access Systems is located at 1212 Broadway St, West Burlington. info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 11 To Submit Calendar Information AUGUST www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm 1 - 4 - Des Moines County Fair Southeastern Community College www.desmoinescountyfair.com 1 - Destination Tribal Belly Dance Troupe Capitol Theater - 7 pm www.burlingtoncapitoltheater.com 1 - Live at the Tiki Bar - Caught in the Crypt & Hello Nuvo The Tiki Bar - 8 pm www.thepzazz.com 1 - 5&V Downtown Cinema Drake Hardware and Software - Dusk Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day www.greaterburlington.com 2 - Chuck Murphy Acoustic Show The Tiki Bar- 1 pm www.thepzazz.com 2 - Burlington Municipal Band Summer Sunday Concert Crapo Park Band Shell - 7:30 pm www.muniband.org 7 - Specifically for Seniors - First in Flight: The Tuskegee Airmen Burlington Public Library - 10 am www.burlington.lib.ia.us 7 - 5&V Downtown Cinema Drake Hardware and Software - Dusk Paddington Bear www.greaterburlington.com 7 - Witte Observatory Complex Open for Public Viewing Big Hollow Recreation Area - 7 pm www.dmcounty.com 8 - Partnership Night at the Bees Community Field - 6:30 pm www.greaterburlington.com 9 - Buy, Sell & Trade Flea Market Southeastern Community College - 6 am www.poultryshowcentral.com/ Southeast_Iowa_Pigeon_Club.html 9 - People Project: Celebrate Burlington Memorial Auditorium - 12:30 pm www.artcenterofburlington.com 5 - Lifelong Learning Workshop Series Historic Housekeeping DMC Heritage Center - 10 am 319-752-7449 9 - Burlington Municipal Band Summer Sunday Concert Crapo Park Band Shell - 7:30 pm www.muniband.org 6 - 8 - Snake Alley Festival of Film Capitol Theater www.snakealleyfestivaloffilm.com 10 - How to Nights @ the Library Burlington Public Library - 6:30 pm www.burlington.lib.ia.us 11 - Lunch at the Top 1st United Church of Christ - 11 am www.firstuccburl.net 19 - Lifelong Learning Workshop Series - Dolls DMC Heritage Center - 10 am 319-752-7449 20 - Shooting Range Certification Starr’s Cave Nature Center - 6 pm www.dmcounty.com BE SOCIAL Get updates on recent news and events from the Greater Burlington Partnership via social media. For links, visit www.greaterburlington.com. 21 - Friday Fest Port of Burlington - 5:30 pm www.greaterburlington.com 21 - Witte Observatory Complex Open for Public Viewing Big Hollow Recreation Area - 7 pm www.dmcounty.com 22 - Southeast Iowa Pagans Bandshell at Crapo Park - 10 am www.facebook.com/southeastiowapagans 28 - Relay for Life Great River Medical Center - 5:30 pm www.facebook.com/ events/460688920763614/ Multiple Dates: Bees Schedule, visit www.gobees.com Farmers Market Thursdays 5 - 7 pm 27 - Jalapeño Pepper Eating Contest www.greaterburlington.com Burlington RecPlex, visit www.burlingtonrecplex.com For complete event details, visit www.greaterburlington.com AMERICAN QUEEN SETS SCHEDULE Passengers on the boats will have the opportunity to tour the Heritage Hill District, Mosquito Park, Heritage Center, Phelps House, Snake Alley, and Downtown Burlington. New this year, the American Queen has extended their stop by a few hours to allow passengers additional time to enjoy lunch and the afternoon in the community. • July 31 • September 11 • August 21 • September 25 • August 25 • October 9 RESTOCK YOUR 2015 COMMUNITY GUIDES If your business is running low on Community Guides, contact Chelsea Tolle, at ctolle@greaterburlington.com. page 12 RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 TRI-STATE SUMMIT Tickets are now on sale for the Notre Dame Pot O’ Blue & Gold raffle. The drawing will be held on September 27 at the PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex. More than 75 cash winners and a grand prize of $100,000! Your purchase of a Pot O’ Blue & Gold ticket helps Notre Dame with 100% of the proceeds going to the school to support teacher salaries, curriculum, technology and teachers retirement fund. The Tri-State Development Summit Tourism Task Force is holding the first Tri-State Tourism Summit on August 11 in Mt. Pleasant. The day-long event will feature presentations by the Illinois