The Experience - Greater Burlington Partnership

March 2013
Vol. 93 No. 3
The Experience
A Newsletter for the Greater Burlington Partnership
Nominations Sought for Small
Business of the Year p6
Annual Dinner Awards
p8 - p9
View The Experience at www.greaterburlington.com
Nominations Sought for the 2013
Small Business of the Year!
610 North 4th Street, Suite 200
Burlington, Iowa USA 52601
Phone: 319-752-6365
FAX: 319-752-6454
E-mail: info@greaterburlington.com
Website: www.greaterburlington.com
Do you have a favorite small business? One that goes above and beyond
each time you visit them? Is there a business in the community that
you feel exemplifies outstanding service, business achievements and
community service? If so, nominate the business for the 2013 Small
Business of the Year. Business owners and employees are also
encouraged to nominate their own companies.
Volume 93 No. 3
News
Hutcheson Planning
Charlotte Mission
Page 4
Regional Address Housing
Issues
Page 5
Spring Career Exploration Day
Page 5
Promoting Area at Tradeshows
Page 6
Member of the Month
Page 7
Partnership Engages in Google+
Page 7
2012 Annual Dinner Celebration
Page 8
2013 Member Renewals
Page 10
Business Successes & New
Members
Page 11
Calendar of Events
Page 12
Member Information
Page 13
Upcoming Partnership Events
Page 14
Partnership Calendar
Page 15
Shamrock Shuffle
Page 16
Just A Thought
Page 4
Front Cover Photo:
Ed Minard
319-750-2873
edminardphotography.com
EdMinardPhotography@gmail.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Price is $24, which is
page 2
Appreciation Breakfast
Save the Date:
May 17, 2013
Nominations can be made by going to www.greaterburlington.com and clicking on the Small Business of the
Year button to fill out the form. To complete the nomination form, all you do is answer the following: 1. Company information
2. What is your relationship to the business?
3. Please provide a short summary of why you think this business is a good candidate for the 2013 Small
Business of the Year award.
If you need a form mailed to you, please contact Brenda Levitt, Economic Development & Government
Affairs Coordinator, at blevitt@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0047. Nominations are due by Monday,
April 22. A business cannot win an award unless it is nominated.
Downtown Spring Open House
Looking for something fresh and new? Visit your favorite
shops in downtown Burlington as we celebrate the season
with the Spring Open House on Saturday, March 23.
Come downtown to check out the spring fashions, décor,
and new merchandise. Retailers will have in-store specials,
and you can register to win one of five chances for $100 in
Downtown Dollars at any of the participating businesses.
In addition, the Art Center at 301 Jefferson will be providing
free Spring art project classes for kids during the event from
10 am to 4 pm. Parents can shop and have lunch while the
kids are busy having fun. Think Spring Downtown!
Visit www.greaterburlington.com/downtown for a listing of
all downtown shops and restaurants.
Kay Sackville Breuer
Sherri Krause
Beth Nickel
kbreuer@greaterburlington.com
skrause@greaterburlington.com
bnickel@greaterburlington.com
Vice President
319-208-0041
Finance Manager
319-208-0044
Belinda Colwell
Becky Kuster
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0045
Melissa Schwenker
Administrative Assistant
319-208-0042
CVB Asst. & Welcome Center
Coordinator 319-208-0052
bcolwell@greaterburlington.com
bkuster@greaterburlington.com
Membership Director
319-208-0046
Steve Frevert
Brenda Levitt
Brenda Wischmeier
sfrevert@greaterburlington.com
blevitt@greaterburlington.com
bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com
Downtown Partners, Inc.
Exec. Dir. 319-208-0056
included in annual events fees. Non-members:
$3 per issue. Periodicals postage paid at
Burlington, Iowa. POSTMASTER: The Experience
is published monthly by the Greater Burlington
Partnership. POSTMASTER send address changes
to The Experience (USPS 001-692), 610 North
Fourth Street, Suite 200, Burlington, Iowa 52601
Small Business
Econ. Development & Govt.
Affairs Coord. 319-208-0047
Jason Hutcheson
Sheila Newman
jhutcheson@greaterburlington.com
snewman@greaterburlington.com
President & CEO
319-208-0043
mschwenker@greaterburlington.com
Director of Marketing
319-208-0040
Program Director
319-208-0048
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
Region Travels to D.C.
The Great River Region representatives will travel to Washington
D.C. on April 15-16 for the fourteenth annual D.C. Summit. The
trip involves meetings with Senators Grassley and Harkin and
Congressman Loebsack. Significant time is also spent with their
staff discussing Federal issues that affect the region and area projects
that are important to economic and community development.
The regional summit has taken place since 1999 and includes the
Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development organizations
in Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa Counties.
The participation fee for the Summit is $150. Participants are
responsible for their own travel and lodging arrangements. Hotel
reservations for the summit may be made at The Hotel George, 202347-4200. A Great River Region Days Rate of $359 + tax per night is
available to southeast Iowa delegates. The deadline for the room block
is March 22.
RSVP to Brenda Levitt, Economic Development & Government
Affairs Coordinator, at blevitt@greaterburlington.com or
319-208-0047.
Pasta & Politics
Eggs & Issues has long been
one of the Partnerships popular
events, connecting Chamber of
Commerce members with area
state legislators. The Government
Affairs committee would now like
to extend that conversation to
local elected officials as well.
You are invited to join Pasta &
Politics on Thursday, April 4.
A luncheon is scheduled with
Superintendents and school board members from the four Des Moines
County public school districts. You are encouraged to bring your
questions to be addressed by the panel.
The luncheon will take place in the Winegard Board Room at RiverPark
Place at 12 pm. Lunch is $7 and will be served at 11:45 pm.
RSVP to Brenda Levitt, Economic Development & Government Affairs
Coordinator, at blevitt@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0047.
Be A Marketing Ninja
The Greater Burlington Partnership invites you to “Be A
Marketing Ninja,” a no cost event for members. These mini
sessions are held the last Tuesday of the month over the noon
hour at the Greater Burlington Partnership in the Winegard Board
Room; you are encouraged to brown bag it, listen, learn and share.
This month’s “Be A Marketing Ninja” will be held Tuesday, March
26 at 12 pm on “Creating Your Own Marketing Videos” with Jeff Ebbing,
Marketing Director at Southeastern Community College and Brenda
Wischmeier, Director of Marketing at Greater Burlington Partnership.
RSVP by March 22 to Belinda Colwell, Administrative Assistant,
at bcolwell@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0042.
Headquartered in Danville,
Iowa, Danville Telecom has
been providing customers
in Iowa with a full range of
telecom services for over
100 years.
Locally owned and operated
102 South Main Danville, IA 52623
danvilletelco.net 319.392.4251
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
page
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Just a
Thought
Other items worth noting in the report include:
• Thirteen groups received mini-grants from the CVB to
host events, resulting in nearly 104,000 visitors last year
alone.
• Fourteen new events and groups were hosted in our
community in 2012.
Tourism Growth Worth Noting
In the beginning months of each year, Beth Nickel
prepares an annual report for our Convention & Visitors
Bureau (CVB), which is funded primarily through hotel/
motel tax revenue collected by the hotel properties in
both Burlington and West Burlington. The report, which
runs nearly 20 pages, is a collection of the activities,
successes, and statistics covering the proceeding year.
After reviewing this year’s report, one can only be left
with a sense of pride.
“Greater Burlington is having great success
in the travel-related markets. We should
take time to celebrate that fact and
continue charging forward. Let’s see
how much more we can grow. ”
Each year, the State of Iowa uses nationally accepted
standards for computing tourism-related data in each
of Iowa’s 99 counties. By using data from 18 different
sources, the report aggregates data from seven sectors
including accommodations, transportation, food
and beverage, retail and others to compute overall
expenditures, employment, and tax revenue credited to
the tourism industry.
For the most recent year data was available, tourism
expenditures within Des Moines County reached $118.25
million- an increase of nearly 15% from the prior year.
That is a big number. Regardless of whether or not one
agrees with the methodology the researchers use, the
growth percentage is the most important factor. When
compared with Iowa’s other 98 counties, Des Moines
County has the third highest growth rate.
We specialize in
customers!
Burlington
• The riverboat cruise lines brought 2,481 visitors to
Greater Burlington last year.
• The website had more than 125,000 page views in a
twelve month period.
• The welcome center at the Port of Burlington greeted
nearly 16,000 visitors in 2012.
• Ten sporting events became a part of the new local
sports commission and will attract an estimated 18,573
visitors this year.
• Seven large meetings and conferences have already been
secured for the 2013/2014 travel seasons.
Those were just the highlights. Beth Nickel and Becky
Kuster do an outstanding job leading our CVB. As an
entity supported by visitor-generated tax revenues, we
have an obligation to leverage every dollar and produce
maximum results. The goal is to reinvest hotel/motel
dollars and continue growing the pie.
The work is never complete. Even the most popular
destinations such as Orlando, San Francisco, Las
Vegas and others must continue aggressive marketing
campaigns and continually improve the available
attractions.
Greater Burlington is having great success in the travelrelated markets. We should take time to celebrate that fact
and continue charging forward. Let’s see how much more
we can grow.
Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO
Greater Burlington Partnership
Hutcheson
Planning
Charlotte Mission
The Partnership is planning an
outbound marketing mission
to Charlotte, North Carolina
in late March. Several site
selectors and corporate real
estate executives are based in
the area as is the corporate
headquarters for Snyder’sLance.
“We feel it is important
to touch base with the
headquarters of our existing
employers,” said Jason
Hutcheson. “While in the
area, it makes sense to build
additional appointments to
talk about the opportunities in
Greater Burlington.”
The Partnership routines
makes between 8-12 outbound
marketing missions each
year. The events are typically
scheduled around trade shows
or are held in conjunction
with the Iowa Economic
Development Authority. The
appointments might be made
with site selectors, corporate
real estate executives, or the
management teams of growing/
expanding companies.
Chamber
Bucks
Locations to Serve You
Chamber Bucks work
Offering Complete
Tire & Auto Service
Over 24 tire brands available
Order at:
greaterburlington.com
319-752-6365
1233 N. Roosevelt
400 N. Main
752-2741
753-5488
Also Ft. Madison
email: billupstire@lisco.com
just like a check!
www.billupstire.com
page 4
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
Region Addresses Housing Issues
Southeast Iowa’s population will soon increase by
approximately 3,000. On March 1 the process of building
a fertilizer plant will begin. Over the next three years
construction personnel will work in our region. They will
need housing and help finding it. The Great River Region
has designed a website that is a one-stop shop where someone
new to southeast Iowa can log on to find available housing
including houses, apartments, hotels and camping options at
www.southeastiowahousing.com. Community links will also be
included for visitors seeking restaurants and who would like to
know what is happening in the area.