and Missouri state tourism directors, a keynote presentation by nationally-recognized tourism speaker and trainer Phil Bruno, interactive panel discussions with Iowa Tourism’s social media and digital marketing managers, a networking lunch and resource fair. Tickets are available at Notre Dame, area financial institutions and other retail outlets in Burlington and West Burlington. For more information, contact Val Giannettino, Development Director, at val.giannettino@bnotredame.org or 319-754-8431 x 385 or visit www.visitburlingtonnotredame.com. PLAYERS WORKSHOP THEATER ANNOUNCES 2015-2016 SEASON Players Workshop Theater, Burlington’s live theater since 1932, is pleased to present the following four plays for your enjoyment. • September 25 to October 4: The Second Time Around; a comedy by Henry Denker • December 4 -13: Christmas Belles; a Jones, Hope, Wooten Southern farce • February 19-28: The Glass Menagerie; a drama by Tennessee Williams • April 22 to May 1: Steel Magnolias; a comedy-drama by Robert Harling Evening performances are at 7:30 pm, a change from previous years. Sunday matinee remains at 2 pm. Season tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students under 18. To purchase tickets, contact Mary Krohlow, at 319-752-8501. More information at our redesigned website at www.playersworkshoptheater.com. AUDITIONS BEING ACCEPTED Auditions for The Second Time Around, a comedy by Henry Denker, will be held August 2 and 3 at 7 pm at the Players Workshop Theater. Auditions consist of cold readings from the script, which means no preparation is necessary. No experience is necessary, either. Four males and four females are needed in an age range from late teens to early 70s. If interested in auditioning, contact Bonnie Downes at 319-752-4688. Those who should attend: Tourism, travel and hospitality professionals; convention and meeting planners; Chamber of Commerce and downtown/Main Street representatives; museum directors; small business owners; elected officials and anyone interested in learning how to build great guest experiences in their community. The registration form is available at www.tristateofmind.org. Advance registration is required. Cost is $25 per person and includes lunch. The deadline to register is August 4. For more information, contact Maggie at info@tristateofmind.org. WALMART SUPERCENTER HOLDS GRAND RE-OPENING CEREMONY Walmart Store #797 Management Team and Associates invites you to attend a grand re-opening ceremony for the newly remodeled Supercenter on August 14 at 7:30 am. The remodeling has included the addition of several self-checkout lanes, a new bakery and several other upgrades aimed to better serve customers. Please join us in celebrating 30 years of doing business and recognizing long-term associates. HORSE SENSE FOR LEADERS Member Information NOTRE DAME POT O’BLUE & GOLD RAFFLE Looking for an innovative way to learn leadership skills outside of a classroom? Through direct interaction with horses in an arena environment you will clearly see the importance of relationships, communication, understanding and trust leading a team to successful results. Get a taste of what this full class will entail by attending a Lunch & Learn on August 26 from 11:45 am to 12:30 pm at the SCC West Burlington Campus Fair Arena. To register call CBIZ at 319-208-5375. info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 13 FRIDAY FEST PORT OF BURLINGTON AUGUST 21, 5:30 - 8 pm Sponsored by: Burlington Trailways and Brockway Mechanical & Roofing Beverage Sponsor: Golden Eagle Distributing Music by: JIVE Radio PRESENTING SPONSOR MARK YOUR CALENDARS 2015 UPCOMING PARTNERSHIP EVENTS 5&V DOWNTOWN CINEMA - AUGUST 1 & 7 Corner of 5th & Valley at Drake Hardware & Software PARTNERSHIP NIGHT AT THE BEES - AUGUST 8 Community Field FRIDAY FEST- AUGUST 21 Port of Burlington CHAMBER OF COMMERCE GOLF CLASSIC - AUGUST 27 Spirit Hollow Golf Course FALL SIP, TASTE & STROLL - SEPTEMBER 25 Downtown Burlington Thursdays, 5 –7 pm Port of Burlington August 27 - 4th Annual Jalapeño Pepper Eating Contest SPONSORED BY GREAT WESTERN BANK www.greaterburlington.com page 14 