An interactive map will show the proximity of each community
to the fertilizer plant and direct the user to housing available
in that community. If you have a property that you would like
listed or have updates to your listing, a form will be available
on the homepage. The information will be uploaded to the
regional housing site. For more information, contact Brenda
Levitt, Economic Development & Government Affairs Coordinator,
at blevitt@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0047.
Advanced Manufacturing 2013
Spring Career Exploration Day
Thursday April 11 will mark the third Advanced Manufacturing
Career Exploration Day for Des Moines County high school
students. Students register through their schools to participate
on a first come basis. The goal of the day is to increase
awareness of careers available right here in Southeast Iowa.
Students spend time with individuals who are currently
working in the career they selected, learning about the day to
day responsibilities as well as education and training.
To date, over 150 students have explored 1 of 22 careers at four
manufacturers. This spring, six manufacturers are sharing
their time and careers with students, increasing the number
of seats and the number of careers our area students have to
choose from, not only for career day but for life. This program
was developed as part of Greater Burlington Partnership’s Workforce
Development initiative. For more information, contact Sheila
Newman, Program Director, at snewman@greaterburlington.com
or 319-208-0048.
Construction Begins on Area Highways
Construction has begun on a 4.7 mile section of U.S. 34 in
Illinois, TR 111 to TR 190 East of Biggsville including an
interchange. This phase in the four lane improvement project is
a big step forward toward the goal of the Highway 34 Coalition,
founded in 1990. Their mission is to work with Iowa and Illinois
Departments of Transportation and to educate and gain support
for the improvement of the 23.6 miles of two lane between
Burlington to where the four lanes begin in Monmouth.
The construction of this section was made possible through the
Illinois Jobs Now! Program. The next phase will be engineering
and testing work from east of Biggsville to Kirkwood (4.5 miles).
To view the status of proposed U.S. 34 improvements, visit
www.dot.il.gov/us34/index.html.
The Iowa Transportation Commission approved a grant
application on February 12 submitted by Southeast Iowa
Regional Planning on behalf of Lee County. The commission
approved a Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy (RISE) grant
application. Up to $4,941,617 will be available to assist in
reconstruction of improvements that will provide access to the
Iowa Fertilizer Company’s nitrogenous plant in addition to 450
acres for industrial and manufacturing purposes. Funding for
the grant comes from Lee County’s share of the RISE Fund.
This project is anticipated to be completed by July 2014.
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52601
700 N.700
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Iowa
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www.riverridgedentalcare.com
(319)(319)
752-1840
752-1840• www.riverridgedentalcare.
• www.riverridgedentalcare.com
(319) 752-1840 • www.riverridgedentalcare
700 N. Third Street
Burlington, Iowa 52601
(319) 752-1840
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
page
5
Greater Burlington Promoted at Tradeshows
The Greater Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau will be on
the road again in the month of March promoting the community at
consumer based tradeshows.
The community will be promoted at the Quad Cities Health &
Lifestyles Fair on March 2 – 3 in Davenport. This two day show
attracts thousands of women, which is the primary demographic the
Convention & Visitors Bureau targets through marketing efforts.
Secondly, the Greater Burlington community will be promoted at the
Eastern Iowa Sports and Vacation show in Cedar Falls March 15 –
17. This tradeshow attracts potential visitors from Eastern Iowa and
Southern Minnesota.
“These marketplaces provide an opportunity to talk face to face with
potential visitors who are making plans for upcoming vacations,” said
Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater Burlington Convention &
Visitors Bureau. “The trend of people taking close-to-home vacations
continues as the economy remains soft and gas prices stay above $3.”
Beth Nickel, Executive Director of Convention & Tourism
Save the Date & Vacation Local
Golden Tickdveetnture
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May 24 - June 3
Spring is just around the corner, and visitors will soon be
arriving to our wonderful community. The 3rd Annual
Golden Ticket to Your Backyard Adventure will be taking
place May 24 – June 3. This annual event gives residents
the opportunity to get out and visit local attractions for a
discounted rate or participate in a special activity.
“It is easy for us to take for granted the wonderful
attractions and events we have available to us in our own
backyard,” said Beth Nickel, Executive Director, Greater
Burlington Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This ten day
promotion is a fun way to get out and learn something
new about the community we call home.”
Sales Sheets
Newsletters
Booklets
Brochures
Labels
Cartons
Packaging
and More!
Stop in, call us, or visit us online
for your next printing project.
Joe Farrier - VP Sales
Steve Curry - Sales Representative
Jim Gilbertson - Sales Representative
Kristen Logan - Customer Service
Tammy Newberry - Customer Service
2811 Mt. Pleasant Street, Burlington
(319) 754-5359
www.doranandward.com
page 6
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • (319) 752-6365
MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Bruner, Cooper & Zuck, Inc.
Civil Engineers - Structural Engineers - Land Surveyors
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Burlington, Bruner, Cooper & Zuck, Inc. is the
complete source for your engineering and land surveying needs. Since opening the Burlington office in
April of 2012, we have rapidly built a substantial client base and added to our staff. BCZ’s demonstrated
proficiency and success with residential, retail and commercial developments, as well as GPS Machine
Control and material testing projects, are attractive advantages for area clients.
This new location allows BCZ to further provide consistent, quality services to our clients in eastern
Iowa and will enhance collaborative marketing and business development efforts throughout the
company.
Bruner, Cooper & Zuck’s Galesburg office has been operational since 1959, and both locations will
utilize the experience and talents of our team of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors licensed in
Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri. Our reputation for a customer-focused approach has provided
the backbone to our success for over 50 years.
Stop in today for a tour of our renovated and comfortably decorated office at 308 N. 3rd Street in
Burlington and to discuss how BCZ can help with your engineering and surveying needs.
Partnership Engages in Google+
Every day, Google Search handles more than one billion searches per day in 181 countries and 146
languages. Google is an integral part of our lives and our businesses. Google is giving priority to the
content being published on its Google+ social network. When your customers search on Google, the
results to the right include relevant posts, photos and videos from your Google+ page. That’s why it is
important to have a presence on, and more importantly, optimize your listing on this powerful search
engine.
“After researching the importance of Google+, the Greater Burlington Partnership signed up for an
account,” said Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing. “By using a Google+ business page, you naturally get indexed into
Google searches more quickly and help more people find your business. It is said to think of a Google+ page as your brand hub.”
Signing up for a Google+ takes minutes. Once your Google+ is activated, images and posts show on the right-hand side of
the screen when relevant to a visitors search. For more information, contact Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing, at
bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0040.
Uncollected Bills
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your business’s budget.
Let the professionals at the
Financial Adjustment Bureau
take care of your past due bills
and bad checks.
Commercial • Professional • Retail
No Collection ~ No Charge
Call today! 319-753-6756
612 Jefferson • Burlington, IA
FINANCIAL
ADJUSTMENT
BUREAU INC.
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
page
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Making Con
More than 420 business professionals from the area and their
guests were in attendance at the Greater Burlington Partnership
Annual Dinner on Friday, February 3.
The emcees for the evening were the Shinn brothers, Matt of
Two Rivers, and Mike of MidWestOne Bank. They kept the
crowd entertained with a few family photos and jokes
throughout the evening. Mike Dick, CPA Associates, P.C.,
spoke as the 2012 Chairman of the Board of Directors and was
presented with a plaque of appreciation for his term. Bryan
Bross, Klingner & Associates, took on his new role as the 2013
Chairman of the Board of Directors and set his ideas and goals
in motion.
Special Thanks to the Annual Dinner Committee who made
the night possible: Corky Wolbert, Joyce Vance, Mary Delzell,
Sue Eastin, Kay Kent, Patty Moad, Theresa Theilen and Kay
Sackville Breuer.
Join Us in Congratulating all the Winners!
The Emmy Award, has been a tradition of the Chamber of Commerce
since 1965 and is to be presented only to those that have by some deed, action,
or continued years of community service helped the area and is not normally
recognized for his or her actions.
This year’s Emmy award was presented to Mac Coffin, who has been dedicated
to a number of quality of life events in the area, including Burlington Steamboat
Days, Heritage Days, Southeast Iowa Air Show, Burlington Bees, Nauvoo Grape
Festival, SCC Athletics, Snow Bull and the Fort Madison Rodeo.
Jason Hutcheson, President & CEO, presented Mac Coffin, Owner of
Frank Millard & Company, with The Emmy award.
Mac works behind the scenes and takes pride in providing support to outstanding
organizations like the Boy Scouts, Autism Awareness Walk, Iowa Committee for
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Southeastern Community College,
and is a proud member of “Operation Warrior Wellness” – a David Lynch
Foundation that is focused on “healing of the hidden wounds of war”.
Mike Dick presented the Chairman’s Award to Lisa Nafziger, Great
River Health Systems, for her continued volunteerism and leadership
with the Greater Burlington Partnership. Lisa is a graduate of the 20112012 Greater Burlington Leadership, Chair of the Business Retention and
Expansion committee, was the top salesperson of the 2012 Total Resource
Campaign and volunteers for the Golf Classic and on the Greater
Burlington Leadership planning committee.
Mike Dick, 2012 Chairman of the Board, with
Lisa Nafziger, Great River Health Systems
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The Best Renovation of a Facility was awarded to Lunning
Chapel, which continues to provide a comforting environment to families
during a time of reflection. Lunning Chapel began work in June of 2012
with an aggressive interior and minor exterior renovation: installing new
walls, a new ceiling, lighting, carpet and paint and the installation of stage
risers. They also updated many areas of technology including audio and high
definition video and making video available in most public areas of the facility.
The Community Impact Award was presented to The Capitol
Theater and Performing Arts Center. Due to the combination of dedicated
volunteers, crucial state funding, and an extraordinary outpouring of
community support, the long shuttered Capitol Theater has been reborn as a
major attraction in downtown Burlington.
The Project of the Year was presented to Des Moines County
Humane Society. Although still under construction, the shelter should
be finished by late February, and volunteers and staff anticipate moving
into the new facility at the beginning of March. The renovation and
expansion project nearly doubles the space of this building for the
1,400 animals that pass through each year.
The Young Professional of the Year was awarded to Brandon
Kipp, who is involved in a variety of activities. You might see him coaching
his children’s sports or coaching Notre Dame Club volleyball. He
serves on numerous boards including the Regional Business Advisory
Committee as Chair, Burlington Public Library Board of Trustees, Kiwanis
Board of Directors and Young Professionals Leadership Council. Brandon
is very active with the after school programs at area middle schools, writing
grants, presenting to clubs, recruiting for volunteers, and has worked
countless hours to better the lives of our youth.