MANUFACTURERS APPRECIATION LUNCHEON OCTOBER 2 -PZAZZ! Entertainment Complex DOWNTOWN TRICK OR TREAT - OCTOBER 30 Downtown Burlington HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE - NOVEMBER 8 Downtown Burlington www.greaterburlington.com RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365 PARTNERSHIP NIGHT AT THE BEES AUGUST 8, 6:30 pm COMMUNITY FIELD The Greater Burlington Partnership and the Burlington Bees are at it again! Enjoy a fun filled night of baseball and amazing fireworks when the Bees take on the Lake County Captains. Tickets are priced right and are a nice way to treat your employees and customers to a night out with friends and family. Tickets for the evening’s game are $3 (half price) with a minimum of 10 tickets purchased. If you choose to purchase 50 tickets at full price, $300, your company banner will be displayed that night and announced over the P.A. Call the Bees at 319-754-5705 and get your tickets today! www.gobees.com SCAVENGER HUNT T H A N K S The second annual #DowntownBtown Social Media Scavenger Hunt was a big success! Despite the wilting heat, ten teams participated. Downtown Partners thanks the donors for the prize baskets and drawings: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Any Wear Apparel Applebee’s Art Center of Burlington Bella Ragazza Big River Popcorn Burlington by the Book Burlington Memorial Auditorium Capitol Theater Country Friends Csky Boutique David Beckman Digger’s Rest Ebert Supply Fleck Sales Golden Eagle Distributing Great Western Bank • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Gypsi Hopefully Yours The Iowa Store Julie Anderson La Tavola Martini’s Grille Mundt Piano & Organ Nightfall Comics & Games Original Cyns Red Screen Door The Sombrero Stories Café Styltique The Washington Weird Harold’s Westland Theatre Special thanks to The Washington for hosting the event and to Drake Hardware & Software for handling IT needs. WHAT ARE D.C. OFFICIALS SAYING? Southeast Iowa representatives traveled to the nation’s capital in June for the annual D.C. Summit. The delegation, comprised of leaders from both business and government, spent time with Senators Grassley and Ernst, Representative Loebsack and their staffs. Here’s some information about what we heard: • Despite consistent pressure to identify a long-term infrastructure plan, Congress is still using short term tactics such as “pension smoothing” and “repatriation.” • The Essential Air Service (EAS), Small Community Air Service Development program and the Non-Primary Entitlement (NPE) program funds have proven to have a vital impact for our area. These programs have the support of our legislators. • There are possible avenues to convince Iowa representatives to vote for marketplace equity if it is done in a responsible manner. Regional Chambers will continue to advocate for equity between local brick and mortar businesses and online - only establishments. L to R: Leah Galvin, Advanced Home Health Care; Shelly Oltmans, Keokuk Chamber of Commerce; Kathy Gabel, Advanced Home Health Care; Mark Foster; Representative Dave Loebsack; Tom Marion, Mayor of Keokuk; Travis Kraus, Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce; Jason Hutcheson; Mary Beaird, Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Authority info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com page 15 RiverPark Place 610 N. Fourth St., Suite 200 Burlington, Iowa 52601 TELEPHONE 319-752-6365 FAX 319-752-6454 E-MAIL info@greaterburlington.com WEB SITE www.greaterburlington.com 2016 COMMUNITY GUIDE EVENT DATES NEEDED 35,000 GUIDES PRINTED 22,000 VIEWS ELECTRONICALLY Work has begun on the 2016 Burlington/West Burlington Community Guide, a full color, 80-page publication that is used to market the area, and your community event information is needed! To be included in the 2016 Community Guide, submit your event to the online calendar by September 1 at www.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, Executive Director of the Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau at ctolle@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0045. Follow Us On