2013 MEMBER RENEWALS
Access Energy Cooperative and Access
Energy Propane
All American Turf Beauty
Allen Blasting and Coating
Alzheimer’s Association
American Family Insurance - Carlos
Capdevila Agency
Ameriprise Financial
Arnold Refrigeration
Art Guild of Burlington
Automatic Vending Service
AY McDonald Supply
Beckman Law Offices, P.L.C.
Beckman TV & Appliance
Bickel’s Cycling & Fitness
Big River Resources West Burlington
Bob Dodds Insurance Agency
Bobcat of Burlington
Brockway Company
Brozene Hydraulic Service
Burlington Golf Club
Burlington In Bloom
Burlington Produce
Burlington Trailways
Carl A. Nelson & Company
Carpetland USA
Casa Fiesta Mexican Restaurant
Cell One Wireless
CNH
Community Foundation of Des Moines
County
Corporate Medical Services of
Southeast Iowa, PC
Cray, Goddard, Miller, & Taylor, L.L.L.P.
Crazy Coyote
Danville Telecom
Iowa State University, Des Moines
County Extension Service
Des Moines County Humane Society
Dinner by Henry
Doran & Ward Printing Company
The Drake
Electronic Engineering
Ernest Pilkington - Independent
Assoc. LegalShield
FAC Marketing
Farm King Supply
Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Financial Adjustment Bureau
First Presbyterian Church
Fleck Sales Co.
Flint Cliffs Manufacturing
FMA
Furniture City
Fye Excavating
Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western
Illinois
Great River Christian School
Great River Materials
Great River Surgeons
Great Western Bank
Gypsi
Haines, Carol and Bob
Happy Joe’s of Burlington
I Wireless
IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
Integrated Technology Partners
Integrity Builders & Supply
Iowa Small Business Development
Center
The Iowa Store
Kelly O’Shea’s Shamrock Pub & Grille
Kempker’s True Value
Kitchens Plus
Let’s Travel
Burlington Public Library
Little Angels Childcare
March of Dimes
Hamilton-Walters Detachment Marine
Corps League
Massage Cool la Vie
McGladrey
Mediapolis Chiropractic Center
Minard, Edwin E. II
The Board of Directors asks fellow business and organizational
leaders to help the Chamber of Commerce be a catalyst by renewing
their memberships. The renewing members are listed as of February 19.
Those members listed in bold also made voluntary contributions.
Renewing members will be recognized in the newsletter through May.
Mundt Piano and Organ Company
Myers Construction, Inc.
New London Family Health
New York Life
Newbury Village
Parrott Farms
Parties Unlimited
Peaches Cafe and Steakhouse
Pen City Sheet Metal
Refreshment Services Pepsi
Pierson Farms/Pierson Inc.
Dr. Mark C. Pothitakis D.D.S.
Record Securities
Rheinschmidt Tile and Marble
Rheinschmidt’s FlooringAmerica
Riddles Jewelry
River Basin Publications
Robberts & Kirkman, L.L.L.P.
Roberts Tire Center
Ron’s Certified Automotive
Dr. Teresa Salino-Hugg D.D.S., M.S., P.C.
Salon West
Shipley Contracting Corp.
Shottenkirk Superstore
Sickel’s Launderers & Dry Cleaners
Smile Shoppe
Spirit Hollow
St. Ambrose University
St. Luke United Church of Christ
Summer Street Animal Clinic
SunnyBrook Assisted Living
Swanson, Engler, Gordon, Benne &
Clark L.L.L.P.
Team Staffing Solutions
Tenderfoot Carpets, L.P.
Today’s Modern Hair Option
Tri States Public Radio
Two Rivers Bank & Trust
Two Rivers Insurance Services
UniQue Personnel Consultants
Uniquely Yours Personal Training
United Rentals
U.S. Bank
USA-Containers, LLC
West Burlington Honda
Whitey’s Bar & Billiards
Wunderlich Excavating & Plumbing
WW Transport
Burlington Area Community YMCAYWCA
Member
Meeting
Mark Your Calendars
All Chamber of Commerce
members and their employees
are invited to attend a “What’s
New” round table discussion.
Greater Burlington Partnership
Johnson Room at 7:30 am
Upcoming Dates:
April 24
August 28
October 23
Take Advantage of Your Chamber of Commerce Benefits
The Experience Newsletter
The premier communication piece of the Greater Burlington
Partnership, The Experience newsletter is printed monthly and
distributed to more than 1,700 business people. Page 13 is
dedicated to Member Information. If you have information
to share, email Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing at
bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com.
Community Calendar
An online community calendar of events is maintained by the
Greater Burlington Partnership as a resource to residents and
visitors. All members have the opportunity to submit their
event, celebration or open house. The online community
calendar receives more than 1,500 hits every month. Submit an
event at www.greaterburlington.com.
page 10
Friday Facts
A weekly update featuring “What’s New” in and around Greater
Burlington, the Greater Burlington Partnership and its members
is emailed to more than 1,100 business people each Friday.
Submit your Friday Facts by Thursday at 12 pm at
www.greaterburlington.com.
Bulk Mail to Chamber of Commerce Members
As a Chamber of Commerce Member benefit, Members are
allowed the use of the Chamber of Commerce bulk mail permit.
USPS has issued regulation changes on bulk mailings, please
contact Belinda Colwell, Administrative Assistant at
bcolwell@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0042 before printing
your mailing for a review of regulations.
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
NEW
BUSINESS SUCCESSES
MEMBERS
Iowa Small Business Development Center
610 N 4 St. Ste. 220, Burlington, 319-752-2731, www.iowasbdc.org
Janine Clover, Director, jdclover@scciowa.edu
Small Business Development Center provides free, confidential, customized
business advice in all 99 Iowa counties to businesses with 500 employees
or less. We present affordable workshops that teach practical skills and
techniques, conduct research, provide comprehensive information services,
and offer access to subject matter experts in a variety of fields.
Jonescapes
Burlington, 319-850-0924, Nate Jones, Owner, jonescapes@gmail.com
Jonescapes is a full-service residential and commercial landscaping company.
Specializing in patios, outdoor living spaces, retaining walls, plants, trees, seed,
and sod customized to meet your needs.
Mediapolis Chiropractic Center
All American Turf Beauty
Route Manager Ryan Wilson and Ambassadors celebrated their
new membership on December 18. Located in Southeast Iowa.
214 N. Wapello St, Mediapolis, 319-394-9120
Dr. Aaron Roelfs, Owner, aaronroelfsdc@gmail.com
Dr. Aaron Roelfs is the newest chiropractor in Mediapolis, recently purchasing
Mediapolis Chiropractic Center. Dr. Roelfs has a conservative approach to
healthcare and is most interested in working with active individuals. He enjoys
helping people reach optimal health so they can live life to their potential.
Potter Appraisal Services, Inc.
Burlington, 319-752-7115, www.potterappraisalservice.com
Kathy Conover, Certified Residential Appraiser, potterappraisals@gmail.com
Appraising since 2003, with an extensive background in residential and multifamily properties. Certified Residential Appraiser licensed in Iowa and Illinois.
We Cover Paint
Sperry, 319-759-3962,
Lisa Elder, Owner, elder_lisa@yahoo.com
At We Cover Paint, we will paint residential, commercial, new and existing
construction, brush, roll and spray painting. We also offer wallpaper
removal, wood staining and finishing with 15 years of experience.
Zatnu
Triple S Leasing
Don Sheedy, Joe Skelley, Partners and Ambassadors celebrated their
Grand Opening of Stonegate Village on November 27. Located at
4051 West Avenue, West Burlington.
Mount Pleasant, 319-217-0143, www.zatnu.com
Lori Alberts-Clancy, Owner, zatnu.llc@gmail.com
Handmade, one- of-a-kind purses that are locally owned and made.
Repurposed fabric embellished with vintage buttons, jewelry and/or bling are
available in three sizes of cross body styles. These purses are trademarked and
are the “Purse with Personality.” The ultimate unique accessory for fashion,
fun and function. Visit us online, on Facebook and in boutiques or be a host.
Save: 8:30 feburary 27
Member Meeting
Does your
business
need a
better fix?
Benefit of Membership
Schedule Your Business Success
We can help.
866-722-4692
www.scciowa.edu
The Greater Burlington Partnership wants to hear about
your Business Successes and would like to join you
in celebrating with a Ribbon Cutting.
Contact Melissa Schwenker, Membership Director at
mschwenker@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0046.
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
page
11
March
Calendar of Events
1 - Talent Show
Burlington Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm
319-237-1099
19 - Comedy Night
PZAZZ! Convention & Event Center - 6:30 pm
www.burlingtony.org
1 - Live at the Boogaloo “The Spazmatics”
Boogaloo at Fun City - 10 pm
www.thepzazz.com
22 - Civic Music Presents “The Water Coolers”
Burlington Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pm
www.burlcivicmusic.com
2 - 3 - Hugo
Burlington Capitol Theater - (2)7 pm (3) 2 pm
319-237-1099
23 - Downtown Spring Open House
Downtown Burlington
www.greaterburlington.com
7 - 9 - Snowbull 2013
Burlington Memorial Auditorium
www.burlingtonauditorium.com
23 - Slocum50 Kick Off Party
Roederer’s Pit Stop - 5:55 pm
www.roederers.com
9 - JA Bowl-A-Thon
KingPins at Fun City - 9 am - 8 pm
www.jaheartland.org
26 - Mike Toomey’s TV & Me
Capitol Theater - 7:30 pm
319-237-1099
11 - 15 - American Cancer Society Daffodil Days
Zaiser’s Florists & Greenhouse
daffodil.acsevents.org
23 - Spring Classical Concert
Burlington Memorial Auditorium - 7:30 pm
www.seiso.us
12 - Twelfth Night
Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 7:30 pm
319-385-6488
30 - 1980’s Night Skate
Kenny’s Roller Ranch & Rec Center - 7 - 11 pm
www.kennysrollerranch.com
14 - A.J. Jacobs, Author of “The Year of Living Biblically”
Iowa Wesleyan College Chapel Auditorium - 11 am & 7:30 pm
319-385-6488
For complete event details, visit
www.greaterburlington.com.
Get Your
Burlington
T-Shirt
16 - Shamrock Shuffle
Crapo Park - 10 am
www.greaterburlington.com
17 - Saint Patty’s Day Celebration
Roederer’s Pit Stop - 8 am
www.roederers.com
To Submit Calendar Information
www.greaterburlington.com/events_submission.cfm
Buy Yours Today at the Welcome
Center, Coco Loco’s Gift Shop at
The PZAZZ!, the Great River
Medical Center Gift Shop and
www.greaterburlington.com
Our business is
your business.
• ManagedNetwork
Solutions
• BusinessCommunications
Solutions
• Networking,Cablingand
ComputerSolutions
• PremiseSecuritySolutions
810W.5thStreet
Wilton,IA52778
Phone:563-732-3535
www.ITPTechs.com
page 12
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
TurnKey Creations has completed the purchase and delivery of a new
Epson Stylus Pro 9900 wide format printer. With a 44” printing width,
TurnKey Creations now has the ability to print everything from posters,
signs, banners and photographs in-house and on professional quality
substrates.
Bringing our wide format printing in-house allows TurnKey Creations to
pass savings along to our customers that would normally be available only
to print wholesalers. This means that in many cases you will pay the same
price TurnKey Creations used to pay when we outsourced the wide format
printing, saving you 20-30% over our competitors. This also allows glossy,
matte, canvas, premium photo paper and poster board are just a few of the
many choices TurnKey Creations has available to print on.
For more information and pricing call, TurnKey Creations at 319-752-9898.
Burlington Bees 2013 Schedule
34 days until the first pitch is thrown and the crowd cheers on our favorite
hometown team. The season kicks off Thursday, April 4, 6:30 pm at
Community Field against the Clinton LumberKings Mariners. The 2013
Burlington Bees schedule is available by visiting www.gobees.com. You can
download and print the schedule then start marking your calendars so you
do not miss out on the action.
God’s Portion Day Seeks Donations
Looking to do some Spring cleaning? Items from your basement, attic
or garage could make great donations to Notre Dame’s God’s Portion
Day Marketplace. Instead of holding a separate garage sale event, these
items will be included as a part of our God’s Portion Day. Items in good
condition (no old TVs, computers, mattresses, shoes or clothes) can
be dropped off at Notre Dame Friday, April 19 or Saturday, April 20
between 8 am – 4 pm.
God’s Portion Day is Sunday, April 21, and we hope you will make plans
to attend. This year marks the 34th anniversary for Notre Dame School’s
largest fundraising event. One hundred percent of the proceeds support
Notre Dame.
For more information or if you wish to make a donation, contact Val
Giannettino, Development Director, at val.giannettino@bnotredame.org
or 319-754-8431 ext. 385. We greatly appreciate the community support
we receive each year.
To Submit Member Information
OFFICERS
Chamber Board of Directors
Chairperson
Bryan Bross, Klingner & Associates
Past Chairperson
Mike Dick, CPA Associates, P.C.
Chair-Elect
Jeff Burkhart, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
Treasurer
L.J. Pritchard, Titan Broadcasting
Chamber of Commerce Operation
Thank You
On February 19, more than 440 members were reached thanking
them for their continued support and membership with the help
of several volunteers.
A special thank you goes to Jim Carter, Jon Hart, Edward Jones,
Lisa Walsh and Patty Moad, Farmers & Merchants Bank &
Trust, Brett Bessine, Aaron Baltisberger and Adam Kerns, Two
Rivers Bank & Trust, Melissa Jones, Great River Health Systems,
Tony Menke, Manpower, Megan Fritz and Sommer Burroughs,
Casebine Community Credit Union.
Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors Broke All Prior
Sales Records in 2012!
“Nice way to end our 150th year,” noted Caroline Ruhl, President
of Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors. Ruhl credits her company’s success to
her extraordinary people. Ruhl&Ruhl agents have the highest
per agent productivity in the region – closing on average 18.12
transactions per agent. The National Association of Realtors
reports an average of 7 sales per agent nationally.
“Our agents are committed to giving their clients their best real
estate experience ever – and the company’s results prove we are
succeeding. I am thankful that I have been blessed with truly
amazing people in our company,” said Caroline Ruhl, President.
The company celebrated at an awards brunch at the Waterfront
Convention Center in Bettendorf. They honored and recognized
195 award winners for their achievements.
Join us congratulating the Burlington Office Award Winners:
• Phyllis Roxlau received the Top Lister Award.
• Mark Miller received the Top Sales Award, the Top Referral
Associate Award and the Excellence in Service Award for
receiving the highest client service ratings in the office.
• Jan Jaeger received the Top 1862 Mortgage Award, the Top
Nelson Brothers Agency Award and the AHS Home Warranty
Award.
Member Information
Turnkey Creations Offers Printing Services
For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, visit their website
at www.RuhlHomes.com.
Send to Brenda Wischmeier, Director of Marketing, bwischmeier@greaterburlington.com
DIRECTORS Chamber Board of Directors
Dave Beach, Hy-Vee Food Store
Sonya Belger, Styltique
Eric Benne, Swanson, Engler, Gordon, Benne & Clark L.L.L.P
Deb Brinkley, Happy Joe’s
Leah Burke, Burke Installed
Jim Carter, Retired, Dresser Rand
Joe Cochran, CPA Associates, P.C.
Massimo Eritale, Alfagomma America
Tim Fencl, Danville Telecom
Deb Fowler, Century 21 Property Professionals
Dr. Heath Hillyard, Summer Street Animal Clinic
Laura Hubbard, CNH
Jim Kammerer, Great River Health Systems
Brian Messer, Farmers Savings Bank
Mary Beth Sanchez, J & S Electric Business Systems, Inc.
Gary Schmeiser, Sterzings Food Company
Don Sheedy, Peaches Cafe & Steakhouse
Judy Stevens, Re/Max Real Estate Specialists
Theresa Thielen, Thielen Funeral Home
Marvin Thomson, Two Rivers Investment Services
Joyce Vance, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois
Byers Wolf, Energyficient Systems
Kathy Wunderlich, George’s Lawn Mower, Inc.
Vision – A growing regional center of commerce, industry, education, health care, entertainment and
culture which provides a great place to live and work.
Mission – The Chamber of Commerce is a business association that exists to serve as a catalyst for economic
growth and community development in Greater Burlington, Iowa.
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
page
13
Business After Hours
Team Staffing Solutions
March 21, 5 - 7 pm
Leadership
2012- 2013
Healthcare
Session
Sponsored by
Great River
Health Systems
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
Team Staffing Solutions
550 S. Roosevelt Avenue
Burlington, IA 52601
www.teamssi.com
www.greaterburlington.com
Lunch & Learn
PZAZZ! Event Center March 5 at 12 pm
Eggs & Issues
RiverPark Place
Winegard Board Room
March 16, 7:15 AM
Chamber of Commerce members are invited to a
legislative breakfast with invited guests Representative
Tom Sands, Representative Dennis Cohoon and
Senator Tom Courtney. RSVP to Brenda Levitt at
blevitt@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0047.
Sponsored by
Preferred Products Corporation
www.greaterburlington.com
page 14
COST: Free to members and prospective members, $15 to nonmembers.
RSVP to kbreuer@greaterburlington.com or 319-208-0041 by March 1.
505 Social
Pre-Saint Patty’s Day at Kelly O’Sheas
March 14 at 5:05 pm
2013 Presenting Sponsor
www.midwestonebank.com
Are you a Young Professional looking to get involved, meet new people and grow your
network? Membership is open to those living and working between the ages 21-42.
www.greaterburlingtonyp.com
RiverPark Place • 610 North 4th Street, Suite 200 • Burlington, Iowa 52601 • 319-752-6365
March 2013
MONDAY
TUESDAY
4
5
1 pm ( J)
Farmers Market Committee
( J) Johnson Conference Room (W) Winegard Board Room
(A) Alliant Energy Executive Conference Room
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
6
7:30 am ( J)
Executive Committee
7
8
14
15
12 pm ( J)
YP Leadership Council
12 pm (PZAZZ! Convention Ctr)
YP Lunch & Learn
11
12
12 pm (301 Jefferson)
DPI Business Development
13
8 am (Great River Health Systems)
Greater Burlington Leadership
4 pm (A) Future Workforce
7:30 am (A)
Government Affairs
8 am ( J) Ambassadors
5 pm (Kelly O’Sheas)
YP 505 Social
18
19
20
21
22
25
26
27
28
29
3 pm (A)
Foundation Board Meeting
7:30 am (W)
Board of Directors
8 am (Weird Harold’s)
DPI Marketing & Promotions
11:30 am ( J)
DPI Design Committee
12 pm (W)
Be A Marketing Ninja
7:30 am ( J)
BRE Committee
5 pm (Team Staffing Solutions)
Business After Hours
7:30 am (A)
Entrepreneurship Committee
4 pm (A)
Greater Burlington Leadership
Committee
Member
Meeting
Business Telephone Systems
Copiers - Computers/Networking
Shredders - Typewriters
Facsimilies - Calculators - Printers
H&L Mack Truck Sales Corp.
Since 1956, providing new
Mack and used trucks.
Genuine Mack
parts, sales and service
50
319-752-5603 / 800-842-3770
Hwy 61 South
Mediapolis, IA 52637
319.394.9143
www.hlmack.com
info@greaterburlington.com • www.greaterburlington.com
Save the Date:
April 4
8:30 am
Johnson Conference
Room
RSVP: 319-752-6365
Belinda Colwell
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
Get your shoes laced up, your white t-shirt on and head out to
the Shamrock Shuffle on Saturday, March 16 at 10 am in Crapo
Park. The St. Patrick’s Day’s themed 5K run/walk is almost here.
Participants will run or walk through bursts of color along the
festive course. You can download your registration form at
www.greaterburlington.com or contact Amy Burkhart at
319-850-0055. Forms are also available at F&M Bank & Trust,
MidWestOne Bank and Two Rivers Bank & Trust.
Greater Burlington Leadership has put together this group
5 Reasons to Shop Local
project in hopes to raise funds for the after school programs
at Aldo Leopold and Edward Stone Middle Schools. The after
school program provides additional educational opportunities,
healthy snacks and a safe place to go for at-risk youth from after
school until 5 pm Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, and is a
joint venture between the Burlington School District and the
Burlington Kiwanis Club.
Greater Burlington Leadership is an intensive professional
development series designed to strengthen leadership skills by
empowering and educating people who live, work
or have interest in Greater Burlington. The series is
presented by the Greater Burlington Partnership.
Leadership
2012 - 2103 Leadership Class Members
• Mary Beaird, Southeast Iowa Regional Airport Authority
• Katherine Brakeville, Des Moines County Conservation
• Amy Burkhart, Great River Hospice
• Laura Eltiing, CNH
• Sheila Newman, Greater Burlington Partnership
• Chad Palmer, Energyficient Systems, Inc.
• L.J. Pritchard, Titan Broadcasting
• Mike Shinn, MidWestOne Bank
• Joel Steiner, Hawkeye Pedershaab
• Amy Strothman, Farmers & Merchants Bank & Trust
• Karen Taylor, Snyder’s - Lance Inc.
• Linda Yaley, Two Rivers Bank & Trust
To learn more about Greater Burlington Leadership or
nominate a candidate for the 2013-2014 series, visit
www.greaterburlington.com/chamber_gbl.cfm.
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